With the Laredo X package as its starting point, the new production-intent concept Jeep Grand Cherokee combines a variety of exterior design changes to create a unique model with an aggressive, chrome and “blacked-out” look.

The vehicle’s grille surround appears in Black, and mesh grille texture in Platinum Chrome. A Platinum Chrome lower fascia applique completes the unique front-end appearance. Black headlamp bezels and a Black liftgate light-bar continues the “blacked-out” theme throughout the vehicle’s exterior.

The production-intent concept rides on 20-inch tires that surround one-of-a-kind Black-gloss aluminum wheels for Jeep.

Based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X package, the production-intent concept model includes standard leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, a 9-speaker 506 watt amp sound system with subwoofer, iPod/MP3 connectivity, Parkview™ rear back-up camera, ParkSense® rear-park assist system, Keyless Enter-N-Go, Chrysler Group’s Uconnect hands-free communications system, and more than 50 advanced safety and security features.

Jeep also announced that it has created an online contest for consumers to name the new production-intent Grand Cherokee concept. The person who chooses the winning name will have an opportunity to win a new 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee here

The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe comes with 4+1 seats, while a 113-millimetre longer wheelbase than the BMW 6 Series Coupe allows it to offer a noticeable increase in legroom for the rear passengers. Plus, a through-loading facility and folding rear seat backrests give a further boost to practicality and increase boot capacity from 460 litres to 1,265 litres.

The line-up of driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive includes BMW Parking Assistant, Surround View, Collision Warning with braking function (in conjunction with Active Cruise Control), Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Info, the anti-dazzle High-Beam Assistant, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition and the BMW Head-Up Display.

Exclusively appointed interior with driver-focused cockpit; door panels flow into one another seamlessly, providing a harmonious connection all the way from the instrument panel to the rear compartment; flatscreen Control Display; comfort-oriented rear seat backrest angle; seating position slightly higher than in the BMW 6 Series Coupe and BMW 6 Series Convertible.

Engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology; BMW 640i Gran Coupe with six-cylinder in-line petrol engine (235 kW/320 hp), twin-scroll turbocharging, direct injection and VALVETRONIC, and BMW 640d Gran Coupe (230 kW/313 hp) with variable sequential turbocharging and common-rail direct injection available from launch; flagship BMW 650i Gran Coupe with new eight-cylinder engine (330 kW/450 hp), two turbochargers, direct injection and VALVETRONIC to be added to the line-up; all model variants fitted as standard with an eight-speed sports automatic transmission and Driving Experience Control switch; BMW EfficientDynamics measures unmatched in the segment – including Auto Start-Stop function and ECO PRO mode – come as standard with all engine variants.

Intelligent lightweight design mirroring that of the BMW 6 Series Coupe and BMW 6 Series Convertible: aluminium doors with frameless side windows, aluminium bonnet, chassis technology including spring supports made largely from aluminium, thermoplastic front side panels, glass fibre composite boot lid.

High-quality and extensive standard equipment includes eight-speed sports automatic transmission, Auto Start-Stop function, Dynamic Damper Control, Servotronic, 18-inch light-alloy wheels, xenon headlights with LED daytime running light rings, cruise control with braking function, electrically operated, automatically folding and heated exterior mirrors, Dakota leather upholstery and heated front seats, electric seat adjustment with memory function for the driver and front passenger, 2-zone automatic climate control with extended features, automatically dimming exterior and rear-view mirrors, electric steering wheel adjustment, and the Radio Professional with HiFi loudspeaker system and USB audio interface.

Unrivalled range of BMW ConnectedDrive products, including BMW Parking Assistant, Speed Limit Info, camera-based Collision Warning with braking function (in conjunction with Active Cruise Control) and latest-generation BMW Head-Up Display; exclusive options list includes a Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System, comfort seats and sports seats, active seats, seat ventilation, Exclusive Nappa leather, ceramic applications, heated rear seats and 4-zone automatic climate control; extensive range of model-specific BMW Individual features and M Sport package available from launch.

Powerful six-cylinder in-line and V8 engines with latest-generation BMW TwinPower Turbo technology give all model versions of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe their sporty potential. All of the engines embody the hallmark BMW brand characteristics: fast-revving performance, effortless power delivery and refinement, plus efficiency. In the BMW 640i Gran Coupe, the multi-award-winning six-cylinder petrol engine with twin-scroll turbocharger, direct injection and VALVTETRONIC produces maximum power of 235 kW/320 hp, while the six-cylinder BMW 640d Gran Coupe diesel model offer a combination of power and fuel efficiency which would be unusual even outside the luxury class. Maximum output is 230 kW/313 hp and average fuel consumption between 5.6 and 5.7 litres per 100 km (49.6 – 50.4 mpg imp) (figures acc. to EU test cycle and depending on tyre format). This is achieved by combining the six-cylinder diesel engine with latest-generation variable two-stage turbocharging and common-rail direct injection. Completing the line-up is the BMW 650i Gran Coupe, whose new V8 engine now features VALVETRONIC variable valve timing and develops maximum power of 330 kW/450 hp.

BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe dimensions

Model variants:
BMW 650i Gran Coupe (BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe) :
V8 petrol engine, BMW TwinPower Turbo technology with two turbochargers and High Precision Direct Petrol Injection, VALVETRONIC.
Displacement: 4,395 cc, output: 330 kW/450 hp at 5,500 – 6 000 rpm,
max. torque: 650 Nm / 479 lb-ft at 2,000 – 4,500 rpm.
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h / 62 mph]: 4.6 seconds (4.5 seconds),
top speed: 250 km/h /155 mph.
Average fuel consumption*: 8.6 – 8.8 (9.2 – 9.4) litres per 100 kilometres / 32.1 – 32.9 (30.1 – 30.7) mpg imp,
CO2 emissions*: 199 – 206 g/km (215 – 219 g/km), exhaust standard: EU5.
BMW 640i Gran Coupe: Six-cylinder in-line petrol engine,
BMW TwinPower Turbo technology with twin-scroll turbocharging,
High Precision Direct Petrol Injection and VALVETRONIC.
Displacement: 2,979 cc, output: 235 kW/320 hp at 5,800 – 6 000 rpm,
max. torque: 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) at 1,300 – 4,500 rpm.
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h / 62 mph]: 5.4 seconds,
top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph).
Average fuel consumption*: 7.7 – 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres (35.8 –
36.2 mpg imp),
CO2 emissions*: 179 – 183 g/km, exhaust standard: EU5.

BMW 640d Gran Coupe: Six-cylinder in-line diesel engine,
BMW TwinPower Turbo technology with two-stage turbocharging and common-rail direct injection.
Displacement: 2,993 cc, output: 230 kW/313 hp at 4,400 rpm,
max. torque: 630 Nm (465 lb-ft) at 1,500 – 2,500 rpm.
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h / 62 mph]: 5.4 seconds,
top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph),
Average fuel consumption*: 5.5 – 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres (49.6 –
50.4 mpg imp),
CO2 emissions*: 146 – 149 g/km, exhaust standard: EU5.

The new Panda is a surprisingly big car. Among other things, this result was achieved without jeopardising the boot capacity, which is 225 litres (with fixed rear seat), which become 260 with the sliding seat in the fully forward position, gaining an additional 16 cm. Furthermore, 870 litres are reached with the rear seat backrest folded down. Compared to the second generation Panda, the boot volume is 10 litres larger (normal configuration), which becomes 36 litres when the rear seat is folded down.

The Fiat Panda offers maximum freedom of use with its roomy, functional and comfortable passenger compartment that is in no way inferior to that of cars of a higher class. Besides, flexibility has always been one of the model’s strong points, as the new dashboard, large number of storage compartments and various seat configurations demonstrate.

The new dashboard is designed as a practical multipurpose shell containing a roomy storage “bin”, just like that of the first series of the model, which becomes the perfect place for stowing everything you want in total freedom… even in “cheerful and democratic” untidiness. Added to that is the more classic glovebox located in the lower part of the dashboard. The dashboard is enclosed by a colourful frame, without interruptions, which serves as a single perimeter to the steering wheel, radio and main controls, and that houses the vents. There is also a return to the first generation Panda, where the elements were attached to a cloth-covered “pouch”, which constituted the main part of the dashboard.

The 14 storage compartments in the Panda are not just abundant and capacious but are designed and conceived according to those who use the Panda every day for everyday items. There are open compartments which are easy to reach into for frequent use and closed, more concealed compartments for objects that are usually left in the car. One new feature is the glasses holder located above the driver’s window.

There is also something new for the seats, which confirm the flexibility of the model. The driver’s seat is also available with height adjustment, whereas the front passenger seat can be fitted with a backrest that folds down to form a table. The table function provides a surface for placing both objects such as a bag or laptop, and for oversize loads. If the rear seats are also lowered, the driver can get a flat boot platform extending over then entire length of the passenger compartment (over 2 metres) so that the interior space is used to the utmost.

The rear seat ensures the same versatility. It is available in the standard 2-seater version with fold-down backrest or, upon request, in the following configurations: 2 seats sliding longitudinally with fold-down 50/50 split backrest, 3 seats with fold-down backrest and 3 seats with fold-down 60/40 split backrest. It can all be made even more functional if combined with the handy and useful cargo box that when placed in the boot can both hold several objects inside and offer an all but flat loading space.

Replacing an automotive icon is a tremendous challenge. These two concepts explore design possibilities that take the honest character and timeless simplicity of the Defender into the 21st Century.

Design

As the names of the DC100 and DC100 Sport concepts suggest, their inspiration stems from iconic Land Rover models, and are intended to generate discussion about the future of one of the most recognized automotive designs in the world.

The shape and stance of the DC100 concept captures the inherent simplicity and confidence of the original Land Rover. The DC100 design undeniably demonstrates that it has the capability to embark on journeys to places few other vehicles dare tread.

The DC100 Sport captures the adventurous, into-the-wild ethos typified by the early Defender models. With canvas roofs and fold-down windshields, these vehicles allowed a total connection with the exciting landscapes they traversed. Reinterpreted for a new generation of adventurers, DC100 Sport features a streamlined, cut-down windshield and side windows

Interior

Both concepts feature three across front seating for increased versatility. The middle seat lifts to reveal a secure stowage area, while the outboard passenger seat can be folded away to increase carrying capacity.

Both interiors feature rugged, durable and sustainable modern materials that offer comfort levels undreamt of by early Land Rover owners. Those chosen for the DC100 are the latest in high-tech, tough, fabrics that will survive a lifetime of the roughest treatment. In the DC100 Sport, the materials are more luxurious, featuring leather with a subtle Tribal Tech pattern, referencing a legacy of exploration.

Technology

The concepts are based on an advanced mixed-alloy platform, and represent the flexibility of design and use inherent in this very capable platform. An eight-speed transmission and a transfer case provide a wide spread of high and low ratios for on and off-road driving.

Also showcased is the next generation of Land Rover all-terrain technology. Building on the acclaimed Terrain Response® system, these systems work seamlessly together to reduce the workload on the driver by identifying potential hazards and advising safer routes to avoid them. An advanced telematics program unites the systems and allows vehicle to smartphone communication.

Design

Land Rover has a design integrity that stretches back more than 60 years. Reinventing and reinvigorating that design ethos is a challenge that has been met – in two very different ways. Each concept represents different points on the Land Rover spectrum.

Simplicity and Strength

The bodywork reflects the Land Rover practice of avoiding extraneous detailing by following the principle of form derived from function, leading to a purposeful simplicity of surface. The sharply defined shoulder line and near vertical panels of the concepts places all four corners within sight of the driver, to create a confidence-inspiring Command Driving position that is a Land Rover hallmark.

Compact dimensions, short overhangs, and 22-inch alloy wheels lend both all-terrain concepts a fittingly purposeful, foursquare stance. Further detailing – such as the triangular vent in the front fenders, hood edges set into the shoulder line, and a prominent handle set into the trailing edge of the doors – also reference Land Rover tradition.

Authentic Design

Few vehicles in this world inspire feelings of loyalty and affection as a Land Rover Defender. Crucial to that appeal is the front-end design. The DC100 Sport and DC100 represent the latest evolution of the Defender ‘face’ that has retained its timeless appeal for 60 years.

The key elements were a sense of openness and honesty. As a vehicle used in the most extreme conditions, a Land Rover must also exude rugged dependability. This is seen to greatest effect in DC100 with its signature twin round headlamps and purposeful grille. DC100 Sport represents a more assertive, performance-oriented interpretation with a steeply raked front end.

DC100

The radically different design treatments demonstrate the modularity and flexibility of the platform. The shape of DC100 is instantly recognizable. Like the original Land Rover and the Defender that followed it, it looks equally at home alongside an English village green as traversing an Icelandic lava field.

As a dependable all-terrain workhorse, DC100 firmly emphasizes the practical side of Land Rover. An upright windscreen provides excellent visibility on and off-road while an interchangeable rear cover allows for either maximum cargo capacity or transporting additional passengers. A winch, which is capable of supporting the weight of the vehicle, is neatly integrated into the front grille. Towing eyes have been built into each corner.

The roof is equipped with solar panels to supplement power for on-board systems, reducing the load on the engine and lowering emissions. The exterior is painted in soft metallic silver specifically intended to reflect the sun’s rays, keeping the interior cool in hot climates and reducing the demands on the climate-control system. Land Rover is also researching future paint technologies that would create both self-cleaning and self-healing bodywork.

DC100 Sport

With DC100 Sport, Land Rover has created a concept that occupies its own territory. It takes its cue from the early canvas-roofed Defender with a fold-down windshield that typifies the Land Rover spirit of adventure and exploration.

Reimagined as a performance concept for the 21st century, it features a wraparound aero screen and cut-down side windows for exhilarating open-air motoring. Flowing back from the seats is a twin-humped fastback roofline, which encloses a generous load bed that includes fittings designed to secure sports equipment and adventure gear.

The DC100 Sport is finished with a metallic amber paint that echoes the vibrant ochre hues found in Africa.

Interior

Functionality and usability are two key characteristics of Land Rover interiors – the position and logic of every control should be obvious the moment the driver enters. The form and function of the concepts are visually integrated in the interior layout. The door structure flows into the cabin and flows into an elegant beam running the width of the dash. The concepts recreate the three-across seating layout seen in the Defender.

Three Across Seating

This seating arrangement extends its versatility and creates a social setting within the vehicle. The passenger seat can be folded out of the way to increase carrying capacity. The middle seat conceals a large secure storage area. In front of the middle seat is a machined aluminum tray that contains induction charging technology to power electronic devices.

This innovative layout is particularly space-efficient, allowing for integrated storage areas both above and below the central beam, and for the gearlever to be mounted on the center console. This reduces the time the driver’s hand is away from the wheel while changing gears, increasing control during off-road or high-speed driving.

Multifunctional Removable Touch screen

Like early Land Rover models, the DC100 concepts have a centrally positioned instrument cluster mounted above the gearlever. Combining the informatics functions of an instrument panel with an intuitive touch screen interface, the unit is backed by powerful telematics technology that co-ordinates the groundbreaking technologies to be found in these concepts.

All of the concepts’ functions can be controlled via this interface, using a combination of swipe and press gestures on the touch screen. The steering wheel includes four shortcut keys that reconfigure the touch screen to control functions such as navigation, audio and climate.

The control unit is removable from the dashboard to extend its functionality. Finished in shock and water-resistant silicon and equipped with its own power source, camera, and satellite connectivity, this allows it to be used as a portable navigation tool with an internal hard drive that can record waypoints, HD video footage and stills images.

Sustainable Materials

The cabins of both concepts are finished with materials possessing rugged and durable qualities. All these have been chosen for their sustainability both in terms of composition and in terms of manufacture. For example, the seat foam is derived from castor oil, and semi-structural panels and sound insulating boards are made from flax and natural polymers.

Premium Performance

Taking its cue from technical sportswear, DC100 uses the latest generation of performance materials to create an interior of premium quality that is adaptable and hardwearing. The beam running the width of the cabin, door panels and seat bolsters are trimmed in Obsidian Grey and Carbon Black Ultrafabrics®, a technical cloth found on designer furniture and super yachts. Ultrafabrics® is not only antimicrobial, water-repellent, breathable and resistant to solar aging, it is also PVC-free, low in volatile organic compounds and lightweight.

Complementing this is SuperFabric®, an almost indestructible textile with a premium feel. Normally found in protective clothing for extreme environments – including spacesuits – DC100 uses it on the seat cushions and to line the footwells and rear load space.

Aluminum is also used extensively in the vehicles. Trim material – such as the drains in the fully washable rear load bed – are made of recycled metal.

Traditional Toughness

DC100 Sport achieves the same singularity of purpose with a mixture of modern and traditional materials. The seats are trimmed in the original protective material; leather, with a lightweight, breathable mesh insert in a bold “Tribal Tech” pattern. The leather is sourced from Bridge of Weir, a Scottish company with impeccable environmental credentials. The hide is covered with a 3D-textured mesh that alternately reveals and hides the Tribal Tech pattern.

The Tribal Tech pattern is repeated on the floor of DC100 Sport where floor mats are made of Ombrae™, a sculptural medium used in art installations and modern architecture. This dynamic 3D material changes its appearance through the use of light and shadow, depending on the viewing angle. The same design is also echoed in the hand-patterned Pirelli® tires.

Adaptable Interior

The concepts’ outward modularity is repeated in the interior where the door canisters can be configured with options ranging from portable barbecue sets to field first-aid kits.

The rear compartment features fully configurable load spaces. Down the center of each is an aluminum inductive power strip, which powers a removable compartment that can be chilled or heated– perfect for picnics on the beach or hot drinks on the slopes.

The inductive power strip can be used to charge a range of power tools on the move, with supplementary equipment carried in flanking containers. A further charging area to one side is used for charging a portable speaker system, from audio specialists Meridian, that wirelessly streams music from the vehicle to the speaker This feature can be also be used to charge communications equipment or laptops.

Technology and Capability

These two concepts showcase the next generation of technologies that will extend Land Rover’s reputation for legendary all-terrain prowess and 365 day-a-year usability.

21st Century Capabilities

As with any Land Rover, both DC100 designs have towing and load-carrying capabilities that exceed expectations but use two different and well-proven Land Rover suspension systems specifically tailored to their distinct performance parameters.

DC100 uses an air suspension system that allows ride height to be altered by up to 12.6 inches for extreme approach and departure angles, axle articulation and ground clearance. The performance suspension in the DC100 Sport uses the third-generation MagneRide™ adjustable suspension for sporting on-road handling with all-terrain capability.

Terrain Response

New off-road technologies will extend the capabilities of the Land Rover Terrain Response® system. These new technologies allow the system to automatically optimize the vehicle for any environment without driver selection. This system analyzes data from sensors that assess suspension travel, steering angle, wheel slip and braking and acceleration inputs. The vehicle will react continuously and unobtrusively by altering spring, damper, gearing and power delivery parameters.

The Terrain Response® on the DC100 concepts also features High-Definition cameras mounted on the front to analyze the ground ahead. This is then compared to images stored within a predictive neural network and allows the system to determine visually, for example, the difference between sand, grass, mud, gravel, snow and asphalt. The system will use this data to alter the off-road performance parameters.

Intelligent Terrain Mapping

Acting as an early-warning system is the state-of-the-art Terrain-i mapper that creates a virtual 3D visualization of the ground ahead, displayed on the central touch screen. Similar to systems used by fighter pilots, Terrain-i uses a headlamp-mounted scanner that runs complex algorithms to assess the route ahead and warn the driver of obstacles potentially too large to be safely negotiated.

Terrain-i will suggest alternatives, displaying a safer route on the screen. Cameras mounted on each corner also give the driver a 360-degree field of vision.

Terrain-i also plays a vital support role in crowded urban environments where the scanner system can identify pedestrians and obstacles. This can initially warn the driver and then attempt to stop the vehicle if action is not taken.

Wade Aid

Land Rover has developed a sonar-based system for assessing water depth that allows the driver to make informed decisions as to whether to proceed into flooded areas.

The system utilizes sensors mounted in the bumpers and side mirrors. These are able to measure depth and by working in conjunction with inclinometers recognize whether the level is increasing or decreasing. This information is displayed on the central touch screen.

The system will also automatically optimize the concept for water crossing by raising the ride height, closing body vents, selecting a lower gear to maintain engine revs and advising on the optimum speed for the depth of water, allowing a maximum wading depth of 29.5 inches.

Spiked Tires

Further allowing the concepts to adjust to changing conditions is a driver-deployable spiked tire system. This is operated by an electro-mechanical system mounted within the tire; activation of the technology permits air to inflate a secondary air chamber, filling pods moulded into the tread of the tire and which contain the spikes. The spikes rise just above the tread surface and fix into place for driving on packed snow and ice. When conditions have eased, the spikes can be retracted, obviating the need to carry two sets of tires or snow chains.

Telematics

Underpinning these systems is a telematics program that seamlessly integrates many vehicle functions and presents information to the driver in the clearest, most straightforward manner. The telematics systems allow communication between the vehicle and a smartphone or laptop, allowing the owner to check everything from the tire pressure to the cabin temperature and operate the climate control remotely.

In addition, the telematics system can store data from every one of the vehicle’s journeys and download them for comparison. For example, information from the Wade Aid system could chart changes in water depth, or data from the traction control could be used to assess the rate of terrain erosion.

The system also has full on-the-move connectivity via 3G and satellite and can deliver not just traffic alerts but also weather warnings for remoter areas.

Adventure Key

Land Rover prides itself on offering solutions to everyday as well as extraordinary situations. Having a key to carry can hamper athletic activities. Using RFID technology, the key can be embedded into impact or water resistant objects such as watches and wristbands. These allow the main key fob to be left in a slot in the glove box, which deactivates it and transfers its security functions to the rugged item containing the RFID chip. Once the vehicle is secured, only that specific RFID smart tag will allow access.

Future developments of the system will allow each family member their own smart tag, which would save their personal audio, climate, communication, and seating settings. This would also allow parents to restrict vehicle power and speed when their children use it. Third-generation smart tags could also include biometric data that could use facial recognition systems to increase security.

Park Assist

A Park Assist system can parallel park the vehicles with minimal inputs from the driver. Sensors scan the side of the road to select a suitably sized space. If the driver confirms the selection, the DC100 Sport can then reverse into the space, performing all the steering functions automatically while the driver retains control over the brakes and accelerator.

Drivetrain

Land Rover is actively researching the next generation of powertrains appropriate to the extreme uses and environmental challenges to which its vehicles are put. In association with research centers, suppliers, and universities, the company is looking at a wide range of options to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Intelligent Engine Start/Stop

The two concepts are fitted with an eight-speed ZF® automatic transmission with Intelligent Start/Stop. Designed with future hybridization in mind, the gearbox utilizes a Twin Solenoid Starter system that offers considerable benefits over more conventional Start/Stop technologies such as the ability to restart the engine during its shutdown phase. The addition of a transfer case offers a wide spread of ratios, while steering wheel-mounted gear selection paddles afford manual gear control both on and off-road.

Powerful and Efficient Powertrains

Both concepts are powered by 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines. The go-anywhere DC100 is diesel-powered for maximum mud-bogging torque while the more performance-oriented DC100 Sport is gasoline-powered for a sportier drive. Both engines are capable of being configured as parallel or plug-in hybrids.

Torque Vectoring

A new electronic torque vectoring system maximizes the stability, traction and handling on any surface. As opposed to purely mechanical differentials, electronic torque vectoring can channel specific amounts of power to each individual wheel. For on-road driving, this allows a sportier and safer drive, with the torque vectoring acting to enhance vehicle performance and stability. During off-road driving, torque vectoring confers even greater benefits, being able to infinitely and instantaneously send torque to whichever combination of the four wheels has the most grip.

Driveline Disconnect

Driveline Disconnect can reduce frictional losses by disconnecting the rear axle unless conditions dictate that four-wheel drive is required. Unlike conventional switchable four-wheel drive, which reroutes engine power electronically, the Land Rover system physically decouples the rear propshaft from the center differential for greater efficiency benefits. The system can swiftly recouple and send drive to the rear wheels when it detects a loss of traction.

The Audi A2 concept is just 3.80 meters (12.47 ft) long, 1.69 meters (5.54 ft) wide and 1.49 meters (4.89 ft) high; even so, it makes an elegant, powerful and sporty impression on the street. Its clean appearance concentrates on the essentials; all details are subtle but shaped for visual impact. The dark glass roof of the white-painted show car switches to transparency with the push of a button.

With its headlights, Audi is presenting the next phase in LED technology, known as matrix beam. A package of LEDs and microreflectors generate a high-resolution and non-glaring high-beam light. Delicate daytime running light fibers frame the highly efficient LED low-beam light module. Intelligent tail lights adapt their illumination to the visibility conditions. The rear fog light, produced by laser diodes, is seen as a beam of light in fog and projects a red triangle onto the road as a warning.

Audi A2 gallery photos:

The Diamond’s colour scheme features Lancia’s new “eco-chrome” finish, which achieves a chrome effect by means of a special paint rather than by conventional chrome plating. Tinged with a warm, “white gold” nuance, this unique new eco-chrome finish has been applied to various parts of the body, including the sun roof, mirror covers, grille, headlight surrounds, pillar and tailgate logos, door handles, bonnet, spoiler, exhaust terminal and alloy wheels. The rest of the body is finished in an elegant soft-touch effect colour called “Chiffon White”.

The team at the Lancia Style Centre has paid special attention to the Ypsilon Diamond’s refined colour scheme. After all, colour has never been simply a matter of aesthetics for the Ypsilon. On the contrary, it is an integral part of a product philosophy based on elegance, glamour, personality, play, creativity, style and the widest array of customisation options.

The Ypsilon Diamond’s fascinating and original exterior finish is backed up by an interior that achieves a perfect blend of elegance and refinement. The upholstery is characterised by Lancia’s trademark attention to detail and by the use of superior quality materials, from luxurious, bronze-black galuchat hide on the central sections of the seats and on the head rests with the Ypsilon logo, to glittering, soft, embossed nabuk hide on the seat sides, dashboard and door panels.

This two-tone theme extends to the rest of the interior too. The roof is covered in a light Alcantara fabric that matches the paint finish of the door pillars and sun visors, while the bottom section of the dashboard is finished in a contrasting dark shade. The steering wheel, instrument cowl, and handbrake and gear lever boots are in sumptuous black leather. The connotation of sartorial craftsmanship is reinforced by double stitching and embroidering in both contrasting and matching colours.

Finally, in perfect harmony with the outside of the car, the special eco-chrome finish reoccurs inside on the air vent surrounds, glove compartment handle, door handles, steering wheel spokes and gear lever surround. The gear lever is made even more exclusive by a crystal effect, methacrylate gear lever knob made to look like a gem stone, reminding occupants of the name of this Lancia show-car.

The Audi urban concept is not based on any previous model – its development is solely oriented on the strict principles of lightweight construction, efficiency and reduction. The result is a concept car with no unnecessary weight, and one that concentrates on the pure essence of sporty motion.

The Audi urban concept has a sleek body. The wheels are free-standing, their surrounding protective plates feature blinking strips of LED lights. The highly concentrated look of the technical study, with its forward-urging lines, is dynamic and emotional – it lends Audi’s design language a completely new impetus.

On board there is room for two people, their position slightly staggered and at a sporty, low level. All controls and materials are subject to the dictates of ultra-lightweight construction in order to ensure that the sensory experience they convey is unique and compelling. The driver can adjust the steering wheel and pedals to his own body measurements. Characteristic features of the Spyder include its low, continuous window area and its doors that open diagonally to the top.

The technology in the Audi urban concept reflects the full capabilities of the brand, especially when it comes to ultra-lightweight construction. The cockpit consists of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer, which integrates the undercarriage of both seats. The Audi urban concept rolls on wheels with a 21-inch diameter.

Two e-tron electric motors provide the propulsion – providing the ultra-light Audi urban concept with the ability to accelerate powerfully. A lithium-ion battery supplies the energy – ideal for extended city tours.

The 100 mm or 3.9 inch longer wheelbase and reduced overall height underpin the fresh, athletic yet elegant appearance. When viewed from the front, the eye is drawn to the 911′s trademark wide-arched fenders, emphasizing the wider front track. The side mirrors are now mounted on the upper edge of the door, which also helps highlight the new design line and gives the visual impression of width.

The new lightweight body is an aluminum-steel composite construction and contributes greatly to the 45 kg or about 100 lbs weight reduction when compared to the previous 911 body. When combined with the greater structural rigidity and optimized aerodynamics – including a wider, variably extending rear spoiler – the new 911 Carrera’s front and rear lift has been reduced to near zero while retaining the Cd value of 0.29.

To complement the modern exterior design, Porsche designers created an interior reminiscent of the Carrera GT. The driver is now even more closely integrated within the cockpit thanks to the rising center console and high-mounted shift lever or gear selector located close to the steering wheel. As with the exterior, classic Porsche elements abound inside. Present is the instrument cluster with five round gauges – one of them a high resolution multifunction screen, and of course the central tachometer and the ignition lock to the left of the steering wheel.

Start Stop function, engine and transmission thermal management, electrical system recuperation, the world’s first seven-speed manual transmission and – in conjunction with the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) – the ability to ‘sail’ or coast. The new electro-mechanical power steering offers not only Porsche’s typical precision and feedback but also helps increase efficiency and reduce fuel-consumption.

For example, the 911 Carrera with the new 350 hp, 3.4-liter boxer engine and optional PDK consumes 8.2 l/100 km based on the NEDC – 1.6 l/100 km less than its predecessor.

The 911 Carrera S with its 400 hp, 3.8-liter boxer engine – 15 hp more than before – achieves 8.7 l/100 km in the NEDC when paired with the optional PDK transmission. This represents a fuel consumption decrease of 14 percent or 1.5 l/100 km.

At the same time there are performance improvements in both models. The 911 Carrera S with PDK accelerates from 0 to 60 in 4.1 seconds. Using the Launch Control function of the optional Sport Chrono Package cuts that to 3.9 seconds. The 911 Carrera with PDK needs only 4.4 seconds to sprint from a standing start to 60 mph (4.2 seconds when using the optional Sport Chrono Package’s Launch Control function). Top-track speed for the 911 Carrera S and 911 Carrera is 188 mph and 179 mph, respectively.

The new 911 offers both better longitudinal dynamics and unprecedented top performance in terms of transverse dynamics. In addition to the longer wheelbase, the greater agility, precision and driving stability are based, among other things, on the wider front track, the new rear axle and new electro-mechanical power steering. Depending on the model, there are other standard or optional active control systems available that can help further enhance the overall driving dynamics. That is especially true for the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) active roll stabilization system, available for the first time on the 911 Carrera S. The system helps reduce lateral roll when cornering and helps keep the tires in the optimal position relative to the road surface.

The new 911 further extends the span of seemingly contradictory attributes such as performance and efficiency, sportiness and every day practicality that have always typified the Porsche 911. That makes the 911 Carrera more of a 911 than ever. The new Porsche 911 Carrera celebrates its world premiere at the 2011 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

The first new 911 models will arrive in U.S. dealerships beginning in February of 2012. The new 911 Carrera Coupe will have a base MSRP of $82,100, while the 911 Carrera S Coupe’s base MSRP will be $96,400 (excluding destination). Both models will include substantial additional equipment when compared to the previous models.

The IPL G Convertible announcement was made by Infiniti Americas Vice President Ben Poore at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance where the IPL G Convertible Concept is currently on display. The IPL G Convertible Concept features unique aerodynamic styling, the dynamic performance of an IPL-tuned V6, exhaust and suspension, 19-inch IPL aluminum-alloy wheels, three-piece retractable hardtop and a unique red leather-appointed interior set against a Malbec Black exterior – a level of equipment and performance modification expected to be shared with the production IPL G Convertible.

The new IPL G Convertible is based on the foundation of the Infiniti G37 Convertible, which features an advanced 3.7-liter V6 and three-piece power retractable hardtop that’s designed to look as good with the top up as it does down.

Additional information on the 2013 IPL G Convertible will be available during the production version debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.