Citroën Eco-Luxury Sedan
Coventry design student Ankit Prashar is looking for work, and we’re sure he’ll find it after completing his final project. His concept of a sustainable luxury car is one that, surprisingly, hasn’t really been touched on too much despite an influx of ideas about the future of eco-cars. What we absolutely love is his take on the Citroen logo by incorporating the double chevron into the front fascia. This zero-emissions luxo-cruiser would be powered by in-wheel hub motors, not a unique concept but certainly one whose day is drawing closer. The 1-2 seating layout is also familiar, having been used in both supercars and concept cars alike; Prashar likes the layout because it allows for extreme comfort for the rear passengers without elongating the vehicle. The Jean Nouvel-inspired glass roof is definitely the aesthetic centerpiece of the car; looks aside, it is designed to filter the sunlight entering the interior to form a unique pattern that gives the impression of the sunrays passing through trees. All you need to do is supply the chauffeur.
See more images after the jump.
2010 Ford Mustang AV-X10 – “Dearborn Doll”
It’s a rare occasion that a major automobile manufacturer creates a one-off vehicle, especially one available to bid on by the general public. Ford’s AV-X10, nicknamed the Dearborn Doll, was created via a partnership with EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, hence the ‘AV’ part of the Mustang’s moniker. The ‘10′ designates the model year as well as the 10-millionth engine from Ford’s Romeo-based design plant, which is no small feat. Getting past the Mustang’s strange alphanumeric designation is easy enough, as this one-of-a-kind pony car is outfitted with a Ford Racing supercharger, handling pack, and exhaust, which squeeze a terrific 550bhp from the standard Mustang GT 4.6. The brilliant paint scheme continues the aviation theme, with a yellow “nose cone” and rear wing to compliment the Satin Silver that covers most of the car; also notice the yellow propeller tips that compliment the Shelby GT500 wheels. The aviation-inspired interior is really unique, and we love the intentionally worn Bader leather on the seats, as well as the “military khaki” suede accents throughout. The AV-X10s predecessor, the AV8R, raised over $500,000 for the Young Eagles organization, which gives children free opportunities to fly airplanes; Ford and those involved hope this year’s model will meet or exceed those figures.
Continue reading for a video and more images.
Ferrari 458 Italia
With the knowledge that replacing the heralded F430 would be a practically insurmountable task, Ferrari has once again exceeded all expectations. The newest gem of their fleet is also their most anticipated car in years; the 458 will definitely set a new luxury supercar standard. The 458 debuts Maranellos new 4.5 liter V8, and produces a riotous 562bhp and 398lb-ft of torque at an unbelievable 9,000RPM. As with the also-new California, the 458 boasts a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. One thing that Ferrari has carried over is the predominantly aluminum body; the car weighs in at a scant 3,042 pounds. Preliminary data states a 0-60 time of 3.4 seconds, and word on the street is that the 458 will be the first production Ferrari to crack the 200mph barrier. There is a lot more to learn, as we expect to hear more in September, when the supercar debuts at the Frankfurt Auto Show. In the meantime, start sending gifts over to your local Ferrari dealer.
See more images of the Ferrari 458 Italia after the jump.
Lamborghini Murcielago Strada Concept
Apparently the world does need more versions of badass Lamborghinis. Reiter Engineering has taken all the carbon fiber they could find and wrapped it around their Lambo; the front splitter, rear diffuser, and rear wing have all been replaced, and the vented hood adds a sinister look as well. Also featured on the Murcielago are lightened (and dark, of course) alloy wheels and race-worthy brakes and suspension. The interior is rounded out by the all-too-familiar alcantara leather, which also drapes the optional roll cage. What is bound to be the centerpiece of the vehicle is the decklid-mounted exhaust, which Reiter has promised will win any disbeliever over in a heartbeat. I’d trust them on this one.
See more images of the Strada concept after the jump.
Phil Hill’s Jaguar C-Type on the Block at Pebble Beach
Joining other historic beauties on the auction block this summer (like Ettore Bugatti’s Type 57C) is this heritage-rich 1952 Jaguar C-Type. This C-Type was one of 55, and was tuned to produce 205bhp from its twin-cam inline-6, an increase of 45bhp over the standard XK120 road car. Modifications to the car’s chassis and body panels helped reduce the weight by 450kg compared to its street-legal brethren. What sets this one apart from the other 54 is that is was piloted by none other than the legendary Phil Hill; chassis XKC-007 made a big splash on this side of the pond, taking victories at Torrey Pines and Watkins Glen, among others. Its success on the circuit and its amazing restored condition promise to make it one of the more sought-after pieces at the upcoming auction: the 3-day event runs from August 13-15.
See more after the jump.
Jaguar Mark XXI Concept – Bionomic Autonomous Limousine
As conceptualized by British design student Christopher Pollard, the future of automobiles–and in this case the Jaguar Mark XXI Limousine–is in streamlined, swooping, incandescence. And, more importantly, that the design’s excitement is strongly influenced by it’s engineering–that the design of the vehicle is literally what powers it. For the Mark XXI is solar-powered, with leaf-like panels that follow the movement of the sun. These same panels are lit at night. Beyond the uniqueness of design and forward-thinking technologies, Pollard’s demonstration of conceptual phases is particularly intriguing.
More images and the video of the Jaguar Mark XXI concept car after the jump.
Techart – Porsche Cayenne Diesel
Leonberg’s finest have announced that their take on Porsche’s Cayenne will debut at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. Techart, who usually lend themselves to Porsche’s flagship 911, have decided to concentrate their efforts on the new Cayenne diesel, to great results. Probably still dizzy from their victories at this year’s Tuner Grand Prix, they have decided to leave the engine and internals unchanged, focusing instead on the body and ride of the sport-ute. The front features a lower spoiler with integrated headlight unit, and the new door sill panels give Techart’s creation the appearance of riding much lower to the ground. In the back, a revised rear apron surrounds the quad exhaust pipes, centered by a rear diffuser; riding up top is a functional roof spoiler. The beautiful new 5-spoke wheels are said to improve ventilation in the wheel arches, but something tells us that Techart is more concerned with form over function on this creation.
More images of the Techart Porsche Cayenne Diesel after the jump.
Peugeot RCZ 2011
The RCZ debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2007 and, after strenuous effort from Peugeot’s research and development teams, appears to be entering the market in one year’s time. This compact 2+2 coupe appears to be a direct shot at the Audi TT (from a looks perspective, at least) and will be based on the familiar Peugeot 308 lineage. From the pictures, the RCZ looks curvaceous and elegant, with bulging fenders and a brilliant bubbled roof leading to a sleek glass rear hatch. Horsepower and engine data are unknown, but the car is expected to be revealed in production guise at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, and will go on sale in Spring of 2010.
See more images after the jump.
Mercedes-Benz BlueZero Concept
Admittedly, it’s been awhile since we’ve shown an eco-friendly car, but the BlueZero is just the vehicle to break that streak. What M-B had in mind when they designed this vehicle was to create an affordable, eco-conscious car that offered a multitude of platforms and was suitable for daily use. Enter the BlueZero. Keeping Mercedes’ sandwich floor concept in mind, the BlueZero’s structure allows for three different platforms to be realized: an E-Cell with battery, E-Cell plus with battery and gasoline, and an F-Cell with hydrogen. Without elaborating too much, the sandwich floor concept allows for the powertrain to move into cells in the floor in the event of a front-end collision. Such an innovative creation proved not only to be great for safety but also helped to create the universal platform you see here. From a design standpoint, not much is shared with other Benz models except the obligatory 3-pointed star in the center of the grille. A sweeping curve seems to be the defining look of the car, and starts right behind the front quarter panel begins low on the vehicle but finishes up by the beltline, near the back of the car. A lor of electric cars make a lot of bold claims, but this new Benz is relying on existing architecture, practical ideas, and strong support from confident clientele; we hope to see this in production soon.
See some of the BlueZero’s latest images after the jump.
2010 Jaguar XKR Goodwood Special
Not one to be pushed to the side at this year’s Goodwood Festival, the chaps from Coventry put together this special edition XKR to keep a few stares away from the competition. Don’t stare too long though, or your eyes may be scarred for life by the lime green paint job or orange decals. Get past the paint job, and the real purpose of the XKR is clear: the supercharged 5-liter V8 displaces 530bhp, up from the tire-melting 510 that comes with the stock vehicle. The lowered suspension over 21-inch alloys gives it a great stance, and the reworked exhaust undoubtedly gives the Jag better vocals. While we may be getting a glimpse of an R-type version, most seem to think this is a one-off and will not make it to production.
More images of the 2010 Jaguar XKR Goodwood Special after the jump.
