Concept Car Archives

MINI Vision Urbanaut concept becomes a real model

In November 2020, MINI revealed the Vision Urbanaut virtual concept vehicle, an interpretation of mobility through an innovative vision of space. Now, the BMW Group has made a physical model of the vehicle showcasing its space and sustainable materials.

The full-sized model was designed from the inside out. The designers created the spacious interior experience before developing the exterior, using floor plans, pieces of furniture plus wooden scale models to provide an indication of size. Over the course of the project, augmented reality was employed to create a digital model, which was then systematically optimised.

The MINI Vision Urbanaut shows how the MINI attributes can be exploited in the future of mobility – in a typically MINI way. It brings the user’s personal space into the car and opens up various possibilities for them.

Three MINI Moments
The exterior and interior of the vehicle change to reflect the MINI moment at hand – ‘Chill’, ‘Wanderlust’ and ‘Vibe’ – and so give the on-board experience the best possible stage and environment. Fragrance, sound and ambient lighting continue to enrich the baseline mood initiated by the chosen MINI moment. A fourth option is the customisable ‘my moment’ which provides users with further scope for tailoring the design of the vehicle to their needs and desires.

The Chill moment relates to being in a kind of haven where you can relax or work with full concentration. While the rear seat bench (a.k.a. Cosy Corner) offers various seating and lying positions, the backlit Loop above it takes on an appearance inspired by a green forest canopy and can also be dimmed. In the central area, the circular instrument folds down to become a table lamp, eliminating displays or switches that might remind the customer of their automotive surroundings.

Wanderlust is the only MINI moment where the Vision Urbanaut is being driven or driving with automated driving functions. In this moment, the interior becomes the ideal place for driving the car, or being its passenger, and enables those on board to rediscover the romance of travel. A tap of a finger on the MINI logo brings out the steering wheel and pedals when driving is desired. The user interface on the central circular instrument also adapts its visuals; alongside an animation of the route, additional journey information – such as visitor attractions and arrival time – is displayed here for those on board.

The Vibe moment puts time with other people at centre stage – in every way. Opening the side door and folding up the windscreen creates a welcoming scene that blurs the boundaries between the outside and inside. The central circular instrument becomes a media control centre, creating a club atmosphere.

Renewable or recyclable materials
The interior of the Vision Urbanaut has a high proportion of recycled materials, and they are almost exclusively renewable and recyclable. Dominant are textiles made from recycled materials (including wool, polyester and Tencel) which blend cosiness and quality with softness and comfort.

The designers also paid extra attention to solutions composed of a single type of material – known as ‘mono-materials’. These are easy to recycle further down the line and can be turned into new products. The use of renewable and recyclable cork on the steering wheel and sections of the floor adds a special touch, thanks to its natural feel.

Focus on sustainability
The Vision Urbanaut also focuses on sustainability, demonstrated in various aspects of the vehicle. The ‘Clever Use of Space’, for which MINI is renowned, offers maximum space on the smallest possible footprint. Although measuring only 4.46 metres in length, the height provides an interior space that can be used in many different ways and offers a whole new ease of movement inside the car. . The vehicle can also be an urban space for people when it’s parked, significantly increasing the amount of time they will want to use the vehicle or just hang out in it.

The electric drive system ensures emission-free mobility, yet another aspect is the scope for using the vehicle for purposes beyond mobility.

Driveable electric vehicles
The MINI Vision Urbanaut is not only a static model, it’s driveable too, with an electric drive system. Every part has been specially designed, precision-manufactured using cutting-edge tools and crafted by hand. The high degree of artistry inside is highlighted by an interior design that is reminiscent of a modern living space. The construction of the model therefore extended from a classical vehicle build via furniture-making all the way to programming and smart high-tech integration.

“At MINI, we see it as our responsibility to preserve and develop the unique characteristics of our brand over the upcoming years and those further ahead,” explained Bernd Korber, Head of MINI. “With our eyes fixed on the future, we have developed an idea, with the MINI Vision Urbanaut, of how we can take the MINI attributes – as here, with the focus on the ‘Clever Use of Space’ – into the future of mobility and interpret them in a typically MINI way.”

MINI Electric Pacesetter inspired by JCW is the new Formula E Safety Car

Nissan Juke Rally Tribute Concept pays homage to 1971 Safari Rally-winning Datsun 240Z

During the 1970s, Japanese cars began to enter international motorsports events and their presence became increasingly noted as they won major events. One such event was the legendary East African Safari Rally, a tough dusty event that went around the Kenya countryside. As it was part of the World Rally Championship, major manufacturers took part and among them was Nissan, which used different models.

It was the iconic Datsun 240Z sportscar which won the 1971 event, driven by Edgar Herrmann with navigator Hans Schuller. To underline the superiority of the 240Z, two other cars finished in second and seventh positions. Furthermore, the victory represented the brand’s second consecutive victory in the rally. The sleek and low-slung 240Z was powered by a 2.4-litre straight-six engine, producing 210 ps.

The victorious car is on display today, having been fully restored in 2013. It is part of Nissan’s Heritage Collection which is housed in Zama, close to Nissan global headquarters in Japan.

Revealed on the first day of 2021 event
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Nissan’s victory in the Safari Rally, the carmaker is preparing a Juke Rally Tribute Concept. These images are being released to coincide with the first day of the Safari Rally Kenya which sees the event once again being on the WRC calendar after an absence of 19 years.

The JUKE Rally Tribute Concept, as you can guess, is developed from a production Juke. It’s a very appropriate car to use with a raised stance, short front and rear overhangs strong potential off-road performance.

With enlarged wheels arches to accommodate the tailor-made off-road tyres, the vehicle’s stance is made more imposing, while the additional lights mounted on the bonnet and roof are reminiscent of the old rallycars. Back then, rallies were also run through the night so extra and powerful lighting was important. Two spare wheels are also visible at the back.

Colour themes reminiscent of 240Z rallycar
The JUKE Rally Tribute Concept’s black bonnet and black wheels are especially related to the 1971 240Z that competed in the RALLY. Those same cues also served as inspiration for the Gripz concept car which Nissan presented at Frankfurt Motor Show in 2015 which, in turn, influenced the design of the production Juke that was introduced in 2019.

A major difference under the bonnet is the type of powertrain used. While the rallycars of the 1970s had petrol engines, the Juke Rally Tribute Concept will have an electric hybrid powertrain. This is in support of Nissan’s commitment to the electrification of its range, especially in Europe.

“The Juke Rally Tribute Concept celebrates an iconic moment in Nissan’s heritage, with the participation and victory of the legendary 240Z in the East African Rally in 1971. As well as celebrating that victory, it reflects Nissan’s pioneering history in crossovers, striking design and electrified powertrains. We’re delighted to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the victory of that remarkable achievement with these striking images,” said Coralie Musy, Vice-President, Brand and Customer Experience, Nissan Automotive Europe.

The 2021 Safari Rally Kenya
The Safari Rally Kenya starts today as the sixth round of the 2021 World Rally Championship. It was to have been run last year but the pandemic forced its cancellation. Instead of the route of 6000 kms of open-road of yesteryear, the event will have 18 stages and a total of 320.19 competitive kilometres. But what remains unchanged is the dusty conditions (which could also be wet and muddy), rough terrain and high temperatures – and they will also see wildlife like the drivers in the 1970s. None of the WRC’s frontline drivers have experienced the Safari, which means ‘adventure’ in the Swahili language.

Safari Rally Kenya to run next week after an absence of 19 years from WRC (w/VIDEO)

2021 Geely Vision Starburst concept

Vision Starburst, Geely Design Shanghai’s latest concept car, shows a new design vision derived from Geely’s ‘Expanding Cosmos’ design philosophy. It continues to draw inspiration from the universe, something which Geely associated itself with when it introduced its original brand logo in 1997. The outer blue circle of the logo was said to symbolize that which lies beyond infinity and the universe.

The Vision Starburst examines a new and alternative expression of the ‘Expanding Cosmos’ design philosophy which Geely Auto is using as a design board for future models. The inspiration comes from the stellar phenomena where brilliant nebulas and magnificent elements come together, merging, fusing and finally bursting into new stars. ‘Every new design concept is the result of the combination, fusion, and eruption of different ideas which become new star products that enrich the market’, explains Geely.

Pushing boundaries of technology and innovation
Elaborating further, Guy Burgoyne, Vice-President of Geely Design Shanghai, said: “The ‘Expanding Cosmos’ philosophy serves as a constant inspiration for our designers to discover a new and holistic design language that satisfies our ever-expanding and increasingly-diverse range of customers. In search for this DNA in the new digital age, we have pushed the boundaries of technology and innovation. Like the birth of a new star, the ideas from our talented team of global designers combined, fused, and erupted, resulting in the birth of a new design expression, a new vision, our Vision Starburst.”

Geely Shanghai designers cooperated throughout the design process to create unity between exterior and interior, colour and materials, as well as car and user. In the conceptual design form, bursting energy and constant outward tension result in a twisted profile with curved surfaces that appear to rotate and stretch. In its details, the design takes inspiration from stellar rays and waves in the folding and crossing of lines and surfaces.

Like ‘energy releasing from a starburst’
The most visually striking aspect of Vision Starburst starts at the sight of the front grille and air intake vents. The front grille has dramatically changed from previous Geely Auto designs; Vision Starburst’s sharp and unique new parabolic pattern, in combination with the new lighting design, creates an effect which echoes the theme of energy releasing from a starburst.

The concept that headlamps are the eyes of a vehicle has also been overturned as Geely designers imagine future vehicles seen through high-tech sensors. The whole vehicle visually extends from the centre towards the sides, up and down, giving the front face of the vehicle a more powerful and three-dimensional aura.

The concept car’s waistline, door panels intertwine and integrate, sharp lines make for bold shapes while hiding a hint of the concept’s grand vision of infinity, another dimension which has had an influence on Geely’s designs.

Borderless visual experience within
Moving inside, the interior door panels are also designed to match the characteristics of the exterior. ‘Cosmic Ray’ light strips help to unify interior and exterior design. On top of the floating centre console, the shifter takes on an aerodynamic geometric shape that’s hollow. Four lines of light illuminate to display different gear settings.

Instruments in the Vision Starburst meld with the ambient light on the dash and door panels to create a borderless visual experience. Borderless instruments and seamless information transmission also redefine the way users interact with vehicles. The designers imagine the whole vehicle being capable of conveying vehicle and road information, increasing safety and bringing to life a whole new sensory experience for users.

The concepts of showcasing advanced technology and mobility have been applied to the illuminated wheel arches. Different lighting effects will highlight Vision Starburst while in different states, for example while charging, in motion, parking, etc.

Lighting gives sense of speed
Holistic HMI (Human-Machine Interface) inside and out is one of the major design focuses of the Vision Starburst concept. Like the exterior, the interior ambient lighting, sound, and atmosphere also change depending on the state of the vehicle, conveying information to the users in a whole new manner. The lighting interaction from the outside in, gives users a sense of speed and a new driving experience.

Although the Vision Starburst concept itself is not intended to become a production model, many aspects of the new design language will be taken and applied to future Geely Auto models. Perhaps some may even be considered for adaptation in Proton models too although the Malaysian brand has its own design philosophy as well.

External designers create Virtual Interiors for Lexus LF-Z Electrified concept

Lexus, like the Toyota brand, is headed along the electrification road and more fully electric models will be added to the range in coming years. This next chapter has been started by the LF-Z Electrified, concept vehicle which made its world debut at the end of March this year. While a model looking exactly like the LF-Z Electrified might not be in showrooms, the concept car suggests the direction of the evolution of Lexus styling.

The interior of the concept car was developed by Lexus’ own designers and has many futuristic elements, as would be expected. Now, in a new approach, the brand has introduced the LF-Z Electrified Virtual Interior series to create a synergy between art, fashion, lifestyle, and technology that challenges the status quo of the automotive space. Conceived as a platform for collaboration, it brings together ambitious and innovative talent across a range of creative practices.

2021 Lexus LF-Z Electrified Concept — *The LF-Z Electrified concept and the interior developed by Lexus designers (below).*

For the Virtual Interior series, Lexus has partnered with three pioneering artists and designers to re-imagine the concept car’s interior. Star footwear designer Salehe Bembury, digital artist Ondrej Zunka and Japanese fashion label Hender Scheme bring virtually rendered interiors with future-inspired design, Japanese heritage and takumi craftsmanship, and an enhanced human-machine connection.

“LF-Z Electrified embodies the future of the Lexus brand, so it is exciting to see that future represented by such diverse talent across the design space,” said Brian Bolain, General Manager at Lexus International. “Each of the collaborators brings a fresh energy that not only reinterprets the interior of the LF-Z but also examines the themes of Lexus’ next chapter.”

Salehe Bembury
Kicking off the series is award-winning footwear designer Salehe Bembury, whose interior design concept embraces the future. Bringing his nature-inspired design approach to the LF-Z Electrified, Bembury conceptualized a virtual interior that blends both a futuristic aesthetic with organic materials alongside his signature use of bright colour.

His concept interior uses colours inspired by sandstone landscapes and other natural tones, setting aside traditionally futuristic materials in favour of natural materials like cedar, cork and granite. These natural materials sit alongside textiles and patterns that reference Bembury’s background in sneaker design, such as a ‘hairy’ suede used on the seatbacks, and a fingerprint motif that is often found in the designer’s work, applied here for a personalized control panel.

Ondrej Zunka
Forgoing traditional notions of car design and transporting the LF-Z Electrified further into the future, Ondrej Zunka’s cabin concept features space-age mechanisms, sci-fi materials and multidimensional hues that transcend both time and space.

“This interior design is purely speculative, so I allowed for free associations and pure imagination and creativity,” explained Zunka. “I wanted to make the interior feel as if it wasn’t made by humans, but maybe designed by a sophisticated Artificial Intelligence. I wanted to go past any known language and design concepts and forget about what is usually used in automotive interior design.”

Looking at Lexus’ commitment to intuitive technology, Zunka, through the lens of his digital art practice, renders a virtual interior that pushes the boundaries of functionality and design. The tech-forward interior imagines intelligent lighting along the car’s panels that emit an entirely visceral sensation that subtly regulates mood. Translucent silicone seat cushions with memory foam-like properties and a panoramic ceiling, crafted from brushed chrome, complete Zunka’s hyper-futuristic vision for the Lexus LZ-F Electrified.

Hender Scheme
With their deep focus on the natural material characteristics of leather, Tokyo-based fashion label Hender Scheme was a natural fit to reflect Lexus’ Japanese heritage and takumi craftsmanship. For virtual interior, Hender Scheme imagined an entirely leather interior juxtaposed with the concept vehicle’s groundbreaking technology. The untreated, organic material will develop a ‘patina’ over time, deepening in colour and becoming unique to each vehicle. The concept reflects the passage of time and the driver’s relationship to the vehicle.

In a process that mirrors the 60,000 hours of experience required of a Lexus takumi craftsman, the design is rooted in the work of specialty craftsmen. At the beginning of the process, leather requires trained eyes to identify its natural material characteristics for use on the project such as thickness and elasticity. From there, molding methods would be introduced to shape the leather to the roof, doors and dashboard, beautifully finishing these sculptural parts.

Lexus LF-Z Electrified Concept

Suzuki Misano Concept – merging adrenaline rush of 2 wheels with driving experience of 4

*Visit www.bhpetrol.com.my for more information.*

Although Suzuki is well known for motorcycles, its first motorised vehicles were actually cars and that was way back in the late 1930s. It only began making motorised bicycles in the 1950s and went back to making cars in the 1960s and accumulated experience in 2-wheelers and 4-wheelers.

So it’s not surprising that the Misano concept, a design project by 24 students at Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) in Turin, Italy, in collaboration with the Japanese manufacturer is a car that has inspiration from motorcycles. Motorcycle racing fans will, of course, know that the name is also that of a racetrack in Italy.

Only 1 metre at highest point
The Misano concept is around 4 metres in overall length and is just 1 metre above the ground at its highest point (which is the top of the roll-over hoops). The topless design adopts the classic barchetta silhouette which gives very good aerodynamics but what is unusual is the tandem 2-seat layout – like a motorcycle.

It’s not the first concept car with the passenger sitting directly behind the driver – some others that come to mind are the Volkswagen L1, Nissan Land Glider and Mercedes F300 Life Jet.

*Other concept cars with tandem seating – Nissan Land Glider (top), Mercedes F300 Life Jet (above left) and Volkswagen L1 (above right)*

Offset seating area
Unlike most of the other concepts, however, the width of the Misano is more generous with space. The seats are positioned on the left side while the right side of the cockpit us used for luggage space and to accommodate a battery pack.

Access is through the single door on the left side of the car which has a glass panel to give the driver a feel of being closer to the road. The windscreen is also motorcycle-inspired, shielding the driver’s side but not extending the full width.

No steering wheel
Another motorcycle element is the steering control. Instead of the conventional steering wheel and pedals, there is a control stick to ‘merges the adrenaline rush of two wheels, with the driving experience of four’, according to the designers. Today’s generation will probably be fine with that, having grown up on computer games and joysticks.

Eye-catching S-shaped headlights on either side of the nose and there is no grille since the Misano Concept is meant to be electrically powered. Powertrain details are not available suggesting that this is nothing more than a design study – which is very appealing.

The concept car is currently being shown to the public at Mauto, the Italian national automotive museum in Turin.

Wild One MAX – the R/C model that you can drive!

Rebirth of the Abarth 1000 SP

Abarth is an old name in the European car industry, with a history going back to 1949. It was an independent company back in the days when even small companies could do okay even with small volumes. But by the 1970s, as competition increased, it was a challenge if you didn’t have sufficient size and so Abarth was taken in by the Fiat group where it has remained to this day (continuing its existence in the Stellantis Group).

Historically, Abarth has been a performance brand (and this was long before such a term came into use). After all, founder Carlo Abarth was sporting director of the Cisitalia factory racing team which ceased operations and led to him founding the company. Later, when acquired by Fiat, Abarth was responsible for motorsport activities to make use of its long experience.

Strong presence in motorsports
The 1960s were probably the period the brand was well known in motorsports, having a presence in sportscar racing and hillclimbs and challenginf Porsche and Ferrari. One of the sportscars from this period of its history was the Abarth 1000 SP. This was an ambitious and revolutionary project where the ‘SP’ indicated Sports Prototype, a covered-wheel car made exclusively to compete in racing competitions, with few models actually built.

Built in 1966, the car was a light and powerful spider featuring simple, low and streamlined shapes. The technical and stylistic excellence of this car soon led to an outstanding series of victories – both for teams and private customers – which further contributed to reinforcing the Abarth brand’s sporting prestige.

Although few cars were built, the story of the Abarth 1000 SP did not end in the 1960s. In 2009, Abarth and Alfa Romeo (also in the Fiat empire) renewed their bond and looked at how to expand the range of the Abarth brand. Various alternatives were considered, including that of a reinterpretation of the 1000 SP involving the creation of a medium-sized sportscar with an attractive silhouette and essential lines

The Alfa Romeo 4C
This concept – a light car with an excellent weight/power ratio – became the basis of two distinct projects, which were developed in parallel. The first was that of the new Abarth 1000 SP, while the second focussed on another car which would soon continue the tradition of Alfa Romeo sportscars: the 4C. The Alfa Romeo 4C went into production but the 1000 SP project remained at the draft stage.

In 2021, the modern 1000 SP has finally been built, albeit as just one unit. The new Abarth 1000 SP project was shaped fully in line with its forerunner – the points and lines of the original car’s design have been respected, to ensure continuity between the sportscar of the 1960s and the concept car of the new millennium. In between lay the creative process and the rediscovery of an ambitious idea.

A ‘remastering’ operation
The spark for the revival of the old project came from the same mathematics as the prototype imagined in 2009, subjected to a ‘remastering’ operation to advance and perfect the car’s ultimate design. Furthermore, it would also be an evolution of the Alfa Romeo 4C, benefitting from another decade of technological advancements,

The 2021 1000 SP is an organically balanced car, in which three key design principles that were embedded in the original model of the 1960s have been respected – its lightness; the aerodynamics; and ergonomics. And being a sportscar, this concept is embodied in the optimisation of vehicle control, and how one ‘feels at ease’ on board, in terms of spacial and dimensional perception, and of driveability.

Echoes of ancestor
All three elements have played a fundamental role in the design of this one-off car. The lines and aesthetic elements that shaped its ancestor echo strongly in the new 1000 SP which also echoes the layout of the central-engined spider. The cockpit windscreen, which protects even the tallest drivers from strong airflow, boasts the famous sculpted side deflectors, with a low profile sweeping up towards the roll-bar. The roll-bar is deliberately exposed, further underlining that fact that that this is a genuine spider.

The rear geometries emphasise the perfect harmony between the back headlights and exhausts, and also the open slots for engine cooling which were present on its ancestor. The paintwork is categorically red and the characteristic air intakes appear all over the car body. The lights too respect the minimalist scheme of the historic 1000 SP, with point-like headlamps on the nose and a single pair of round headlights at the back, to emphasise the car’s width.

Under the “skin”, the tubular frame of the historic Sport Prototype is replaced by a hybrid frame with the central cell in carbonfibre and the front in aluminium. This helps keep the car’s dry weight to just 1,074 kgs.

Like the Alfa Romeo 4C. the 1000 SP also has a powerful 1.8-litre supercharged 4-cylinder aluminium central engine. This is tuned to deliver up to 240 bhp, giving a top speed capability of over 250 km/h.

Abarth 695 70th Anniversario special edition comes with a variable spoiler

World premiere of Honda N7X Concept in Indonesia previews next BR-V 7-seater

Honda today gave the world its first look at the next generation of the BR-V, presented as the N7X Concept. The original BR-V had its world debut in Indonesia in August 2015, and now, for the first time, Honda is unveiling a concept car in the country. The reason is that the BR-V is a model that was developed primarily with the Indonesia market in mind, although it is also sold in some other countries, including Malaysia.

For the second generation, the 7-seater cabin is maintained, this being an important point for customers in Indonesia. Honda understands that a car is ‘not just a car’, and considering how much time people spend in it, the vehicle is also a ‘second home’. This led the design team at Honda Asia Pacific to combine the best features of a MPV and the advantages of a SUV for the N7X Concept that will be the basis for the forthcoming new BR-V.

Designed with Gen X in mind
The exterior design is sleeker than the current BR-V and the overall size appears larger. There are some styling elements from other models, such as the CR-V, with the high ground clearance being a necessity in Indonesia and also other parts of ASEAN.

Honda product planners conducted extensive studies, primarily in Indonesia, to find out what customers expect and aimed to exceed the expectations. They focussed especially on the Generation X family, which has a lifestyle that is balanced between personal activities and family togetherness.

Details of the interior are not available other than from brief views during the presentation. With words like ‘premium’ being used, it is likely that Honda will offer the new BR-V with a higher quality than before, the same way that the City evolved upwards. Of course, with the emphasis on safety, we may see better safety systems installed, probably including an autonomous braking capability.

Honda’s idea of a 7-seater
“The N7X is our concept of what a 7-seater car should be, which not only offers pleasant driving performance but also the serenity and comfort of a premium car for all occupants. We are very proud to make Indonesia the first in the world to introduce the N7X Concept, a concept that will redefine the categories of cars and driving pleasure,” said Takehiro Watanabe, President Director of PT Honda Prospect Motor, during the world premiere online.

The current BR-V was launched at the Indonesia International Auto Show in 2015 but given the current pandemic, the future of such public events remains uncertain. Nevertheless, Honda Indonesia is displaying the N7X Concept at a shopping mall in Jakarta this week, and will probably do an online launch of the production model sometime during the second half of this year.

2021 Honda N7X Concept — *2019 BR-V (the model received some updates last year). Prices start from RM86,726.*

The BR-V arrived in Malaysia about 2 years after its debut in Indonesia, though this second generation might not take as long. Anyway, if you prefer the current one and want to get one before it runs out, visit any authorized Honda dealer and their locations can be found at www.honda.com.my.

New Honda City RS e:HEV officially on sale, priced at RM105,950.45

The 40-year story of MX at Mazda

When people think of Mazda’s MX range, the MX-5 Miata would come to mind. Or, those who keep up with auto news will know that the company now sells a model known as the MX-30 which is the brand’s first mass-produced fully electric car.

However, long before the MX-5 – which became the bestselling 2-seat convertible sportscar of all time – there was another Mazda which had the ‘MX’ designation. This was the MX-81 Aria, a concept car displayed at the 1981 Tokyo Motor Show. Designed by Marc Dechamps for coachbuilder Bertone, it was the first Mazda MX and now, 40 years after its unveiling, Mazda Italy has carried out a restoration of the small wedge-shaped coupe.

*Original PR images of the MX-81 which were distributed at the 1981 Tokyo Motor Show.*

To create the MX-81 Aria, Bertone used running gear from the 323, which was the first generation with front-wheel drive. On this platform was placed the futuristic hatchback form. With its gold paint, huge glasshouse and pop-up lights, it stood out at the motorshow.

The concept car had futuristic features, some of which would find their way into production models in later years. Back then, the features gave the cabin a radical look with the recessed square steering wheel, TV screen and side swinging front seats. Exterior ideas like high-mounted tail lights and pop-up headlamps were adopted in Mazda models too.

Discovery in a warehouse
While many prototypes and concept cars have been destroyed (or ‘lost’) after finishing their round of displays, the MX-81 was kept in a warehouse at Mazda’s headquarters in Hiroshima. In 2019, Nobuhiro Yamamoto – the former 4^th generation MX-5 programme manager and rotary engine developer – found the concept car and proposed the idea restoring it.

*Restoration work on the MX-81 after it was kept in a warehouse for 40 years.*

It was supported by the company and shipped to Mazda Italy, where it has been painstakingly restored by SuperStile in Turin. Fittingly, the completion of the restoration was celebrated by the recreation of the original press images of the MX-81 in front of Milan Cathedral.

Mazda’s connection to Italian designers
However, the connection between Mazda and Italian design celebrated by the restoration of the MX-81 actually started even before the MX-81 was displayed. 20 years earlier, in 1960, a young automotive writer by the name of Hideyuki Miyakawa travelled to Italy and the Turin Motor Show where he met Giorgetto Giugiaro, then Head of Design at Bertone. He also met his future wife, Marisa Bassano – a Japanese-Italian translator with a passion for cars. During Marisa’s study trip to Hiroshima in 1961, Miyakawa met then-chairman of Mazda, Tsuneji Matsuda, and the pair discussed the importance of design in the Japanese car industry.

*Automotive writer Hideyuki Miyakawa (right) and his wife talking with Bertone (centre) and Giugiaro (left).*

*Giugiaro putting his signature on one of his sketches.*

Back in Turin, Hideyuki and Marisa began working as intermediaries between the legendary Italian design studios of Bertone, Ghia and Pininfarina and Japanese car manufacturers. The collaboration between Mazda and Bertone they helped to facilitate led to Giugiaro designing the Mazda Familia and Luce models of the 1960s, plus the R130 Luce Coupe of 1969. The relationship with Bertone continued even after Giugiaro left to work for Ghia, and the restoration of the MX-81 Aria is a celebration of that partnership.

The MX line begins
However, the Mazda MX-81 was only the beginning of the story of the MX badge, which has actually been used more than a dozen times across a broad spread of production, concept and racing Mazdas. After the MX-81 was the MX-02 concept car of 1983. This was a larger 5-door hatchback design with large windows, aerodynamic rear wheel covers and flared-in door mirrors. Unique features included rear wheel steering and a Head-Up display projected on the windscreen.

The one-off theme continued with the 1985 MX-03, another radical looking car. This sportscar concept was proposed with an exciting powertrain – a triple rotor 315 ps engine. The low-slung was very futuristic, with a cabin that featured an aircraft style yoke rather than a steering wheel, plus digital displays and a Head-Up Display. It showed off a lot of advanced technology like 4-wheel steering and all-wheel drive, while the long low body had wind resistance of just 0.25 Cd.

While the MX-02 and MX-03 shared some of the same futuristic design cues, the MX-04 was completely different. Displayed the 1987 Tokyo Motor Show, the MX-04 was a front-engine rear-wheel drive sportscar that had removable fibreglass panels. These allowed the car to switch from a glass dome-roofed coupe to a beach buggy style open-sided roadster. Powered by a rotary engine this ‘shape-shifting’ sportscar was never considered for production.

*The designs and features of concept cars were futuristic but some ideas would be adopted in production models in later years.*

But little did outsiders know that Mazda was already developing the MX-5, which would come 2 years later. Other production models to have ‘MX’ were the MX-3 and MX-6 production coupes.

MX in racing
In the 1990s, arguably the most radical car to have the MX badge was the Mazda MXR-01. After the rotary-powered Mazda 787B took victory in the 1991 Le Mans 24 Hours, the FIA promptly banned rotary-powered cars, leaving Mazda looking for a new car for the 1992 World Sportscar Championship at very short notice. A solution arrived in the shape of the MXR-01 prototype racing car.

Based on the previous season’s Jaguar XJR-14, the British firm’s withdrawal from sportscar racing, allowed Mazda to adapt this radical Ross Brawn-designed prototype and fit a Mazda-badged V10 Judd engine. Famed for its incredible grip and downforce, just 5 examples were built. But sadly, the collapse of the World Sportscar Championship at the end of 1992 spelt the end of Mazda’s world motorsport programme and denied the MXR-01 the chance of success.

*In 1989, the MX-5 was launched and would become the bestselling 2-seater convertible sportscar in the world. (Below) It was followed by the MX-3 and MX-6 during the 1990s.*

Into the 21st century, the MX badge has still appeared on concept cars – the 2001 MX-Sport Tourer/MPV; 2002 MX-Sport Runabout; 2003 MX-Sportif; and 2004 MX-Flexa. The MX concept car that really started Mazda on the road to another success story was the 2005 MX-Crossport. Inspired by the RX-8 sportscar, this was a sporty looking SUV concept with sculpted wheel arches, slender headlamps and bold shoulder lines. It would be the basis for the model that that became the CX-7, which established a lineage of SUVs that lead to today’s CX-5, CX-30 and MX-30.

*40 years later, the fully electric MX-30 – not a concept car – poses with the MX-81 at the same spot where the concept car was originally photographed in 1981.*

To know more about Mazda models available in Malaysia, visit www.mazda.com.my.

Unusual, little known Mazda vehicles you may never have heard of

Audi A6 e-tron concept (w/VIDEO)

‘PPE’ to most people today would refer to ‘Personal Protective Equipment’, the necessary items like gloves, facemask, overalls, etc that healthcare workers have to wear daily while attending to patients with COVID-19 infections. But for Audi, ‘PPE’ also means Premium Platform Electric, a completely new architecture which will serve as the technology platform for its high-end models.

The PPE is an essential element of the carmaker’s ‘e-volution’ towards electric mobility which will see, in late 2022, the launch of the first production models in the C-segment and then the B-segment. As a preview to this future range of fully electric models, Audi is displaying the 4-door A6 e-tron concept at Auto Shanghai this week.

Sporting the A6 emblem, the concept car underscores its place in the brand’s luxury-class model series. This model (earlier known as the Audi 100) has represented the brand in the segment since 1968. Different bodystyles have been added over the years, including the Sportback, which was introduced as the A7.

An electrified drive system was offered with the A6 Hybrid in 2011, while the current A6 TFSIe made its debut in 2019 with a plug-in hybrid drive (PHEV) that could give a claimed electric range of up to 91 kms.

Fully electric propulsion
Unlike the latter, however, the A6 e-tron concept relies exclusively on electric power, based on the future PPE platform. At the same time, it also represents an entirely new design concept; the only thing it has in common with the current A6 are its dimensions. The 4.96-metre long, 1.96-metre wide, and 1.44-metre high body is designed as a Sportback, its lines are an obvious reflection of the systematic advancement of Audi’s current design language. This design language and the form of the A6 e-tron concept will be applied to Audi’s future production models.

For its part, the PPE technology will ensure that what the car’s lines imply translate into dynamic driving performance and everyday suitability befitting use as a primary vehicle. Specifically, this means that, depending on the selected drive system and model version, an A6 e-tron should be able to travel more than 700 kms on a fully charged battery pack, with the most powerful variants able to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4 seconds.

Excellence in aerodynamics
Aerodynamics has always played a key role in Audi’s long history. In the early 1980s, the Audi 100 with a Cd of 0.30 was the more aerodynamically efficient production car available. The A6 e-tron concept continues that achievement with a Cd of 0.22, unprecedented in the electrified C-segment. The significantly low aerodynamic drag means lower energy consumption and therefore extended range. At the same time, fine-tuning in the wind tunnel has resulted in an organic design with elegance and harmony – instead of an ugly teardrop or bubble shape. The form appears monolithic, as if from a single mold, particularly when viewed from the side.

The wheel arches are connected by the specially sculpted battery area above the rocker panel, which is highlighted with a black inlay – a design element that is now a hallmark of the Audi brand’s fleet of EVs. Also typical of e-tron models are the sleek, camera-based virtual exterior mirrors at the base of the A-pillar.

Looking at the front, it is immediately apparent that the A6 e-tron concept is electrically-powered. A characteristic feature is the large enclosed Singleframe grille, which is bordered at the bottom by deep air intakes for cooling the drivetrain, battery, and brakes. The flat headlight bezels extend far into the sides of the laterally sweeping front end, underscoring the horizontally aligned architecture of the vehicle body.

The body colour
Heliosilver is the name of the technoid-looking body colour which accentuates the shapes of the body with a three-dimensional depth effect (particularly visible in the area around the quattro wheel arches). The Singleframe grille, also in Heliosilver, forms a striking contrast to the deep matte black of the frame.

Additionally, the paint offers tangible technical benefits that reduce energy consumption. This is because it can reflect a significant percentage of thermal radiation in sunlight, thus reducing the amount of energy that enters the car’s body and its cabin. The result is that the occupants do not need to use the air conditioning as much, a factor that has an impact on energy consumption and can enhance range.

Advanced lighting technology
The flat headlights and taillights are slim and flush with the overall composition of the lines. Digital Matrix LED and digital OLED technology makes it possible to achieve maximum brightness and a wide range of features even with a minimal surface area, while at the same time offering customizable light signatures. The small, high-resolution projectors can display warning symbols on the ground to warn a bike rider that the car door is about to open, for example.

Another four high-resolution LED projectors – inconspicuously integrated into the corners of the vehicle – generate turn signal projections. The design of these projections can be modified to address regulations in different markets and regions.

The rear end of the concept car features a new generation of digital OLED elements that, as a continuous strip of lights, act like a display. They can also be used to create almost unlimited customizable variations of digital light signatures and dynamic lighting displays that can be adapted to the customer’s personal taste.

High ground clearance, low ride height
The PPE is designed specifically for battery-electric drive systems and can therefore take full advantage of all the benefits of this technology. The key element is a battery module between the axles that holds around 100 kWh of energy in the A6 e-tron concept. The use of the entire vehicle base makes it possible to achieve a relatively flat layout for the battery. This means that for the first time, it will be possible to use this single platform for both vehicles with a high ground clearance and vehicles with a decidedly dynamic, flat architecture without any changes to the basic architecture.

Fast charging, high range
800V charging technology allows the battery pack to be charged with up to 270 kW, making recharging time very short time – provided the relevant fast-charging system is available. This technology makes charging times possible that come close to a stop to refuel a car powered by a combustion engine. Just 10 minutes would be enough to recharge the battery to a level sufficient to power the vehicle for more than 300 kms. In less than 25 minutes, the 100-kWh battery pack can be charged from 5% to 80%.

The battery size and wheelbase of PPE vehicles are scalable, making them suitable for use in different market segments. The ratio of a fairly long wheelbase and very short overhangs is something they will all have in common. The occupants will benefit from the long wheelbase which allows a longer interior and more legroom.

Quattro all-wheel drive
The absence of the traditional a transmission tunnel (because of the EV architecture) also contributes to the spaciousness but it does not mean that the quattro all-wheel drive system is omitted. It can be included as there can be one electric motor each mounted to the front and rear axles that use electronic coordination to deliver all-wheel drive on demand and achieve a perfect balance between driving dynamics and energy efficiency. The 2 electric motors are capable of delivering a total output of 350 kW/800 Nm.

In addition, the e-tron family will also include basic versions optimized for minimum consumption and maximum range – in this case, propulsion will come from a single electric motor mounted to the rear axle.

Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback Concept

The National Vaccination Program in Malaysia is free of charge.

Toyota bZ4X concept previews first model in new Battery Electric Vehicle series to go on sale from mid-2022

Toyota is known to be cautious in venturing into new segments, watching competition start first and seeing the shortcomings – and then coming in with products that are often better. With electrification, the company has had dominance in the hybrid segment but seemed to be slow to get into full electrification. This is not to say that it was not developing models, but commercialising them was something that was slower.

Now, however, the company is starting its big push into full electrification, which is part of its commitment to contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions. To achieve this. Toyota is establishing a full line-up of electrified vehicles which will reach around 70 by 2025; at least 15 models will be launched by 2025.

Starting with SUV BEV
At Auto Shanghai, which is on this week, the Japanese carmaker has announced its new BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) series to start off and is displaying a concept car, the Toyota bZ4X, as a preview of the first model of this series. To be made in China and Japan, worldwide sales of the production version of the new SUV BEV is expected to start by the middle of 2022.

Development of the bZ series (‘bZ’ stands for ‘beyond Zero’) is based on BEV-dedicated platforms that can be used with multiple variations in terms of size and design. Since it is difficult for Toyota to prepare such a wide range of choices by itself, it is jointly developing the series with partners who have the appropriate expertise in various fields. In the case of the bZ4X, Subaru is involved as a partner.

e-TNGA platform
The new vehicle will adopt the e-TNGA BEV-dedicated platform that was jointly developed by the two companies. It takes advantage of the strength of Toyota, which boasts expertise in vehicle electrification, and Subaru, which possesses AWD technologies. The bZ4X combines a long wheelbase with a short overhang which allows both a distinctive design and interior space comparable to a D-segment sedan.

The bZ series BEVs will have a human-centered approach aimed at widespread use in regions such as China, the USA and Europe, where there is significant demand for BEVs, and where there is a large supply of renewable electricity.

A uniquely shaped steering wheel eliminates the need to change grip when steering, and also contributes to a spacious interior. The vehicle will have a steer-by-wire system that provides a smooth driving feel aligned with the driver’s intentions. The low position of the instrument panel and the location of the meters above the steering wheel serve not only to enhance the vehicle’s sense of space, but also improve visibility and contribute to safe and secure driving.

The bZ4X has a new AWD system jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru. In addition to the use of regenerative energy systems, the vehicle also adopts a solar recharging system that recharges the battery while stationary.

Toyota adds new C+pod Battery Electric Vehicle to its range in Japan

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