Concept Car Archives

Nissan IMk concept is all about ‘Japanese-ness’

In a recent article about Jaguar Design, it was noted that one of the important elements in the DNA of Jaguar cars is ‘Britishness’, which has been maintained over many decades. Cars from Japanese manufacturers also have a certain ‘Japanese-ness’ which has been evident, particularly in details, packaging and ‘hospitality’. There are also influences from Japanese culture in some models, while craftsmanship is a very high priority.

Ultimate urban commuter
You’ll see this in the IMk, the latest concept car from Nissan which is presented as ‘the ultimate urban commuter’. The compact electric car combines chic design and cutting-edge technologies in a minimal aesthetic, drawing on Nissan’s new design philosophy called ‘Timeless Japanese Futurism’. A close look reveals additional elements of ‘Japanese DNA’ throughout the IMk. For example, the V-motion signature ‘shield’ and combination taillights feature a trellised, woodwork-type impression.

Adopting the simplistic nature of traditional Japanese design, the exterior is characterized by flowing lines. Carefully applied Japanese motifs add refinement and intrigue. Dipped in an Akagane paint scheme – reflecting a reddish copper colour – the concept pays homage to artisans who formed copper into functional works of art.

“We incorporated `Japanese DNA’ into the design of the IMk,” said Satoru Tai, Executive Design Director at Nissan. “For example, the bumper, wheels, tyres, windows, tail lamps, roof and high mount spoiler treatment borrow from the flowing patterns of mizuhiki, a thin twine made of Japanese rice paper. Just as mizuhiki flows naturally by design, this flowing pattern on the IMk blends the front, sides, and rear of the concept together for a completely new presence, outside and inside.”

“The shield, which replaces the grille in petrol-powered vehicles, represents a new signature element in our redefined design language. It follows function with style, giving the vehicle visual strength and inspiration while also providing protection and advanced technology underneath, including sensors and electronics,” Tai added.

Inviting cabin with high-tech functionality
“We could have kept all the surfaces inside the IMk’s cabin flat, which would have equated to more physical space,” he said. “But if we did that, we would have lost some of its beauty, and we didn’t want to go that route. The IMk was never about being roomier than a traditional small car. It was about being an upscale, stylish partner that gives occupants a chic, elegant space to enjoy.”

The IMk concept’s cabin is a new type of ‘room’ that exudes the nature of a cafe or lounge. The bench-style seat, with a dimpled texture, promotes a relaxing, welcome space that gives the impression of sitting on a floating cloud. The dashboard and sections of the doors are upholstered with light tonal materials, adding to the cozy atmosphere. Akagane-coloured accents along the instrument panel, doors and steering wheel add brightness to the interior and a premium feel to the car as a whole.

Interlocking with the lower door section are wood slats that are a nod to the Japanese wood joinery technique of kigumi, which create a sense of inner calm. This feature is highlighted by special hidden lighting. Dark coffee-coloured floor carpeting with woven strands of metallic fibre enhance the cozy, relaxing setting.

Other than the start button and shifter, the IMk’s thin dashboard has no physical controls. Powering up the IMk reveals cabin comfort controls and settings with soft glowing icons within the Akagane trim. Important driving information, such as vehicle speed and navigation directions, appear in ‘midair’ by way of a bezel-less prism display. Customized information is communicated to the driver via holographic displays.

For a relaxing experience
According to Tai, the concept’s interior design focuses on creating a high-tech yet relaxing experience. The interior accent lighting mimics the prism display’s colour scheme, depending on displayed content. When using the touch-sensitive surface – for example, when swiping while viewing a map – a touch of whimsy is displayed in the form of a flock of birds flying across it. A careful eye will even notice a faint bird pattern across the prism, hinting at how this display can come to life. This is just one way the IMk provides a level of interactivity and personalization, adding excitement to the driving experience.

“As a small EV for a new era, the Nissan IMk is designed to be at home in sophisticated cityscapes as much as in traditional Japanese towns,” said. “The IMk fuses a modern, clean look, driven by its Japanese heritage, with cutting-edge EV technology. Unconstrained by conventional concepts of the kei car segment, its design is interwoven with Japanese culture. It’s a luxury small EV that I hope a lot of customers are going to drive.”

That last line suggests that the IMk is more than just another showcar. Its global debut should take place at the Tokyo Motorshow later this month and as in many cases where companies say their display cars are ‘concepts’, the exterior design looks ready to go into production while the interior would be a matter of inserting hardware currently available.

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Audi AI:TRAIL Quattro brings autonomous driving to off-road travels

Audi has completed its quartet of visionary vehicles with an electric off-roader for the future of road transport with the AI:TRAIL quattro. The 4-seater concept car, which combines automated driving capability with competent off-road capabilities, joins the Aicon, AI:ME, AI:RACE concepts shown earlier.

With the AI:TRAIL, Audi is now opening up the potential applications for its visionary vehicles to include off-road terrain. The car is equipped with 4 electric motors, systems for assisted and automated driving and, of course, quattro permanent all-wheel drive.

There’s more than just the concept of sustainable drive systems and a body line that will run far into the future. The car also embodies an entirely new mobility concept for Audi. Unlike the cars of the present, such vehicles will no longer have to compromise between a wide range of uses and scenarios. Instead, it will be possible to design tomorrow’s cars for much more specific use cases. In the future, customers will be able to order any of these specialist Audi models from an Audi on demand vehicle pool to suit their personal preferences and requirements and to lease them for a limited period.

Technology that’s plain to see
With an exterior length of 4.15 metres and a width of 2.15 metres, the AI:TRAIL’s potential away from paved roads is immediately apparent. The roof height of 1.67 metres and the enormous 22-inch wheels with 850 mm tyres already hint at its superior off-road capabilities. With a ground clearance of an impressive 340 mm, it can drive across water more than half a metre deep.

The cabin itself is an extensively glazed space surrounded by polygonal shapes, with room for up to 4 people. With the electric drive system arranged around the axles and the battery in the floor, there is no need for overhanging sections or separate attachments for the motor or batteries.

Light weight and maximum body stiffness are, of course, important technical objectives for off-roaders in particular. That is why the body of the AI:TRAIL is made of a mixture of high-tech steel, aluminium and carbonfibre. As a result, it weighs just 1,750 kgs despite carrying a high-capacity battery.

Helicopter-style all-round visibility
The windshield wraps around the front of the vehicle like the cockpit of a helicopter. Passengers have an unobstructed view of the road or trail both in front and to the sides. Nor is it just the front and sides that are transparent and covered in glass. Almost the entire roof, from the top of the windshield to the rear spoiler, allows a clear view of the sky and the landscape. Even the vertical Singleframe is glazed, with only the four rings of the badge sitting in their customary position in what is otherwise a glass octagon.

Mobility and multifunctionality are features of the AI:TRAIL’s light sources as well. Instead of conventional headlights, self-contained light sources sit below the A-pillars and can shine both outward and inward. These LED elements are dimmable and adjustable and can be used as interior lighting as well as for lighting the vehicle’s path.

Audi Light Pathfinders
Instead of conventional low beams and high beams, the Audi AI:TRAIL is equipped with a total of five rotorless, triangular, electrically operated drones with integrated matrix LED elements. They are capable of landing on a roof rack or directly on the roof of the vehicle and docking onto the inductive charging elements.

The flying objects are Audi Light Pathfinders, which generate their lift in the same way as bladeless fans produce their air flow. Thanks to their markedly lightweight design, they can fly ahead of the AI:TRAIL, consuming comparably little energy in the process, and illuminate the path ahead, thereby replacing headlights entirely. If desired, the on-board cameras generate a video image that can be transmitted to the display in front of the driver via wifi, turning the Pathfinders into eyes in the sky.

“With the AI:TRAIL, we are showing an off-road concept with an emissions-free electric drive for an innovative driving experience away from paved roads. Consistent with this, we designed a monolithic basic vehicle body with maximum glazing to create an intense connection to the surroundings. A concept for sustainable mobility on demand,” said Marc Lichte, Audi’s Head of Design.

VISION EQS shows future large luxury electric saloon design

Even though the new Mercedes-Benz EQ brand is in its infancy and the first models are just making their appearance, the carmaker is already showing what’s ahead in mobility, progress and sustainable luxury. This is because Mercedes-Benz understands that two things are timeless: the need for transport and the desire for the very special. In a sustainable future too, customers will want a saloon that meets their wishes in terms of comfort, design and technology.

Future design for EQ models
The VISION EQS shows how future EQ models will be shaped. The generous spaciousness and new control concept of this showcar provide a physical preview of the intuitive and digital interior and Advanced MBUX of future luxury saloons. A clear, flowing design idiom makes the individual parts of the entire dashboard blend into an integrated interior sculpture.

The showcar already meets these aspirations today and provides an outlook on future large, electric luxury saloons. At the same time, it illustrates a vision of purpose-built electro-design. With the VISION EQS, Mercedes-Benz is making a clear statement for the continued future of high-quality vehicles and self-determined driving. Supreme craftsmanship, emotive design, luxurious materials and individual driving pleasure will continue to be desirable in the future.

With its innovative, stretched ‘one bow’ proportion, the VISION EQS takes the Progressive Luxury design philosophy of the EQ models into a new dimension. The flowing yet powerful sculptured effect of the exterior design gives the showcar its majestic appearance – luxurious generosity and aerodynamic elegance in ideal harmony.

The prominent, continuous ‘lightbelt’ structures the exterior in a new way. The resulting colour division at shoulder level creates the impression of a ‘black panel’ glass landscape floating on the silver vehicle body – a seamlessly connected vehicle surface from the striking EQ front grille to the rear.

Precision in detail
Technologically futuristic features include the DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps, each with two holographic lens modules, integrated into the continuous 360-degree exterior lightbelt. These allow an almost unlimited number of light variations that provide an outlook on future light configurations for future models.

The brand logo also has new tasks: 229 illuminated, individual stars form the seamlessly integrated lightbelt at the rear, causing the brand’s trademark to shine out in a previously unknown way. Interaction between the vehicle and its environment is not just limited to the lights in the VISION EQS. The digital front grille, which realises a light matrix consisting of 188 individual LEDs as a world first, provides a new level in precise signalling. Once the black panel comes to life, the seemingly free-floating stars and pixels create a fascinating, three-dimensional effect.

Atmospheric generosity within
Inside, the VISION EQS takes its inspiration from the world of luxury yachts. The clear, flowing design idiom creates a new level of serenity – and with it the vision of modern luxury interpreted into the future. For the first time, the entire dashboard blends with the body of the front trim section to form an interior sculpture. With its deep and open spatial architecture, the cockpit of the VISION EQS envelops the occupants like the deck of a boat. The fully integrated, embracing overall sculpture consisting of the combined dashboard, centre console and armrests floats above the generous interior and, for the first time, gives an outlook on the interiors of future luxury saloons by the brand.

The choice of materials for the interior of the showcar also ensures a special ambience. Mercedes-Benz has systematically developed the use of sustainable materials further and uses both traditional and technologically advanced materials. High-quality DINAMICA microfibre in crystal white is used alongside native figured maple trim. This is made from recycled PET bottles.

Also used is artificial leather, with a finely structured surface similar to nappa leather. The material used for the roofliner comes from a special project: a high-quality textile was created by adding a quantity of recycled ‘ocean waste’ plastic, putting the use of sustainable materials on a wholly new level.

Advanced MBUX
The VISION EQS presents a large interior sculpture as a stage for the future: digital content can be experienced by immersion over the entire surface, creating an all-embracing atmosphere. The blending of materials and information illustrates a possible intuitive interaction in the future.

The organically emerging displays and projection surfaces provide display space, as does the intelligent CONNECTED LIGHT that surrounds the occupants. Haptic highlights such as the air vents integrated into the trim element like inlays, the sophisticated speaker covers in rose gold and the fragrance flask encased in a decorative holder like a jewel round off the trendsetting interior of the VISION EQS and show exquisite craftsmanship.

A fully-electric future
With electric motors at the front and rear axles and the battery integrated into the floor, the VISION EQS represents a very well-balanced vehicle concept. The basis for dynamic high-level performance and safety comes courtesy of the electric all-wheel drive with axle-variable torque distribution and a battery installed deep in the vehicle floor between the axles. Thanks to more than 350 kW of output and immediately available torque of around 760 Nm, the VISION EQS has a projected acceleration time from 0 – 100 km/h of under 4.5 seconds.

As a result of an intelligent operating strategy, the prototype can have a comfortable operating range of up to 700 kms. Assuming a charging performance of 350 kW, recharging the battery to 80% capacity should take less than 20 minutes.

The VISION EQS also makes a clear statement for the continuation of driver-controlled vehicles. To this end, the showcar demonstrates the bandwidth of the platform with its clear focus on the driver. Mercedes-Benz will also be in a position to fulfil the desire for individual mobility and thrilling handling characteristics in the future. At the same time the Vision EQS showcar supports the driver with highly-automated driving at Level 3, eg on longer motorway journeys. Thanks to the modular sensor systems, the level of autonomy can be extended up to fully-automated driving in the future.

Mercedes EQC and EQV — *First two models of the all-electric EQ brand – the EQC SUV and EQV MPV*

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BMW Concept 4 with huge kidneys previews next 4-Series coupe

*The kidney grille appeared on a BMW, the 303, for the first time in 1933.*

Back in earlier years, rookie motoring journalists writing about BMW would have constantly been reminded of the two design elements of the company’s cars – the kidney grille and the blue and white roundel. It was standard text to mention them when describing a new BMW. Those who know BMW’s history know that the roundel was inspired by a propeller as the company had been making aero engines before it ventured into making cars.

The kidney grille wasn’t on BMW’s first cars, appearing only or the first time on the 303 in the 1930s. Thereafter, it would become a permanent part of the BMW ‘face’, re-interpreted by the designers again and again in the decades that followed. For production models, the proportions of the kidney grille were appropriate to the car’s size and inserted between the bonnet edge and top of the bumper.

For concept cars where the designers had more latitude to experiment, various more sophisticated interpretations were presented. Some were quite appealing, high-tech and elegant while those in recent years seem to border on the ‘bizarre’ with their outsize proportions which take the grille beyond the confines of the front end. On such occasions, as with the Concept 4 on display in Frankfurt this week, the massive kidney grille comes to the forefront of commentaries.

New face of the 4-Series range
Grabbing the attention at the heart of the front end is the vertical kidney grille. The distinctive grille, remarkable air intakes and prominently sculpted surfaces provide an immediate advert for the car’s performance and its engaging character as a driver’s car.

“The kidney grille has always been a signature feature of BMW cars,” stressed Domagoj Dukec, Head of BMW Design. “The BMW Concept 4 presents a confident and classy take on this iconic feature. At the same time, the BMW Concept 4 offers a look ahead to the expressive face of the 4-Series range.” The vertically oriented grille fits seamlessly into both the proportions of the front end and BMW’s illustrious past. Indeed, its form and design reference legendary classics such as the BMW 328 or the BMW 3.0 CSi and therefore shine the spotlight on the BMW brand’s long and successful history as a maker of fine coupes.

The kidney grille is also home to some elaborate details. The grating itself contains horizontal trim elements with a faceted cut which create a neat contrast against the sporty design of the front end and lend depth and exclusivity to the grille. Look closer and another highlight is revealed: the intricate grating within the kidneys and air intakes, which is made up of an array of small ‘number 4s’ joined together.

The slim and focused twin headlights are slightly angled and team up with the kidney grille to lend the front end a modern look with a strong identity. The striking LED light elements have no glass cover; instead they are worked into the body like three-dimensional sculptures. This allows them to bring an even greater sense of modernity and technical sophistication to the front end. The sharply contoured bonnet extends the lines of the front end through powerful volumes and edging of precision. The bold surfacing frames the kidney grille like a gemstone.

Aesthetic essence of a modern BMW coupe
The Concept 4 displays BMW’s signature proportions at their most modern form yet. The stretched bonnet, long wheelbase, flowing roofline and short overhangs create a modern, elegant and dynamic coupe outline and send energy coursing through the low-slung body even while it’s standing still.

Within the silhouette, the ultra-pure surfaces of the concept car form a powerful main body. The interplay of tautly chiselled volumes and a small number of extremely precise contours create a rare sense of emotion and dynamism. The expressive exterior paint tone Forbidden Red accentuates the car’s surfaces particularly vividly; those in the light at any one time project a rich, glossy red, while shade creates an almost black effect and a striking contrast. The interaction of contours and volumes therefore exude a dramatic sense of radiance and depth.

The athletic body incorporates a slender glasshouse with a narrow window aperture, which further emphasises the dynamism of the side. The long, sweeping roofline flows smoothly into the bootlid, giving the rear end a high-class and sporty aesthetic. The bulging rear wheel arches lend visual expression to the power coursing through the rear wheels and accentuate the muscular shoulders higher up.

Sophisticated details
Look more closely and further classy details are revealed. The minimalist, two-section exterior mirrors emerge harmoniously out of the weather strips. The lower section in polished aluminium extends the weather strip in a flowing movement and becomes a mirror surface, while the aerodynamically optimised rear section is in body colour and rounds off the design of the mirrors in dynamic fashion. On the inside of the mirrors is an apparently floating BMW logo, which only comes to light on more detailed inspection.

The light-alloy wheels of the Concept 4 are equally rich in detail. The 21-inch items represent a heavily ‘dished’ take on the sporty 5-spoke design, drawing the eye into their centre-points. The fronts of the intricate spokes have a high-polished finish, while the set-back surfaces are finely ground to create a slightly darker effect and give the rim design a sophisticated contrast.

Eye-catching, dynamic rear end
The rear sits low over the road, as befits a sporty car. The character line transitions from the flanks into the rear end in a broad, horizontal sweep and visually reduces the coupe’s height off the ground even further. Picking up where the front end left off, generously sized and clear surfaces with only a small number of lines are the dominant theme.

Purism runs through every element of the rear end and creates a prominent tail graphic. The sporty glasshouse is indented into the powerful body, allowing it to chisel broad and athletic shoulders into the Concept 4’s design. The vertical air outlets frame the lower section of the rear and emphasise the car’s broad stance. The LED rear lights consist of a single fibreoptic element, which lends the familiar BMW L shape a cutting-edge ‘heartbeat’ graphic and dispenses with a glass cover. Their contours underscore the sportingly horizontal focus of the rear end and accentuate its brawny stance on the road.

The striking diffuser integrated into the muscular rear apron sets the seal on the car’s rear-end design. Its vertical fins break up the clean surfaces of the car’s tail to send a statement of fine sporting pedigree, while the High-gloss Black paint finish with metallic particles lend it additional visual impact. The pair of exhaust tailpipes highlight a new and dynamic free-form, a detail of the Concept 4’s design that expresses what this car is all about: the modern essence of a coupe with a huge dose of aesthetic appeal.

The Concept 4 looks ready to be added to the assembly line as the next 4-Series Coupe, though how much those huge kidneys are downsized remains to be seen.

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Automobili Pininfarina reveals PURA Vision – a future pure-electric Luxury Utility Vehicle concept

Flanked by classic Pininfarina-designed cars and inspired by Pininfarina’s purity of design and engineering elegance, Automobili Pininfarina recently presented the Battista hypercar and the company’s future vision for luxury electric cars at the Monterey Car Week in California.

Besides the presentation by CEO Michael Perschke of the Battista with its enhanced front design and his strategy for the brand moving forward, Design Director Luca Borgogno also treated guests to a preview of the PURA Vision design model. It was an inspirational view of the aesthetics of a future pure-electric Luxury Utility Vehicle from the Italian marque.

PURA Vision shows the future
“PURA Vision blends design themes which Battista Pininfarina himself made famous in creating some of the most revered and beautiful sportscars in history. Yet it is absolutely an insight into our future; a luxury vehicle like no other and once again designed to deliver thrilling EV performance,” said Borgogno.

“89 years of Pininfarina designs and creation of some of the world’s most beautiful cars will inspire everything Automobili Pininfarina offers to clients in the future.”

Luca Borgogno, Design Director, Automobile Pininfarina

The Battista joined a parade of iconic Pininfarina-designed cars in a display of automotive beauty unique even to the rarefied atmosphere of Monterey Car Week. Designed and to be hand-built at Pininfarina’s headquarters in Italy, the Battista took its place amongst past classics from the famous carrozzeria during a 4-hour drive from Pebble Beach.

Battista gets refinements
Displaying a new enhanced front end for the first time in North America, recently sculpted following wind tunnel testing and final design refinements, the Battista represented Automobili Pininfarina’s exciting future. Cars led by the legendary Lancia Rally 037 reminded the audience of what Pininfarina has established since 1930: a reputation for designing many of the world’s most desirable and beautiful cars.

The Automobili Pininfarina team now returns to Italy to continue testing and development of the 1,900 ps Battista under the management of Development Driver Nick Heidfeld and Sportscars Director Rene Wollmann. Meanwhile, the Battista show cars head to the UK for the Salon Prive event and to Hong Kong to begin the launch programme for the Asia-Pacific region.

Acura Type S Concept sets the stage for return of Type S performance variants [w/VIDEO]

Acura, Honda’s premium luxury brand, will unveil a brand new concept car that sets the stage for re-introducing Type S performance variants to the brand’s line-up after a decade. The Type S Concept which will debut this Friday in California represents a fundamental step toward fulfilling Acura’s return to Precision Crafted Performance, which started with the debut of the second-generation NSX.

Building on the foundational beauty and style of the Acura Precision Concept, the Type S Concept’s powerful form is characterized by a wide track and low stance, with an expansive bonnet that stretches forward from the A-pillars.

Conceived at Acura’s design studio in California, the Type S Concept showcases new elements of the brand’s design including next-generation, four-lamp Jewel Eye LED headlights, an open-surface Diamond Pentagon grille, and ‘Chicane’ daytime running lights and taillights, both drawing inspiration from the Acura ARX-05 Daytona Prototype racing car.

Refined style, raw emotion
Building off its powerful stance, the Type S Concept’s front end reflects both form and function. Large centre and side intakes are capable of supplying required airflow to a high-performance engine and brake package, with detailing evolved from the NSX and Acura Precision Concept.

The headlights are underscored, literally, by translucent white ‘Chicane’ LEDs that serve double duty as running lights and turn signals. The front section transitions to a side profile that communicates both power and elegance.

Sheer surfaces and continually shifting angles are balanced by sharp, intersecting lines that create the impression that every surface is changing shape as it flows front to rear. Sheer side surfaces gradually open-up to muscular rear wheel arches, emphasizing the concept car’s wide track.

A sharp and distinctive tail features an upswept decklid with a sharply creased centerline (drawn from the bonnet) and integrated forged carbon spoiler. There are also ‘Chicane’ LED taillights, a large rear diffuser and quad chrome exhaust outlets complete the look.

Forged carbonfibre
In addition to the rear decklid spoiler, forged carbonfibre – created by bonding layers of carbon on top of one another to exceed the strength of traditional interwoven carbon – is applied to the front and rear splitters, side sills, rear decklid spoiler and multi-spoke 21-inch wheels.

A ‘square’ 285-series tyre set-up ensures high levels of grip in the most dynamic of driving situations. All four corners feature drilled Brembo high-performance brakes with 4-piston calipers, providing ample stopping power and an aggressive appearance.

The Concept’s bespoke Double Apex Blue Pearl paint reflects a liquid and electric hue that pays homage to blue Type S heritage models. This unique finish employs nano pigments and a colour-infused clear coat that impart a sense of fluidity and motion and enhance the paint’s lustre and brilliance.

Bentley EXP 100 GT – Grand Tourer for the world of 2035 [w/VIDEO]

Throughout the course of the year, Bentley Motors has been celebrating its 100th birthday, building up to a climax which presents its vision of the future of luxury mobility. That vision was finally revealed yesterday in 3-dimensional form as the Bentley EXP 100 GT. It is a physical embodiment of the future Bentley brand, reimagining Grand Touring for the future.

Designed from the inside out and taking advantage of a brand new all-electric platform, the EXP 100 GT reimagines the Grand Tourer for the world of 2035. The cars’ presence and impressive exterior proportions are reminiscent of many of Bentley’s historic Grand Tourers but take these luxury hallmarks into the future. The result is a future vision commensurate with Bentley’s status, assuring its clientele that they will continue to enjoy superlative luxury.

Sustainable innovation
Sustainable innovation is also at the heart of the EXP 100 GT experience. The car is engineered to create a greater awareness of the world outside, with an intelligently-curated collection of materials including 5,000 year old Copper Infused Riverwood; Compass exterior paint made from recycled rice husks; 100% organic leather-like textile from wine making; British Farmed Wool carpets and embroidered cotton interior surfaces which all create sustainable future luxury, adding to the enhanced reality of the grand touring car of the future.

Made from lightweight aluminium and carbonfibre, the EXP 100 GT is 5.8 metres long and almost 2.4 metres wide. The driver and passenger doors are 2 metres wide and pivot outwards and upwards for effortless access. Fully open, they rise to almost 3 metres, adding to the sense of occasion on arrival.

For this concept car (and it is just a concept), the exterior paint colour known as Compass is created using a special Colourstream pigment that reflects a beautiful spectrum of autumnal colours and is both sustainable and environmentally friendly. The pigment is synthetically made using rice husk ash, a harmful bi-product of the rice industry, remanufactured for the EXP 100 GT to reduce the amount that ends up in landfill waste.

New benchmark for luxury interiors
Imperceptible joins between different materials such as wood, leather and wool allow an overall design motif to flow across all these surfaces. The materials are brought together by design, a seamless blend of patterns and forms, textures and colours. Glass flows into metal, into wood and into leather.

Light is core to life and in the EXP 100 GT, it is harvested from the surrounding environment via an innovative glass roof embedded with prisms that collect light and transfer it into the cabin using fibre optics. The use of harvested natural light and synthesised light offers a new approach to enhancing wellness on board.

The Bentley Personal Assistant is a centre piece of the main console and visualised using illuminated crystal. Ambient lighting can also be modified to recreate a specific mood or exterior environment, while additional effects are delivered through projection mapping onto trim panels, such as door pads.

Intelligent, Adaptable Biometric Seating can be configured in three different ways, depending on whether the owner is driving or using autonomous mode. Biometric sensors monitor temperature, passenger position and environmental conditions to deliver the ultimate in comfort, whatever the conditions.

The Air Purification System purifies air supplied into the cabin, with deployable air vents on the rear passenger shelf and static vents on the front passenger panel. The vents undulate giving the appearance that the car is breathing and alive. Meanwhile, carbon dioxide levels in the cabin are constantly monitored to maintain air quality.

As well as capturing exterior scents, Bentley has developed a unique scent for the EXP 100 GT. Created in collaboration with ethically-aware fragrance house 12.29, it builds on the rich heritage of Bentley, incorporating sandalwood and fresh moss.

Performance & Technology
Sustainable and intelligent, a battery electric powertrain, with intelligent power and charge management, will ensure that the EXP 100 GT is as powerful and exciting as its conventional predecessors. Next Generation Traction Drive will enable maximum control via torque vectoring, applying 50% increased power and 35% less mass for more effective cornering. The battery system will power 4 motors generating 1,500 Nm of torque that are projected to enable a 0 – 100 km/h time of less than 2.5 seconds, a top speed of 300 km/h.

Future battery technology is expected to offer 5 times the conventional energy density, and recharging to 80% of capacity should take only 15 minutes. By then, a range of 700 kms is likely to be possible on a fully charged battery pack.

The EXP 100 GT can be optionally autonomous. It will manage the driving experience based on the external environment and passenger well-being. This might include maximising an exhilarating self-drive across mountain roads, or disengaging from a stressful, inner-city commute.

Key to this are a range of features based on passenger well-being and comfort. These include Active Aero Wheels that dynamically adjust to deliver efficiency or maximum performance feel; Intelligent Pirelli Tyres that adapt their contact patches based on weather conditions or driver demand; Adaptable Biometric Seating that adapts to the driver mode, or swivels rearward with the steering wheel retracted away in autonomous mode.

Speaking at the unveiling of the car yesterday, Adrian Hallmark, Bentley Chairman and CEO, said: “Today, on our Centenary, we demonstrate our vision of the future of our Marque, with the Bentley EXP 100 GT – a modern and definitive Grand Tourer designed to demonstrate that the future of luxury mobility is as inspirational and aspirational as the last 100 years. Bentley has, and will continue to enhance and enrich every single journey and the lives of every single person who travels in, or has the honour to be a part of creating our extraordinary products.”

Halloween concept that should give you chills

Hallowen is upon us and though many consider the celebration as an event reserved for kids, MotorEasy doesn’t seem to think so. The car ownership and maintenance start-up has unveiled the scariest thing imaginable for an enthusiast – owning a vehicle that will bleed them dry.

Called the Hallowe’en horror show concept, MotorEasy has put together a theoretical Frankenstein car with the worst bits of certain vehicles and the costs involved to have each of these parts fixed.

Should such a vehicle give up the ghost, the total repair cost of bringing it back to life will amount to £24,606.74 (RM 137,527). That is partly due to it having an engine from a 2011 Range Rover, brakes from a BMW Z4 and an electrical system from a 2009 Audi A3.

The following is a breakdown of the components and the costs involved for individual repairs:

Speaking of the concept, Duncan McClure Fisher, MotorEasy founder, said, “This car is every motorists’ nightmare, with a stratospheric repair bill. While the concept is just a bit of fun, it does nonetheless highlight the financial hit when things do go wrong with cars.”

“Our creation is an extreme example but the fact is that very few people have money lying around if the worst happens. It pays to be protected,” he added.

In the UK, MotorEasy offers a full suite of car warranty, maintenance and repair services as well as a network of 10,000 of garages. It allows for easier access to such services via telephone or by communicating online.

Mercedes-AMG to unveil supercar at Frankfurt

Formula 1 is considered the pinnacle of competitive Motorsports and is the platform that established manufacturers use to display their engineering prowess. This isn’t its only purpose though, because technology that’s developed for F1 cars, especially those that help improve stability and driver management, eventually make their way into mainstream vehicles.

Such is the case with Mercedes-AMG. The company’s F1 team, which has proven to be an unstoppable force these past few seasons, has enjoyed a string of victories because they’ve developed a car that is blindingly fast, agile around corners and pretty reliable too.

Now, the company has decided to bring the same technology and magic of this F1 car, into a road going car. Called the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE, it’s a two-seater supersports showcar that will showcase the brands capabilities.

Slated for reveal at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, the car is said to encapsulate the very latest and efficient, fully-fledged Formula 1 hybrid technology for the road. It’s a high performance supercar that will be powered by a hybrid powertrain that is able to output more than 1000bhp.

According to the automaker, the car is expected to have a top speed exceeding 350km/h and will offer the best of both worlds. Meaning, it will combine exceptional racetrack performance with sensible day-to-day practicality.

Little else is known at the moment, and the only proof we have of the car’s existence is a rather vague image of it’s front end. Based on what we have gathered, it draws quite a bit of design inspiration from the brand’s past race cars, which is a good thing. Stay tuned and will let you know more about the car as soon as we find out.

BMW to intoduce Z4 concept at Pebble Beach

BMW’s latest Z4 will be showcased in concept form at the upcoming Concours d’Elegance at Pebble Beach, which will take place soon. This is a sports car that is of significant importance to the brand. And compared to the previous Z4, this one is bound to turn heads.

It still has the same traits of its predecessor but this time, BMW has broken convention in terms of design. The new Z4 has an angular headlight design that stretches towards the car’s fenders. The twin kidney grilles are larger and are more pronounced than before as well as feature more complicated fin design.

This low-slung look give the front fascia more depth. As a result, the car’s silhouette seems to make an arc as it stretches towards the windscreen. The front splitter takes on a racing-like design with the centre carbon bit forming a v pattern that integrates with the front fascia’s side pods.

Based on the side profile, the Z4 has a simpler and more angular shape reminiscent of the Lexus LFA, which is a good thing. The creases at the top that stretch from the front fender and tapers towards the rear, they provide the illusion of a continuous single stroke design.

Then there’s the double bubble roll over guards that are both aesthetically pleasing and should offer a good amount of protection in the event of an accident. The colour complements that of the 20-inch alloy wheels which still retain BMW’s unique fork pattern.

As for the rear, it’s as minimalist as things can get. Long and narrow LED taillights flank both sides of the boot lid which also has an integrate boot spoiler. The rear bumper is quite large though and we doubt that this will actually be used for the production version.

As a whole, BMW says that it took various design elements from several of its more notable models including the Z8 and 328 Mille Miglia. And as such, the Z4’s design is a culmination of all the best lines and curves that have been penned by the automaker’s best designers.

On the inside, the cockpit incorporates the same basic design of current BMW sports cars but feature a more minimalist look thanks to an LCD meter panel and consolidated instrument panel that also houses the iDrive infotainment system.

No exact specifications have been revealed especially when it comes to the powertrain. But we won’t be surprised if BMW choose to include some form of electrification to help boost power yet retaining respectable fuel consumption figures.