Concept Car Archives

BMW Concept XM – preview of the most powerful BMW M car ever to go into volume production

At the Art Basel 2021 Miami Beach show in Florida this week, BMW M will present the Concept XM as a look ahead to the most powerful BMW M car ever to go into volume production. It also provides a first glimpse of the new front-end design for BMW’s forthcoming luxury-class models with its distinctive take on BMW X model design.

The new design language
The slim and iconic daytime driving lights (DRLs) and the contour lighting of the emotive kidney grille are the main focal points. The horizontal grille sits prominently between the headlights and tapers towards the outer edges, producing a near-octagonal outline that emphasizes the front end’s dynamic character. The black kidney grille elements are enclosed within an intricate surround and appear almost to be floating freely within a high-gloss black surface. M-style double bars within the grille add to the perception of width.

The boldly sculpted bonnet extends the contours of the kidney grille back in the form of two power domes. A pair of air intakes in the bonnet mimic the appearance of the LED searchlights in the roof and framing the statuesque body at its lower edge are the clean-cut black surfaces of the front apron. Triangular body-coloured blades at the outer edges accentuate the vertical air intakes while emphasizing the sporty and robust stance.

The visually expressive silhouette exudes presence with its size and the design language uses strikingly sculpted surfaces and extravagant lines. The two-tone paint finish further accentuates its distinctive lines, with the upper section in matt gold-bronze, while the lower section sports the Space Grey metallic shade.

Below the window graphic, a broad, High-gloss Black line – the ‘black belt’ – separates the two exterior colours. The signature M exterior mirrors give the car a clean-cut and technical, sporty edge. Throughout the side view, deliberately short character lines, which start off boldly before fading softly, accentuate the car’s agile, modern feel.

The expressive rear lights extend well into the car’s flanks and create an eye-catching transition into the rear. The black cladding typical of BMW X models above the wheels and on the sideskirts is very clearly defined and gives the body an elevated appearance.

The glasshouse of the Concept XM rises vertically and the colour of the roof contrasts with the black finish of the A-pillars. The windscreen seems to have an even heavier rake as a result, injecting modern dynamism into the front end. Slim LED searchlights have been incorporated into the roof above the A-pillars, adding to the SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle) image.

At the back, the rear window is inserted almost seamlessly into the rear end. The fresh interpretation of the design can also be seen in the arrangement of the BMW logo, which is laser-etched into the window below each of the two rails. This is a stylistic reference to the BMW M1, to date the only example of a standalone model developed exclusively by BMW M (and that was back in 1978).

Lower down, dominating the rear apron, are the characteristic twin tailpipes of BMW M models. The dual-branch, twin-tailpipe exhaust system reduces backpressure for the engine and also generates the emotionally rich M-typical soundtrack accompanying the engine’s imposing power delivery. The vertical arrangement and hexagonal interpretation of the tailpipes are a new take for this classically iconic feature.

PHEV only
The production model will have only a plug-in hybrid powertrain (PHEV) and it will be BMW M’s first electrified high-performance model. In the Concept XM, the powertrain is a M Hybrid drive system which combines a V8 engine and a high-performance electric motor to develop maximum output of 750 ps and 1,000 Nm. More detailed technical information is not available at this time but there is a claim of up to 80 kms running on just electric power.

Driver-focused cockpit
Like other M models, the cabin of the Concept XM has a driver-focused cockpit design. The lines and surface design of the instrument panel, centre console, door trim and seats give the ambience in the front compartment a progressive feel with their powerful geometry and high-quality materials. A bold trim element provides clear visual separation between the driver’s area and the other sections of the car.

The new BMW Curved Display screen grouping positioned creates a neat balance between traditional driver focus and modern digitality. Red accents on the steering wheel and centre console are M-specific references, while a trio of vertical elements presented in the three colours of the BMW M brand logo form the heart of the centre console.

The M Lounge
The rear area is referred to as the ‘M Lounge’, with special materials and expressive details for the seats along with black-tinted rear side windows. The large rear seat bench with its deep seat recesses forms an inviting space to relax. Only the diamond-shaped area of the head restraints – which provides the supporting function familiar from BMW M Sport seats in other models – is leather-trimmed. The lower sections of the seats offer high comfort and an exclusive couch character with their luxurious velvet upholstery and diamond quilting.

Illuminated and sculptural headliner
The visual highlight of the cabin is its headliner with a 3-dimensional prism structure. A combination of indirect and direct lighting produces a relief-like structure which showcases the headliner as an exclusive work of art. Together with the ambient lighting, it highlights the Concept XM’s blend of luxury and comfort to extremely striking effect. The ambient lighting can be activated in the three BMW M colours.

Production from end of 2022
The production model – the BMW XM – will be built from the end of 2022 at BMW’s factory in the USA which was also where the company first SAV, the X5, was built in 1999. The US market is a big market for BMW SAVs and is expected to be the most important sales market for the new high-performance model.

The BMW M1 has so far been the only example of a standalone model developed exclusively by BMW M (in 1978). This picture shows one of the 453 cars built at the end of a race in Malaysia’s Batu Tiga circuit in the 1980s.

Renault AIR4 concept for travelling on highways in the sky (w/VIDEO)

The Renault 4 may not be of great significance to Malaysians but it is nevertheless a very special model to Renault and was popular in Europe. Though it was marketed as a stationwagon, it was really the world’s first hatchback. Over 8 million units were produced between 1961 and 1992.

The carmaker has been having various events to celebrate the models 60th anniversary this year and besides the SUITE N°4 concept shown earlier, it has also created a futuristic showcar as a reinterpretation of the iconic model.

A ‘blue jeans’ car
The original Renault 4 was a simple, efficient and versatile vehicle – a ‘blue jeans’ car, as the former head of Renault Group, Pierre Dreyfus, used to describe it. It was versatile, conveying families, helping businesses and even providing transport for the French police and postal service. And of course, it enabled several generations of young motorists to start motoring. Its values and qualities convinced TheArsenale, a design hub, to collaborate with Renault to reimagine a 4L.

*The original 4L, an iconic model which was probably the first hatchback in the world when it was launched in 1961.*

For highways in the air
The AIR4, as it is called, is designed to drive along the unmarked highways above our heads. This unprecedented approach is a symbol of independence and freedom, born out of the realisation that traffic is compounding; lives are grinding to a halt, and the world above us is unhampered. Thus, the AIR4 claims the air as the new road of the future.

Design-wise, the reinterpretation of the retro icon is far removed from the modern car design language. The vehicle, entirely made of carbonfibre, maintains the same lines and contained mass of the original 4L, but with new dynamic capabilities. The rigidity has been completely revised to include new concepts such as thrust or lift, which required hours of calculations and tests.

Drawing on generative design techniques using artificial intelligence, TheArsenale’s engineers were able to test terabytes of data to improve and fine-tune the designers’ ideas, even before starting the first real-world trials (yes, it actually does fly).

Propulsion by propellers
To move around, the AIR4 does not use wheels. Instead, it features 4 two-blade propellers, one at each corner of the vehicle, like a drone. The chassis sits in the middle of the rota frame, and the driver can access and take a seat in the utilitarian cabin of the vehicle by lifting the reimagined Renault 4 shell, which is hinged at the front.

Power comes from by 22,000 mAh lithium polymer batteries that generate a total power of 90,000 mAh. The vehicle can travel horizontally at up to 26 metres a second or 94 km/h. It can climb at an angle of up to 70° and reach an altitude of 700 metres. The take-off speed is 14 metres/second (50 km/h) and landing velocity is 3 metres/second (11 km/h).

This vehicle is the first product from TheArsenale’s ROAD TO AIR division, which envisions the future transport network to be in the sky. The AIR4 is the brainchild of Patrice Meignan, CEO and Founder of TheArsenale, who sought to create a new kind of vehicle that provokes emotion, establishes brand identity and offers pleasure.

On public display
The AIR4 will be on public display at the Atelier Renault in the vibrant centre of Paris. Next year, it will be shown in Miami (perhaps at the first ever F1 race there in May) and then New York, before a pit stop in Macau.

“After a year-long of celebration we wanted to create something unconventional to close up the 60th anniversary of 4L,” said Arnaud Belloni, Renault Brand Global Marketing Director. “This collaboration with TheArsenale was a natural fit. The flying showcar AIR4 is something unseen yet and a wink to how this icon could look like in another 60 years.”

Hyundai SEVEN concept SUEV – a lounge on wheels

The Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) has many new models in the pipeline, virtually all electrified either as battery electric (BEV) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEV). It seems that HMG – which consists of Hyundai, Kia and Genesis – can’t wait to show the world what’s coming and throughout this year, we’ve seen production models being launched as well as concept cars that preview what’s to come.

The Hyundai SEVEN is one of those that will be coming and is described as the brand’s future sport utility electric vehicle (SUEV). It is likely to be a product in the IONIQ EV sub-brand and ‘SEVEN’ suggests that it would be somewhere at the top of the range, the same way the Kia Concept 9 is likely to be a flagship model.

Next-generation customer experience
HMG has developed the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) that will be used by all three brands and is optimised for EVs. This includes the SEVEN which has interior architecture to provide greater freedom and comfort for passengers. Following the 45 concept in 2019 and the Prophecy concept in 2020, the SEVEN concept opens a new chapter for the IONIQ brand. It promises a next-generation customer experience with the most advanced technologies within a vehicle that is designed as an innovative living space on wheels.

“The SEVEN concept demonstrates Hyundai’s creative vision and advanced technological development for our electrified mobility future,” said Jose Munoz, President & CEO, Hyundai Motor North America. “Its innovative interior space, eco-friendly powertrain and cutting-edge safety and convenience technologies reveal an exciting future for Hyundai SUV customers.”

Aerodynamically redefining the SUV
The SEVEN concept makes full use of the flexible E-GMP to have a long wheelbase and flat floor beneath its an aerodynamically pure silhouette. The low, leading edge of the bonnet, a single, streamlined roofline and elongated wheelbase communicate a clear break from traditional SUVs powered by internal combustion engines. The pure volume of SEVEN’s minimal forms contrast with the powerful stance and commanding, rugged presence.

Aerodynamic efficiency and minimum wind resistance are vital for BEVs to go further, and the SEVEN is claimed to have a 480-km range. Thus every area on the bodywork is carefully shaped to allow air to flow smoothly. Even the wheels have integrated Active Air Flaps, which deploy or retract depending on brake-cooling or low-drag requirements.

At night, the SEVEN is easily identified by IONIQ’s signature Parametric Pixel lights that deliver a Welcome Light Sequence on start-up. Parametric Pixels provide a common design thread, linking digital and analog styles, a reminder that its designers considered every aspect of SEVEN’s design, down to a single pixel.

Welcoming premium lounge
The concept SUEV’s interior design priority lies in the innovation of space and makes full use of the 3.2-metre wheelbase. With the flat floor, the designers have explored an alternative to the traditional row-based seat arrangements, creating a more fluid interior layout. The Pillarless Coach Doors offer a grand entrance to reveal a welcoming interior with a completely new dimension of space. The streamlined roofline, long wheelbase and flat floor that extends to the third row opens new opportunities to furnish the interior like a premium lounge.

The SEVEN also embodies Hyundai’s future vision of autonomous mobility. The driver’s seat features a retractable control stick that hides away when not in use. Without the need for the usual driver’s equipment, the ultra slim cockpit and integrated screens create a lounge-like experience. The seat arrangement is unlike traditional SUVs, with swivelling lounge chairs and a curved bench seat. This seat arrangement can be customized depending on driver-controlled or autonomous driving modes.

Highlights of the vehicle are the Universal Island console, specially designed home appliances and a multi-functional Smart Hub graphic user interface. When the Smart Hub and front seats combine with the rear chaise-lounge seating, the SEVEN has an environment where the occupants can experience quality time alone or together in the glow of side-door ambient light. In transit, SEVEN’s built-in mini fridge provides chilled refreshment on the go and there are even shoe-care compartments to refresh passengers’ footwear.

The vision roof features a panoramic screen that not only displays various content based on passengers’ tastes, but also changes the overall interior atmosphere to guarantee maximum relaxation and pleasure during the journey.

Eco-friendly materials
The SEVEN uses various eco-friendly materials while offering segment-leading hygienic features, such as Hygiene Airflow System and UVC Sterilization. The Hygiene Airflow System takes inspiration from the sophisticated airflow management of passenger aircraft. In its vertical mode, air is taken in through built-in air intakes in the roof rails from which the air travels inwards from above, and extracted through the exterior vent behind the rear wheels. In its horizontal mode, the air flows from the slim dashboard to the rear vents.

Most importantly, this system can activate independently whether the vehicle is in motion or not to reduce cross-contamination among passengers and isolates the airflow between front and rear occupants.

Bio-paint is used for the exterior and hygienically-recycled and renewable materials throughout the interior. Mineral plaster, bamboo wood and carpet, bio resin and interior paint are based on renewable sources that can reduce pollution from the production process. Extensive use of copper and hygienically treated fabric with proven antibacterial functions ensure all surfaces inside the SEVEN remain clean at all times.

UV-C Sterilization activates once the vehicle is vacated of its passengers. The control stick, first-row storage drawer and speakers pop up and then, integrated sanitizing UV-C lights help clean the living space of bacteria and viruses. In addition, there are sanitizing storage compartments in the bench and Smart Hub console for personal belongings.

“SEVEN paves the way forward for what an SUV needs to become in the EV era with a unique aerodynamic pure form that does not compromise on its rugged personality. The interior opens up a new dimension of space that cares for its passenger as a family living space,” said SangYup Lee, Senior Vice-President, Head of Hyundai Global Design.

Concept EV9 may be a preview of Kia’s next flagship SUV which will be fully electric

During this decade, Kia will be electrifying its whole line-up as it aims to achieve carbon neutrality throughout the company’s value chain by 2045. Its popular SUV range is already partially electrified with some models having hybrid powertrains, and in due course, fully electric powertrains will be used.

Today, the Telluride is the biggest SUV that the Korean carmaker offers and the fully electric successor could look like the Concept EV9 which is on display at the Automobility LA motorshow in Los Angeles this weekend. The Concept EV9 follows the EV6 in Kia’s BEV (battery electric vehicle) range that will continue to grow with one new model each year.

2021 Kia Concept EV9 — *The Concept EV9 has similar proportions to the Telluride (below) which is Kia’s 3-row flagship SUV currently on sale. Could the Concept EV9 be the successor?*

Platform optimised for EVs
Like the EV6, the Concept EV9 uses the Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) which is developed and optimised for BEVs. This means that the advantages of an electric powertrain can be fully utilised, compared to other platforms which have been designed for conventional combustion engine powertrains as well.

The design of the vehicle was inspired by nature with striking visual aesthetics derived from Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy. The design team was especially influenced by the ‘Bold for Nature’ pillar of ‘Opposites United’, hence the bold form meshing logical and emotional qualities with informal, rugged features and styling cues.

Tiger Face goes digital
The ‘Tiger Face’ has been used in every Kia model since 2007 and has constantly evolved. This iconic feature will continue into the BEV era and is reinterpreted appropriately on the Concept EV9. With no need for a traditional grille to let air flow in, the space houses an intricate star cloud pattern display that is completely hidden behind the body when not in use. Sequential patterns create a ‘welcome light’ for the driver and also function to appropriately position lights during driving.

The opportunities afforded with a re-styled grille and the Digital Tiger Face have resulted in a new air vent design that reduces the frontal mass of the vehicle and greatly improves aerodynamics.

Measuring 4930 mm in length, 2055 mm in width and 1790 mm height, the proportions of the vehicle outline a 3-row SUV interior. Mirroring the exterior design, the interior of the Concept EV9 offers the driver and passengers a transformative interior space. It is a comparable to a first-class lounge with a panoramic roof complementing the large glazing to give a sense of lightness and being in contact with the environment.

Three interior modes
With a spacious 3.1-metre long wheelbase, the interior can be configured in 3 modes that capture different journey situations and requirements. Active Mode is when the Concept EV9 is on the move, making sure the driver and passengers have an optimal driving experience from within the all-electric SUV. The two other modes relate to when the Concept EV9 is not moving.

Pause Mode modifies the interior space to be more akin to a first-class lounge, giving occupants the opportunity to directly interact with each other while benefiting from the light streaming in from above. In this mode, the seats switch around to enable occupants seated in the first row and third row to face each other. The second-row seats fold down and become a table, completing the lounge arrangement.

The second stationary mode is Enjoy Mode, which opens the interior into a downtime breakout space by turning around the 3-row seat configuration. In this mode, the tailgate opens, giving all occupants the opportunity to connect with the outside environment and gaze ahead and beyond the vehicle while sitting comfortable inside.

A sense of ‘tomorrow’ can be seen in the steering wheel. The automotive industry today treats the steering wheel like a separate product, like a total standalone subsystem. In the the Concept EV9, however, this element takes a radically different approach in which the pop-up steering pad is an extension of – and integrated and harmonized within – the interior space.

An interactive 27-inch ultra-wide display connects the Concept EV9 from the real-world to the virtual one, while serving as the nerve centre for all driver and passenger requirements, including media, climate control and comfort functionality features.

480-km range
Details of the powertrain are not extensive and Kia says that it has a range of up to 480 kms. It is fitted with next-generation ultra-fast charging technology that uses a 350-kW charger for ‘refuelling’ the battery pack from 10% to 80% in 20 – 30 minutes.

The bonnet vent duct area is utilized as a solar panel that helps recuperate some of the electric energy for the vehicle. This gives owners an alternative source of energy when they are not close to a charging station.

SUITE N°4 – the original hatchback reinvented as a 21st century EV

The Renault 4 was unveiled right at the start of the 1960s, a time when people in France were beginning to leave their country lives behind them and move closer to urban areas. However, public transport links left much to be desired, particularly on the outskirts of towns and cities. People began to feel the need for a car suitable for rural and urban areas alike, a car they could drive to the shops or to work. It was also a time when increasing numbers of women were in employment and households’ purchasing power began to expand.

Against that backdrop, the car that would soon come to be known as the ‘4L’ provided a 24/7 solution for both urban and rural living – all thanks to the humble hatch at the back. The fifth door – which is in cars we call ‘hatchbacks‘ – meant that the new Renault 4 quickly became a ‘social phenomenon’.

*The Renault 4L launched in 1961 and (below), a 21st century version of the car that started the hatchback bodystyle.*

The man behind the project, Pierre Dreyfus, CEO of Renault from 1955 to 1975, explained to his teams that he wanted to see ‘a high loading volume’ for a ‘blue jean’ car – meaning a car that would suit people of all ages and social classes around the world. Over 8 million units would be sold in more than 100 countries during a period spanning more than 30 years, so it is safe to say his wish was granted.

“The hatch on the 4L gave rise to a new car model and a new car feature,” said Hugues Portron, Managing Director of Renault Classic. “This wonderful invention resulted in a vehicle that was a saloon car, an estate car and a utility car in one. Hatchbacks revolutionised the automotive industry by offering greater interior modularity.”

To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Renault 4, the French brand decided to reinvent the model to show what it would be like as a 21^st century product. The company teamed up with designer Mathieu Lehanneur to create the SUITE N°4, an original concept car inspired by a nomad hotel suite.

“The collaboration with Lehanneur was a natural fit,” said Arnaud Belloni, Renault Brand Global Marketing Director. “We asked him to come up with a concept car showcasing his vision for the 4L. The finished product is extraordinary. A car which really encapsulates everything the brand has set out to achieve through the Renaulution strategic plan: create modern and innovative cars that provoke emotions.”

Lehanneur’s vision was fuelled by the parallel worlds of automobile and architecture. SUITE N°4 is a tribute to the 4L, channelling the same pure, understated and simple spirit while prioritising efficiency and spontaneity. On top, this concept car projects the model into the designer’s contemporary aspirations.

SUITE N°4 suggests a new mobility and travel experience. “I wanted to merge the worlds of cars and architecture to create an open-air hotel room. Even better than the finest palatial suite, the car is exactly where you want it to be, whether that’s by the sea, in the middle of a field or driving around the city you’ve always dreamed of,” Lehanneur explained.

The concept car maintains the same exterior dimensions (about 3.65 metres long, 1.5 metres wide) and lines as the iconic model but comes with a radical twist. The rear section and the hatch have been replaced with polycarbonate windows that provide transparency and lighting on a par with that of architectural glass. The transparent solar panels on the roof let light through while helping to charge the battery of the car as it is fully electric and emission-free.

The front of the car sports the same iconic lights, lines and silhouette as the original. The front grille in polished aluminium is both the designer’s signature and an ode to evasion. It creates waves and gives the car an effect of fluidity, dynamism and movement. The architectural inspiration can also be found on the body of the car, which is coated with three layers of paint that give it the mineral aspect of cement.

Inside, Lehanneur decided to let in the ambience and materials typical of residences, and combine the automobile technical requirements and the sophistication of the French art de vivre. The seats and the dashboard are upholstered with an energetic yellow velvet. In contrast, the space on the back is finished with a thick, ribbed chenille fabric and accessorised with two laps, for a robust look.

Bolsters and pillows complete the boot, transformed in a moving room. The experience is finalised by a wooden bench which slides like a drawer and can be extracted to provide sheltered seating when the hatch is open. Like for the original 4L, all of the materials are ‘Made in France’ and supplied by Paris-based artisans.

The 4L’s anniversary is to be a year-long celebration with different initiatives. These include a global social media campaign, posting a variety of content each month. International media have had the opportunity to take a ride in different historic Renault 4L models, some of which have been retrofitted with an electric powertrain. A collection of 30 different editions of the iconic French model is also on display at the Atelier Renault in Paris.

Kia’s EV9 large e-SUV to have global debut in Los Angeles next week

The Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) has three brands – Hyundai, Kia and Genesis – and between the three, there’s been a non-stop flow of new models and concepts. While the companies present themselves differently and probably operate differently, they also share a lot of hardware and their combined volume obviously gives HMG an edge where costs are concerned, not to mention sharing of R&D resources.

Moving forward, it’s all about electric vehicles (EVs) these days and the brands have a number of models in the pipeline between now and the end of the decade. Some of them have gone on sale, and more will be in showrooms next year and the years to follow.

*The Electric Global Modular Platform (e-GMP) developed as a dedicated platform for BEVs which will be used for Hyundai, Kia and Genesis models.*

In total, Kia has revealed that there will be no less than 10 new full EV (also known as Battery Electric Vehicles or BEVs) models. It’s not the first time Kia is introducing EVs as it has had electrically-powered variants of models like the Niro and Soul. These, however, have been initially developed as conventional models with combustion engines or hybrid powertrains. So the full advantages of a BEV have not been gained and Kia, like other manufacturers, now has a new BEV range that has been originally developed and engineered only for fully electric powertrains.

Dedicated EV platform for all HMG brands
The group’s Electric Global Modular Platform (e-GMP) is a core element in HMG’s electrification plans. Being modular, it can be used for a variety of model types and the wheelbase can be extended beyond 3 metres. It is engineered to accommodate 2WD and AWD drivetrains. At this time, the range on a full charge is 500+ kms but battery technology is constantly advancing, so that will improve in coming years.

The e-GMP was used for the first time in the new Hyundai IONIQ 5 (a different model from the original Ioniq) launched early this year. Next was the Kia EV6 which was officially launched in August and perhaps in 2022, the EV9 will also use the platform. As the end digit suggests, this future model would be positioned higher up in the range and almost certainly the flagship.

We’ll find out full details and see the full model soon at the global debut of the Concept EV9 in Los Angeles next week. For now, the first official visuals of the concept SUV show another distinctive design with the brand’s EV design language.

Large SUV with ‘smart lounge’
The profile is fairly SUV-like and rather upright, bringing to mind the Telluride (a large SUV mode). The renderings also illustrate a highly conceptual cabin that suggest a light, flexible and adaptive interior space for the occupants on three rows. With a lot of state-of-the-art tech, it is conceived as a ‘smart lounge’ where people won’t just be seated but also entertained and connected.

It’s hard to tell if the futuristic forms in the renderings will be what is also used in the production model. The dashboard has an ultra-wide display and the steering wheel seems to be shaped in a very impractical way. Kia says it is ‘a radical new take on the traditional steering wheel’.

Aiming for 6.6% of global EV market
The EV6 and future EV9 will help Kia achieve its target of 6.6% of the global EV market share and 25% in the eco-friendly car segment. This will mean selling 500,000 EVs annually, which its ‘Plan S’ strategy has set 2026 as the target year.

2021 Kia EV6 — *EV6 is the first Kia model to use the e-GMP and this model is positioned about midway in the EV range that will have models from EV1 to EV9.*

What if the original Nissan Silvia was produced today?

The Nissan Silvia is one of the models of the Japanese sportscar era that is fondly remembered by enthusiasts. It first appeared in 1964 at the Tokyo Motor Show and would continue through 6 generations before production ended almost 20 years ago. Since then, many have hoped for its return but in the 21^st century, every model must have a business case, meaning sufficient volume to justify investment in development and sportscars don’t necessarily command sufficiently big numbers.

Nevertheless, designers are not prevented from dreaming and some of them reimagine the classic models that once drew people to showrooms and impressed with their performance. When Matthew Weaver, Vice President of Nissan Design Europe was asked to reimagine a car from Nissan’s history for an electric future, he chose to remix the iconic Silvia CSP311.

This particular Silvia was not actually the first generation but it was the one that was shown in the Tokyo Motor Show in 1964. It is a rare model – in fact, so rare that even some of Nissan’s most seasoned employees haven’t seen one.

The Silvia CSP311 was presented as a Datsun Coupe 1500 at the 1964 Tokyo Motor Show and sold as a Silvia in 1965. It was the work of Nissan designers with advice from a an ex-BMW consultant, Albrecht Graf von Goertz. Only 554 units were produced over 4 years and each one was mostly handbuilt, using the chassis of the original Datsun Fairlady. It had a 4-cylinder 1595 cc engine producing 90 ps/132 Nm

In 1965, the Silvia CSP311 was the first sportscar used by the Japanese police. It was selected for its high performance – a top speed of 165 km/h – which was deemed necessary for patrol cars on the newly opened highways.

“The Silvia was ahead of its time, in a very quiet, understated way. It has aged very well and would still have its place on the roads today. It’s also a great example of what is expected of a global product: high quality and universally appealing,” said Weaver.

“By re-designing this car for the future, we wanted to pay homage to that heritage. One of the most distinguishable features is the one clean line connecting the upper and lower body. In this version, we accentuated its presence even more by having a clean and sharp cut into the top of the wheel arches. Also keeping in mind the world of the future, we felt the design naturally suited being an electric vehicle,” he explained.

Innovation with classic design elements
Being an electric vehicle gave the designers the opportunity to extend the clean surfacing around the front because an electric powertrain has far lower cooling requirements. It would be possible to have that characteristic sharp nose of the Silvia without needing a grille where radiators are traditionally located. To bring the CSP311 into the 21^st century, Weaver and his team took a lot of important. It was refined, making for a purer form and the lines made even cleaner.

Electrification of the vehicle allowed envision the use of today’s innovations alongside classic design facets. With the increasing electrification of mobility, most car designers find themselves facing the challenge of infusing the heritage of their respective brands, while also reinventing what cars can and should be. Every design starts with a blank piece of paper. Then come sketches and many 2D designs, followed by digital and 3D clay prototypes.

New design opportunities with electrification
In the age of electric cars, the designers can use the same techniques to come up with new ideas, but they can play by a whole new set of rules. Previously, designers had to work alongside engineers to find a way to accommodate an internal combustion engine, radiators and exhaust pipe. Now, those once essential components have been replaced by battery packs, inverters and small motors. It’s a big change but also offers a huge opportunity to do things differently.

“The key components of an electric vehicle are quite different and they can be packaged differently, compared to an internal combustion engine car. Consequently, the Silvia we’ve reimagined here would have a larger interior than its exterior dimensions would suggest. Customers of the forthcoming Nissan Ariya electric crossover will really appreciate how spacious and comfortable that interior is, thanks to its efficient packaging,” said Weaver.

Today’s designers have to think about new functionality and the apparatus that enables it, such as radars, cameras and sensors. But it goes deeper than that and they also have to find new ways to do the same thing they’ve always tried to do: generate an emotional response and create a lasting connection with customers.

Greater demands for efficiency
“Efficiency improvement is the target. The future will see cars created through a different lens, in which efficiency is a key requirement,” noted Marco Fioravanti, Vice President Product Planning, at Nissan Europe. “It is even more important for electric vehicles because at high speeds, the aerodynamics can minimise the negative impact of drag on the vehicle’s range.

Fioravanti and his team look into automotive trends to understand what customers will want and need up to 20 years from now. “So, we are seeing a new generation of electric crossovers that are slightly lower, wider and longer in order to improve the aerodynamics, while keeping a similar interior space and giving a higher seat position than a traditional sedan or hatchback. This is possible thanks to the improvements we can make to the layout of an electric vehicle to accommodate its next generation of technology,” he explained.

Looking further ahead, what customer requirements, technological advancements and legislation will affect design? One thing that is certain is that cars are changing. They will look and function differently in order to be more user-friendly, energy-efficient and practical. Reinventing classic cars for the modern, electrified world, even if they only start out as sketches, proves that future possibilities are endless.

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Porsche Mission R is ‘just a vision’ – but it is ready to race too

The Mission R concept racing car shown at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Munich last month drew a lot of attention. It was conceived to give an idea of how the all-electric Porsche racing car of the future could be like. Though the car displayed looked completely ready to be produced, Porsche has stressed that it is ‘just a vision’ – for now. It gives a preview of the design language and future technology that must be under development now.

The design – both the exterior and interior – fascinates, polarises and fuels lively debate. But while most concept cars are just 3-dimensional design studies without and engine or much technology under the skin, the Mission R is a capable racer that can be put on a track today. In fact, it is already being used as a rolling racing laboratory, according to Michael Behr, the technical manager for the project.

“That’s the Porsche philosophy,” he said, “This prototype is, of course, a showcar at this point, yet it also meets the highest technical standards.” Beneath its shell, the car represents the fulfilment of Porsche’s strategy on sustainability and social responsibility. While the company is already operating on an all-electric basis in Formula E, uses synthetic fuels in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, and is developing a new hybrid racer for endurance events, the Mission R will bring electric technology to customer racing as well.

Even before the car was on display, development engineers were running the platform without the striking shell. Their jobs are with massive deadline pressure, so they need to focus on work as much as possible. The first functional test, less than 6 months before the car’s premiere at the IAA, was a key milestone. Many components were still provisional at that time point and the steel subframe was suffice for the roll-out; the final composite cage has yet to be created. The seat, steering wheel, and pedals were borrowed from existing racing cars, while the rims still lacked the central lock hubs.

The Mission R, as presented, boasts all-wheel drive and 800 kW (1,088 ps) output. The power is supplied by 2 electric motors linked to a single-speed transmission. With a target weight of less than 1,500 kgs, the car should manage the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 2.5 seconds. Depending on the choice of gear ratio, it can go beyond 300 km/h.

Thanks to the direct cooling of the stator – the stationary element of the electric machine in which the rotor rotates – the motors deliver exceptionally high continuous power. The racing car makes do with just one oil cooling circuit and without a single drop of water. The direct oil cooling of the high-voltage battery is based on an innovation developed for the 3-time Le Mans winner, the Porsche 919 Hybrid. The chassis, too, is advanced racing technology and features a double-wishbone front axle.

“At the same time, we did our utmost to leverage the last bit of lightweight potential in every detail,” said Behr. For example, the 3D-printed transmission case cover is 30% lighter than a cast one. The additional braking power during recuperation made it possible to shave 12 kgs off the braking system. The composite outer skin is not just feather-light but also sustainable. It consists mainly of natural fibre, supplemented by carbonfibre components.

The natural fibres are roughly as light as carbonfibres and deliver the stiffness required for semi-structural components with a low additional weight of less than 10%. Compared with conventional plastics, natural fibres have an ecological benefit: 85% less CO₂ is generated in their production than in the comparable process used for carbonfibres.

Under the futuristic body, the designers are also exploring a new roll-over protection concept. Instead of a conventional steel cell welded to the bodyshell, there is a cage structure made of carbonfibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) to protect the driver. The safety cage is integrated directly into the roof and is visible from the outside via transparent segments.

Over the last few years, the Mission E (2015) and Mission E Cross Turismo (2018) concept studies have been previews of Porsche’s first all-electric sports car model series to come. From them came the Taycan in 2019 and, more recently, the Taycan Cross Turismo which had similarities in terms of appearance and technology. Now, with the Mission R, Porsche is showing the direction it is taking with future racing cars so while they say it is ‘just a vision’, perhaps when the actual production model appears, we will be recalling this concept car of 2021.

The MG MAZE is certainly not the sort of MG your grandfather knew

MG Cars (the initials stood for Morris Garages) is often remembered, at least by the older generation, as a brand that produced some classic British sportscars. However, the company which was founded in 1924 was sold to Nanjing Automobile in 2005 and became known as MG Motor after Nanjing was merged with Shanghai Automobile Industry Corporation (SAIC).

While some British brands were acquired by other companies and faded away, MG continued to have a presence, even in the UK. It has a range of modern products today and like other carmakers operating in Europe, is preparing to move into the era of electrification.

Design study by studio in London
Having acquired many of MG’s assets in England from the MG Rover Group, the new owners continued activities there and even set up an advanced design studio in London in 2018. This facility has been developing future products and the latest design study it is showing the world is the MG MAZE. This concept car is electrically-powered, of course, and is aimed at the next generation of car users in cities.

A compact 2-seater capable with agility and functionality, its core focuses are high-technology and emotional design. The exterior features a transparent shell, emulating high end gaming PCs with exposed componentry. The outer surface is fluid and dynamic, exposing aspects of the chassis and interior design, that are otherwise hidden from view.

Mobility and gaming concept
Built around the theme of of ‘Get Out & Play’, the concept brings together mobility and gaming. The gaming aspect of the car reflects a desire to discover and reach new achievements, via a points-based reward system. The MAZE helps users to rediscover their city and their world by seeking exciting digital street art that is interacting with structures, buildings, and landmarks.

Inside the MAZE is a pair of floating seats and UX/UI technology developed to enhance the gaming aspect by giving a fun and enjoyable driving experience. The steering is controlled not by a steering wheel but by the driver’s smartphone… which will probably take some getting used to. But who knows – the next generation of drivers may be comfortable with a different form of control, just as today’s fighter pilots are fine using joystick controls as they grew up using them in computer games.

Connecting digital realm to physical one
“With MAZE, we wanted to consider what the future of a car community might look like, building from MG’s fan base and following. The move to digital is unstoppable, so we wanted to create a concept that connected this digital realm to the physical one that gives us the real joy in driving,” said Carl Gotham, Advanced Design Director.

“The concept is a reaction to our lives during recent months, where we have been met with restrictions and limitations on our ability to move around and interact. Exploring the idea of ‘mobile gaming’, we used MAZE as platform for people to get out and rediscover their environment in a new and relevant way, opening up new experiences with their city.”

Aura concept shows what the British EV roadster of the future could be like

The British auto industry may have lost the greatness it once had but automotive innovation is still very much present. A new generation of tech companies in the country are venturing into developing electrically-powered cars (EVs) that will become mainstream within a decade or so.

Four of these companies have been working on an innovative all-electric two-seater roofless sportscar ‘designed for nature’. The first concept that has been shown to the public this week is called the Aura is developed and built as a fully working, road-legal prototype.

Funded by the British government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) through the Niche Vehicle Network (NVN), the concept car is the joint effort of the companies which have pushed the boundaries of innovation and their specialist fields. They are Astheimer Design, BAMD Composites, Conjure and Potenza Technology.

Each one a leader in their field, they started in October 2020 to create a low emission sportscar that is efficient on power and its demands on the world around it. The concept came from the understanding that as the automotive industry evolves, and the transportation needs of individuals change, there will be a demand for a product that encompasses these requirements.

The vision is of a long-range EV that is designed for nature with sustainability at its core. It also showcases the efficiencies of light weight, low drag and innovative uses of technology to solve consumer issues with running an EV. From placing the batteries and motors in optimised positions to providing rear cowling to the wheels to reduce the strain on the sportscar as it glides through the air, the team has also incorporated natural composite fibres for the bodywork that are not only lightweight but more sustainable within the manufacturing process.

Aiming to show that EV adoption is more accessible than users think, its cutting-edge HMI (Human-Machine Interface) not only aims to reduce driver distraction through its driver infotainment (which includes a self-levelling driver display in the centre of the steering wheel) as well as reducing range anxiety through real-world map and charging availability. The Aura is also the first British vehicle to run the Android Automotive OS.

The current projected range is about 640 kms with a rear-wheel drive powertrain having a system output of 88 kWh. Energy is drawn from two 44 kWh lithium batteries with a full charging time is said to be 4 hours using a 22 kW portable off-car charger.

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