The Renault 5 might never have been born as it never started as an official project of the company. It was an idea which a designer worked on during his own free time and when top management saw it, they were impressed with its concept and wanted it put into production.
Though starting life as a humble little car, the Renault 5 would become an icon today and on the 50th anniversary of the model, Renault has created the R5 TURBO 3E as an all-electric showcar which pays tribute to the most celebrated sports versions: the Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2. It has logically been named R5 TURBO 3E, ‘3’ because it follows the Turbo 2, with ‘E’ being for electric.
With Project MAYBACH, Mercedes-Benz pays tribute to the late Virgil Abloh who passed away recently. Designed as a showcar to inspire the next generation, it is being revealed at the wishes of Abloh’s family.
The artist, architect, creative director, fashion designer and philanthropist, who was also artistic director of Louis Vuitton menswear, had collaborated with Gordon Wagener, design chief of Mercedes-Benz, for this design study. It interprets Mercedes-Maybach’s luxury identity with a new design language and pushed the boundaries of function, style, and collaborative creativity.
Inspired by the great outdoors and recontextualizing a traditionally urban brand within a distinctly off-road environment, the 2-seater, fully-electric off-road coupe combines huge Gran Turismo proportions (almost 6 metres long), large off-road wheels and distinctive attachments. Under the transparent surface of the showcar’s bonnet are solar cells that increase the imagined range of the Project MAYBACH.
Like Project Gelandewagen in 2020, Project MAYBACH is a design unlike anything that has been developed by Mercedes-Benz, with every element built from scratch. Key for both Abloh and Wagener was a responsible vision of future design. Complete creative freedom – unlimited by production requirements – enabled the design teams to conceptualize what the future of electric travel could look like.
The X-Factor nature of Project MAYBACH results not only from its imposing – almost 6 metres long – and characteristics, but also from its unique contrasts. ; most notably through how naturally authentic Mercedes-Maybach design elements are harmoniously combined with a new Outdoor Adventure design motif.
Project MAYBACH channels Abloh’s passion to challenge the status quo and re-write the rulebook of aspirational design. The power of his work is not only from the product design, but also the exploratory conversations that his work ignited. Whilst the showcar was inspired by how one could explore nature within a uniquely luxury context with Maybach, the Mercedes-Benz teams thank Virgil Abloh for the inspiration to explore every day the power of cross-industry dialogue to imagine a better, more inclusive future.
Project Gelandewagen, another car from Virgil Abloh, which was inspired by the G-Wagen.
Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected and although you may not show symptoms, you could spread the coronavirus to others. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.
Polestar has revealed an experimental version of the Polestar 2 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England this weekend, where it was raced up the hillclimb at the venue. While the standard Polestar 2 – which uses a fully electric powertrain – has an output of 300 kW (408 hp), the experimental model generates up to 350 kW (476 hp).
The project was proposed by the company’s CEO, Thomas Ingenlath, who wanted to push the boundaries of the performance fastback’s design and performance potential. “I challenged the design and engineering teams to play with Polestar 2 and come up with something that makes a strong statement for Goodwood. We want to flex our muscles and explore opportunities,” he said.
“For a few months, I have enjoyed driving another experimental Polestar 2, nicknamed ‘Beast’, around our Gothenburg campus, which inspired the team to come up with this version for Goodwood,” he revealed.
Besides the higher output from its two electric motors, the car has been given a stronger stance, with a wider track (+10 mm on each side) and 30 mm lower ride height. Widened wheel arches have been fitted, necessary to house the 9×21-inch wheels and 6-piston Akebono front brakes from the Polestar 1. The 275/30R21 Pirelli PZero Rosso performance tyres are also carried over from the Polestar 1.
The springs have been stiffened by 80% at the front and 40% at the rear compared to the original performance units, and the adjustable Ohlins DFV dampers have been upgraded to Ohlins 3-way performance dampers which are approximately 30% stiffer than the road and track originals. To further increase rigidity, the carbonfibre front suspension strut bar from a Volvo S60 Polestar Engineered has been fitted, complemented by a custom-fabricated rear strut bar.
“This car is what happens when we are given freedom to go beyond our limits,” said Joakim Rydholm, Polestar’s chief chassis engineer. “We already have such great handling and performance characteristics in Polestar 2 but when Thomas asked me to make something special for Goodwood, I was really excited to up the stakes.”
In addition to the mechanical upgrades, the car features updated front and rear bumpers. The car is finished in Snow Matte with a Magnesium Matte racing stripe, colour-coded front grid and glossy black mirrors. Bumpers and side skirts feature an additional colour-coded design accent. The wheels feature dual tonality of glossy and matte black surfaces.
Standard Polestar 2.
“It’s always exciting to push a little bit further. This is one of the benefits of being a start-up like Polestar – we don’t have a mould to fit into so we can experiment with fun projects like this,” added Maximilian Missoni, Head of Design.
Opel, a brand more familiar to older Malaysians, has brought back the iconic Manta as a one-off all-electric special to celebrate the coupe’s 50th anniversary. Called the Manta GSe ElektroMOD, it reflects the growing trend of transforming classic cars like into so-called ‘RestoMods’ with modern components and powertrains.
Change of ‘heart’
The first electric RestoMod by Opel (once a GM subsidiary and now part of the Stellantis Group), the Manta GSe has an electric powertrain with an output of 108 kW (147 ps) and 225 Nm of torque. It uses the original 4-speed gearbox, allowing drivers to manually change gears, or alternatively, engage the fourth gear and drive automatically.
With a 31-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the Manta GSe has a claimed range of around 200 kms, with regenerative braking to improve range. Full recharging with a 9-kW onboard charger can be completed in just under 4 hours.
Design elements from Vauxhall
The Manta GSe also uses some of the latest design elements from Vauxhall, the British brand that is also part of the Stellantis Group. These include the brand’s Vizor-styled front end with Pixel technology allowing it to issue messages, such as ‘I am on a zero e-mission’, followed by the silhouette of a manta ray gliding over the Pixel-Vizor.
The original Manta in 1973
The front end also features LED daylight running lights, while the iconic circular rear lights come with a striking three-dimensional LED design. The yellow paintwork is contrasted by the signature black bonnet, with the wheel arches housing specially designed 17-inch Ronal alloy wheels with 195/40 tyres at the front, and 205/40 tyres at the rear.
Digital tech inside
As expected of a modern RestoMod, the interior features the latest digital technology. The classic round instruments have been replaced by a Pure Panel, with two driver-oriented 12-inch and 10-inch digital displays. The sound system has also been modernised with a new unit that has connectivity which was not available in the 1970s.
The sports seats come with a yellow centre line and have a modern structure for improved comfort and support. The steering wheel has a classic 3-spoke design (no airbag as this is only a showcar) and features a yellow marker in the 12 o’clock position for an added sporty touch.
Surfaces in the cockpit and door panels are matt grey, matching the neo-classic’s other yellow and black coloured elements. The ceiling of the passenger compartment is lined with fine Alcantara and completes the stylish ambience.
The motor vehicle market in India is a highly competitive one and while there are a number of domestic brands, foreign brands also put up a strong fight for share. And the market volume is large enough to justify investing in developing country-specific models.
For Renault, India has been an attractive market which has been growing since it entered in 2005 and it has adapted models to the local market like the Duster as well as introduced original products such as Kwid and Triber.
Soon, another India-specific product will be introduced by the French carmaker and to give a preview, it has presented a showcar known as the Kiger. As would be expected, it is a SUV, the type of vehicle which is in hot demand today all over the world.
Eye-catching little SUV
The Kiger, which is under 4 metres in length, was created from the cooperation between Renault’s French and Indian design divisions. It has been given an adventurous look which blends well with the urban jungle as well as the natural jungle.
At first glance, the Kiger stands out with its sculpted bonnet, slender windscreen and a semi-floating roof with a roof rack. On both sides, the tapered mirrors have been designed like airplane wings. At the rear, the trailing edge is topped by a spoiler that is functional and also adds a sporty touch.
The lower section is more muscular and stockier, sitting on four 19-inch wheels framed by large square arches that give strength to the exterior styling. The 210-mm ground clearance with reinforced lower flaps and prominent shoulders will prove useful on rough terrain or bad roads.
The sporty side is accentuated by the dual centrally located exhaust tailpipes and the honeycomb patterns distributed around the vehicle.
For the showcar, double-stage LED spotlights, similar to those that appeared on the New Kwid last year, and green turn signals are fitted. At the rear, the double ‘C’ headlights signal Kiger’s place under the Renault brand and form a light signature that prefigures that of the production model.
‘Aurora Borealis’ colour
The showcar is finished in a green ‘Aurora Borealis’ colour which changes according to the light and the angle from which it is observed. It is adorned with ‘mysterious’ blue and purple reflections that make the car as intriguing as well as seductive.
Fluorescent touches highlight certain aluminium elements such as door handles, bumper inserts, strapping with inlaid decoration, logo contours and brake calipers.
“The creative association of French and Indian designers was the best way to meet the needs and expectations of a clientele increasingly fond of style, dynamism and novelty. As with the Triber, we are once again demonstrating our ability to innovate, by offering a new model with a dual personality, both urban and outdoor,” said Laurens van den Acker, Executive Vice-President, Corporate Design of Groupe Renault, confirming that the Kiger will become a production model.
Proton has never had a convertible model in its range but 20 years ago, it built one as a concept study based on the Satria. The model was displayed in Germany as well as China, besides the 2001 KL International Motor Show. Although there was positive response, Proton did not go on to develop it as a production model.
Toyota Motor Corporations has announced the “LQ”, a concept vehicle that has the advanced ability to build an ‘emotional bond’ between car and driver. That’s right, the next-generation Toyota “Concept-I” comes ready with automated driving capabilities and “Yui”, Toyota’s next-level AI that can learn from the driver and deliver a personalised mobility experience. (more…)
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.
First two models of the all-electric EQ brand – the EQC SUV and EQV MPV
Classic muscle cars are still in high demand in the US. The cool factor, myriad of aftermarket parts and powerful engines, are just some of the reasons why these cars are presently able to exchange hands for huge sums of money.
Jay Leno, the former Tonight Show host, has several of them. But the latest car that rolled into his shop, is something truly extraordinary. Believe it or not, this Dodge Charger was found in Sweden by Johan Eriksson, who painstakingly restored it to ‘beyond brand new’.
It was initially a race car but years of neglect had caused severe deterioration to the bodywork. Thankfully, Eriksson and his small team, managed to restore the car completely with the use of various different parts. Many of the interior’s trim pieces were crafted from aluminium.
Despite what it may look like, this 1968 Dodge Charger RTR is far from stock. In fact, it has more in common with Frankenstein than an original bearing its namesake. The car sits on a Corvette Chassis and is powered by a twin turbo V10 engine from a Viper.
It caused a bit of a stir at SEMA this year, where many stopped and took notice of the excellent level of workmanship that was carried out. The entire restoration process was tastefully done, allowing the car to look almost bone-stock from the outside, but revolutionary on the inside.
Check out the latest Jay Leno’s Garage video and let us know what you think of Eriksson’s creation and whether his efforts deserve more praise.
