Dacia Duster Concept

Dacia Duster Concept

Dacia Duster Concept - Dacia's first concept crossover - is proud to be different. Seen from the driver's side, it is visibly a sporting coupé, yet passengers entering from the other side will see it as an MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle) with a traditionally opening front door and rear-hinged rear door which suggest plush travelling refinement.

Dacia Duster Concept's height of 1.49 metres, short front and rear overhangs (65cm and 80cm respectively), generous wheelbase (2.80m) and compact volumes (4.25m long, 1.64m wide) exude an overriding sense of robustness and sports appeal.
The front end features a broad bumper with two horizontal air-intake slits that suggest power. The grille features evident Dacia styling cues and is flanked by headlamps which wrap over the front wings to form a tapering line of light that stretches rearward towards the doors.

Viewed from the side, the clear-cut lines of the wheel arches and tall doors reinforce the impression that Dacia Duster Concept sits squarely on the road. The Anthracite Grey bodywork and extensive one-piece glazed sweep - made possible by the absence of a central pillar - highlights the styling of the sides which are unmistakably reminiscent of Dacia Duster Concept's graphic identity.
At the rear, the engraved Dacia logo further emphasizes the concept car's robust, dependable credentials.

Like Logan, Dacia Duster Concept is just 4.25 metres long, and its inherent agility ensures that it is perfectly at home in the urban jungle. Meanwhile, its 21-inch, five-spoke aluminium alloy wheels, exterior mirrors positioned on the window surround and trapezoidal aluminium exhaust tailpipes are telltale signs of its sporting pedigree.

Special care has gone into Dacia Duster Concept's aerodynamic efficiency (Cd: 0.30) and the fluid lines of the body sides enable air to flow freely along the vehicle's flanks before being jettisoned through the rear lights. The aerodynamic, wing-like forms of the roof-mounted direction indicators also channel airflow towards the rear. The sum of all this work has naturally been beneficial to fuel consumption, and Dacia Duster Concept stands out as a particularly environmentally-respectful crossover. Despite its performance potential, the particulate filterequipped 1.5 dCi 105hp engine (77kW) emits just 139g of CO2/km, equivalent to fuel consumption of 5.3 litres/100km.

A CROSSOVER WITH DACIA HALLMARKS
This futuristic crossover showcases the brand's core values - namely simplicity, robustness and authenticity - in a surprising form, yet Dacia's hallmark ingenuity and generosity are immediately apparent in the way designers have approached Dacia Duster Concept's cabin.

The concept car's two-tone chocolate and blue interior exudes a sense of well-being and conviviality. The fully glazed roof floods the cabin with light, while the enveloping forms of the staggered slim-line front seats provide first class comfort and support. The driver's seat is incorporated in a structure which extends all the way from the sill to the centre console, forming a sculptural, one-piece ensemble that echoes the exterior's sporty appeal.

The user-friendly dashboard features fluid, expressive lines while employing simple materials. The driver's side front airbag is housed in the lower part of the steeringwheel which has made it possible to position the screen centrally and free up appreciable stowage space on the dashboard. The latter's receding lines also provide record kneeroom of 280mm for the front passenger who benefits from an exceptionally comfortable seating position. The bellows-like form of the original two-tone dashboard incorporates a 20-litre glovebox, while the door inserts each include eight-litre stowage bins. Another bin has been cleverly concealed in the back of the rear right-hand seat. A simple push causes a box to slide forward from the boot which itself is in total keeping with the Dacia spirit, with the upright tailgate providing a carrying capacity of 470dm3 (VDA), a remarkable achievement for a vehicle of Dacia Duster Concept's compact overall dimensions.

Dacia Duster Concept is an adaptable, modular concept car. The four-seat 'daily driver' layout can be swiftly converted into a leisure configuration in a matter of seconds. The passenger seat slides underneath the driver's seat on rails concealed in the floor to leave just one front seat and consequently free up a total carrying volume of two cubic metres. Thanks to a recess in the floor and a strap located under the dashboard, this space can be used to carry a trials mountain bike.

Dimensions
* Length: 4,250 mm

* Width: 1,640 mm

* Height: 1,495 mm

* Overall width, doors open: 4,285 mm

* Wheelbase: 2,804 mm

* Front track: 1,637 mm

* Rear track: 1,640 mm

* Unladen weight: 1,300 kg

* Boot volume: 470 dm3 (VDA)

Technical data
* Engine type: dCi 105

* Maximum power: 105 hp (77 kW)

* Maximum torque: 240 Nm at 2,000rpm

* 0-100 km/h: 9.6 s

* CO2 emissions: 139g/km

* Combined cycle fuel consumption: equivalent to 5.3 litres/100km

* Transmission: Manual six-speed gearbox

* Tyres: 245/35 ZR21

* Wheels: 21-inch diameter wheels

Nissan Cube

Nissan Cube

Characterised by its rounded-off squared dimensions, it's easy to see how Nissan Cube got its name. Boasting bags of character, Cube also sports an asymmetric rear design, with a wrap-around window at the rear on the passenger side, and a pillar on the driver's side, giving a distinctive, striking design signature which is carried over from the previous generation of Nissan Cube.More than just unique geometry, however, the new Nissan Cube is also conceived as a totally different take on an automobile - a car that doesn't want to be defined as a car.

Bulldog in SunglassesThe all-new Nissan Cube builds on the existing DNA characterised by its non-traditional design, with an improved stance and an added sense of dynamic movement. With Cube's long wheelbase relative to its overall length (a 2530mm wheelbase against a 3980mm overall length) and wide track, the wheels, in effect, are pushed out to each corner - providing exceptional space utilisation and a confident-looking stance that is described as a "bulldog in sunglasses."With its stance, the incognito canine look is aided by the wide headlights and grille treatment, the small but substantial body proportions and the short tail section. In the rear, the bar-type taillights reinforce the wide, anchored feel. The Cube's creators also sought to maintain a sense of pure design, reducing the number of character lines to give simplicity and freshness to the styling.

Another unique aspect of the Cube's exterior is the greenhouse. The A-pillars are positioned far outward and relatively upright, giving a wider range of forward visibility. The front door windows utilize a photo frame design patterned after a personal photo frame, while the asymmetrical wraparound side/rear window creates enhanced rear diagonal visibility for lane changes and reverse parking.Unlike typical top-hinged or clamshell-style utility rear doors, Nissan Cube features an easy-access refrigerator-style opening, which makes it possible to open or close it even if parked tight against other cars in parallel parking spaces or when backed in against a wall or other obstacle.The Nissan Cube is available in several eye-catching colours, with evocative names like Witty Military, White Pearl, Sea Turquoise and Bitter Chocolate.Customers will be able to personalise their Cube, with designs available for the glass roof and also body stickers.

Casual Loung InteriorThe centrepiece of the new Cube's universal appeal is its surprisingly roomy interior that offers room for five in a lounge-like comfort. It creates a highly changeable space - for interacting with friends.Cube's clever, inspired and surprisingly open occupant space was conceived with a Jacuzzi Curve layout and floating meter pod driver's area. It combines casual lounge-style passenger seating with a relaxed driving experience. The interactive interior is anchored by its curve-themed architecture, such as the subtle wavy shaping of the instrument panel, door panels, seat shapes, and the iconic Water Drop that can be seen in the cupholders and the climate control design. They are inspired by nature and the calming way that ripples move outward from a drop in water.The comfortable Nissan Cube seating includes individual driver's and passenger seats, with a lounge sofa style sliding rear bench seat.The sliding rear seat can be adjusted to three positions and is positioned higher than the front seats, theatre style, enhancing rear passenger comfort and visibility.

Interior, Stress-Free Driving, Room For PersonalizationCube's stress-free driving experience is the result of a number of factors: a tall seating position made possible by the tall body height, an extremely short hood invisible length (the area of the hood panel that the driver is unable to see) and the good rear visibility for parking and reversing.The Nissan Cube interior also benefits from its large sunroof, giving a light and airy atmosphere. As well as the traditional blind to prevent heat build up on sunny days, there is a shoji shade, inspired by traditional Japanese shades made of rice paper which can be drawn across the sunroof, allowing light to enter but minimising heat build up!Other interior features include the floating pod instrument panel with asymmetrical light blue and white gauges, which are designed to make it easier to distinguish between the speedometer and the tachometer. The gauge needles sweep when the engine is started to add a sense of flair, while the gradation effect gives a natural ambience similar to the glow of the white moon and the blue earth.Convenient storage spaces and cup/bottle holders are abundant throughout the Nissan Cube interior. There are also detachable multi-hooks for holding bags or hats, which can be moved from place to place - including the instrument panel and rear doors.The shelf expression concept features two shelves located on top centre and passenger side of the instrument panel. The shelves can be personalized with accessory wood-like trim or shag carpeting. Cube's Magic Rubber Bands, another clever Cube accessory item, are colourful rubber straps (red, yellow, orange or silver) that slip into cutouts on the door armrests to secure items such as maps, nametags, photos, towels or small stuffed animals.The Nissan Cube interior is offered in two colour environments, Black and Beige. Both trims come with a quilted suede-like fabric with special natural wave stitching designed to provide a combination of relaxation and genuine driving enjoyment attitude.

Nissan Cube will appeal to customers who perhaps aren't passionate about cars, but are passionate about being individuals. Nissan Cube isn't a fashion statement, it's a mission statement: I'm serious about enjoying my life.Nissan Cube will offer car buyers something unique, distinctive, friendly and fun - a car as a true extension of its owners' personality.

Mitsubishi RA Concept

Mitsubishi RA Concept

The MITSUBISHI Concept-RA offers a unique interpretation of the sporty coupe. This two-seat pure coupe concept explores the transversely mounted, front engine packaging theme. Generous helpings of technology create a vehicle that combines exotic appeal, outstanding, fun-to-drive dynamics and heightened sensitivity for the environment

DesignThe Concept-RA displays athletic sport coupe proportions wrapped in dynamic flowing lines that provide a powerful and compelling showpiece for the car's advanced, high technology features, Developed as a technological showcase for Mitsubishi Motors. Broad, muscular wheel arches house 21-inch wheels and lend graphic expression to the high degree of road control and tenacious grip afforded by the next generation S-AWC system. Meanwhile, an exposed engine cover highlights the presence of the car's high output, efficient, clean diesel engine design. The Concept-RA's inverted-slant nose and trapezoidal grille fascia reinforce Mitsubishi Motors' new design identity, albeit suitably revised to reflect the concept's sporty coupe attributes.

Concept-RA's deep red exterior hue graphically accentuates the coupe's fluid, muscular body lines, and offsets a matte black engine hood that helps impart the vehicle's strong mechanical flavor. The interior has been developed to show a fusion of tradition with leading-edge touches. The cockpit's wraparound control layout uses minimal visual instrumentation and optimizes the switch and control layout. This reduces the driver's physical and mental workload, allowing full concentration on driving. The interior also makes extensive use of fine-quality natural materials in a design that delivers the utmost control, confidence, and vehicle involvement to the driver.

MechanicalThe MITSUBISHI Concept-RA's Super-All Wheel Control driveline is a next generation all-wheel-drive system that adds Active Steering and Active Suspension control to the ACD, AYC, ASC, and Sport ABS components that comprise the highly capable system used on the 2008 Lancer Evolution. Concept RA's S-AWC system integrally manages these components to realize advanced levels of control over drive torque, steering input, vehicle roll, and braking at each wheel, thereby raising traction, cornering and vehicle stability levels. Such capability affords Concept-RA intuitive, on-demand vehicle behavior that faithfully reflects driver intent by reacting instantly, under a variety of driving conditions, from everyday use to emergency avoidance situations.

MITSUBISHI Concept-RA is powered by a new, high output, high-efficiency 2.2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbo diesel engine with MIVEC. This clean diesel's MIVEC system incorporates valve lift control with low and high-speed cam profiles actuating the intake valves. A Piezoelectric injector, common-rail direct fuel injection system allows the engine to use of a lower static compression ratio. The new diesel showcases a VD/VG (Variable Diffuser / Variable Geometry) turbocharger whose internal vanes can control airflow over the turbine and compressor surfaces to produce optimum boost characteristics at all times. The efficient, low emissions diesel unit delivers a maximum output of 201 hp (150 kW) and maximum torque of 310 ft. lbs. (42.8 kg-m). For compliance with Tier 2 Bin 5 emission regulations in the United States, the clean diesel powerplant relies on a new catalytic converter system that combines a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), NOx trap catalyst (NTC) and diesel particulate filter (DPF) technologies.

In an effort to reduce vehicle weight to improve fuel economy, vehicle performance and safety, MITSUBISHI Concept-RA features a new, rigid body structure using an aluminum space frame made from extruded aluminum sections and die-cast aluminum components. In addition, the engine hood, fenders and other outer panels made from lightweight, impact-resistant and easily recyclable plastic resin.

Mazda Kazamai Concept

Mazda Kazamai Concept

Mazda Kazamai Concept is dynamic and athletic looking on the outside and displays an evolved Mazda Nagare 'flow' design. Unlike previous concept cars, Mazda Kazamai's styling represents powerful natural movements that are emotionally expressed through three-dimensional motifs stretching over the whole body, representing a fusion of design and functionality.Mazda Kazamai is an impressive combination of packaging requirements and design aesthetics. With a width of 1,930mm and a length of 4,520mm, it is slightly larger than the current Mazda3, with room for SUV comfort and functionality on the inside. Yet, because it is only 1,500mm high, has a flat roofline and very short rear overhangs, it also has a sporty coupe look with the promise of driving fun.
The innovative body design features flared fenders that emphasise SUV-like strength and a cabin befitting a sports car. The wedge-shaped profile was designed to evoke the image of a sleek arrow cutting through a mighty wind. In particular, the body design between the front wheel arches and the roof pillars is intended to express the agility and dynamism of wind gusting along the side of the vehicle. The panel lines on the sides represent swift and elegant crosswinds, further accentuating the dynamic and stylish body design. The bonnet itself is lower in the centre than at the sides, which emphasises the car's powerful front fenders that accommodate large, 22-inch diameter wheels with 265/45 R22 tyres.The five-point Mazda grille is integrated into the body to create a clean and light image which, together with the flared front lower sides, contributes to excellent aerodynamic characteristics. The aerodynamics are further improved by making the air intakes as small as possible. The side sill panels and rear combination light covers also help to control the wind flow and reduce drag even further.

Interior - SUV Functionality with Driving SafetyMazda Kazamai is a pure expression of speed and power, it also accommodates up to four passengers with compact SUV comfort and functionality. It was designed to fulfil many driver and vehicle interfaces so as to support the driver in enjoying safe and stress-free driving, with a well considered man/machine relationship, good visibility and an easy to operate cockpit. This is one of Mazda's important areas of the Sustainable Zoom-Zoom plan.

Lightweight and AerodynamicWeight reduction and superior aerodynamic performance are core technologies to improve both driving pleasure and environmental performance, especially improving fuel economy. Mazda will further focus on these crucial factors in order to achieve the goals of the Sustainable Zoom-Zoom plan. Despite its powerful exterior look, the Mazda Kazamai Concept's excellent aerodynamic performance is achieved through a flat floor panel, a rear diffuser, and a low roof line. The aim was to make the Mazda Kazamai's aerodynamics more than 10% better than other vehicles in its class.When Mazda set about reducing the bodyweight, they leveraged CAE applications and focused on four major areas: collision safety, handling, NVH, and strength. At the same time, lightweight materials and new processing/joining technologies were put to effective use. Aluminium or aluminium-alloy is used for the bonnet, chassis and engine block. The designers aimed to make Mazda Kazamai 100 kilograms lighter than similar models by employing plastics for the panels, fenders and the engine cover. These features also contribute to advanced handling and improved fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

Next-Generation Powertrain - 30 Percent Improvement in Fuel ConsumptionThe ideal powertrain match for the Mazda Kazamai Concept would be the next-generation 2.0-litre direct-injection petrol engine, which Mazda engineers are currently developing. This engine delivers a balance of sporty driving - especially in a compact car like the Mazda Kazamai - with good environmental performance. Mazda Kazamai will feature a DISI engine based on the current Mazda CX-7's engine, with advanced technologies to minimise energy loss and vastly improved thermal efficiency. Mazda's next generation 2.0-litre DISI petrol engine also has combustion control technology and variable valve control that deliver strong torque throughout the rev-range for excellent engine response as well as superior fuel economy. A next-generation catalyst also ensures superior emissions performance.

The engine is coupled to a lightweight, next-generation compact six-speed automatic transmission that is highly responsive and delivers the direct feel of a manual transmission, and with four-wheel drive for superior traction. In combination with Mazda Kazamai's next-generation aerodynamics and its lightweight body outlined above, this powertrain would deliver an estimated 30 percent improvement in fuel consumption and emissions (versus the current MZR 2.0-litre petrol) - without compromising driving pleasure.

Advanced Safety and Security FeaturesMazda Kazamai is lightweight, fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive, it is designed with safety as a key element. Its advanced body shell is a product of a new body structure programme currently being refined at Mazda with a lightweight structure that provides high levels of crash safety. Mazda Kazamai also has a long list of active safety features including roll stability control, blind-spot monitoring to assist lane change, a pre-crash safety system and advanced dynamic stability control (DSC). And to meet future pedestrian safety requirements, it has soft plastic fenders and a shock-cone aluminium bonnet that is very efficient in absorbing impact energy.

Also onboard the Mazda Kazamai is a personal security system. This advanced system monitors the area around and inside the car, and has an automatic alert system which informs the driver in the event of an emergency to help to protect both the owner and occupants.

Technical Specifications

* Dimensions
o Overall length: 4,520 mm
o Overall width: 1,930 mm
o Overall height: 1,500 mm
o Wheelbase: 2,780 mm

* Seating capacity: 4 people
* Engine: Next-generation 2.0L DISI petrol
* Transmission: Next-generation 6-speed AT

* Suspension
o Front: MacPherson Strut
o Rear: Multi-link

* Tyres: 265/45 R22 Bridgestone

Hyundai Genesis Coupe Concept

Hyundai Genesis Coupe Concept

The concept car heralds the introduction of an all-new, rear-wheel drive 2+2 sports coupe. Following the introduction earlier this year of the Concept Genesis sedan, Concept Genesis Coupe signals Hyundai's second step in broadening its appeal to driving enthusiasts.The Sonic Orange concept is complemented by a Ballistic Black carbon fiber hood, roof and ground effects for reduced weight. Strong hints of the production version are highlighted in its "Z" bodylines and powerful curves. When the production sports coupe arrives, it likely will be the most affordable 300+ horsepower car on the market, and the most dynamic performance car yet from Hyundai.The powerful curves, surface detail and "Z" bodyside lines come straight from the same underlying inspiration that guided two earlier, well-received concepts: the HCD9 Talus and the HCD8 sports tourer.

The undulating beltline borrowed from the Talus adds intrigue while enhancing outward visibility for both the driver and rear passengers. The HCD8 sports tourer's sensual body forms influenced the overall design theme while also providing direction for the concept's assertive headlight and taillight designs.

When viewed from a distance, the car is beautiful to look at. To complete the aggressive sports car look, the depth between the fenders and the greenhouse has been maximized.Three large heat extractors sculpted into the hood are designed to cool just about any powerful engine. When the concept becomes reality, three large openings in the front fascia will allow for better engine breathing.

The dual exhaust tips integrated into the rear fascia repeat the design theme of the front cooling ducts and are surrounded by a large carbon fiber air diffuser.An arching roofline and tapering greenhouse highlight the exterior profile and emphasize the car's broad shoulders and wide stance. Concept Genesis Coupe rides on 20-inch polished aluminum deep-dish wheels with Hankook 255/35 ZR front tires and 275/35 ZR rear tires.