As the Paris Motor show enters its final week, we round-up some of the top concept cars making the headlines. Mercedes revealed its new Generation EQ SUV. Said to preview how future Mercedes electric cars might look, the concept is powered by two electric motors and has a range of up to 310 miles. Volkswagen unveiled its new zero-emissions I.D. concept. Based on an all-new vehicle architecture, VW says the I.D. will be the first of a new fleet when it launches in 2020, with prices comparable to those of the current Golf. The Lexus UX features rear-hinged doors, sharp lines and a coupe like roofline. The concept is expected to heavily influence a forthcoming CT200h hatchback replacement in a more SUV-like guise. Meanwhile, Mitsubishi pulled the covers off its GT-PHEV Concept. The GT stands for Ground Tourer, with the large SUV’s plug-in hybrid system using three electric motors and a 2.5-litre petrol engine for a combined hybrid cruising range of over 720 miles and CO2 emissions as low as 26g/km.
The 2016 Paris Motor Show saw the unveiling of some highly anticipated performance cars. Ferrari revealed an open top LaFerrari Aperta. Thelimited-edition Aperta is available with a carbon-fibre roof or soft top and retains the same spec as its stablemate - resulting in a sub 3 second dash to 62 and a top speed of over 217mph. Honda gave a world debut to a new Civic Type R Prototype. Previewing an aggressive design direction for the production Type R - with plenty of carbon fibre and large 20-inch alloys - previous prototypes have often proved to be almost identical to the road car, which is set for market launch in late 2017. Hyundai chose Paris to launch its new performance N sub-brand with the RN30. Based on the new i30, the concept features a limited-slip differential, a lower, wider stance thanks to a motorsport-inspired body kit and is powered by an upgraded 2.0-litre turbo engine. Japanese electric vehicle specialist GLM unveiled its new G4 concept, based on the Savage Rivale Roadyacht GTS. Formally powered by a V8 petrol engine, this electric reworking has a total system output of over 540PS, with twin motors launching the G4 to 62 in less than 3.7 seconds.
The Paris Motor Show saw plenty of new SUVs as the segment continues to grow. Audi unveiled its new Q5 which has a completely fresh design. 90kg lighter than its predecessor, it features air suspension, revised engines and a focus on connectivity and technology. Meanwhile Peugeot revealed its seven-seat 5008. Available with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, a sporty GT model will also be on offer when it goes on sale in Spring, 2017 SsangYong's LIV-2 premium SUV is set for market launch next year as the all-new Rexton. Power will come from either a 2.2-litre diesel engine or a newly developed 2.0-litre petrol turbo. Suzuki flyweight Ignis made its European debut in production-ready form, while no SUV round-up would be complete without Land Rover and in this case, the all-new Discovery.
With the Paris Motor Show in full swing we take a look at some of the homegrown concept cars that are making the headlines. Renault revealed its super sexy all-electric Trezor concept. Featuring a power unit borrowed from the Renault Formula E team, it boasts 350 brake horse power and can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in under four seconds. Not to be outdone, Peugeot brought along its Fractal concept which has an electric motor on each axle delivering a combined total output of just over 200bhp. Described as an urban coupé, it comes with a removable roof to turn it into a stylish cabriolet. Citroën meanwhile, debuted its new CXPERIENCE petrol-electric plug-in hybrid concept. At just 1.37m tall, the low slung prototype features rear-hinged doors and a concave rear window for improved aerodynamics.
Citroën has revealed a new CXPERIENCE concept ahead of its Paris Motor Show debut next month. The plug-in hybrid features a new body style and is powered by a petrol engine combined with an 80 kW electric motor, for a total power output of 300bhp. The low slung concept is only 1.37m tall and features an elegant ‘living room’ inspired interior accessed via rear-hinged doors. The concept’s front end includes an original light signature with a new take on the Citroën's layered headlight identity, while at the rear, a concave window improves aerodynamics.
A collaboration between Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing has resulted in a new striking Hypercar - codenamed AM-RB 001. The project saw renowned F1 designer and Red Bull employee Adrian Newey realise his first ever road car - which will be built at Aston Martin’s Gaydon facility. Designed around a lightweight carbon fibre structure, the Hypercar features F1 inspired underfloor aerodynamics - promising unprecedented levels of downforce in a road car - and is powered by a mid-mounted V12 to achieve a power-to-weight ratio of 1 bhp per kilogram.
Citroen has unveiled a new concept – the Cactus M – aimed at outdoor types. The M pays homage to Citroen’s iconic Mehari, which also featured a completely open cabin, with drainage holes so it could easily be cleaned with a hosepipe. With a raised body and large wheels underlining its ‘go-anywhere’ ability, the concept also comes with a housing for surfboards and an inbuilt step for rear seat passenger access. The Citroen Cactus M will make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this month.
A new concept car, the Alpine Celebration, has been revealed at Le Mans. Celebrating the 60th anniversary of Renault’s racing department, the two-seater coupe was inspired by Alpine's motorsport heritage, and features sleek lines with carbon detailing. Finished in a deep blue with hints of orange, the colour scheme recalls the livery of past Le Mans entrys from Alpine, dating back as far as 1963. The Alpine Celebration is set to make an appearance next week at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Mercedes has pulled the covers off its new GLC Coupe concept SUV, at the Shanghai Auto Show. The 'close-to-production' vehicle provides a glimpse of forthcoming off-road models from Mercedes, with the sporty show car bringing the idea of the GLE Coupe into a more compact segment. Running on 21-inch wheels, the concept is powered by a 367bhp, V6 borrowed from Mercedes-AMG, with 520 Nm of torque mated to a 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system.
The Infiniti QX30 concept made its global world debut at the Geneva Motor Show. The premium compact crossover hints at its off-road capabilities with a high-riding stance and huge 21-inch wheels, while incorporating flowing styling cues from other Infiniti concepts. Aston Martin surprised everyone in Geneva with its DBX all-electric, all-wheel drive crossover concept. The DBX features a deliberate use of non-automotive standard materials on the inside, with Nubuck leather and spaceship style hi-tech equipment. Nissan revealed its Sway concept, designed to shake up the compact hatchback segment with its 'edgy' styling, characterised by bold contours and flared arches. The interior is easily accessible thanks to rear-hinged back doors and no central B-pillar. Bentley unveiled the EXP 10 Speed 6 concept – a high performance two seater powered by a new, advanced hybrid powertrain. With its short front overhang, long bonnet and low grille, the Speed 6’s design is said to be influenced by the aerodynamic shapes of aircraft fuselages and wings.
Land Rover's 'Transparent Bonnet' technology is to offer drivers a digital vision of the road ahead making the front of the car appear invisible. Cameras located in the front grille capture data which is fed to the Head-Up Display, effectively creating a 'see-through' view of the terrain through the bonnet and engine bay. Drivers climbing steep inclines or manoeuvring in tight spaces will see an augmented reality view showing the angle and position of the front wheels. The new technology will be showcased on the Discovery Vision Concept at the New York Auto Show.
With the 2014 New York Auto Show just around the corner, we take a look at some key cars that will be making their debuts. Kia is set to unveil an all-new Sedona midsize MPV - with room for up to eight passengers while Nissan is teasing us ahead of the global premiere of the next generation Murano SUV. Mercedes will debut the V8 biturbo-powered S 63 AMG Coupe. With 585bhp on tap, it promises true supercar performance -- and while we're on the subject, McLaren's new 650S Coupe and Spider will make their North American debuts in the Big Apple. The New York Auto Show runs from 18-27 April.
MINI has unveiled the Clubman Concept at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. Longer and wider than the current model, it features four regular doors and five fully-fledged seats. Aerodynamic wheel arches and a double roof spoiler accentuate a sporty look, while the characteristic split rear doors now feature integrated lights. On the inside, the leather-covered instrument panel appears to 'hover', while the display in the centre console adapts according to the content selected, or the situation on the road ahead.
Honda says the Civic Type R Concept points to the styling direction of the production version that will debut in Europe next year. The 'racing car for the road' signals the most extreme Civic Type R yet, with a sleek, aerodynamic profile and 20-inch wheels reflecting a car designed for high performance. Full technical details have yet to be confirmed but power will come courtesy of a two-litre, direct injection, four-cylinder VTEC Turbo engine from the Earth Dreams Technology range -- pumping out at least 280PS!
Toyota has unveiled the strikingly-styled FT-1 concept at the Detroit motor show. The new coupe is the work of Calty design, Toyota's Californian studio, which set out to create the ultimate sports car. The exterior features racecar cues with pronounced front wings, large air intakes, hefty exhaust ports and a retractable rear wing. The wraparound windscreen and set back A-pillars which increase visibility when cornering, are a nod to the 2000GT of the 1960s, while a contemporary F1-style steering wheel and head-up display, bring the concept bang up to date.
Mercedes has previewed a high-performance version of its new compact SUV, the Concept GLA 45 AMG. Powered by a 360bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, it can accelerate from rest to 62mph in under five seconds. The concept features all-wheel-drive, as well as a 7-speed sports transmission while a large front splitter, rear diffuser, twin-tailpipes and 'discreet' number 45 stickers underline its AMG performance credentials.
