Saturday, October 30, 2010

Citroen Lacoste

Citroën is poised to reveal an all new environmentally-efficient concept car at the upcoming Paris motor show. Called the Lacoste, the concept reflects its ‘back to essentials' and care-free roots through a minimalistic aesthetic that communicates a no-nonsense approach to motoring.

Designed as an emblem for a state-of-mind and a lifestyle, according to Citroen, the concept is devoid of a roof alluding to freedom, leisure and pleasure. Its high waistline, bulging fenders, short front and rear overhangs and golf ball-style wheels also represent Citroen's vision for turning the current 'always more' mantra on its head, focusing on the essentials that make motoring pleasurable all while retaining the highly sought-after 'premium' quality.

Inside, the simple dash is joined by a steering wheel that recalls that of the 2CV and Mehari, two of the more iconic and fun-loving designs ever created by the French marque. The technology on board also strikes a playful note, underlining the apparent paradox between design expertise and lightness of tone.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Lotus Elite

Lotus has revealed the first photos of the new Elite, a 2+2 seat GT that provides a glimpse into the future product range of the reinvigorated brand.

The Elite, whose design is meant to convey elegance in its purest form, measures in at 4600mm in length, 1900mm wide and 1320mm high and weighs in at 1650kg, putting it firmly in 911 and Vantage territory. The aesthetic of the exterior is meant to communicate the capability of its front-mid mounted 5.0-liter V8 engine, which delivers up to 611bhp and can propel the car to 60mph from a standstill in 3.5 seconds.

Group Lotus CEO Dany Bahar says 'market requirements' led to the decision to create the GT: "There will always be those who believe that Lotus should stick to small sports cars but we didn't take the decision to design something like the Elite lightly.

"It's worth noting this sector has been very successful for us in the past," he added.

Scheduled to be released in spring 2014, Bahar is confident the Elite will set a new benchmark in design, performance and emissions.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Peugeot EX1

Peugeot will reveal the EX1 concept at its showroom on the Champs Elysees on 29 September. Created to celebrate the French automaker's 200th anniversary but also to highlight the possibilities offered by electric power in creating new driving sensations, the two-seat ultra-light EX1 concept is cloaked in a highly aerodynamic body, which, paired with two electric motors generating 340bhp, has already enabled the concept to break two world records for acceleration.

The monocoque a carbon/honeycomb composite body is based on a 'water droplet'-shaped architecture, with the car's rear section built around two closely set rear wheels. Peugeot says the roadster's aesthetic – which incorporates design cues first seen on the SR1 concept and reference the RCZ and BB1 – highlights the lightweight nature that guided the vehicle's creation.

The interior, finished in 'pure' metals and embossed leather, features floor-mounted seats, two control handles (rather than a steering wheel) and individual screens – one for the river and another for the passenger. The cabin is accessed through reverse-opening doors.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Mini Scooter

The first two-wheeled electric Mini will make its world debut at the Paris motor show next week. The Scooter E, defined as 'spontaneous, flexible, CO2-free mobility in the characteristic style of the brand', features a host of Mini design cues transferred onto a vehicle with a much smaller footprint.

Mini is looking to gauge interest in a two-wheeled vehicle for lifestyle-led target groups with the Scooter E. The automaker claims the concept meets the mobility aspirations of those that value premium quality and advanced technology as well as sustainability, individual style and an emotional driving experience. It also sees the scooter as a means to attract a younger audience.

According to Mini, the design team identified new challenges for mobility in major urban areas just as the brand did with the original Mini 51 years ago, transferring the successful combination of driving fun, quality, design and individual style to a smaller vehicle ideally suited to cater to the growing needs or an increasingly urban society.

The Scooter E concept will be shown in two individual design versions in Paris – one a two-seat model and the other a single seater.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Audi e-tron Spyder

Audi revealed the latest iteration of its e-tron product range in the form of the e-tron Spyder concept at the 2010 Paris motor show.

The roadster, designed by Wolfram Luchner (exterior) and Ivo van Hulten (interior), showcases the brand's electric propulsion technology cloaked in an emotional two seat package.

Read our opinions of the concept in our 2010 Paris motor show highlights and see the gallery below for more images.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Ferrari SA

Ferrari will reveal the SA Aperta at the Paris motor show next week. Based on the 599 GTB Fiorano, the new open-top car is an exclusive model that pays homage to Pininfarina on the company's 80th anniversary. Only 80 will be built.

Named after both Sergio and Andrea Pininfarina (SA), the V12 powered roadster features a light soft top designed to be used in only the most adverse weather conditions. The SA's profile arches back from the A-post to two aerodynamic fins integrating the two roll-bars, which mimic the outline of the seats, while its windscreen is lower to the ground than any other Ferrari model - an attribute the sportscar maker claims lends the car exceptional aerodynamic characteristics.

Its interior is 'stylishly sporty', according to Ferrari, and features sophisticated materials, trim and colors throughout. The virtually endless combinations available guarantee that each and every SA Aperta is absolutely unique. Too bad they're all already spoken for.