Rinspeed Bamboo

Set to debut at the 2011 Geneva motor show, the Bamboo is Rinspeed's latest concept, offering some insight into the creative mind of CEO Frank M. Rinderknecht. Somewhat tame in appearance to previous concepts, the Bamboo urges that 'anyone not blinded by horsepower orgies, chrome tinsel and top-speed frenzy should take a closer look'.

The exterior of the car is said to evoke feelings and memories of the South of France in the sixties. Its clean, uncluttered minimal bodywork features very little detail other than the taught shoulder line that falls into the rear light cluster. The semi-covered rear arch and lack of front grille are, by Rinspeed's own admission, resemblant of a 'grown-up golf cart'.

The Bamboo, as the name suggests, makes extensive use of the material throughout the interior. The seats and many other interior features are made from a bamboo fiber, whilst the simplistic styling of the exterior is likely to be carried over to the interior.

The electric Bamboo concept measures in at 3889mm long, with a wheelbase of just over 2000mm, suggesting that interior space is generous. Rinspeed says the 54Kw motor delivers sprightly performance whilst offering a 105km range.

Chrysler 300C

The Detroit Motor Show will see Chrysler unveil its 2011 300C. Whilst benefiting from an extensive exterior refresh, the platform on which it is based remains unchanged, meaning that this 2011 model is little more than a face-lifted variant of the car that joined us in 2004.

The exterior of the 300C loses some of its forbearer's sinister styling; its imposing face has been substituted in favor of a softer, more rounded style, intersected only by the muscular wheel arches. The large Bentley-esque grille of the original has been reduced in size and is now framed by smaller lights that encase more intricate details. In side profile at least, the high shoulder line, weighty C-pillar and relatively narrow DLO remain to retain the familiar silhouette. The rear of the car has also undergone a mild redesign, receiving obligatory LED lighting in more upright and defined clusters, while the rear bumper sports a more sculpted look.

Inside, the car follows in the footsteps of the smaller 200 and aims to offer a more upmarket feel. Plusher and more tactile materials are used in abundance and the dash receives major alterations to accommodate a larger LCD monitor that forms the main focal point for the interior. A clearer dial binnacle and extensive use of softer leathers round out the interior updates.

Mini Paceman

Mini has revealed initial photos of a new concept that will be unveiled at the forthcoming NAIAS in Detroit. Essentially a two-door variant of the Countryman, the Paceman concept retains the Mini family appearance from the front - the familiar chrome-ringed headlights frame the three-slat grille - but the Paceman sports a more defined and angular hood to emphasize its face.

It is in side profile, however, that the biggest distinction can be made between the Paceman and the Countryman. Larger diameter wheels, wheelarches and side skirts add an element of aggression to the design. The roof and pillar arrangement are arguably the strongest elements of the new vehicle: the more aggressive and sloping roof meets at a wide C-pillar to create a more dynamic profile. The rear lights are also new, positioned at the outer edges of the rear in an attempt to emphasize the new car's wider track.

Though the company has yet to reveal photographs of the Paceman concept's interior, we expect the predominant focus to be on the oversized speedo and distinctive minimal dash, as with all Mini interiors. The center console that becomes a central rail will also be carried over from the Mini Countryman, while individual sculpted rear seats that share a singular backrest create a fully contoured passenger support, cocooning the rear occupants.

GMC Sierra

The GMC Sierra HD concept is a study into combining heavy-duty truck capabilities with a more believable off-road performance. Set to debut at the forthcoming NAIAS in Detroit, the concept adopts a purposeful stance with its wide track and tall profile. The major focal point of the truck is the large grille that extends down into the skid plate, which dominates the front end.

The boxy yet purposeful LED headlights sit neatly between the large grille and the bulbous arches, beneath which are large diameter off-road tires. The angular and taught exterior plays a unique trick in lending itself to cloaking the size of the truck, while also accentuating the proportions and masculinity of its design. The bed of the Sierra features a 'circuit board' protective cover and houses a 110v power outlet and air compressor in either rear fender.

The interior of the Sierra HD concept mirrors the simplistic and masculine exterior appearance, whilst being interspersed with luxury. Premium fittings, such as an integrated 80gb internal hard drive, two-tone grey leather seats and a steering wheel complimented by 'carbon-fiber' effect leather, adorn the cabin, while accessing the interior is made easier by the inclusion of power-assisted side steps that swing down to aid ingress and egress.