Watch this real-life Transformer turn into a car and drive

We're sure this human-size Transformer would say that he does it for the kids, but somehow we think there's just as much adult-spec geeking out for anyone so in love with Transformers that they would be willing to build a costume and walk around wearing it in public. And, if we're honest, we ourselves are just geeky enough that we'd probably do it, too. For the kids, of course.

Check out this real-life Transformer street performer from Ann Arbor, Michigan convert from a walking and talking robot into a bright yellow Hummer/Cadillac thing that's actually capable of moving under its own power in the video below. After all, it's significantly more entertaining than the last couple Transformers films you probably saw in theaters...

 

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Rolls-Royce debuts Phantom Drophead Coupe Waterspeed Collection

For the next act in its Bespoke Collection, Rolls-Royce has found one of its own to celebrate with the Phantom Drophead Coupé Waterspeed Collection, noting the achievements of British land and water record-holder Sir Malcolm Campbell. Like a few other racers of his era in the 1920s and 1930s, Campbell used his Bluebird Motor Company and Bluebird Garage to fund his interest in motorsports. He would break the waterspeed record in 1937 in his Bluebird K3 powered by a Rolls-Royce R engine, traveling 126.33 miles per hour on Italy's Lake Maggiore.

We've seen sketches of what Rolls-Royce intended with the Waterspeed Collection, and the real thing is just as handsome, and the new model includes a number of firsts for the marque. The Maggiore Blue exterior paint is also used for highlights on the engine, the polished wheels, two-tone steering wheel and the dashboard. The tonneau cover normally finished in teak is instead done in hand-finished brushed steel, a closer contrast to the Windchill Grey interior. The Abachi wood veneers have also been bookmatched so that their grain evokes the wake of a speeding boat.

The droptop will be shown first at the Bluebird Garage Cafe in London on the site of the original garage, after which it will get its first wider showing at the Concorso D'Eleganza at Villa D'Este later this month.
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Volkswagen wants you to help design its new concept

Volkswagen wants a new concept car for a video game, and some of you are being invited to design one - we say "some of you" because the Volkswagen Design Contest is only open to students enrolled in design-related studies. If you can get over that hurdle, then you'll be glad to know that the contest just started on May 5 and submissions are due on August 15, in case you had nothing else to do with your summer break.

This isn't just about a car, though; if you read the small print at the contest site, entrants need to come up with a new concept video game for their car. Specialists are welcome, with submissions allowed to focus on just one or a few areas: exterior, interior, interface, graphics, color and trim. Teams of up to two are permitted, but VW wants each person's contribution to be clearly identifiable. And, naturally, they want their own brand character to be clearly visible as well.

Why all the minutiae? Because three winners will be selected by VW head designer Klaus Bischoff and his team, and their prize will be a six-month internship at the VW design center in Wolfsburg, Germany. Winners will be notified on September 30, 2014.
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Cars and coffee combine to make invigorating art [w/video]

Let's be honest; without coffee, nothing would ever get done. The cup of joe has done more to boost productivity than just about anything else on the planet. However, Romanian artist Adrian Mitu has found a new use for java - making fascinating automotive art.

Mitu's style is really cool just because of its simplicity. Essentially, he is using coffee in the same way other artists might use watercolors. His images start as pencil drawings, and then he adds details and depth with his brew. Occasionally, he even incorporates traditional inks with the coffee to add an extra dash of color.

According to a profile about Mitu on Romanian auto site Promotor, he studied architecture and interior design. However, his real love is cars. He started using coffee to paint one day because he was too lazy to get up and grab his standard colors. He dipped his paintbrush in the beverage next to him and hasn't quit since. Mitu goes by the name Aquarelief on Facebook and has a large portion of his portfolio for you to view. They are mostly automotive paintings but a few motorcycles and planes as well.

Check out our gallery above for some of his work or his Facebook page for a whole lot more. Scroll down for a video showing off how he uses coffee to create a watercolor. Unfortunately, it's not in English and there aren't subtitles. But he begins adding coffee to the drawing about four minutes into the short film.

Continue reading Cars and coffee combine to make invigorating art [w/video]

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BMW i creates high-design solar charging carport

With the first deliveries of the i3 under way, and the recent i8 press launch, the marketing push in the US for the BMW electric sub-brand has begun. These i vehicles are supposed to have a completely different feel from the rest of the brand's lineup. To complement their earth-friendly ethos, the Bavarian company commissioned BMW Group DesignworksUSA in California to create a solar carport concept that could keep the models sustainably topped up on power. It premiered alongside the i8 in Los Angeles at the electric sports coupe's media launch.

At first glance, the BMW i Solar Carport Concept looks like a pergola from a winery or a well-groomed garden, but like the i vehicles, the deeper you look, the more high-tech features there are. The sides feature carbon elements in a similar way that the i3 and i8 have a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic body. Bamboo forms the uprights because its quick-growing nature makes it rather sustainable, and the solar panels are strung along the top to harness energy.

Obviously the sun can't provide all of the energy that the electric cars need, and a BMW Wallbox Pro charger is also connected to the power grid as a supplement. It includes a readout telling users the amount of solar energy versus municipal electricity it's using.

The carport is just a concept for now, but it shows off the image that BMW wants for these new models. They are supposed to be green, premium vehicles with modern, eco-friendly design.
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Ugly Moto makes beautiful motorcycle art

Ugly Moto is a horrible name for a company that makes such wonderful motorcycle art. The creation of artist Francis Ooi, the company's illustrations focus on some of the iconic racing bikes of the 1960s and 1970s.

The artwork has an elegant simplicity that really makes it pop. It would fit just about anywhere from a home office to the bedroom of a young gearhead. Ooi has completed six illustrations so far covering classic cycles from Honda, Ducati, Yamaha and even Harley-Davidson. According to his site, the Suzuki RGB500 ridden by Barry Sheene will be the next one released. All of the prints are priced at $65 and are limited to 100 copies. They are all about 16.53 inches by 23.58 inches in size.

According to his website, these prints are just a hobby for Ooi and his real career is as the creative director at an ad agency. He creates the illustrations on his Mac, and he estimates that each design with about 800 components and layers takes about a month to complete.
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Vladimir Putin's all-Russian limo revealed

It seems like you can't turn on the news this year without seeing the icy stare of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Whether he's opening the Olympics, sending troops to the Ukrainian border or just riding a horse while shirtless, he's seemingly everywhere. But behind the scenes, Putin has a big engineering project under development to create a new Russian-built and engineered official limousine for him and other top officials.

?Russian media recently snapped a few pictures of the design concept. As you can see, the current version has the country's seal emblazoned all over the vehicle. The front end has the monolithic flatness that is associated with super high-end luxury cars from Bentley and Rolls-Royce. It's not exactly a beauty, but you probably wouldn't want to criticize the look to Putin's face. He doesn't seem to a guy who takes critique well. Prototypes of Putin's new limo are scheduled for testing later this year, and final production is planned for 2016.

Known as Project Cortege, the plan has several Russian automakers working together to design several vehicles, but the limo is the first priority. According to Yahoo Autos, the venture might even be getting some engineering input from Porsche. Putin has sunk an estimated $150 million to $400 million in government money into the project. Eventually, he wants it to spawn other vehicles - like a van and SUV.

This is actually the second attempt at a new Russian limousine. Initially, ZiL, which made vehicles for top officials in during the Communist era, was spearheading it, and its limo even started production. However, Putin was reportedly not happy with the design. Now, it's back to the drawing board.
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Volvo Concept Estate to spawn V90 luxury wagon, joining CUV and coupe

The Volvo Concept Estate garnered Autoblog's Editors' Choice award as our team's favorite reveal at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show earlier this month for its sleek take on Scandinavian design, and now it looks like we might actually see the sleek wagon in production. Volvo is reportedly considering using the concept as the basis for a replacement for the V70 wagon, dubbing the new model V90.

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2014 Chrysler 200 to set design tone for brand

Speaking with Wards Auto at this year's Detroit Auto Show, Chrysler design chief Ralph Gilles said that the next-generation Chrysler 200 will launch a whole new styling direction for the brand when it arrives for the 2014 model year. Gilles did not reveal any specific design cues or elements that will be found on the next 200, only saying that the new car "shares no surface language with any previous Chrysler we've ever seen."

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Revisited: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG by MEC Design

Berlin-based Mercedes-Benz tuner MEC Design has revisited the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. The fresh redesign of the cars aero kit consists of a new front bumper with LED insert and two-piece front spoiler lip finished in carbon fibre, its also available as a one-piece front spoiler lip. The rear bumper features an extreme diffuser in carbon finish but also available as GT3, Formula and Black Series style diffuser.

Other details include side skirts with optional four LEDs per side. It sports a rear spoiler in carbon finish and two-piece rear window spoiler in the vehicle color. The roof air scoop also comes colour matched to the vehicle while all body kit parts are optionally available in a carbon fiber finish.

The exhaust system features an MEC Design stainless steel sports rear muffler that roars a gigantic and muffled sound at higher rpm ranges than the standard AMG system. They also ensured that it can also be driven with the AMG Exhaust with simple adaptations to MEC Design quad-endpipes!

As for the suspension system, MEC Design hydraulic coilover suspension with LIFT-UP System was utilized allowing for height adjustment with a button. The system cuts 30mm at the front axle and while the rear axle sits up to 70mm lower. The car wears 20 inch MEC Design mecxtreme3 wheels with polished outer lips.

The interior sports MEC Design carbon/alcantara sports steering wheel with an aggressive and ergonomic shape. The shift-paddles and the lower triangle in the steering wheel are also finished in carbon fiber. Other visible interior details include the carbon finished center console, door panels, door frames, door sills and rear compartment between the seats. Seat cowl and seat cladding are available but not installed.

The MEC Design floor mats come in red leather trim and black double-contrast stitching and red MEC Design logo embroidery while the entire trunk was finished in Alcantara and red double-contrast stitching not to mention the red embroidered logo. The grill insert is painted in the vehicle’s color.

News Source: gtspirit

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Chip Foose custom 1953 Ford F-100 sells for $170K at Barrett-Jackson

There may not be a more recognizable name in the world of custom cars than Chip Foose, and those star-struck (and well-healed) fans of Foose just had the opportunity to purchase one of the designer's custom creations for their very own garage. This 1953 Ford F-100 pickup was created to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the one item just about everybody has in their toolbox: WD-40.

Way back when, WD-40 was sold by the Rocket Chemical Company, and the vintage artwork on the door highlights that little bit of trivia. Under the truck's massive flowing hood sits an original 239-cubic-inch flathead V8 engine, with appropriately modern updates, naturally. A set of one-off Foose wheels wearing Pirelli P Zero tires completes the aesthetic.

All proceeds from the vehicle sale will benefit two charities: Childhelp and Victory Junction.

1953 FORD F-100 CUSTOM PICKUP

Designed by legendary Hot-Rod designer and TV star Chip Foose, the WD-40/SEMA Cares Foose '53 Ford F-100 commemorates the 60th anniversary of WD-40 multi-use product. With a vintage "shop truck" look, updated drivetrain and suspension, and custom paint, this special pickup looks similar to the truck used to deliver the first case of the product in the early 50s, back when WD-40 Company was called Rocket Chemical Company. Features of the vehicle include: an original flathead engine from Edelbrock, speed equipment from Egge, BASF paint, one-off custom "vintage look" Foose wheels from MHT wheels, Pirelli P Zero tires, restoration parts from LMC Truck, a custom MagnaFlow exhaust, and more. Other companies that pitched in on the vehicle include: Street Scene Equipment, L&R Engine, American Autowire, Painless Performance, Quiet Ride Solutions, K&N, and McGard. All proceeds from the auctioned vehicle will benefit two SEMA Cares charities, Childhelp, an organization that provides services to abused and neglected children and Victory Junction, which provides life changing camping experiences to special needs and chronically ill children. **ALL PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT SEMA CARES** **WILL BE SOLD AT APPROXIMATELY 7:00PM ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2013**

News Source: Barrett-Jackson, Speed

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Honda Gear concept explored at Montreal Auto Show

Our friends at Autoblog Canada have just come away with a closer look at Honda's surprise Gear Concept at the Montreal Auto Show. The little three-door hatchback is arguably the automaker's first real shot at the North American city car market (the Gear is much smaller than the Fit) and may be an indication that Honda is getting serious about going after Scion on this side of the world after the CR-Z hybrid failed to deliver. Honda says the Gear Concept takes its inspiration from the fixed-gear bicycle scene, and should allow buyers an unprecedented level of customization. Designers also wanted to show that a car can be both fun and practical.

We're all for a compact stylish three door with functional room inside, but given Honda's propensity for draining the personality from its concepts on the way to production (at least the ones that don't look showroom ready), we don't hold much hope for the Gear.

Honda GEAR Concept Makes Global Debut at the Montreal International Auto Show

MONTREAL (January 17, 2012) – At today's Montreal International Auto Show, Honda Canada provided the world with its first look at the new GEAR Concept Study Model – a vehicle that demonstrates Honda's innovative approach to providing the automotive answer for young, urban, Gen-Y lifestyles.

Inspired by fixed-gear bicycles, GEAR is a concept that represents an entirely new way of looking at the sub-compact vehicle. It is simple and utilitarian, but also customizable, connected and full of personality.

"Subcompact cars are usually either utilitarian, but uninspiring or they're fun, zippy cars that are impractical and too expensive for the Gen-Y buyer," said Dave Marek, Design Director at Honda R&D Americas, Inc. "GEAR Concept tears down those walls – it's practical but fun, customizable, connected and affordable. Everything that young, discerning urban buyers would want in a car."

News Source: Honda via Autoblog Canada

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Lincoln to adopt Mini-like personalization strategy?

There's no single silver bullet that will cure all that ails the Lincoln brand, and Ford knows that just as surely as we do. Coming out with exciting new models like the well-received MKC crossover counts as several steps in the right direction, assuming of course that the production version is as appealing as the concept just shown at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, but more is needed. According to Jim Farley, executive vice president of Lincoln, one more trick may be "mass customization."

Put another way, Lincoln is considering ways to allow buyers to customize their new vehicles right off the showroom floor, similar to how things are done at Mini, and, to a lesser extent, Scion, where Farley previously served as corporate manager. Imagine, for instance, ordering a new MKC with a large Lincoln insignia embossed into the leather seatbacks, according to Automotive News.

While we're not so sure anybody is all that interested in paying extra for more Lincoln logos, it's a strategy that has proven rather fruitful at Mini. Only time will tell if Ford's erstwhile luxury division will once again be seen as something truly worth reaching for, and if customers are willing to pay a further premium for customization.

News Source: Automotive News - sub. req.

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Cadillac ELR, Nissan Resonance and Ford Atlas win Eyes on Design awards

This year's annual Eyes on Design awards were presented at the end of press days for the Detroit Auto Show on Tuesday. Given out for the best production and concept car designs that debuted at the show, and voted on by an esteemed panel of actual car designers, this year's award for best production vehicle design went to the 2014 Cadillac ELR. The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette, which was the show favorite among Autoblog editors, apparently did not impress the Eyes on Design judges enough with its all-new vent-festooned design.

The award for best concept design was actually split as a tie among the Nissan Resonance and Ford Atlas concepts. Last year's winners were the 2013 Ford Fusion and the Lexus LF-LC concept.

The Eyes on Design organization also presented a new honor this year called the Catalyst Award to Bob Lutz, former Vice Chairman of General Motors. Lutz is reported to have given a defense of design in his acceptance speech, arguing that advancements in quality across the industry as a whole have made good design a key differentiator for buyers.

News Source: The New York Times

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Chevy Malibu emergency refresh to include roomier rear seats, Impala styling tweaks

The Chevrolet Malibu is failing to sell at the pace General Motors would like, prompting the automaker to make the decision to refresh the midsize sedan just one year after a complete redesign. According to a report from Newsday, the main gripes from consumers center around the car's tepid styling and lack of room in the rear seat.

Naturally, styling is subjective, but the report indicates GM plans to bring the Malibu's styling more inline with its larger Impala sedan, making changes mostly to the front fascia. As far as rear-seat room goes, it's worth noting that the 2013 Malibu actually has less legroom than the old 2012 model; 36.9 inches versus 37.6. Shoulder and hip room, though, increased by two and three inches, respectively, with the redesign.

In any case, without major structural changes, there's no way the Malibu will reach the rear legroom levels set by such large so-called midsize sedans like the Honda Accord (38.5 inches) or Volkswagen Passat (39.1) due to the fact that it's sized to be a global car and not one specifically for the US market. And, considering the impending existence of the 2014 Impala, we don't expect any major structural changes to affect the Malibu's interior offerings.

It's somewhat unusual for an automaker to make such significant changes to a car after only one year of production. But with all of the hype surrounding the emergency refresh of the 2013 Honda Civic, this sort of thing could become more common moving forward.

News Source: Bloomberg via Newsday

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Aston Martin celebrates milestone with Centenary Vanquish

Aston Martin is marking its 100th anniversary with special edition versions of its V8 Vantage, DB9, Rapide and Vanquish. The automaker will only build 100 Centenary Edition versions of each car. The first of those is the Vanquish, which boasts a special graduated paint finish and sterling silver badges with a unique enamel inlay. Indoors, buyers can expect to find the same Deep Soft leather as used in the One-77, complete with contrast silver stitching and sterling silver sill plates bearing the car's individual number.

Those who pony up the cash for the Centenary models will also receive a box packed full of exclusive "gifts," including two glass keys, bespoke key pouches, silver cuff links, a silver Rollerball pen and a pair of Bang & Olufsen headphones. There's a silver polishing cloth in there as well. Near as we can tell, the Centenary Editions will remain mechanically identical to their non-bejeweled counterparts.

ASTON MARTIN DEBUTS EXCLUSIVE CENTENARY EDITION MODELS

Iconic British sports car brand Aston Martin is marking the start of its birthday celebrations today – 15 January – with the unveiling of a bespoke new Centenary Edition Vanquish.
The luxury brand's ultimate GT car showcases a painstakingly created Centenary Edition specification that will be available worldwide on just 100 examples of each of the car maker's model lines: V8 Vantage, DB9, Rapide and Vanquish.

 

Featuring a unique graduated paint finish, solid sterling silver Aston Martin wings badges with tailored 'trans flux' enamel inlay and a special Aston Martin hallmark, the exterior represents an exclusive new celebration of the company's 100-year history.

Aston Martin CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez, played a key role in the creation of the unique paint treatment, tasking Design Director Marek Reichman and his team with the development of a suitably exclusive and desirable specification.

Dr Bez explained: "Clearly, the centenary of Aston Martin is a great occasion for our business, our customers, and our fans around the world.

"It is only right, then, that we have developed these exceptional Centenary Edition models which will, I am sure, quickly become highly desirable and sought-after.
He added: "The chance to own and enjoy such a stunning piece of Aston Martin's heritage is made all the more rare by the fact that we are limiting numbers to just 100 of each model line. I am sure supporters and enthusiasts of the brand worldwide will be anxious to secure their chosen model quickly!"

A Centenary Edition Aston Martin is identified inside by its exclusive and luxurious treatment. Deep Soft black leather – previously featuring only in the One-77 hypercar – with contrasting silver stitching, a special silver thread embroidery of the Aston Martin wings in the head restraints and solid sterling silver sill plaques individually numbered with an Aston Martin hallmark are among the features unique to the car.

Each Centenary Edition model will also be supplied with a unique presentation box containing a number of exclusive gifts to mark the first 100 years of the company. These include two glass keys, two bespoke key pouches made from leather matching the car's interior trim, solid silver cufflinks featuring the Aston Martin script, solid silver Rollerball pen and high quality Bang & Olufsen headphones.

The gift box will also include a silver polishing cloth to help owners ensure the silver centenary wings badges and sill plaques on their car keep their lustre.
Some specification details will vary market by market around the world but all cars will, as ever, be painstakingly handcrafted at Aston Martin's global headquarters and state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Gaydon, in Warwickshire.

The process of creating the unique Centenary Edition paint finish, for instance, clearly demonstrates the brand's commitment to bespoke luxury. Adding an average of 18 hours to a paint process that can already take more than 50 hours to complete, the unique graduated finish is meticulously built by adding special 'tinters' to create the darker inner colour. This custom-made mixture is then applied to each panel by hand, using a special mini-jet spray gun.

Aston Martin Design Director Marek Reichman explained: "The team has looked closely at the individual contour lines of each of the cars to determine not only the right colours and shades, but also to create a template by which the paint changes from dark to light and where the graduated effect sits."

Available to order now, prices for the Centenary Edition models are obtainable on application at Aston Martin's 146 dealers in 46 countries worldwide.

 

News Source: Aston Martin

 

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2014 Lexus IS brings boldest design yet to entry-level luxury

Lexus is evidently dead serious about removing some of the starch from its collar, as evidenced by the boldly styled new IS sedan just unveiled here at the Detroit Auto Show. We didn't know what to make of Lexus' entry-level sport sedan when we first saw images of it earlier this week. Dominated by the gaping maw of a spindle grille and flanked by headlamps with Nike swoosh daytime running lamps, the photos showed a distinctive (if not completely cohesive) design. Having now seen the design in the metal, we have to admit it comes together better than it does on screen.

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Nissan Resonance Concept gives glimpse of next Murano

The Nissan Resonance Concept has bowed at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, giving the world a glimpse at the company's future design direction for crossovers. Specifically, the concept heralds what the next-generation Murano may look like once it touches down. Nissan has already confirmed the successor to the big crossover's throne will be produced in Mississippi for the first time. With a "floating" roof and dynamic head lamp arrays, the Resonance boasts a far more athletic appearance than the snub-nosed current generation. Inside, designers worked up a cockpit aimed at conveying what "the future of first-class space travel might be."

Nissan isn't saying what the upcoming Murano will have under the hood, but the Resonance boasts an all-wheel-drive hybrid powertrain with a small-displacement internal combustion engine and an electric motor. A lithium-ion battery delivers power while a CVT takes care of putting power to the wheels. 

INNOVATIVE NISSAN RESONANCE CONCEPT CROSSOVER FEATURES BOLD, DIFFERENTIATING STYLE

• Signals the future direction of Nissan crossovers with smart, edgy design
• Inspired by a new "innovation era" and optimism for a bright, energetic future
• Elevates the crossover experience with engaging aerodynamic exterior, spacious and sophisticated interior and advanced HEV powertrain
• Global concept aims to present an intelligent, fresh alternative for U.S. consumers

DETROIT (January 15, 2013) – With its boldly futuristic aerodynamic styling and fuel-efficient hybrid-electric powertrain, the Nissan Resonance concept proposes an all-new dynamic and edgy design that once again leads the trend for the crossover category. The global concept makes its world debut today at the 2013 North American International Auto Show.

Said Francois Bancon, Nissan Motor Co. division general manager, Product Strategy and Planning: "When the designers were first working on conceptualizing the Nissan Resonance, they were inspired by amazing scientific advancements in technology and material innovations. They also were inspired by the aspirations of those people who unabashedly embrace innovation and are optimistic about the future. It was about serving those people a concept vehicle that is forward-looking and fuses style with an athletic ride."

While seen as a concept of global relevance, Resonance was created by Nissan Design America, San Diego, CA, under the direction of Shiro Nakamura, senior vice president and chief creative officer of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

An Energetic, Premium Exterior Design that Resonates
Light on its feet, the exterior design signals that Nissan Resonance is pushing the crossover segment forward.

The energetic surfaces show a counterpoint of dynamic fluidity and pure edginess. Nissan's designers worked to express an aerodynamic feel that was lightweight yet also protective, and drew inspiration from the futuristic allure of hypersonic travel.

The front exterior design shows the V-Motion, which starts from the front grille, moves through the hood and resonates with the iconic boomerang shaped headlights. The body is strengthened by powerful surfaces and provocative lines and is accented by the flow through the car to the kick-up shape around D-Pillar. These distinct details give the crossover a very advanced yet spacious impression.

The roof's unique "floating" design is created through the use of the thin, steeply raked A-pillars, large full-length glass panel and flowing D-pillar design. The effect created gives the impression of a flowing structure carried by the large windows and overall spaciousness of the cabin.

The body color, named Flare Orange, adds even more energy and warmth to the overall exterior design. Other exterior features include a tinted acrylic grille with Satin Chrome accents and 22-inch, full dynamic flow aluminum-alloy wheels.

Inside, a Futuristic VIP Lounge
With the interior, the designers imagined what the future of first-class space travel might be: Welcoming yet exclusive and high-tech yet premium. The resulting "VIP lounge," with its light, buttery leather and premium-stitched seats, exudes genuine sophistication.

Thoughtfully considered details, including sequential welcome lighting, add warmth and drama upon entering the vehicle. The dramatic interior illumination highlights the natural wood pattern in the modern cabin.

An advanced instrument panel floats on a generous console, creating a forum where the driver can access all infotainment and communication features. Technology is graphically layered to give a holographic experience and visual depth is used to separate information in order of importance.

The open glass roof gives passengers a unique panoramic view of the world and floating elements like the roof lining add to the sense of space and airy lightness. The spacious interior atmosphere is enhanced by the sculpted door panels and elegant, deep shape of the center console.

Said Bancon: "The Resonance interior reflects the enlightened modernity of today's crossover buyer, who values an amazing experience over traditional indulgence. The architecture of the cabin is open and structured. Like the exterior, it redefines and pushes the segment beyond convention."

Sustainably Dynamic Performance
Though Resonance is presented strictly as a design concept, its efficient hybrid electric drivetrain signals the desire by crossover drivers to be respectful of the environment without sacrificing driving pleasure. The all-wheel drive Resonance includes Nissan's proprietary "one-motor, two-clutch" system that combines a smaller displacement internal combustion gasoline engine with an electric motor/lithium-ion battery and advanced management system. Resonance also features Nissan's next-generation Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission).

An Other-Worldly Concept for Real-World Customers
The bold Resonance follows Nissan's longstanding leadership in crossover design, demonstrated by such cutting-edge vehicles as Murano, Qashqai and Juke, while pushing the boundaries of design into another dimension.

Concluded Bancon: "Resonance is meant to be provocative, energetic and engaging – even polarizing. Its edgy yet sophisticated design, combined with an environmentally sensitive powertrain and intelligent utility provides a clear, exciting view into the future of crossover innovation.

"This design is not meant to appeal to traditional two-box SUV shoppers, but rather to those whose fashion and design choices make a statement. For Nissan, this concept makes our statement about the future of this segment."

News Source: Nissan

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Jon Sibal renders the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7R

General Motors has made it very clear the 2014 Chevrolet C7 Corvette borrowed more than a few engineering tricks from the mighty Corvette Racing C6R, leaving us to ponder on what exactly a C7R might look like. It seems our friend Jon Sibal was wondering the exact same thing. The designer recently took the time to whip up a rendering of an American Le Mans Series-prepared version of the new sportscar, and the creation looks as sinister on our screens as it did in our imaginations. With its exposed carbon fiber, matte black graphics, yellow lighting and center lug wheels, this rendering looks appropriately sinister.

Here's hoping Corvette Racing is paying attention. So far, the outfit hasn't said one word about its own take on the 2014 Corvette, but you can bet your lunch money the machine will give the rest of the competitors in the ALMS GT class something to sweat over. 

News Source: Jon Sibal via Facebook

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Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis Concept takes a sleek look at the future

After seeing the promising lines of Hyundai's latest concept car last week in a shadowy teased rendering, we now have a better idea about what this sleek concept is all about. The 2013 Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis Concept received its official debut today at the Detroit Auto Show, and it's expected to be a pretty good indication of the styling direction for the next-generation Genesis sedan, although not quite the real deal.

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