Hummer H3R Off Road Concept, 2007

Hummer H3R Off Road Concept, 2007

 

Primarily to the efforts of the Team HUMMER racing team, led by Rod Hall, the HUMMER H3 has quickly proved to be a formidable off-road competitor. It runs - and wins - in stock-class off-road races, where racers must rely on production chassis and powertrains. The H3R pays homage to the racing SUV while pushing the envelope on what could be considered "stock" - supposing the factory decided to drop in the 505-horsepower, 7.0L V-8 from the Corvette Z06. In addition to the high-powered engine, the H3R also sports a number of racing-inspired exterior modifications and an interior that blends racing functionality with boulevard comfort and convenience. No, a production H3 equipped with an LS7 engine isn't in the cards, but for 2008, HUMMER offers the H3 Alpha, which is powered by a new, 300-hp 5.3L all-aluminum V-8.

Vehicle highlights
    * H3R concept
    * LS7 7.0L V-8 with 505 horsepower and Hydra-Matic 4L60 electronically controlled four-speed transmission
    * Custom valve covers and ignition coil covers
    * New, forward-tilting hood with Lexan see-through insert
    * Power-operated hood hinges
    * Custom air induction system with dual air boxes
    * Racing-inspired paint scheme with custom badging
    * Off-road lighting package with unique light bar
    * Custom rear dual exhaust system with four outlets
    * Wheel flares with quick-remove fasteners
    * HID headlamps from Starr Lighting
    * Clear front corner lamp lenses
    * Front bull bar
    * Body-color "Jerry" can mounted on the spare tire carrier
    * Twenty-inch wheels
    * Mickey Thompson Bear Claw 35-inch off-road tires
    * Rotora high-performance brake package
    * Fixed quarter window inserts
    * Eaton front locking differential
    * Enhanced cooling system with larger radiator
    * Modified suspension with Tenneco/Rancho four-inch lift package and Rancho reservoir shocks
    * Re-trimmed interior with brushed metal accents and trim
    * Front racing seats with five-point safety harnesses and weather-resistant seat material
    * Simpson window safety net
    * Washable rubber floor covering replaces carpeting
    * Navigation radio system
    * Off-road integrated display gauge package with compass, inclinometer, altimeter and timer
    * Auxiliary performance gauges
    * Auxiliary 20-gallon fuel tank
    * Second-row seats deleted
    * Cargo-area spare tire mount

GM Accessories (production and concept)
    * Rocker protectors
    * Underbody shield
    * Side-window weather deflector
    * Roadside assistance package
    * First-aid kit
    * Hitch receiver cover
    * Body-color grille

Hummer H3X, 2007

Hummer H3X, 2007

 

DETROIT - Less than a year after the H3 went on sale, HUMMER is unveiling a new model called the H3x. It is based on the H3 Street concept shown at the automotive industry's annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in November.

The 2007 H3x, designed to appeal to buyers with an interest in a customized appearance, injects new energy into the HUMMER lineup, while delivering the brand's trademark iconic bold design and unmatched off-road prowess.

The H3x begins with an H3 equipped with the Luxury package, chrome tube steps, chrome appearance package and chrome fuel door. The package also includes a body-color grille and spare tire cover, unique tires, wheels and center cap, and a brush guard. The interior features embroidered headrests.

Consumers can further personalize their H3x with any of the H3's eight exterior colors and three leather interiors. The model is scheduled to arrive in dealerships in late summer of 2006. It will be available only in the United States and Canada.
* H3X was initially called the H3 Street.

Volvo Caresto V8 Speedster Concept, 2007

Volvo Caresto V8 Speedster Concept, 2007

 

 

First shown at last year's SEMA show, the Caresto Hot Rod was so well received Volvo Cars brought it back for the 2007 show as a compliment to the Caresto C70 Convertible. Completely hand assembled from aluminum and carbon fiber, the Caresto Hot Rod features many Volvo parts, including the mid-engine 311-horsepower V8 engine. Craftsmanship is what sets the Caresto Hot Rod apart from many other custom cars. Precision fit and finish is evidenced on every body panel and stitch of premium leather.

Volvo Heico C30 SEMA Concept, 2007

Volvo Heico C30 SEMA Concept, 2007

 

 Windswept beaches, twisty island roads and outrageous North Shore waves have just landed in the middle of the Nevada desert. Yet this is not a mirage. It's the groundswell of excitement generated by the debut of the breathtaking Volvo C30 by Heico Sportiv. One look at this modified special-version C30 is enough to spark island fever among those longing to leave civilization behind and embrace the Aloha spirit of adventure.

The beauty of Volvo's new C30 is that it begs to be customized. Like a blank canvas or a pristine white sand beach, Heico's designers dressed the solid white flanks of the C30's exterior with a radiant, splashy orange surf-pattern kit. The bright orange wave originates at the lower front fenders, artfully climbs up the doors, crests the edges of the tailgate and wraps neatly around the rear fascia.

Inspired by the well-toned surfers who spend countless hours battling the waves, the Heico C30's refined bodywork is rippling with its own athletic, muscular appearance. Widened fender flares and lower side skirts are painted to match the body for a seamless appearance. The front features integrated spoiler flaps, three larger air ducts, combined fog and cornering lights and a sport grille emblazoned with Volvo's iron mark. A deeper and wider rear skirt frames quad stainless-steel exhaust pipes.

The hunkered-down look is further accentuated by a modified sport suspension with performance shocks and springs that lower the vehicle by 40 mm. An awesome set of 19-inch five-spoke light alloy VOLUTION® V TITAN wheels is wrapped with low-profile 235/35R19 Continental Sport Contact III tires. Bringing the action to a stop is the job of the enhanced four-piston brake system. Ocean-blue painted calipers displaying the Heico Sportiv logo grab onto 326 x 30 mm discs via sport brake pads.

Surfing is a highly addictive sport that's guaranteed to generate an adrenaline rush for the experienced and novice alike. The same can be said about the enhanced capabilities of the Heico C30's modified powerplant. The stock 2.5-liter 5-cylinder turbocharged engine has been massaged to deliver a robust 300 horsepower at 5500 rpm and a stout 309 lb.-ft. of torque at 3500 rpm. So equipped, Heico says this C30 can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.4 seconds.

The turbocharger and intercooler have been modified for enhanced performance while breathing is improved via a Heico sport air filter. To ensure that the engine delivers the goods, Heico has fitted an enhanced ECU power upgrade to the show car. Since enthusiasts like to take matters into their own hands, the C30 is equipped with Volvo's slick-shifting six-speed manual gearbox that transmits power to the front wheels. All of the safety features found on the production C30, including Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) remain operative on this totally radical ride.

Vibrant sights and sounds of the islands have been lavishly interpreted and applied to the Heico C30's cabin. Open the door and even the most jaded dude or dudette is apt to exclaim "Cowabunga!" The interior takes the orange theme to the next level. Like a spectacular ocean sunset, tropical flowers or custom surfboard, the depth and richness of the hue is sure to cause double and triple takes.

The bespoke high-quality sport bucket seats emblazoned with the Heico Sportiv logos are swathed in rich orange leather with matching orange stitching. But the Heico team didn't stop there. The material also covers the split-folding rear seats, door panels, steering wheel, floor console armrest, shift knob and parking brake handle. Meanwhile, the matching shade of orange has been skillfully applied to the dashboard, floor mats and even the seatbelts.

Building upon the C30's high tech ambience, stainless steel doorsills with the Heico Sportiv logo add to the look of luxury. The C30's signature super-slim center console is covered with brushed aluminum like the production car. The alloy theme continues with Heico's aluminum pedal set, driver's footrest and aluminum door pins.

Isuzu Ascender, 2007

Isuzu Ascender, 2007

 

IntelliChoice named the 2006 Ascender 5-Passenger a "Top Winner" in its class for both lowest fuel cost and lowest operating cost, and a "Smart Choice" in eight other categories. Isuzu's flagship SUV returns for 2007, sized "just right" to offer plenty of room for five passengers, and with the multiple award-winning 4.2-liter inline six- cylinder engine under its hood. Changes include the following:

    * Tire Pressure Monitoring System added as standard equipment on all models
    * Bering Blue Metallic replaces Adriatic Blue Metallic
    * Storm Gray Metallic replaces Graphite Gray Metallic
    * Six-spoke machined-finish alloy wheels replace painted wheels as standard equipment
    * OnStar communication system discontinued as an available option
    * 7-Passenger model discontinued
    * Trim levels are unchanged. Both 2WD and 4WD models are available in base S trim and offer optional Preferred Equipment, LS, Leather and Luxury packages.

Volkswagen Up Concept, 2007

Volkswagen Up Concept, 2007

 

 

 

There are cars that endure for all times. They are icons of their type, masterpieces of craftsmanship and technology; they put ideas into motion, make progress tangible and sometimes quite simply make everyday life better, more practical and enjoyable. Many of these cars carry the VW logo. "Bug, Beetle, New Beetle", "T1, Bulli, Samba bus, California", "Golf, GTI". Now Volkswagen is presenting - as a world premiere at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt - a concept car that once again has the right stuff needed to move more than just one generation. It is a small, pure and high-spirited Volkswagen that pays tribute to its environment. The overall concept is marked by an innovative, clear, intuitive functionality. The name of the concept car: up! - a positive name that is a synonym for departure, activity, dynamics and the future. "For Volkswagen", says Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Board Member with Responsibility for Technical Development, "the response of IAA visitors will be a decisive test to determine whether the concept has the same kind of potential possessed by the Beetle at one time or by the Golf today."

Concept
The up! is a city specialist, a car for four persons and all languages, for the job, the university, the drive to the beach and the excursion outside the city gates. A small car that shows a lot of size, because it offers more space than any other car of similar length (3.45 meters) and width (1.63 meters). Its engine - conceivable here are all facets of technology that can be sensibly applied - will run in the rear. And that changes everything: Space, mood and design.Walter de Silva, Chief Designer of the Volkswagen group, sums it up like this: "The up! is not a car whose form will become obsolete within a very brief period of time. It shines in its cleverness and yet is made with loving care. And so the up! is a clear and strong statement for future Volkswagen design." Furthermore, the team of designers and engineers has envisioned the up! concept car as the first member of an entire model line; other facets are entirely conceivable.

Exterior design
The fact that the engine of the up! runs in the rear has a decisive inf luence on its exterior design. That is because the up! has no classic radiator grille. It forges links to the Beetle. This fact alone gives it a great deal of independence. Dominant design characteristics are the headlamps that take an inward and diagonal line, between them the horizontally arranged air vents, the VW logo (as one of the few details kept in chrome), the tailgate that extends far forward and the smooth bumper with a circumferential black stripe as a detail of the "happy face" that is typical of Volkswagen.

The powerful appearance of the up!, despite all of its compactness, is emphasized by a very wide track width (1.42 meters) relative to vehicle width. The wheels are flush with the sporty outboard wheel arches and side skirts. The radial design of the wheels and surfaces extending right up to the edge of the rim make the 18-inch wheels appear significantly larger than they actually are.

The wheels that are arranged far outboard in the bumper areas reduce body overhangs to a minimum. All of these features are part of an unmistakable side profile with a very long roof arch as well as clear and large surfaces. Giving shape to its style here are the large doors and the lateral window surfaces, which incline sharply upward at the height of the rear wheel arch and thereby help to form the very independent C-pillar design.

Interior design
Mounting the engine in the rear opened up entirely new interior concepts. Relative to its exterior size, the space offering is exceptionally forward-thinking. The same is true of its variability: Except for the driver's seat, all other seats can be folded and removed. Since they are designed as light shells, they can be quickly stowed in one of the cargo areas - besides the front trunk there is also one in the rear - to free up space. Afterwards, the entire passenger compartment length can be utilized as a storage area for especially bulky objects.

To achieve the high level of seating comfort that is usual at Volkswagen, besides their ergonomic design, in the case of the up! this level of comfort is also attained by a simple yet very effective trick: Similar to a self-inf lating air mattress, air can be sucked out of the seat surfaces via a valve. This means that the seats can be adjusted 1:1 to the body anatomies of the occupants who have just
taken a seat.

Intuitive controls
On its up! concept car, Volkswagen is presenting some completely new solutions when it comes to operator controls. Klaus Bischoff, Chief Designer for the Volkswagen Brand, comments on this: "Another reason the up! is so fascinating is because everything, every detail, was thought out anew. In the interior we have a touchscreen with new proximity sensor technology for controlling the navigation, radio, trip computer and climate control systems. It is operated absolutely intuitively. As a result, the most complicated functions can be controlled like child's play."

The up! has two central displays. In the cockpit, a 8-inch monitor shows the driver key information such as vehicle speed, fuel level and range, as well as momentary CO2 emissions.

Peugeot Flux Concept, 2007

Peugeot Flux Concept, 2007

 

The concept car Flux, designed by Mihai Panaitescu, won the 4th Peugeot design competition. The car was designed to achieve universal pleasure by adapting different lifestyle situations. The theme of this fourth competition, summed up by acronym P.L.E.A.S.E. Innovate!, has inspired creativity of web based designers throughout world, resulting in more than 4,000 projects.

Complimenting present automotive aspirations, Flux has shown the theme’s most relevant illustrations, since its concept corresponds to a type of car that achieves utter driving Pleasure through its Light weight and Efficiency, while at the same time remaining Accessible through the Simplicity and Ecology of its design.

The Flux was chosen by a jury chaired by Frédéric Saint-Geours, General Manager of Automobiles Peugeot and made up of Peugeot representatives, its Style Centre, Xbox, but also of web based people who voted online.

Unveiled at this year’s Geneva show, and thanks to its sophisticated design, Flux will be making a second appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Flux will appear ‘real’ in the form of a full-scale model presented at Peugeot’s exhibition space and ‘virtual’ in a new version of the PGR 4 game on Xbox 360. These two elements constitute the two most fantastic prizes of the 4th Peugeot design competition.

The 4th design competition attracted greater participation, with more than 200 additional projects compared with the 3rd competition (4,029 compared with 3,800), confirming its international appeal, with 113 countries represented as opposed to 107 in the last competition.