We’ve been hearing about a luxury rear-wheel drive sedan from Hyundai aiming at the Dubbed Genesis, Hyundai’s full size-luxury sedan concept seems to have lost any ties it might have had with the 2002 HCD-7, and instead it looks like a rebaged
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Believe it or not, Sbarro’s Jumpy Atlante Concept is actually based on Citroen’s Jumper Van. And well, that’s about all the interest we’ll ever have on this one-of-a-kind 6seater Cabrio which looks like it hopped out of a "My little Pony" episode...-Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see a high-res image gallery
Technorati: Sbarro+Citroen+Jumpy, Citroen+Jumpy, Geneva+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, images, pictures, 2007
Words from my part are totally unnecessary here as the picture speaks for itself. Still, feel free to comment below… Pic Via: Autoblog.it
The Gran Tourismo Coupe was met with enthusiasm from both journalists and consumers alike but despite the rumors, Opel hasn’t decided whether it’ll produce it or not. That makes Opel’s report on its Swiss adventures over the few past decades even more interesting since it not only refreshes our memories but it also offers us a chance to see what happened to their previous concepts. Undeniably, petroholics will find the sexy “Press Release: Advanced Opel Concept Cars in
1975 – Opel Geneve
In
1982 – Opel Corsa Spider
The spectacular fiberglass “Corsa Spider” concept car was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 1982. Cover plates were used to complete the transformation from a four-seater to a two-seater. In the same way, covering the front passenger seat gave the Spider the look of a single-seat race car. Much to the dismay of many fans, Opel did not put the “Corsa Spider” into production.
1992 – Opel Twin
Highlights of the Twin concept car included interchangeable drive units, with the engine, transmission, rear axle and energy accumulator housed inside. This allowed the vehicle to run on whichever drive assembly made the most environmental and economical sense. For highway driving for instance, there was a three-cylinder gasoline engine (0.8 liter, 34 hp) and for city or short distance driving, an electric unit with two wheel-hub motors (each with 14 hp). Arranging all the drive assemblies in the rear allowed for a variation to the usual seating layout. Instead of sitting front left, the driver had a central single-seat position, while three more passengers were able to sit in the back.
1995 – Opel Maxx
Instead of a conventional steel body, the Opel Maxx had a stable light alloy structure made of extruded aluminum profiles like a cage, which was visible from the outside. The form and dimensions of the profiles were variable, ensuring exceptional flexibility. The idea behind it was that instead of the two-door and two-seat basic version, Opel was also able to build a four-door extended version with four or even six seats.
1997 – Opel Signum Concept
The Signum was a concept for an elegant sedan with a long wheelbase and very spacious passenger compartment, featuring an interior arrangement with unprecedented flexibility in a car of this kind. The new idea became reality in 2003, when Opel launched a Signum that reflected the principle and innovation of the initial concept: maximum interior size and flexibility.
1999 – Opel Concept A
Distinguishing features of the “Concept A” microvan study were exceptional design, high levels of functionality and ultra-modern, environmentally compatible propulsion technology. Its striking look was just as impressive as its high variability, which allowed the compact five-door microvan to be transformed from a four-seater into a spacious load carrier. Raised seat positions made getting into and out of the vehicle easier and made traveling more relaxing. The smart Opel fun car was powered by a particularly low-emission “bivalent” engine and, at the touch of a button, ran on gasoline or compressed natural gas. The Concept A served as the forerunner to the Agila.
2002 – Opel Concept M
The “Concept M” was a sporty and environmentally-friendly concept van from Opel. With a height of 1.62 meters, the dynamically styled, compact body had plenty of space for four passengers. The 1.6-liter, 110 kW/150 hp natural gas turbo engine, combined with the automated “Easytronic” manual transmission familiar from the Corsa, formed a very promising drivetrain concept. The high-quality cabin was also ultra-modern and boasted great potential for a variety of innovative and flexible interior solutions. The Concept M became a great market success as the Meriva.
2003 – Opel GTC Geneve
With the GTC Genève, Opel unveiled a sporty three-door concept car that inspired many elements of the Astra GTC and showcased both high dynamics combined with comfortable seating for four people. The champagne-silver concept car featured a tinted, transparent roof that stretched from the windshield to the rear window, and the design team took the GTC's proportions (length/width/height: 4349/1773/1352 mm) to the extreme.
2004 – Opel Trixx
The Opel TRIXX was a true multi-talent. There was either room for up to three adults and one child, or plenty of load capacity as a one-seater. Three electrically powered pantograph doors enabled very easy access for passengers and luggage loading. Other ingenious ideas included an inflatable rear seat, a foldaway front passenger's seat and a rear pull-out luggage rack. This clever feature, which is today known as “Flex-Fix”, is now in series production and optionally available for the new Corsa and Antara.
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PRESS RELEASE: Hyundai Unveils QarmaQ
-Sporty Crossover Coupé makes debut in
-Elastic Front safety system reduces pedestrian injury-
-Eco-focused technologies lower weight, fuel consumption and CO2-
At the Geneva International Motor Show today, Hyundai Motor Co. and GE Plastics presented QarmaQ, a first in the Crossover Coupe segment. The QarmaQ is Hyundai's Advanced Technology Demonstration Vehicle (ATDV) that showcases over 30 different environmentally progressive technologies led by the innovative “Elastic Front™”, an innovative solution that can help reduce the risk of severe injuries in Crossover Utility Vehicles (CUV) pedestrian collisions.
Designed at Hyundai Motor Europe's Design and
“At Hyundai, we believe in innovation for humanity, and QarmaQ demonstrates our commitment to safety innovation and our determination to bring more environmentally responsible technologies to the market,” said Dr. Kwon Moon-Shik, Hyundai Motor's vice president of advanced technology. “We chose to partner with GE Plastics because of their commitment to the environment and their wide range of innovative materials and technical capabilities. Technologies from QarmaQ will provide Hyundai owners with a safer, more environmentally responsible car and a better driving experience.”
The QarmaQ is lighter, stronger and more economical than any current production CUV in its class. It also offers significant recycling advantages both in construction and eventual disassembly. In short, it is a viable and realistic glimpse of the future potential of personal automotive transport.
Pedestrian Safety
The issue of pedestrian safety is a growing one. In the EU, one-fifth of all traffic fatalities – 7,000 people per year – are pedestrians hit by a vehicle. In densely populated
A totally relevant concept
The Hyundai QarmaQ concept car is the result of the fusion of exceptional expertise and engineering foresight from Hyundai and GE Plastics. More than a design concept, QarmaQ illustrates that environmentally responsible solutions can be elegantly incorporated to enhance safety, design and performance.
"GE Plastics is committed to developing greener, lighter and aesthetically pleasing solutions to support our customers in creating vehicles with reduced environmental impact," said Gregory A. Adams, vice president and general manager, GE Plastics – Automotive. "We are delighted to have collaborated with Hyundai and we believe that working together we helped them develop an exciting new CUV that demonstrates greater environmental responsibility as well as improved safety, dramatic design, and high performance."
Firmly positioned as a crossover Coupe/CUV, the QarmaQ derives its name from traditional Inuit dwellings, constructed from earth, whalebone and animal skins. Like them, QarmaQ challenges conventional ideas on construction methods and materials. Also in common with the original structures, it boasts unusual strength, resilience and protection.
By combining leading edge design, advanced engineering techniques and the benefits of GE materials technology, QarmaQ demonstrates the ability to meet necessary, but problematic areas of legislation dealing with pedestrian safety and eco-responsibility.
The choice of a crossover coupe/CUV format for QarmaQ underlines the commitment of Hyundai to design innovation in this market sector. With
This 2+2 vehicle targets the important empty next baby boomers demographic, who are rediscovering a new-found freedom while remaining the wealthiest demographic in history. Today, this key group of consumers is beginning to spend their nest egg and enjoy the fruits of their labour, not on material possessions, but on experiences. The QarmaQ soulfully blends the driving experience of a Coupe with the ability to manage multi-terrain driving of a CUV, providing empty nesters with effortless access to their outdoor playground.
Design: Freedom of shape
As a joint project with GE Plastics, QarmaQ endowed designers with greater expressive freedom to create complex three-dimensional shapes that could not have been achieved with conventional production methods and materials such as metal and glass.
"The powerful profile and stance of the design incorporates dynamic, sculptural qualities and elegant sportiness on one hand, with smooth refined surfaces on the other," said Thomas Bürkle, chief designer, Hyundai Motor Europe. "Moreover, the various properties of the GE materials allowed more freedom in meeting or even exceeding safety requirements. The result is a uniquely balanced and harmonic design both inside and out," he added.
Departing from conventional car design that combines a lower body and a glass cabin on top, QarmaQ blazes a new trail with panoramic wrap-around glazing area using GE’s Lexan™ polycarbonate resin. This part sits between the two pronounced “muscles” above the front and rear wheels. The C-shaped side window enables innovative helicopter-like downward visibility and is a key design feature demonstrating the new glazing technology.
Exterior: Fluidity of line
Connected by unique glazed surfaces, the exterior design relates strongly to, and interacts effortlessly with the interior. The unique division between the solid bodywork and transparent glazed areas creates a new perspective, whether viewed from inside or from the pedestrian standpoint.
The exterior contours and fluidity of line have been refined to give an immediate impression of movement frozen in motion. This aesthetic is mirrored in the interior, so that the fusion and merging of the perceptual boundaries between inside and out delivers a feeling of integration and synchronization to the overall appearance.
Although QarmaQ does not have a high waistline or small window area (conventional methods to convey a feeling of protection), the exterior design still communicates a commanding presence and a feeling of protection to the occupants.
”The QarmaQ’s exterior design communicates a commanding presence and a feeling of protection to the occupants,” said Robert Butterfield, global market director, GE Plastics. “ The twin domes on the sunroof, facilitated by the new glazing technology, increases the inner space for the rear passengers and creates a unique design feature.” The wrap-around windscreen, in combination with the elongated bonnet delivers dramatic, almost classic, proportions and gives the car a unique sporty feeling. Finally, the contrast of the strong dark coloured areas to the lighter tonal areas emphasizes QarmaQ’s off-road DNA.
Interior
In response to shrinking family sizes and emergent customer preferences, QarmaQ is specifically designed to carry four people in above average comfort. The extensive use of new materials and techniques has resulted in a more fluid, more unified interior, by allowing seamless integration of otherwise intrusive elements.
As the sporting exterior proportions suggest, QarmaQ is primarily a driver’s car. Within its unique interior architecture the cockpit is isolated in an active, yet protective pod structure. This helps promote a sensorial and highly self-indulgent driving experience.
One of the main aims of the interior design was to develop a practical and interactive space, which wraps around the occupants. The driver-oriented cockpit, which combines functionality with organic sculpted shapes, creates an attractive, fun-to-drive atmosphere. This is further underlined by:
• Inclusion of smooth surfaces embedded with discrete or hidden touch activated sensors
• “Floating” elements pulsating and glowing with tinted ambient lighting
The interior is brought alive by a variety of technologies, effects and surfaces, including:
• Thoughtful ambient LED lighting by Lumination, LLC glows through ceramic components
• Silicone applied next to leather, to give a pleasing tactile and visual experience
The colour harmony of the interior has been designed to enhance the feeling of serenity and spaciousness, which in turn relates directly to the high level of comfort enjoyed by the passengers. The mixed effects, textures and colours add sophistication to the dynamic forms and strong presence of the car. Functional elements made from aluminium emphasise the more technical aspects, contrasting with and highlighting the softness of the interior materials.
New materials, new directions in comfort and safety
Current composite technology is usually thought too expensive and too difficult to fabricate to be of use anywhere but the aerospace and motor racing industries. The QarmaQ is physical proof that this need not be so.
The wrap-around GE Lexan™ windscreen and extensive use of GE polycarbonate glazing materials provides a weight saving of up to 50 percent in relation to glass, while simultaneously allowing more adventurous shapes than flat glass. The glazing features a unique technology from Exatec™ which deposits a thin protective layer of glass on the Lexan™ to add protection from scratching and the effects of weathering.
The QarmaQ also introduces new curved and moving side glazing in Lexan. As well as allowing such advanced applications, the impact resistance and other properties of this material also helps increase both occupant and pedestrian safety.
Exatec™ infrared coatings on the whole transparent areas reflect heat, helping cool the interior and reducing the power demands upon the infrared regulated air conditioning. Lighting is achieved by incorporating mood illumination into the actual material, delivering a unique interior ambience. The material also facilitates a perfectly flat, fully integrated fractal radio antenna within the roof structure.
Among other milestones in the construction of QarmaQ, the front wings were designed from the beginning to be one very large single injection moulded component. Together with the deformable bonnet and precise bumper mouldings, these also form a major addition to pedestrian impact safety. The sophistication of the material and manufacturing technique also played a major part in the ability to fully encapsulate the complex headlight shape into the whole frontal styling.
At the other end, the tailgate breaks new ground by bonding different materials, including the glazing and rear light assemblies, to create a one-piece component structure. This increases the integral strength, while at the same time simplifying vehicle assembly and reducing weight.
Another major safety advance is the use of sensors to detect vehicle presence in the blind spots of the rear view mirrors when pulling out or overtaking, and audio-visually alert the driver.
Euro5 diesel engine
The QarmaQ's 2-liter diesel engine is fully compliant with EURO5 emission regulations. It features the very latest technologies such as high pressure fuel injection and fine fuel spray atomization for higher torque and better power output. Regulated emissions such as CO, THC, NOx and PM, were reduced drastically while a Catalyzed Particulate Filter system, CPF, is capable of cleaning about 90 percent of the particulate matter from the diesel emissions. Furthermore, by switching the position of CPF from the under-floor area to a location more closely coupled to the exhaust manifold, it was possible to minimize the catalytic light-off time and to enhance the naturally regenerative characteristics of the CPF.
A greener future
Thanks to extensive use of advanced materials, QarmaQ is 60 kg lighter than a comparable vehicle made with traditional materials.
GreenOrder, an environmental strategy firm based in New York, N.Y. that audited QarmaQ estimated that the 60 kg. that have been taken out of the QarmaQ, means the vehicle would require about 80 fewer litres of diesel per year, and would cut annual greenhouse gas emissions by more than 200 kg. Furthermore, if every new vehicle registered in the European Union (EU-15) in 2006 had reduced fuel consumption by the same amount, the result would have been an annual savings of more than 7.4 million barrels of diesel fuel -- or enough to sustain the European Union (EU-15) diesel demand for three days.
As a result, the greenhouse gas savings would equal approximately 3.1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. According to Joseph Malcoun, an Associate with GreenOrder, cutting edge material technologies are expected to make a major contribution to increasing the fuel economy of tomorrow’s passenger vehicles. “As consumer demand for more fuel efficient vehicles continues to grow, we expect the use of advanced materials to play an increasing role in reducing the greenhouse gas footprint of the cars we drive.”
HPPC composites for horizontal body panels significantly reduce part weight - up to 50 percent per part - while maintaining strength equal to that of steel. This lighter-weight cladding contributes to better fuel efficiency and improved power-to-weight ratio for drivers and its energy absorbing qualities are harnessed to create the Elastic Front™ safety system.
The QarmaQ's body panels use an environmental responsible plastic, Xenoy iQ™ and Valox iQ developed as part of GEs ecomagination™ initiative to address three critical environmental concerns: conserving energy, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and up-cycling or re-using materials such as PET plastic bottles. The QarmaQ re -uses approximately 900 PET bottles that would otherwise become landfill.
Another environmentally progressive aspect of QarmaQ’s design is the use of GE paint replacement technologies, including Visualfx™ resins with Lexan™ films, to replace painting operations that can release toxic and greenhouse gases.
To eliminate dependency on PVC in the wiring, GE’s Noryl resin technology was used for wire and cable coating. Replacing PVC, these ultra-thin coatings can reduce cable weight by up to 25 percent.
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Along with the “civilian” version Skoda also presented a racing study of its second generation Fabia hatch. The Fabia S2000 has been designed to comply with the new FIA Rally Regulations so as to compete in the 2008 IRC (Intercontinental Rally Challenge). In accordance with the regulations, the 4WD Fabia S2000 is equipped with a two-litre, four-cylinder normally aspirated petrol engine that delivers 280Hp. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see additional images & the official press release 
PRESS RELEASE: THESKODA RALLY CAR STUDY
Skoda is going to continue in the more than one hundred years old motor sport tradition (anniversary was celebrated in 2001). The concept car S2000 was presented for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2007. It is an attractive demonstration of how the car producer will take up the great tradition again.
The S2000 is a concept car on the basis of the second generation Fabia Hatchback and has been designed to comply with the new FIA Rally Regulations. In accordance with the regulations, the car will have a two-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine.
The study Super 2000 exhibits fundamental benchmark data – 3,992 mm in length with a wheelbase of 2,486 mm correspond to the values of the new Fabia. A clear difference to the serial model, however, is the 4WD, the roll cage in the interior and further parts of the car in compliance with the regulations.
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We’ve summed up all our articles on the 2007 
- Alfa 159 Ti 
- Artega GT
- Audi A5
- Audi S5
- Audi A5 & S5 -VIDEO
- B&B Audi TT Edition R
- Bentley Brooklands Coupe
- Bertone Roadster
- BMW 1-Series Facelift & 3door
- BMW 1-Series Facelift - VIDEO 
- BMW 5-Series Facelift 2007 
- BMW M5 Touring + VIDEO 
- BMW M3 Concept
- BMW M3 Concept - VIDEO
- BMW M3 Concept Interior
- Brabus Mercedes ML63 Widestar
- Brilliance BS3 Coupe
- Carver One Production Version
- Chrysler Crossfire Jab-Anstoetz Design 
- Chevrolet Europe HHR
- Citroen C-Crosser SUV
- Citroen C4 Picasso 5seat
- Dodge Demon Concept
- Dodge Demon Concept - VIDEO
- Donkervoort D8 GT
- EDAG LUV Concept
- Fiat Grande Punto Abarth Turbo 
- Ford Mondeo 2008
- Gumpert Apollo Sport 
- Honda CR-V Aero Pack 
- Honda Small Hybrid Sports Concept
- Hyundai i30 FD
- Hyundai i30 -VIDEO
- Hyundai QarmarQ Concept – VIDEO & PICS
- Italdesign Giugiaro Vadho 
- Jaguar XJ Facelift
- Kia ex_cee’d Cabrio Concept
- Koenigsegg CCGT & CCXR
- KTM X-BOW
- Lada-C Concept 
- Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera 
- Lotus 2-Eleven 
- Lumma-Design BMW CLR 500RS
- Mansory Conquistador 
- Maserati GranTurismo 2008
- Mazda2 – Mazda Demio 2008
- Mazda2 – Mazda Demio VIDEO
- Mazda Hakaze Concept
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2008
- MINI Cooper S JCW 
- MINI One 1.4 & Cooper D
- Nissan 350Z 2007 facelift
- Nissan X-Trail
- Opel Corsa OPC
- Opel Gran Turismo Coupe 
- Opel Gran Turismo Coupe -VIDEO
- Peraves Monotracer
- Peugeot 207 RC 1.6 Turbo 175Hp
- Peugeot 207 SW Outdoor Concept
- Peugeot 4007 & “Holland&Holland” Concept
- Renault Twingo II
- Rinspeed eXasis Concept
- Seat Altea Ftreetrack 4x4
- Sbarro Cruise Crosser Concept
- Skoda Fabia II
- Skoda Fabia “bi-colour” concept
- Skoda Fabia S2000
- Smart Fortwo Brabus 2008
- Sony Playstaion 3 – Gran Turismo HD
- TechArt GTstreet 
- Toyota Hybrid X & 3door Auris
- Toyota Hybrid X Concept
- Tramontana 
- VW Golf Variant
- Volvo V70 2008
- Volvo V70 2008 - VIDEO
- Volvo XC70 2008
- Zagato Diatto Coupe Technorati: Geneva+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images
