Category: Concept Cars

Infiniti Coupe Concept indicates next G35 doesn't stray far from the family.

The concept keeps the charm of the original, but adds a sense of stoutness that gives the vehicle a more masculine appearance. No B Pillars give the estate a coupe like appearance and aid in ingress/egress. All four doors (side and “barn”) use parallelogram kinetic joints that allow them the swing booth open and away from the vehicle to improve ingress. The rear side windows slide fore and aft electronically. (So much for no frills)

The Lincoln MKS Concept shown at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit will likely be added to the Lincoln lineup in 2007 as a 2008 model year vehicle. Attending an early December 2005 review of Ford auto show concept cars in Dearborn, VehicleVoice and AutoPacific analysts were struck by the Japanese and European ambiance of the car. The MK S has the presence of an Acura TL with some styling cues from Chris Bangle's BMWs.

Buick explores the future of its car-based SUV range.

Volvo's star at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit was the C30 Design Concept. There will only be minor changes between the C30 Design Concept and the 2007 C30 that arrives in Volvo showrooms late in 2006. VehicleVoice (http://www.vehiclevoice.com) and AutoPacific (http://www.autopacific.com) correspondents were on hand for the unveiling of the agressive new small Volvo at Detroit.

Kia showcased its Soul crossover utility vehicle at 2006 North American International Autoshow. VehicleVoice (http://www.vehiclevoice.com) and AutoPacific (http://www.autopacific.com) correspondents were there to get the scoop.

Volkswagen's Design Center in California worked with the Moonraker team to develop a new concept for fuel-efficient fun mobility specifically geared toward U.S. buyers. The direction was to create a quintessential and pure driving machine. The inspiration was the minimalist design language found in GP motorcycles and F1 race cars. The result is the GX3.

Ford explores small-car options with sporty, kid-friendly Reflex.

Is the 2006 concept a successful modern take on the 1970 Challenger?

Automakers often use the Los Angeles Auto Show as the venue to launch their new "green" concepts. Saab revealed its 9-5 Aero Bio-Power Concept at the 2006 LA auto show in January. This 9-5 Aero delivers 310HP from a high-pressure turbocharged 2.3L engine optimized to run on E85 ethanol or on gasoline. While Saab began offering a 2.0t BioPower 9-5 in Sweden in 2005 (and resulting in surprisingly high sales due to Swedish incentives to use bio-fuels), this concept explores U.S. acceptance to the option.