There’s a new trend in super-spy transportation: electric power. Bond is set to drive the Aston Martin Rapide E in the upcoming franchise film, and over in the animated world, Audi is gearing up its first pixelated concept car, which is also electric.The Audi RSQ E-Tron concept is set to debut in the upcoming animated movie Spies in Disguise. The short video teaser titled “Lunch Break” features Lance Sterling (with the voice and goatee of Will Smith) acting all cool, like only a super-spy can in the passenger seat of the Audi RSQ E-Tron concept, while the high-strung nerdy weapons specialist Walter Beckett (Tom Holland) freaks out beside him. There’s a broken bridge, which the Audi jumps; a helicopter, which the Audi outruns on the streets with its Audi on Demand Performance Package Power Boost; and a targeted missile, which the Audi outmaneuvers in the subway system.As the car careens around the city, we get a glimpse of a holographic cluster, an infotainment centre on the windshield and a digital dash running the width of the car. And when the spot ends, we see Beckett behind the wheel “living his best life,” unaware that autopilot is on. Presumably, they also head to a drive-thru after this is all over — because this was their lunch break, and spies gotta eat. Spies in Disguise will arrive in theatres on December 25,
Origin: The Audi RSQ E-Tron Concept is back in ‘Spies in Disguise’
concept
Volkswagen’s ID. Space Vizzion Concept is a wagon by any other name
Volkswagen ID. Space Vizzion conceptHandout / Volkswagen What is it?If youve lost track of all the ID. prototypes since Volkswagen unveiled its first I.D. Concept in Paris four years ago, let us explain Volkswagens ID. Space Vizzion Concept like this: This is the ninth concept of the electric-vehicles series although were still waiting for a production vehicle on what the company calls its modular-electric-drive-matrix.The first thing youll note if you care about punctuation is that, somewhere along the road, the I.D. became ID.. For another, the Space Vizzion is effectively yet another concept (to be) built on Volkswagens MEB dedicated-platform for battery-electric vehicles. Now, just in case you forgot the previous eight ID. prototypes, it started with the I.D. compact hatchback at the Paris Motor Show in 2016 and includes a small SUV, a couple of Microbus-style vans, a racecar, and even a dune buggy.VW describes this umpteenth prototype as combining the aerodynamic design of a Gran Turismo with the spaciousness and versatility of an SUV. All of which is to say: Its a station wagon. Actually, to be more accurate, its a long station wagon: Stretching almost five meters 4,958 millimetres to be exact from bumper to bumper, were talking Audi S7 Sportback or Tesla Model S length.Check out all of our latest auto show coverage hereWhy does it matter?Well, for now, it doesnt, because were not even getting the first mass-produced EV heralded by these highly promoted concepts: The first VW ID.3, a small electric car to be launched next summer, wont reach North American shores. Rather, the company is waiting for 2021 to send us the ID.4, a four-door crossover variant, based on the VW ID. Crozz Concept unveiled two years ago.But if VWs promises made imperative by a certain Dieselgate scandal are to be believed, this ID. Space Vizzion Concept unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show might matter for Canadians. After all, station wagons have always been (a bit) more popular in Canada than in the U.S. enough, in fact, that VW is one of the rare manufacturers to (still) offer one in its lineup, even arranging extra production of the soon-departing, seventh-generation Golf Sportwagen and Alltrack.When is it coming?Dont hold your breath, or you might turn into that weird Saintly Blue Pearl Effect colour showcased on the prototypes body best described by VW as a new metallic white with shimmering blue and violet pigments. You want more bizarre? The interior is made of AppleSkin, in lieu of leather. Yes, youll be sitting on leftovers from apple juice production. Kids should love it. But back to our specifics: VW says the concept previews a potential production car for Europe and North America. This is a bit less assertive than VWs previous statement suggesting the production version will launch in late 2021 with different versions for North America, Europe, and China.Should you buy it?Too early to tell. For now, we are promised a rear-mounted motor for 275 horsepower that can be paired with a second, 101-horsepower coaxial drive motor. The latter would give all-wheel-drive capability and up to 335 horsepower. This 4Motion variant of the ID. Space Vizzion, with its 82-kWh lithium-ion pack, is said to be good for 482 kilometres more or less Tesla Model 3 range and can sprint from zero to 96 km/h (60 mph) in five
Origin: Volkswagen’s ID. Space Vizzion Concept is a wagon by any other name
VW ID Vizzion Concept previews estate due in 2021
VW ID. Vizzion Concept previews estate due in 2021 The all electric estate has a range of more than 360 miles Volkswagen has presented its latest pure-electric model to join the ID. sub-brand – the ID. Vizzion Concept. The estate previews a model that will go into production in 2021, with a range of 367 miles on a single charge. Powered by an 82 kWh battery. the ID. Vizzion Concept features comes in either a 275hp rear-wheel drive configuration, or 335hp all-wheel drive set-up. The latter will complete the 0-62mph time in 5.4 seconds. Charging can be carried out at 150 kW on CCS DC charge points, for a charge to 80% in around half an hour. The aerodynamic estate has been designed to be as efficient as possible, improving range. Similar proportions to the Passat see VW pitching ID. models alongside core existing products. Where the ID.3 is similar in shape to the Golf, the production version of the ID. Vizzion Concept will sit in the class above. Smart Climate is introduced, with users able to use intuitive voice controls such as ‘cool quickly’, ‘warm feet’, or ‘defrost windscreen’, on top of more traditional controls through the large central touchscreen. Drivers also get an augmented reality head-up display. Materials used are sustainable, with AppleSkin featuring – an artificial leather containing an amount of residue material from apple juice production.
Origin: VW ID Vizzion Concept previews estate due in 2021
First Look: Karma Automotive SC2 Concept
What is it?The SC2 is the latest concept from a car company that most people thought was long dead. Karma is the engineered-in-America-but-financed-in-China rebirth of Fisker, whose only car was now its starting to come back to you, isnt it? the Karma. More to the point, the new companys only product to date has been the Revero GT, a similarly-styled-but-much re-engineered version of Fisker’s old Karma. The SC2 marks its first departure from the old Fisker formula and is, unlike the current plug-in hybrid, a pure battery-powered EV.Why is it important?Well, an acceleration time of less than 1.9 seconds to 96 kilometres an hour (60 mph) always gets my attention. Thats Formula 1 territory, folks; the SC2 is going to jump off the line hard enough to make the strongest of stomachs churn at least a little. Some 1,100 horsepower is also pretty newsworthy, especially since its also accompanied by 10,500 pound-feet of wheel torque. Now, before you start writing in that I must have made a typo, remember that to get the ICE-equivalent number, you have to multiply the engines torque by the gear reductions in both the transmission and rear differential. Nonetheless, thats a whole whackload of those torque things enough, as I said, to churn stomachs and fry tires.On a more practical note, thanks to a huge, under-floor 120 kilowatt-hour battery that stretches from the dashboard to the rear seats, Karma claims 560 kilometres of range for the SC2.Check Out All Our Latest Auto Show CoverageThings are equally exotic in the chassis department. Oh, the torque-vectoring system that can direct different amounts of power to each wheel is nothing new for an electric vehicle. But there arent too many cars this side of a Lamborghini that boast pushrod-operated suspension.Then theres something called an ultrasonic dynamic regenerative panel dont ask me what it is; I havent a clue thats supposed to give the SC2 the high-performance handling expected in an electric hypercar. Anyone who knows what an ultrasonic dynamic regenerative panel is, please feel free to contact us.When does it arrive in Canada?Well, it is a concept car and a pretty far-fetched one at that so probably never. But boy, oh boy, you gotta love the way these Karma boys dream.Should you buy one?Well, the SC2 may seem like just more pie-in-the-sky Faraday-Future-like vaporware. But one thing is undeniable: It is absolutely, unabashedly stunning. A combination of avant garde styling cues and retro cab-back proportions, the SC2 is pure sex on wheels.Nor should its sultry shape be considered a fluke or reserved-for-concept-car flashiness. The Karma Revero-neé-Fisker Karma might have had a few that should be read a lot of technical issues in the past, but there is no denying it, too, was a stunner. If the SC2 proves anything at all, it is that whatever Karma produces next, it will be breathtakingly
Origin: First Look: Karma Automotive SC2 Concept
The Hyundai Veloster N Concept channels its inner Civic Type R
Hyundai has brought a few strange concepts to SEMA the past few years, with jacked-up Santa Fe SUVs and hypermiler-inspired Ioniqs, but this year the theme is Veloster, and theres a new performance version thats sure to garner some attention.Its called the Veloster N Performance Concept, and to us it looks like Hyundais stopped in Japan for some upgrade parts on the way to Las Vegas.With a huge, angular rear wing; large intake scoops adorning the fascia and hood; and air deflectors on the front bumper and side skirts, you could mistake this thing for a Honda Civic Type R. All parts are made by KWA.Like the Type R, the changes arent just skin-deep. An HR coil-over suspension and Daewon anti-roll bars have been fitted, as well as upgraded brakes with 15-inch rotors and six-piston calipers in the front, 14.2-inch rotors and four-piston calipers in the rear.Four 19-inch OZ wheels wrapped in 235-section-width Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tires keep it stuck to the pavement. A cat-back exhaust from Capristo and a WIF chassis brace stiffen up the body.As if a performance car needed more luxury, this one has been fitted with a crazy amount of Alcantara and aluminum. Exterior parts are accented with orange instead of red pinstripes.The vehicle wont be for sale in this spec, per se, but Hyundai says tthe upgrades have a high potential for aftermarket availability, meaning youll probably be able to put one together by yourself in an afternoon or
Origin: The Hyundai Veloster N Concept channels its inner Civic Type R
New virtual Jaguar concept could preview future EVs
Jaguar has revealed a new model designed for the Gran Turismo videogame, which could offer a glimpse of its future electric sports car design. The Vision Gran Turismo Coupé concept is the latest addition to the virtual motorsport title, and will be available for players to download from the end of December. Jaguar has expressed no intent to bring it to production in real life, however. The concept is said to have been “designed and developed from the ground up, taking inspiration from the brand’s incredible racing lineage,” with the brand’s historic C-Type and D-Type racers listed as styling influences. The coupé’s powertrain, while not taken from any one real model, is based on that featured in the firm’s I-Type and I-Pace electric racers. The virtual model packs a combined 1006bhp and 885lb ft from three high-output electric motors, one driving the front axle and two at the rear, which is enough to push it from 0-62mph in under two seconds, and on to a top speed of over 200mph. There has been no indication of a hypothetical range figure. In terms of its design, the concept takes clear inspiration from the current F-Type, with visual references to previous Jaguar concepts, including the 2013 C-X75 supercar. It is constructed using a range of experimental lightweight materials, with a carbonfibre monocoque tub at its core helping to achieve a 1400kg kerbweight and near-50:50 weight distribution. The concept’s roofline is low to the ground, and a swooping rear deck and domed glass cabin feature for maximum aerodynamic efficiency. An active rear wing is said to “optimise energy efficiency while generating the perfect amount of downforce”. Further retro-inspired design touches include a vintage-style grille that features Jaguar’s ‘Leaper’ mascot, and twin rear charging sockets as a reference to the first-generation XJ saloon. The retro-modern theme continues inside, where Gran Turismo players can make use of an on-board artificial intelligence system called Kitt-E, which uses hologram technology to display three-dimensional maps and telemetry. Augmented reality digital glass can alert the driver to unseen dangers, while a transparent information cluster allows for a clearer view of the road ahead. Jaguar design director Julian Thomson said: “This project has been completely led by our young designers and represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them to create a vehicle steeped in our incredible heritage but pushing the boundaries of future design. “The team have done an incredible job in creating something which is clearly identifiable as a Jaguar, inspired – but not constrained – by our iconic
Origin: New virtual Jaguar concept could preview future EVs
First Look: Lexus LF 30 Concept
What is it?The Lexus LF 30 Concept represents the future of the brands battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The name stands for Lexus Future, with the 30 celebrating 30 years of Lexus it seems like just yesterday when the LS 400 rocked the car world and redefined the consumers expectation of luxury and reliability. The LF 30 is a futuristic-looking electric car that takes the companys spindle grille and transforms it into the key styling cue for the car. Some of the design is outlandish thinking; other aspects speak to the first Lexus BEV, which will debut this November.Check out all our latest Auto Show coverageWhy does it matter?The heart of the LF 30 is found in the four in-wheel electric motors that combine to produce 536 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque from rev-one. The go-juice comes from a 110-kWh battery that delivers 500 kilometres of electric-only range. One of the keys to the operating strategy is the Lexus Advanced Posture Control system. It regulates the motors to keep the delivery of power in keeping with the drivers expectations. As such, it has the ability to drive the front motors, the rear motors or all four motors according to need and/or demand. The layout also gives the LF 30 real-time torque vectoring through the control of the individual motors.Elsewhere, the steering is by wire, the charging is wireless, the glass roof panel becomes a massive touchscreen that controls many in-car functions and LF 30s autonomous driving technologies have drone support. The latter looks forward to the car Lexus envisions hitting the road in 2030. Lexus LF 30 Concept Lexus When will Canada get it?The LF 30 is purely conceptual at this point, but it speaks to the fact Lexus will offer an electric derivative of all of its models by 2025.Should you buy it?Whats not to love about a cool-looking all-electric car that has a real-world driving range and the performance that promises to wow the driver it takes all of 3.8 seconds to reach 100 km/h and it has a top speed of 200 km/h. The answer to how this will translate into a future Lexus product is closer than you might think, with Lexus set to debut its first battery electric by years end.
Origin: First Look: Lexus LF 30 Concept
Mitsubishi keeps the EV ball rolling with the funky Mi-Tech concept
Mitsubishi Mi-Tech conceptHandout / Mitsubishi What is it?Mitsubishi is capitalizing on its unexpected leadership in the plug-in SUV segment. For now the Mi-Tech is a concept, but Mitsubishi has something of a history of making bold or at least unexpected moves.Why does it matter?Mitsubishi, having already sold 200,000 Outlander PHEVs worldwide, finds itself not only the most popular plug-in SUV in Canada, but the whole world. Not one to look such a gift horse in the mouth, Mitsu is looking for ways to expand on its zero-emissions leadership, hence the Mi-Tech concept revealed here at the Tokyo Motor Show.Check out all of our latest auto show coverageRadically different, the Mi-Tech is a convertible crossover concept unique in offering no less than four electric motors. Yes, a separate electric motor at each wheel, which means as you may have already guessed the resultant Quad Motor 4WD System system is able to control each wheel independently. Like the Outlander PHEV, the Mi-Tech has a range extending fossil fuelled engine. But, it a complete departure its a concept, after all the Mi-Techs range extender isnt an internal combustion engine. Instead, in the most radical departure yet for a hybrid vehicle, the Mi-Techs range is extended by a gas turbine engine.The reasons for the way-rad powertrain, says Mitsubishi, are many. For one, gas turbines are small and compact. More importantly, they put out an amazing amount of power given their small size. They also and this is of no small import, given the hoped-for global impact of a plug-in SUV can run on multiple fuels; besides gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and alcohol are all turbine-friendly. When is it coming?Exactly like this? Never. Its a concept. As far-fetched as a convertible crossover may seem, however, one shouldnt discount Mitsubishis willingness to innovate where others fear to tread. If anyone can make a turbine-powered hybrid commercially viable, its Mitsubishi.Should you buy it?Mitsubishi firmly believes that a plug-in hybrid powertrain is ideal for mid-sized vehicles that travel frequently over long distances. We agree. As for the turbine, its been tried numerous times over the years most notably by Chrysler, but in all those cases, it was the primary powerplant. Turbines have terrible transient response i.e. they respond poorly to throttle inputs but they are very efficient at steady speeds, exactly what a PHEV needs as a range-extender in a plug-in hybrid. This concept is not as crazy as it might seam. Lets hope Mitsubishi pursues
Origin: Mitsubishi keeps the EV ball rolling with the funky Mi-Tech concept
Nissan Ariya Concept launched at Tokyo show
Nissan Ariya Concept launched at Tokyo show The Ariya could become an electric Qashqai Nissan has unveiled the Ariya Concept at the Tokyo Motor Show, showcasing a new electric crossover that could make it into production ‘in the near future’. A possible Qashqai EV, the Ariya Concept features twin electric motors, an evolution of the current Nissan house design, and a suite of connected assistance systems. Fitted to the concept is Nissan’s ProPilot 2.0 which allows assisted driving functions to pilot the car in a chosen lane. Door-to-door navigation is factored in to journey plans, and the smart route planner includes charging stops when required. Few technical details are offered, but CHAdeMO charging is included, indicating Nissan’s unsurprising continuation with the standard. Over-the-air updates are included, and vehicle-to-grid charging made possible by the on-board charger. The interior makes good use of the improved packaging made possible thanks to the electric powertrain. It’s more spacious than a conventional crossover, with a flat floor sitting on top of the batteries. A minimalist dashboard uses haptic touch controls on the instrument panel, and the only physical controls are the start button and a single knob to operate the 12.3-inch display.
Origin: Nissan Ariya Concept launched at Tokyo show
New Toyota e-Racer concept is fun, self-driving two-seater
Toyota has revealed an e-Racer concept at the Tokyo motor show, a two-seat, fun-to-drive car designed to re-emphasis the firm’s belief that a future with autonomous cars will still have room for driving enthusiasts. The car was unveiled on stage by Toyota boss Akio Toyota, but no details – including technical or performance – were given about it beyond its name. As such, it is believed to be a concept in the truest sense, pointing merely to the fact that electric vehicles can be fun. “All those years ago the car came along and replaced the horse,” said Toyoda, “but today there are still people who own and race horses, and who have the most amazing, emotional relationships with their horses. For them, the horse remains irreplaceable. “I believe it is the same for the car, even in an age of autonomy. People will continue to be at the centre of our technical advances even as e-mobilty is rolled out.” Although the concept appears to be a static prototype, visitors to the show are able to simulate driving it around a famous race circuit of their choosing with the aid of virtual reality glasses. Alongside the e-Racer concept, Toyota is also showcasing a ‘virtual fitting function’ that can take users’ exact measurements to tailor a bespoke race suit. The e-Racer is joined on Toyota’s show stand by the second-generation of the Mirai hydrogen fuel cell saloon, the i-Road electric scooter and a new two-seat EV designed for urban
Origin: New Toyota e-Racer concept is fun, self-driving two-seater
All about car 