Bentley is celebrating its birthday in the most extravagant way with a massive grand touring concept to preview the future of motoring.Its calld the EXP 100 GT, and its quite imposing. The vehicle spans an incredible 19 feet, and is almost 8 feet wide. The wheelbase measures 120 inches, which means you can almost fit a Nissan Micra between the tires.Under the extremely long hood of the EX 100 GT is not much, but on each of the wheels is a big electric motor that has active torque vectoring, and a combined system output of 1,100 lb.-ft. of torque. The massive torque figure helps the 4,188-lb car reach highway speeds in just 2.5 seconds, before pressing on to a quite respectable top speed of 295 km/h.The range is also quite respectable, at some 700 km, pulled off thanks to a new type of battery Bentleys developed thats reportedly five times more energy-dense than competitors. The battery can be charged up to 80 per cent in just 15 minutes. As it is with most cars in the Bentley stable, the real show is on the inside. Scissor doors bring you into a world of wool and leather-like material, with accents of 5,000-year-old copper-infused riverwood, according to the Crewe brand.On top of it all, the EXP 100 GT is ready to accept a fuel-cell hybrid powertrain, one which should make over 670 emission-free horsepower.Bentley rarely gets to make pure show cars, so its great to see the brand really pouring its heart and soul into this one. If this is what 2035 looks like, were so
Origin: Bentley celebrates 100th birthday with this massive EXP 100 GT Concept
concept
Citroen Ami One concept makes UK debut
Citroën’s tiny Ami One city car concept has gone on display in the UK for the first time at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The Ami One, which made its public debut at the Geneva motor show earlier this year, is a two-seat show car that meets Europe’s quadricycle regulations. That means it’s less than 1.5m wide, has a top speed of 28mph and weighs less than 450kg. As a result, it could be driven without a driving licence in some countries. The concept explores some of the issues facing makers of very small cars as consumers turn to bigger models or stop buying cars entirely. “The young are connected to use, not ownership,” said Citroën’s senior vice-president of product and strategy, Xavier Peugeot. “To me, Ami One is not a car. There are people for whom mobility is not an object.” The Ami One is intended to be a vehicle whose use would be shared at least as much as it’s privately owned, so it is built simply and cheaply and to be tough. “The materials are all chosen for durability,” said Frédéric Duvernier, Citroën’s head of concept cars, who led the design of the Ami One. To cut production costs, there’s a huge reduction in the number of components required to make the Ami One. The front and rear windows are different but otherwise body panels are common across sides wherever possible. Both doors are the same, so the driver’s door is rear-hinged, the passenger side conventional; the orange panels below the windscreen and rear window are common; the chevron-ribbed sills are common across four sides; and every wheel arch is an identical moulding. Exterior badging is all by decal and the rear lights use only two LEDs apiece. Onboard electrical content is pared back, too. The Ami One integrates with the entertainment and navigation systems of a smartphone, whose screen it mirrors onto a head-up display and which the driver controls by voice. That and the instruments are where the car’s only interior electrics lie. The windows are either open or closed, not electrically operated, and the 2CV-style fold-back roof is hand-operated. According to Citroën CEO Linda Jackson, the Ami One is not cited for production but does explore what Citroën’s city cars could become, given the segment’s dwindling number of buyers. “When you see the size of the segment, and people moving to B-segment and B-SUVs, we’ll not straight replace the C1,” she said. “What is the evolution? We’re talking urban areas and car sharing, although you might want ownership. Anything for cities means electric. We need to look at the A-segment and what is the next answer. Maybe it is the Ami One.” QA with Frederic Duvernier, head of concept cars, Citroen What brought about the Ami One? “Between 16 and 30 years old, nobody buys cars. So there’s a group who don’t buy cars but who still need to move. Concept cars have a role in the company to move us forwards. We asked ourselves questions with every part: do we need it, or what do we need?” Tell us about its design. “Initially, it was going to be smaller. When you are surrounded by SUVs, you must feel confident. It’s not friendly. It’s not feminine. It’s robust, as a tool. On the exterior, we have halved the number of components you’d normally need.” And what about the interior? “It’s the same thinking as the (2007) Cactus concept inside. Maybe that was too early! But the world has changed very quickly. The interior paint is like on aeroplanes. The seat flock is super-low tech. And dotted fabric hides
Origin: Citroen Ami One concept makes UK debut
BMW’s new Vision M Next Concept looks like a hybrid-electric M1 successor
BMW is on a tear when it comes to electrifying its product portfolio. By the end of this year it wants to have 500,000 electric vehicles on the road around the world. Most will be hybrid or plug-in hybrids, along with the i3.The next step is to launch another 25 electrified rides by 2023, two years earlier than the companyd laid out in its original mission statement.The mix will include a plug-in version of the X5 SAV and an all-electric version of the X3the iX3 will launch next year.Eventually, the M performance division will also be turning to electrification. That future was revealed late June in the form of the Vision M Next Concept. It is set to be the first to marry the performance M badge with a hybrid powertrain.Its a radical-looking vehicle with i8-like scissor doors and laser-wire technology for both the headlights and taillights. It also uses facial recognition technology to unlock the car as the driver approaches.Pressing the touch sensor on the scissor door sees it swing open to reveal a minimalist cabinit blends a funky-looking interior with an F1-like steering wheel and truly neat gauge cluster. The drive modes are changed on the steering wheel like an F1 racer, while the key information like revs, speed, energy management and even the drivers heart rate are incorporated into the multi-panel curved glass display. Naturally, it features the latest autonomous capabilitythe iNext will include a Level 3 autonomous capability, so expect more of the Vision M Next.The Vision M has two core driving modes, Ease and Boost. Ease is where the riders take a back seat and let the Vision M Next to do the driving. Pieter Nota, the board member responsible for customers, brands and service, said future BMW models will continue to have a steering wheel. This is needed to support the Boost mode. It takes the plug-in hybrid powertrain and turns it over to the driver.And a serious drive it promises to be. The Power PHEV drive system gives the driver a choice between an electric all-wheel drive setup or a rear-wheel drive setup with either all-electric or turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine motivators. The system twists out 600 horsepower and has a top speed of 300 kilometres an hour. The proof of the M side of its personality is found in the run from rest to 100 km/hat three seconds, it will wow potential customers. On the other hand, it also offers an electric-only driving range of 100 kilometres.Asked what the likelihood of a Vision M Next-inspired production car might be, Nota was non-committal. However, he did not rule it out. It does make sense, as the concept takes the current i8 and ramps it up in all areas so it would seem like a natural fit for the
Origin: BMW’s new Vision M Next Concept looks like a hybrid-electric M1 successor
Lamborghini Sterrato concept is off-road-ready Huracan
A new Huracán-based concept from Lamborghini envisages an off-road variant of the firm’s Ferrari 488 rival. Packing the same 631bhp naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 as the new Huracán Evo, the Huracán Sterrato boasts a range of off-road-inspired styling revisions and equipment. Taking its name from the Italian for ‘dirt road’, the Sterrato is built to be “fun to drive off-road”. Lamborghini says the concept takes inspiration from its new Urus SUV, as well as Jarama and Urraco models modified in the 1970s to traverse challenging terrain at high speeds. The Sterrato employs the same Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Integrata (LDVI) system as the standard Huracán, which predicts the car’s movements and primes the four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering and torque vectoring mechanisms. Lamborghini says the LDVI system in the Sterrato has been adapted for off-road use, meaning the concept is better able to find grip on low-traction surfaces. Increasing the four-wheel drive system’s rear bias has supposedly increased torque and enhanced controllability in corners. The Sterrato’s ambitions are clear: a significant 47mm suspension lift and 30mm track increase allow it to cross rocky terrain, while 20in wheels and widened arches lend it a purposeful stance, with the image completed by the addition of LED light bars on the roof and bumper. The concept’s tyres have been specially developed with a thick sidewall and wide shoulders to reduce the risk of damage and improve traction on loose surfaces. A rear skidplate protects the exhaust system and acts as a diffuser at speed, while a similar unit at the front protects the chassis’ aluminium reinforcements. Carbonfibre has been used for the mudguards and the engine is shielded from flying debris by a new composite panel. Inside, the Sterrato features a titanium roll cage, four-point racing seatblets, new carbonfibre seats and aluminium floor panels. Maurizio Reggiani, Lamborghini’s chief technical officer, said: “The Huracán Sterrato illustrates Lamborghini’s commitment to being a future shaper. A super sports car with off-road capabilities, the Sterrato demonstrates the Huracán’s versatility and opens the door to yet another benchmark of driving emotion and performance.” While a driveable example of the Sterrato has been built, a spokesperson said there are no plans to put the model into production, although public reception and response to the car will be monitored when it starts making public
Origin: Lamborghini Sterrato concept is off-road-ready Huracan
Skoda Mountiaq: New pictures show pick-up concept
New images show the Mountiaq pick-up concept that Skoda will showcase in June as part of a student training programme. The two-door Kodiaq-based off-roader has been developed by 35 students aged between 17 and 20 from the Skoda Vocational School for Mechanical Engineering, based at the Czech firm’s Mladá Boleslav base. It will be the sixth vehicle developed as part of an annual Skoda Student Concept Car project, and there is no production intent for the machine. The students were given the Kodiaq SUV as a starting point for the project, but have reworked it extensively over the course of 2000 hours. Preview images show a heavy redesign from the Kodiaq, and that the SUV’s cabin will be shortened to end behind the front seats, with the rear reshaped to incorporate a small, illuminated pick-up bed and fully functioning tailgate. The concept also features off-road-inspired styling elements such as 17in wheels, an air intake snorkel, roof-mounted light-bar, winch and bullbar. A 10cm suspension lift and chunky deep-tread tyres hint at the model’s performance potential off the Tarmac. Inside, features unique to the Mountiaq include a pair of walkie-talkies, an integrated refrigerator and an illuminated rendering of the brand’s logo incorporated into the headlining. The Mountiaq is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 187bhp. Skoda chief designer Oliver Stefani helped guide the students in the early stages of the project. Skoda has offered vocational training courses at its factory for more than 90 years, and introduced the concept car projects as a way of showcasing the skills students can learn. Previous projects include a Citigo-based Citijet, a Fabia pick-up, a coupé reworking of the Rapid Spaceback, an electric Citigo concept and a Karoq-based convertible called the
Origin: Skoda Mountiaq: New pictures show pick-up concept
BMW keeps teasing its R18 concept, with retro bike bowing in Italy
BMW Motorrads 2019 R18 ConceptBMW VILLA D’ESTE, ITALY—BMW’s prolonged launch of its proposed new cruiser continues, with yet another “concept” version of the R18 revealed at the recent Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Como, Italy. It continues the outlandish themes of the two previous concepts – by Japanese customizer Custom Works Zon; and Austin, Texas hot-rodder Revival Cycles, respectively – but with more customary BMW Boxer motifs. So while this Motorrad version, designed in Munich but crafted in Sweden by Unique Custom Cycles, does feature an outlandish 21-inch front wheel and wildly idiosyncratic Solex dual-throat carburettor – the carbs do have a history on BMWs, just only on Munich’s famed 2002 four-wheeler – replacing the traditional Bings, there are numerous reminisces from BMW bikes gone by. The giant air- (and oil-)cooled 1,800-cc engine, with absolutely massive cooling fins, is an obvious blast from the past. Ditto the exposed, chromed driveshaft, which is pure 1950s Boxer. Likewise, we’ve seen spring-mounted leather saddles on plenty of BMWs of yore. But the overall lines, save for the gas tank with its hand-painted pinstripes that reminds me of the “pregnant guppy” R75/5 I rode through college, is pure R32, the BMW’s first opposed twin. From the sweep of its faux hardtail frame to the curve of the rear fender, this is one way-retro – as in all the way back to 1923 – concept. Oh, to be sure, the new 1,800-cc R18 engine dwarves the R32’s 494-cc unit, but the sweep of the of the twin inlet tracts from that gargantuan Solex is almost a carbon copy of the R32’s inlet pipes. Indeed, while the previous two concepts were individual customizers’ take on the Boxer twin, this version is pure BMW Motorrad. And while we can’t be sure this third iteration is anywhere near the final production version, it’s likely at least a few of these historic touches – I’ll bet dollars to doughnuts the twin inlet tracts, with fuel injection replacing the archaic carburetor, will make it to production – will be found on BMW showroom floors soon. Stay tuned for even more teasing until then, however, the good folks in Munich seem to be having some fun with this one. The 2019 recreation of the long-lost 1970 BMW Garmisch Concept by Bertone BMW BMW also released something it’s calling the Homage Concept, which is supposed to be a recreation of the famed BMW Garmisch, the concept car designed by Marcello Gandini for Bertone that supposedly vanished after its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in 1970. “Marcello Gandini to me is one of the grandmasters of car design and his cars always have been an important source of inspiration for my work,” said Adrian van Hooydonk, senior vice-president of BMW design, who claims to have been intrigued by the Garmisch since he first discovered a faded period picture of the car some years ago. “Building the BMW Garmisch for a second time gave us the opportunity to pay tribute to Mr. Gandini, recall one of his lesser-known cars and highlight Bertone’s stylistic influence on the evolution of BMW design.” The 2019 recreation of the long-lost 1970 BMW Garmisch Concept by Bertone BMW The signature garnish of the Garmisch was its bold, vertical and almost angular variation of BMW’s kidney-shaped grill, which is faithfully interpreted on the Homage Concept. Ditto for the interior which, according to van Hooydonk, has a distinctly “Piemontese twist” to the rather functional interior design habits typical of BMWs at the time. Gandini was, of course, more famous for his work on the Lamborghini Miura and Countach, not to mention the Alfa Romeo Montreal, but he did numerous works for BMW, including the Spicup show car, as well as the first iterations of the 5
Origin: BMW keeps teasing its R18 concept, with retro bike bowing in Italy
Honda’s Urban EV concept gets a real name: ‘e’
Name of Honda’s urban electric car confirmed: ‘Honda e’Honda Honda’s small Urban EV concept with throwback styling caught the attention of just about everybody when it was revealed at the Geneva auto show a couple years back, and Honda has just announced the production model’s name: Honda e. A simple name for a simple car. The Honda e gained a lot of love for its resemblance to the original Honda CVCC (the car later rebadged Civic) and will surely get a lot of love for what it can offer, as well. Honda says, for example, the e will deliver over 200 km of range, and that the battery cells supplied by Panasonic will fast-charge to 80 per cent in just 30 minutes. The e will also be rear-wheel-drive, so it might actually be quite sporty. Honda decided to build the vehicle after over 22,000 customers in Europe expressed interest in buying it, showing there would probably be a good market for small EVs for urban areas. The e will be a great addition to Honda’s vision of electrifying its entire lineup by 2025. Honda’s Electric Vision, renewed and emboldened at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, is for 100 per cent of the brand’s European sales to feature electrified powertrains by 2025, the automaker said in a release. The Honda e, presented as a production prototype in Geneva, is Honda’s first model to benefit from a dedicated EV platform and takes a bold step with its design and technology. The compact electric car offers trademark Honda driving dynamics, aided by the sporty rear-wheel-drive format and advanced electric powertrain. Production and sales of the Honda e will hopefully start later in 2019, and we sincerely hope that Honda finds a way to make the e available in
Origin: Honda’s Urban EV concept gets a real name: ‘e’
Genesis launches Mint EV concept
Genesis launches Mint EV concept The premium brand is looking to expand into Europe Genesis has unveiled the Mint Concept ahead of the New York Motor Show, a pure-electric city car that aims to focus on style and urban driving. The two-door EV has an estimated range of 200 miles on a single charge, and features 350 kW ultra-rapid charging capabilities. A compact footprint and low-slung shape aim to help aerodynamics and suitability for driving in towns and cities, while also giving the Mint an air of ‘fun-to-drive’ nature – think Mini in concept. Though not prevalent in Europe yet, Genesis is Hyundai’s premium brand, and the Hyundai-Kia group is one of the world’s leading EV manufacturers currently, with a line up that boasts the likes of the Kona Electric & Ioniq Electric from Hyundai, and the e-Niro & forthcoming Soul EV from Kia. Essentially, the experience and systems are in place to not dismiss the Mint as yet another concept without any solid foundations. It is not yet confirmed for production, though many will hope that it will be made. Stylish and premium yet compact EVs are not currently available, but Honda has already said it’s Urban EV will be pitched in that market, and the Mini E will cover that space a little, so it appears that manufacturers think there are buyers out there to put their money down. Genesis as a brand will launch in Europe next year, with confirmed plans for sales in the UK. Although currently made up primarily of premium saloons, a model like the Mint would be a welcome one for many.
Origin: Genesis launches Mint EV concept
Volkswagen Atlas Basecamp concept channels its inner mountain biker
2019 Volkswagen VW Atlas Basecamp ConceptHandout / Volkswagen What is it? The Volkswagen Atlas Basecamp concept was designed with endurance mountain biking in mind and is the brainchild of Alex Earle, exterior design manager at Volkswagen’s California design centre. It takes the basics of the Atlas and adds utility and convenience of a trailer. The highlight is the on/off-road trailer built by Hive Campers — measuring 1,520 by 2,030 millimetres, the trailer is big enough is enough to accommodate a queen-sized bed. It also has a slide-out kitchen, portable toilet, retractable awning and hot shower. Why does it matter? The start point is the Atlas SEL Premium. The Basecamp concept is finished in Platinum Gray and Black with a matte finish and orange accents. The 276 horsepower, 3.6L V6 with works with an eight-speed transmission and VW’s 4Motion all-wheel drive with Drive Mode Selection. A set of Fifteen52 Traverse MX Concept wheels round out the specs, wrapped in 265/70R17 all-terrain tires. These are expected go into series production at fifteen52 this fall. 2019 Volkswagen VW Atlas Basecamp Concept Handout / Volkswagen When is it coming? The Volkswagen Atlas Basecamp concept is just that — a concept with a trailer. Should you buy it? This is a niche product aimed at a niche clientele. With fewer that five percent of SUV owners ever venturing off-road, the addition of a go-anywhere trailer is the answer to the one question that was never asked.
Origin: Volkswagen Atlas Basecamp concept channels its inner mountain biker
The HabaNiro Concept is Kia’s all-electric Everything Car
What is it? Kia has just unveiled its vision of the future—an all-electric, all-wheel-drive ride with Level 5 autonomy. It is a funky looker with a two-tone theme. Essentially, it has a white exterior with a red interior. The lone exception is the red “arrow” at the back end. Of course, it has non-production doors. In this case, “butterfly wing” doors where the front portals open forward and the back ones move rearward. It does open things up and ease access despite being less than practical. Why does it matter? The HabaNiro creates, says Kia, “an all-electric Everything Car, or ECEV.” It is commuter car, crossover, sport-utility, state-of-the-art technology workroom and adventure vehicle all wrapped up in one. The electric side features a battery capable of delivering a 500-plus kilometre driving range along with two electric motors—one powering the front axle, the second driving the rear axle. One of the core technologies is Kia’s Real-time Emotion Adaptive Driving (R.E.A.D.) system. It is said to optimize and personalize the cabin by analyzing the driver’s emotional state real-time. Artificial Intelligence (AI) enables the system to establish a baseline and then customize the cabin accordingly. When will Canada get it? The likelihood of the HabaNiro coming to market in its present form lies between none and absolutely none. Should you buy it? Yes, autonomous driving is a hot topic and every manufacturer is dabbling in it to one degree or another. The Kia HabaNiro is just a tad too pie-in-the-sky to be taken
Origin: The HabaNiro Concept is Kia’s all-electric Everything Car
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