Concept Cars

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Concept Cars

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Hyundai I-BLUE FUEL
Hyundai selected the ’08 Chicago Auto Show for the North American debut of the stylish i-Blue fuel cell electric hydrogen-powered, zero-emission concept. The i-Blue is a sophisticated and futuristic crossover concept sports tourer with the driving comfort of a sedan and the utility functions of a minivan. Though i-Blue is Hyundai’s 3rd-generation fuel cell technology, it's the company’s first-ever alternative-powered model designed from the ground up. A 100 kW electric engine is matched with a fuel cell stack of compressed hydrogen (700 bar) stored in a 115-liter tank. I-Blue is capable of running more than 370 miles per refueling and achieves a maximum speed of more than 100 mph.
Chicago Auto Show
Dodge AVENGER STORMTROOPER
Inspired by the organic nature of the costumes from Star Wars movies, the Dodge Avenger Stormtrooper is a sophisticated sedan designed to appeal to an adult tuner. Equipped with a digitally tuned 4.0-liter V-6 engine, Stormtrooper packs the punch of a velvet hammer. It features an all-wheel-drive powertrain and six-speed automatic gearbox with AutoStick steering wheel paddle shifters. The KW custom coil-over suspension is tuned for ride-height and damping. Painted a custom pearl white, the Avenger Stormtrooper’s story continues on the inside. Alcantara suede-lined interior and four black and white Dodge SRT8 bucket seats are accent with red stitching and stripes.
Chicago Auto Show
Chrysler TOWN & COUNTRY BLACK JACK
Built for SEMA, the Chrysler Town & Country Black Jack van was inspired by the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas. The exterior is finished in Amber-Black Pearl paint, with a hood that features a ghosted “Black Jack” logo and a chrome billet-style mesh grille. It sits on one-off 20-inch chrome wheels that are tucked around a set of Brembo SRT brakes. A leather- wrapped curved bench replaces the third-row seats. The centered dealer's seat faces the "black jack" table constructed of lightweight carbon fiber that’s bolted to the translucent center mount that flows into the translucent floor. The rear-mounted 37-in. LCD flat screen and two 7-in. overhead monitors are connected to three hidden overhead digital cameras so there are "eyes" on the dealer and players' hands.
Chicago Auto Show
Chevrolet TRAX
As part of it’s global product development, General Motors developed Trax, an urban crossover concept that’s equally at home on the trails or in traffic. Equipped with a low-cost all-wheel-drive system, Trax is powered by a 1-liter gas engine. Trax looks the part of a rugged SUV many times its size, thanks to a voluminous one-piece bumper and fender system in the front and back, a rear-mounted spare tire and a roof rack. Created in GM's Design Studio in Inchon, South Korea, Trax was built at the GM Tech Center in Warren, Mich.
Chicago Auto Show
Chevrolet GROOVE
A “funkastalgia”-themed vehicle too tough-looking to be “cute,” the Chevy Groove concept was created in General Motors Design Studio in Inchon, South Korea, and built at the GM Tech Center in Warren, Mich. With its retro-inspired body, the Groove features bodacious fender flares, an upright windshield, and appears much longer than it is, thanks to its short hood and long cabin. Powering the front-drive Groove is a small, efficient 1-liter diesel engine.
Chicago Auto Show
Chevrolet CAMARO BUMBLEBEE
Appearing in the Chevrolet exhibit at the ’08 Chicago Auto Show was the yellow and black Camaro concept car that was featured as one of the four stars of the live-action-adventure film, “Transformers.” In the movie, when the Camaro changes, it becomes “Bumblebee,” a central character in the saga of aliens who take mechanical forms when on Earth. Michael Bay, the film’s Director, said, “The first time I saw the new Camaro, while touring the GM Design Center, I knew immediately that it would be the perfect Bumblebee. He continued, “It’s got beautiful lines and a classic, timeless look. There were no other cars that came even close.”
Chicago Auto Show
Chrysler ecoVoyager
Chrysler’s dream machine for '08, the ecoVoyager, marries an elegant American design with fuel cell range-extended electric vehicle technology. The wheels are driven by an electric motor, with power supplied by a lithium-ion battery pack. Developing 200 kilowatts (268 horsepower), the front wheel drive ecoVoyager accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in less than eight seconds, and has an all-electric powered range of 40 miles. With hydrogen fuel cell range extender, the vehicle can travel up to 300 miles. The exterior is painted “Polar Ice,” and the prototype rolls on mammoth 30-inch wheels and special Goodyear rubber. Innovative roof houses two longitudinal skylights that contain the “Direct Sound” function. With this feature, musical entertainment choices can be directed to each individual occupant without the use of headphones, and without disturbing others in the car.
Dodge ZEO
Breaking the paradigm of what an electric car should look like, the ‘08 Dodge ZEO (Zero Emissions Operation) concept is a muscular 2+2 sports wagon, with stunning performance numbers. Exterior features reverse-angle C-pillars, “scissor” doors, sculptured front and rear lighting, a lit crossbar grille, and 23-inch wheels. The propulsion system is electric-only with a 64 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack capable of at least 250 miles. Resting in a rear-wheel drive layout, the single-electric motor creates 200 kilowatt (268 horsepower), and zips from 0-to-0-60 mph in less than six seconds, which rivals Dodge’s HEMI engine. Interior surfaces are “Super White,” accented by a narrow strip of blur LED lighting on.
Jeep RENEGADE
Jeep has taken its legendary all-weather fun philosophy and created the lightweight Renegade concept for the “Stylish Green” segment of the marketplace. Renegade has a 40-mile lithium-ion battery pack, and a 115 horsepower, 1.5-liter, 3-cyclinder BLUETEC diesel. The combination delivers a 400-mile driving range, and an equivalent petroleum fuel economy of 110 mpg. Dual electric 200 kilowatt (268 horsepower) motors propel the 4x4 system. Materials used are environmentally responsible, both in manufacture and end-of-vehicle-life recyclability. Aluminum body features large flared wheel openings, cut-down speedster windshield, and elongated triangular openings in each of the two sculpted doors. Built without a top, the prototype has a roll bar, weather-tight, durable cockpit, and cargo deck for outdoor gear.
Chevrolet CORVETTE ZR1
GM isn't kidding around with the supercharged 620-horsepower V8 that's at the heart of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. It'll produce more urge than the absurdly powerful twin-turbocharged Mercedes V12 or the race-bred V10 of the Porsche Carrera GT or nearly any other internal combustion engine ever produced for vehicular transport. Most important, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1's V8 makes more horsepower than the Dodge Viper's new 8.4-liter V10. And it will carry GM's 100,000-mile powertrain warranty when the ZR1 goes on sale this fall as a 2009 model.
Chrysler FIREPOWER
Elegance with a Mean Streak "As designers, we challenged ourselves," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President — Chrysler Group Design. "How could we best encompass such strong Chrysler models as the Crossfire, which began the brand's move toward a higher level of performance and elegance, while looking to the most extreme expression of engineering and design such as last year's prototype, the ME Four-Twelve? Firepower uniquely bridges these two worlds." Painstakingly crafted, the elegant and powerful Firepower concept is an example of automotive design and engineering within the reach of Chrysler brand customers. The exterior and interior design, flush with fine materials and meticulous details, are matched with performance provided by a 6.1-liter HEMI® V8 and a Dodge Viper-based chassis. The SRT-developed engine is exclusive to Chrysler LLC's high-performance products. Firepower uses a rear-wheel drive chassis with suspension and brakes fitting of a thoroughbred performance vehicle. A world-class 5-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick® melds luxury and sport. Chrysler LLC estimates 0-60 mph performance at less than 4.5 seconds and estimates a top speed of 175 mph.
Kia KEE
An exciting 2-door coupe with svelte, newly proportioned lines, Kee demonstrates an uncluttered, pure and timeless execution of style. The sports coupe is single minded. “It’s about driving, pure and simple. It’s about appearance, performance, emotion,” enthuses Kee’s Designer, Peter Schreyer.
Kia MESA
Mesa demonstrates that an SUV need not compromise appearance, passenger comfort or performance for ruggedness and utility. Imposing customer-built 22-inch alloy wheels pushed out to the corners give an aggressive appearance while adding to stability and overall responsiveness. A 3.5-liter, 24 valve V6 engine and all-wheel drive punctuate the performance capabilities of the forward-thinking design.
Dodge DEMON
The Dodge Demon concept is envisioned as a low-priced, two-passenger dream car with attitude. The interior recalls the simplistic themes of British sports cars of the 1960's when function was emphasized over frivolity.
Hyundai QARMAQ
The QarmaQ is a collaboration between GE Plastics and Hyundai. Nearly 30 applications highlight the practicality of using plastics in components to reduce weight and improve safety.
Chevrolet VOLT
What if you could commute to work all week without using a drop of gasoline? Introducing a new kind of electric vehicle – Concept Chevy Volt. It’s unlike any previous EV (electric vehicle), thanks to its innovative rechargeable electric drive system and range-extending power source. It can be configured to run on electricity, gasoline, E85 or biodiesel. So you have at least a couple of options for the most efficient drive – all made possible by GM’s innovative E-Flex Propulsion System.
Jeep TRAILHAWK
Jeep’s headline display at the Detroit Auto Show will be the Trailhawk concept, a SUV that’s supposed to be at home both on and off the road. The design is a variation of previous Jeep concepts and other SUVs, but the Trailhawk does have a few redeeming qualities. Firstly, there’s the innovative roof system, which is made up of two glass panels directly above the driver and passenger. A third glass is located above the rear passengers, and all three are removable for open-air cruising. The concept rides on a 116-inch wheelbase and comes with massive 22” wheels. Power comes courtesy of a 3.0L BLUETEC diesel engine from Mercedes that develops 215hp and 376 ft-lbs. of torque.The side windows retract fully into the body, leaving no B-pillar above the belt, while the diagonal quarter windows are also fully retractable.
Kia KUE
With distinctly grand SUV styling, the Kia Kue majors on greater driving dynamics and performance. The focus is very much about an exciting driving experience, as opposed to the typical SUV or CUV lifestyle. The Kia Kue is based around a dynamically focused monocoque chassis and features bold seven-spoke 22-inch alloy wheels. Size wise, the Kue measures up with an overall length of 4,720mm and a 2,900mm wheelbase. This compares to 4,810mm and 2,890mm for Sedona and 4,590 and 2,710 for the Kia Sorento.
Chrysler Nassau
Combining refinement, function and style, the Chrysler Nassau concept explores a new expression of the Chrysler brand. The four-door, four-passenger Chrysler Nassau luxury coupe is, as Alan Barrington, principal exterior designer of the concept said, "a more emotional and artistic articulation of what it means to be a Chrysler." Though built on a full-size 120-inch wheelbase, the Nassau appears more visually compact than a comparable Chrysler 300C. "Traditional exterior proportions have been enhanced with a silhouette that recalls the classic English 'shooting brake,'" said Barrington. "This provides SUV-like interior volume with a lower, more roadworthy physique."

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Concept Cars

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