Friday, November 19, 2010

Audi e-tron Spyder Concept: design process



Audi has released an official design story of its e-tron Spyder Concept, presented at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. The material also includes photos from the design and prototype construction process.
The Audi e-tron Spyder Concept was developed from the fist sketches to the final prototype in just five months.

Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet preview



Nissan has revealed the first image of the Murano CrossCabriolet, an open verion of the Japanese crossover that will make its debut at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show and will go on sale in 2011.
Set to go on sale in early 2011, the Murano CrossCarbiolet is described by Nissan as "the world's first all-wheel drive crossover convertible".

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Mitsubishi i-MiEV



At the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show Mitsubishi is unveiling the North American version of the i-MiEV compact electric car. Expected to go on sale in 2011, the model has larger dimensions compared to the European model.

Toyota Bionic+ Concept



The Toyota Bionic+ Concept is a design study of a futuristic three-seater vehicle that explores the use of bio-technologies and materials. The author is Coventry University graduate Tomas Jankauskas.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Hydra Design Labs launches car design studio



Hydra Design Labs has launched an Automotive Design Studio based in Southern California. The main design team includes former Mitsubishi designers Jon Hull, Mike Desmond, Gary Ragle and Chris Schuttera.
The main team includes automotive designers Jon Hull (Mitsubishi), Mike Desmond (Mitsubishi, West Coast Choppers), Gary Ragle (Mitsubishi R&D), and Chris Schuttera (C & D Zodiac, Ken Okuyama Design and Engineering, Mitsubishi R&D).

Giorgetto Giugiaro receives Honorary Master’s Degree in Architecture



Giorgetto Giugiaro has received an Honorary Master's Degree in Architecture from the Turin Politecnico University for his competence in combining design and technology and in anticipating design and market trends.

Toyota Sienna Swagger Wagon Supreme


The Sienna Swagger Wagon Supreme was created together with B.A.D. Company and Even Sienna's online community of fans who provided suggestions and making decisions for this special build.

Based on a 2011 Toyota Sienna SE V6 This special van was stretched by nearly four feet and modified to create a functional family vehicle.

A custom acrylic roof replacement approximately eight feet long was installed to help bring in natural light and create a warm and stylish environment. An airbag suspension system was installed allowing ground clearance to range from 2.5 to 6.5 inches.


The interior of the Sienna Swagger Wagon Supreme was designed to provide functional versatility to both adults and kids.

The passenger area includes two swiveling captain's chairs. The custom cabinetry for added storage finished in cherry veneer with an integrated glass-front refrigerator and DuPont Corian countertop that can have multiple uses such as food and drink prep, a kid's activity area, a mobile office, etc.

The floor was lowered, leveled and finished in Brazilian cherry hardwood.

The infotainment system features a 23-inch HP TouchSmart computer featuring multi-touch support in Windows 7; an Xbox 360 gaming system with DVD player; and a custom JBL audio system specifically designed and tuned by JBL sound engineers to provide a home theater atmosphere.

(Source: Toyota)

Toyota Tundra Sportsman


The "Tundra Sportsman" concept pickup truck was developed in collaboration with Bass Pro Shops and their RedHead Pro Hunting Team members.

The vehicle is inspired by the outdoor tradition of hunting.

Toyota used a 2011 Tundra Double Cab 4×4 equipped with the TRD Rock Warrior Package and 5.7-liter V8 with a six-speed automatic transmission as the canvas for the concept truck.

In addition to the performance modifications, the exterior uses a muted color palette of Grays and Blacks to blend in with the wooded environment without the cliché of camouflage to sustain curb appeal.


Inside, the truck was designed to be a command center for extended hunting trips. It includes a weather station and GPS system.

The truck bed was modified to serve double-duty as the ultimate sportsman fantasy transport and base camp.

Everything required for conventional firearm and bow hunting is included as well as an area for meal preparation.

RK Collection Toyota Camry NASCAR Edition


The RK Collection Toyota Camry NASCAR Edition is a special two-door version developed by RK Collection (RKC).

The project was developed with the dual purpose of building and running a high-performance street legal Toyota Camry with a NASCAR engine.

The exterior shell of the vehicle is a custom made 2010 Camry two-door body sheet metal. It is combined with several race car features including a custom body kit, carbon fiber brake ducts with fog lights and TRD emblems.

The engine is a TRD NASCAR V8 engine that measures 358 cubic inches and delivers 680 horsepower at 8500 RPM. The engine is mated to a Tremic T-56 Magnum six-speed manual transmission with a Ram dual-disc street clutch.

After its debut at the 2010 SEMA Show the RK Collection Toyota Camry NASCAR Edition will race during this weekend(12-14 November 2010) at the Phoenix International Raceway.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Yaris GT-S Club Racer


This racing-version Yaris was created by SportsCar magazine, starting from a 2006 Yaris five-door liftback.

The name is an homage to the popular GT-S grade Celica's of the 1980's and 90's.

The Yaris GT-S Club Racer has 400 kg of weight savings, and an exterior with a Molly Designs inspired graphics that pays homage to Dan Gurney's All American Racers-built IMSA GTP Toyota Eagle Racers of the 1990's.

Additional exterior features include a Seibon carbon fiber hood and hatchback, AeroCatch hood pins, Racing Lifestyle fender flares, I/O Port Racing Supplies tow hooks, and Lexan side and rear windows

Underneath the hood is a Toyota 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with VVT-i.

The Yaris GT-S Club Racer won its very first race, topping the competition at Willow Springs Raceway in Southern California.

Toyota Prius PLUS Performance Package


The Toyota Prius PLUS Performance Package is a new hybrid performance line by Toyota Racing Development (TRD).It offers accessories that add sporty look and performance handling. Toyota Prius PLUS Performance Package These include a seven-piece aerodynamic body kit with a uniquely styled rear diffuser and race-inspired 17-inch forged wheels. The PLUS package deliversimproved handling without sacrificing any fuel efficiency. The package also includes exclusive floormats with a "PLUS" logo and a unique "PLUS" exterior badge.

The new PLUS brand of accessories from Toyota will be available in limited production beginning in April 2011.