Honda Estilo ‘94

Estilo Concept
Nama tuning house Jacobson terkenal dengan konsep modifikasi bergaya body conversion. Kali ini, Peter Jacob sang punggawa, membawa Honda Estilo lansiran 1994 masuk bengkelnya yang berlokasi di seputaran Deplu, Pondok Pinang. Jakarta Selatan. Setelah berkutat berbulan-bulan, sim salabim….sebuah concept car terpajang di depan galerinya. Mengusung kelir putih, berpenampilan sangat sporty dengan lekuk bodi nan ekstrim. Bisa dibilang modifikasi di bagian eksterior sukses menyembunylkan dalam-dalam wajah asii pabrikannya. Di depan, bemper berukuran besar dengan bonnet pada kanan kiri dan tengah yang sekaligus menjadi wadah bagi intercooler mesin V6 milik Galant VR-4 yang dilengkapi peranti turbo ganda. Konstruksi kap mesin yang landai diiringi head lamp unik berupa 10 lampu, masing-masing 5 di sebelah kanan dan 5 di sebelah kiri. Bagian samping, juga tidak menunjukkan ciri-ciri sebuah hatchback Estilo. Dimana fender depan belakang memiliki alur yang sejajar dengan bagian moncong serta bokong. Sementara bagian belakang lebih mirip dengan konstruksi pesawat dengan sayap atau rear wing yang memenuhi area bagasi dan tersambung ke arah kabin. Lebih menyarukan rupanya, lantaran lampu belakang diganti kepunyaan Subaru Justy.

Tak kalah nyeleneh adalah desain kabin yang terbelah menjadi dua bagian, dimana masing-masing penumpangnya memiliki ruang sendiri yang beratapkan bahan kaca. Nah persoalannya, bagaimana cara masuk ke dalamnya? "Coba saja tebak,"ujar Peter sembari senyum-senyum.

Type of Car

Honda Estilo ‘94
Body Work
Body conversion, custom chasis, custom rear lamp Subaru Justy
Engine
Mitsubishi Galant VR- 4 2500 cc, V6 twin turbo Tiptronic
Rolling Stock
Velg Mae 9,5x19” , ban Yokohama 245/35, suspense Tanabe adjustable, rem depan VR- 4

Memodif Lancer 2001

Ekstrim...! mungkin kata yang secara kontan terucap ketika melihat kreasi modifikasi yang satu ini. Tampil sangat mencolok dalam gelaran Djarum Back Autoblackthrough seri Jogjakarta (31 Mei - 1 Juni 2008), "alien" yang diklaim berbasis rangka orisinil Lancer lansiran 2001 ini telah diakui sang empunya sebagai kandidat terkuat peraih titel terbaik kontes bertajuk "The Hottest Hi-Tech Modified Motor Show" tersebut. "Kita memang ngejar The King mas," ungkap Beny sang kreator.

Dengan proses pengerjaan selama 3 bulan, mobil bertema futuristik yang dikerjakan di Bengkel Formula Group ini tak ayal menjadi pusat perhatian para pengunjung yang hadir di gedung JEC, Jogjakarta. Berukuran ekstra panjang sekitar 4 meter dengan tampilan yang kokoh dan garang berbahan baku plat galvanis dan fiber custom (interior), Beny yang juga menjadi salah satu anggota Option ini pun mengaku kalau dari sektor rangka (chasis) dan mesin masih tetap memasang versi orisinilnya.

"Memang kita main di full body custom dan suspensi Pneumatik, sedangkan dari sektor mesin sama chasis kita masih pake yang asli punya," tukas Beny (29) sedikit santai. Dan tidak hanya itu saja kelebihan dari sang alien biru ini...! Ditopang suspensi udara yang menyokong velg Vork Bersaglion 20 inch (9,5X10,5") terbungkus ban Toyo Proxes (245/35/20 depan & 275/30/20 belakang) mobil yang pada kap depan dan bagasi mengaplikasikan sistem sama dengan kaki-kaki ini, juga dapat bergerak lincah bak menari ke atas bawah hanya dengan menaikturunkan tuas penggerak terintegrasi dalam sebuah kontrol berbentuk gamepad.

Dengan dukungan seperangkat audio mumpuni pada sektor ICE seperti aplikasi Pioneer p-9 + DEQ, 7 buah Speaker Simbion, 5 buah Monitor, 5 buah Power Precison DCX dan 6 subwoofer Precision, lengkaplah sudah eksistensi alien show car hasil gawean sang modifikator Benny yang pada kabin kemudi telah disulap sang kreator menjadi konsol kemudi tengah yang tentunya hanya bisa ditunggangi oleh satu orang pengemudi tersebut.

"Kesulitan paling besar sih dalam pengerjaan body dan suspensi udara di kap sama bagasi, trus kalau ditanya soal daily use, mobil ini masih bisa dipake sehari-hari mas, cuman satu aja sih musuhnya kalau sedang dikendarai, yaitu hujan..." tukasnya sembari tersenyum.

Michael Schumacher Kembali ke F1

By Astrid Puspasari

Michael Schumacher

Liputan6.com, Jerman: Juara dunia sebanyak tujuh kali Formula 1, Michael Schumacher, telah menandatangani kesepakatan dengan Mercedes selama satu tahun untuk kembali balapan di Formula 1 Grand Prix 2010. Bild.de seperti dilansir AFP (23/12), melaporkan bahwa Schumacher akan dibayar sebesar tujuh juta Euro untuk dapat balapan lagi yang dimulai dengan Grand Prix Bahrain pada 14 Maret 2010.

Schumacher terakhir balapan bersama tim kuda jingkrak, Ferrari tahun 2006 pada Grand Prix Brazil. Sekarang ia bergabung dengan Mercedes, bersama rekan satu negaranya Jerman, yaitu Nico Rosberg.

Presiden Ferrari, Luca Di Montezemolo mengatakan minggu lalu ia bingung karena kehilangan Schumacher yang lari ke tim saingan. Di Montezemolo mengakui bahwa ia ingin Schumacher kembali pada Ferrari, tetapi dengan Fillipe Massa dan Fernando Alonso yang sudah di kontrak untuk tahun depan, ia tidak bisa menawarkan kursi pembalap.

Di Montezemolo mulai bekerjasama dengan Schumacher pada tahun 1996, ketika pembalap asal Jerman ini bergabung dengan konstruktor Italia dari Benetton. Schumacher telah memenangkan 91 kali pertandingan dari total 250 Grand Prix. (AST/AYB)

Mobil Kecil Pilihan 2010

Liputan6.com, Los Angeles: Jarang terlihat mobil berukuran besar dalam pameran mobil Los Angeles, Amerika Serikat, baru-baru ini. Apakah kendaraan berukuran kecil bakal menjadi tren di industri otomotif dunia, pada 2010 mendatang ? Sepertinya deraan krisis ekonomi dan isu lingkungan mempengaruhi minat masyarakat terhadap kendaraan.

Dulu, makin besar body sebuah mobil, makin terlihat prestisius. Namun sekarang semua yang praktis dan hemat energi menjadi incaran. Inilah yang membuat para produsen otomotif ramai-ramai meluncurkan mobil bernilai ekonomis.

Ada dua hal yang harus menjadi perhatian pembeli sebelum menentukan mobil yang diinginkan, yaitu kebutuhan dan budget yang dimiliki. Bagi klien yang mementingkan dua kebutuhan sekaligus, Chrysler Cruze bisa menjadi pilihan. Lainnya, Ford Fiesta dan Mazda 2.

Semua kendaraan tersebut dipasarkan dengan harga di bawah $15 ribu atau sekitar Rp 150 juta. Murah bukan? Hebatnya meski berharga ekonomis, namun tetap dilengkapi dengan teknologi yang terintegrasi. Contohnya, Ford yang mengedepankan sistem SYNC. Dengan kecanggihan ini, klien bisa mengendalikan telepon genggam dan pemutar musik secara nirkabel dengan perintah suara.

Tren warna kendaraan pun ikut bermain di pasaran 2010 mendatang. Diprediksi, warna-warna cerah seperti hijau dan kuning akan mendominasi. Dari seluruh koleksi yang ada, mobil Audi A3 Tdi diprediksi akan menjadi pilihan populer pada tahun 2010 nanti. Selain memenangkan penghargaan tahunan "green car of the year" mobil hybrid ini harganya relatif terjangkau, berkisar 30 ribu dolar as atau sekitar 300 juta rupiah. (OMI/AYB)

10 mobil jalanan tercepat di dunia

Sepuluh Mobil Tercepat 2009-2010

Metode yang paling banyak digunakan sekarang ini untuk menentukan peforma supercar adalah akselerasi dari diam ke 100 mph (160km/jam) lalu berhenti secepatnya. Cara ini dianggap ideal karena mengukur seluruh kemampuan mobil.

Negara mana yang paling jago membuat mobil cepat? Inilah dia 10 mobil tercepat di dunia. Angka detik disebelah nama model menunjukkan waktu yang diperlukan mobil untuk bergerak dari kecepatan 0 - 100mph-0. Contoh Gallardo butuh waktu 13.65 detik untuk bergerak dari diam ke 100mph yang kemudian direm kuat-kuat hingga berhenti/0mph.

10. Lamborghini Gallardo 13.65 detik
Dalam uji 0-100-0 mph, Lamborghini Gallardo lebih cepat dari saudaranya, Diablo yang lebih besar dan lebih kuat, karena bobotnya lebih ringan. Gallardo, model Lamborghini paling laris sepanjang masa, menggunakan mesin V10, 5.0 liter 520hp.

9. Porsche 911 Turbo 12.5 detik.
Berkat sistem penggerak roda yang nyaris sempurna mencegah roda tergelincir, seluruh daya -480hp- yang diproduksi mesin bisa ditransfer seluruhnya menjadi daya gerak. Ini juga membuktikan power raksasa bukan yang terpenting.

8. Caterham CSR260 11.95detik
Perusahaan otomotif Inggris ini punya sejarah panjang sebagai produsen mobil tercepat (0 - 60mph dalam 3 detik). Sekali lagi, mobil ini menunjukkan tenaga gede bukan segalanya. Caterham CRS260 menggunakan mesin 2.3 liter 250hp dengan bobot hanya 555kg, sehingga rasio daya dan bobot menjadi 0.5hp perkg.

7. Pagani Zonda 11.8 detik
Kombinasi tradisi balap Italia dengan ketangguhan engineering Jerman menghasilkan supercar ini. Mesin Mercedes-Benz AMG 7.3 liter memproduksi 555hp yang mendorong supercar melesat dari diam ke 60mph dalam 3.4 detik dan kecepatan maksimum 220mph (356km/jam).

6. Porsche Carrera GT 11.6 detik
Model produksi massal paling bertenaga yang pernah dibuat Porsche. Mesin V10 5.7 liter yang diposisikan ditengah adalah salah satu yang paling canggih di segmen GT car. Mobil ini hampir seluruhnya dibuat dari serat karbon dan material komposite. Dengan penjualan 1,270 unit diseluruh dunia, inilah super car paling sukses sepanjang masa.

5. McLaren F1 LM 11.5 detik
Mobil yang diciptakan semata-mata untuk menjadi yang tercepat. Proses penciptaan yang tak kenal kompromi membuat super car ini memegang mahkota mobil tercepat selama 10 tahun. Selama itu, penantang yang datang silih berganti gagal menggusurnya. Mesin BMW V12 627hp membuat mobil ini melesat hingga 240mph (389km/jam).

4.Ferrari Enzo 10.9 detik
Inilah Ferrari tercepat sepanjang sejarah yang diberi seperti nama pendiri perusahaan kuda jingkrak. Mobil inilah yang mengusur sang legendaris McLaren F1 disemua kategori, termasuk akselerasi dan kecepatan maksimal. Hanya 399 unit Ferrari Enzo yang diproduksi.

3. Ariel Atom 10.88detik
Dengan harga satu Carrera GT, bisa diapat satu lusin model ini. Atom diproduksi perusahaan otomotif kecil di Inggris dengan hanya sepuluh pekerja. Menggunakan mesin Honda yang dicomot dari Civic Type-R, dikombinasikan dengan supercharger untuk mengail daya maksimal 300hp. Dengan bobot hanya 456kg, Atom bisa melesat dari diam ke 60mph dalam 2.9 detik.

2. Bugatti Veyron 16.4 9.9 detik
Bila supercar lainya punya interior sempit, berisik dan panas, maka Veyron menawarkan kenyaman dan kenikmatan kepada dua penumpangnya setara mobil mewah. Bobot Veyron hampir dua ton, menjadikannya yang terberat dalam daftar sepuluh mobil ini. Namun bobot itu tidak mampu menahannya meroket 0-100-0 kurang dari sepuluh detik dengan top speed 253mph (410km/jam). Mesin W16-nya memproduksi 1001hp.

1. Ultima GTR 9.4 detik.
Kurang dari dua bulan lalu, perusahaan otomotif Inggris menempatkan produksinya sebagai mobil tercepat di jalan raya. Berbekal mesin Chevrolet V8 yang memproduksi 730hp, mengantarkan model ini masuk ke Guinness Book of World Records, mengalahkan Veyron. Ultima GTR 0-60 dalam 2.6detik, 0-100mph 5.3 detik dan mengerem ke 0 dalam 3.6 detik. Mobil ini tidak menggunakan traksi kontrol dan ABS.

OXO Peugeot Concept Car

OXO Peugeot Concept Car

The OXO concept is a direct reference to the numbering of Peugeot models. Initially called "x0x", the name of this concept wanted to take the central 0 of the Lion Marque and was surrounded by two "xx" to demonstrate its futuristic character.
However, in view of the special nature of this concept car, articulated around an"X-shaped" axis, the inversion of the 0 and the X gave it its name "OXO".
Resolutely modern and environmentally-friendly, the Peugeot OXO is a 100% electric vehicle.
Peugeot OXO Its big major innovation lies in its articulation since the "X" system allows it to reduce its size considerably when parking, as well as during driving, as for example going through narrow streets.
With its highly creative wheel system, this concept car can move sideways, pivot around itself… its urban mobility is optimum.
Another innovation is the use of a "Peugeot Phone" console that allows the driver to control the vehicle manually or in automatic.
The "Stress-free driving" option enables the two occupants to optimise their trip or quite simply relax and enjoy the landscape.

OXO Peugeot Concept Car

Leonin Hybrid Peugeot Concept Car by Tudoran Liviu

Leonin Hybrid Peugeot Concept Car

Designed to compliment the iconic Peugeot Lion, Liviu Tudoran has created a conceptual battery powered vehicle which could in theory reach speeds of up to 160 km/h and have a range of approximately 500km on a single charge. Developed under the theme “Imagine the Peugeot in the Worldwide Megalopolis of Tomorrow,” the conceptual vehicle is entitled Leonin, rather appropriately!

The Leonin, is a futuristic car that came to life in the fifth Peugeot design competition. The Leonin is a hybrid car that gained its name from the behavior of a lion. It comes with a battery below its hood and an electric engine in the back.

Leonin Hybrid Peugeot Concept Car

It features bright orange trims that make the dark and orange combo look spectacular. The doors open upwards to reveal a comfortable cabin for two. The highlight however is the orange band that goes over the rear wheels.

The body of the car is finished with aluminum composite, hard plastic, carbon fiber and glass, giving a foolproof protection to commuters in case of an accident. Replacing the interior rearview mirror, the hybrid features an LCD screen in the main console to display the video captured by the hi-resolution camera located at the rear of the car. The Leonin would set you back something between €18,000 and €25,000, according to the intensity of technology and equipment used in the car.

Leonin Hybrid Peugeot
Concept Car

Leonin Hybrid Peugeot Concept Car

STEM - Electric Concept Vehicle for Urban Environment

STEM Electric Concept Vehicle - Fron and Rear View

STEM is a lightweight and small Electric Concept Vehicle aimed for urban use which is ideal for short distance rides like commuter traffic, shopping-tours or the way to work. This three wheeled city-vehicle is a perfect alternative of the traditional cars that are being used in the city area. This vehicle has a modular case located in the front side of the vehicle which can be used as a storage unit for small and light loads, moreover, you can remove this if you want.

STEM Electric Concept Vehicle - Rear Right Side View

To enrich the alternative mobility, STEM Electric Concept Vehicle is empowered with an electric engine and lithium-based batteries to accumulate the energy located under the seat and charging can be done by plugging-in any standard power socket. The uniquely forward lean main body is designed against the driving direction and the precise edges and clean surfaces add up to an important impression of the design.

STEM Electric Concept Vehicle - Front Right Side View

STEM Electric Concept Vehicle is envisioned to be publicly used and therefore, an additional rental station infrastructure has also been developed where people will be able to rent this vehicle for short period of time from all over the city. When you will reach your destination, you can return it to another rental station that is nearest from where you are.

STEM Electric Concept Vehicle - Panel

Warna Cerah, Tren Warna Pelapis Interior Mobil 2010

TEMPO Interaktif, Jakarta:Tren perubahan di dunia otomotif tak beda jauh dengan di dunia fesyen, tak terkecuali dalam warna. Setelah demam warna cerah - putih misalnya - menggejala di kalangan pemilik mobil, kini giliran tren warna ceria dengan ragam kombinasinya telah menjangkiti pemilik mobil. Diperkirakan, corak warna itu akan menjadi tren di 2010 mendatang.

"Warna cerah seperti hijau dipadukan dengan neon green, tropicana, pop green dan tropicana terlihat cerah, sejuk dan sesuai tema sekarang yang go green ramah lingkungan. Meskipun warna cerah tapi nggak norak, tetapi tetap elegan. Saya kira ini akan jadi tren ke depan," aku Kevin Oktaviano, pemilik mobil Toyota Yaris yang membalut interior mobilnya dengan warna kombinasi hijau, saat ditemui Tempo di Balai Kartini, Jakarta, Rabu (23/12).

Bagi mahasiswa sebuah perguruan tinggi swasta ternama di Grogol, Jakarta Barat, itu warna cerah identik dengan optimisme dan keceriaan. "Tidak monoton, dulu orang suka warna hitam atau beige (krem) menjadi idola, kalau sekarang mulai ditinggalkan, khususnya di kalangan anak muda. Tapi kalau orang tua maungkin saja, untuk kesan konservatif," tutur dia.

Pendapat Kevin diamini Helsa Pratiwi, Sales Supervisor PT Polystar International, pemegang merek produk automotive synthetic leather MBtech di Indonesia. Bahkan, kata Helsa, pihaknya sejak beberapa bulan yang lalu gencar mengkampanyekan penggunaan warna-warna cerah tersebut.

"Hasilnya cukup menggembirakan, lima varian yang kami perkenalkan Oktober lalu mendapatkan sambutan positif. Ini terlihat dari permintaan yang cukup tinggi, satu varian saja yaitu varian Camaro mencapai 23.000 meter," sebut dia saat ditemui Tempo di arena pameran mobil klasik di Balai Kartini.

Bahkan Helsa mengatakan, warna-warna yang sebelumnya tidak diminati orang kini justeru dicari. Warna Tomato misalnya, di kalangan konsumen usia muda justeru menjadi warna yang banyak dicari. Hal itu juga diakui Kevin. "Warna ceria semacam merah dan gradasi nya itu memiliki aura pembangkit semangat, itu cocok bagi anak muda," imbuh Kevin.

Namun, Helsa menambahkan tren warna seperti itu bukan hanya digemari oleh kalangan muda saja, tetapi juga orang yang lebih dewasa. Hanya memang, ada perbedaan diantara dua kelompok konsumen tersebut terutama dalam kombinasi warna pilihan. "Intinya tren warna cerah itu untuk semua umur. Hanya corak kombinasinya saja mungkin yang berbeda," terangnya.

Sementara menurut Edi Pamungkas, Technical Brand Manager PT Polystar dalam penggunaan bahan pelapis interior mobil saat ini tidak mengacu pada warna dashboard. Malah, tak sedikit orang yang menggunakan warna sedikit kontras dengan dashboard. "Misalnya dashboard hitam kemudian warna jok dan door trim dibalut dengan MBtech warna deep purple atau flamboyant. Intinya masih ada nuansa yang senada," terang Edi.

MBtech saat ini menguasai pangsa pasar produk pelapis interior sintetik di tanah air. Dari total penjualan produk itu yang mencapai sekitar 250 ribu meter per tahun, MBtech terjual sekitar sekitar 150 ribu meter.

Baik Edi maupun Helsa mengaku, untuk mempertahankan posisi sebagai pemimpin pasar, MBtech terus melakukan inovasi produk baik dengan menambah varian produk maupun peningkatan kualitas misalnya mudah dibersihkan. Saat ini lima varian yang telah diluncurkan MBtech, yaitu Camaro, Superior, Camaro Fiesta, Sporty, dan Picasso.

Ankonian Mid Engined Lamborghini Concept Car

Ankonian
Mid Engined Lamborghini Concept Car by Slavche Tanevski

The mid-engined Lamborghini Ankonian designed by Slavche Tanevski is a proposal for a more compact sized Lamborghini supercar employing both 'soft' and angular surfaces in the design. It has a rather narrow body, cab backward classical GT silhouette, and complexity of soft and angular surfaces.
The power and potential of the car are represented through this complexity of the main body, which is rather softly and elegant designed, and the angular, stealthy and sharp elements.
The main themes behind the concept are "underground" and "hardcore". These are achieved by the angular forms, but mostly with the color combination of shiny black and matt dark grey. The big canyons and the skinny tail give the car a very light appearance.

Ankonian Mid Engined Lamborghini Concept Car by Slavche Tanevski

The mid-engined supercar has a narrow and rather complex-looking body, with a garnishing of GT proportions. Thin OLEDs embedded between the surfaces function as headlights, and while all those lines may look weird, the Ankonian supposedly makes the best use of it all. The concept was named after a bull type famous for black hair, and since the designer had some help from professional designers at Lamborghini and Audi, the finished model has impressive looks.
According to the designer, the Ankonian takes the design of the Reventon to the next level, even though the concept itself manages a unique expression. The supercar concept has a more aggressive design, and is downsized to account for a more environment-friendly status, though it does not include any hybrid or similar technologies.

Ankonian Mid Engined Lamborghini Concept Car by Slavche Tanevski

Here's the press release:

"Following the Lamborghini tradition I named the car “Ankonian” after the bull type which is famous for his black hair (that’s why I chose black).

The concept is a mid-engined supercar that is not “green”, but yet shows environmental responsibility, and therefore is downsized.

I didn’t choose the today’s midengine supercar clichés (extreme width, cab forward, aggressive graphical elements), but a rather narrow body, cab backward classical GT silhouette, and complexity/combination of soft and angular surfaces. Instead of showing power and aggression through some wild graphical elements (for example headlights) I achieved the same through the complexity of the main body which is rather softly designed, (and has a flair of the Italian elegance), and the angular, stealthy and sharp elements which remind of shields.

Ankonian Mid Engined Lamborghini Concept Car by Slavche Tanevski

Concerning the design language, I put the Reventòn style to the next level, even more aggressive and crazy, but yet elegant, and more harmonious.

The main themes behind the concept, which actually make the chosen design language even stronger, are ‘underground’ and ‘hardcore’. This is achieved by the triangular forms, for example, but mostly with the color combination of shiny black and matt dark grey.

During the design process we brought back the tradition (we did it old school)-clay modeling instead of CAD modeling. It took approx. 6 months to actually build the model and it was a great opportunity to try different possibilities concerning the surface management and the proportions. This how the design doesn’t look ‘artificial’, but mature, and due to the fact that we had constant support by Lamborghini and Audi Advanced designers, the final designs have professional touch.

Ankonian Mid Engined Lamborghini Concept Car by Slavche Tanevski

Even though very crazy and on first glance complicated, all Ankonian lines and intersections work together. Due to the tension in the lines and the concave and convex surfaces there is an impression of a strong and dynamic body. The big canyons and the fact that the tail was put on a diet give it a very light appearance. In addition, the hot-rod stance gives it a push forward, and the symbolic presence of wings and the arrow-like door graphic make the car very dynamical, even when it is in standing position.

By leaving the usual headlight graphics, and having very thin OLEDs embedded between the surfaces, an eccentric and mysterious feeling is achieved. The same principle was applied at the back too, by doing an alien-like face with two big exhausts as eyes, and diffuser as mouth. Again, the lights are put on a position man would not expect (read: shock value). "

Kizashi Suzuki Concept Car

Kizashi Suzuki Concept Car

The Kizashi concept is designed to take Suzuki into a new vehicle segment, in line with the company's aim to move more upmarket and mainstream with their offerings.

The Suzuki Kizashi is a dramatic design, especially from the front where the enormous tapering grille blends into the aggressive slit-eyed LED headlights.

The Suzuki Kizashi concept, meaning 'Prelude' in Japanese, is a striking four-door family car concept which debuted at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The D-segment initiative- the kizashi revealed in Frankfurt represents the beginning of the third phase of the world strategy. The main objective of this phase is status. The first phase of the new world strategy was implemented with the focus on ‘Sporty’, a philosophy that resulted in great success with the launch of Swift, Grand Vitara and SX4. The new Splash represents the second phase for Suzuki.

Suzuki which was founded in 1909 is regarded as the best small car maker all over the world. But despite the small car sucess, Suzuki has not been able to continue many of the customers to stay with the automaker when purchasing subsequent, larger cars. Suzuki feels obliged to respond to increasing expectations and is convinced that it’s essential to offer a wider product range in order to accommodate customers’ diverse lifestyles. Consequently, Suzuki has decided to expand its lineup to cover all segments from A to D in the next few years. Suzuki’s first-ever D-segment car ‘kizashi’ will stand at the top of the range. Suzuki’s new plan will be reflected in its Indian line-up too.

Kizashi Suzuki Concept Car

Suzuki which already sources larger cars from General Motors will now make its own D segment car through its kizashi concept. Suzuki targets an uncompromised combination of affordability and emotional appeal with the new kizashi. Suzuki which has already given a sporty hatchback -the Swift Sport plans to carry the same for the D-segment. At the same time, kizashi will ensure the cabin roominess that is essential in the D-segment

Down the sides there is a strong shoulder line which gives the concept a powerful stance, and coupled with the low roofline the car has a sporting appearance despite the estate car profile. The front door handles are inconspicuous despite their chrome finish, while the rear door handles are hidden in the rear side window frame.

At the rear of the Kizashi concept the lines are clear and crisp with the taillights flowing from the shoulder line into the rear hatch beautifully. The twin inset chrome exhausts positioned either side of the bumper finish of the rear perfectly.

Kizashi Suzuki Concept Car

Though the Suzuki’s kizashi concept is powered by a new 2.0-liter turbo diesel, Suzuki plans to use a hybrid arrangement (an internal combustion engine provides the main propulsion, and an electric motor provides assistance whenever extra power is needed) to achieve environmental compatibility. Kizashi’s dynamic performance will be enhanced all-wheel drive (AWD) a technology that Suzuki has refined over many years.

In Indian context, Maruti may strap its 1.6L SX4 engine or a 2.0L vitara engine into the kizashi. Suzuki says its Kizashi is planned as the automaker’s future competitor to the Accord and Camry. But Indian news agencies says the ‘big car’(kizashi) from the Maruti Suzuki will compete with the likes of Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Skoda Octavia.

Electric Light Car Open Source EDAG Concept Car

Electric Light Car Open Source EDAG Concept
Car

For the body concept of the “Light Car - Open Source”, EDAG has broken new ground, and for the first time ever in automotive engineering, used ASA.TEC's innovative basalt fibre, a lightweight, stable and - above all - 100% recyclable material. Propulsion is taken care of by intelligent, electric drive systems in the wheels, which not only feature a high degree of efficiency to get the power of the lithium-ion batteries onto the road, but will also provide considerably greater creative scope for the vehicle package. In addition, with its innovative light concept, the "Light Car - Open Source" will be one of the first vehicles to utilise (O)LED technology as an individually adaptable design and communication element.
The car's exterior dimensions - 4 metres long and 1.70 metres wide - put it in the compact car size range. As both engine and gearbox have been eliminated, the wheelbase has been extended to 2.90 metres - on a luxury class level - which offers enough space to seat five passengers in comfort.
The electric powertrain adopts in-wheel motors and lithium-ion. A multifunctional system integrated in the wheels integrates various components: steering, brakes, drive and suspension. The glass surfaces are made of Makrolon.
The body concept of the "Light Car - Open Source" is based on a rolling chassis - an universal platform to which the modules for various bodies can be added. This enables vehicle derivatives to be developed more quickly and at lower cost.
This almost infinitely available raw material is not just lighter and less costly than aluminium or carbon, but also has practically the same strength properties as conventional materials.

Electric Light Car Open Source EDAG Concept Car

"This new quality of basalt fibre, which is to be utilised in the construction of rotors for large-scale wind power plants in the future, can now be put to systematic use in the automotive industry.
"This type of basalt fibre therefore has the potential for becoming a main structural element and thus being used as a future lightweight material in cars for the high volume market."
With its innovative light concept and minimalised lighting technology, the "Light Car - Open Source" is one of the first vehicles to use (O)LED technology as a variable design and communication element. Not until it is started up does the "Light Car - Open Source", with a body that looks as though it is made of glass, come to life and reveal its true looks. In the glass panes, (O)LED lamps mark out the outlines of the headlights and rear lights on the "Light Car - Open Source". The driver can design the outlines of the lights to his individual taste to give the car a unique appearance, something he is already used to doing, from setting up his PC desktop. The driver also has a free hand when it comes to arranging his "workplace" in the cockpit. Whether he wants the tachometer in the middle or the climate control gauge on the right-hand side, the driver can individually configure his cockpit as far as size, position and style of the instruments is concerned.
"We have transferred today's multimedia and lighting technology standards to the car, and in future want to offer the customer scope for free configuration, as the entire surface of the vehicle functions like the monitor of a multimedia installation, and can be used intelligently and individually," explains Johannes Barckmann, Head of the EDAG Design Studio.
With the aid of state-of-the-art (O)LED technology, EDAG uses the transparent tailgate as a projection screen, making car-to-car communication visible and usable to all motorists. For instance, the braking force can be communicated to the next vehicle by means of an illuminated scale on the back of the car. Other information, such as a distance reading or if there is the tail end of a traffic jam ahead, can be clearly displayed on the back of the car, even if the vehicle behind does not have a car-to-car communication system of its own. Further, the driver of the car behind can see the information straight away, without needing to take his eyes off the road!

Electric Light Car Open Source EDAG Concept Car

The drive concept of the light car is based on an all-electric, monovalent drive system with a range of up to 150 kilometres, making it eminently suitable for everyday use. The matter of propulsion is taken care of by intelligent, electric drive systems in the wheels, which not only feature a high degree of efficiency to get the power of the lithium-ion batteries in the rolling chassis onto the road, but will also provide considerably greater creative scope for the vehicle package. This is made possible by a system integrated in the wheels, which consolidates a number of functions: steering, brakes, drive and suspension.

Many of the technologies shown today are still in the early stages of their development. For this reason, EDAG regards this as an open source project, and approaches other companies with which it can then work on the development of the EDAG Light Car. The company has made a deliberate decision to address itself to a wide circle, thus enabling new notions to be absorbed in the car of the future. Computer and software developers are to apply their new technologies in exactly the same way as ASA.TEC basalt fibre, (O)LED technology or electric drive specialists do.