BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe teased

At the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2013 on May 24, BMW and Pininfarina will unveil the result of their debut cooperation to the global public - the Gran Lusso Coupe concept. It is the sequel to a new approach introduced at last year’s Concorso in the shape of the BMW Zagato Coupe.

"This elaborate creation is a one-off that captivates the observer at first glance with its Italian exclusivity and modern finesse," the German carmaker said in a press statement. "Generous surface design and taut contours highlight an elegant vehicle body, while hallmark BMW proportions - a long wheelbase, stretched bonnet, short overhangs and a set-back greenhouse with smoothly sloping roofline - imbue the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe with authoritative dynamics even before a wheel has been turned."

Under the hood, chances are the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe will be powered by the same turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 engine as the 7-Series, producing 544 hp and 745 Nm of torque.

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Lamborghini Egoista concept revealed

Lamborghini has recently unveiled the one-seater Egoista concept at the company's private 50th anniversary party.

Inspired by an Apache helicopter, Walter De Silva's incredible concept has a highly muscular structure and is extensively made of aluminium and carbon fiber. The Egoista is "a car made for one person only, to allow them to have fun and express their personality to the maximum. It is created purely for hyper-sophisticated people who want only the most extreme and special things in the world."

Inside, the cabin is equipped with a racing seat with a four-point seatbelt, each strip a different color, the airbags and the bare minimum of instruments. The driver gets a headup display and to get out of the car, must remove the steering wheel and rest it on the dashboard.

Motivation is provided by a 5.2-liter V10 engine that produces 600 hp, but performance details haven't yet been announced.

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Skoda Rapid Sport concept revealed

Skoda has officially revealed the Rapid Sport concept at this year’s GTI Meeting in Wörthersee, Austria.

According to the Czech automaker, the special Rapid features a two-tone red and silver paint job, 19-inch alloy wheels and twin exhausts. It is also equipped with a complete body kit which includes new bumpers, spoilers and side skirts.

The sporty layout continues in the interior, for example with a sport-type steering wheel, Recaro seats and illuminated door sills.

There hasn’t been any mention of any performance enhancements under the hood. We will keep this story updated as soon as we hear more.

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Skoda Rapid Sport concept teased for Worthersee

Skoda has recently announced plans to introduce the Rapid Sport concept at the 2013 Wörthersee Tour that will take place from May 8 to May 12, 2013.

Painted in the metallic colors "Corrida Red" and "Steel Grey", the "particularly sporty version" of the Rapid features an aggressive front spoiler, a powerful air intake in the skirt and a "voluminous" rear bumper. There's also two integrated exhaust tailpipes and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Inside the cabin, the Czech carmaker puts a sport-type steering wheel, Recaro seats and illuminated door sill plates.

"The GTI Meeting is a Mecca for all tuning and motorsports fans," said Skoda Chairman Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland. "With the Skoda Rapid Sport, we will put a decidedly dynamic and emotional version of our new compact sedan Rapid on display for the first time."

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Audi TT ultra quattro concept revealed

At the upcoming 2013 Wörthersee on May 8, Audi will unveil the TT ultra quattro concept, which combines minimal weight and maximum sportiness.

Based on the TT S quattro, the ultra-lightweight concept is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder TFSI turbocharged engine that produces 310 hp and 400 Nm of torque between 1,900 and 5,000 rpm. It weighs only 1,111 kg and has a power-to-weight ratio of 3.6 kg/hp which is on a par with thoroughbred super sports cars. This allows the coupe to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and hit a top speed of 280 km/h.

In addition, the German carmaker will also present four race cars and eight series-production models in the "Home of quattro", including the RS 6 Avant, RS 7 Sportback, RS 5 Cabriolet, RS Q3, R8 V10 Plus, RS 5 DTM, R8 LMS ultra and R18 e-tron quattro.

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2013 Shanghai: Dongfeng Nissan Viwa concept

Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Company, the passenger vehicle business unit of Nissan's joint venture in China, has recently unveiled the Viwa concept at 2013 Auto Shanghai.

Described as "packaged with a compact body for easy driving", the concept is equipped with the most advanced and reliable EV technologies for the Chinese market based on the globally proven technologies of Nissan. It embodies the vision of future electric mobility for the new sub-brand Venucia which will have five production models by 2015.

Along with its zero emission vehicles, Venucia also displayed the D50 sedan and R50 hatchback. Compared to its predecessors, the new models offer improved fuel economy of 6.0-liter per 100 km through engine refinement and the addition of a rear spoiler.

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2013 Shanghai: Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe Concept

At the Auto China 2013 in Shanghai, Volkswagen has officially unveiled the CrossBlue Coupe Concept, which provides a spectacular glimpse at the future and at a new era of SUV design.

"The disproportionate growth in the SUV segment gives designers the opportunity to implement an even greater diversification of models. The CrossBlue Coupé shows the potential of our Volkswagen design DNA and will undoubtedly have an influence on future SUV models," said Klaus Bischoff, Head of Design for the Volkswagen Brand.

Motivation is provided by a new plug-in gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain which includes a 3.0-liter V6 TSI engine, producing 295 hp and 500 Nm of torque, working together with two electric motors, one at the front axle with 53 hp and another one for the rear axle with 113 hp. This setup provides a total of 415 hp and 700 Nm of torque, allowing the car to sprint from 0-62 mph in just 5.9 seconds and hit a top speed of 147 mph. In hybrid mode, it returns an average fuel consumption of 3.0-liter per 100 km (94.1 mpg UK or 78.4 mpg US) in the European driving cycle (NEDC).

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2013 Shanghai: Acura Concept SUV-X

Acura has recently introduced this Concept SUV-X at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show. This is the first time for Acura to unveil a concept outside of North America in the company's 27-year long history.

Described as a "global concept vehicle for a small SUV developing primarily for the Chinese market", the concept combines "emotional and sharp styling and driving performance" with "the environmental performance of a small vehicle and excellent utility of an SUV".

Honda's premium brand did not reveal any technical details, but confirmed a production version will go on sale in China in about next three years.

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2013 Shanghai: MG CS concept

Following several leaks, MG has officially unveiled the CS concept at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show.

Based on the MG5 platform, the concept has been penned by a top design team led by British chief designer Anthony Williams-Kenny. It features many strikingly unique features, including the headlights which have a "multi-faceted 'shard' structure which refract light in different colors and shape from the side", but coalesce to form the iconic MG’s trademark octagon from the front.

There has been much speculation about this model, but it is expected to "create a sensation among young, fashion conscious people". Engine options are rumored to include 1.5- or 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engines and a 1.9-liter diesel.

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Video: Italdesign Giugiaro Parcour in action

Italdesign has recently released a new promotional video of the Giugiaro Parcour concept which debuted at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show last month.

Developed to celebrate the company's 45th anniversary, the concept is powered by a Gallardo-sourced 5.2-liter V10 engine which produces 550 hp. Power is sent to the four wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, allowing the 1,550 kg crossover to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and hit a top speed of 320 km/h.

"Parkour was devised as a new way of living and experiencing a metropolitan route creatively," said Fabrizio Giugiaro. "Parkour enthusiasts, who are referred to as traceurs or plotters, adapt their body to the surrounding environment pursuing, through their movements, not just spectacle but instead mainly maximum efficiency. The purpose of parkour is to move around as efficiently as possible. By efficiently I mean: simply, quickly and safely, which are characteristic features of our car."

 

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Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe Concept coming to Shanghai

Volkswagen has just released the first sketches of the CrossBlue Coupe Concept, ahead of its public debut at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show on April 20.

Based on the MQB platform, the concept measures 4,890 mm long, 2,020 mm wide and has a 2,980 mm wheelbase. It hints at the future design direction for the German carmaker and could be a preview of the next-gen Tiguan.

Power comes from a petrol-electric hybrid system consisting of a direct-injection V6 turbocharged engine working together with two electric motors providing a combined output of 415 hp. This allows the SUV to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and return around 3-liter per 100 km (78.4 mpg US or 94.1 mpg UK). It can travel up to 33 km in electric mode.

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Mercedes-Benz GLA Concept officially revealed

Mercedes-Benz has released the first official images and preliminary details about the upcoming GLA Concept, ahead of its public debut on Saturday at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show.

Based on the MFA platform, the crossover measures 4,380 mm long, 1,970 mm wide and 1,570 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,690 mm. It features a large oval grille, a bulging hood, roof rails, raked windscreen and protection plates under the bumpers. There's also muscular wheel arches, an angled tailgate and 20-inch alloy wheels in tires size 255/45 R20.

Inside, the dashboard and other interior parts were borrowed from the A-Class, but add bespoke materials and trim.

Motivation is provided by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine producing 211 hp, with the power being sent to the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system via a seven-speed dual-clutch 7G-DCT transmission. The production version, which will be revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, will be offered with more gasoline and diesel options, including an AMG variant of the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that develops 354 hp.

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Mitsubishi G4 compact sedan concept revealed

Mitsubishi has just announced plans to showcase the G4 concept at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show later this week.

The concept is a vision for a new compact sedan which the Japanese carmaker plans to roll out globally. It uses a high-clarity brilliant-cut diamond motif in the design of the front grille, headlamps and taillights. It also has a short nose, which delivers an outstanding forward field of view and superior maneuverability, as well as "graceful and flowing side proportions", which balances interior space among the most generous in its class with very sleek aerodynamics.

According to Mitsubishi, the G4 boasts a Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body - the lightest in its class thanks to an extensive use of high-tensile steel - and is powered by a lightweight and compact 1.2-liter MIVEC engine mated to a CVT.

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MG CS concept confirmed for Shanghai Auto Show

MG has confirmed their CS "urban SUV concept" will make its world debut at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show on April 20.

Designed to preview the company's first production SUV, the concept has been penned by a top design team led by MG’s global design director Anthony Williams-Kenny. It features many strikingly unique features, including the headlights which have a "multi-faceted shard structure which refract light in different colours and shape from the side", but coalesce to form the iconic MG’s trademark octagon from the front.

Little else is known about the model, but the CS concept appears to be a refined version of the Icon concept at last year’s Beijing Motor Show. It could be based on the MG5's platform and is powered by a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine which produces approximately 135 hp.

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Icona Vulcano teased again before Shanghai debut

Icona has just released two new teaser photos of the Vulcano which will be unveiled at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show on April 20.

Based on the Fuselage concept shown two years ago, the Vulcano is powered by a V12 engine that produces 900 hp through a combination of combustion engine and electric motors. Developed by ex-Ferrari engine technical director Claudio Lombardi, this powertrain allows the two-seater supercar to accelerate from 0-200 km/h in less than 10 seconds and hit a top speed of 350 km/h.

Founded in early 2010, Icona is unique among European design studios. For easy and convenient communication with its Chinese clients, the entire Icona team - and not just its commercial office - is based permanently in the heart of Shanghai’s Lujiazui district. With a growing design team from eight different nationalities, Icona provides design services to the most respected automakers in China. Through its integrated partnership with sector leaders Tecnocad Progetti and Cecomp located in Torino (Italy), Icona brings together the best of European design, engineering, modeling and prototyping experience.

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Ford to present 24 models in Shanghai

At the upcoming Shanghai Auto Show, Ford will present an all-new concept alongside the 23 other vehicles including the all-new Mondeo, all-new Fiesta ST and a CTCC race car.

"We are excited to have visitors at Auto Shanghai 2013 come to the Ford display and see for themselves the great products and technologies we are bringing to our customers in China." said Dave Schoch, Ford's Asia Pacific president. "With the stunning all-new Mondeo and the new Fiesta ST, we’re fulfilling our promise to bring more exciting vehicles to our customers as we remain on track to introduce 15 new models in China by 2015."

The Ford display, an area of more than 2,000 square meters, will be located at Hall W2. The Ford stand will also have interactive zones to give visitors opportunities to experience an array of advanced smart and safety technologies.

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Honda and Acura concepts teased for 2013 Auto Shanghai

Honda and Acura have announced plan to exhibit the world premiere of two new concepts at 2013 Auto Shanghai.

Both concepts adopt a sporty design and are scheduled to be offered to the Chinese market in the future. Honda's concept could be the Chinese variant of the 2014 Odyssey displayed at the New York Auto Show last month, while Acura's concept is a global compact crossover.

The upcoming Auto Shanghai will run from April 23 to 29. Stay tuned for full details.

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BMW X4 concept officially unveiled

Following yesterday's leak, BMW has officially unveiled the X4 concept, which will make its debut at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show.

Slated to go on sale as early as next year, the X4 is poised to continue the success story of the BMW X6 in a new vehicle class. It will adopt a dynamic design which hints at the crossover's "outstanding performance and driving dynamics."

The German carmaker didn't exactly say what would sit under the hood, but engine options could include a TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline-six with 300 hp and 406 Nm of torque as well as a TwinPower Turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 240 hp and 352 Nm of torque.

The BMW X4 will be built at the company's plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the competence centre for BMW X models which also produces the BMW X5, BMW X6 and BMW X3.

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Suzuki Authentics concept teased

Suzuki has released two first teaser images of the Authentics concept, ahead of its debut at the 2013 Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition.

According to the Japanese carmaker, the Authentics is a C-segment sedan which expresses a "Sporty x Elegant" design philosophy. The concept has a long wheelbase and an unconstrained form with its overall height kept low, as well as a strong character line that gives a "wind-cutting image along with a rich and fine curved surface."

The press day will take place on April 20. Stay tuned for full details.

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Renault to introduce two new concepts at Goodwood

Renault has recently announced plans to introduce two new concepts at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The French carmaker said both are "performance-oriented" vehicles and "guaranteed to draw crowds". One of which will be completely electric, while the other will likely use a petrol engine.

The mystery models will be displayed alongside a variety of historic race cars, like the 1977 Groupe 5 Alpine A310 rally car, the 1978 Alpine A442B Le Mans racer and the 1978 RS01, as well as some exciting new road cars, including the Clio RS 200, the Captur crossover and the ZOE.

Furthermore, famous racing drivers such as legendary four times F1-championship winner Alain Prost, Monte Carlo rally winner Jean Ragnotti and Susie Wolff will help Renault showcase the company' lineup at Goodwood.

The 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed will be held from July 11 to 14 in the grounds of Goodwood House, 60 miles south of London.

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