“Peugeot”. I love saying that word. It’s sexy in that “I have a sexy French accent” kind of way. Birthing forth from Peugeot is the SR1, a turbo-diesel hybrid that anyone living in Twin Peaks would love.
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Design Analysis: Peugeot SR1
On March - 12 - 2010
Design Analysis: Porsche 918 Spyder
On March - 12 - 2010
The facts: the 918 Spyder is a hybrid electric engine capable of achieving 500HP, 0-60 in 3.2 seconds, and 78 MPG. The downer: it’s just a concept (for now) but Porsche admitted that they, too, are in love enough to potentially pursue the vehicle on the open road.
Design Analysis: Citroen Survolt
On March - 12 - 2010
The Geneva Motor Show is in full swing, with news bites appearing every day. The show, unlike the relatively production-oriented NAIAS Detroit show, straddles the SEMA line to bring some truly outrageous, often ground-breaking concept car design. While there have been some absolute stinkers, what is considered good Design has been truly magnificent at times.
Let’s reiterate the reason that concept cars exist in the first place: they are usually seen as milestones for a company’s Design language and technological goals. For example: while we may not see production cars with glass wheels anytime soon, the idea that the company is targeting light-weighting may be the real focus.
If what we see at Geneva is any indication, studios are now coming to an understanding that it is the sophistication in technology that can drive Design, not just flashy gimmicks.
We’ve compiled a few of our very favorite concept vehicles that will be driving European automotive design for the next several years. We lead off with the excruciatingly wonderful Survolt.
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Why Alfa Romeo Should Give F1 Another Shot
On March - 12 - 2010
I think I speak for Alfa Romeo enthusiasts everywhere when I say that this marque belongs in Formula One Grand Prix racing. Now. Yes, I know. I’m dreaming. But at least allow me to present my case…
Design Analysis – Alfa Romeo Giulietta
On March - 11 - 2010
It’s about time Alfa Romeo revived this legendary name. Alpha-numeric monikers and two syllable words just don’t evoke the sort of grace and emotion that a name like Giulietta does. Let’s analyze the design behind the name, the latest in a series of great themes from the cross-and-snake brigade.
Mercedes-Benz F 800 Style
On March - 11 - 2010
The Mercedes-Benz F 800 has style written over it, no really they even included it in the name. So it must be stylish, right? You should be able to come up with an attractive vehicle when you combine Audi, BMW and the new swoops of Hyundai. Yes I just threw in Hyundai when talking about a Benz. It is exciting though to see a relatively stodgy brand create a vehicle with such emotional surfacing. The future is looking bright and curvaceous for the brand with the biggest front emblem.
The basic theme lines of the car are nothing really new but are executed in a precise manner. The complex surfacing looks like Bangle stopped by to touch one more car. If everything in between these lines was simplified the vehicle would result in a much classier execution.
Cool Cars You’ve Never Heard Of – Vauxhall XVR
On March - 11 - 2010
This car makes me want to buy a big stack of orange canson. C3 meets F-type — in an orange grove.
Cool Cars You’ve Never Heard Of – Jensen P66
On March - 11 - 2010
In another quantum reality, the Jensen Interceptor was never produced. I know, I know. The horror. Pictured above is an intriguing glimpse at what might have been, the Jensen P66 prototype.
The Cars of Caprica
On March - 9 - 2010
Caprica is the only new show my wife and I watch every week – and if we miss it, you can bet we’ll be watching it on demand the following evening. This Battlestar Galactica spin-off is as notable for its design as it is for its acting. The Caprican society is technologically advanced, with their virtual reality clubs and robot butlers. But this high-tech look is cleverly balanced with some inspired prop choices.
Cool Cars You’ve Never Heard Of – Urba Centurion
On March - 8 - 2010
Wow! This car looks like it jumped out of a Syd Mead painting. And I’ll bet dry ice comes wafting out when you open the door. All that’s missing is a soundtrack by Harold Faltermeyer — and some lasers.