As part of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, Kia aims to become one of the world’s premier automotive brands. Nearly 1.5 million vehicles a year are produced in 13 manufacturing and assembly operations in eight countries which are then sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering 172 countries. Today Kia Motors Corporation revealed the first preview rendering of its latest hybrid concept car which called RAY.

This new Hybrid Concept, which is based on the Kia Forte platform, introduces a lower profile of hybrid vehicles concept which is carried out in EcoDynamics philosophy of a curvaceous shape with innovative fuel-stretching and emissions-cutting technologies.

Kia Ray Plug-in Hybrid Concept is designed in a lowered mono-volume curvaceous shape for improved aerodynamics, while the use of lightweight and eco-friendly recycled materials is what had made it called EcoDynamics. To support this, the Ray” employs new “cool car” technology, including nano-laminate films and cool-glazing materials to reduce solar heat and demonstrate how keeping the interior cool while reducing air conditioning loads and greenhouse emissions. In addition, The “Ray” interior is also stuffed with eco-friendly recycled materials, which is strengthened by green technology feature of the all-new GreenEdgeTM system by Infinity® Audio.

Kia Ray Plug-in Hybrid Concept is powered by an all-aluminum 153-horsepower Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) 1.4-litre engine mated to a permanently-engaged fixed ratio Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which is used in combination with a 78kw electric motor. To encourage economical driving, the “Ray” is equipped with an engine-power saving alternator management system and a toggle gear-shift indicator. Moreover, the custom-designed low-rolling resistance tyres with a hexagon pattern in narrow 20-inch (195/50R20) construction also contribute to improve efficiency.

Kia Ray project was undertaken to demonstrate how Kia’s evolving design direction would be applied in the packaging of a plug-in hybrid vehicle.

KIA RAY Concept Car was designed at Kia’s American Design Studio, 

As hybrids and electric vehicles become more commonplace, there’s a new focus on fast styling and sporty, and Kia considering for a future plug-in hybrid vehicle for the next generation.

Another compact crossover SUV concept named GMC Granite unveiled which aimed at young urban professionals. The Granite may be on display as a concept car, but it’s closely related to a new vehicle already headed to Chevrolet dealers, the 2011 Orlando. It’s a safe bet that GMC will get a version of the Granite to sell in the 2012 model year, but GM hasn’t confirmed its plans for the small wagon just yet.

Still, it’s easy to see how the Granite concept could translate into what would be the smallest GMC ever offered. For one, there’s the powertrain, a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder that will power the Orlando as well as the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze sedan and in non-turbo form, will be the range-extender engine found in the 2011 Chevrolet Volt. In this case, it’s coupled to a six-speed automatic.

GMC Granite length is a full 2 feet (0.6 m) shorter than the new Terrain compact crossover, but its open interior was designed to be spacious and flexible to fit the needs of active people. Generous cargo space and unique flipping/folding seats, for example, enable a mountain bike to be loaded completely inside with the tailgate closed.

“GMC Granite Concept was conceived as a new type of vehicle from GMC – one that could stretch people’s ideas of what a GMC can be,” said Lisa Hutchinson, product marketing director for GMC. “We call it an ‘urban utility vehicle’ and our goal was redefining what the GMC name could mean to a new generation of customers looking for both bold design and functionality.”

Powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine that’s part of GM’s new family of small-displacement direct-injection four-cylinder engines, the Granite is shifted by a dual-clutch six-speed automated transmission. The main display on the dash, home base for nav, infotainment, phone and HVAC controls, uses organic LEDS for a full-color presentation. The rear cargo area has plenty of hidden compartments to hide gear.

The GMC Granite Concept’s comparatively short body length is complemented by a wide, 70.3-inch (1,786 mm) overall width and a tall, 60.5-inch (1,536 mm) height. Those dimensions create unique proportions that depart dramatically from conventional minivan, SUV or crossover designs. “The Design team leveraged the best attributes from different segments: SUV, minivan and crossover, and mixed them with a commercial chic aesthetic.

GMC Granite Concept has four doors, hinged on each side to open like a set of French doors. There’s no pillar between the front and rear doors, making the GMC Granite Concept easier to enter, exit and load, even with bulky items.

Up front, GMC’s signature grille design is flanked by headlamps that sweep back into the fenders, further suggesting motion. The headlamps and fog lamps are set at the far edges of the front-end bodywork, accentuating the GMC Granite Concept’s planted stance. At the rear, the vehicle’s planes and angles come together tightly, showing careful attention to detail. Other exterior elements include prominent taillamps with a multi-layer appearance and LED lighting technology; and a centered exhaust outlet with a brushed metal tip.

The interior was inspired by the design of aircraft-type mechanical instruments and precision tools. That is most apparent on the dashboard and instrument cluster, where gauges were modeled after finely crafted timepieces. A compass incorporated into the “barrel” surrounding the speedometer moves with every turn of the vehicle, providing an at-a-glance directional confirmation. “Our goal was not to hide but to show how this vehicle is put together, and the high quality of its craftsmanship, not unlike the finest industrial-inspired luxury time pieces,” said Lyon.

The center console also houses a unique transmission shifter. Rather than a handle that actuates within a conventional gate, it is a simple, space-saving knob that rotates with the precise clicks of a torque wrench. The gear selections are confirmed via LED indicators.

The GMC Granite Concept’s interior is finished with dark tones on the bottom and complementing, lighter colors on top, including suede-like Nubuck material on the seats and instrument panel. The interior is further accented by satin-finish and anodized trim. The instrument panel gives the impression of a command console, with driver-focused instruments and controls set in an anodized panel.

Over the years, the Honda Odyssey has changed the way people think about people movers. It’s respected. It’s loved. It’s (dare we say it?) cool. So you may wonder how we could make it better. The Odyssey Concept, just unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show, begins to answer the question.

The Honda Odyssey Concept, on display at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, introduces a sleek and distinctive exterior styling direction for the next generation of the industry’s best-selling minivan, set to debut this fall, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.

The Honda Odyssey Concept dramatically departs from conventional minivan styling with its low and wide stance, highlighted by a “lightning-bolt” beltline that further distinguishes the vehicle’s profile.

Honda says that it has gone for a lower, more planted stance for this new generation of minivan, the production version of which will go on sale this fall to do battle with the reworked 2011 Toyota Sienna. The concept is a bit lower and 1.4 inches wider than the current production minivan, dimensions that will likely make it to production. It rides on the same 118.1-inch wheelbase as the current Odyssey. Of course, it always helps to make a vehicle look low and sleek on a stand at the auto show if you bolt on ginormous wheels and use manhole covers for brake discs. Those are less likely to make it to your local dealer.

Forthcoming improvements to the production Honda Odyssey’s interior are designed to further enhance the current model’s accommodating space for people and cargo. Adding distinction to what is taut-but-spare bodywork is the “lightning bolt” beltline. This feature is intended to provide third-row passengers with a better view out of the vehicle. But it’s also intended to be a signature styling feature for Honda’s new production minivan. Aggressive body-to-wheel proportions reduce the perception of vertical height common to most minivan designs. Fender flares further accent the vehicle’s securely planted and stylish persona. The concept vehicle’s projector beam headlights, LED taillights and form-fit fog lights further heighten the sophisticated quality of the design.

So what do we know about the 2011 Honda Odyssey, other than that it will look pretty much like this except with smaller wheels and less concept-y headlights? Well, Honda says that it estimates the new model will return 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway. That’s a significant improvement from the current Odyssey’s 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway, and it also bests the 2011 Toyota Sienna‘s 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway. Keep in mind, the 2011 Honda figures are estimates and the company hastens to add that it estimates fuel-efficiency for “select models,” by way of “enhanced aerodynamics” and “advanced powertrain technologies.” Could there be a fuel-economy special model in the future of the 2011 Honda Odyssey?

Currently in its third generation, the Honda Odyssey’s unique array of features, including its superior driving dynamics, 3rd-Row Magic Seat® and efficient i-VTEC™ V-6 engine with three-mode Variable Cylinder Management™ (available) all combine to offer a sophisticated environment with room for up to eight people (seven on Odyssey LX). The Odyssey has been America’s best-selling minivan since 2008 and is produced exclusively in Alabama by Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (using domestic and globally sourced parts). Both the concept and production vehicles, along with all development activity for the 2011 Odyssey, are being designed at Honda R&D Americas in Torrance, California, and Raymond, Ohio.

The Honda Odyssey has won numerous awards and critical acclaim. Recent accolades include the Edmunds.com 2010 “Top Recommended” minivan award, U.S. News and World Report 2010 “Best Minivan for the Money” award, Automotive Lease Guide 2010 “Best Minivan for the Money,” the Kelley Blue Book award as one of the ten “Best New Family Vehicles of 2009″ and “2009 Best Resale Value Award” in the van category, which recognizes vehicles that are expected to have segment-leading resale value after five years of ownership.

Super Hatchback Concept (SHC), is the work of designer Jamie Martin who wants to illustrate a possible future eco-friendly model. The SHC concept is a 3-door hatchback that intended as a near-future rival for such cars as the Honda Civic and Ford Focus, the SHC offers a combination of sports-car performance and handling, teamed with the economic considerations and efficiency of a town car.

Striving to look both cutting-edge and most importantly fast, the swooping lines introduce an agile stance, as well as carefully directing airflow under, into and around the car. With a choice between three next generation powertrains (including an electric/hybrid option), the SHC offers efficiency, sports-car performance and environmentally friendly credentials. A balanced formula of raw power, racing spirit, practicality and eco engine choices make this the supercar-inspired drive that you can also make your daily driver.

Jamie also projected some specifications for an air-hybrid version of his SHC concept. The SHC concept would output 272 bhp and 290 lb.-ft. of torque and will have a top speed of 167 mph. The car could accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 5.6 seconds with a 52 mpg combined fuel consumption. He even estimated a SHC concept price which could start at around the 27,000 GBP mark.

The SHC chassis is made of high tensile steel and aluminium, for reduced weight and better weight distribution. The concept car has aluminium suspension components for improved handling and uses a front-wheel drive system with mechanical limited slip differential and next generation Ford RevoKnuckle axle system.

The SHC features two powertrain alternatives. The first one is the AirHybrid and Gasoline Compression Ignition (GCI). It uses a twin-turbocharged engine with direct injection, 6-speed short-shift manual gearbox (optional 7-speed Ford PowerShift transmission with paddle-shift).

The second option is the Delta Drive Hybrid (DDH) system. It has a smaller petrol engine and two electric motors (located inside the front wheels), and allows the car to run 70 miles, with zero CO2 emissions, via charged batteries (Nano-Titanate batteries placed in the front engine bay and under the floor), before the petrol engine is needed to recharge.

The DDH system has three performance modes: Economy (low bhp), Normal (medium bhp) and Performance (high bhp) – which uses both the petrol engine and electric generator. With a slim chance of going into production in 2014, this concept vehicle is likely to compete against the Honda Civic Type-R, the Ford Focus RS and others alike.

LAMPO2 is an electric demonstration sports car conceived by Protoscar, a Swiss company which has been developing CleanCar projects for 23 years including consulting of OEMs, power utilities and governments. The LAMPO2 boasts ‘quick-charging’ capability (up to 100 km range extension in just 10 minutes charging time) and will be presented at the Geneva Motor Show (2nd March 2010) on the e’mobile stand Nr. 5141.

Following up last year’s electrifying concept, the Lampo 2 is even more energy efficient thanks to reduced weight, improved aerodynamics and revised electric systems at this year’s show in Geneva; powered by two electric motors that deliver a total of 350 HP and 442 lb-ft of torque that allows it to sprint from 0 to 60 MPH in only 5 seconds and reach a top speed of 124 MPH.

The Lampo 2 is equipped with 4 different charging modes: standard single phase with up to 3.3 kW on board charger for typical overnight at home charging; “control-pilot” equipped and (EDF provided) PLC single phase with 6.6 kW on board charger use at public charging stations; standard three phase 9.9 kW on board charger for filling up at fleet owners’ industrial plugs charging stations and an interface for DC fast charging which will be able to transmit a maximum current of 80 kW, where up to an additional 60 miles of range with only a 10 minute charge.

LAMPO2 is equipped with 4 different charging modes:

standard single-phase with up to 3,3kW on board charger for typical overnight home-charge,

“control-pilot” equipped and (EDF provided) PLC single-phase with 6,6kW on board charger typical for public charging,

standard three-phase 9,9kW on board charger typical for charging at industrial plugs (fleet-owners) and

an interface for DC fast charging (able to transmit a max. power of 80kW), where up to 100km of additional range can be charged within just 10 minutes, by an off-board system, so that the different solutions can be compared in terms of usability and efficiency by being demonstrated in real conditions.

LAMPO2 will be shown together with different charging infrastructure solutions: a smart home charge device (developed with ALPIQ), the public charging station E-TOTEM and the quick-charging station (developed with ABB and Brusa).

LAMPO2 impressively demonstrates that electric drive-trains are mature and perform sufficiently well to be a solution for all types of vehicles, not just city cars. This includes premium cars, the segment through which most new technologies have successfully been introduced into the market.

Together with the first LAMPO (which has already been driven over 10’000 km on race tracks and public roads across Europe), LAMPO2 will be used for practical demonstrations and testing. Protoscar has repeatedly been encouraged to develop an advanced electric cabriolet for small-scale production and plans to use the LAMPO2 to evaluate this possibility. The evaluation will include discussions with potential industrial and financial partners, and an assessment of the preferences and desires of potential clients. Lampo crossing the Gotthard pass in May 2009.

In addition to BRUSA, which supplies the components of the whole drive train, the main partners and sponsors of the LAMPO2 project are ALPIQ (the leading Swiss company in power generation and distribution, which is actively promoting the goal of 15% of electric vehicles in Switzerland by 2020), the German Fraunhofer Institute IAO (EV-specific features and MMI, as well as optimization of the ergonomics), ABB (DC fast-charging technology) and the Swiss Federal Office of Energy.

Technical details LAMPO2 has two electric motors (allowing it to operate as a four-wheel drive with variable torque between front and rear axle for optimal handling, safety and efficiency) with a total output of 260 kW (equivalent to 350 HP), 600 Nm (50% more than its predecessor!) and over 30 kWh of Lithium-Ion battery capacity. LAMPO2 features real sports-car performances: 5 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h, 200 km/h of max. speed and a range of over 200 km. More than enough energy for driving is produced by a remote solar plant which is installed on the roof of a farm in Tuscany, allowing a real zero-emission drive on a ‘Well-to-Wheel’ basis.

Designed by Kim Jung Hoon, a senior studying industrial design at N’University Cheju, South Korea, this concept vehicle called the P-Eco a smart car with self charging capability, which is powered by an electric motor, all driven by batteries that are charged to piezo-electric front and rear of the driver’s seat. P-Eco Concept Car features more strings that vibrate at high frequencies to produce electricity, once the vehicle starts to move, charging the battery, which increases mileage (per charge) of the vehicle with a margin fair. Although it depends on the efficiency of piezoelectric devices, at least, it will increase the mileage per charge. The P-Eco is a car to drool and long term to cool the body with its impressive aerodynamics and efficiency.

Jung-Hoon Kim is a web programmer before going into his childhood dream of industrial design. He is currently preparing a request to apply for a Master of Arts in Transportation Design. Its ultimate goal is to become a designer of transport.

Your Concept Car “P-Eco” clean air, but at the same time, it seems incredible and out of the future.

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.

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.

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.

Carlsson who are approved as an automobile manufacturer by the Federal German Motor Transport Authority, for the first time presents an own developed automobile at this year`s Geneva Motor Show – the Carlsson C25. The concept of this Super-GT is based on the vision of combining maximum driving performance with an entirely new design and high exclusiveness. The result is a breathtaking and beautiful sports coupé with 753 hp in a limited edition of only 25 cars world-wide. Thereby, each automobile will be as individual as its future owner. “We exclusively make the cars to order and the delivery quantity for 2010 is already sold out”, says CEO, Dipl. Ing. (FH) Markus Schuster.

Based on the Mercedes SL 600 the car runs on a 6.0-liter bi-turbo V12 engine that gets the car from 0 to 100 km/h with up to 1150 Nm of torque. However, once you go faster than 100 km/h, the car will make use of 1320 Nm. Top speed is 352 km/h (218.7 mph).

Carlsson CEO Markus Schuster wanted his company to build a car that was safe enough for the road as well as the track. “Therefore, we deliberately wanted to develop a car which is highly exclusive on the one hand and can be used for the daily journey to office on the other hand,” Schuster said. “All security-relevant regulations such as pedestrian protection, crash behaviour, ESP, ABS, Airbag systems are identical to large series editions with most modern standards.”

Engineers installed a C-Tronic adaptive and variable suspension to make the car more responsive on curves, but comfortable on straight lines. All four lightweight 20-inch wheels combine to weigh less than 45 kilograms, and come wrapped in high performance tires. 405 mm slotted brake discs are used up front, along with 380 mm discs in back.

The performance data of the six litre V12 Bi-Turbo is impressive. The high-performance aggregate with a motor management optimisation patented by Carlsson renders 753 hp (554 kW) and allows fast acceleration as well as smooth travels at lower speeds. Also responsible for the perfect performance evolvement is the elaborately developed stainless steel exhaust system with ends in four edgy pipes at the back. The power catapults the C25 with a torque of 1320 Newton metres at 3750 r.p.m. which is electronically limited to 1,150 Newton metres from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.7 seconds and achieves a maximum speed of 352 km/h.

The Carlsson C25 Super-GT Concept also comes with an ultra-light and forged wheels 1/10 UL in the dimensions 9,5×20 and 12×20 inches have been especially designed for the C25 and are equipped with high performance tyres measuring 265/30 at the front and 325/25 at the rear live axle.

The newly designed interior resembles the exterior as far as shape, colour and functionality are concerned. The characteristic trapezoid elements at the front and back are also found on the steering wheel. On the seats and the centre console the edged shape is used as well. The instruments clearly turn towards the driver, indicate the performance capability of the C25 and increase the ergonomics.

The generous use of real carbon, tanned buffalo leather and ultra-suede in special colours provides an evenly exclusive and user-friendly ambience. For driveability reasons, Carlsson deliberately refrains from race seats, race straps, rollover devices and extreme lowering.

With the C25, Carlsson confirms its reputation as being one of the most exclusive automobile manufacturers in the world. High technical competence, many years experience in automobile construction, an advanced sense for design and elegance and German art of engineering make the Carlsson C25 unique all over the world.

Inside, the company used a combination of tanned buffalo leather, carbon fiber, and suede in a variety of colors. Race seats, five-point belts, roll bars, and roll cage were all left off the car to keep the luxe vehicle comfortable.

Pricing on the limited edition Carlsson C25 will be announced closer to its Geneva debut.

The Suzuki Kizashi 2 Concept is a crossover sports wagon whose design conveys the dynamism of a top athlete and inspires a powerful sense of excitement.

Conceived for energetic people in activities ranging from business to leisure, the Kizashi 2 Concept has an emotionally appealing shape that reflects a dual focus on status and vitality in a way that generates excitement about its performance and heightens the pleasure of ownership.

The Kizashi 2 design conveys the dynamism of a top athlete and inspires a powerful sense of excitement. The stirring impression the top athlete having and, it adopted the expectation which becomes unknown overflows from inside as design expression the crossover sport wagon. You propose to the user of the wide layer where with the wide field such as the leisure from business, life is enjoyed actively.

As for design two keywords, “dignity” and the “stirring impression” adopting the emotional silhouette which raises the satisfaction which uplift impression is owned to running for the axis. As for the 3.6LV type 6 cylinder engine of the sea bass maximum aerodynamic volume displacement not only strong acceleration feeling with the combination with 6 speeds AT, and at high speed regarding cruising, actualizing the running which exceeds class. In addition, you are inserting also the hybrid engine and the like which considers in environment in range of vision.