Category Archives: concept

Vision V – Mercedes- Teases Luxury Limousine

Posted on 7 March 2025 by Ken Zino

Mercedes-Benz said today in a release from Shanghai and Stuttgart that its new Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA) will appear starting in 2026. It showed the so-called Vision V concept car, err van, err MPV…

“This innovative architecture re-imagines spacious, privately positioned vehicles elevating them into the luxury segment with a focus on the ‘Private Lounge’. The future model portfolio will cater to a range of customer needs offering a versatile, spacious vehicle designed to provide exceptional space and comfort. From exclusive VIP and high-end limousine transport to luxurious family vehicles, the new model will deliver on both the flexibility customers require and the refined luxury they desire. By expanding the top-end of its model portfolio, Mercedes-Benz Vans is defining a unique segment of its own that bestows true greatness to automotive luxury,” Mercedes claimed. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, concept, design and styling, electric vehicles, marketing, new vehicle | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

First Look – Elaphe Sonic.1 Performance EV Motor

Posted on 8 January 2025 by Ken Zino

Elaphe debuted a high-performance front-wheel in-wheel motor (IWM), dubbed Sonic.1, at CES 2025. Sonic 1 it’s – claimed – is a drop-in performance upgrade for ICE and BEV vehicles where it was previously not possible to fit additional drives.

“The integration of the Sonic.1 in-wheel motor (IWM) directly into the wheel not only optimizes space and weight, but also contributes to a more controllable wheel. 20-times greater wheel control enables increased vehicle performance in acceleration, stability and braking. Furthermore, Sonic.1 design enables easy integration into existing and new supercar models. It enables significant design improvement opportunities, from aerodynamics, to component placement and styling,” Elaphe said. Continue reading →

Posted in concept, design and styling, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, marketing, news analysis, performance, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

C’est Fou – Chinese EVs Will Be at 2024 Paris Motor Show

Posted on 25 September 2024 by Ken Zino

Stellantis today announced it will participate in the 90th edition of the Mondial de l’Auto 2024 (Paris Motor Show) from14 – 20  October with its three traditional brands – Citroën, Peugeot, and Alfa Romeo. More controversial will be the Chinese brand, Leapmotor making its debut at the show.

Leapmotor Founder, Chairman and CEO Zhu Jiangming, together with Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, will unveil the all-new B10, a C-segment SUV, expanding its product line-up in Europe’s core segment through this distinctive partnership in the automotive industry. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, concept, economy, electric vehicles, environment, labor issues, milestones, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Acura Performance EV Concept Debuts

Posted on 16 August 2024 by Ken Zino

“The Acura Performance EV Concept kicks off the exciting next step in our electrification strategy, showcasing the styling direction of our next all-new, all-electric Acura model that will debut next year,” said Mike Langel, assistant vice president, Acura National Sales. “Building on the just-launched all-electric 2024 Acura ZDX, our next all-electric Acura SUV will continue our focus on delivering Acura clients an exhilarating driving experience in the electrified future.” Continue reading →

Posted in concept, design and styling, electric vehicles, global warming, marketing, news analysis, performance, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Annals of Marketing – Cadillac Opulent Velocity Concept EV

Posted on 16 August 2024 by Ken Zino

Cadillac today introduced the Opulent Velocity* concept vehicle, with claimed advanced technology and personalized luxury. It also combines EV and self-driving technology, or a split-personality of two emerging dynamic technologies.

“Opulent Velocity is an experience-based design study,” said Bryan Nesbitt, executive director, Global Cadillac Design. “It’s the future vision of luxury performance, incorporating Cadillac’s leadership in hands-free driving capabilities, electrification and performance excellence. Opulent Velocity expresses the most artful integration of technology, luxury and exhilaration characterized by Cadillac’s halo V-Series variants, and future electrification design expressions,” Nesbitt claimed. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, concept, design and styling, electric vehicles, marketing, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, shows and events, software defined vehicles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

BMW and California Robotics Firm Testing Humanoid Robot

Posted on 6 August 2024 by Ken Zino

This is all part of the so-called BMW iFACTORY, a program to develop  production methods of the of the future. During the trial run, the BMW Group said it gained valuable knowledge of what requirements must be met in order to be able to integrate so-called multi-purpose robots in an existing production system. This includes how humanoid robots communicate with the system under real conditions. After the first use in automobile production, the experts at the BMW Group and Figure are collaborating to prepare Figure for future applications in production and continuing to develop the robots, based on the findings. Continue reading →

Posted in concept, manufacturing, milestones, news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

First Look – Cadillac SOLLEI EV Concept Convertible

Posted on 22 July 2024 by Ken Zino

Cadillac today showed an all-electric, 2+2 convertible dubbed pretentiously SOLLEI. It’s derived from sun – ‘SOL’ – and leisure – ‘LEI’. the exterior is finished in “Manila Cream,” a color originally used on Cadillacs in 1957 and 1958.

“SOLLEI reimagines the discovery of travel, envisioning a personalized driving experience that connects one with the natural world around them,” said Erin Crossley, design director, Cadillac. “The concept celebrates Cadillac’s pedigree of elegant convertibles in a modern form by cultivating high luxury through design expressions and experiences.” Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, concept, design and styling, electric vehicles, marketing, new vehicle, news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Fourth of July 2024 – March to the Spirit of 1776

Posted on 4 July 2024 by Ken Zino

These ideas that they were – in the course of human events  – ultimately fighting for in our following War of Independence were bigger than the despots, Redcoats, Hessians and other mercenaries deployed against us. We overcame this oppression and the Divine Right of Kings against long odds. Continue reading →

Posted in AutoInformed Editorial, concept, fools 'n frauds, people | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Kia Shows Modular EV and Autonomous Driving Concepts

Posted on 9 January 2024 by Ken Zino

Kia has revealed its so-called Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) future strategy at a trade show in Las Vegas. Kia’s PBV business will start around the introduction of an all-new, modular vehicle, previewed by the Kia Concept PV5. This was presented … Continue reading →

Posted in alternative fuels, autonomous vehicles, concept, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, marketing, mobility company | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ford Performance Parts, Packages – Mustang, Bronco, Ranger

Posted on 31 October 2023 by Ken Zino

Ford Performance Parts (NYSE: F) is showing what it calls “concept packages” today at the SEMA Show that will be available to customers starting in 2024. They were created in response to customer feedback, Ford said. The packages will be available via the Ford Performance Parts website or through a dealer accessory counter. Pricing for each package will be revealed nearer each package’s on-sale date, while either a Ford dealer or ASE-certified shop can perform the installation. Continue reading →

Posted in aftermarket, concept, design and styling, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Toyota Shows Mid-Size EV Pickup Truck

Posted on 20 October 2023 by Ken Zino

“Next-generation mid-size pickup truck concept, with a monocoque body delivering high durability to create a practical yet stylish BEV. The rear of the cabin links boldly with the deck to accommodate diverse user preferences, supporting a wide range of mobility lifestyles, including outdoor activities. BEV quietness is accompanied by packaging with a low center of gravity for superior handling stability and ride comfort,” said Toyota. Continue reading →

Posted in concept, design and styling, electric vehicles, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Toyota Hydrogen Road Service Vehicle at Motegi

Posted on 20 October 2023 by Ken Zino

“When we were first approached, the project only entailed the hydrogen module. However, from the perspective of JAF’s operations, we informed Toyota that running out of fuel was a relatively rare problem, while the most common issues are tire-related, “said General Manager Koso Takeda, JAF Road Service Division. “From there, the conversation turned to creating an all-in-one vehicle with the equipment to carry out JAF tasks. Before the day was out, people from Toyota visited our offices to measure sizes, and proceeded to build it.” Continue reading →

Posted in alternative fuels, concept, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

CALTY Design Reveals Toyota Baby Lunar Cruiser

Posted on 5 October 2023 by Ken Zino

CALTY Design Research, the American base of Toyota’s global design network (NYSE:TM), marked five decades of creation today by revealing the Toyota Baby Lunar Cruiser. The BLC concept has so-called adaptive technology and heritage design cues from the original FJ40 … Continue reading →

Posted in concept, design and styling, marketing, milestones, mobility company | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

First Look – Automobili Pininfarina PURA Vision

Posted on 2 August 2023 by Ken Zino

Automobili Pininfarina today in the Cambiano part of Turin introduced its PURA Vision design concept of an electric luxury vehicle – e-LUV in marketing babble. The new design concept will inspire the next generation of Automobili Pininfarina’s pure electric luxury vehicles and will make its public debut at Monterey Car Week in August, where it will appear alongside the recently revealed Battista Edizione Nino Farina hyper GT and another new production vehicle. Continue reading →

Posted in concept, electric vehicles, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

First Look – Electric Porsche Vision 357 Speedster

Posted on 14 July 2023 by Ken Zino

The nod to the 356 is in passing since the all-electric Porsche Vision 357 Speedster is based on the 718 GT4 e-Performance. The electric motors and battery technology come from the Mission R and the chassis from the 718 GT4 Clubsport. Following its world premiere at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the design study will be on display at this year’s Rennsport Reunion in the USA at the end of September. AutoInformed bets the production version will be announced at the Frankfurt Motor Show, now called IAA MOBILITY 2023, in Munich this September. Continue reading →

Posted in concept, electric vehicles, marketing, new vehicle, performance | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment