Category Archives: concept

Sprinter Extreme Concept – Strong, Work Ready

Posted on 11 February 2016 by Ken Zino

Take the heavy-duty Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cab Chassis, hire long-time Benz customer RENNtech, and present the Sprinter Extreme as the ultimate work machine concept. That’s what Mercedes-Benz did today in Chicago. Stretching more than 20 feet from bumper-to-bumper, it’s over 95″ tall. Hauling 6400 pounds of payload and a towing capacity of 7500 pounds, it’s an impressive heavy-duty truck that looks like it came from Jurassic Park.

“Unlike most concepts, the foundation for the Sprinter Extreme can be ordered at a Mercedes or Freightliner dealership today with the help of our MasterUpfitter program.” says Bernie Glaser, Vice President of Mercedes-Benz Vans USA. Continue reading →

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BMW to Show ‘Vision Car’ at Consumer Electronics Show

Posted on 29 December 2015 by Ken Zino

The AirTouch menu – it’s claimed – reduces the number of steps needed to make a selection. This might cut down on the deadly drive distraction epidemic. More likely this is a precursor to offer additional control options when the vehicle is traveling in highly automated mode. Continue reading →

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Scion C-HR Crossover Embraces Weird

Posted on 21 November 2015 by Ken Zino

Let us hope the production wrapper looks better. Pricing, when announced, will be interesting as well. Continue reading →

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Honda 2&4 – LAAS Concept Silliness

Posted on 17 November 2015 by Ken Zino

The Honda Project 2&4 will be on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the result of cooperation between Honda’s motorcycle and automobile divisions. It’s said to be a new performance vehicle combining the open feel of a motorcycle and the handling of an automobile. Too bad it will never be street legal. Continue reading →

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Porsche Takes on Tesla EV with 600 Horsepower Mission E

Posted on 15 September 2015 by Ken Zino

German automakers whose entire reputations – especially in expensive segments – are built on technology are struggling to catch up with Toyota on hybrids, and have few EV entries thus far. Add in the emerging threats of Apple and Google in the auto business and it is clear that the Germans are playing defense. The well-known problems with initial German automaker forays into electronics – remember the BMW I-Drive fiasco – and even the defense needs bolstering in a business that centers on offense. Continue reading →

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Continental Automated Driving Prototype adds Vision

Posted on 5 August 2015 by Ken Zino

Automated driving systems help the driver with many safety features, can remove human error, and – it is hoped – reduce vehicle accidents and personal injuries. Continue reading →

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Delphi Record Try for Longest US Autonomous Drive

Posted on 16 March 2015 by Ken Zino

In an old-fashioned publicity stunt that includes some real prototype engineering, Delphi Automotive try to set a record by conducting the longest autonomous drive ever attempted in the U.S. Continue reading →

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Goodyear Concept Tire Charges EV Batteries

Posted on 3 March 2015 by Ken Zino

BH-O3 generates electricity through the action of materials in the tire that capture and transform the energy created by heat when it flexes as it rolls during normal driving conditions. Continue reading →

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Ford GT Returns. Le Mans Bound?

Posted on 13 January 2015 by Ken Zino

Ford would not confirm an endurance-racing program is underway, but it is virtually certain. Ford’s twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 raced to three wins in its first season of the IMSA TUDOR United SportsCar Championship in 2014, including a win at the 12 Hours of Sebring, along with seven podiums and more than 15,000 endurance-racing miles. Continue reading →

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Chevrolet Bolt EV Concept – A Tesla for Working People

Posted on 12 January 2015 by Ken Zino

Chevrolet today increased its concentration on the electrification of the automobile with the introduction of the Bolt EV concept, a long-range all-electric vehicle designed to offer more than 200 miles of range starting at around $30,000. Continue reading →

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Scion iM Hatch, Unnamed Sedan Debut at New York Auto Show

Posted on 8 January 2015 by Ken Zino

Toyota confirms that the production version of the iM concept and its first-ever sedan will be introduced in April at the New York International Auto Show. The Japanese automaker says that the two vehicles represent two of the three new models Scion will bring to market in the next three years aimed at 18-34 year olds. Continue reading →

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Nissan Shows Cummins Diesel Frontier Pickup at CAS

Posted on 6 February 2014 by Ken Zino

It looks as if Nissan will join the mid-size pickup diesel parade based on a concept truck created to gauge consumer interest in a next-generation Frontier with a Cummins diesel engine. First shown at the Chicago Auto Show, aka CAS, it is powered by a 2.8-liter Cummins turbo diesel with nearly 200 horsepower, and more than 350 lb.-ft. of torque. The estimated fuel economy increases 35% compared to the current Frontier V6. Continue reading →

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Chevrolet at SEMA. Horsepower and/or Bling Overkill?

Posted on 4 November 2013 by Ken Zino

Most, but not all, have parts available from Chevrolet dealers, allowing customers to personalize their new performance car with factory-engineered and validated components that match the performance and quality of original equipment and often keep the warranty intact. Continue reading →

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Honda Using ASIMO Robot to, well, Explain Itself

Posted on 27 June 2013 by Ken Zino

This emerging technology now allows ASIMO to make decisions required to behave in concert with the movements of surrounding people and to continue moving without being controlled by an operator. Continue reading →

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Nissan to Return to Le Mans in 2014 as Garage 56 Entry

Posted on 11 March 2013 by Ken Zino

In 2012, a number 0 Nissan Delta Wing ran at the world’s most famous endurance race from the same unclassified Garage 56 spot. The real Japanese racers that were closely watched at Le Mans last year were a pair of Toyota hybrids, which ran in the fastest LMP1 class but lost to Audi. Continue reading →

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