Concept Cars are trending at the 2012 Canadian International Auto Show

CONCEPT CARS INTRODUCE FUTURE TRENDS AT

THE 2012 CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

 

Future trends are always a hot topic amongst media scribes and industry insiders.  Concept vehicles provide a glimpse into the future of automotive design, fuel-efficient technologies, new architectural platforms and mobility challenges.

 

The 39^th edition of the Canadian International Auto Show will feature fifteen (15) new concept cars as follows:

 

BMW

BMW Vision ConnectedDrive.

BMW Vision ConnectedDrive demonstrates current and future methods of mobile networking in a particularly focused way. The design and technology of the spectacular roadster are aimed at making the vehicle an integral part of a networked world. Comfort, safety and the infotainment experience in the vehicle can be precisely optimised by the innovative functionality, individually tailored to suit the requirements of both the driver and passenger. New technologies and design concepts are employed to add even more facets to the unmistakable BMW driving pleasure.

 

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FORD

Fiesta ST concept

The bold newFiesta STcombines eye-catching, muscular and sporty styling with a dynamic sports chassis and a high- performance Powertrain.  It is equipped with a specially tuned 180-horsepower, 1.6 litre EcoBoost engine capable of delivering spirited performance combined with impressive fuel-economy. The five-doorFiesta STensures competent handling and delivers uncompromised sports performance. 

 

LINCOLN

2013LincolnMKZ Concept

The MKZ Concept debut marks a significant step inLincoln’s reinvention, signaling a new generation of world-class products with brand and ownership experiences to match. The MKZ Concept strongly hints at the production model arriving in dealerships later this year, as well asLincoln’s design future.

 

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GENERAL MOTORS

Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept

Cadillac’s Urban Luxury Concept is a design study exploring a new type of vehicle that offers a luxury experience in a diminutive size. The Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept complements its compact dimensions with the design, features and technology for which Cadillac is known.

 

Comparable in size to popular city cars found inParis,ShanghaiandLondon, the Urban Luxury Concept demonstrates a departure from conventional vehicle design. It seats four, with easy access to all seats available via a pair of scissor-type doors that extend outward and rotate forward when opened. The design fosters a roomy passenger area, which is trimmed in exquisite materials and features next-generation interactive technology. Touch-pad screens and projected readouts take the place of most traditional gauges and serve as the audio and climate system controls – a design feature that helps open up the interior for greater passenger space.2013

 

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Concept

After enduring more than three decades of road and auto show duties, the Sting Ray Racer had more than earned its trip to the restoration shop. GM Design Staff personnel stripped the car down to its basic elements and refurbished all the component parts to restore this priceless heirloom to its original function and beauty.

 

The steel-tube space frame was in sound condition and needed little more than stripping and a fresh coat of black paint. Chassis bushings, bearings, dampers, and brake components were reconstructed using period-correct hardware when possible. The aged wiring harness was remade using new materials faithful to the original design. Certain components-such as the silver leather bucket seats-were restored without loss of the patina acquired during years of use. Explaining this strategy, Ed Welburn reveals, “I felt we should leave the seats basically alone. After all, Bill Mitchell and a lot of other famous people have driven the Sting Ray or at least sat in these buckets. So, instead, of totally reupholstering them, we decided to leave the patina intact for anyone who encounters the car to appreciate.”

 

GMC Sierra All Terrain Concept

The GMC Sierra All Terrain HD concept is an exploration of heavy-duty truck capability combined with greater off-road versatility. It is highlighted by a bold exterior design, enhanced all-terrain suspension and premium details expected of a GMC – all designed to enable greater access to off-road destinations.

 

The new 2011 Sierra HD underpins the All Terrain HD concept, with a modified, production-based 4WD chassis and the Duramax diesel/Allison 1000 six-speed powertrain. The enhanced suspension and unique body dimensions, including increased ground clearance and wider track, as well as greater approach/departure angles, deliver off-road capability while maintaining HD levels of payload and trailering capacity.

 

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HONDA / ACURA

Acura ILX Concept

The Acura ILX Concept is a styling study of an all-new premium luxury compact sedan scheduled for launch inCanadain spring 2012. Positioned as the gateway to the Acura lineup, the ILX will feature three separate powertrains that include Acura’s first-ever gasoline-electric hybrid. 

 

Acura NSX Concept

Representing the styling direction for the next generation of Acura’s super sports car, the Acura NSX concept makes its Canadian debut at this year’s Canadian International Auto Show.  The long-awaited NSX Concept is a mid-engine sports car and features Acura’s all-new, electronic “Sport Hybrid” Super Handling all-wheel-drive system.

 

Honda Accord Coupe Concept

A concept vehicle revealing the styling direction of the next-generation Honda Accord Coupe will make its debut at the 2012 Canadian International Auto Show.  The new, ninth-generation 2013 Honda Accord is scheduled to go on sale acrossCanadain the fall of 2012. 

 

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JAGUAR

Jaguar C-X16 Concept

The Jaguar C-X16 concept is a bold statement of Jaguar’s future design and technological intent. The C-X16 takes the traditional front-engined, rear-wheel drive formula that Jaguar defined over decades and reinvents it for the 21st century in a performance-oriented hybrid drivetrain with 50:50 weight distribution. If anything can be said to define Jaguar designs it is one word: drama. The C-X16 is no exception, taking the traditional two-seater sports car template and redefining it in the Jaguar idiom.

 

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KIA

Kia GT Concept

The Kia GT concept showcases a graceful and confident style that resembles iconic 1970’s grand touring (GT) cars. The concept signals the company’s distinctive new design direction and is the first rear-wheel-drive concept in Kia’s history.

 

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MAZDA

Mazda SHINARI Concept Vehicle

Mazda SHINARI is a 4-door, 4-seat, sports coupe concept vehicle and a pure expression of Mazda’s new design theme, ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’, in its idealized form. Mazda SHINARI showcases several new design elements that will carry forward into production, beginning with the 2013 CX-5 compact SUV, and represents the first initiative by Mazda Design to express ‘KODO – Soul of Motion.

 

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NISSAN / INFINITI

Infiniti ETHEREA Concept

The Infiniti ETHEREA Concept is a highly compact vehicle with no-compromise hybrid power and maximum driving pleasure.  The ETHEREA is space efficient and practical thanks to a new mechanical layout and innovative access arrangements. Its dynamic character and highly sculptural, near mono-volume form provide a silhouette unlike anything currently in the class.

 

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SUBARU

Subaru XV Concept

The Subaru XV Concept is a fun, urban crossover that will elevate driving enjoyment to new levels. Familiar neighbourhoods will seem new again and even ordinary errands are more exciting from behind the wheel of the brand new XV Concept that’s still unmistakably Subaru.  Fresh, energizing colours and a unique wheel design accentuate a playful, sporty yet casual style and distinctive character all its own.

 

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VOLKSWAGEN

Bulli Concept Car

The Bulli represents the future of urban mobility and utility.  Capturing the iconic looks of the original microbus, the Bulli’s compact exterior belies the spacious interior.  Powered by a unique, zero-emission electric drivetrain, the Bulli concept points to the future of mobility and does so with style and utility in mind.