Automobiles Review

Tag: Concept

  • Skoda Enyaq RS Race Concept

    Škoda Motorsport presents a new all-electric racing car concept: the Enyaq RS Race. Rooted in the Czech brand’s racing DNA, this concept supports the development of innovative technologies and sustainable materials, serving as a pilot project for future production models. The lower and wider concept car incorporates innovative, sustainable biocomposite parts that provide the same rigidity and weight advantages as carbon fibre, contributing to an overall weight reduction of 316 kg compared to the Škoda Enyaq Coupé vRS on which it is based.

    Johannes Neft, Škoda Auto Board Member for Technical Development, says: “The Škoda Enyaq RS Race was developed completely in-house by Škoda Motorsport. Based on the Enyaq Coupé vRS production model, the car features a distinctive design with strong racing DNA, enhanced aerodynamics and excellent acceleration. In terms of sustainable solutions, the new concept car also serves as a pilot project for future innovations in series production. The biocomposite parts have led to a significant weight reduction, and we are trialling them in motorsport, including in the current Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, with a view to future implementation.”

    An all-electric race car defined by the motorsport DNA of the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2
    Škoda Motorsport engineers have developed an all-electric racing car that closely matches the handling and interior space of the successful Škoda Fabia RS Rally2. Škoda’s racing DNA and the rigorous demands of motorsport continue to push the boundaries of technical innovation.

    Development of the Enyaq RS Race began in 2023. The project showcases Škoda’s activities in the field of electrified motorsport, driving progress towards a more sustainable future. Based on the Škoda Enyaq Coupé vRS, the concept car uses the same electric powertrain but is 70 mm lower, 72 mm wider at the front, and 116 mm wider at the rear. Most importantly, it is significantly lighter than the production model. Biocomposite parts, incorporating flax fibres in both the body and interior, help to reduce the car’s weight. Additionally, the concept benefits from numerous visual and technical modifications, including a wider, lowered chassis, redesigned bumpers, as well as modified shock absorbers and springs. A completely new high-performance braking system, racing seats, and a roll cage ensure the highest possible active and passive safety. The darkened front headlights feature the distinctive Škoda Motorsport logo, with the headlight housings modified to accommodate the larger wheels. The rear lights have also been darkened. In the Škoda grille, the production model’s Crystal Face has been replaced by a single elongated LED strip connecting the two headlights.

    Biocomposite parts: reducing weight and enhancing sustainability
    To reduce the weight compared to the production model, Škoda Motorsport engineers employed innovative and sustainable materials, removing all components not needed for the car’s intended use. Additionally, they incorporated side and rear windows made of lightweight polycarbonate. These measures together resulted in total weight savings of 316 kg. The sustainable biocomposite parts, developed in collaboration with Škoda’s motorsport partner Bcomp, are used in the bodywork, including the bumpers, fenders, roof, roof vent, and rear wing. These lightweight materials are also applied in the interior, such as the dashboard, door panels, and footrests for the driver and passenger. Additionally, the standard model’s panoramic glass roof was replaced with a biocomposite panel.

    Sustainable flax fibre components: a carbon alternative
    A total of 16 vehicle components are made from sustainable materials, with natural flax fibres replacing carbon in both the interior and the exterior. These are tested under the most challenging racing conditions, for instance in the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, alongside sustainable lubricants for engines, motors, transmissions and dampers. One example is AmpliTex, a technical reinforcement fabric made from renewable flax fibres grown in Europe. These woven fibres not only reduce vibrations in the interior and contribute to weight reduction but also serve as a visually appealing design element. Moreover, the fibres are processed mechanically rather than chemically, and flax cultivation has a significantly lower impact on the soil compared to other crops.

    Bcomp’s PowerRibs™ technology utilises extremely lightweight, high-performance natural fibres also made from flax. PowerRibs™ combine maximum stiffness and minimum weight by creating a 3D structure to reinforce the thin-walled panels of the car body. The benefits include raw material savings, weight reduction, and lower production costs due to using fewer consumables. The material offers comparable rigidity and weight advantages to carbon fibre while reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 85%. This is the first time Škoda Auto has used this material for large, complex components such as the front wings, side panel and bumpers. The engineers also made extensive use of 3D printing in preparing and producing the prototype, using recycled materials such as nylon and CO2-neutral biodegradable biopolymer filaments.

    Aerodynamic optimisation of the bodywork
    To create the body of the Enyaq RS Race, individual bodywork parts were taken from the production line, redesigned from scratch, and reassembled. In addition to the roll cage made of high-strength chrome-molybdenum steel—which reinforces the body and protects the occupants—the concept car features other safety elements derived from the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2. These include Atech racing seats with six-point seatbelts, safety door filling, and an automatic fire extinguisher. Like WRC rally cars, green and red lights on either side of the vehicle indicate the status of the high-voltage system. The ride height has been lowered by 70 mm, and special protective skids on the underside of the vehicle prevent excessive wear to the chassis components and protect the battery.

    The aerodynamics package includes a large rear wing, an aerodynamically optimised roof, and a NACA air intake channelling air into the interior. Small winglets at the rear of the roof direct airflow straight onto the rear wing. The air intake for the cooling system has also been redesigned, with the front section now completely solid and air drawn in through the lower part of the bumper, necessitating a tilted radiator wall. Redesigned bumpers with two additional air curtains at the front, wider fenders, and a new rear diffuser along with the large rear wing increase the downforce, improving drivability at higher speeds. Turbulence around the wheels is minimised by wing-shaped air-guiding elements, while ventilation grilles in the front and rear wheel arches enhance both aerodynamics and brake cooling. The Enyaq RS Race can also be fitted with aerodynamically optimised wheels.

    Race-ready adjustments: handbrake, suspension, and limited-slip differentials
    Škoda Motorsport experts have adapted several components of the Enyaq RS Race. For example, the production model’s brake system has been replaced with a high-performance setup, featuring carbon-ceramic brake discs, ten-piston callipers at the front, four-piston callipers at the rear and a new brake cooling system. Moreover, the concept car has been fitted with a rally-type hydraulic handbrake with a long lever and the pedal system from the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2. Instead of the standard DCC suspension, a special sports suspension has been installed, allowing for individual adjustments to spring stiffness, compression, and rebound settings.

    The 20-inch wheels are fitted with low-profile tyres. The two electric motors, delivering a combined output of 250 kW, and the 82 kWh battery are identical to those in the production model. Like the Škoda Enyaq Coupé vRS, the top speed is 112 mph (180 km/h), but the lighter Enyaq RS Race can now accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in under five seconds.

    Enhanced steering and controls for on-track performance
    The completely redesigned interior is inspired by the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 and also includes a modified infotainment system. Featuring new buttons, the racing steering wheel resembles the one from the successful customer rally car. Instead of the progressive rack-and-pinion steering used in the Enyaq Coupé vRS, the Enyaq RS Race is fitted with linear steering, with adjustable steering weight controlled via software, and the drive ratio has been optimised for racing performance. The drive selector and central panel for starting the car and activating the automatic fire extinguishing system are positioned between the seats in this two-seater vehicle.

    Havas sound system: amplified for an authentic motorsport experience
    The Enyaq RS Race features a Havas premium sound system that incorporates a digital sound amplifier to deliver the characteristic, exhilarating motorsport sound. This entirely new system is significantly louder than the unit in the production Enyaq Coupé vRS model, and its note can be changed. The sound is also activated at speeds above 18 mph, ensuring an exciting acoustic experience throughout the drive.

     

  • Alpine A390 Beta Concept

    The A390_β show car, the very first 100% electric Alpine sport fastback introduces a new dimension to the brand’s sporting universe. It foreshadows the second of three Dream Garage models, the ideal garage by Alpine for all enthusiastic drivers.

    After the A290 and before the future electric A110, the A390_β anticipates the second phase of Alpine’s Dream Garage, the trio of sports cars marking the brand’s electric transition.

    The name A390_β follows Alpine’s nomenclature, which combines an A followed by three numbers. The 3 refers to the size of the vehicle, and the 90 to the brand’s multi-purpose, everyday vehicles. The Greek letter beta refers to the intermediate stage of development before the official launch of the production car.

    The A390_β offers a glimpse of the future road car designed for daily use and capable of transforming itself into a racing beast like the iconic A110, for a far sportier driving experience. Alpine defines it as a true sports car under a “dressed” design, like a racing car in a tailor-made suit.

    Like the Alpenglow concept car presented at the 2022 Paris Motor Show, the A390_β show car draws inspiration from the Alps’ mountain ranges. Rock, minerals, and snow are natural elements that have fuelled the design and choice of materials, giving it its strength of character.

    Drawing on its heritage and racing DNA, Alpine proposes a creation emblematic of French savoir-faire, a perfect blend of daring and innovation. At a time when low-carbon transport is becoming essential in the automotive sector, the Alpine A390_β show car is more than just a promise. It demonstrates the Alpine brand’s commitment to high-end, exhilarating, and sustainable sportiness.

    “A390_β previews the future Alpine sport fastback, which we have designed like an A110 with 5 seats. The duality between the racing spirit and the refinement of this show car embodies the performance and driving experience that we will deliver from 2025 onwards in our production vehicle, produced in France at the historic Dieppe Manufacture. More than the promise of a 100% Alpine experience, it’s a genuine commitment.”
    Philippe Krief, Alpine CEO

    A390_β EXTERIOR DESIGN: THE SPORT FASTBACK, AN ALPINE FIRST & FOREMOST

    At first glance, the A390_β catches the eye with its undeniably Alpine look, interpreted here as a minimalist, high-tech strip of light.

    A390_β, the new Alpine silhouette
    The silhouette of the A390_β, as dynamic as it is fluid, unveils a genuine sculpture. It resembles a monolithic bubble, drawing its inspiration from a drop of water. This natural shape offers the optimum balance between functionality and aerodynamics. Lastly, the side of the car follows the signature line of Alpine cars, adding an impression of movement, even when stationary.

    “Bleu Specular”, an iconic colour
    The A390_β’s intense, multi-faceted blue highlights the show car’s sharp shapes. The moving paint particles vibrate with movement. The tint oscillates between bright, light-catching blues and deeper shades; this interplay of contrasts accentuates the vehicle’s lines.

    The lighting signature, the soul of the show car
    The Alpine A390_β show car stands out for its distinctive lighting signature, in line with Alpenglow. A swarm of illuminated triangles called “Cosmic Dust” under the front and rear lighting strip evokes a comet piercing the atmosphere. Lastly, the slender light bars at the front and rear, which seem to split the air like a blade, evoke lightness.

    Aerodynamics for even more sportiness
    As if flowing through the air, the A390_β features visible aerodynamic elements. At the front, a “flying bridge” enhances airflow over the upper part of the vehicle. The micro-perforated grille guides the air in the best possible way, while the wide side scoops create an air curtain to accelerate the natural flow.

    The more conceptual rear end is the interpretation of “Light Follows Function”: the light underlines the show car’s aerodynamic elements. The shark fin, a reference to the Alpines racing at Le Mans, is synonymous with fluidity and stability.

    Lastly, in harmony with the rear diffuser, the illuminated light strip can be extended or retracted by 80 mm, enabling the A390_β to transform from a ‘short-tail’ to a ‘long-tail’ design. This ability to extend reduces the aerodynamic drag coefficient and improves the vehicle’s operating range.

    The snowflake as a source of inspiration
    The design of the A390_β show car’s wheels are inspired by the crystalline properties of a snowflake, both strong and light. The 22-inch front and 23-inch rear wheels are enhanced by a cabochon in the wheel centre, illuminated by a bluish halo reminiscent of jewellery. The transparent effect of the central flange, which resembles a thin layer of ice, highlights the Active Torque Vectoring function in the background.

    The definition of sport fastback, according to Alpine
    For a show car whose exterior design is 85% true to that of the future production model, A390_β embodies a philosophy where form follows function and the technical and aerodynamic elements are intentionally sporty.

    It takes the form of a sport fastback, combining fluidity and sportiness with spaciousness. This silhouette, with its plunging rear window, like an unbroken line, contributes to the vehicle’s aerodynamic performance.

    As a result, A390_β boasts lines combining lightness and dynamism and is, first and foremost, an invitation to experience sportiness with others.

     

    A390_β INTERIOR DESIGN: SPECTACULAR DUALITY

    While the exterior of the A390_β show car tends to resemble the future production model, the interior is deliberately conceptual, allowing a glimpse of a futuristic vision of Alpine interiors while preserving the brand’s fundamentals.

    “Duality is at the heart of the A390_β’s design, a powerful vector of emotion and creation. The colourful exterior contrasts with the monochrome interior, where sharp black mineral contrasts with the whiteness of immaculate snow. Technology coexists with nature, the raw with the refined, the hot with the cold… The driving position itself has two facets: a simple press of the central control transforms it into a Formula 1 cockpit.”
    Antony Villain, VP, Alpine Design

    An immediate immersion in the Alps
    The antagonistic opening of the side doors and the absence of a B-pillar reinforce the feeling that the A390_β is an invitation to climb aboard and reveal an overall symbolism inspired by the Alps. The interior is designed like a mountain landscape, exploiting all the sensations this universe provokes in our imagination.

    Two very distinct worlds, cut by a clear diagonal, can be found:

    • at the front, mineral meets technicity with sharp lines forging a Formula 1 cockpit The A390_β reveals all its sportiness thanks to a driving cockpit and a double driving position, both dynamic and innovative.
    • at the rear, an immaculate blanket of powder reminds the purity of snow-covered peaks and embodies ultimate comfort.

    Lastly, the floor features a unique structure made from ultra-light recycled carbon. Thanks to the multiple raised inserts of carbon elements, this floor evokes speed and asphalt as you watch it roll by under your feet.

    The cockpit, the centrepiece of the show car
    The cockpit of the A390_β is an immersive space that promises to offer drivers a “Feel@One” experience, where they become one with their car. The cockpit consists of a luminous triangle graphically representing the driving axis. Three glass slats behind the steering wheel, positioned successively, create a holographic effect for a dynamic, multi-dimensional reading of driving information.

    The steering wheel, F1 at your fingertips
    Directly inspired by Formula 1, the A390_β’s steering wheel is compact, technical and precise, inviting you to drive. It features two different geometries, allowing drivers to switch between the world of everyday driving and that of extreme sportiness.

    The driver places an ice crystal (as a key) at the centre of the steering wheel to bring the vehicle to life. Like a jewel, it is inspired by the crystals found in high mountains. It seals the famous Alpine A-arrow logo as if set in ice.

    Derived from F1, the OV or ‘overtake’ button – already featured on the A290’s steering wheel – allows full engine power to be delivered instantly with a light touch.

    Further buttons allow for modifying the hydraulic suspension, metering the regenerative braking and adapting the multimedia modes.

    An enhanced driving experience
    The P-R-N-D transmission buttons on the centre console take on a mineral aspect, like cut and polished pieces of rock. The seat control, positioned just to the right of the driver and in the heart of the cockpit, initiates the driver’s seat position change to “F1” mode. As for the passenger, he becomes the co-driver thanks to the glass blade levitating in front of him, displaying information on the road configuration.

    Step into the shoes of an Alpine driver
    To fully enjoy the sporting experience, the Alpine design team scanned a Formula 1 bucket seat to develop the A390_β driver’s seat. It offers two driving positions for two types of use: daily versatility or high-performance sportiness combined with comfort.

    The first position is high, with pedals closer to the floor for daily use. The second position, activated by an aeronautical-inspired control, is about performance and sportiness: the entire seat tilts into F1 position, the pedals are raised, and the steering wheel tightens. The seat nearly levitates above the floor. This lightness is exemplified in the choice of materials: the seat is a carbon shell, the headrest a flexible 3D-printed structure inlaid with a transparent element that appears to be carved from ice.

    The front seats include a two-tone, four-point Sabelt harness, reminiscing the extraction system of an F1 car.

    Rear seat comfort in a snowy cocoon
    In contrast to the driver-oriented front of the interior, the rear area embodies comfort. This is achieved through the use of memory foam for maximum on-board comfort. The white bench seat is assembled in one seamless piece to give passengers the impression of being the first ones to step onto a blanket of pure snow. The curved shapes of the door panels, central area and headrests evoke the curves of winding slopes.

    In the centre, a cube in the form of a hologram addresses the rear passengers. At the top of the seat, speakers encased in ice blocks provide an immersive sound experience, echoing those in the front seats. On the rear deck, Stratasys crystals evoke the sparkle of snow under the sun’s rays.

     

    THE FUTURE A390: BETWEEN FRENCH TECHNOLOGIES AND SAVOIR-FAIRE

    In keeping with the spirit that has driven Alpine since its creation in 1955, the brand’s engineers are passionately committed to imagining the sports car of tomorrow. Their challenge: to reinvent sportiness for the electric age while providing just as much – if not more – driving thrills and sensations. Following the A290, which reinterprets sportiness in the city, the A390 aims to bring the A110 driving experience to life in a sporty fastback that can accommodate up to 5 people on board. Alpine is well on the way to demonstrating that this dream can become reality, thanks to the technologies developed in-house for this new addition to the Dream Garage.

    “The A390_β foreshadows our future sport fastback that will enrich the Alpine range by ushering in the era of electric driving pleasure for car enthusiasts looking for the sportiness of an A110 and the perfect balance between distinction, performance and everyday use. The A390 will bring together the best technologies developed at Alpine and by our partners. This show car is concrete proof of the French know-how championed by the brand, just as the A390 will be.”
    Sovany Ang, VP, Alpine Product Performance

    A platform adapted for Alpine
    Alpine’s future sport fastback car will be designed to be electric, based on a heavily modified version of Ampere’s AmpR Medium platform. The flexibility and advantages of this platform, dedicated to electric motors, have enabled Alpine’s engineers to make the modifications necessary to develop a resolutely sporty fastback. The batteries, for example, are positioned under the passenger compartment to ensure that the centre of gravity is as low as possible, thereby improving road holding. On-board space is optimised by a flat floor that gives all passengers a greater sense of space than in a comparable combustion-powered vehicle.

    Intelligent motricity for sporty, dynamic performance
    The A390_β show car reveals the driving qualities of the future production vehicle and a powertrain that will offer the sensations of an A110 transposed into this all-new model.

    This sport fastback will feature three electric motors developed by Alpine: one at the front and two at the rear. It will also feature an innovative, non-permanent AWD (all-wheel drive) system. Axle drive will be managed by an intelligent torque management system entirely developed and perfected by Alpine engineers: Active Torque Vectoring.

    By intelligently controlling the distribution of torque between the front and rear axles and independently to the left and right rear wheels, this technology optimises the vehicle’s longitudinal performance and cornering dynamism while guaranteeing a high degree of reassurance and confidence in the system, whatever the level of grip under each wheel. A balancing act that gives the vehicle the lightweight feel of an A110, virtually reducing the inertia perceived when cornering most efficiently, for a unique experience in every driving mode. This technological combination of three electric motors monitored by the Active Torque Vectoring, previously reserved for hypercars produced in small runs, is a world first in the segment.

    A sport fastback steeped in French savoir-faire
    The A390_β show car is a concentration of French savoir-faire, a fundamental value and one of the pillars of the Alpine brand.

    The vehicle’s floor is made from high-performance carbon by Lavoisier Composites, a Lyon-based start-up specialising in developing and manufacturing eco-sourced composite parts. Inspired by the mineral aesthetics of basalt organs, the floor consists of a multitude of triangular-section elements whose facets reveal the depth of carbon and the brilliance of silicium. This exclusive creation is made entirely from recycled materials from the aeronautical and photovoltaic industries.

    The seat headrests are 3D printed by Erpro Group, the French leader in 3D printing, which develops cutting-edge prototypes for the automotive, aeronautical, design and luxury sectors. They used a bio-sourced elastomer, Arkema’s Pebax® Rnew®, produced partly from castor seed.

    As with the show car, the bespoke acoustic architecture designed and developed by Devialet guarantees ultra-premium sound quality for the production vehicle, giving passengers the impression of travelling in a recording studio. The system will enhance the ADS, or Alpine Drive Sound, derived from the engine’s natural harmonics, to bring all the power of a sporty sound experience to the driver and passengers in the cabin.

    The existing partnership with Michelin will enable the production model to be fitted with tyres developed in collaboration with Alpine, providing a unique driving experience dedicated to the A390.

    100% electric, 100% French
    The production version of the A390 will be manufactured from 2025 at the Manufacture Alpine Dieppe Jean Rédélé, based on the AmpR Medium platform. Its three electric motors will come from the Cléon Megafactory, and the batteries will then be assembled in Douai, confirming the short production cycle of the future A390.

     

     

  • BMW Vision Neue Klasse X Concept

    The BMW Vision Neue Klasse X offers a compelling look ahead for the brand’s Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) segment in the electric era. This concept car embodies the core principles of the Neue Klasse initiative: electric, digital, and circular.

    Pioneering a New Breed of Electric SAVs

    The Vision Neue Klasse X represents the first fully-electric SAV built on the innovative Neue Klasse architecture. Scheduled for series production in 2025 at the new BMW Group Plant Debrecen in Hungary, this platform signifies a paradigm shift towards a future focused on electric mobility, advanced digital experiences, and responsible resource management.

    Beyond Just a Vehicle: The Neue Klasse Philosophy

    BMW positions the Neue Klasse as more than just a new car; it’s a comprehensive redefinition of the brand. The initiative underscores their commitment to offering a wider range of electric vehicles, catering to diverse customer preferences, from sporty sedans to practical family SUVs.

    X Reimagined for the Electric Age

    The Vision Neue Klasse X reinterprets the X model for the electric era. While retaining its signature robust and sporty character, the design adopts a cleaner and more contemporary aesthetic. The increased ground clearance facilitates a spacious interior bathed in natural light thanks to a large panoramic sunroof.

    A Symphony of Light and Technology

    The Vision Neue Klasse X utilizes innovative lighting elements to create a striking visual presence. The vertical, sleek headlights and the reimagined 3D illuminated kidney grille exude a futuristic flair. Even the taillights boast a unique design, featuring 3D-printed components that dynamically adjust their color intensity.

    Personalized User Experience

    The interior prioritizes a personalized user experience. The redesigned steering wheel offers intuitive controls, while a large central display provides convenient access to infotainment features. Additionally, the groundbreaking “BMW Panoramic Vision” technology projects vital information directly onto the windshield, enhancing driver focus.

    Immersive Sound on the Go

    The “Personal Sound Experience,” a novel feature showcased in the Vision Neue Klasse X, elevates in-car entertainment. Utilizing the steering wheel, this innovative technology generates personalized soundtracks, tailoring the audio experience to each journey.

    Enhanced Efficiency and Range

    BMW’s next-generation electric drive technology promises significant advancements in charging speed and range. The system is projected to enable a 10-minute charge sufficient for a 300-kilometer journey. Furthermore, the Vision Neue Klasse X boasts improved aerodynamics, resulting in extended range on a single charge.

    Sustainability at the Forefront

    Sustainability is a core tenet of the Neue Klasse initiative. The Vision Neue Klasse X incorporates recycled materials extensively, and the development of innovative plant-based materials for the interior exemplifies this commitment. The car’s design prioritizes easy disassembly and recyclability, ensuring a minimized environmental footprint throughout its lifecycle.

    A New Chapter for BMW

    The Neue Klasse marks a pivotal moment for BMW. It signifies the development of a dedicated platform for electric vehicles, a progressive approach to car design, and a renewed dedication to environmental responsibility. The Vision Neue Klasse X serves as a captivating preview of the exciting future envisioned by BMW.

  • Skoda Epiq Concept

    Škoda has unveiled a significant step forward in its electric vehicle (EV) strategy with the introduction of the Škoda Epiq. This new city SUV crossover represents an attractive and accessible option for customers seeking to transition to electric driving.

    An Electric SUV for Everyday Needs

    The Škoda Epiq boasts a competitive starting price of around €25,000, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious EV buyers. Despite its compact size (4.1 meters in length), the Epiq offers ample interior space for five passengers and a generous cargo capacity of up to 490 liters. Additionally, the impressive electric range of over 248 miles (400 kilometers) on a single charge alleviates range anxiety, ensuring stress-free commutes and weekend adventures.

    Modern Solid Design Language

    The Škoda Epiq embodies the brand’s new “Modern Solid” design philosophy, seamlessly blending functionality with aesthetics. The sculpted bonnet showcases a refreshed Škoda wordmark, while the innovative “Tech-Deck Face” reinterprets the familiar grille, housing advanced technologies like distance radar and front cameras. Striking T-shaped LED elements flank the Tech-Deck Face, serving as daytime running lights and indicators. The lower headlamp position with Matrix LED technology adds a touch of sophistication. The robust exterior is further accentuated by a striking spoiler and aerodynamically optimized wheels.

    Functional and Sustainable Interior

    The Škoda Epiq prioritizes functionality and sustainability within its minimalist interior. The free-floating center console integrates a wireless mobile phone charger and additional “Simply Clever” compartments for maximized storage. The boot incorporates Škoda’s hallmark practical features, including bag hooks, cargo elements, and hidden underfloor storage. The two-spoke steering wheel emphasizes the new Škoda lettering and offers physical buttons and haptic scroll wheels for intuitive control. The mobile digital key facilitates a seamless user experience, and Škoda’s “mobile first” approach is further exemplified by bidirectional charging capabilities, allowing the car to function as a rolling energy storage unit.

    A Name Reflecting Škoda’s EV Commitment

    The Škoda Epiq’s name signifies a pivotal moment in the brand’s history. The “E” prefix aligns with Škoda’s BEV SUV nomenclature, while the “Q” denotes its SUV family membership. Drawing inspiration from the ancient Greek word “epos,” meaning “tale” or “poem,” the Epiq evokes a sense of remarkable achievement. This versatile city SUV caters to both family and lifestyle-oriented customers, offering a practical and engaging electric driving experience.

    Škoda’s Electric Future

    The Škoda Epiq marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Škoda. The company is committed to significant investments in e-mobility, with the forthcoming Škoda Elroq, a battery-electric compact SUV, scheduled for launch later this year. This dedication underscores Škoda’s unwavering commitment to a sustainable future.

  • Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven Concept

    Mercedes-Benz presents a new sports car study. The Vision One-Eleven combines a highly dynamic design language with innovative all-electric powertrain technology. The supercar silhouette is characterised by skilful execution of the signature Mercedes-Benz One-Bow design that is a marker of its 21st‑century style. The development of this design underscores the positioning of the Mercedes-Benz brand, which stands for ICONIC LUXURY. Its technical highlights include the extremely powerful and highly efficient axial-flux motor developed by electric motor specialist YASA. The British company has been a 100-percent subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz AG since July 2021.

    The Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven is inspired by the tradition of the legendary C 111 experimental vehicles from the 1960s and 70s, which were used to test revolutionary Wankel and turbodiesel engines. They were also prototypes for testing polymer-based bodyshells. The extremely (aero)dynamic mid-engine sports cars are considered design icons of their era, not least due to their distinctive gullwing doors and eye-catching orange-and-black paintwork.

    “Our goal at Mercedes-Benz is not to do styling – our goal is to create icons. To me, that makes the difference between mainstream design and luxury. Design icons like the Type 300 SL and C 111 – both with gullwing doors – are part of our DNA. These legendary vehicles were major inspirations for the iconic design of the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven. This is beauty and the extraordinary united in one vision of the future. Our all-electric vision show car is the modern-day interpretation of the C 111, which was avant-garde at the time. The element of surprise comes from its exceptionally clean, purist and, at the same time, extremely muscular proportions. This iconic clarity is also reflected in the interior. The equally sensual but minimalist design language stands for ICONIC LUXURY by Mercedes-Benz.”
    Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer, Mercedes-Benz Group AG

    “The Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven combines breathtaking design with groundbreaking powertrain technology. Like its historical namesake, it explores new paths for the future of sporting performance. At the heart of the compact and extremely efficient powertrain is the innovative YASA axial-flux high-tech electric motor. It offers a motorsport-like power output from a considerably smaller package. This makes the YASA axial-flux motor ideal for electric high-performance vehicles. Combined with the liquid-cooled cylindrical-cell battery with Formula-1 inspired cell chemistry, the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven is yet another proof point for the broad performance spectrum encompassed by our four-pronged development strategy for electric drive.”
    Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer

    The exterior

    The body of the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven centres on skilful execution of the One-Bow design. From the low-slung front end to the muscular hind quarters, it runs in a smooth bow that endows the just 1,170 mm-high vehicle silhouette with an extremely sculptural feel. This harmonises perfectly with the copper-orange alubeam paintwork. It provides an unmistakeable reference to the distinctive colour of the C 111 without adopting it one-to-one. The colour of the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven is considerably more powerful than that of the C 111 and also changes with the light. It conveys not only a sense of quality but also a certain extravagance.

    Further notable features of the side view include the flush-fit gullwing doors and the side windows, which are opaque from the outside and camouflaged by a pixelated pattern. Yet another is the large-diameter wheels inserted seamlessly into the wheel arches beneath voluminous flared wings. This reinforces the impression of an uncompromisingly sporty and aerodynamically refined driving machine. The wheel design incorporates powerfully structured elements evocative of electric motor windings – a clear indicator of the state-of-the-art, all-electric powertrain underpinning the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven. They stand in spirited contrast to the vehicle’s iconic, minimalist and smooth surface design, which is more akin to a sculptural art piece. This contrast is typical of the X-factors the brand applies to its design thinking and a distinctive feature of the Vision One-Eleven.

    Another striking contrast arises through the very low-slung front and rear skirts finished in matte black. The two deeply scooped aerodynamic elements are visually connected by two blade profiles in the same colour running along the flanks beneath the sills. These profiles feature piercings that are backlit in blue. The functional aerodynamic elements also serve as a further design reference to the C 111, which is painted black on the lower portion of its bodyshell. The dark “keel line” of the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven generates an impression of seamless transition between the vehicle and the ground beneath it that is even more powerful than that of the C 111. The form of the car appears fused with the road surface.

    The front-end design

    From the frontal aspect, too, the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven is powerfully evocative of the C 111. In detail, however, there are striking differences: One stand-out example is the distinctive front end, which on both vehicles consists of a low-lying rectangular element with rounded ends left and right. On the C 111, this is a closed plastic element with a honeycomb structure, fitted with round foglamps. The corresponding part on the Vision One-Eleven appears very similar at first glance. However, upon closer inspection, it reveals itself as a high-tech feature. The panel is a flexible external display with a 3D pixelated look. It interprets the C 111’s characteristic round lights in digitised form and can also convey messages to other road users.

    In contrast to the C 111, the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven bears a U-shaped and strongly profiled front apron. Above the slender light band, both forefather and descendant show further similarities, most notably the black air intakes on the bonnet.

    The rear-end design

    The rear-end of the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven is likewise dominated by a powerfully profiled diffuser. Spanning the breadth above it is a display that echoes the shape of its counterpart at the front end and features the same pixelated structure in the red taillights. Similar to the blade profiles along the sides, blue lighting effects are also visible at the rear. The inner face of the wheels is fitted with circular lighting elements.

    The interior design

    Inside, the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven presents the first sports car interior with a lounge concept. It reflects the paradigm shift from self-driven sports car to autonomous electric vehicle within the super sportscar segment and unites two completely different states of being. In race mode with the backrest upright and the compact driver-oriented touchscreen, the interior becomes that of a minimalist driving machine. Conversely, in lounge mode, the seats are fully integrated into the interior sculpture, which merges sills, centre tunnel and luggage compartment into a single unit.

    This creates a whole new, exceptionally airy spatial concept. In contrast to previous mid-engine sports cars, it takes advantage of the compact proportions of electric motors to extend the interior rearwards. Consequently, the lounge-like interior invites occupants to take their time and relax – a completely new approach for the sports car of the future.

    Futuristic and luxurious ambience with contrasting colours

    The interior design of the Vision One-Eleven reflects future luxury based on a progressive colour concept and extraordinary material combinations. The richly contrasting colours and materials attract attention at first glance: Large surfaces such as the dashboard are upholstered in white fabric displaying a tech-look honeycomb structure. The material is made from 100-percent recycled polyester. Other elements such as the armrests on the sills and centre console, as well as the rear parcel shelf beneath the expansive rear windscreen, are clad in bright orange leather. This creates a smooth transition from interior to luggage compartment. The sustainably processed leather was tanned using coffee bean husks. Polished aluminium in the steering-wheel spokes and inlaid as straps across the armrests underscore the tech look and feel. The same applies to the brake and accelerator pedals, both of which are made from polished aluminium and floor mounted.

    Otherwise, the interior equipment in the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven has been reduced to a minimum. Like the exterior, the task here too was to keep the number of add-on features to a bare minimum. The seats are good examples as they don’t follow the classic format. Instead, the seat cushions are integrated flush-fit into the floor. This creates the initial impression of the bucket seat in a Formula 1 race car. The orange four‑point harness and its high-gloss polished buckle further reinforce the sporting character.

    Nevertheless, the innovative seats combine this sporting feel with luxurious comfort because, unlike in a Formula 1 race car, the angle of the backrest can be adjusted. The silver shimmer of their diamond-quilted upholstery is another eyecatcher that underscores the first-class interior ambience. Between the seats is a compact centre console, freestanding in space like a work of art.

    The only highly complex feature in the interior is the leather-clad steering wheel, which is fitted with various functional controls and state-of-the-art touch elements. This is complemented by a compact touchscreen with high-resolution display mounted to the side of the steering wheel and angled towards the driver. It shows all relevant vehicle information as required.

    Fusion of analogue and digital – UI/UX with retro-futuristic pixel-look

    The contrast to the modern interior is provided by the slender pixel display spanning the entire breadth of the dashboard, picking up on the form of the front and rear light bands. Here too, the pixel structure is intentionally coarse, which gives the information displayed – such as the current speed – a strikingly bold appearance. Moreover, the 3D pixel display shows digital art pieces as a coarsely rasterised stream of QR codes in the style of “early digital” news tickers. This is done with the help of glass pixels that show a changing colour gradient depending on the viewing angle. The corresponding real image then appears razor sharp on the high-resolution screen next to the steering wheel.

    This combination of vastly differing representations of the same image embodies a further interpretation of the MBUX Hyperscreen with a focus on flexible interfaces. The retro-futuristic, 8-bit look thus creates an additional X-factor. The development in the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven reinforces the increasing fusion of physical and digital.

    Creating an experimental spatial user interface – augmented reality takes the user experience to a new level

    For the premiere of the Vision One-Eleven, Mercedes-Benz designers have created a visionary user experience with the aid of augmented reality (AR), setting it inside a virtual prototype of the Vision One‑Eleven interior. As soon as the driver dons the Magic Leap 2 augmented reality headset, their experience is enriched with high-definition digital content that is contextually integrated into their surroundings. It creates a seamless spatial blend of physical interior and digital user interface beyond the screen. In effect, the entire car becomes the user interface.

    Mercedes-Benz has been exploring the benefits of AR since the launch of the F015 concept car in 2015. The AR UI in this new car presents a vision of the future that works on two levels: the information attached to the dashboard and information placed in the environment inside and outside the car. This marks the next step from screen-based UI with Mercedes-Benz intuitive zero-layer technology to an AR UI that arranges zero‑layer elements around the user in space. Elements include modules, 3D icons and the navigation map. The control interface around the dashboard and steering wheel is also augmented with additional contextualised information attached to actual objects such as buttons or switches.

    The 180-degree AR view incorporates the world outside the virtual prototype – fusing the car effortlessly with its surroundings and placing the driver at the centre. Map elements are projected into the environment, which is enriched with further information such as places of interests or hidden hazards such as roadworks beyond a bend. With this X-ray view, the system enhances situational awareness by blending out unimportant details to create an uncluttered image of relevant input. Elements that obstruct the driver’s line of sight – such as the A-pillar, doors or even the bonnet – then appear “transparent”. Mercedes-Benz designers and experts worked with the technical specialists at Magic Leap to develop and refine the AR experience showcased in the Vision One-Eleven using the highly advanced Magic Leap 2 AR glasses.

    The spatial user interface is a beacon for a Mercedes-Benz user experience that is unencumbered by technology. It is part of a wider vision that looks towards extended reality, whereby technology and hardware cease to be the focal point; instead becoming fully integrated and seamless facilitators of user needs and wishes.

    Innovative electric powertrain – high-performance axial-flux motor and all-new battery technology

    Technology highlights include a new battery concept featuring high-performance liquid-cooled cylindrical cells with a novel cell chemistry. Once more, the extensive knowledge of the motorsport experts from Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrain in Brixworth found its way into this promising concept for future performance-oriented batteries. Aside from that, the Vision One-Eleven features two exceptionally powerful and advanced axial-flux motors from YASA. Mercedes-Benz is developing this technology together with YASA to large scale production maturity for its next-generation electric drives. YASA is a British electric-motor specialist based in Oxford and has been a 100-percent subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz AG since July 2021. The company has thus secured access to a unique future technology that has the potential to take electric mobility to a new level of performance.

    “Axial-flux motors are significantly lighter and more compact, yet more powerful than comparable radial-flux motors currently used in 99 percent of all electric cars. In an axial-flux motor, the electromagnetic flow runs parallel to the motor’s rotational axis, which is highly efficient. In a radial-flux motor, the flow runs perpendicular to the rotational axis. Compared to radial-flux motors, they have considerably higher and more enduring power reserves, which delivers a whole new level of performance.”
    Tim Woolmer, Founder and Chief Technology Officer of YASA

    Alongside its power and torque density, another major benefit is the narrow package, which reduces both its weight and dimensions. The weight of an axial-flux motor is just one third of that of current electric motors with the same power output. At the same time, it requires just one-third of the space occupied by a radial-flux motor. This opens up completely new options for engineers as well as new freedoms in the design of an electric vehicle as demonstrated by the Vision One-Eleven.

    The future generation of YASA axial-flux motors will be produced at the Mercedes-Benz Berlin-Marienfelde plant. The motors manufactured there will be at the heart of the forthcoming powertrain for the performance segment.

  • Renault H1st Vision Concept

    An open innovation ecosystem created by six large companies (Atos, Dassault Systèmes, Orange, Renault Group, STMicroelectronics and Thales), Software République has set itself clear objectives to help create a European ecosystem for sustainable, sovereign and safe mobility. Its roadmap sets out the ambition of launching 10 new services and products, incubating 50 or more startups, and offering services in more than 50 geographies around the world by 2025.

    Created only two years ago, Software République is staging the world premiere of a collaborative concept at the Viva Technology 2023 exhibition. It incorporates functional and innovative technologies which illustrate its human-centred visions of the mobility of the future. Its name is H1st vision (Human First vision).

    It’s a revolution in mobility, bringing together 20 concrete, operational innovations.

    This physical vehicle doubles up as a virtual replica, a virtual twin in a digital universe where systems that are currently independent (infrastructure, energy, public services, users of different categories) communicate. This makes it possible to model, visualise and simulate the different use cases that could arise in the real world. Thanks to its interconnection with its environment, H1st vision is in constant dialogue with digital and physical ecosystems. A true experience beyond automotive mobility, H1st vision is not just a concept car: it is a tangible vision of tomorrow’s mobility experience.

    The 20 innovations in this technology demonstrator are centred on people. They are all operational: they take care of the driver, their passengers and other road users.

    H1st vision for example features:

    • all-new and secure biometric access control
    • a one-of-a-kind sound experience inside
    • optimised vehicle range and charging
    • a driver and vehicle health monitor and assistant
    • predictive alerts to protect occupants and other people on the road, using predictive alerts

    H1st vision is packed with the expertise of Software République’s members, which are all major players, and promising startups selected for their unique contributions. It was developed by a team of 100 people in a record six months. With this functional virtual and real concept, Software République is demonstrating the relevance of the open innovation model for incubating true industrial projects that are helping to make Europe a prominent hub for the mobility of the future.

    The H1st vision concept car is a connected, physical and virtual object that demonstrates both a robust method for collaboration between the partners and how the technologies of Dassault Systèmes, Orange, ST Microelectronics, Renault Group and Thales complement each other to build the mobility of the future. Eric Feunteun, Chief Operating Officer, Software République

  • Toyota GR H2 Racing Concept

    At a press conference of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) at Circuit de la Sarthe in western France on June 9, Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Akio Toyoda revealed for the first time the hydrogen engine vehicle prototype “GR H2 Racing Concept”.

    Developed with future competition in its sights, the prototype’s unveiling was spurred by a recent announcement by the ACO, the organizer of Le Mans 24 Hours, that it would allow hydrogen-engine vehicles to compete―in addition to fuel cell electric vehicles―in the race’s hydrogen category.

    Speaking at the press conference, Toyoda congratulated the ACO on the centenary of the Le Mans 24 Hours (Le Mans) endurance race and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to hone cars through the race.

    Toyota has been competing using a hydrogen-engine Corolla in the Super Taikyu Series since Round 3 of the 2021 season and raced the same car in the IDEMITSU 1500 SUPER ENDURANCE 2022 at Thailand’s Chang International Circuit in December 2022. By doing so, it has been honing its technologies in the harsh environment of motorsports and, with like-minded partners in and outside the automotive industry, accelerating its efforts for producing, transporting, and using hydrogen toward the realization of a carbon-neutral society. Toyota intends to further advance such efforts for making ever-better motorsports-bred cars and realizing a carbon-neutral society and it looks forward to taking on the challenge of a new generation of Le Mans 24 races.

    “GR H2 Racing Concept” vehicle outline

    Powertrain Hydrogen engine + Hybrid system
    Dimensions Length (mm) 5,100 mm
    Width (mm) 2,050 mm

  • Porsche Mission X Concept

    Celebrating 75 years of Porsche sports cars, the storied marque today revealed its newest concept car: the Mission X. As a design study, not offered for sale, with production to be decided in due time, the Mission X is a glimpse into what the sports car of the future could look like.

    “The Porsche Mission X is a technology beacon for the sports car of the future. It picks up the torch of iconic sports cars of decades past: like the 959, the Carrera GT and the 918 Spyder before it, the Mission X provides critical impetus for the evolutionary development of future vehicle concepts,” says Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG. “Daring to dream and dream cars are two sides of the same coin for us: Porsche has only remained Porsche by constantly changing.”

    Michael Mauer, Head of Style Porsche, says: “The Mission X is a clear commitment to the core of the brand. The continuing, enhanced expression of our brand and product identity is an important compass for us to navigate the development of our series-production models. The concept study symbolizes a symbiosis of unmistakable motorsport DNA with a luxurious overall impression.”

    Measuring approximately 177 inches long and 78.7 inches wide, the Mission X concept study is a relatively compact hypercar. With a wheelbase of 107.4 inches, it has the dimensions of the Carrera GT and 918 Spyder. For aerodynamic purposes, the concept car has staggered tires, with 20-inch wheels at the front and 21-inch wheels at the rear.

    Design

    The Mission X represents the pinnacle of performance and modern luxury. At the same time, its sculpted form and muscular lines demonstrate that hypercars do not have to look aggressive. The low-slung body, which is less than 47.2 inches tall, is finished in Rocket Metallic – an elegant paint color specially designed for the concept study. Design elements in a carbon fiber are found below the beltline. These components have a satin finish and are therefore slightly colored, but their material structure remains recognizable.

    The wheels of the concept study feature elaborate details: the rear axle is fitted with almost transparent aero blades, which are designed like turbines for better cooling of the brakes.

    A lightweight glass dome with an exoskeleton made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) extends over both occupants. Le Mans-style doors are attached to the A-pillar and the roof; they open forwards and upwards. This type of door was previously used on the legendary Porsche 917 racing car. Another eye-catcher is the light signature: for the Mission X, the designers have reinterpreted the characteristic Porsche four-point graphic. The vertical base form of the headlights was inspired by historic racing cars such as the Porsche 906 and 908 and drawn well down towards the road. A high-tech support structure frames the LED light modules and presents the exposed narrow elements of daytime running lights and indicators. When activated, the light opens up like an eye blinking open. Fully illuminated, the headlights make a confident statement.

    A full-length light unit that appears to float characterizes the rear of the Mission X. Transparent, illuminated Porsche lettering is a standout feature. The sculptural rear light emerges, as if suspended in the air, from a support structure and extends across the entire width of the vehicle in four segments. While charging, the ‘E’ of the Porsche lettering pulses.

    One special detail is the modernized Porsche crest, which makes its debut on the Mission X. Brushed precious metal, a three-dimensional honeycomb structure, a refreshed heraldic beast and more subtle gold color – on close inspection, these are the differences between the modernized Porsche crest and its immediate forerunner. With its cleaner and more state-of-the-art execution, the refined crest communicates the character of Porsche. On the Mission X, it is found on the hood and steering wheel as well as in monochrome form on the wheel centers.

    The driver focus can be seen in the asymmetry of the interior and its color concept. The two seats are colored differently. Apart from the leather pads in Andalusia Brown, the driver’s seat is Kalahari Grey and forms a single unit of color with the center console and the dashboard. The passenger seat is in the contrasting Andalusia Brown shade. Beyond the CFRP seat shells, and their six-point seatbelts integrated into the monocoque, further motorsport parallels include the open-top steering wheel, which has mode switches and shift paddles. There are multiple cameras on board. Recording starts as soon as the driver presses the Record button (REC) on the multi-purpose controller.

    Another highlight is found on the passenger side, where there is a bayonet system embedded in the instrument panel to which a stopwatch module can be attached. For the Mission X, Porsche Design has created a special stopwatch module with an analogue and digital display. The clocks are designed for both racetrack and rally use and can display the lap times or vital data of the driver, among other information.

    Technical vision

    Porsche exemplifies e-performance yet is also a pioneer in sustainable mobility. The concept study meets both objectives in full measure. If the Mission X goes into series production, then it should:

    • be the fastest road-legal vehicle around the Nürburgring Nordschleife
    • have a power-to-weight ratio of roughly one hp per 2.2 lbs.
    • achieve downforce values that are well in excess of those delivered by the current 911 GT3 RS
    • offer significantly improved charging performance with its 900-volt system architecture and charge roughly twice as quickly as the current Porsche frontrunner, the Taycan Turbo S

    The battery is installed centrally behind the vehicle’s seats. This ‘e-core layout’ centers the mass in the car. As with a conventionally powered mid-engine car, this provides the basis for excellent agility.

    Predecessors

    The fastest series-production car of its time; first series-production Porsche to be made of carbon fiber, and the first road-legal vehicle to beat the seven-minute mark on the Nürburgring Nordschleife – the Porsche 959 (1985), Carrera GT (2003) and 918 Spyder (2013) were milestone models in the world of super sports cars. And that makes them the conceptual forerunners of the Mission X.

    In 1985, the Porsche 959 made its debut as a technology platform. Its 443 hp six-cylinder twin-turbo boxer engine, combined with an aerodynamically optimized body, propelled the super sports car to a top speed of 197 mph – then the world record for a series-production sports car.

    With its V10 engine and 605 hp, fierce design and, not least, its incomparable driving experience, the Porsche Carrera GT remains an icon among super sports cars to this day.

    Porsche hybrid technology reached a spectacular zenith with the 918 Spyder. In September 2013, the 887 hp two-seater was the first road-approved vehicle to crack the seven-minute barrier on the 12.8-mile Nürburgring Nordschleife, completing the lap in 6:57 minutes. Porsche aims to stay true to this standard of the highest e-performance: our vision, should the Mission X go into series production, is for it to be the fastest road-legal vehicle on the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

  • Cupra DarkRebel Concept

    CUPRA has revealed its virtual sports car, the CUPRA DarkRebel, which pushes the limits of automotive design. The car embodies the performance and emotion of the unconventional brand and is the first show car presented through CUPRA’s Metahype space in the metaverse. CEO Wayne Griffiths stated that the CUPRA DarkRebel represents the ultimate expression of their vision after five years of building the brand. The car showcases CUPRA’s DNA to the maximum without any constraints, provoking a dialogue about design instead of following a predictable process.

    Design with unfiltered CUPRA DNA

    The CUPRA DarkRebel is a virtual sports car that combines the athletic proportions of a sports car with a shooting brake architecture, characterized by sharp lines.

    It has a sharp and radical front end with a long arrow-shaped bonnet, providing maximum feeling of speed. The cabin is pushed to the rear to create attractive proportions.

    The car features a new approach to the brand’s iconic triangular light signature emerging from the body, and a central spine connecting the front and rear, providing the core of the skeleton for the all-electric sports car.

    The CUPRA DarkRebel has progressive bucket seats, a gamified steering wheel, and shifter, making it a driver-oriented car that connects human and machine.

    This fully virtual sports car is designed for a new dimension where pushing the limits, desire, and emotion are the brand’s driving force.

    Hyper Configurator

    CUPRA breaks free from the limitations of physical reality with the CUPRA DarkRebel, exploring new dimensions to enhance the experience. This virtual sports car takes advantage of the potential of the virtual world to increase creativity, imagination and sensations.

    To offer a way to exercise creativity without physical constraints, CUPRA has designed the Hyper Configurator, a virtual lab where users can experiment with colors, materials and finishes in various virtual environments. By offering an unparalleled degree of freedom, users can create their own versions of the CUPRA DarkRebel, which will influence the design of the final physical model that CUPRA will unveil in the future.

    The Hyper Configurator adjusts the car’s attributes and surroundings dynamically based on the user’s degree of realism or imagination. Effects such as colors, graphics and visual features can all be manipulated. This way, the CUPRA Tribe can interact and create their unique designs that could become part of the future physical model.

    Users can choose between three environments – Exponential square, Exponential cube, and Exponential infinite, in which they can transform the show car and create their very own CUPRA DarkRebel:

    • Exponential square: where the CUPRA Tribe can live the raw values of CUPRA design. Inspired by natural elements like minerals and stones, here the user can experience and challenge CUPRA’s raw textures and earthy colours in the Hyper Configurator.
    • Exponential cube: for those that have a soft spot for the racing world. Here, users can experiment with the digital aesthetic of a neon-like glow, algorithmic movements, parametric geometries, and fluorescent lights. Sleek and vibrant, orthogonal, and fluid at same time.
    • Exponential ∞: the highest level of Exponentiality disconnects from reality and embraces a dreamlike, otherworldly, and surreal universe with no constraints from the physical world. The environment and material choices are dominated by an ethereal feel creating a fully realised metaverse.

    After finishing their configuration in the Hyper Configurator, users can share a video of their one-of-a-kind CUPRA DarkRebel.

    The DarkRebel’s distinctive design and advanced technology are sure to make it an attention-grabbing statement car.

    Stay updated as the physical CUPRA DarkRebel Showcar will be revealed soon, incorporating the user configurations to shape the car’s final design.

  • Nissan Pathfinder Concept

    Nissan introduced the family-friendly and technologically innovative Pathfinder in 1985, which has since become an icon among SUVs. The Pathfinder Concept, specifically designed for the Chinese market, continues this legacy by blending Chinese modern aesthetics with quintessential Nissan features to cater to the active lifestyle of consumers. It is the perfect adventure partner, whether you’re conquering the wilderness or navigating the urban landscape.

    The Pathfinder Concept boasts a completely redesigned exterior and an adventure-ready interior, which provides ample space for larger families with its three rows of seating. The cabin features an ultrawide display screen and heads-up display, which offer a wealth of information.

  • Nissan Arizon Concept

    A Chinese team, using Nissan’s EV expertise, created the Arizon concept to serve as a versatile partner for drivers in China. With its sleek exterior design and high-tech interior, the Arizon offers an exciting new EV experience. Built on the CMF EV platform, it boasts a low center of gravity and a spacious, open-air cabin with an auto-dimming glass roof.

    The Arizon concept is designed to prioritize the driver’s needs and includes a virtual personal assistant named Eporo. This AI system can converse with passengers and provide useful information such as the time and weather.

    The Arizon’s innovative interactive lighting system automatically adjusts to passengers’ preferences and has various settings like leisure, relax, sleep, and surprise. This feature allows for seamless, personalized interactions with the vehicle.

    Nissan has taken the Arizon concept beyond a mere mode of transportation, with a software-defined vehicle approach that enables new levels of connectivity and integration to blend digital and physical realities, creating a personalized solution for Chinese customers.

  • Lancia Pu+Ra HPE Concept

    Lancia Pu+Ra HPE is an all-electric car with a range of over 700 km, takes little more than 10 minutes to charge and consumes less than 10 kWh of energy per 100 km. The car is a result of collaboration with Cassina, a leader in the luxury furniture industry, to provide an Italian “home feeling” experience.

    The Lancia Pu+Ra HPE is equipped with the S.A.L.A. virtual interface, which will also be featured in the new Ypsilon. As a result, Lancia will be the first Stellantis brand to use Chameleon and TAPE (Tailored Predictive Experience) technologies, allowing the audio, climate control, and lighting functions to be controlled with a touch of a button or the sound of one’s voice.

    Exterior design

    Lancia Pu+Ra HPE is an electric car that evolved from Lancia Pu+Ra Zero and was inspired by a three-dimensional sculpture from last November. It embodies the brand’s new design language with pure and radical design, combining elementary forms and iconic shapes like circles and triangles. Lancia Pu+Ra HPE is an eco-sustainable, exciting, and evolved car with a progressive green color that symbolizes sustainability and looks ahead to the future of the brand. The fluid lateral lines recall the Aurelia and Flaminia models, while the rear design references the iconic round lights of the Lancia Stratos. The front grille has been reinterpreted with three rays of light, and the circular roof provides a broad, panoramic view. The innovative roof and rear window emphasize natural light and recall the concept of “home feeling”.

    Lancia and Cassina

    Lancia and Cassina are continuing their partnership, combining their excellence in their respective fields of automotive and furniture design. Cassina is using its almost 100 years of know-how and expertise to transfer its experience to the automotive sector, focusing on shared values such as Italian spirit, innovation, tradition, and respect for the environment.

    The Lancia concept car is designed with Italian Design and cultural contamination in mind, taking inspiration from certain pieces of furniture that set the tone of a home and creating genuine domestic spaces. This shared journey between Lancia and Cassina is guided by “The Cassina Perspective”, a unique code of excellence in design that combines the most innovative products with icons of modernity to create welcoming and eclectic environments.

    The starting point for this design was certain furnishings that set the tone of a home, such as upholstered items in the living room, a multifunctional coffee table, and a warm carpet that immediately creates a homely environment, with great importance given to the color and consistency of the materials.

    The interior

    The interiors of Lancia Pu+Ra HPE are designed with the brand’s new, pure and radical design language, which uses iconic and simple shapes, different from typical automotive language.

    Inside the concept car, there is an eclectic space with a contemporary home atmosphere, featuring fluid architecture with attention to detail in the overall composition of pure forms.

    The design inspiration for Italian furniture is visible in the round carpet and the front seats. The latter are modeled after the Maralunga armchairs by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, with unique proportions and a bold chromatic figure.

    Pure geometric forms are further expressed in the new round tables, center console, and dashboard, which is based on a single piece of round glass with clear cuts.

    The large windows allow natural light to flood the passenger compartment, creating a warm and welcoming environment, like a typical Italian home. The blinds are reminiscent of the Lancia Beta HPE and architecture, projecting natural lights and shade while also acting as a luminous element of technology that interacts with S.A.L.A. and its functions.

    Sustainability by Lancia

    Lancia combines sustainability and style, calling it Sustylenability. The Lancia Pu+Ra HPE is the first 100% electric car to showcase this vision for the brand’s future, with every aspect designed to reflect an elegant and sustainable “home feeling” in the interior. The car’s refined interior features sustainable materials from Italian brands, with 70% of touchable surfaces made from eco-friendly materials.

    The brand’s path to sustainability is guided by four values: reinterpretation of tradition, Italian spirit, eclecticism, and “home feeling.” Reinterpreting tradition means using sustainable materials to redesign Lancia’s tradition with innovative, recycled, and recyclable materials. This is seen in the car’s seats, upholstered with ocher velvet with GreenGuard® certification, made in collaboration with Cassina.

    Italian spirit means using materials that symbolize Italian excellence, such as MARM\MORE, a material made of up to 50% waste from marble dust, recycled fabric, and produced using natural colors, soft to the touch, and waterproof. Eclecticism means drawing inspiration from a range of fields, not strictly related to automotive, such as the iconic table made from M49 BioAcetate Renew™ Mazzucchelli.

    Creating a “home feeling” means making customers feel at home every time they get into the car. The Lancia Pu+Ra HPE features a natural wool carpet, a handmade item created with no waste, and a warm, comfortable velvety nubuck from Poltrona Frau. The car’s rear shelf is made with an “upcycled raw material” in partnership with Tabu and their “Biodiversity” collection of inlaid wood.

    The electrification strategy

    Lancia is following Stellantis’ electrification plan by launching the New Ypsilon in 2024, available in both hybrid and electric versions. By 2026, they will only launch 100% electric cars, and starting from 2028, they will exclusively sell electric models, coinciding with the arrival of the new Delta.

    The Lancia Pu+Ra HPE is a practical and efficient 100% electric car that defines the brand’s vision for the next decade. It offers superior performance in terms of range, charging time, and efficiency.

    Lancia has a history of producing innovative models in three major automotive classes: city cars, flagships, and compact sedans. They plan to continue this legacy by offering the best of all three segments in their new cars. These models will use Stellantis platforms and target a European customer base known as “progressive classic influencers”. These customers value timeless elegance, Italian spirit, innovation, and a comfortable driving experience.

    Made with technology modules taken from the New Ypsilon, Lancia Pu+Ra HPE concept car is the manifesto for the next 10 years of the brand, providing a vision of the cars of the future in terms of:

    • a range of over 700 km
    • charging time of just over 10 minutes
    • energy consumption below 10 kWh per 100 km
    • a series of aerodynamic features: low roof, slim digital wing mirrors, aerodynamic wheels, three front protection plates, and aerodynamics

    “Effortless Technology by Lancia”

    Lancia Pu+Ra HPE aims to provide a simple, user-friendly experience for customers, with technology that is intuitive and welcoming.

    Effortless Technology is based on the Sound Air Light Augmentation (S.A.L.A.) system, which combines audio, climate control, and lighting functions in a minimal and intelligent virtual interface. Drivers and passengers can adjust the car’s interior environment by pressing a button or even using their voice.

    S.A.L.A. will allow customers to choose among three onboard modes:

    • Immersive, to amplify the driving experience thanks to Stellantis Chameleon technology that will debut for the first time on a car and is able to “adapt” the atmosphere of the passenger compartment, according to the external environment, adjusting the sound, air and light accordingly.
    • Wellbeing, thanks to the support of Stellantis Artificial Intelligence, TAPE (Tailored Predictive Experience) anticipates the varying moods of the driver and passengers, improving their wellbeing thanks to a better atmosphere on board.
    • Entertainment, to take advantage of any waiting times, offering the possibility to stream a movie, play a video game or browse social networks.

    The S.A.L.A. interface will debut in the New Ypsilon as a Lancia first. As technology platforms evolve, S.A.L.A. will also advance and adapt to provide a complete and immersive experience. This will allow each brand to personalize features for their models.