MG Zero concept

The Zero was one of the surprises of the Beijing show, and represents the best example of the new 'Facet Flow' MG form language that the design teams in Shanghai and UK have been developing. In terms of exterior surfaces, this car appears close to production and SAIC expects the Zero to compete with the Ford Fiesta and Fiat's Grande Punto to attract entry-level younger customers. Program Manager Sam Sun explained the thinking behind the design: "There's a misunderstanding by many younger Chinese buyers about what a sporty car should be – there's real confusion with aftermarket customizing, which is not our aim."

The sporty feeling is taken further than the MG6, with a greater emphasis on the dominant lower grille, use of a lozenge pattern throughout, including grille, door handles, DI lamps and texture in the lower grille, and a roof featuring a see-through abstracted union flag motif. The Zero uses an all-new platform from SAIC, called EP, which crucially allows for fitment of larger wheels than is the norm in China, to ensure a more European stance to the car.

The best part of the Zero is undoubtedly the interior, which demonstrates a higher level of sophistication and new ideas compared to most concepts seen here today. A slim horizontal console connects to the driver's seat in a quasi-octagon motif, and a lower center console runs through into the rear seat. The lozenge theme is continued in the seats, which feature red MG logos that illuminate through the fabric. Further red highlights are created using LEDS in the door lining, steering wheel rim, plus ambient lighting used in the footwells. "We've decided to offer this high contrast black and white theme on one trim level for production too" explains Sam Sun. Overall, the interior reminds in some ways of a sportier version of the VW Up! but that's not to detract from the freshness of the design quality. SAIC expects production to start later this year, with sales in Europe targeted in their plans.

Ford Start concept

Ford's Start concept was one of the undeniable stars of Auto China this year. A diminutive five-seat premium car, roughly the size of a Mini, the concept surprised many with its minimalistic design and thoughtful details. Speaking with Freeman Thomas, Design Director at Ford's California-based Strategic Concept Group, CDN learned that the car was born out of an unconventional approach: it was actually modeled before being reversed into sketches.

The clean, timeless design was inspired by the nautilus shell as well as the rounded designs of the Alfa Romeo Zagato SZ and the Porsche 356 Speedster (owned by Thomas himself): "We wanted the car to be soft and endearing," Thomas said. "We love round shapes."

The resulting design is appealing, with a simple yet elegant surface and a friendly demeanor, but it is also a pragmatic and functional vehicle. Simple trim pieces, smooth door handles and a new interpretation of the front grille are joined by slender head- and taillamps with a lattice theme running through them, an element repeated in the C-pillar. Another key element in the brief was that the car had to be lightweight; this is where the idea for the small trunk – instead of the expected hatch – and the 'floating' B-pillar came from. "We needed the structure but we wanted it to float to make it visually lighter," shared Thomas

A strong shoulder that blends into the surrounding surface aft of the rear wheel is also an interesting element of the design, fading out like a brush stroke on the bodyside, as is the well-proportioned matte aluminum trim that connects and defines the windscreen, DLO and backlight.

The interior also presents interesting features worth mentioning, such as the IP that sits on top of the dash so it can be easily adapted for left- and right-hand drive applications, and the floating front seats that mimic the curve of those on the 356. The rear seat features an unbroken curvature, enabling rear passengers to sit in a lounge-like space, amplifying comfort levels.

(Beijing Motor Show 2010 - Highlights)

Jaguar C-X75 concept

The C-X75 is both celebration of Jaguar's 75-year history and design showcase for the company's hybrid turbine technology. It would be easy, with a brief so charged with historical reference (the last British turbine car, the Rover Turbine screamed onto the scene in the '63 while the XJ-13, considered the watershed in terms of Jaguar's design history, appeared in '66) to resort to a lazy retro pastiche. No such luck here.

The powertrain – a pair of turbines spinning at 80,000 rpm – allowed the design team to create a proportionally simple and elegant form full of volume and suppleness. Along with the similarly fully-surfaced Renault DeZir concept, it suggests we're moving away from an era of line-based exterior design and towards an aesthetic built on surface.

The French connection doesn't stop there; the long tail, flat deck lid and thin wrap-around tail lamps are reminiscent of the GTbyCitroen Concept from 2008. Indeed, on first acquaintance the C-X75 doesn't speak overtly of Jaguar, certainly not with the saccharine sweetness of yore, but nor does it eviscerate Jaguar heritage as comprehensively as the XJ. At last, heritage and the future have become happy bedfellows. The only weak element is the DRG, which has a pinched, somewhat derivative sports car look.

The interior is arguably more impressive. A spare material palette of chrome, aluminum, leather and textile combine with layered surfaces and fixed seat design to offer something unique; a delicate balance between luxury and sparseness.

The presence of vanes and air-ducting speaks of an attempt to build a language around the propulsion system. Other highlights include the unique HMI, the individual, blue-lit hexagonal speaker units inside the door and the roof-mounted starter console that reinforce the cocoon-like cockpit feel Jaguar's designers were so keen to create.

For a long time Jaguar has had the potential to deliver a convincing vision for its future, building on its storied history and the wealth of passion for the brand. So often it has flattered to deceive, but the C-X75 finally delivers on the promise and is a candidate for star of the show.

Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept

At the 2010 Paris Motor Show Lamborghini has unveiled its much-awaited concept car: the Sesto Elemento. Featuring a full carbon-fiber structure and body, the V10-powered technological demonstrator has a weight of 999 kg and sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.5 seconds.

After six teasers and many rumors, Lamborghini has finally unveiled its new stunning concept car.

Its name is "Sesto Elemento", which is the Italian translation of "Sixth Element", and refers to the position of carbon in the periodic table.

The name underlines the importance role payed by carbon-fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) technology: in the Sesto Elemento the carbon fiber is used for the front frame, body panels, crash boxes, major suspension components and rims.

The result is an extremely lightweight construction, with an overall curb weight of just 999 kg.

To further emphasize the use of this technology, the exterior is finished in a matt-shimmer clear coat, that lets the CFRP structure and its texture completely visible.

The Sesto Elemento is powered by a 5.2 liter V10 engine that deliver 570 hp - which means a power-to-weight ratio of only 1.75 kg/hp - coupled with a permanent all-wheel drive transmission.

It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 2.5 seconds ad the top speed is over 300 km/h.

The concept is considered by the Italian carmaker as a technological demonstrator that will inspire and influence all the future model line-up.

Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, has commented: "Systematic lightweight engineering is crucial for future super sports cars: for the most dynamic performance, as well as for low emissions.

"We will apply this technological advantage right across our model range. Every future Lamborghini will be touched by the spirit of the Sesto Elemento."

Exterior Design

Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept TeaserThe design of the Sesto Elemento Concept is an evolution of the brand's language and integrates the carbon-fiber as a visual element.

The body is finished in a matt-shimmer clear coat which includes fine crystals with a red shimmer and lets the that the CFRP structure visible throughout.

In order to optimize the construction, the body-shell exterior consists of just few integrated elements: the roof section, which is part of the monocoque, the two front and rear covers with integrated aerodynamic components and the doors,

The doors are made of only two components, the exterior skin and the interior cladding, permanently bonded together.

The front and rear main panels are manufactured in a single piece, called "cofango", a name created by combining the Italian word "cofano" (hood) with "parafango" (fender).

The large components are attached by using easily removable fasteners.

The "cofango" is also reminiscent of the 1966 Lamborghini Miura, which had a rear cover that could be opened in one single piece.

The surfaces have precisely-defined and sharp edges, created with functionality in mind. The main design theme is provided by the recurring triangular and polygonal elements: from the red openings in the hood to the sharply cut headlamp units, the side mirrors and the door handles.

The entire side profile is cut like a sharp wedge, with the power center of the car just in front of the rear axle. A distinctive sideline starts at the front wheel arch, rises along the door towards the rear and ends at the broad shoulders above the rear wheel.

The wide sills form a connection between the air outlets behind the front wheels and the large air inlets in front of the rear wheels. These house components such as the radiators for cooling the engine and transmission oil.

The rims have a five-spoke design and are made entirely from carbon fiber. They offer a clear view of the high-performance brakes with carbon-ceramic discs.

The Sesto Elemento's rear end features a short overhang, a generously dimensioned spoiler, matched by adiffuser and an additional air deflector in the center.

The tailpipes are made of Pyrosic (an advanced glass-ceramic matrix composite) and are directed upwards through the engine cover panel, which incorporates ten hexagonal openings and two air scoops behind the roof.

The tailpipes are made from Pyrosic, which is an advanced glass-ceramic matrix composite, able to reach and stand very high temperatures up to 900° celsius. Even the propeller shaft is made of CFRP.

Interior Design

Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept InteriorLike the exterior, the interior uses a minimalistic approach.

The seats do not have a conventional seat frame, but an internal structure obtained and defined directly from the Forged Composite tub, that on one side plays a functional role and on the other side is the base for the optimally formed seat cushions, upholstered in hi-tech fabric, which are affixed directly to the carbon-fiber monocoque.

The the steering wheel, which can be adjusted for height and reach, and by the pedals, which can be electrically adjusted longitudinally.

The dominant visual element is the CFRP material texture - on the floor and roof of the monocoque, on the doors and also on the cockpit and center console. Even the electronic control unit for the engine is mounted in plain sight.

The design is also characterized by the numerous triangular cut-outs aimed at maximizing the weight reduction.

The controls are presented in a highly concentrated format.

The center console includes only three piezoelectric buttons - one to start the engine, one to shift into reverse gear and another one for the lights.

Lamborghini and the CFRP Technology

Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept TeaserLamborghini has mastered the complete CFRP process across a range of technologies, from 3D design through simulation, validation, production and testing – all in a state-of-the-art industrial process that stands for the very highest quality standards.

The company drives the technology development in its two research centers the ACRC (Advanced Composite Research Center) and the ACSL (Advanced Composite Structures Laboratory) through collaborations with organizations such as Boeing, with the resulting technology secured under a host of patents.

(Source: Lamborghini)

Italdesign-Giugiaro collaborates with Dassault Systèmes to ensure design leadership in the next decade

During its 42 years in the automotive service field, Italdesign-Giugiaro has worked with many international carmakers and has been responsible for some of the world's most revered concepts and production vehicles. In May this year, the firm became part of the VW Group, marking a new era in its growth.

Italdesign-Giugiaro provides services for complete project development within three main areas: styling, engineering and testing and prototyping, which all operate autonomously within the organization. The company's aim is to work in synergy with its clients, which is why they constantly investigate and evaluate emergent technical solutions.
Italdesign has been responsible for some of the most famous concept and production cars over the past decades

The company was recently acquired by the Volkswagen group
All Italdesign-Giugiaro designs emerge from realistic technical data on the car underneath
Sketch of the Italdesign-Giugiaro Quaranta concept, created to celebrate the company's 40th anniversary

In search of new solutions

Italdesign-Giugiaro, for example, was the first independent service provider to implement a Virtual Reality Center in-house in order to offer 1:1 scale virtual reality design and style services.

And now, to harmonize the design process – and improve integration between styling and engineering – Italdesign has started several pioneering pilot projects with Dassault Systèmes to investigate 'clay digital modeling' (concept/free form modeling), as well as high-quality surface modeling.

"Innovation and creativity are key factors for facing the market changes and competition. Many of our suppliers have changed or do not exist any longer, while our partnership with Dassault Systèmes has been ongoing for 20 years," says Italdesign CIO Giuseppe Savino. "Dassault Systèmes has always been the right partner to leverage innovation and this is why we are looking forward to deeply investigating emerging design solutions like CATIA Imagine & Shape."

Combining technology with hand craft

While most famous for their products' iconic styling, the Italdesign-Giugiaro philosophy stems from an approach of ensuring technical feasibility first, creating designs that meet all technical requirements, ensuring workable solutions.

During Giugiaro's design process, the first virtual surfaces are created following the selection of a design proposal. Rendering, animation, virtual and physical modeling techniques – all handled interactively – support this research and presentation phase.

At this stage, the 3D data of the model can be useful for engineers to conduct the first feasibility studies and for the workshop department to mill a 1:1 scale physical model. The modelers' manual skillfulness still plays an important role in the finishing and touch-up phase, but technology goes hand-in-hand with the high manual skill of the craftsperson and their utmost attention to detail.

As this process illustrates, styling – and experience hand craft – is still a primary and fundamental part of the Giugiaro approach. However, over the last decade, industrial design has rapidly evolved from the traditional design-by-hand approach to the use of the most advanced technological tools, with which Italdesign has ensured its leadership in the field.

New challenges, new solutions

This approach has hidden challenges: a lack of integration, difficulty in data exchange and different UIs in various software systems present serious complexities of management. Moreover, a modified model often has to be re-created in the different systems along the lifecycle.

New tools, which boost creativity and are easy to use, are needed in order to allow designers to 'concretize' their ideas immediately. From Italdesign's perspective, the modeling tools used in the automotive field should draw inspiration from the ease of use of the entertainment applications, while integrating control and analysis tools required by the engineering domain.

Dassault Systèmes' software makes this possible – CATIA provides unified industrial design solutions to address the full design workflow – and for the creative conceptual phase of this workflow the company proposes a dedicated tool, CATIA Imagine & Shape.

When it comes to high quality surface modeling ('Class A' surfacing), Italdesign has over 15 years experience with ICEM Surf. However, over the last six months of 2009, Italdesign tested CATIA ICEM Shape Design (the next generation of the tool) working with pre-defined scenarios and use-cases taken from a list of user requirements. One main benefit was identified.
The five images on this side of the page show screen grabs from the IMA tools, used to create digital surfaces from 2D sketches

Integration between styling and engineering in terms of data exchange, CATIA workbench usage and IT environment harmonization was assessed. Advantages were identified in using the parametric associative functionalities, even though not all vehicle external and internal surfaces can be developed using this method.

The company found that many parts – such as the front grille, center console, air vents, headlamp and engine cover – could be realized following a pure virtual parametric design approach. Importantly, along the lifecycle of the process, the model can be easily modified by changing parameters rather than being rebuilt, therefore saving time.

As a consequence of these results, Italdesign decided on a smooth license migration plan. According to the company, having a common environment – such as the one Dassault Systèmes is promoting – encourages innovation and facilitates integration between styling and engineering.

Helping to meet new demands

The attention being given to such emerging solutions is increasing dramatically. An evaluation team featuring the major German OEMs was founded in spring 2009 with the aim of providing Dassault Systèmes with consolidated requirements, as well as to evaluate whether the tools were ready to be used in a production environment.

Italdesign-Giugiaro expects concept modeling tools to influence several aspects of designers' activities and to freeze designs more quickly. This is expected to give them a competitive advantage in today's market, where they are expected to provide clients with a larger number of proposals in a shorter period of time during the initial design phase.

This system also allows the easy translation of digital data into a physical mockup at the proposal selection phase, which is particularly important to Italdesign-Giugiaro: the company still believes physical models lead to better results when evaluating proportions, surfaces and curves.

Commitment to innovation

Although concept modeling tools have not yet reached a level of maturity where they are generating the same impact that digital pen-display devices had in moving from manual to digital drawing, they have introduced many interesting new functions, demonstrating Dassault Systèmes' efforts to meet new requirements arising in the styling domain.

Italdesign-Giugiaro is planning to carry out a new analysis and assessment phases in partnership with Dassault Systèmes, evaluating new tools that can be integrated into the design process in an efficient and natural way. It demonstrates a continuing commitment to innovation and creativity and a determination to remain a design leader, which has always been a distinctive mark of Italdesign-Giugiaro.

Find out more about Italdesign Giugiaro at www.italdesign.it

Duesenberg 2100 Concept

The Duesenberg 2100 is a design study of a rétro-futuristic luxury vehicle equipped with a nuclear powerplant and inspired by the styling cues of the 1930's. The author is design student Chris Bednarczyk.

The Duesenberg 2100 is a concept based on the idea of a nuclear powered car, originally starting with the Ford Nucleon, a concept car developed in 1958.

The project was created by Chris Bednarczyk, a design student at Swansea Metropolitan University, and was on display at the Degree Show of last July 2010.

The Duesenberg 2100 revives the legendary brand using an exterior design language that expresses a graceful, yet imposing presence.

The concept is designed to transport three people (a chauffeur and two passengers), running long distances along specially constructed super highways.

As Chris explains, "The technology involved is based in the past: the idea of having a nuclear powered car has been around since the 50's, yet never implemented safely.

"By the year 2100 this is entirely possible, creating phenomenal fuel efficiency, never having to refuel the car in its lifetime."

The styling is based around the powerful aura exuded by the car. It is "designed as a piece of moving sculpture rather than what could be deemed as a conventional car, with the long central window reflecting the waterfall grille of 1930's Duesenberg, and the external wheel "pods" and side scallop shadowing the styling cues of the automotive industry in the 1930's."

The 7 feet long scale model was built by Chris Bednarczyk and painted by "Custom Exotics" company.

About the Designer

Chris Bednarczyk has a 2:1 honours degree from Swansea Metropolitan University. He is currently seeking a position in the automotive design field.
Contact details:

* Email: chrisbednarczyk@live.co.uk
* Phone: 07525341441

(Image Courtesy: Chris Bednarczyk)

Opel GTC Paris Concept: new images

Opel has released new images and information of the GTC Paris Concept, set to debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. The set includes design sketches, new exterior shots and images of the sporty interior.

From the official Press Release:
Exterior Design

Opel GTC Paris Concept Design SketchIn profile, the designers have maximized drama by limiting the amount of lines: three strong lines create tension and provide a sculpted shape.

The Opel signature blade is introduced in the same direction as first seen in the Insignia - a fine, crisp line that sweeps upward from the rocker at the beginning of the front door.

A second line encapsulates the door handle and sweeps to the rear, emphasizing the vehicle's dramatic stance by spreading the surfaces to a fine undercut and a broad shoulder.

The third line following the silhouette of the roof is finished in finely brushed aluminum accentuating the window graphic, which guides the eye to the sharply accented integrated spoiler.

Opel GTC Paris Concept Design SketchThe shoulder section is the most dramatic area of the Opel GTC Paris.

The broadest point pulls down to a wide athletic "bulldog stance," giving the car a very purposeful road presence.

The line from the C-pillar slides into the tail and curls around into the rear spoiler, which is ingeniously integrated into the continuing roof line.

The clean frontal styling features Opel's typical centerline crease.

It is further accented by intense, very slim eagle-eye shaped headlamps acting as parenthesis between the refined chrome emblem bar and the dramatic low trapezoidal grill which hints at its sporty character.

Opel typical wing-shaped signature LED daytime running lights get a new twist with finely sculptured chrome jewels that are seen easily behind clear glass. The trapezoidal grille is recognizably Opel, but separate from the chrome bar and placed lower, for a race track feel.

The wide stance is accentuated in the rear, where the proportion of the vehicle is most imposing due to the powerful shoulder design. This is further enhanced with the LED taillights and one long stretched "wing" motif, which make the new Opel vehicles distinguishable at night.

The aerodynamics of the dynamic 21-inch wheels is optimized with carbon-fiber inserts which enclose the center caps.

Interior Design

Opel GTC Paris Concept InteriorEchoing the flowing, sculpted forms of the bodywork, the hallmarks of the GTC Paris interior are sweeping lines and shapes as well as the bold use of fabric.

The interior is driver-focused, with a positive/negative use of color:

Whereas the driver's seat is red with black trim, all other components in the interior are outfitted in a charcoal black with red stitching.

The car's inspiration, a quote from Richard Bach's novel, Jonathon Livingstone Seagull is laser-etched in calligraphy script into the seat … "and the speed was pure beauty."

Sporty, bucket front seats have been specially designed for the GTC Paris.

Their aggressively shaped contours and graphics perfectly compliment the overall dynamic spirit of the car are outlined in titanium and filled in with black netting, repeating a design cue seen on the carbon fiber inserts on the wheels.

The small black leather racing steering wheel features metal inserts.

On the dashboard, the interior continues Opel's recurring "wing" and "blade" motifs. In this execution, the blade theme is expressed in details like the shape of the polished chrome door grab handles and the trim for gearshift molding.

The wing design cue is immediately evident in the warm, inviting wraparound instrument panel that embraces front seat occupants. It arcs across the cabin into the top of the door moldings.

The Opel design team used leather and micro-fibers for the seats, plush carpeting on the flooring, and a textured black instrument panel. These classic materials have a contemporary twist, not only in the choice of hues but also in the positive/negative stitching.

Technical Features

The GTC Paris is powered by a 290 hp 2.0 liter, twin-scroll turbo-charged four-cylinder engine with direct injection, Start/Stop technology and equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.

The chassis has a special design with an extra-wide stance for best possible performance and handling. In addition to the front limited slip differential, it has a compound crank with an Watt's Link in the rear, and a new execution of the adaptive mechatronic FlexRide suspension.

(Source: Opel)