2012 Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Concept

Porsche showed an interesting shooting brake version of the Panamera at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.
They call it the Panamera Sport Turismo Concept. This concept used a hybrid drive-train, a slightly shorter overall length and lower roof line.

2012 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet Twin-Turbo Concept

At the 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, Ford unveiled a special concept car called the Mustang Cobra Jet Twin-Turbo. This car is set up with drag racing in mind featuring a twin-turbocharged 5.0L V8.

This Mustang is probably a response to the popular COPO Camero that General Motors introduced to the SEMA Show last year.

You can see this car in action in the video below.

2012 Bentley EXP 9 F Concept

The 2012 Bentley EXP 9 F Concept was first shown at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. This is the first ever Bentley SUV that has everything you would expect from a British Luxury sedan. Hints of the SUV dual roles of an on road and off road vehicle can be seen through out such as the contrast in the leather used in the interior and the reversible floor mats which have one side for city and one side for the rugged out doors.

This concept is powered by a twin turbocharged W12 engine.

2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive Concept

While the SLS AMG Electric drive might have stolen the show, Mercedes also showed the B-Class Electric Drive Concept at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. Mercedes hasn't released all the details about this concept such as the capacity of the lithium ion battery pack. This car is expected to put into production by 2014.

The electric motor produces 134 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque. Less than 10 seconds is all it takes to for this all-electric B-Class to get from zero to 62 mph. Top speed is electronically limited to 93 mph.

2012 Mazda MX-5 Super 25 Concept

Mazda introduced a special concept car for the SEMA show in Las Vegas, Nevada. This car is called the Mazda MX-5 Super 25 and it is tuned for endurance racing. This car features a full roll cage and racing livery. Some of the modifications include 17-inch Volk Racing wheels and a Sparco steering wheel. This is one cool Miata.

The BMW Active Tourer Concept

The BMW Active Tourer Concept was unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. This concept features an awesome panoramic roof as well as a super efficient hybrid drive-train. The Hybrid system produces a combined 190 horsepower and 147 lb-ft of torque. Fuel consumption is slightly better than the plug-in version of the Toyota Prius.

2012 Audi Crosslane Coupe Concept

Audi unveiled the Crosslane Coupe Concept at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. This Concept combines elements from multiple car segments. Its a convertible, crossover, coupe, hybrid 2+2 that incorporates some interesting technologies in its construction.

This concept is powered by a small 1.5L three-cylinder engine that works with an electric motor. The 1.5L produces 130 horsepower and 147 lb-ft of torque, while the electric motor adds an additional 68 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque.

2012 McLaren P1 Concept

The 2012 McLaren P1 Concept was shown at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. This will take the position of the legendary McLaren F1 super car of the 1990s. McLaren hasn't announced details of the performance capability or what engine will power this P1 super car. Deliveries of this car will start at the end of 2013. More details should be available once a production version of this car is unveiled.

Lexus LF-CC Concept

Toyota has launched a second sports 2+2 grand touring coupe concept car this year called the LF-CC.  The first was the LF-LC that made its debut at the Detroit Auto Show. At the 2012 Paris Motor Show this new concept called the LF-CC will be unveiled to the public.

This coupe has similar design features that were seen in the first concept back in January. The Lexus trademark spindle grille looks great. More information and videos should be available once the show gets underway later this month.

2012 Toyota FCV-R Concept

The Toyota FCV-R is a fuel cell vehicle concept that was shown at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. Remember when fuel cell vehicles seemed like they were going to be the next big thing and then they pretty much disappeared? Well Toyota hasn't given up on this cool technology that turns hydrogen and oxygen into electricity to propel the car.

The good news is Toyota is planning on putting this model into production by 2015. The bad news is it will cost around $125,000. This price point is pretty much to be expected from such a state of the art vehicle.

Now Toyota isn't the only one working on this technology. Honda has released the FCX Clarity which is also a fuel cell vehicle. This model is only available to lease.

Here you will see some footage of the FCV-R.

2010 Nissan Townpod EV Concept

The 2010 Nissan Townpod EV Concept is one part Cube and one part Leaf. This concept uses the all-electric drive train from the Nissan Leaf and some of the styling details from the Leaf as well as the Nissan Cube and the Nissan 370Z. The Townpod was first shown at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.

Nissan aimed to develop an all electric vehicle that can be dynamic in terms of how the car could be used. The interior has a high level of customization to take on a role of a people mover as well as an effective cargo mover.

2012 Hyundai i-ioniq Concept

The Hyundai i-ionic Concept is a peak into the future of what is to come of the Hyundai brand. It features a plug-in hybrid type drive-train that uses a electric motor for propulsion and a range extending gasoline engine powered generator. The car features scissor doors and a awesome panoramic roof that Hyundai calls a "penthouse roof". This concept is very cool and was shown at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

Honda S Concept

The Honda S Concept was designed to be a global passenger mover but intended to be primarily for the Chinese market. Honda wanted to build a car that was fun to drive and provide excellent environmental performance at the same time. Honda says the S stands for Stylish, Smart and Surprise. The Honda S will be introduced into the Chinese market in 2013 and then followed by a global release.

Cadillac Converj Concept

The 2009 Cadillac Converj was first shown at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show (North American International Auto Show). This car is heavily based on the Chevrolet Volt, using the hybrid drive train as well as the chassis. Due to the positive response from Auto Shows Cadillac has decided to put this car into production as the 2014 Cadillac ELR.

Volvo You Concept

The Volvo You Concept was first unvielled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. This concept is a large four-door premium luxury sedan that has been designed for simplicity and elegance. The exterior design is a more modern take on Volvo models from the past like the Volvo PV544 (1943-1966) and the Volvo Amazon (1956-1970).

This video shows footage of the Volvo You Concept.

Maserati Boomerang

The Maserati Boomerang Concept was an innovative design courtesy of  Giorgetto Giugiaro. This car was first shown at the 1971 Turin Motor Show as a non-functioning model but was made into a fully functional model  and shown at the 1972 Geneva Motor Show. This cars angular design would be seen in production cars such as the Maserati Merak, De Lorean DMC-12, and Lotus Esprit.

Toyota FT-86 Concept

The Toyota FT-86 Concept was first shown at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. It was shown in various versions at other car shows such as the FT-86 G Sports, the FT-86 II, the Scion FR-S Concept and finally the Subaru BRZ STi.

The Toyota FT-86 was a cooperation between Subaru and Toyota.

The new Toyota ZN6 platform including the, Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S, Toyota GT-86 and Toyota 86 has refreshed the affordable sports car market and also filled the void of an affordable rear wheel drive sports car. Something that has been missing for far too long. With the popularity of drifting and rear wheel drive cars spiking interest in current years, Toyota and Subaru have teamed up to built one of those most hyped cars in recent years.

1996 Toyota Prius Prototype

Back in 1996 Toyota reveled their Prius project prototype to the world. Toyota had been working on making the car of the future that would be fuel efficient and environmentally friendly. The first generation Toyota Prius would catch the automotive world off guard. Only Honda had beaten them to the American Market with the first generation Honda Insight. The Prius would be a full two years ahead of the other competition. Even the redesigned Honda Insight would have a very similar four-door body design as the Prius. The Prius would become an automotive icon and a sign of where the automotive industry will be heading for the next 50 years.

Toyota Prius C Concept

The Toyota Prius C Concept was first shown at the 2011 North American International Auto Show, also known as the Detroit Auto Show. Toyota said the C stands for City as it is smaller than the standard Toyota Prius. Luckily the Prius C is in production however the wild design of the concept was toned down.

The Prius C is now the entry level hybrid in the Toyota lineup. The full production version of the Prius C was unveiled at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. The Prius C is called the Toyota Aqua in Japan.

Lamborghini Urus Concept

The Lamborghini Urus SUV Concept was unveiled today at the 2012 Bejing International Motor Show. This has been big news, its been a while since Lamborghini built a SUV. Lamborghini has decided to diversify its offerings because so many new exotic sports car are coming out that they feel the market will decline for exotic sports cars above the $100,000 mark. Mean while the market for ultra expensive all-wheel drive models is increasing.

Chevrolet Code 130R Concept

The Chevrolet Code 130R Concept was unveiled at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. This rear wheel drive sports coupe is aimed at the affordable sports car market that has been heating up of late with cars such as the Scion FR-S. The design looks like a mix between the Camero and the Cruze. GM is probably testing the waters to see if the Code 130R will get any attention but it will most likely not enter production.

Here is some footage of the Chevrolet Code 130R Concept at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.

Toyota iQ Concept

The Toyota iQ Concept was first shown at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show and is a super compact city car that is now a production car. This car is sold as the Scion iQ in the North American market. This design was done by Toyota European design and development studio in Nice, France. This car was designed around the principles of low fuel consumption, maneuverability and maximizing interior room. This car is a direct competitor of the Smart Fortwo.

Around the world the iQ is available with three engines with one of them being a diesel. Its a shame that the Scion iQ Diesel isn't available to buy in the United States.

Nissan 240Z Concept

The Nissan 240Z Concept was shown at the 1999 North American International Auto Show also known as the Detroit Auto Show, and the Los Angeles Auto Expo. The design was clearly retro styling similar to the classic Nissan S30. Another car that was a hit with buyers during this time was the Volkswagen New Beetle that featured the same kind of throw back styling. This concept was fully functional and was powered by the Nissan KA24DE engine, a 2.4L DOHC four-cylinder that produced around 155 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque. The concept was built in an impressive 12 weeks. As we all know this car never made it into production. A lot of critics thought that it was a cool design but they wanted to see a new model. This new model would come to be the Nissan Z33 chassis better known as the 350Z in North America or the Z33 Fairlady Z in Japan. 

I'm glad that this car never made it into production. The under powered four-cylinder just doesn't do the Z car justice. The Z33 i believe is a worth successor to such an important car to the Nissan brand.

Infiniti Essence Concept

The Infiniti Essence Concept was first shown at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. The Essence was built to honor the 20th anniversary of the Infiniti brand and to show case some new features that would make it in to future models. The Essence Concept was built using some of the parts from the Nissan GT-R super car, such as brakes and its powerful 3.7L twin turbocharged V6 engine. This car is also a hybrid equipped with an electric motor. The Essence won't reach production but it will be nice to see some of the design and styling elements trickle down to all the other production models.

Infiniti Emerg-E Concept

The Infiniti Emerg-E Concept was shown at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. This car is a 2-seater mid engined exotic that uses two electric motors and a range extending 3 cylinder gasoline engine for its power train. The electric motors combine for an impressive 400 horsepower that is good enough to move the Emerg-E from 0-60 in just 4 seconds. 130 mph can be reached in just 30 seconds. If built this car should be positioned to compete with the 2015 Acura NSX.

Infiniti LE Concept

The Infiniti LE Concept is an all electric concept car that was shown at the 2012 New York Auto Show. This car will make it into production within the next couple of years. This car uses the same battery pack that is used in the Nissan Leaf and is equipped with a slightly more powerful electric motor. This car produces zero emissions and is perfect for customers looking for a more stylish electric vehicles.

Lotus Ethos

At the 2010 Paris Motor Show, Lotus unveiled the Lotus Ethos also known as the Lotus City Car. This ultra compact plug-in hybrid city car uses a range extending 1.2L three cylinder engine to provide a 307 mile range. In all electric mode the Ethos has a 37 mile range. This car is scheduled to go into production and become available to purchase at a price around $45,000 at the end of 2013, making it a 2014 model. The Lotus Ethos is slightly bigger than its rivals the Smart car or the Scion IQ. Top speed of the Ethos is expected to be in excess of 100 mph.

2013 Volkswagen XL1

Volkswagen has continually developed the XL prototype and now the final form is the XL1 which will become a limited production model. The 2013 Volkswagen XL1 was first shown at the 2011 Qatar Motor Show. The XL1 is a "super-efficient vehicle" that is capable of achieving a fuel efficiency of 260 mpg.

The XL1 is powered by a hybrid electric plug-in drive-train. The conventional 1.0L turbo charged diesel engine that makes 47 hp and 89 lb-ft of torque. The electric motor used produces 27 horsepower and 74lb-ft of torque. The transmission used is a seven speed DSG.


Below is footage of the Volkswagen XL1 on the streets of Qatar.

Nissan Invitation Concept

At the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, Nissan Unveiled the Invitation Concept. If Nissan made the Honda Fit, this is what it would look like. Nissan says it should have a production version ready for sale sometime in 2013 but no word yet if the Invitation will be available in the North American market.



Below, is a video showing footage of the Nissan Invitation Concept at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

Tata Megapixel Concept

The Tata Megapixel Concept was show at the 2012.  Powered by wheel mounted electric motors the Tata Megapixel Concept uses a one-cylinder gasoline engine to re-charge its batteries. The Megapixel Concept won't make it into production but some of the design features might make it into production cars.




The video below is the official teaser for the Tata Megapixel Concept.

The video below shows footage of the Tata Megapixel Concept at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

2012 Toyota FT-Bh Concept

Toyota unveiled the FT-Bh Concept at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. This Concept car is built to be efficient,   have a light weight and also have low rolling resistance. The FT-Bh might offer a glimpse at what the future of the Toyota Yaris might look like.

The video below shows some design footage of the 2012 Toyota FT-Bh Concept.

2012 Lexus LF-LC Concept

The 2012 Lexus LF-LC Concept is a sexy grand touring coupe that Lexus showed off at both the 2012 Detroit Auto Show and the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. This coupe features striking design inside and out, and might be the new face of the Lexus brand. This new design is even more striking than the Lexus LFA super car.

Hopefully something like this makes it into production sometime soon. People might be divided on the new look of Lexus, but I defiantly like it.

2011 Honda EV-STER Concept

At the Tokyo motor show in 2011, Honda showed off it's 2011 Honda EV-STER Concept. It's a rear wheel drive roadster, but don't expect a Honda S2000 replacement. This small electric powered vehicle is more around the size and power of the Honda Beat kei car. Maybe we will see a resurgence of the sports kei car segment with this concept. I could see an electric version of the Daihatsu Copen being one of the main rivals of a production model EV-STER.

2012 Kia Track'ster Concept

Kia showed off the Kia Track'ster Concept at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. Imagine a coupe version of the Kia Soul, now picture 250 horsepower and all wheel drive. That's basically what the Kia Track'ster is. Kia has no plans on putting the Track'ster into production, but it might be a sign of things to come in the future. To build the Track'ster, Kia used a Soul as the base and make some serious modifications to it. Hopefully we will see something similar to this in the future.

Below is a video done by Motor Trend that shows what it takes to build a concept car from start to finish.

2012 Smart For-Us Concept

Smart showed off a pick up truck concept at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. Most members of the media think this concept has questionable usefulness and do not believe the Smart For-Us Concept will ever make it into production.

If Smart decides to bring the For-Us into production they will probably make some changes to be more appealing to a wider range of potential customers. I could see Small businesses that want a small green vehicle might purchase a For-Us to handle small deliveries.

Below is a video of the 2012 Smart For-Us Concept.

2012 Toyota NS4 Concept

Toyota, a company known for their high quality hybrids and their best selling Toyota Prius showed a new hybrid model at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. The Toyota NS4 concept is an attractive sedan that may in time replace the Prius.  I think the styling of the car is very nice. If you look at the first generation Prius up to this new concept you'll see that Toyota has really improved in the styling department of their hybrid cars.

Hopeful some of the Design elements of the Toyota NS4 make it into a production car of some kind.

For more pictures spec and information check out this link: 2012 Toyota NS4 concept.


below is a video about the NS4.

2012 Acura NSX Concept

Acura is bringing back the NSX super car, and this time it's a hybrid.  Unlike the previous NSX which was built strictly in specialized factories in Japan, it will be built in the United States.

Acura is hoping to put the new NSX up for sale in 2015. A convertible version of the NSX was spotted on the set of The Avengers movie with the character Tony Stark choosing this new model in favor of the Audi R8 he was seen in previous Iron Man and Iron Man 2 movies.

2012 Acura NSX concept was shown at the 2012 Detroit auto show. The main competitor for the new NSX will more than likely be the BMW i8 hybrid which is currently being developed by BMW. Another possible competitor could be the final production version of the Jaguar C-X75 hybrid which will under go more changes until it is ready for production.

The Super Bowl this year was hit with a barrage of automotive commercials, and one of them was advertising the Acura NSX. The commercial starred late night host and avid car collector Jay Leno and comedian Jerry Seinfeld as they fight over who gets the first spot on the list to get the new NSX super car in 2015. You can watch this video below.