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Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Euro, Tech, Crossovers/CUVs, Rumormill

Initially shown at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month, word from Autocar now suggests that a production version of the showcar is on the way. According to the UK publication, the Duster will hit the ground running at next year’s Geneva show, and it will launch with a choice of four-cylinder gas and diesel engines, as well as available all-wheel drive.

Interestingly, Autocar suggests that the production crossover will likely retain the concept’s trick reconfigurable seats, including a passenger seat that can slide under the driver’s seat for extra room. Check out the jump a video that shows the Dacia’s trick disappearing seat, as well as the high-res gallery below.
[Sources: Autocar; Dacia]

Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Green, Mitsubishi

In March at the Geneva Motor Show, Mitsubishi will unveil the i MiEV SPORT AIR concept, which refines the ideas first displayed in the Tokyo 2007 i MIEV Sport show car.

Details are thin at the moment, but the styling has obviously been tweaked, there’s a “clear cutaway” roof, and power comes from a stronger electric motor. The focus with the i MiEV SPORT AIR, as with the preceding i MiEV Sport, is on a more dynamic driving experience.The official press release talks of a low center of gravity and “instant torque” almost as much as it does zero emissions motoring. One wonders whether Mitsubishi has a production version in the pipeline, ready to follow the regular i MiEV. After all, why else would they make a second, more refined-looking version of a 2007 concept?

Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Time Warp, Tuners, BMW

When BMW rolled out the new 6 Series coupe in 2003, it reconnected with a nameplate that had laid dormant for some 14 years. The original 6-Series, produced between 1976 and 1989, earned itself a cult following and iconic status, epitomized by the 635CSi. Some apparently feel that the current 6 doesn’t pay enough homage to the original. The people at Racer X Design count themselves in that camp, and are evidently hoping there are more like-minded enthusiasts… with cash.

Racer X Design has caught our attention before with some arresting concepts, including the KC-427 and the RZ Formula. The RZ-M6, however, takes the existing 6 Series and retros it up a bit, in turn paying a bit of homage to BMW’s own M1 Hommage concept. The modified body panels would also widen the coupe by an extra 50 mm, giving it a more aggressive stance to go along with the tribute styling. Of course, Racer X Design needs to attract some potential customers to bring the RZ-M6 to life, but it’s already a few steps closer to reality than the studio’s previous projects. Check it out in the gallery below and read the full press release after the jump.

Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Coupes, Audi

Audi continues to underscore the importance of the US market to its future fortunes with two world debuts at the Detroit Auto Show. In addition to the R8 V10 that we saw last month, we got our first look at the Sportback concept. The Sportback is a preview of the A7 sedan due to arrive in the next year or so. As expected, this is Audi’s take on the four door coupe/sedan idiom. Compared to the Porsche Panamera, this is one actually works. It takes the look we’ve come to expect from Audi and updates it with slightly sharper lines and a reshaped grille, along with even more LED lighting.

The Sportback name refers to the fastback roofline and Audi boss Rupert Stadler made it clear that the new look will become a common trait in the Audi lineup, beginning with a new A5 Sportback coming later this year. Under the hood, the Sportback gets a 3.0-liter TDI diesel V6 with 225 hp/406 lb-ft paired up with a seven-speed S-Tronic dual clutch gea box. The whole thing is topped off with automatic start stop to give a combined 39 mpg (US). Based on these specs we can’t wait for the A7 to arrive.

Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Economy, Green, Tech, Hatchbacks, Ford, Lincoln

Play the word association game with an average American, and when the topic is “Lincoln,” you’re likely to hear words like “traditional,” “big,” and “limousine.” Terms describing compact hatchbacks like the Concept C shown above simply won’t be on the tips of anyone’s tongues. So what gives? Has Dearborn finally looped it? Take a closer look, and what at first seems like a designer pet project reveals a good deal more forethought and finesse.

Yes, the Concept C is small. Said to be underpinned by the next-generation Ford Focus platform, this is a C-segment car, much shorter than any current Lincoln, and indeed, much shorter than any Lincoln we can recall. But how about that width? Emphasized by its sizable fenders and the strong shoulder-line in the doors (said to be inspired by the saddle tanks on go karts), the Concept C may be as long as a Focus, but it’s roughly as wide as a MKZ sedan. The extra width and the upright greenhouse (there’s almost no tumblehome at all) mean that the C can accommodate two rows of three full-sized adults in surprising comfort. The bustle back shape reminds of a number of Gallic automobiles, including the previous Renault Megane, but rather amazingly, the formal roofline, twin wing grilles and full-width rear light bar that are Lincoln hallmarks don’t look out of place. Click on the gallery below or follow the jump to read more about the Concept C and check out the official press releases.