concept

Today we whittle down my focus on the recently passed Detroit auto show earlier this month. We started this examination with an overview video featuring the many highlights of this auto industry's annual event, and then focused the view onto the BMW product that was unveiled there. Today we're gonna take a close look at a very specific BMW concept vehicle that was "the talk of the town" at this year's party: the BMW ActiveE.

The ActiveE is a landmark in BMW history as its very first electric automobile, and though it is still simply … Read more

There was a lot of automotive eye candy and information to take in at the recent 2010 North American International Auto Show at Cobo Arena in Detroit, and yesterday's highlight reel clip from Inside Line barely scratched the surface on covering all the exciting new automobiles potentially on the make both domestic and international. Today, I bring you another quality video from Inside Line, but this time we focus on BMW's stand from this year's Detroit auto show and a few of the more interesting cars that the German luxury vehicle manufacturer brought stateside for this big … Read more

Last week, we showed you Toyota's FT-86 G Sport concept and highlighted a very cool feature called "GPS-track day" that allows users to playback GPS replays from a real life racetrack session on their copy of Gran Turismo 5 for the PS3. Polyphony Digital, maker of the Gran Turismo franchise, has released even more information about the system and a demo video. As it turns out, there's more to it than just GPS positioning.

The proper name for the "GPS-track day" feature is Gran Turismo Data Logger Visualization. When an appropriately equipped car is … Read more

DETROIT--We've seen a growing number of electric cars at auto shows over the last few years, but the 2010 Detroit show has more electrics from major brands than ever before. It is true that most are concepts, but it points to the fact that automakers are preparing for the future.

Nissan and Mitsubishi both had production-ready cars on display, models slated to launch later this year. Tesla also had a significant display at the show, with its Model S sedan showing the company can produce practical electric car with space for family and friends. Audi showed a new version … Read more

DETROIT--In search of what it calls a MegaCity vehicle, BMW launched a concept electric car at the 2010 Detroit auto show. The Concept ActiveE, an electric car built on the 1-series platform, will serve as the basis for a test fleet of electric cars that will further BMW's research toward its ultimate goal.

Currently, BMW is running a test fleet of 600 electric Minis, the MiniE, with vehicles in the hands of private users. The Concept ActiveE is the next car BMW intends to test, planning an even larger fleet.

Starting with the 1-series chassis and body, BMW fitted … Read more

DETROIT--Cadillac's latest concept, the XTS Platinum, looks like an attempt to compete directly with the Lexus LS 600h. Both cars have a hybrid power train, luxury interiors, LED headlights, and all-wheel-drive. If Cadillac brings the XTS to production, its competition will be ready and waiting.

One of Cadillac's stated reasons for building the XTS Platinum is to showcase its Platinum label, previously used for a special edition of the Escalade. Cadillac's Platinum cars get hand-built coachwork, with fine leather, wood, and metal. Given the European cars with which Cadillac wants to compete, this level of luxury is … Read more

DETROIT--Of GM's four remaining brands, GMC was supposed to stick to big trucks and SUVs, but the company pulled a fast one at the 2010 Detroit auto show, bringing out a concept the size of a Scion xB. The Granite is a design study into how GMC might build vehicles for urban dwellers.

From our standpoint, the Granite looks feasible from the exterior design. The box on wheels has proved a popular shape for Scion and Kia, more recently. Not only does it have an individual look, but the interior space is very practical for a wide variety of … Read more

DETROIT--With few actual specifications to be had, Toyota showed off a new hybrid concept at the 2010 Detroit auto show, the FT-CH. This small hybrid would come in at a lower price than the Prius, offering an entry-level option for eco-conscious buyers.

The car came out of Toyota's European design center in Nice, France, and employs many typical concept flourishes. The LED headlights are set back from the front fenders in a configuration that would probably not past muster by most countries' regulations. The cabin has a monumental instrument cluster with graphics that look vaguely Klingon.

In a presentation … Read more

DETROIT--Audi drew praise when it showed off its e-tron electric concept car in Frankfurt last year, and just three months later the company has a second e-tron on display at the Detroit auto show. The new concept car differs substantially from the previous e-tron, with smaller dimensions, less overall weight, and a new look. Audi isn't too concerned about confusing people by using the e-tron name for two different cars, as Audi wants e-tron to be its brand for electric cars, much as Quattro is its brand for all-wheel-drive.

Where the earlier car had motors powering all wheels, the … Read more