Words by Christopher Kho | Photos courtesy of Ford Motor Company
For a brand that has big ambitions, Ford is cleverly taking on the world with small cars. And the latest vehicle to be added to its continent-conquering line-up is the all-new EcoSport. Get ready because while this mini SUV just made its world debut at the 2012 New Delhi Auto Expo, we wouldn't be surprised if it lands on our shores in just two years’ time or less.
Based on Ford's B-platform, the EcoSport technically is a Fiesta fitted with bigger wheels, which means that it's actually a shy smaller than the Escape. It is the freshest concoction to come out of the One Ford global strategy. The nameplate EcoSport, however, is not anything new and has been around in South America since 2003. But this new version coming out is about to tackle new territories in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Published in
Concept
29 December 2011
Subaru's take on the sporty hybrid: The Advance Tourer Concept
Photos courtesy of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.
If you think the name “Advance Tourer Concept” is a bit stale, the confidence-inspiring lines on Subaru's latest five-door hybrid might change your mind. Unveiled at the recent 42nd Tokyo International Motorshow, this is their take on the fun-to- drive sporty hybrid concept.
The Advance Tourer Concept looks somewhat like a 2012 Impreza on steroids with its aggressive lines, acute angles, and a couple trapezoids thrown here and there. And if the bold wheel arches, sculpted rear spoiler, and huge diffuser leave you downright dumbfounded, wait til' you see the front butterfly and rear suicide doors.
Published in
Concept
Words by Christopher Kho | Photos courtesy of Mazda Motor Corporation
When the Mazda Takeri made its debut at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show, it came with a complete spec-sheet, which hints that this concept is just about ready to hit production. And considering its size and time of launch, we're beginning to speculate that this could be the 2013 Mazda 6 in disguise.
Would you believe it - this four-door saloon actually runs on Mazda's Skyactiv 2.2L diesel engine, the same engine found in the CX-5. Bundled with i-STOP technology, it shuts off the engine during idle moments and re-ignites with a single compression, thus eliminating the load on the battery and starter motor. The Takeri also benefits from Mazda's unique regenerative system called i-ELOOP that should improve diving performance and fuel economy according to the brochure. Wouldn’t this imply that the Takeri's also a hybrid of some sort?
Published in
Concept
02 December 2011
Honda's hip small electric sports concept, the EV-STER
Words by Christopher Kho | Photos courtesy of Honda Motor Co.
Honda's taking a bold step as they're ditching hybrid technology and going all-electric for their next-generation small electric sports concept. Launched at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show, the EV-STER is an open-top roadster that has seats for two and gets its propulsion from the rear wheels. Sounds good? Well, it breaks my heart to tell you that this sportscar is not a successor to the S2000 or the NSX, but is in fact closer to the proportions of the Honda Beat kei car.
A low-slung body with short front and rear overhangs are the tell tale signs of a sports coupe, while the split trunk cover, though functional, mostly serves as eye candy. The hexagonal LED front and rear lamps may look swell, but you'll have to agree that the blue back-lit grill and accents are a bit out of place.
Published in
Concept
18 November 2011
Subaru stabs the BRZ concept with STI goodness
Words by Christopher Kho | Photos courtesy of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.
Even before Subaru's front-engined, rear-wheel drive, two-door coupe hits production, the chaps at Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. is already stabbing the BRZ concept with some STI goodness. By tapping into Subaru's tuning arm, they've turned what was a sexy sports car into a track weapon that has gotten us lusting for it even more.
First on the list of any performance upgrade typically has something do with what goes under the hood. Surprisingly, the chaps at STI left the 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine untouched and had no mention of its power output. It does, however, makes full use of Toyota's D-4S direct injection technology and designed with a square bore and stroke of 86 x 86 mm, which should push the numbers close to or higher than 200 hp.
Published in
Concept
04 November 2011
Mazda tailors the MX-5 as a Spyder for 2011 SEMA
Words by Christopher Kho | Photos courtesy of Mazda Motor of America Inc.
The world's best-selling two-seater roadster is trading its power-retractable hard top for a more stylish single-panel soft top at the 2011 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show. Though the designers might have compromised the passenger's comfort under rain or snow when they conceptualized the MX-5 Spyder, its sleek new grenadine-red canvas cover is perfect for warm days under the sun. And the lovely Stratosphere White paint scheme it’s paired with makes this concept the perfect test mule for some of Mazda's latest track toys.
Rolling on 17-inch, 10-spoke ADVAN RS wheels, the MX-5 Spyder is fitted with a Racing Beat header, intake, and exhaust muffler, as well as a MazdaSpeed coil over suspension and Brembo brakes to make it track-ready. They've even installed a lightweight lithium-ion racing battery to improve its fuel economy.
Published in
Concept
Words by Christopher Kho
The Nissan Juke began life as a chic frog-eyed mini crossover built to rub elbows with the Mini Countryman. But the daring engineers at RML Motorsport, the same group behind the championship-winning Chevrolet Cruze WTCC, wondered what it would be like if you cross the Juke with the entrails of a GT-R. The result is the world's fastest and most outrageous super crossover - the Nissan Juke-R.
This is no ordinary engine-swap garage project. All of the GT-R's mechanical and electrical components had to be painstakingly transplanted into the Juke's smaller track and wheelbase including the supercar's renowned 3.8L twin-turbo V6 engine, six-speed transaxle, and 4WD drivetrain. Even the GT-R's gauges, dials, and 7-inch LCD display were integrated into the Juke's cheeky interior. The mini crossover's wheel arches were also beefed up to fit 20-inch RAYS forged alloy rims, while a roll cage was fitted to improve the chassis' rigidity.
Published in
Concept
16 September 2011
Volvo's Concept You is Scandinavian Sci-Fi (w/ video)
Words by Christopher Kho | Photos courtesy of Volvo Car Corporation
Back in April, Volvo bit off more than they could chew when they tried to take on the Universe. That's why four months later, they decided to go back to the drawing board and tackle something more manageable starting with You. Reborn at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Concept You was built as a statement of “Scandinavian Heritage, Scandinavian Passion, Scandinavian Light, and Scandinavian Craftmanship.” But all this Scandinavian pride somehow feels that there's a hint of Scandinavian insecurity behind the brand's new oriental owners.
Taking the form of a sporty fastback coupé, the Concept You wields ventilated disc brakes by Polestar racing and 21-inch polished aluminum rims. And since its last inception, it has grown a pair of rear sunroofs and traded the futuristic grill for one with more class, but manages to retain the decorated side mirrors. Overall, Volvo's hoping to appeal to a wider audience with its younger and sportier character.
Published in
Concept
