Concept cars offer a peep into future

Apart from checking out the latest production models and sales promotions, visitors to the Bangkok International Motor Show will also get a glimpse of the future of automobiles through the large number of concept vehicles being displayed.

In many cases, the development of future mass-produced models start with these concept vehicles, such as the Mazda MINAGI, which is the prototype of the CX-5 compact SUV, and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class concept, which is the blueprint for the new A-Class.

The following are some of the concept vehicles being exhibited for those who visit the show this year.

The show officially starts tomorrow and goes on until April 8.

 

Mercedes-Benz Concept A-Class

The Concept A-Class, first unveiled at the Auto Shanghai in April 2011, features a 210hp 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine based on the new M270 series with direct injection and a dual clutch seven-speed transmission driving the front wheels. The Concept A-Class is the world’s first compact car complete with radar-based collision warning system that works seamlessly with adaptive Brake Assist.

“The Concept A-Class introduces the new Mercedes-Benz design idiom into the compact class in a sculptured, light and expressive interpretation,” said Prof Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz. “We use the term ‘captured energy’ to express the sheer dynamism exuded by the Concept A-Class. Our formal sources of inspiration were the wind and waves, as well as aviation engineering, resulting in this ‘cool’ look.”

One major characteristic of the new design idiom at Mercedes-Benz is the expressive interplay between lines and surfaces, which the designers refer to as a “clean” concept. Concave and convex surfaces with the resulting light modulation create a unique sculpture-like presence. 

Three prominent lines structure the side view: the front structural edge forms a dropping line towards the rear, while the pronounced shoulder muscle over the rear axle emphasises the car’s coupe-like character. A further line extends upwards in front of the rear-wheel arch in a sweeping curve. These lines lend depth and dynamism to the side profile. The door handles are recessed into the doors, emerging electrically at the touch of a button.

The unusual, wing-like shape of the exterior mirrors embodies flow and lightness. Another prominent feature is the open side skirt, which creates an unusual light-and-shadow effect. Reminiscent of a turbine rotor, the large 50.8cm wheels reinforce the impression that the Concept A-Class has been shaped by the wind.

 

Mazda Minagi

The Mazda Minagi crossover concept was first unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show 2011and it fully embraces Mazda’s new Skyactiv technologies and its new design theme: Kodo – soul of motion. It is the forerunner to the launch of Mazda’s upcoming next-generation products and symbolises the evolution of the Mazda brand as it begins a new era.

The Skyactiv technology is embraced in many ways – engine, body and chassis. As the second Mazda concept that features the Kodo design language, the Minagi revolutionises contemporary automobile design with energy-bursting emotions and exciting driving performance.

The Mazda Minagi is a compact crossover SUV concept that combines Mazda’s Skyactiv technologies – which represent the harmony between driving pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety performance – with emotional Kodo design that communicates pent-up energy bursting with vitality as the vehicle nimbly navigates a sprawling urban cityscape. Fully introducing Skyactiv technologies throughout, Minagi is equipped with a Skyactiv engine and Skyactiv transmission fitted to a Skyactiv-body and chassis that merge comprehensive weight reduction with the assurance of ample safety features.

Choichi Yuki, managing director of Mazda Sales (Thailand), said Mazda will impress customers who are fascinated by technology. “The Minagi is a concept vehicle that is filled with Mazda’s future technologies and will be shown to the Thai public closely at the upcoming Bangkok International Motor Show. The Minagi is a concept that comes with Mazda’s design for the next decade that is topped up with future technologies that are about to become the world’s ultimate technology, and that is Skyactiv. This is the latest innovation that brings out the highest efficiency, and this concept is the forerunner of Mazda’s next product which will be introduced to the Thai market,” he said, hinting that the CX-5 will be offered in Thailand.

 

Toyota 

FT-EV III

The FT-EV III is an electric concept vehicle with an ultra-compact and lightweight package suitable for short distance trips.

With the potential to replace petrol-fuelled vehicles for shorter journeys, electric vehicles (EV) with zero CO2 emissions are fundamental to the future of eco-mobility. The FT-EV III (Future Toyota – Electric Vehicle III) is a four-seater electric vehicle concept with an ultra-compact length of 3.11 metres and lightweight packaging, suitable for short-distance trips.    

Toyota is developing EV technology with the aim of launching a vehicle suitable for short-distance travel in 2012. Equipped with a lithium-ion battery, the FT-EV III achieves an estimated cruising range of 105km on a fully charged battery (under the Japanese JC08 test cycle).

 

NS4

The Toyota NS4 is a next-generation Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) concept.

The Toyota NS4 responds to changing customer perceptions of environmentally-conscientious motoring, taking PHEV technology a step beyond that of the Prius family. 

In addition to the outstanding eco credentials inherent in every Toyota equipped with its registered Hybrid Synergy Drive technology, it represents an increase in customer desire for added value in areas such as advanced design, refined sensory satisfaction, state-of-the-art safety features and sophisticated driving involvement.

The Toyota NS4 concept signals a new styling direction for the Toyota brand aimed at creating an emotional connection with customers. The concept’s styling reflects a new take on the aerodynamics of Toyota’s Under Priority design language, with a low overall vehicle height and a cab-forward stance.

Based on a compact, next generation platform, the four-seater, four-door NS4 is 4.65 metres long, 1.77 metres wide and just 1.37 metres high. It shares its generous 2.7-metre wheelbase with the Prius.

Aerodynamically efficient, the NS4 features a low frontal aspect and low roofline, linked by steeply raked A-pillars. The A-pillars themselves are of a particularly thin construction, not only enhancing the elegance of the PHEV concept’s styling, but also offering dramatic improvements in interior visibility. Although ultra thin, the A-pillars maintain roof roll-over integrity.

Featuring a large, trapezoidal lower grille, the front of the vehicle reflects a development of Toyota’s Under Priority design language. Keen Look styling is reflected in narrow, piercing headlamp clusters topped with the signature of thin, uniquely positioned Daytime Running Lights (DRL).

In profile, powered swan-wing doors ensure maximum ease of ingress and egress, whilst a new design language of subtle, overlaid chrome detailing adds a feeling of lightness to the concept. An elegant 48.26cm alloy wheel design is clad in low rolling resistance 225/40R19 tyres.

To the rear, a large, trapezoidal bumper aperture reinforces the Under Priority frontal design. Keen Look, aero spoiler-style lamp clusters wrap around the sides of the vehicle and layer into the rear wing blisters, the lamps’ sharp trailing edges functioning as an aerodynamic spoiler. 

The practical rear design not only further enhances the vehicle styling, but also maximises accessibility to the luggage space.

 

Nissan Townpod

Nissan says that the Townpod is a cross-genre EV for the free-thinking entrepreneur.

First unveiled at the Paris Auto Show in September 2010, the Townpod is a fashionable and functional vehicle with flexibility that adapts to user needs. 

Exterior melds stylish coupe and roomy van design elements, with an engaging front-seat styling. Rear cargo space is functionally designed for professional utility, including rear seat storage area at the back of front seats.

Three split doors and a split open sunroof ease access in tight spots while greatly improving loading/unloading convenience and ability to carry taller objects.

Touch-screen display links to driver’s smart phone to provide convenient support for busy professionals.

Zero emission mobility offers guilt-free driving enjoyment for the environmentally conscious user.

Masato Inoue, product chief designer of Nissan, explains, “Today, the first thing many people do when they climb aboard their car is programme the navigation unit with a phone number, address or other details. This step will be unnecessary in Townpod as the car will communicate with your PDA’s scheduling function to find out where you are due to be and at what time. Accordingly, the navigation system will not only plot a route to your next meeting, but will map out a plan for all your appointments that day. If, due to unexpected traffic delays for example, one appointment appears likely to clash with another, the car will let you know so you can take appropriate action. It will also be able to suggest the most convenient time and place for you to recharge its lithium-ion batteries.”