Audi Snook - Future Car Design Concept

Mono Spherewheel Vehicle Audi Snook is a Car Design Concept by Tilmann Schlootz at the Academy of Art and Design HfG Offenbach Germany. Snook is a double seater premium car optimised for urban mobility and rides on a single spherical wheel. Its stabilisation system is inspired by Eurofighter Typhoon and depends on triple axis accellerometers. on IF Concept Award Exhibition at CeBIT 2010

Audi ASQ concept





















The Audi ASQ concept is an advanced futuristic design created by Hongik University Transport Design graduate Juyoung Kim. The ASQ has been designed for the year 2040 and a world where the worst-case global warming predictions have materialized and the sea levels have risen dramatically due to the melting of the polar ice caps.

The Audi ASQ concept is equipped to deal with the rise in water levels due to its ability to travel both on land and water. It even has submersible capabilities. On land the ASQ uses an advanced form of Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system which features four independent electric motors, one for each wheel. The front wheels are spherical in shape which helps to increase maneuverability. Once in the water the ASQ switches over to an aquatic version of the quattro drive system which uses water jet propulsion - similar to a jetski. Water jets positioned in the front, rear and sides mean the ASQ could move in any direction once underwater.

The interior of the Audi ASQ concept features three seats - instead of a more conventional four seat layout - in order to increase the overall space for the occupants. The feeling of space is however further enhanced through the use of a 100% transparent upper section of the cabin which incorporates a single piece windscreen, roof, and rear window and frameless side windows. The floor of the ASQ also features transparent panels to allow the occupants to see into the water below.

Powering the Audi ASQ is a hydrogen fueled engine which acts as a electrical generator. The electricity is used to supply power to batteries which in turn provide power to the four electric motors.

Audi Shark concept




















The Audi Shark is a futuristic flying concept vehicle designed by Kazim Doku. It was launched in 2008 by the Italian Domus Academy.

The Design cues of Audi Shark Concept comes from motorcycles and airplanes, it gets a sleek and appealing look, The feature just looks like AUDI CALAMARO. It is designed the some good handling of design for maximum performance as well as safety, The name may appear more suited for a submersible car than a flying car, but the designer’s handling of the exteriors, especially the rear lower spoiler, gives the car an “underwater” look and justifies its name. That would have been the trickiest part to pull through.

Interiors get sporty seats integrated with the cockpit’s sculpture, so you can sit comfortably while gliding through air and tinkering with all the futuristic switches and panels in the cockpit

Nissan Zaroot concept




















The Nissan Zaroot concept was debuted at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show where it received such positive attention Nissan decided to develop the concept further. And although the Zaroot itself will not make production, many of its features will be used by future Nissan models.

The Zaroot is based on the Nissan X-Trail mechanicals and is intended as a combination of off-roader and sportscar.

The somewhat radical, yet feasible, exterior design of the Nissan Zaroot is dominated by the bulging cabin complete with gull wing doors and electrically lowered side sills.

Inside, the stunning interior is complimented by wafer-thin seats, increasing available space. And a high -tech floating center console housing the gear selector and an LCD screen.

The Zaroot is powered by a 134 bhp, 2.2 litre, 4 cylinder diesel driving all four wheels. Transmission setup is geared more toward on-road driving, and with firmed up suspension the Zaroot's handling characteristics are more car-like than other SUV models.

Nissan Bevel concept




















The Nissan Bevel which went on show at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit is, as Nissan puts it, "a dynamic, multi-purpose vehicle – one designed to enhance every activity, every opportunity. But unlike currently available sport utility vehicles or minivans, which emphasize passenger needs and comfort, the advanced Bevel Concept's focus is placed strictly on the primary user – male empty-nesters actively engaged in hobbies, recreation and community service."

The Nissan Bevel was designed at Nissan Design America, Inc. (NDA) in La Jolla, California. "We see an opportunity to expand the range and values of the utility vehicle world," said Bruce Campbell, vice president design, NDA. "In the future, we envision "genres" where each product will be more dedicated and more focused, with the vehicles being much closer to the multi-dimensional aspects of the target buyers."

The Nissan Bevel was designed for the 'everyday hero', men aged between 45 - 60 with active lifestyles and hobbies, who don't require a pickup, but storage space which is an extension of their toolboxes, workshops and garages.

The Nissan Bevel concept features an asymmetrical exterior with a long driver's side door which pivots on a special hinge designed for ease of entry and exit. A large driver's side window aids visibility. The driver's side rear body panel is solid, except for a narrow, horizontal upper window.

On the passenger side of the Nissan Bevel's body are two doors, with the rear door hinged at the rear to provide an exceptionally wide door opening of nearly five-and-a-half feet (67.3 inches)

Other features of the Nissan Bevel exterior include hidden LCD headlights and projector fog lamps, a glass/solar panel roof, LCD taillights integrated into the tailgate surround and hidden under the paint, breakaway fiber-optic side cameras in place of traditional sideview mirrors, a recessed rear license plate holder, hidden exhaust outlets and touch-sensitive door release keypads mounted in the door window glass.

The interior of the Nissan Bevel is organised into three specific zones. The first zone is the comfort zone (driver's area), with a comfortable, rich leather-clad fixed seat. A section of the driver's side floor is connected to and moves out with the driver's door.

The second interior zone of the Nissan Bevel concept is the "command central" information/technology zone, designed to connect the driver with the Bevel and the outside world. The information-centric, fully digital instrument panel features a series of screens. Side LCD monitors, located on the outer edges of the instrument panel, display images from the sideview mirror cameras.

The third Bevel zone is the utility/pet zone. Bevel's flexible seating includes lightweight, aluminum-frame fold-flat front passenger and rear bench seat. Because they are likely to be kept in the folded position most of the time, the seat surfaces themselves are very simple yet durable, and the backsides of the seats are covered with the same material as the rear cargo area floor, creating one large, seamless front-to-rear utility surface. The flooring itself is constructed from laminated recycled walnut, creating an extremely hard, workbench-like surface.

Nissan Qazana concept




















The Qazana follows Nissan’s theme of making crossover vehicles and is a baby brother to the Qashqai, being a compact 4×4 SUV that is closer in size to a compact hatch or supermini.It has outrageous looks that any concept car would be proud of, but Nissan is apparently looking to put the car into production resembling the concept as closely as possible, which is rare, (and good to see) and it is expected to be built alongside the Nissan Qashqai at the companies Sunderland factory when production of the current Micra finishes there in 2010.The Qazana is apparently inspired by both motorbikes and dune buggies, and has a few styling cues from the current Nissan range such as the boomerang lights from the 370Z. some details such as the huge tyres will not make production ,but apparently the showroom version will look very similar to this when it is launched in 2011.

Nissan Forum concept




















Nissan today unveiled their concept vehicle for the 2008 North American International Auto Show. The Forum is an exploratory design concept based on the idea of a family transportation vehicle. Although it undeniably has the profile of that most dreaded of vehicles, the minivan, Nissan executives preferred not to call it that. Whatever you want to call the Forum, Nissan just hopes you call. The new concept is designed to provide flexible transport for grownups and those not so grown. All seats are equipped with personal entertainment systems that allow the occupant of that seat to plug in their own digital media player and have the sounds play back through seat-mounted speakers.

The front seat grownups can monitor activity in the back two rows thanks to a pair of roof mounted cameras that can play back through the dash mounted display screen. When things get out of hand, a time out button on the steering wheel allows the driver to mute all entertainment systems instantly. On the propulsion front, the Forum is designed around Nissan's upcoming clean diesel V-6 engine. According to Nissan's VP of product planning Larry Dominique, if a vehicle like the Forum does get produced it could use either a diesel engine or a hybrid power-train. The diesel does seem like the better option for this type of vehicle thanks to it's plentiful low-end torque. Regardless of the ultimate fate of this people mover, we will definitely see the diesel engine in the Maxima in 2010. The Nissan press release and a video of the Forum are after the jump.

Nissan Intima concept




















The Nissan Intima is set to go on show at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. The Intima is next-generation saloon car with a couple tricks up its sleeve.

The exterior styling doesn't stand out as being too special. The simple lines, laid back front bumper and grille and bland sides fit the discreet executive saloon profile of the car. Nissan's designers styled the headlight and taillight units, as well as wheels, to imitate sparkling jewelry to inject a feeling of quality into the Intima's design.

On entry the Intima starts to reveal its interesting features. All four passenger doors open to a massive angle, and without any pillars to get in the way entry and exit is made easy. The front seat passenger gets the easiest time as their seat swivels 80 degrees to the outside to welcome them into the car.

All the occupants of the Nissan Intima are treated to a pretty luxurious setting. The four individual seats are contoured to fit the body, and the individual passenger zones are defined by a high, wood-trimmed, center console running the length of the cabin. Subtle blue lighting throughout gives the interior a modern touch.

Nissan Nuvu concept




















The Nissan Nuvu (new view) concept went on display at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. The Nuvu concept is designed to preview the next generation compact car from Nissan, as well as provide a testbed for a new, all-electric drivetrain.

Powering the diminutive Nuvu is a compact rear-mounted electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack. This setup gives the Nuvu a 77 mile (125 km) range, and a 75 mph (120 km/h) top speed. Nothing spectacular, but for city use the Nuvu's performance is more than adequate. A quick charge from empty to full should take between 10 to 20 minutes while a full charge should take between three to four hours from a domestic 220v socket.

To top up the battery pack the Nuvu has unusual solar panel array which is integrated into the panoramic glass roof. Across the all-glass roof are a dozen or so small solar panels. Shaped like leaves on a branch, the power they generate is fed to the battery using a 'tree trunk' within the car as a conduit. The Nissan Nuvu also uses natural, organic and recycled materials within the cabin.

Inside the Nissan Nuvu are a pair of full-size seats up front and a single seat in the rear. All the major driving controls of the Nuvu concept - steering, braking, transmission and throttle – are 'By-Wire' while the steering is controlled by an aircraft-style steering yoke: with just one turn from lock to lock, the steering is very direct for agility and maneuverability in the city.

Two video screens on the dashboard display the view behind the Nuvu (there are no door mirrors). These screens also act as monitors for the 'Around View Camera' which gives a bird's eye view of the car when maneuvering or parking.

"Nuvu is literally a 'new view' at the future of the city car. It is electric, of course, but as far as Nissan is concerned, for tomorrow's city cars that is a given. No, the most important aspect of Nuvu is the interior design which provides great comfort and space in an intelligent package designed to make best use of our crowded roads and limited parking slots." Said François Bancon, General Manager, of Nissan's Exploratory and Advance Planning Department, Product Strategy and Product Planning Division.

Nissan Pivo 2 concept




















The Nissan Pivo 2 was a continuation of the original Pivo concept from 2005.

The concept appeared at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. The Nissan Pivo 2 is an electric concept car powered by Lithium-ion Batteries driving all four wheels via in-wheel electric motors.

However the Pivo 2's main party tricks are its unique rotating cabin, and wheels which can turn through 90 degrees allowing the Pivo 2 to drive sideways as well as forwards and back.

Inside, the Pivo 2 can hold up to three people, with the driver sitting in a central position. Access to the interior is via a single door mounted at the front of the vehicle which swings outwards taking the steering column, dash display, windscreen and built in robotic head with it. The robotic head is able to carry out several functions including carrying out conversations in either Japanese or English, accepting basic voice command activated requests, acting as a guide searching for parking spaces, and just generally providing the driver with a companion. Although for how long its companionship would be desired is another matter.

The Nissan Pivo 2 takes the idea of an environmentally friendly electric urban commuter vehicle into a new dimension, while at the same time it offers a fun and lighthearted option which hasn't been explored many times before.

Nissan V2G concept
















The brief for the 2009 LA Auto Show Design Challenge called for a vehicle for the year 2030 which could fulfill the needs of a generation who were brought up with cell phones, online communities and interactive gaming.

The V2G concept was Nissan's entry for the competition. While developing the purely theoretical concept, the designers came up with a story explaining how the vehicle was conceived.

"In the years leading up to 2030, the electrification of the nation's highways leads to the creation of a new ultra-efficient, high speed network called the 'GRID'.

Nissan's 'ON-GRID' compliant vehicle for the year 2030 is the V2G (Vehicle–to-Grid). Wildly popular with consumers thanks to its low cost, dynamic styling and quality construction, the V2G is the best selling electric vehicle of its time. Nissan's comprehensive and affordable range of GRID access plans (similar to mobile phone plans) have also helped to make V2G the market leader.

In the spirit of LA's legendary automotive counter-culture, creative young minds see untapped potential in the V2G. Taking advantage of the simple and user friendly EV architecture, they quickly hack the V2G, take it 'OFF-GRID' and begin to explore the virtually endless opportunities of this newly created vehicle segment.

Initially the modifications are simple body mods and performance tweaks, but it doesn't take long before a thriving and increasingly sophisticated cottage industry springs up around this explosive new car culture. Nissan is quick to see the potential in this field and begins to offer many new and exciting 'Plug and Play' options to consumers through its network.

The V2G [UNLMTD] is born."

One of the cleverest features of the V2G concept is the biodegradable carbon fibre bodywork. When the vehicle has come to the end of its useful life, a specially engineered bacteria is used to break down the resin which binds together the carbon fibre. Once the carbon fibre is completely exposed it can be removed and recycled to help make a new V2G.

Mitsubishi iMiev Sport Air concept




















The production version of the i MiEV has a single permanent magnet synchronous motor mounted on the rear axle with a power output of 47 kW and torque output 180 N·m. The vehicle uses a single-speed reduction gear transmission and has a 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack consists of 88 cells. The car's top speed is 130 kilometres per hour (80 mph).Recharging is estimated to take 14 hours from a 110 volt power supply, seven hours from a 220 volt power supply and as little as 30 minutes from a quick charging station. There are 60 such station in Japan in early 2010.

Mitsubishi D5 concept

















MITSUBISHI Concept D:5 is a concept for the next-generation Delica model. In a go-anywhere-anytime, high-mobility, high-functionality new 4WD mono-box concept, it wraps together the classy living space and functionality sought by owners in today's minivan and Delica's legendary all-terrain capabilities. Deriving from its advanced 4WD system, MITSUBISHI Concept D:5 offers a refined but rugged design that projects a reassuring sense of protective safety.

To deliver maximum driving pleasure and in line with Mitsubishi's All Wheel Control (AWC) philosophy, MITSUBISHI Concept D:5 employs the same electronically controlled four-wheel drive system as Outlander. The powertrain mates a new 2.4-liter MIVEC engine to a Sport Mode 6-speed CVT to deliver brawny all-surface go-anywhere performance. To bring a reassuring sense of safety that is more than skin deep, MITSUBISHI Concept D:5 incorporates active safety vehicle (ASV) technology that assists the driver in operating his vehicle safely and minimizes strain. MITSUBISHI Concept D:5 also brings new active and passive safety technologies to the minivan/SUV category.