Autocar Hot Hatch 2020 Design Competition

Autocar magazine in partnership with Ford and Hot Wheels has started the Hot Hatch 2020 Design Competition, which asks participants to create a sustainable hot hatchback for the year 2020.

The competition comprises two categories: ‘Junior’ for those under 17, and ‘Senior’ for 17s and over.

Junior entrants are challenged to make a 3D scale model of

Mitsubishi Double Shotz by Gary Ragle (Mitsubishi) - winner of the
Hot Wheels Designer Challenge (2007)

their hot hatch using a set of low-profile wheels from leading die-cast vehicle brand, Hot Wheels. Senior entrants will sketch their design or use CAD software to visualise it.

The category winners will receive prizes galore, invitations to the Autocar Awards 2009, and in the Senior winner’s case, will see a professional quality scale model of their design built by Ford.

“To be in with a chance of winning the competition, the hot hatch design must be original, imaginative, fit-for-purpose and sustainable. It must emit no more than 120g/km of CO2, seat four occupants, and still be capable of the kind of performance and driver thrills that customers expect. We are really looking forward to seeing some original thinking,” said Chas Hallett, editor of Autocar.

Gangster Grin by Steve Gilmore (Ford) - submitted to the
Hot Wheels Designer Challenge (2007)

Prizes will be given to runners-up and the overall winners in both competition categories. Runners up in the ‘under 17s’ will receive £100 of Hot Wheels cars and track-sets each.

The winner will get two tickets to the Autocar Awards 2009, two tickets to a Silverstone race meeting plus a VIP tour of the circuit, and a boot-load of Hot Wheels toys, replica vehicles and track-sets (up to a maximum value of £650).

Senior runners-up will each win a track drive in the new Ford Focus RS. In addition to that drive, the winner will get the chance to meet a Ford Design Executive, to visit the Ford Technical Centre at Dunton and see a scale model of their hot hatch created, and to come to the Autocar Awards 2009 to see it unveiled.

Stefan Lamm, the man behind the look of the new Focus RS, provided the following suggestions for entrants: “Be brave. Remember that form follows function. Think hard about making good use of materials and making those materials a feature of your design. And make sure your hot hatchback design is thorough and holistic.”

Further details of the competition, including how to apply for a starter kit, can be found at http://competitions.autocar.co.uk or in the Jan 7th issue of Autocar.

(Source: Autocar)

Lincoln MKS

Based on the Ford Taurus / Mercury Sable that was announced earlier this year at the Chicago Auto Show, the MKS was previewed by MKS concept car seen at the Detroit Auto Show in 2006

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Ariel Atom 3

The Ariel Motor Company have released the third generation of the Atom, called the Atom 3. Though this model is still as minimalist as previous iterations, there have been numerous detail changes culminating in the new car.

Visually the Atom 3 is immediately identifiable by new diagonal side rails in the chassis and the return to a twin outlet exhaust, but these are only the surface details that identify some of the changes to the Atom 3. Nearly every panel on the car has been slightly modified and there is a new simple deflector option to reduce pressure on the head when driving at speed. Inside, occupants benefit from a new lower seating position designed to improve comfort at speed and lower the center of gravity.

Beneath the surface, the Atom 3 sports a new chassis, which has increased overall width by 60mm, enhancing elbow room in the passenger compartment by 100mm. The track and overall width of the car remains the same. The latest version of Honda's 2-liter iVTEC Type R engine resides aft of the cockpit, while newly available Bilstein 10-way adjustable dampers improve the vehicle's dynamics on-road as well as on track.

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Dodge Journey

Dodge claims to have answered the needs of the global passenger car market with a new family crossover vehicle the carmaker will unveil at the Frankfurt Motor Show in two weeks time. Called the Journey, the seven-seat vehicle is said to combine the space and practicality of an MPV with the style of an SUV and the ride, handling and fuel efficiency of a family sedan.

The Dodge Journey is built on the company's global D-segment platform and has been designed as an alternative to the sedate looks of traditional people-carriers; incorporating certain styling cues found in the Nitro SUV and Avenger sedan.

Inside, the Journey features the availability of seven seats and a flexible seating arrangement. Storage combinations include storage bins, hidden in the floor and under the front passenger seat cushion.
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Mini Clubman

Mini has finally revealed the new Clubman - based on the 'Shooting Brake' concept first shown at Frankfurt Motor Show in 2005 - after having teased us with numerous previews of the car in Tokyo and Geneva over the last two years.

A modern interpretation of the Morris Mini Traveller and the Mini Clubman Estate from the 1960s, this latest addition to the Mini line-up retains the current Mini's design language: short body overhangs, wide track, long wheelbase and a high shoulder line rising towards the rear. But the new Clubman is 24cm longer than the Hatch, benefitting rear legroom and providing seating for five. Trunk space has increased to 260 liters with the seats in place; 100 liters more than the Hatch. This extra space is accessed via split rear doors and the 'Clubdoor' on the right-hand side, similar to those found on Mazda's RX-8.

Mini is planning three versions of the Clubman, which are identical to the current body structure up to the B-pillar and retain the familiar hexagonal radiator grille and round headlights. The C-pillars and rear bumper are exclusive to the Clubman and will be painted either silver or black. The rear door hinges are a particular design, wrapping around new rear light clusters, while the exhaust outlets on S models have been moved to either side of the bumper.

Source: cardesignnews

Castagna Aznom

Milan-based coachbuilder Castagna recently revealed a new sports car based on a Corvette Z06 platform. The bespoke bodied Aznom has been heavily influenced by classic Harley Earl design cues from the 1950s, with the most noticeable elements being the egg-crate grille nestled in the front end and the chiseled body panels that pay homage to the 1953 Corvette. The traditional teardrop shape is finished in contrasting colors and is replete with side insets that function as air intakes.

With vertical head lamps and elongated LED tail lamps that follow the curve of the rear haunch, the design is a modern interpretation of the performance musclecar and features crescent shaped vents in both the front and rear fascias. A carbon fiber roof transforms the car from coupe to targa and collapsible rearview mirrors adorn the hood. A large rear spoiler is claimed to improve performance both at speed and under braking while the quad exhaust outlets above the rear diffuser are mounted high and centered to dissipate heat.

Building on what is already a high performance platform, the Aznom has been developed as a pure-bred race car and features structural carbon fiber components to decrease weight and a high door sill to improve rigidity and torsion resistance. The 7-liter powerplant has also been fitted with two centrifugal turbochargers to boost horsepower north of the 800 mark.

Source: cardesignnews

Ginetta G50

Ginetta Sports Cars has released images of its new G50 racer scheduled for production by 2008. The G50 marks 50 years of British sports car manufacturing by the company and has been designed in-house at LNT Automotive's new purpose-built factory in Leeds.

The Ginetta G50 Cup Car (pictured) has been designed to bridge the gap between single-make sports car racing - such as the current Ginetta G20 championship - and GT cars such as the new GT4 Championship, GT3 and GT2 racing, according to the company.

Weighing in at a little over 800kg, the Ginetta G50 is a rear-wheel drive car powered by a front-mid mounted Ford 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a five-speed sequential gearbox.

Lawrence Tomlinson, Chairman of LNT Automotive said: "We've designed the G50 as a stepping stone for GT drivers. Production of the first 30 cars is well under way with a mixture of cup, road and GT4 cars available from early 2008."

Source: cardesignnews

ZAP electric car

California-based ZAP has completed the initial concept phase for a new electric vehicle claimed to hit a top speed in excess of 100 mph with a range of 100 miles per charge.

"With ZAP's experience over the past 12 years and the groundwork we have already laid, we know that electricity is the future of the auto industry," said ZAP CEO Steve Schneider. "At the same time, we believe we have a design that will serve a niche no other manufacturer in the auto industry is seeking to fill."

More details of the car will become available at the end of the month.

Source: cardesignnews

Smart ForTwo

First launched in 1998 as the MCC Smart City Coupe, the ForTwo has been redeveloped as it moves towards the North American market. Length has increased from 2.5m to just under 2.7m - for greater crash protection and more trunk space, which now stands at 340 liters when packed to the roof. Regulations have also seen the IP straightened out, though the prominent air vents remain. Outside, flatter arches give a stronger, more masculine feel, emphasised by the graphic of the Tridion safety cell, which also means the new ForTwo remains unmistakably Smart.

Powering the ForTwo is a range of 1-liter gasoline engines - shared with Mitsubishi - whose outputs range from 61 to 84PS. There will also be a 45PS diesel emitting just 90g of CO2/km, though the Brabus version, out next Fall, sounds more tempting with its power hitting triple figures. The rest of the range is out in Spring 2007, with sales in America beginning in 2008. The price of the base gasoline remains the same at about $13,000; all others will be increased.

Source: cardesignnews

Landwind Fashion

Chinese manufacturer Landwind are entering the heated midi-MPV market with the Fashion, which is available with either five or seven seats. This pitches it directly against the Renault Megane Scenic and the Opel Zafira, which in particular is enjoying buoyant sales. The Fashion will hope its low starting price of about US$16,000 will help it steal some of those customers, though taller ones may be put of by a tail-gate that only opens to face height. The Landwind Fashion adopts a suitably European aesthetic (it was designed by IDEA in Italy), albeit with a rather dated interior.

Powering the Fashion is a 1.6-liter or a 2.0-liter putting out 96PS and 140PS respectively. Key dimensions are: length 4410mm, width 1768mm, height 1640mm.

Source: cardesignnews

Tesla Roadster

Given the popularity of cars such as the Toyota Prius with the media, it was only a matter of time before the same eco-credentials were used to push other cars in California, as Tesla Motors have done with their new Roadster by hosting a celebrity-laden launch. But while Toyota mixes batteries with pistons, the Tesla is entirely electric, giving a top speed of 130mph, a 0-60 time of just four seconds, and a range of up to 250 miles. It was styled in collaboration with Lotus Design Studio, UK, headed by Barney Hatt, Principal Designer, and will also be built in England with engines assembled in Taiwan. Sales begin next summer.
Source: cardesignnews

Holden Commodore

This is the all-new Holden Commodore, a car that GM will hope continue its decade-long position at the top of the sales charts in Australia. First introduced there in 1978, 2.4 million units have since been built, and this latest VE Commodore also marks the first $1billion car program in the country.

The more European design brings about a longer wheelbase for a stronger stance and a more defined body-side. It will be available with two versions of the 3.6-liter V6, and a new 6.0-liter V8, in two different guises: the sporting SS and the comfort-biased Calais. Sales of the Commodore begin next month.
Source: cardesignnews

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Holden Statesman and Caprice

A month after the launch of the new Commodore follows the stretched versions, the Statesman and Caprice, as GM aims to capitalise on the $6billion invested over the past ten years in Holden. The extra length takes away some of the dynamism of the Commodore, while elongated side-glass and reduced-angle swage gives a more relaxed feeling. The side vents are also more stretched, and sit higher up.

Despite the common platform and styling themes, virtually every panel is claimed to be different. Importantly, it will be branded a Chevrolet in the Middle East, a Buick in China, and a Daewoo in South Korea, and will share the same engines as the more domestic Commodore.
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Arash AF10

Arash Motors is the latest in a succession of recently established low-volume manufacturers, and has unveiled their first car, the AF10, at the British Motor Show in London. Since the company's conception in March this year, the team has been working continuously on the AF10, with styling done in-house by Arash Farboud Designs.

The company is based in Cambridge, UK, with testing of the bespoke chassis done at the nearby Millbrooke circuit. Specifications are yet to be announced.
Source: cardesignnews

Land Rover Freelander

Land Rover has released pictures of the new Freelander (LR2), due to be launched at the British Motor Show in July. Harder edged than its predecessor, the chiselled exterior has simpler surfaces that update the same overall styling theme. The profile of the new car is more dynamic, borrowing cues from Range Rover Sport, though the stepped roofline has been diluted. Inside, the IP has become more car-like and less product-like, now growing vertically rather than horizontally, and accommodating a central screen.

Details include Gore-Tex lined lamp clusters for ventilation and weatherproofing, and a spare-wheel that is now sited under the rear overhang. Two new engines will join the range: a transverse 3.2-liter in-line six with 233PS, and a 2.2l diesel producing 160PS and 37.7mpg. Key dimensions of Freelander 2 are: length: 4500mm, width: 1910mm, height: 1740mm; any three-door version is as yet unannounced.

Source: cardesignnews

Marcos TSO

Marcos Engineering, a small British manufacturer, has recently revealed their new car, the TSO. Race-inspired, the TSO accordingly sports racing suspension, racing brakes (340mm) and rear diffuser, and is available either open or closed as the R/T and GTC respectively. Both are equipped by a 420PS V8 from the Chevrolet Corvette, though a 'Performance Pack' pushes this to 462PS - meaning 0-100mph is done in 8.5 seconds.

The design is typical of batch-produced sports cars in having easy-to-mould soft contours wrapping a cab-back profile, while details include side vents with fanning radii. Prices start at around $80,000.
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Zaha Hadid Z-car concept

Zaha Hadid is an Iraq-born and London-based architect, who became the first female recipient of the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2004. Her ambitious buildings have earned her much acclaim, and having designed the latest BMW factory, Hadid has now turned her sights on cars with the unveiling of the Z-car concept.

Not to be confused with the similarly titled Nissan/Datsun, Hadid?s Z-car is a small plastic-bodied monocoque with a prominent lifting door. Demonstrating her vision of personal mobility, the Z-car is currently on display as part of a major exhibition at the Guggenheim Museum in New York.

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Swarovski Crystal Aerospace

Crystal-manufacturer Swarovski is a common sight at the Milan furniture fair, as invited designers find increasingly diverse ways to implement their products. Formerly a company most associated with kitsch figurines, their kudos has now grown thanks to the efforts of people such as Naoto Fukasawa, Toord Boontje and Tom Dixon.

As part of this PR drive is a vehicle by industrial designer Ross Lovegrove. Inspired by the Trans-Australia Solar Car Race, the form adopts that of the competitors, while each cell holds a single crystal to magnify the light. Lovegrove's proposal "fuses nature with technology" and was developed in conjunction with Sharp Solar Europe, prototypers Coggiola, Swarovski Optical Laboratories and General Motors Europe Advanced Design Director Anthony Lo. The vehicle has already won the World Technology Prize for Design in San Fransisco.

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Proton Satria Neo

Malaysian car manufacturer Proton have launched the new Satria Neo three-door hatchback, which replaces the Satria model introduced 12 years ago. Having formerly sold re-badged and out-moded Mitsubishi-derived models, Proton have since established a relationship with Lotus Engineering that began with the Proton GTi.

Though cars such as the Elise demonstrate the depth of Lotus' abilities, partnerships with other companies reflect their breadth. The Satria Neo succeeds that first venture: while the Proton GTi was based on the previous ovoid Mitsubishi Colt, the Neo has flatter surfaces with a more masculine look. The interior is described as having a minimalist theme and air-conditioning dials that "redefine style". Powered by a 16v DOHC engine, Proton assures that the Satria Neo is "capable of going really fast.

Source: cardesignnews

Chrysler Sebring

Chrysler has shown pictures of the 2007 Sebring, a mid-sized sedan that will enter production in America later this year. New from the ground up, the dynamic exterior borrows cues from the Crossfire in the front three-quarter, while a part-masked C-pillar helps accentuate the Sebring's arched cab, eschewing the 'chopped' look of the larger 300C. The urbane interior features an IP with a broad panel theme, reminding slightly of the Mercedes-Benz CLS/>

It will be available from launch with the option of two V6 engines and, unusually, a new four-cylinder motor that produces 172PS from 2.4 liters. This replaces the former six-cylinder unit of the same capacity to increase efficiency, and will feature in other Chrysler products globally as well.

The Sebring will also enter the European market for the first time next year, taking on the Volkswagen Passat and the next Ford Mondeo.

Source: cardesignnews