Super Concept Cars Blog

This is the Audi A1 Sportback, set to be unveiled tonight at a special event at the Paris Motor Show and designed to bring sexyback to Audi’s A1 concept series. The A1 Sportback Concept is the successor to the A1 Metroproject Quattro Concept unveiled in Tokyo last year with the obvious distinction being — a bigger back end. The A1 Sportback concept has an overall length just shy of 12 feet, leaving a sizeable gap between itself and the larger A3 sportback which comes in at just over 14 feet. But as is true with concepts from every automaker under the sun, don’t expect a standard powertrain. Hit the jump for what to expect under the hood.

Power comes from a 150 HP 1.4-liter TFSI engine mated to a 27 HP (20Kw) hybrid drive that will provide the A1 Concept with an additional 110 lb-ft of torque (150Nm). Audi’s coupled the powertrain to their dual-clutch S-Tronic gearbox and the A1 Sportback Concept can thrust itself from 0-to-62 MPH in just 7.9 seconds. Fuel consumption lies at an admirable 3.9 liters per 100km with emissions output a mere 92g/km.

Audi A1 Sportback Concept Picture:

Watching futuristic movies such as the Demolition Man and Minority Report has given us an insight into what the future holds in the automotive industry. The concepts which employ a soothing high-tech styling theme could one day be seen in full production form rather than the heavily toned down models we are limited to at the moment. The new Nissan Nuvu Concept is one such model that would nicely fit into the future, the curvaceous body profile, smooth design lines and futuristic interior back up this theory. But back in reality, we are actually looking at a preview of the next generation Nissan Micra.

The mini car is just 3 meters long but the interior has been designed to provide occupants the kind of space usually accustomed to models in the C segment with its 2+1 layout.

Power for the concept comes courtesy of a zero emissions Electric drivetrain, it previews a system set to be employed in the electric vehicle Nissan plans to launch in Japan and the United States in 2010. This electric motor is mounted on the rear of the vehicle with all of it power output directed to the back wheels. Power and torque figures are being withheld at this time, but Nissan are kind enough to announce it has a driving range of 125km and a top speed of 120km/h.

Aston Martin’s version of the Toyota iQ is still a few years off, but Scion’s take on the tiny city car could show up in the United States by next year. Following its New York Auto Show debut earlier this year, the Scion-badged iQ could surface in U.S. dealerships by late 2010.

According to Motor Trend, the Scion iQ will arrive in late 2010 as a 2011 model or early 2011 as a 2012 model. The U.S.-spec model will retain its funky 3+1 seating arrangement, although the vehicle will grow by 1.5 inches overall. At 118 inches, the iQ will be about a foot longer than the Smart ForTwo.

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NEW YORK, April 8, 2009 — At the New York Auto Show today, Scion unveiled a special concept version of the iQ micro-subcompact car designed to meet the transportation needs of young urban trendsetters.

Scion’s iQ concept is a new urban vehicle with a revolutionary package that is just over 10 feet in length and accommodates three plus luggage. As more and more urban centers are revitalized with a new sense of purpose, energy, and creativity, young people are moving in from the suburbs to embrace new urbanism and are looking for a car that suits their needs and delivers high emotional value. Read more…