Super Concept Cars Blog

Mazda is presenting the TAKERI concept, a vehicle that gives us an idea of how the Mazda6 replacement will look like and will make its debut at the Tokyo Auto Show on November 30.

The mid-size sedan uses the carmaker’s new KODO – Soul of Motion design language, but this is so much more than just a visual statement, as it features Mazda’s SKYACTIV tech (it is powered by a SKYACTIV-D diesel unit), including the company’s first regenerative braking system.

Here’s what Mazda had to say about the development: “Combined with the new SKYACTIV-D diesel engine, Mazda i-stop, new lightweight structure, aerodynamic and chassis technologies, regenerative braking – enables the Mazda TAKERI to achieve excellent fuel economy together with vigorous performance and a comfortable high-quality ride.”

When the new Mazda6 hits the US market at the end of next year, this will also arrive with diesel engines, a first for the model in America.

In addition to that, Mazda will also brings the CX-5 compact crossover to the event, which combines the same KODO design language and SKYACTIV Technology engines with new body materials.

Unlike any other auto show on the planet, the SEMA Auto Show isn’t so much about the glitz and glamor of concept cars and world debuts like other shows. SEMA is about seeing some of the latest tuning projects from the world’s best auto aftermarket companies be displayed in all their audacious glory. One such vehicle that fits that description to a tee is this custom Ford F-150 Raptor by Street Concepts. The modded pick-up is part of Toyo Tires’ four-vehicle contingent and since its headed to the event, you can be sure that it comes packed to the brim with some of the latest tuning parts available on the market. Among the many additions to the F-150 Raptor, the most obvious is the the custom Snow Camo vehicle wrap that was added in by Street Concepts. There are also new bumpers, a new lighting set-up, Brembo brakes, and a new suspension system courtesy of Icon Vehicle Dynamics. Inside the pick-up, the modifications include a carbon fiber-wrapped interior that’s accented with luxurious black Alcantara. There’s also a comprehensive audio system that was supplied by Kenwood to give some more oomph to what already looks like a beastin’ machine. Under the hood, the F-150 Raptor comes packed with a 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces 411 horsepower and 434 lb-ft of torque.

Built to brand aerospace technology with their image, Holden of Australia commissioned this radical concept in the 1960s. At that time, Hurricane was one of the most expensive experimental cars, and helped the company sell one million cars from 1969 to 1974.

Finding the ”feasibility of applying aerospace techniques and materials to the manufacture of future Holdens” was the companies’ motivation for the project. However, this rhetoric held little weight, and only the production-worthy engine found its way into the road cars. With this engine, the Hurricane started a trend that would have 500 000 Holden’s feature Australian-designed V8s.

What made the Hurricane special was elements that didn’t make it to assembly lines: it’s styling, electronics and engineering.

Probably the most experimental aspect of the Hurricane was it’s styling. The low wedge shape was an upcoming trend for the period and was copied in previous years; the 1970 Bertone Stratos Concept, 1970 Ferrari 512S Berlinetta Speciale and 1972 Maserati Boomerang all share the Hurricane’s lines.

Inside, Hurricane had an array of extraneous instrumentation to convince any onlookers that the driver car could pilot to moon. Of these, the most notable was a ‘retro-gps’ system called Pathfinder. It used magnetic signals built within the road to alert the driver of upcoming turns. Other electronic amenities included digital instrumentation, a rear view camera, lifting seats and an automatically opening one piece door.

At the core, the Hurricane used a tubular space frame, supporting a new Holden V8 and covered in an impressive fiber glass body. The engine sat mid-ship in the chassis and was attached to a four speed transaxle. Very GT40. A distinct feature of the chassis was the oil-cooled disc brakes. Used on the front, these discs used oil, and oil coolers to dissipate heat.

In conclusion, the Holden Hurricane might be the most exciting car made in Australia. Its motor sport engineering, glorious styling and funky electronics complete a concept that can still impress forty years later.

Posted on 10.17.2011 10:00 by Simona Filed under: Audi | Station-Wagon / Estate | Spy Shots and Rendering | Audi A4 | Cars | Car Reviews | Audi After a few days ago we brought you the first spy shots of the future Audi A6 Allroad , today our spy photographers have caught testing the upcoming A4 Allroad. This prototype has been shot during some hot weather testing in Southern Europe and reveals the fact that Audi prepares the A4 Allroad for a mid-career makeover

Posted on 10.17.2011 09:00 by Simona Filed under: AMG Mercedes | Station-Wagon / Estate | sports cars | Mercedes CLS-Class | future cars | Cars | Car Reviews | Mercedes When Mercedes unveiled the Shooting Brake concept last year we believed there is no way we will see it put into production.

Posted on 10.16.2011 23:00 by Simona Filed under: | car gift ideas | TAG Heuer | car watches | Cars | Car News In the automotive industry everything is about speed, but when it comes to watches, speed isn’t exactly number one on the list.

Posted on 10.15.2011 23:00 by Simona Filed under: Audi | coupe | video | sports cars | Audi TT-RS | Cars | Car News Audi of America is celebrating the arrival of the 2012 Audi TT RS with a 4-part video series called the “Ultimate Lap!” The car is being driven by racecar driver, Justin Bell, at the Monticello Raceway in NY. Part one of the video is called “0-60-0″ and displays the Audi’s sprint time

posted on 10.14.2011 10:00 written by Simona filed under: Toyota | hybrid cars | racing prototype | Le Mans Series | 2012 | Cars | Car Reviews | Toyota The last time Toyota competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans was back in 1999 when their racing car – the GT-One – successfully established a new race lap record, but also suffered a tire puncture in the final hour of the race.

posted on 10.13.2011 15:00 written by Simona filed under: Aston-Martin Mercedes | coupe | suv | industry news | Aston-Martin DB9 | Aston-Martin V8 | sports cars | future cars | Daimler | Aston Martin Lagonda | Cars | Car News Just when it seemed a brand new collaboration was on the verge of rising, talks between Aston Martin and Daimler have been slowed almost to a halt. The two brands had an interest in working with each other because it would be mutually beneficial: Aston Martin would have helped in developing Maybach models and they would, in turn, be able to take advantage of Mercedes’ latest technology. Now, German publications have reported that this agreement has collapsed and, as a result, Aston Martin’s future is in grave danger

posted on 10.13.2011 12:00 written by Simona filed under: Toyota | coupe | racing prototype | spy shots rendering | Nurburgring | Toyota FT-86 | Cars | Car News Both the Subaru and Toyota versions of the FT-86 will be making their world debut in December at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, but Toyota will be utilizing their ingenious marketing strategies to unveil a race version of the FT-86. The car will make its debut at the German VLN series on the Nürburgring race track, similar to how they revealed the Lexus LF-A race car