Super Concept Cars Blog

Italdesign Quaranta

The Italdesign Quaranta was designed to celebrate Italdesign Giugiaro’s forty years of business in styling and technological research. The concept was inspired by the Bizzarrini Manta concept from 1968. But in reality the Quaranta has a lot more in common with the Volta concept created by Italdesign for Toyota in 2004.

The Quaranta uses a 3.3 litre V6 Toyota engine with Hybrid Synergy Drive to provide 268 horsepower and 212 lb-ft of torque. The innovative aspect of this engine lies in the ability of the electronic control system to regulate the power distributed by the electric motors to the wheels, making the clutch-gearbox-transmission block superfluous.

The batteries which power the electric motors are located between the engine compartment and the cockpit. These are replenished by the solar panels positioned on the roof and through regenerative braking. The Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive system also includes the E-CVT Electronic-Continuously Variable Transmission, an automatic planetary gear transmission with ratios varying infinitely as speed changes. This power source and transmission system gives the concept a rapid 0-60 mph time of just over 4 seconds as well as a massive 621 mile range.

Access to the Italdesign Quaranta’s cabin is “step-in” via an upper door incorporating the side ones. At the touch of an electric button, the door opens upward while regulated by proximity sensors for safety.

Inside, the most striking features are the central driving position and multi-control steering wheel which houses all the vehicles driving and control functions on the spokes.

The dashboard has been conceived with a sporting, modern look, with clean-cut details matching the style of the exterior, and equipped with a vast array of instruments. These are organized on two levels: the screens of the side and rear TV cameras are positioned on the upper level, with particular attention to the left-hand view mirror, useful when overtaking; the lower level is dedicated to the management of the vehicle. The drive-panel also includes a visor for X-ray sensors for night driving.

Representatives of Hybrid Kinetic Motors and Italdesign Giugiaro signed a contract for the styling and engineering of a line of hybrids that are slated to be produced in Alabama starting in 2013.

Italdesign Giugiaro has worked with major automakers around the world and has developed more than 200 car models over the past 40 years.

Red carpet, spotlights and music marked Tuesday’s ceremony, which culminated with the unveiling of the Quaranta concept car designed by Italdesign Giugiaro to mark the firm’s 40th anniversary. It’s a 156 mph supercar powered by a hybrid system.

The Quaranta was shown in Montgomery as an example of the style and engineering that will be a part of the Alabama-built hybrids, said CT Wang, CEO of Hybrid Kinetic Motors.

Many people think hybrid vehicles are small with limited horsepower, but “the hybrid can be exciting,” he said.

Media from Europe and Asia attended the ceremony, along with local and state leaders including Gov. Bob Riley and Lieutenant Gov. Jim Folsom.

Hybrid Kinetic Motors’ founder and chairman is Yung Yeung, a former Chinese auto executive.

Toyota Hi CT

The Toyota Hi-CT concept car is a departure from conventional cars. The Toyota Hi-CT wants to offer new ways of being “cool” and new ways of having fun.

Toyota says that the Hi-CT concept was inspired by the thinking and lifestyle of younger drivers.

Toyota Press Release:

Toyota Hi-CT

The Toyota Hi-CT aims to offer a new “coolness” and new ways to have fun as a departure from conventional vehicles—an edgy, urban vehicle inspired by the thinking and lifestyles of youth.

- Offers a new kind of automotive “cool” and sense of enjoyment.

- Has a new look unconstrained by conventional vehicle size (length 3,330mm x width 1,695mm x height 1,780mm).

- Adopts plug-in hybrid technology, which allows it to charge from an external power source and gives it a greater driving range when running on its battery-powered motor; by placing the battery under the floor, achieves a highly efficient cabin with a higher driver position.

- Comes with an AC100V accessory socket that enables stored electricity—made possible by plug-in

hybrid technology—to be used for a variety of applications.

- Features a removable rear trunk and a deck where surfboards, bicycles and other equipment can be loaded.

Toyota is currently the world’s oldest car company, its true sense of the sports car is not much, but the car’s appearance gives us a surprise. Through these photographs we can see some details of this vehicle, including carbon fiber spoiler and white leather seats.

Toyota FT-86 Concept Car

Toyota FT-86 Concept Car Front

Toyota FT-86 Concept Car Rear

Toyota FT-86 Concept Passenger Seat

Toyota FT-86 Concept Rim

Toyota FT-86 Concept Side Dash

We hope to get this car for more news, but at the moment, and Toyota did not disclose the car’s configuration information, it is learned this car will be operational by late 2011, the use of Subaru 2.0L boxer four-cylinder engine, with rear-wheel drive model, and its weight to a minimum. The news about the car, we will continue to pay attention, in the ensuing one attached to the car, more pictures.

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.

Read more…

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…