Turbo

Filed under: Concept Cars, Minivan/Van, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Ford

It sounds like Ford is getting ready to square off against the Opel Meriva small minivan in Europe. According to Automotive News, Ford will be bringing an all-new B-segment van to next year’s Geneva Motor Show. The Blue Oval’s European arm is keeping the details of the vehicle close to its chest, but from what we understand, the new minivan should begin production toward the end of 2012. The company has already made it clear that its Craiova, Romania facility will be tasked with constructing a new B-segment fighter sometime soon, and news has it that the vehicle will be more people mover than hatchback.

If true, that means that the new van is likely to carry the B-Max moniker to keep in line with creations like the C-Max and S-Max. In Europe, Ford has relied on its aging Fusion people mover to carry the company in the small-car segment, and the aging platform has begun to slip over the past few years. While it once held the number two slot, the Fusion has fallen to be the fifth most popular vehicle among the B-segment vans.

Regardless of whether or not the B-Max can knock the Meriva off of its throne, we aren’t likely to see it here in the states.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Ford B-Max minivan concept coming to Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Dec 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog

More of mack’s work on mackart.ca. Check him on conceptships.

Keywords: concept 3d loader vehicle design work by polish born mack sztaba specializes in concept art but continues to work as a freelance illustrator mainly with digital media concept ships video game studios concept art

Concept cars and trucks

Offering unsurpassed 4×4 fuel economy and off-road capability in the compact-SUV segment, the new 2011 Jeep? Compass features a stunning new sophisticated design, with cues coming directly from the brand’s premium icon, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Coupled with a host of interior refinements, and improved ride and handling characteristics in all conditions ? courtesy of upgraded steering and suspension systems ? the new Jeep Compass offers a unique blend of premium styling, capability, efficiency and value that is unmatched in the compact-SUV segment.

‘With the new 2011 Jeep Compass, we’ve applied the premium design cues of our award-winning new Grand Cherokee,’ said Mike Manley, President and CEO ? Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. ‘Combined with new interior appointments, and refinements to the suspension and steering systems, Jeep Compass provides consumers the ultimate combination of styling, capability, fuel economy, efficiency, safety and value in the important compact-SUV segment.’
Concept Carz

Want to get away? Really-Really-Ahhh-Way? How about the Ends of the Earth? Antarctica; the ice-covered South Pole? Brr-rr, yet warm enough to support armies, zillions of penguins, seals, whales, and other denizens? Or, perhaps the steaming Amazon, that fabled jungle river brimming with notorious mysteries; and piranhas? Then, the world's ultimate summit; the Northeast Passage at the high crest of Russia, the North Pole and through the Arctic Circle? Anywhere else; you name it. BigFish, the luxury expedition vessel will get you there.

Fascinating journeys; other ultimate possibilities – Tahiti, Patagonia, New Pomerania, Mount Erebus Volcano – lurk attractively for the sea's most unique, far-away-escape vessel, awaiting your consummate choice. She's BigFish, another excellent work of sea-going mastery, designed by highly creative Naval Architect Gregory Marshall. This sea-going marvel is here, ready to thrill you.

Produced by New Zealand's noted McMullen & Wing shipyard, BigFish was delivered eager to sail anywhere in the world; to Earth's oceans in far-off planetary climes. Just launched, her maiden voyage to Tahiti, then Fort Lauderdale; outfitted to splash into unlimited adventure, bathed in sumptuous luxury unique in the Expedition Cruising World. She'll captivate her charterers with far-away places and strange sounding names; exploits few travelers will ever have the opportunity to experience over a lifetime of adventure. A buxom, robust expedition vessel, she exhibits rugged strength; unlike the usual pedicured super yachts with cocktail glass curves. Broad-shouldered BigFish boasts all-around large glass windows of three-quarter inch thick tempered glass; decks/floors of epoxied granite. Steel hull. Aluminum superstructure. Yet her central lounge features an astounding, theater-size, plasma HD video wall 24 feet tall! In other measures, the 'Fish has a 39' wide swim platform; and a 29' on-board launchable tender with a 300-mile range.

Debuted as a significant Star of the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show 2010, she's New Zealand's most attractive, dramatic vessel devoted to sea-going adventure. Dedicated to chalking up the historically first Expedition Charter vessel to visit the South Pole, December 2010 to March 2011. On board, highly experienced crew/guides lead the way to Antarctica; a huge territory twice the size of Australia, yet fully "peopled" with penguins, leopard seals, humpback whales, numerous other sea denizens, to thrill even the most jaded adventure seeker. Antarctica is a huge and marvelous Continent, actually the combined size of the U.S. and Mexico together. On this dramatic side image, note the extendible tender/water-toy launching base, aft starboard, while her formidable 29' tender nuzzles up to the stern. Plus, see amidships, her augmented "picnic pulpit" actually a fold-down miniature beach – an intimate "private escape for two" – away, alone, sharing unlimited horizons.

The yacht itself offers expandable decks with 5,000 sq.ft. of deck space including her sun deck and jacuzzi. She features innovative stone decking, non-slip epoxy impregnated granite while also boasting a crow's nest 50 feet above the main deck, for scenic views to thrill half a dozen guests at a time. This after-body shot also reveals an innovative design to her stern; a fold-out concept for her swim platform – easily awarding Big Fish the title of Largest Swim Platform of any yacht her size; the whole structure is jacketed in timeless granite. Also shown here is “Triple Ripple”, her 28' McMullen & Wing customized 300-mile-range tender nudged up to her stern.

Posing coyly as though her formidable bow is partners to the craggy New Zealand mountains, this view is only one of many on this "extremely down-under" seascape. (Mt. Cook, at 12,313' is the country's highest. It was also climbed by famed New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary, the first man to conquer Mt. Everest with sherpa guide Tenzing Norgay; another victory over extreme, unfavorable odds, due to excellent planning.) The same philosophy supporting BigFish's design was focused to build the yacht to rigid specifications, supporting owners, guests, and crew on station for extended lengths of time, in often inhospitable regions. This meant strict adherence to storage of fuel, water, and all relevant equipment, plus supplies and consumables. Antarctica, however, actually does comprise up to 90% of our planet's ice, 70% of our fresh water. BigFish's holds are designed to consider all needs of its 10 VIP passengers, with a 10-person crew, under command of Capt. Winston Joyce-Clark.

A closer look at BigFish's "picnic pulpit" sort of a fold-down beach, illustrates the depth of design/thought that produced this excellent expedition yacht. No doubt while the winsome explorer shown here is enhancing her tan, her other half is in the library, briefing room, studying up on local fishing opportunities. Or perhaps grilling exploration leaders on exactly what to expect if their zodiac is confronted by monstrous armies in flocks of king penguins, giant 1,000-lb. leopard seals, or heaven forbid, Orcas, all of which are common in the area.

Shown here underway are BigFish's obvious design features, taking angularity to new levels. Counting down, we see the crows nest, the top deck, the observation deck, all above the main deck. Then the swim platform aft, which unfolds at each beam to deliver a startling 39.6' beam/width; surely the broadest ever on a 147'- 45m yacht. Underneath this labyrinth of contemporary, cutting edge design lies a heart of hydraulic fluid, pumping out platforms, raising decks, lowering pedestals and generally making BigFish a “Transformer Class” vessel.

A small pond in a big sea, BigFish’s whirlpool invites sore swimmers and exhausted explorers to re-energize. Elevated at the forepeak of the flydeck, the pool is encompassed by sunpads and a full wrap-around wind screen to take the nip out of a biting breeze. Notice the four glass panels just aft of the pool? That’s the interior atrium that spans 3 decks.

Her soaring radar arch rises heaven-bent above her main deck; its observation pod assembly mounted high atop her steel hull and aluminum superstructure. The tall sat-nav triangle exhibits Yachtronics navigation and communication modules, enabling instant electronic contact world-wide. In addition, her comprehensive equipment gear includes Kaleidescape audio/video systems; with capability to store as many as 1,200 films, thousands of CDs, for guest entertainment.

Nicely upholstered, sun-protected, and easily accessed by stairs, the "Nest Seat" high above the main deck gives a marvelously comfy way to "nestle" into the ship's movement, underway or at anchor in some mountain-sheltered cove. Looking after the comfort angle has been a major part of the design scheme for BigFish, worked out with Total Trim Canvas Ltd. of New Zealand.

Placed strategically amidships on the flybridge, activity centers around Big Fish's dining and outdoors. Nestled under the generous overhang, an outdoor dining table stands ready for snacks, meals, or frivolity, day or night. There's also a Jacuzzi pool for those who don't challenge diving the open sea; as well as immediate access to other water sports, just off the stern; or fishing jaunts via her many options.

Big Fish is set up for excellent outdoor cookery and parties, with Avonite countertops. Multiple choices are available immediately for baking, grilling, snacks, all with her marvelous ocean view. Whether you do it yourself, or allow the expert crew to guide/serve your needs, BigFish takes the cake.

BigFish's bridge, as expected, is totally modern and comprehensive in her layout and equipment, yet presents a very comfortable mien as well. An elevated settee backs up the bridge for guests eager to become backseat drivers. Five flat screens confront the helmsman/navigator, while the entire bridge offers large windows for excellent 'eyeball' navigation. For a ‘Pole bound boat, it is suprising to see a leaning post for the helm. Antartica is a long trip… standing up.

The Yachtronics equipped helm is the epitome of concise. Well organized and minimalist in nature, it is a fully equipped command center. Overhead, recessed lighting eliminates window glare.

Her Owner's Suite, while designed with excellent tastefulness, continues to project a very masculine, up-scale aura. Light browns and tans dominate, in contrast to the ocean's paramount blue/green, giving the overview an earthy atmosphere. Floor to ceiling windows add light balance.

While following the light tan/brown theme, the Owner's Bath steps lightly off the conservative design pattern with an extremely avant guarde departure, oversized bathtub-shaped his/hers wash basins. Though a visual novelty, they are also bound to come in handy in episodes of turbulent seas. The separate head offers a refreshing down-under spray as well.

This astounding photo shows a facet new to most of yachting; a two-story, 24-foot tall audiovisual system with a video wall delivery of several 20" x 46" HD plasma screens. For viewing, the stairway folds up to disappear into the side wall, and the complete width picture dominates. This innovation seems certain to garner more than average attention to all concerned, especially considering the ship's enormous video storage capacity (1,200).

A complete page screen shot of the Video Wall shows a breathlessly entertaining full 10' wide close up of undersea life, fish, corals, action, in living color. In this photo, the staircase has been raised to become flush with the deck above, giving an unobstructed view of the entire wall.

BigFish's Galley, while boasting considerably more standard equipment than the usual expedition yacht – owing to her expected long range voyages – provides excellent working space that will delight every talented chef. Modern to the teeth, she favours non-scratch cabinetry as well as multiple storage areas and working surfaces.

Spotless stainless steel counter-tops, grilles, and storage bins define food prep areas, spacious and complete, allowing a fully expressive scope for the ship's chef. Flooring is Mystix Strip bamboo vinyl. Various operations are nicely set apart, allowing perhaps the most open, best food design prep yet in a yacht this size.

Her modern galley settee, in warm light oak wood veneer, nestles up to the kitchen's open prep area with designer style chairs; convenient to arrange snacks for three; or light meals on the run.

In BigFish's main salon, note on the far wall, the full size video scene described earlier. The custom "stacked wall" trim is solid walnut. Airy, roomy, commodious, it shows excellent taste with comfortable furnishings. Large windows framed in walnut and white oak are accented by dark blue-black "Graphite President" carpeting. Her "living room" decor would be quite at home in any luxury hotel VIP suite, yet fits easily into the adventure ship's relaxed atmosphere. Window treatments feature motorized and manual blinds with Thermoblock screening.

BigFish's guest rooms also reach for the highest praise in decor, with furnishing equal to the finest hotel standards. Walls and furniture, wardrobes, are white oak and aromatic cedar veneers, convenient custom drawer units. Spacious, with each guest room sporting a large window, a desk, and copious walk-in closet space.

Guest rooms offer extra lounging space with modern design chairs, a compact coffee table and wall mounted 32" TV/video screens. Wood veneers throughout are American White Oak, with textured panels. Ensuites feature Benjamin Grey Limestone. Guest headboards and bed rails are Majilite. Fabrics are Tervira Linus, with Marillo Taupe carpeting and limestone tile. Although this looks like a guest room study/lounge, a Pullman berth is located in the wall, transforming this space into another guest suite. A pocket slider separates the two rooms for privacy.

Specifications:

LOA: 147'7"
LWL: 140'9"
Beam: 29'6"
Draft: 8'5"
Construction: Steel Hull / Aluminum Superstructure
Class: 100 A5 Motor Yacht MC
Passengers: 10
Crew: 10
Displacement: 470 Metric Tons
Engines: 2xCAT – 3508B-DITA 1,008 hp ea.
Max Speed: 14 kts
Cruise Speed: 12 kts
Range: 9,200 nm
Fuel: 23,920 gals.
Water: 2,860 gals.
Flag: Marshall Islands
Charter Price: 0,000 / Wk

For inquiries contact: Privé International

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Minivan/Van, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Ford

It sounds like Ford is getting ready to square off against the Opel Meriva small minivan in Europe. According to Automotive News, Ford will be bringing an all-new B-segment van to next year’s Geneva Motor Show. The Blue Oval’s European arm is keeping the details of the vehicle close to its chest, but from what we understand, the new minivan should begin production toward the end of 2012. The company has already made it clear that its Craiova, Romania facility will be tasked with constructing a new B-segment fighter sometime soon, and news has it that the vehicle will be more people mover than hatchback.

If true, that means that the new van is likely to carry the B-Max moniker to keep in line with creations like the C-Max and S-Max. In Europe, Ford has relied on its aging Fusion people mover to carry the company in the small-car segment, and the aging platform has begun to slip over the past few years. While it once held the number two slot, the Fusion has fallen to be the fifth most popular vehicle among the B-segment vans.

Regardless of whether or not the B-Max can knock the Meriva off of its throne, we aren’t likely to see it here in the states.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Ford B-Max minivan concept coming to Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Dec 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments
Autoblog

More of mack’s work on mackart.ca. Check him on conceptships.

Keywords: concept 3d loader vehicle design work by polish born mack sztaba specializes in concept art but continues to work as a freelance illustrator mainly with digital media concept ships video game studios concept art

Concept cars and trucks

The Porsche 911 GT3 RSR takes off into the new motorsport season with extensive modifications. The 2011 version of the world’s most successful GT race car celebrated its international premiere at the ‘Night of Champions’ party held at the R&D Centre in Weissach to mark the end of the motorsport season. Priority in the further development of the GT3 RSR was given to the newly designed aerodynamics at the front and rear, changes to the suspension kinematics and to the engine.

The 4.0-litre, six-cylinder boxer engine now delivers 455 hp (335 kW) at 7,800 revs, five horsepower more than its predecessor. The power increase results from an engine management system which adapts even better to different fuel grades, as well as a redesigned exhaust system and a modified air intake housing. Moreover, the driveability of the famously efficient engine has undergone further improvements. Maximum revs remain unchanged at 9,400 rpm.
Concept Carz

To save the environment, more and more auto makers are moving into making hybrid-electric vehicles the type of vehicles that can feed on bio oil and use batteries alternatively, which the main objective is to improve fuel efficiency. Now, Toyota, as the leader of green auto makers, has announced that it’d build its first plug-in hybrid car by 2010. The plug-in hybrid is different from the current hybrid models, which allows recharging of the batteries from any ordinary power outlet. Conventional hybrids are recharged by power generated by the wheels.

The plug-in hybrid vehicle that is to be developed by Toyota, will run on lithium-ion batteries, instead of the nickel-metal hydride batteries that power the Prius and other Toyota models. The plug-in hybrid and lithium-ion powered vehicles are said to be capable of achieving fuel efficiency of 99.9 miles-per-gallon in electric mode. But it can only go up to 7 miles on pure battery power.

Toyota will unveil the models that will have plug-in hybrid versions available at the 2009 Detroit auto show. The new lithium-ion-equipped vehicles will first be made available to Toyota’s commercial customers â€" such as government agencies and corporations.

The announcement of Toyota is seen as a strong competitor to GM, which has also announced that they’d produce their own plug-ins around the same time.

AUTO SHOW

The Porsche 911 GT3 RSR takes off into the new motorsport season with extensive modifications. The 2011 version of the world’s most successful GT race car celebrated its international premiere at the ‘Night of Champions’ party held at the R&D Centre in Weissach to mark the end of the motorsport season. Priority in the further development of the GT3 RSR was given to the newly designed aerodynamics at the front and rear, changes to the suspension kinematics and to the engine.

The 4.0-litre, six-cylinder boxer engine now delivers 455 hp (335 kW) at 7,800 revs, five horsepower more than its predecessor. The power increase results from an engine management system which adapts even better to different fuel grades, as well as a redesigned exhaust system and a modified air intake housing. Moreover, the driveability of the famously efficient engine has undergone further improvements. Maximum revs remain unchanged at 9,400 rpm.
Concept Carz

The Porsche 911 GT3 RSR takes off into the new motorsport season with extensive modifications. The 2011 version of the world’s most successful GT race car celebrated its international premiere at the ‘Night of Champions’ party held at the R&D Centre in Weissach to mark the end of the motorsport season. Priority in the further development of the GT3 RSR was given to the newly designed aerodynamics at the front and rear, changes to the suspension kinematics and to the engine.

The 4.0-litre, six-cylinder boxer engine now delivers 455 hp (335 kW) at 7,800 revs, five horsepower more than its predecessor. The power increase results from an engine management system which adapts even better to different fuel grades, as well as a redesigned exhaust system and a modified air intake housing. Moreover, the driveability of the famously efficient engine has undergone further improvements. Maximum revs remain unchanged at 9,400 rpm.
Concept Carz