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Sub 10 seconds runs up the strip, quickest acceleration from 0 to 100 mph, quickest deceleration from 100mph to 0. We all know the Ultima GTR. Performance that makes any production car trail behind where it counts: Around a track!

The RZ Ultima concept is intended for those who want all the performance that the GTR offers but with a more refined look. Even if this is still in design phase, we believe it has the potential to be the ultimate supercar.

Based on top of the GTR existing chassis, the styling was designed to leave the chassis and running gear untouched. This is what Racer X Design thinks a supercar should be. Extremely quick, stylish, and unique. The RZ Ultima promises all these qualities and more.

The V Concept is a stylish and luxurious 2+2 sports coupe developed by the Italian designer Fabio Ferrante. Ferrante is a graduate of the Polytechnic Institute of Turin and has undertaken an internship at the Fiat Design research center.

The V Concept, despite its subtle and delicate styling elements and curvaceous bodywork, was in fact inspired by American muscle cars from the 1960s, and specifically the 1967 Chevrolet Impala from the TV series “Supernatural”. The single letter name of the concept comes from Ferrante’s girlfriend who’s name begins with the letter V. So two very different influences there!

When designing the V Concept Ferrante decided not to do a retro revival of the Impala, instead he chose to develop a vehicle which had its own distinct character but paid tribute to the imposing and muscular proportions of muscle cars in their heyday. This can be seen in the proportions and stance of the vehicle where a long, low hood is combined with bulging wheel arches and a large overhangs – especially at the rear.

From Fornasary’s latest creation we become aware of how they see the near future – Sharp Edges, Chrome Paint and lots of rough POWER. Not to mention we are speaking for a Maxi SUV with off-road capabilities. If the apocalypse is near, you are going to need one.

THE RACING BUGGY represents the access point to the Fornasari’s world. It has been designed with 2 levels of mechanical; one is more accessible and a little less performance, the other one uses the classic architecture of Fornasari with a tube chassis, overlapped triangle suspensions and a Chevrolet motorization.

This is a vehicle particularly studied for a everyday and every conditions use and particularly indicated for the free time thanks to the possibility to be competed open.

For the rest it keeps unchanged the technical information of the RR600 and a big capacity of a off road and relevant performances on road.

The wheel base is shorter and the line is particularly aggressive and underline the possibility of a use more uninhibited and less binding then the RR600.

THE CHASSIS

The car’s skeleton consists of a special steel piping chassis in molybdenum-chrome that means a real space-frame in a 5 users’ model adaptation. More than 450 pipelines go across in order to obtain stiffness and torsion capability with a weight of less than 150 kg. The suspension triangles are equal on the four sides and they are mechanical jewels, with welding joints like those in Formula 1.

The suspensions travel of 240 mm has been studied so as not to affect or change in any extent the geometrical configuration, as it had been set.

MECHANICAL

The Size is important for the whole car: a real maxi SUV.

Desert wheel-tracks, an American wheel-base, a remarkable height from the ground, a top-class maximum travel of suspensions, ideal in/out angles, a feather-weight, power distribution on both axes as for GT and load distribution near to 50/50. That’s all what makes of this off-road vehicle the most similar to a road vehicle in the world.

Its small rolling and pitching allow for smooth driving, while both the power and engine elasticity let you forget to be inside a 5 seats’ car. Power gets transmitted to the wheels by means of a central viscous joint releasing a 60% to the back limited-slip differential, while leaving the 40% power left to balance the front differential.

As far as the gearbox is concerned, either the six-speed one or a 4-speed automatic one is available. Also, it is possible to set on board a version with reduced gears, but such a solution compels to a less sportive scheme of transmission.

Brakes come from GM, but a possibility is given to choose the Brembo’s ones. Alloy rims are, in alternative, of 18″ – 20″ or even 23″ size AND they host tyres from the 285/55/18″ up to the 305/35/23″ ones.

THE ENGINE

The heart consists of the latest generation of engines by General Motors’ as reviewed by Fornasari in the U.S. under the specialist Mr. Cottrell. The result is a light but reliable complex all built in aluminium.

Sparing of consumption, in compliance with law about gas emissions puts no limits to power exploitation, which comes to be underlined by great values of torque.

FORNASARI RACING BUGGY TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Engine: 7000cc – 8 cylinders
Power: 610hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 748 Nm @ 5100 rpm
Traction: Integral AWD
Length: 435 cm
Width: 200 cm
Height: 172 cm
Wheelbase: 275 cm
Weight: 1600 kg
Seats: 5

PERFORMANCES

Max speed (self-limited): 280 km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 3.8 seconds 1
Km run in: 23 seconds

DRIVE TRAIN ALL WHEEL DRIVE

Central differential: Viscous coupling 60% rear, 40% front
Rear differential: Dana 44 slip limited
Automatic transmission: Hydra-matic 6 speed
Manual transmission: Borg Warner 6 speed
Gear ratios: Automatic: 4,02/ 2,36 / 1,53 / 1,15 / 0,85 / 0,67 / 3,06.
Manual: 1^2.66, 2^1.78, 3^1.30, 4^1.00, 5^0.74, 6^0.50, reverse 2.90
Axle ratios: Automatic 4.10, Manual 4.56

The Buick Business Concept, a new concept vehicle designed to showcase Buick’s future vision of “business class on the road,” made its global debut today at Auto Shanghai 2009.

The multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) was developed in China by the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), a design and engineering joint venture between General Motors and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), with global design input.

The Buick Business Concept Vehicle captures the essence of the Buick form language in a thoroughly elegant and expressive design, with its taut surfaces, double sweep spear belt line, strong front and rear identities and dynamic presence.

“The Buick Business Concept Vehicle has a grand presence and makes a strong statement when it pulls up to the front of any establishment,” said Ed Welburn, GM Vice President of Global Design.

“The Chinese market and business person have some unique requirements. Our team has responded with an elegant solution to their business and personal needs.”

Classic Influences in Modern Design

According to Cao Min, PATAC Concept Car Chief Designer, the design team set out to create a modern global design for Buick, yet include a subtle Chinese essence and influence.

To achieve this balance, they sought to draw from their heritage outside the automotive industry – from classic shapes to arts and ancient relics.

The Buick Business Concept Vehicle’s dynamic exterior surfaces and “yin and yang” interior tones are drawn from diverse inspirations including the 2008 Buick Riviera concept car, Chinese artifacts and modern electronic icons. The vehicle, inside and out, communicates an orderly elegance that transcends cultural boundaries and conveys the tranquility and power of Buick.

Exterior Design – A Sense of Presence and Buick Essence

To establish their design direction, PATAC designers took the global Buick design vocabulary of sculpturally beautiful and dynamic forms established by the Riviera concept car and successfully extended it to a tall, one-box architecture.

The Buick Business Concept Vehicle develops the Buick form language further and incorporates elements of Chinese culture and artistic influences into the details. It takes the Buick design treatment to a new level of sophisticated boldness.

The famous Buick waterfall grille takes on a bolder treatment. Intricate detailing gives it an even more prominent look. The backlit Buick tri-shield logo leads into the distinctive mid-hood crease prevalent in classic Buicks and consistent across the new Buick line today.

The prominent LED headlamps show influences of popular Chinese liuli glass through three-dimensional transparent and multifaceted surfaces. Liuli is a Chinese crystal sculpture art form that incorporates cultural and modern references. It has become a popular symbol of modern Chinese prosperity.

The elongated, jewel-like headlamps are connected to the body shoulder line through a strong chrome accent that flows the length of the vehicle from the hood to the body sides, accentuating a strong double sweep spear design until it finally comes to rest wrapped around the taillights. This is the most distinctive design element of the Buick Business Concept Vehicle, as it offers a modern approach to the classic Buick double sweep spear. Familiar Buick portholes are gracefully integrated into the chrome strip extending from the headlamps.

This distinctive double sweep spear shape not only provides expressive dynamism to the vehicle profile, it is also functionally important. It defines the window line from the body sides and incorporates the rail guides for the power sliding doors. Additionally, it lowers the rear passenger sightline and adds significant shoulder room to the rear compartment.

“This vehicle was inspired by the grace and gesture of great Buicks. PATAC designers have cleverly incorporated other design cues from traditional Chinese art, such as applying a huiwen motif on the turn signals and fog lamps,” Cao Min said.

The Zitan Purple exterior color was chosen to elicit the right level of attention and respect. The color is found in rare zitan wood used for sculptures and fine Chinese furniture. This deep burnt-purple color perfectly highlights the concept’s grandeur.

Power sliding doors with no B-pillar were selected for their ability to showcase an expansive view of the interior and ease of entrance and egress.

The Buick Business Concept Vehicle sits on 20-inch, 9-spoke forged aluminum wheels, with a polished mirror finish, and low-profile tires. The outside mirrors incorporate turn signals with the huiwen motif.

Interior Design – Functionality and Soothing Serenity

Serenity and advanced functionality come to mind when entering the vehicle. The use of deep burgundy suede and subtle creams, representing earth and wood themes, are conveyed through high-quality leather bucket seats, plush vehicle carpet and a luxurious padded steering wheel. Completing the tranquil feel is a roof comprised of two full-length sunroofs that offer a celestial connection for occupants.

“Through deep burgundy suede carpet, high-quality leather interior decoration with liuli and soft, ice blue ambient lighting, we wanted to create a mobile VIP lounge for passengers,” Cao Min said.

Interior trim and features befitting Buick prestige abound such as a power central console with a deployable tablet for writing or to hold a laptop computer. The console can be moved up and down the two rows of rear seats. The second row of power captain’s chairs slide on hidden rails and swivel 225 degrees, enabling them to be adjusted to an infinite combination of orientations. Traditional huiwen patterns are embroidered onto the seats and seat backs, bringing harmony to the entire design theme.

The three-dimensional instrument cluster reaches across the entire width of the front panel and features a multi-layer information display. The instrument cluster design reflects the liuli art influence but is utterly modern in design. It is complemented by a central console with touch pad controls on either side of a cylinder-shaped roller mouse. A large LED display crowns the central console. Once again, the huiwen motif shows up as details on the wings of the instrument panel.

The OnStar security telematics feature is easily accessible on the rearview mirror, with three prominently yet tastefully displayed call buttons.

“The design of the vehicle inherits Buick’s vision for business class on the road, creating a sense that space means possibility,” Cao Min said.

Next-Generation GM Hybrid System

PATAC designed the Buick Business Concept Vehicle to accommodate the next-generation GM Hybrid System, which will be introduced in China in the near future.

The next-generation GM Hybrid System will build upon the successful belt-alternator-starter hybrid technology currently available in the Buick LaCrosse Eco-Hybrid. An advanced lithium-ion battery will help make the next-generation GM Hybrid System more powerful than the current system, improving fuel economy of vehicles with this system by up to 20 percent, depending on engine and vehicle application.

The next-generation GM Hybrid System helps optimize fuel efficiency and reduce emissions by:

-Turning the engine off at idle
-Offering brief electric-only propulsion
-Using a more powerful electric motor to enhance engine efficiency
-Extending fuel cutoff during deceleration
-Extending regenerative braking to recapture more energy
-Performing intelligent hybrid battery charging

“Developing and launching the Buick Business Concept Vehicle in China underscores the diversity, strength and depth of GM’s global design network,” Welburn said. “It also reflects PATAC’s growing role within the GM design family and China’s significance as the world’s largest Buick market.”

Kia Motors has taken the wraps off its KND-5 concept car.

Kia released the first official images of the near-luxury sedan concept car, code-named KND-5, ahead of its debut at the Seoul Motor Show 2009 which opens to the press on April 2.

KND-5 boasts a dynamic and balanced appearance that reflects the style of the near-luxury sedan VG (code name) which is scheduled to debut in Korea in late 2009.

VG will be Kia’s first near-luxury sedan and complete the automaker’s passenger car lineup along with the Lotze mid-sized sedan (known as ‘Optima’ or ‘Magentis’ in overseas markets) and Opirus luxury sedan (known as ‘Amanti’ in North America).

Based on the VG, the KND-5 features an exterior with a newly interpreted line and the striking LED headlamps of a luxury sedan.

The front of the car sports Kia’s family-look radiator grille which is based on a symbolic representation of a tiger’s roaring countenance. The 20-inch large-diameter alloy wheels enhance its aggressive yet refined image.

KND-5 employs the same color for its body on the door handles and has a powerful, muscular profile. The panorama sunroof extends seamlessly from the front windshield to contribute to its open and sleek facade.

The KND-5 measures 4,945mm long, 1,850mm wide and 1,475mm high with a wheelbase of 2,845mm.

The concept car is outfitted with a 3.5L V6 Lambda engine.

Hyoung-Keun Lee, Senior Executive Vice President & COO, International Business Division, said, “The aggressive and sophisticated KND-5 exemplifies Kia’s futuristic design and values. As a concept car that presents the new direction of luxury sedan design, KND-5 will likely generate a lot of buzz at the Seoul Motor Show.”