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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.”

The GTA Concept, the supersportcar manufactured by the Spanish company GTA Motor, has realized its last tests on track for its official launch in the last days of April, date on which it’s definitive name will be revealed.

A limited edition of 99 units of this car will be produced. Designed by the engineer director of GTA Motor, the valencian Sento Pallardo, it is characterized for the exclusivity of its look and its high perfomance.

The several tests realized until now have been a success. This supersport car will have a great performance, with an acceleration from 0 to 100 Km/h in under 3 seconds and a top speed of over 350 km/h, numbers that show its potential.

The experience in competition has been a key ingredient for the development of this car, that has five world patents. The chassis has been created combinating Kevlar, and carbon fibers as well as titanium. The engine is a V10 mounted in a longitudinal rear position and has 780 horsepower and 920 nm of torque. The car has a seven speed sequential- manual geabox, with the option of automatic system with paddle shift in the steering wheel.

The suspension has a double wishbone configuration with multiregulation shock absorbers to choose the ride hardness and the possibility to raise the bodywork.

The tires are the latest Pirelli Pzero wich measure 255/35 on a 19 wheel at the front and 335/35 on a 20 wheel at the rear. The wheels are manufactured exclusivity for this car.

The braking system contains ABS with 380mm diameter carbon ceramic ventilated disc brake system and 6 piston callipers manufactured by AP Racing. The glass panoramic roof gives it an open air feeling while being sporty and elegant. The roof has a patented system of interior lighting and liquid crystal shading.

The Project, directed by Domimngo Ochoa the GTA team manager, began three years ago and has reached distribution agreements with the most relevant dealers in the world. After the proyect was published one year ago the GTA Concept is now a reality.

The project represents a personal vision of a Lamborghini 2 seater super sports car.

The inspiration comes from nature, and especially the insect world. I began by studying the different types of exoskeletons or armor that certain insects have.

I sought to apply these type of organic forms and translate them into the style of the brand so that when you see the car, you have no doubt that it is a Lamborghini. This type of armored appearance is especially visible in the rear and top views.

The dimensions of the car are: 4300 mm length (same as the Gallardo), 1000 mm height and 2000 mm wide, with a wheelbase of 2650 mm. The body is carbonfiber and the car can use the same engine as the Gallardo.

The idea was to create a very extreme race oriented supercar with a style that introduces new soft and organic lines and integrates them into the geometrical style of Lamborghini.

As car manufacturers start to feel the economic pinch, they are looking to outsource more and more of their product development work to suppliers. That’s the view of Austrian-based Magna Steyr, best-known for its contract manufacturing for the likes of Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz.

The company is keen to show off its design and development capabilities, especially when it comes to electric vehicles. Magna Steyr already has a contract to help Ford develop an electric version of the Focus – and at Geneva it showed an entirely self-designed electric prototype, the Mila EV.

Magna Steyr describes the Mila EV as a “fully integrated electric vehicle platform which can be used by every OEM to realise their own products, drive and design strategies in the shortest time.”

The platform is fully engineered and can be built as pure battery-electric car, a hybrid, a natural gas-powered car or even a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. It’s designed to meet all crash testing standards, while the platform is flexible enough to be ‘right-sized’ to any customer OEM’s requirements.

Magna Steyr is hoping a manufacturer will buy the basic design “off the shelf” – which would allow it to get a fully engineered electric car into production far more quickly than if it were to start developing such a vehicle on its own.

The design is so flexible that Magna Steyr believes more than one manufacturer could build distinct cars on the same basic architecture, thus leveraging economies of scale which could be shared. And of course, Magna Steyr wants the contract to build the cars “With the proven Flex Plant concept, all versions can be made on one single production line,” said a spokesman.

The Geneva show car is a 4m-long five-door version, with a 67hp electric motor powered by Magna Steyr-developed lithium-ion batteries. It has an average charging time of 2.5 hours, and it has an ranges of up to 150km. Solar cells integrated in the glass roof provide additional energy generation, and the drag-inducing wing mirrors have been replaced by rear-view cameras.

-Dacia is breaking fresh ground and springs yet another surprise with the unveiling in Geneva of Duster, a futuristic, image-building crossover that promotes the same values for which the brand has stood from the beginning.

-Inside, the use of colour, generous cabin space and an original modular layout ensure a particularly convivial ambience for occupants.

ROBUST AND SPORTY

Duster – Dacia’s first concept crossover – is proud to be different. Seen from the driver’s side, it is visibly a sporting coupé, yet passengers entering from the other side will see it as an MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle) with a traditionally opening front door and rear-hinged rear door which suggest plush travelling refinement. Duster’s height of 1.49 metres, short front and rear overhangs (65cm and 80cm respectively), generous wheelbase (2.80m) and compact volumes (4.25m long, 1.64m wide) exude an overriding sense of robustness and sports appeal.

The front end features a broad bumper with two horizontal air-intake slits that suggest power. The grille features evident Dacia styling cues and is flanked by headlamps which wrap over the front wings to form a tapering line of light that stretches rearward towards the doors.

Viewed from the side, the clear-cut lines of the wheel arches and tall doors reinforce the impression that Duster sits squarely on the road. The Anthracite Grey bodywork and extensive one-piece glazed sweep – made possible by the absence of a central pillar – highlights the styling of the sides which are unmistakably reminiscent of Duster’s graphic identity.

At the rear, the engraved Dacia logo further emphasizes the concept car’s robust, dependable credentials. Like Logan, Duster is just 4.25 metres long, and its inherent agility ensures that it is perfectly at home in the urban jungle. Meanwhile, its 21-inch, five-spoke aluminium alloy wheels, exterior mirrors positioned on the window surround and trapezoidal aluminium exhaust tailpipes are telltale signs of its sporting pedigree. Special care has gone into Duster’s aerodynamic efficiency (Cd: 0.30) and the fluid lines of the body sides enable air to flow freely along the vehicle’s flanks before being jettisoned through the rear lights. The aerodynamic, wing-like forms of the roof-mounted direction indicators also channel airflow towards the rear. The sum of all this work has naturally been beneficial to fuel consumption, and Duster stands out as a particularly environmentally-respectful crossover. Despite its performance potential, the particulate filter equipped 1.5 dCi 105hp engine (77kW) emits just 139g of CO2/km, equivalent to fuel consumption of 5.3 litres/100km.

A CROSSOVER WITH DACIA HALLMARKS

This futuristic crossover showcases the brand’s core values – namely simplicity, robustness and authenticity – in a surprising form, yet Dacia’s hallmark ingenuity and generosity are immediately apparent in the way designers have approached Duster’s cabin.

The concept car’s two-tone chocolate and blue interior exudes a sense of well-being and conviviality. The fully glazed roof floods the cabin with light, while the enveloping forms of the staggered slim-line front seats provide first class comfort and support. The driver’s seat is incorporated in a structure which extends all the way from the sill to the centre console, forming a sculptural, one-piece ensemble that echoes the exterior’s sporty appeal.

The user-friendly dashboard features fluid, expressive lines while employing simple materials. The driver’s side front airbag is housed in the lower part of the steeringwheel which has made it possible to position the screen centrally and free up appreciable stowage space on the dashboard. The latter’s receding lines also provide record kneeroom of 280mm for the front passenger who benefits from an exceptionally comfortable seating position. The bellows-like form of the original two-tone dashboard incorporates a 20-litre glovebox, while the door inserts each include eight-litre stowage bins. Another bin has been cleverly concealed in the back of the rear right-hand seat. A simple push causes a box to slide forward from the boot which itself is in total keeping with the Dacia spirit, with the upright tailgate providing a carrying capacity of 470dm3 (VDA), a remarkable achievement for a vehicle of Duster’s compact overall dimensions .

Duster is an adaptable, modular concept car. The four-seat ‘daily driver’ layout can be swiftly converted into a leisure configuration in a matter of seconds. The passenger seat slides underneath the driver’s seat on rails concealed in the floor to leave just one front seat and consequently free up a total carrying volume of two cubic metres. Thanks to a recess in the floor and a strap located under the dashboard, this space can be used to carry a trials mountain bike.

Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) has today set a new benchmark in executive styling and performance with the release of an all-new concept, the F6 E.

“The F6 E has been designed to satisfy calls from the market for more performance based executive vehicles,” Ford Performance Vehicles General Manager Rod Barrett said.

“With the success of the new F6 and GT E, it was a natural progression to couple the performance and dynamics of F6 with the more subtle executive styling, luxury and comforts of the GT E.

“With the release of this concept we will test the market’s reaction before deciding whether or not to put the F6 E into production,” Barrett added.

“Feed back from our customers leaves us confident that the F6 E will be a hit with those looking for something more from their performance vehicle.”

Powered by the high performance 4.0 litre turbo-charged DOHC 24 valve in-line six, the F6 E produces maximum power of 310kW at 5500 rpm and maximum torque of 565Nm across the range from 1950 to 5200 rpm.

The new F6 E features the ZF six-speed high-torque automatic transmission with Sequential Sports Shift as standard and boasts a fuel economy figure of 12.1L/100km.

The F6 E receives performance 355 x 32mm cross-drilled and ventilated front rotors with Brembo 6-piston calipers and 330 x 28mm cross-drilled and ventilated rear rotors with Brembo 4-piston caliper as standard.

“The F6 E suits those drivers who want the same power and performance of an F6 but finished in a more conservatively styled package that isn’t going to leave everyone staring at them.”

Executive styling

“The styling of the F6 E differentiates itself from its F6 sibling through the use of a softer colour palette and more luxurious finishes and trim,” Barrett said.

“As opposed to the overtly sporty F6, the F6 E is more subtle, with striking chrome accents and a refined lip spoiler replacing the bright colours, and large rear wings found on the other models – the colour coding of the ‘racoon-eyes’ also helps the F6 E to keep a ‘low profile’.”

The upper radiator and lower bumper grille mesh are finished in black chrome, while the front driving lamps are highlighted with a high chrome bezel and complemented by full body coloured bumpers.

The new FPV badge takes centre stage on both the front and rear of the vehicle and the new F6 E badge features on the rear and side panels.

The 19-inch wheel design was custom matched to the F6 E’s premium Brembo brake package and the Alpine Silver alloy finish completes an understated yet stylish exterior package.

The F6 E is available in a subtle exterior palette of eight colours – Winter White, Silhouette, Lightning Strike, Velvet, Sensation, Steel, Ego, and Seduce.

Inside the cabin, the F6 E features luxury FPV seats in shadow leather with the F6 E logo embossed on the headrests.

The interior environment of the F6 E is charcoal and receives a dark walnut woodgrain finish on the dashboard as well as the doors.

The interior is packed with features to ensure a premium driving experience, including a sports leather steering wheel with cruise control and audio mounted switches, dual zone temperature control air conditioning, front and rear power windows, and memory adjustable pedals with alloy pedal controls.

Sports performance maintains ride comfort

“The F6 E gives increased response to the accelerator pedal throughout the rev range, but also provides around town driveability due to better access to torque,” FPV Head of Powertrain Engineering Bernie Quinn said.

The automatic transmission has a cylinder cut feature during wide open throttle gear changes, which shortens the ‘torque off, torque-back-on’ time between gear changes, enhancing the wide open throttle performance feel.

“The result is a vehicle with outstanding performance, better engine response and fuel efficiency, and improved operating performance under all conditions.

“The F6 E has an improved turn-in response and linearity, better steering precision and stability mid-corner and a reduced roll rate, which all work to deliver a smooth and controlled ride,” Quinn explained.

The FPV performance independent double wish bone front suspension and performance control independent rear suspension teamed up with the new Sachs mono-shock damper provides the perfect balance between a firm, dynamic sports performance feel and maintaining ride comfort while cruising.

Safety is standard in the F6 E

The F6 E is equipped with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and side curtain airbags, both of which are now standard across the entire FPV range.

In addition, the F6 E also features a reverse parking camera and reverse sensing system as standard.

Other safety features include Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and 4-channel Anti lock Braking System (ABS), driver and passenger airbags and Beltminder technology for both the driver and passenger.

The F6 E is protected by a remote alarm and FPV’s ID Datadot identification.

Target pricing for the F6 E would be $78,190.

Whilst the idea of an electric sports car is not new1, not much thought has been given by mainstream manufacturers to the proposition of a proper sports car as an electric vehicle (EV)… until now.

Blending its sporting heritage with leading expertise in the development of the EV, Mitsubishi Motors is providing a clear new look on the world, in more ways than one. The clear removable top of the i MiEV SPORT ‘AIR’ will be premiered at the forthcoming 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

Taking a step beyond being merely ‘green’, this all-electric zero CO2 emission sports concept builds upon the fundamentals of the EV by marrying:

the powerful acceleration and high torque inherent to electric motors,
the safe driving dynamics that stem from i MiEV’s lithium-ion battery pack located within its long wheelbase and the low centre of gravity.

The i MiEV SPORT ‘AIR’ is a new-age “pocket rocket” and signals the direction in which the Mitsubishi sports EV may take in the future.