Take a journey into the future with a look at this year’s amazing concept cars. Some are literally out-of-this-world space-age design exercises, while others look very close to production. With these concepts, the New York International Automobile Sh
“From Ford’s retro Bronco and VW’s next-generation Dune Bug to an interesting line-up of multi-use hybrid vehicles that are at home both on and off the road, this season’s concepts are anything but ordinary,” said show chairman John LaSorsa.
The following concept cars are a sample of the exciting vehicles expected to appear at this year’s show.
Land Stormer — The Range Stormer is a high performance, sports tourer SUV concept car, which showcases a future design direction for Land Rover. Land Rover’s first ever concept car is a high performance machine that looks powerful, muscular and edgy. Powered by a supercharged V8, this concept is sure to take the SUV market by storm.
Jeep Rescue — Designed for the most extreme situations and unforgiving conditions, the Jeep Rescue concept is not only the ultimate type of search and rescue vehicle — it’s the ultimate execution of a Jeep off-road vehicle. Powered by a Cummins Diesel and featuring seating for five, the Jeep Rescue’s primary mission is its rescue capability, and its list of rescue and safety equipment is impressive: 3-D topographical mapping software and topographical navigation system; under-chassis, point-of-view cameras for avoiding danger in its path; infrared (thermal) cameras for search and rescue; satellite telephone; VHF radio, digital video recorder with satellite transmission capability; retractable four-point harnesses for vehicle occupants; and exterior perimeter lighting.
Chevy Nomad — A turbocharged Ecotec 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine powers the Nomad, which also features a new Hydra-Matic 5L40-E electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission with finger-operated tap shifting. Through the use of variable engine valve timing, valve lift and duration can be adjusted throughout the rpm range to improve fuel economy, emissions and performance. The Nomad is rear-wheel drive and boasts independent front and rear suspensions attached to a rigid chassis that uses a pair of full-length hydroformed frame rails as its foundation. To make room for rear-seat riders in its 2+2 configuration, the Nomad rides on a 107-inch wheelbase.
Ford Shelby Cobra — Ford engineers created a new aluminum-block V-10 to power the Ford Shelby Cobra concept. This 6.4-liter engine, adapted from Ford’s MOD family, delivers the rush of raw power associated with that big 1960s V-8 monster — with 605 horsepower and 501 foot-pounds of torque — without the aid of supercharging or turbocharging. Styling cues like the massive grille opening, side vents, low-back seats and bulging wheel arches establish an emotional connection with Carroll Shelby’s original 1960s Cobras, but no dimensions or proportions are copied in this thoroughly modern two-seater.
Lincoln Aviator — Lincoln’s next-generation Aviator will crossover to a car-based platform, enhancing Lincoln’s lineup, while maintaining its place as Lincoln’s entry in the mid-sized SUV segment. Dubbed a crossover sport utility vehicle, Aviator’s move to a car-based platform will help Lincoln deliver a very competitively priced vehicle — one with exceptional comfort, elegant design and effortless driving — everything customers expect from a Lincoln.
Hummer H3T — The dynamic H3T, a midsize truck that infuses all of Hummer’s military-derived DNA into an efficient, refined package that includes innovative features such as the pickup box which incorporates side-access doors, along with drop-down assist steps that also double as weather-tight storage compartments. Its wheels-at-the-corners stance, along with 34-inch-tall tires and 11 1/2 inches of ground clearance, gives the H3T a 51-degree approach angle and a 50-degree departure angle, ensuring that Hummer’s formidable off-road reputation remains unblemished.
Lincoln MarkX — Mark X, pronounced “Mark Ten,” is a two-seat luxury convertible roadster that blends design elegance with driving athleticism. The use of rich materials, varying textures and contrasting colors represents an evolution of the current Lincoln design philosophy. Mark X features a 3.9-liter, 4-valve DOHC V-8 aluminum engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission delivering 280 horsepower and 286 foot-pounds of torque. Its athletic stance is accomplished through 19-inch, 12-spoke machined aluminum wheels with P245/40/R19 Michelin tires on the front and wider P275/35/R19 tires in the rear.
Ford Bronco — The Bronco’s clean, raw shape, uncluttered interior and capable chassis make it the ideal tool for work, play or just making a statement. Key design features reminiscent of the original Ford Bronco include the boxy, upright roofline, short wheelbase, round headlamps and the Bronco nameplate milled into the modern three-bar grille. A winch and guide rollers are integrated into the lower fascia. Exterior details include exposed door hinges, cowl vents and flared wheel wells. Unique loop-shaped door handles are integrated into the door panels and open with a tug. Yet within Ford Bronco concept’s rugged design is an advanced turbo-diesel powertrain.
Saturn Curve — Sports car performance is derived from a supercharged 2.2-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine that produces more than 200 horsepower and more than 200 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine features fuel-saving variable valve timing technology, which is available on some of GM’s four-, five- and six-cylinder engines. A front-hinged, clamshell hood is complemented by a rear-hinged trunk lid. The forward-opening hood is a nod to great sports cars of the past, while the opposite-opening trunk lid creates interesting design symmetry when both panels are in the up position.
Mitsubishi Motors Sport Truck Concept —With the Sport Truck concept, Mitsubishi has re-shaped the traditionally square and boxy pickup truck into something that inspires passion. Powered by a V-8 engine mated to an electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission, the Sport Truck transmission features a dial-type shifter knob which, rotated into the D+ mode, allows for sporty paddle shifting through controls mounted on the steering wheel.
Acura HSC — The High-Performance Sports Concept features a lightweight 3.5-liter V-6 engine located midship for optimum balance and superior handling. Shifting is accomplished through a unique dial shifter located on the center console or an F-1 style paddle shifter located on the steering wheel. HSC features a four-wheel double wishbone suspension with six-piston caliper Brembo disc brakes on each wheel. Five-spoke forged aluminum alloy racing wheels are shod with 245/35ZR19 tires in front and 295/30ZR20 tires in the rear.
Mitsubishi Eclipse-E — The Eclipse Concept-E’s front wheels are powered by a 3.8-liter V-6 engine that features Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and lift Electronic Control (MIVEC). Driving the rear wheels is a rear-mounted E-Boost electric motor which provides an additional 200 horsepower, for a total output of 470 horsepower. Because it is not affected by gear changes, the throttle-actuated electric rear motor gives the Eclipse Concept-E a constant source of power when it's needed, which directly translates to higher, more efficient performance. Besides raw speed, the hybrid powertrain also improves fuel economy and lowers emissions when compared to vehicles with engines that develop in excess of 450 horsepower.
Audi LeMans Quattro — Audi’s “Le Mans Quattro” concept study has an aluminum Audi Space Frame (ASF) that forms the central structure of this concept study. The outer skin and add-on parts use a weight-saving mixed aluminium and carbon-fibre concept — thus satisfying the demand for utmost rigidity at a simultaneously low weight of 1530 kg, and providing a foundation for top road dynamics. This mid-engined two-seater is powered by a five-litre V10 “biturbo” engine with FSI direct fuel injection.
Nissan Actic — The sleek, silver, bullet-shaped Actic using a handheld “key fob”-based Information Technology (IT) system that allows the user to “grow” the interface with infinite flexibility and updateability. Actic also provides nearly unlimited opportunities for its users to explore and challenge the relationship between exterior and interior environments and to introduce elements of personalization by projecting video displays on a series of six roof-mounted flat LCD screens. Other innovations include dual sliding side doors, a “cross trainer”-style wheel and tire design with tread-wrapped 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and a versatile, matching trailer with inflatable walls that converts to a comfortable sleeping space for three.
Subaru B9SC — The two-seat B9 SC roadster melds high-performance driving and environmental compatibility in an exciting, fun-to-drive sports roadster. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, height-adjustable suspension and large wheels with run-flat tires give the Subaru B9 SC concept trail-driving capability, making it a sports car for all roads. The concept vehicle’s lower body features a special protective paint that also wraps over the upper body behind the doors to provide unity to the design.
Toyota Triathlon Race Car — Toyota’s fuel cell concept is a response to the cultural interests of young people today. Mobile phones, video games, computers and the internet play an increasing role in youth culture. This cultural trend was a significant influence in the race car concept’s design. The two-seater was conceived to compete in three different environments: an off-road course, a smooth and high-grip racetrack and a narrow city street circuit, as if in a triathlon. The vehicle uses an electronically controlled suspension system that constantly monitors the road conditions, raises the ride height and adjusts the settings according to its environment.
Kicking off the springtime selling season, the 2004 New York International Auto Show will feature an impressive collection of cutting-edge design and remarkable innovation. More than four floors of displays from the world’s automakers will feature their newest vehicles and futuristic concept cars. More than 1,000 cars and trucks will be on display at the Javits Center, filling 846,000 square feet of exhibit space. In addition, dozens of World and North American vehicle debuts are expected at the Show.
For more information or to purchase tickets to the New York International Automobile Show online go to www.autoshowny.com.
