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Concept Car of the Week: Saab 9X (2001)

With a glorious heritage, a strong and understated design philosophy combined with a focus on technology and innovation, it is sad to have witnessed how GM's questionable management led to Saab being completely wiped off the map in just a decade. The vision of what this iconic brand could have been still haunts many car enthusiasts around the globe. The 9X concept is, along with the AeroX, one the most exciting concepts produced by the Swedish manufacturer.

Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV Evolution breaks cover

This is the Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV Evolution Vision Gran Turismo, and if you think it looks as if it’s from a computer game, you’d be exactly right. The Concept XR-PHEV Evo is a special digital concept that has been engineered for the driving game Gran Turismo 6 – and far from being limited to bedroom gamers, this could potentially one day become the next Mitsubishi Evo. Please click on the image above to read more about the Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV Evolution Vision Gran Turismo

Concept Car of the Week: Honda Kiwami (2003)

As part of Honda's exploration into new, clean-performing technologies, the Kiwami concept was created to test public acceptance of the idea of a large, fuel cell-powered luxury sedan.  Unveiled in 2003, the simple yet striking design seemed like a Japanese twist on the Renault Vel Satis concept, which shared a similar wedge profile, wide stance and minimalist approach.  However, the Kiwami found its own interpretation of modern luxury, expressed through elegantly integrated technology rather than with crystal champagne glasses.  Up front, a full-width LED strip headlamp sat flush with the flat bonnet and the rectangular bumper to create a design of primitive beauty.  Further examples of the same simple Japanese aesthetic are found around the car, including the uncluttered body panels and a full-width tail-lamp graphic that matched the front theme.  The dramatic proportions of the interior were closely related to the package of the hydrogen power plant. Unlike other manufacturers at the time, Honda engineers did not create a 'skateboard' fuel cell chassis below the cabin. Instead, a sideways H-shaped layout for the control unit, ultracapacitor, fuel cell stack, hydrogen storage and other components was used, helping to create a lower center of gravity.