Toyota Concept Pick Up-Truck A-BAT’s For Both Teams

Toyota A-Bat Concept

Introduced in 2007 at the Detroit auto show, the Toyota A-Bat pick-up truck/sedan synergy is now creeping slowly, hesitantly towards production. Although nothing has been green-lighted, Toyota executives have confirmed for Auto News that they’ve begun accepting supplier bids for the A-Bat’s construction components. So does this mean the freaky little A-Bat is destined for U.S. roadways? Not necessarily.

According to Toyota, the process of accepting supplier bids is a common industry practice used to evaluate the approximate cost of production, and doesn’t necessarily indicate Toyota’s future plans. Although preliminary design plans for the Toyota A-Bat indicate a vehicle that would lean heavily on body parts/design cues from both the Toyota Camry and 2010 Toyota Prius, the overall architecture of the A-Bat is expected to cost more to build than the Toyota Tacoma’s platform. As a result, the A-Bat’s future as a production model currently hangs in the balance. Despite it’s promising future as what could prove to be an engineering breakthrough for Toyota, if the final estimate of the Toyota A-Bat’s production costs exceed Toyota’s projected budget, the A-Bat project will be shelved.

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New York 2008: Kia Koup Concept Sparks Interest

Wait, wait, wait… Do not turn away just yet! This is not your typical little Kia submission for concept consideration. For once less dismiss the hyperbole and cut straight to the numbers. Beneath the tiny candy-coated shell of this singular little Koup would be Kia’s new 2.0 liter Thetta II turbo-charged engine, with direct injection and built in cooled intake, that pumps out an impressive 290-hp and 289-ft lbs of torque. No, those are not big power numbers in the grand scheme of things, but for a small, two-door Kia that kind of output is an aggressive statement.

Whether or not Kia’s intent for the wedge-shaped design was to inditacate their intention to insert themselves into the small-car market by force, their Koup appears poised to go head-to-head with any other cars in the destined segment. The large grill opening and extra two air-ports on both sides of the grill is meant to indicate that the Koup’s powerful engine needs room to breath. And Kia’s race inspired interior gives the indication that this car is built for spirited driving, while also looking production ready.

The best compliment for the Kia Koupe concept’s design is that it appears complete from front to back. The headlights and taillights carry a similar form and wrap around appearance, and the sleek curves of the body carry from front to back without losing their liquid-like flow. While the exhaust port-holes emerging from a carbon-fiber surround with its row of air fins seems unlikely to make it clear to production, we would recommend that Kia maintain that appearance with at least black plastic if this car survives its concept stage. This car looks road ready and if the mechanics and engineering are there to support the appearance what a great challenger to the Honda Civic Si you could have here.   …Check out the full gallery of photos and official Press Release from Kia after the leap… (more…)

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New York 2008: Pontiac Puts a Lid on the Solstice Coupe

If you have been itching for a brand new roadster on a budget and would like to feel the wind in your hair without the fear of your hat or toupee launching into space then the 2010 Pontiac Solstice Coupe might be just the ticket. With the Solstice Coupe and its Targa top you have the enjoyment of the elements while still having a bit of coupe to catch your wind-blown possessions. The coupe also provides owners the added advantage of a foot or two of more cargo space. Weekend getaways involving luggage is not what the Solstice was built for.

Much as BMW has done by offering their Z4 in both Coupe and Roadster form (that’s right! Who is the gutsy man to compare a BMW to a Pontiac? Mu-ha-ha-ha!), Pontiac looks to expand the marketability of their roadster by bringing it out in Coupe form. However, the Pontiac completes the package with the potential for wind shear from time to time and that might just make all the difference. …Or at least enough to sell a few more Solstice’s.

Mechanically the Coupe and Roadster forms of the 2010 Pontiac Solstice are identical and are unlikely to see any further changes. Pontiac will likely ride these little Roadsters out for a while before something new and maybe exciting is designed to replace it. Since being allocated from the GM adult table over to the kiddy table it seems unlikely that Pontiac will be bringing much more “excitement” to the family banquet than they already have.    …Follow the link for the Solstice Coupe Gallery… (more…)

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BMW Pulls the Covers off their X6 ahead of its Detroit Auto Show Debut

BMW has finally come clean on their X6 Concept vehicle and are ready to stake their claim on introducing the auto industry to the first Sports Activity Coupe. Based off the technologies of the BMX X5 and X3, the X6 may be the most technologically advanced Coupe on the market with the additions of BMW’s Dynamic Performance Control System and Active Steering. Ofcourse what will strike most observers of the X6 will be its head-turning appearance. Whether that head-turn will result in a smile or a wrinkled and confused eye-brow we will leave up to you. Either way the X6 and its two available motors will be getting a good bit of attention when it is debuted at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show in January.

The two engine variants for the X6 also provide a bit of excitement for the Sports Activity Coupe’s release. You can either go with the 3.0 Liter straight-six and its 300 horses or you can muscle up to 4.4 Liter V8 and its 440 horses. (more…)

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Heico Sportiv gets the Volvo C30 Sema Ready with 300 Horses!

Based off the tuner friendly design of the Volvo C30 Heico Sportiv has applied their products and badging to the new hatchback in preparation for the upcoming Sema show in Las Vegas this October.  The Heico touch can be seen inside and out on the C30 and despite the soft surfer stickering they do well to add some aggression to the already sporty design. With the addition of the Heico product line-up to tune the new Volvo the opportunities to customize what is already a Made-to-Order product from the manufacturer the C30 is made further an expression of its owners tastes and budget. Ofcourse Heico Sportiv’s best add-on will be found beneath the bonnet. (more…)

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