Renault Sand’up concept unveiled in Sao Paolo

At the Sao Paolo Motor Show in Brazil, Renault has unveiled the Sand’up concept, based on its Renault/Dacia Sandero. The Sand’up, which is the first Renault concept designer entirely in South America, has a modular design that allows it to go from a closed hard-top coupe to a convertible pickup. The concept is powered by a 1.6 liter Hi-Flex engine that delivers 107 hp when running on petrol and 112 hp when using ethanol. We have to admit, Renault did a great job with this concept, which is pretty attractive with its big wheel arches, satin nickel roof rail arches and see-through doors. Check out one more photo after the jump.

Later edit: We’ve also added a video of the concept. Check it out!

Via :rpmgo

Kia VG Concept (KND-5) photo released

This weekend, at the Seoul Motor Show, Kia will unveil their latest vehicle, the KND-5 Concept, which previews the Korean company’s upcoming luxury sedan, so far only known with the codename “VG”. The car will be a direct competitor to near-luxury sedans such as the VW Passat CC and will share its FWD platform with the next generation Hyundai Azera (will debut in Korea in September). According to Kia World, the concept will measure 4945 mm in length, 1850 mm in width and 1475 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2845 mm. Other than that, the KND-5 concept features headlamps and taillights with LED technology, 20 inch wheels and a huge panoramic glass roof. More details about this concept soon, after its official unveiling on April 3.

Source: Kia World

Ssangyong releases C200 Aero Concept teaser photo

The Korean car maker released a teaser picture of the upcoming Ssangyong C200 Aero Concept which will make its debut in April, at the Seoul Motor Show. Based on the C200 Concept which made its debut last year at the Paris Motor Show, the Aero is a more aggressive model which features several new styling elements like a new front fascia, larger alloy wheels and a roof spoiler.

Considering the C200 was introduced with a 175 hp 2.0 liter turbo diesel, we expect the Aero to be equipped at least with the same engine, if not a more powerful powerplant. According to Ssangyong, the C200 Aero project is in an advanced state, with a production version being scheduled to be released later this year.

Source: Carscoop

Electric Opel Ampera to debut at the Geneva Motor Show

oday, GM has announced that March’s Geneva Motor Show will mark the debut of the Opel Ampera, an electric five-door, four-seat concept. According to GM, the Ampera, which is based on the Voltec powertrain, will offer 60 km (37 miles) of zero emissions driving, while for longer distances, the car will be powered by the same electric motor, powered by a small internal combustion engine. Opel claims this system suits Europeans perfectly, recent surveys showing that, for example, 80 percent of Germans drive less than 50 km every day.

“With the Ampera, Opel will be the first European automobile manufacturer to provide customers several hundred kilometers of non-stop electric driving,” said Alain Visser, GM Europe Chief Marketing Officer. More details on the Ampera will be available closer to its debut.

Source: GM

Subaru Legacy Concept unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show

After last month’s teaser photo, yesterday the Japanese carmaker has unveiled the Subaru Legacy Concept in Detroit. The car, which previews the next generation Legacy sport sedan, also celebrates 20 years since the first Legacy was introduced (and 3.6 million units sold). Though the teaser photo was really exciting, we can’t say we’re in love with the concept, which is not as sporty or striking as we’d expect. And the concept design’s theme, “Presence” as Subaru calls it, it’s kinda dull actually.

As for the powertrain, details are scarce, Subaru mentioning so far that the Legacy Concept features Symmetrical AWD and is powered by a Horizontally-Opposed 3.6 liter Boxer engine, which should be enough to offer a thrilling ride. We’ll see about that.

Via :rpmgo