Noble M14, 2004

Having conquered the specialist sports car market over the last five years, Noble Automotive is now launching an all-new model, which will firmly establish it at the quality end of the supercar market.

The British Noble M14 is set to take on rivals, such as the Porsche 911 Turbo and Ferrari 360 Modena, with a tantalising mix of class-leading dynamics, prodigious performance, a finely crafted and well equipped cabin, and levels of practicality that will appeal to owners who wish to use their car every day.

EXTERIOR DESIGN
The 2004 British Motor Show will see the Noble M14 unveiled for the first time. Far from being a mere concept, the show car's styling, interior, drivetrain and chassis represent what will reach production when the car goes on sale in October this year.

DRIVETRAIN & PERFORMANCE
Noble has chosen again to adopt a highly-modified version of Ford's 3.0-litre V6, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, for use in the M14. The unit, which in base form also powers certain Jaguar cars, has proved particularly durable in five years of Noble M12 development and production.

Like the GTO-3R and M400 models, the engine employs twin turbochargers, but uses an engine map developed specifically for the M14. In common with the 425bhp M400 model, the M14 will gain forged pistons to ensure durability. Maximum power will be 400bhp at 6100rpm, with a wholesome 385lb ft of torque at 4750rpm. Estimated performance will be 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds, 0-100mph in 9.5 seconds and a top speed of 190mph.

INTERIOR & PACKAGING
One of Lee Noble's design briefs was to create a cabin for the M14 that conveyed a feeling of expensiveness, by paying special attention to textures, finish and feel.

Trimmed in the finest Italian leather (Noble uses the same supplier as Ferrari for the M14) there is no mistaking the M14 cabin's aura of quality and luxury. The padded leather extends throughout the cabin, and is complimented by grey Alcantara roof lining and a gear tunnel and centre console formed in a gunmetal-coloured composite material. The floor and some lower sections of the cabin are trimmed in deep, 80 per cent wool carpet. There are even leather sill pads, incorporating the 'Noble' logo, for drivers to lean against while exiting the car.

The stunning and sumptuous seats, which will be standard in all M14s are manufactured specifically for Noble. They feature a carbon fibre frame, for strength and lightness, and are trimmed in the same top-grade leather seen elsewhere in the cabin. Both seats incorporate fore and aft adjustment, as well as reclining backrests and tilt adjustment.

More occupant space has been created in the cabin by reducing the width of the gear tunnel and re-designing the floorpan. As a result, the M14 has a maximum 1160mm of legroom for driver and passenger (up 30mm on that found in the current M12) and 950mm of headroom (M12 + 20mm). We would expect occupants of up to 6' 5" to sit comfortably in the M14's cabin.

Equipped like no other Noble, the M14 will come with:

• Electric windows
• Electric/heated door mirrors
• Air conditioning
• Heated windscreen with integral aerial
• Satellite Navigation (option)
• Multi-function dashboard display
• Central locking
• Alarm/immobiliser

CHASSIS & CONSTRUCTION
The M14's chassis has been adapted from that used on the highly praised Noble M12. Despite the change in design emphasis with the M14, it was felt that the inherent suppleness in the M12's ride, combined with its class leading levels of grip and composure, would lend itself perfectly to the new car's design philosophy. Consequently, the existing chassis has been refined - rather than significantly changed - to suit the M14.

All M14 bodies will be made from vinylester GRP composite (Noble may also consider carbon fibre in future), built over a steel spaceframe, which is reinforced with bonded and riveted alloy panels. A full roll over cage extends around the inside of the M14's cabin, adding strength to what will be our stiffest production structure to date.

Suspension is by double wishbones all round, with coil springs and alloy uprights. Rack and pinion steering, with hydraulic power assistance is geared to 2.5 turns from lock to lock, offering a far tighter turning circle than the current M12.

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Nissan Nuvu Concept, 2008

The Nissan Nuvu is a concept vehicle with unique 2+1 seating. It is easy to drive, even easier to park. It is the key solutions for tomorrow's city car."
The Nissan Nuvu is described as a moving oasis, a haven of green tranquillity in the urban jungle. To underline this message, Nissan Nuvu incorporates a witty representation of its green credentials: across its all-glass roof are a dozen or so small solar panels. Shaped like leaves on a branch, the power they generate is fed to the battery using a 'tree trunk' within the car as a conduit.

The interior package
The dimensions provide all the interior room needed for the vast majority of city journeys. Nissan Nuvu has two regular seats and a third occasional chair that can be folded down when required. But, unlike some two-seater city cars currently on the market, it is a thoroughly practical proposition with an integral luggage area providing sufficient space for a typical supermarket or shopping expedition.

The Solar panels
The energy tree is shaped like a thin trunk. As it reaches daylight it branches out under the glass roof providing occupants with protection from bright sunlight, just like a real tree. And providing a visual reminder of Nissan Nuvu's green credentials, covering the branches are dozens of small solar panels shaped like leaves.
The panels absorb energy from the sun which is then fed back down the energy tree and used to help recharge the battery and provide an extra power boost for the electric motor. As well as being genuinely green energy, it is estimated that the power generated via the solar panels will save the equivalent of one full overnight charge from mains electricity each month.

Driver controls are as simple as possible. All the major functions - steering, braking, transmission and throttle - are 'By-Wire' while the steering is controlled by an aircraft-style steering yoke: with just one turn from lock to lock, the steering is very direct for agility and manoeuvrability in the city. Nuvu's turning circle is just 3.7 metres.
There are two pedals - for stop and go - stalks for minor controls and a digital instrument panel with dials for speed, distance covered and battery range.

The exterior and interior design
Nuvu's design is further clear evidence of Nissan's continued desire to challenge convention and to explore all the possibilities that the EV could bring us. In many ways it was inspired by our two most extreme EVs of recent times: Mixim and Pivo 2.
Significantly, though, Nuvu delivers a more realistic interpretation of two of the most important aspects of its forerunners - the 'Friendly Innovation' found in Pivo 2 and the 'Sports Dynamics' central to Mixim

EV drivetrain
Nissan Nuvu is more than a styling concept of a future EV. It is a fully working mobile test bed for much of the technology that will be used in Nissan's production EV to be launched in 2010. For this reason elements of its technical specification are being kept secret for the time being.
The electric motor used in Nissan Nuvu is mounted at the rear of the vehicle and drives the back wheels, though neither its exact specification nor the power and torque figures are being released at this stage. A driving range of 125 kms and top speed of 120 km/h are being made public, however.

Li-Ion battery
Similarly although it can be revealed that the batteries used are of the latest laminated lithium-ion type and have a capacity of 140 Wh/kg (watt-hours per kilogram), the total capacity of the batteries and number of modules are not being disclosed at this stage.

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Morgan Roadster 3.0 V6, 2004

The Morgan Roadster is a car produced by the Morgan Motor Company.
It was introduced in 2004.

Dimensions
* Length : 4010 mm
* Width : 1610 mm (standard wheels) / 1720 (optional wheels)
* Height : 1220 mm

Fuel
* Fuel Tank Volume : 55 litres (12 imperial gallons)
* Fuel Consumption :
o Urban: 20.3 mpg imperial (13.91 l/100 k
o Extra Urban: 38.17 mpg imperial (7.40 l/100 km)
o Combined: 28.9 mpg imperial (9.77 l/100 km)
* CO2: 231.8

Engine
* Configuration: 3.0 litre V6 24 valve
* Bore x stroke, mm: 89 x 79.5
* Engine capacity, cm³: 2967
* Max output EEC: 166 kW (226 hp) at 6150 rpm
* Max torque EEC: 206 N·m 280 (lbf·ft) at 4900 rpm
* Power-to-weight ratio: 240 hp/t, kW/t
* Torque to weight ratio: 199 lbf·ft/short ton, 297 N·m/t

Performance
* 0 - 100 km/h (62 mph) 4.9 s
* Top speed 134 mph (215 km/h)

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Mitsubishi Colt CZT, 2008

With 205,561 cars (3-door, 5-door and coupé-cabriolet included) sold between the initial launch of Spring of 2004 and May 2007 - therefore covering three successive fiscal years - Mitsubishi Colt has successfully re-established the "Colt" nameplate in many a major European market, like Italy (9,122 units for CY2006 / + 8% in Europe's largest B-segment market) or Germany (20,129 sales for CY2006 where it commands a 3.5% market share in the segment).

With most of these sales being conquest - since Mitsubishi Motors did not have any model in this sector before - Colt's performance (81.504 sales for CY2006 or +12.7%) is even more remarkable. More so as the B-segment is one the toughest in Europe, involving all the mega-budget big players and driven by the introduction of new models.

As a further evidence, in B-segment-orientated Southern Europe, Mitsubishi Colt sales increased in Spain by 24.3% during CY2006, with the sporty 3-door variant representing 45% of the total.

The Mitsubishi Colt family equipment and color changes:

* 15" and 16" alloy wheels
* Metallic colors (Sparkling Black, Cranberry Red, Glamour Grey)
* Seat fabrics (black/red -3-door only-, grey -5-door only- or black)
* Translucent elements colour (grey instead of blue)
* Shift boot colour (black instead of blue)
* Auto light and rain sensor available for high grades

A new pan-European special action model with both the 3 door and 5 door body style.
Sporty in spirit, as it suits Mitsubishi Motors products, these latest limited editions:

* Black headlamps
* Darkened rear combination lamp reflectors
* Blacked-out A-, B- and C-pillars
* Privacy glass (5-door only)
* Black side sills and lower section of bumpers (5-door only)
* Rear roof spoiler (3-door only)
* New 16" alloy wheels
* Front fog lamps
* Rain sensor
* Auto headlamps
* MP3 functionality
* Unique seat fabric
* Black dashboard and door trim panels
* Black perforated leather for steering wheel and M/T shift knob

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Mitsubishi Colt 5-door, 2008

With 205,561 cars (3-door, 5-door and coupé-cabriolet included) sold between the initial launch of Spring of 2004 and May 2007 - therefore covering three successive fiscal years - Mitsubishi Colt has successfully re-established the "Colt" nameplate in many a major European market, like Italy (9,122 units for CY2006 / + 8% in Europe's largest B-segment market) or Germany (20,129 sales for CY2006 where it commands a 3.5% market share in the segment).

With most of these sales being conquest - since Mitsubishi Motors did not have any model in this sector before - Colt's performance (81.504 sales for CY2006 or +12.7%) is even more remarkable. More so as the B-segment is one the toughest in Europe, involving all the mega-budget big players and driven by the introduction of new models.

As a further evidence, in B-segment-orientated Southern Europe, Mitsubishi Colt sales increased in Spain by 24.3% during CY2006, with the sporty 3-door variant representing 45% of the total.

Mid-point
Representing nearly 30% of Mitsubishi Motors Europe sales, this CO² friendly range remains an essential pillar for the dealer network to attract newcomers to the Brand (over 70% conquest rate - 2006 data) and also to retain existing multi-motorized Mitsubishi customers looking for a smaller vehicle to second their Pajero, their L200 or their Grandis.

Action
Capitalizing on this success, Mitsubishi Motors has committed investment for short- and mid-term actions to enhance Colt's appeal with (further) potential customers.

The Mitsubishi Colt family benefits from several trim:

• New 15" and 16" alloy wheels
• New metallic colors (Sparkling Black, Cranberry Red, Glamour Grey)
• New seat fabrics (black/red -3-door only-, grey -5-door only- or black)
• New translucent elements colour (grey instead of blue)
• New shift boot colour (black instead of blue)
• * Auto light and rain sensor available for high grades

At the same time, Mitsubishi Colt will welcome a new pan-European special action model with both the 3 door and 5 door bodystyle. Sporty in spirit, as it suits Mitsubishi Motors products, these latest limited editions will feature:

* Black headlamps
* Darkened rear combination lamp reflectors
* Blacked-out A-, B- and C-pillars
* Privacy glass (5-door only)
* Black side sills and lower section of bumpers (5-door only)
* Rear roof spoiler (3-door only)
* New 16" alloy wheels
* Front fog lamps
* Rain sensor
* Auto headlamps
* MP3 functionality
* Unique seat fabric
* Black dashboard and door trim panels
* Black perforated leather for steering wheel and M/T shift knob

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Mazda 2 Sedan, 2008

Mazda 2 Sedan, 2008

Mazda Motor Corporation revealed the all-new Mazda 2 (known as Mazda Demio in Japan) sedan at the 2007 Guangzhou Motor Show.

The version of Mazda's latest model has a dynamic and elegant form that was designed to capture new customers in the rapidly growing Chinese B-car segment. The all-new Mazda2 sedan is produced by Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd. at its Nanjing plant, and will go on sale in the first half of 2008 through the Changan Mazda Motor Sales Company's network.

Mazda completed the consolidation of its production, sales and product foundations, which it has been building in order to achieve its mid-term objectives.

Mazda is also updating its sales network in order to achieve its mid-term target. In addition to the existing FAW Mazda Motor Sales Co., Ltd. (FMSC), Changan Mazda Motor Sales Co., Ltd. (CMSC) has been newly established, and sales will commence through the two channels from January 2008.

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Mazda Ryuga Concept, 2007

MAZDA RYUGA CONCEPT: AN EVOLVED ZOOM-ZOOM

RYUGA ( ree-yoo-ga=Japanese for gracious flow )

The large wheels placed at the far corners of Ryuga's exterior lend a highly stable, balanced stance. The aggressive wedge shape imparts motion even when this sports coupe is parked. Volumes that are small in front, larger at the rear, wrap around and over the wheels to give the exterior tension and direction.

The exterior features:

• Ryuga's side surfaces were inspired by karesansui (Japanese dry gardens). The carefully raked pebbles in these garden s represent peaceful ripples caused by a breeze over a pool of water. The karesansui's man-made image of natural flow is represented in the Ryuga's surface texture to express simplicity and refinement.
• The headlamp shape resembles the flow of morning dew dropping from bamboo leaves. Advanced LED and fluorescent tube technology will enable such a striking design to be used on a production vehicle in the foreseeable future.
• To impart motion, the 21-inch wheel spokes - different on the left and right sides - are slightly twisted as if they're delivering torque. To convey the feeling of gas turbine blades, the trailing edges of the wheel spokes are accented with a tinge of body color.
• Flowing lava inspired both Ryuga's exterior hue and the tail lamp design. Depending on the incident light, Ryuga's surface appears to be shades of yellow, red, and blue, exactly like molten, flowing lava. Notes van den Acker: "The hot red finish goes straight to your heart."
• The roof molding tightens up the flowing cabin and gives an accent to the body styling as well. Cameras located at the forward end of each molding convey rear views to a center cockpit display screen. Turn signals are also integrated into these protruding accents.
• Reflecting its Japanese origin, Ryuga is both simple and complex. While the dominant flow theme is simple, the details - such as the side surfaces and the wheels - are intricate. Solidity and fluidity live here together, in harmony.

FLOW THROUGH INTERIOR
The Ryuga is significantly shorter and lower than today's four-passenger RX-8 sports car, it too accommodates four passengers in roomy comfort. A relatively long (110.2-inch) wheelbase and two large gull-wing doors provide a wide-open invitation to the interior.
The doors rise to expose the interior of Ryuga and allow easy slide-in access, the passengers are presented with the fusion of a cockpit - designed to maximize the emotional connection between the car and driver - with the social atmosphere of the rear passenger space, where lounge-like comfort is ensured through expansive space and Nagare-inspired design.

The front bucket seats provide ample lateral support for energetic driving with the shape of the seats creating an impression of movement which is further emphasized by the patterns in the material.
The experimental 'floating' center cluster allows a high level of interface between the driver and the multi-function touch panel without having to take one's eyes off the road ahead. Information necessary for safe and dynamic driving is available to the driver with RPM and speed (which is shown in both analog and digital format s ) being displayed on the same axis.

Flowing upwards, the center cluster dynamically penetrates the front information panel which reflects Zoom-Zoom futuristic and sporty design craftsmanship, as well as an integrated interface between man and machine. Elongated pods give the cockpit depth while bringing information closer to the driver's eyes. An open-top steering wheel provides enhanced sight lines to the instruments and the road ahead .

THE DRIVING PERFORMANCE ENVIRONMENT AND SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES TO SUPPORT ZOOM-ZOOM

The part of the initiatives, an E85/Gasoline FLEX FUEL engine which runs on sustainable bio fuel could be used in Ryuga. This engine delivers torque and power, balancing driving and environmental performance. Other important features that will support safe driving are the Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) cameras installed for the rear monitoring system and the blind-spot monitoring system. These help ensure safe driving while changing lanes and allow easy identification of potential obstacles. Mazda is working on various technologies to deliver Zoom-Zoom driving in the future, including earth-friendly environmental technologies and people-friendly safety technologies.

To ensure the car provides a Zoom-Zoom driving experience, which is the basis behind all the other features, an open top steering wheel is employed with highly sensitive settings to respond to the driver's smallest input. The car also features steer-by-wire technology and gauges that deliver superbly clear information to the driver. The dramatic wheels with TOYO PROXES 245/35R-21 tires complete the driving experience, and the sophisticated original tread pattern perfectly suits the Ryuga's design concept.

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Maserati GranTurismo S, 2008

The Maserati GranTurismo S, the ultimate expression of the Trident coupé's sportiness shifts the emphasis onto performance and driving enjoyment.

The 2 main novelties are at the heart of the new Maserati: the 440 hp V8 4.7 engine and the electro-actuated gearbox with fast MC-Shift arranged in the transaxle layout typical of high-performance sports cars that represents the technological DNA of all Maseratis.

The Maserati GranTurismo S makes use of the high-performance brake system developed in collaboration with Brembo and introduced for the first time in the automotive field on the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S. The system features front brake discs made with dual-cast technology - a dual casting of cast iron and aluminium, paired with aluminium mono-bloc 6-piston brake callipers, ensuring optimised braking performance.

The exterior
The Maserati GranTurismo S is characterised by a number of aesthetic modifications.

The interior
Upholstered in Poltrona Frau leather and Alcantara reflects the sporty flair of the Maserati GranTurismo S; the figure-hugging front and rear seats are distinguished by their new dynamic design with horizontal piping on the seats and seatbacks.

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Maybach 62 S, 2007

Maybach, the luxury brand with an illustrious past, re-established just four years ago, is adding a fourth variant to its line-up in the shape of the newly developed 62 S model. The "S" stands for "Special" and draws attention to the fact that the Maybach engineers at the Sindelfingen-based Manufaktur workshops have incorporated a wealth of meticulously developed, special features specified by their highly discerning customers into the new 62 S model. The result is a new dimension in travelling comfort, especially for the passengers in the generously proportioned rear compartment of the new high-end luxury saloon. Not to mention a prodigious power output thanks to the enhanced potency of the twelve-cylinder engine developing 450 kW/612 hp, making the new 62 S model the world's most powerful chauffeur-driven saloon in series production.

The new flagship model in the Maybach range is celebrating its world premiere at the "Auto China 2006" international motor show in Beijing in November - a move which expends its range of high-end luxury saloons. The Maybach 62 S is primarily designed to be chauffeur-driven and meets the very highest of standards in terms of spaciousness, smoothness and comfort - for a truly relaxing ride - and dynamism for saving that most precious of commodities: time. Precisely what is needed in these increasingly frenetic times.

Exterior boasting a dynamically elegant appearance
Prominent exterior features accentuate the dynamic presence of the new Maybach 62 S and clearly distinguish it from the 62 model. These include a modified front end with a strikingly redesigned radiator grille as well as new, distinctive 20-inch spoked wheels and a modified light-cluster design. Like the 57 S model, the new Maybach 62 S boasts lavish single-tone paintwork in black or silver, both of which are available exclusively for the "S" models. Alternatively, customers can now specify a special paint finish in shimmering white. Discreet "62 S" lettering adorns the front wings beneath the A pillars and the boot lid, while a modified rear apron with two integral, trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes hints strongly at the immense performance potential of the 62 S.

The interior
The contemporary Maybach interpretation of lavish luxury, consummate comfort and superlative dynamism is also reflected in the interior of the 62 S. Here high-grade materials are hand-finished to perfection for a distinctive and particularly exclusive look, all in inimitable Maybach style. Carefully coordinated applications of exquisite piano lacquer and sporty carbon or anthracite poplar create an atmosphere of dynamic elegance both in the rear compartment and in the driver's direct field of vision and activity.

Twelve-cylinder powerplant and comfort-tuned chassis
Effortlessly superior performance in any situation comes courtesy of a Mercedes-AMG-enhanced V12 powerplant developing 45 kW/62 hp more than the engine specified for the Maybach 62. The twelve-cylinder engine in the Maybach 62 S has a displacement of six litres and an output of 450 kW/612 hp by virtue of a twin turbocharger and a water-type intercooler. The impressive maximum torque of 1000 Nm (electronically limited) is available over a wide engine speed range between 2000 and 4000 rpm. This provides even the most sportily inclined of Maybach drivers with effortless power reserves at all times. With acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in only 5.2 seconds, the new Maybach 62 S impressively demonstrates its outstanding performance potential. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h in chauffeur-driven vehicles.

The exclusivity of the twelve-cylinder powerplant is underlined by a model plate on the cover bearing the signature of the Mercedes-AMG technician who assembled it by hand based on the now familiar "one man, one engine" principle.

In contrast to the sportier configuration of the 57 S model for owner-drivers, which features a stiffer and lower chassis, the Maybach engineers decided to retain the full spring travel for the 62 S in order to achieve an outstanding, practically unsurpassed level of ride comfort. In terms of comfort, the chassis marks the absolute pinnacle of automotive engineering.

Maybach continues its rich tradition
The outstanding attributes of the Maybach 62 S set new standards at the high end of the passenger car industry and also continue the tradition of the legendary Maybach saloons which represented the elite in German and international carmaking circles back in the 1920s and 1930s. Even then, many Maybach cars were built and equipped to be chauffeur-driven - a tradition which the 62 S model is proud to honour.

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Maybach Landaulet Concept, 2007

Maybach has re-enlivened the great art of building majestic automobiles. True to the tradition of exclusive landaulets, the roof of this sparkling white one-off study can be opened fully at the rear, while the chauffeur's compartment remains completely enclosed. The passengers are then able to enjoy the clear, blue sky above. Seated in opulent armchairs upholstered in white, they are treated to a majestic open-air experience currently unrivalled by any other automobile in an environment of the utmost luxury and exquisite. Romance close to the heart of nature is harmoniously combined with the ultimate in comfort and technological sophistication. With this unique study, Maybach is once again demonstrating its expertise in building the world's most exclusive luxury cars.

Large folding roof for passengers in the rear
In technical terms the Landaulet study is based on the Maybach 62 S - which can claim to be the world's most powerful series-produced chauffeured saloon. Maybach technicians have removed the rear roof module in order to afford passengers an unobstructed view of the sky above. The side walls remain, and have merely been invisibly reinforced with an integral tubular steel structure. As these measures have not altered the silhouette of the luxury saloon, the generously dimensioned doors and the complete interior with its reclining seats remain unchanged.

When closed the black soft-top of the Landaulet rests on the frame formed by the roof bows, and is wind and weather-proof. When requested by the passengers, the chauffeur operates a switch in the centre console. The roof then opens electro-hydraulically and is gently deposited on the parcel shelf in the rear, together with its integral of single-layer safety glass. Opening and closing the roof takes 16 seconds. The chauffeur is able to enclose the folded roof with a fitted cover, which both conceals the roof mechanism from view and completes the overall picture of outstanding elegance.

Generous spaciousness and first-class comfort
Outstanding comfort is assured by the generous spaciousness of the rear, which the Landaulet study has adopted unchanged from the Maybach 62. Passengers are welcomed into the interior by two large, single seats. These elegant seats also allow even very tall passengers to enjoy a reclining position which travellers normally only encounter in the first-class armchairs of modern passenger jets.

The study is designed as a chauffeured vehicle and features a partition. The upper section of the partition is a glass panel which the passengers can render opaque at the touch of a button, thanks to a liquid crystal membrane embedded in the glass.

Two ultra-modern automatic climate control systems, whose parameters have been adapted to the Landaulet study, ensure that open-air travel remains a pleasure even under adverse climatic conditions.

Engine and suspension
The Maybach Landaulet study is powered by the uprated V12 engine which Maybach engineers have developed further for the Maybach 57 S and Maybach 62 S together with the specialists at Mercedes-AMG. The V12 develops a maximum output of 450 kW/612 hp from a displacement of 5980 cubic centimetres.
The electronically controlled air suspension AIRMATIC DC (Dual Control) and the Adaptive Damping System (ADS II) endow the Landaulet with outstanding levels of ride comfort, at the same time demonstrating that even a prestigious vehicle such as this can exhibit extraordinary agility and dynamic performance.

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Lotus Hot Wheels Concept, 2007

Group Lotus plc has teamed up with Hot Wheels, the famous global die-cast brand, to design, develop and produce a Lotus Hot Wheels Concept vehicle. This 1:5 scale model was on displayed to the world at the annual SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Centre in November 2007, and a 1:64 scale version of the design will become part of the Hot Wheels product range in spring 2008.

To celebrate its 40th anniversary next year, Hot Wheels approached Lotus and other world leaders in he automotive industry with the challenge for each company to produce a vehicle that embodies its own engineering philosophy and brand.

Lotus Design's international reputation for designing visually dynamic and exhilarating sports cars perfectly fitted the brief for this program and relished the opportunity to design a concept that was free from the typical technical and legal constraints of a full size car. In addition the design offered unique challenges because it has to work as a toy and therefore had to remember how specific views, features and tactile qualities of toy cars fascinated.

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