CONCEPT VEHICLES

Highlights of the 2015 Detroit Auto Show: Media Day 2, Part 1

January 13, 2015 by admin 3 Comments

The concept Hyundai Santa Cruz pickup truck.

The first day of the 2015 North American International Auto Show was replete with numerous releases ranging from the expected to the extraordinary. There was so much material distributed that we’ve added a few of those stories to our initial synopsis of the second media day.

Hyundai Pickup Truck

Hyundai-Kia is the fourth largest automobile manufacturer in the world, but like the Volkswagen Group its US presence is smaller than many of its competitors. Both manufacturers have something in common that explains, in part, why their respective market shares are smaller: a lack of a pickup truck offering.

Pickup trucks are popular with consumers, highly profitable for manufacturers and help amplify a brand. Imagine Dodge never having Ram — that Fiat Chrysler (FCA) brand would have disappeared long ago. Instead, Ram is such a strong seller that it is now a brand unto itself.

Hyundai, in the all-wheel drive Santa Cruz Concept, is taking a stab at a market that few are covering today. And that would be a small, unibody pickup truck along the lines of the retired Subaru Brat. Its a niche market that Hyundai identifies as for “Urban Adventurers” or millennial-type buyers who aspire to the utility of a pickup truck along with the ride and handling of a small car.

The Santa Cruz is essentially a car-truck, what the Chevrolet El Camino and Ford Ranchero once were and the Subaru Brat best articulated in modern days. Unlike some models, this one has a rear seat, accessible with is rear-hinged, rear doors. These doors are fully integrated with the front door design, enabling this truck to retain its two-door look.

Would Subaru Brat fans embrace the Hyundai Santa Cruz?

To the rear, the Santa Cruz showcases an expandable bed for extra utility. The longer cargo space is attained by making use of a special drawer-like sliding function.

Hyundai proposes using a turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel engine, making 190 horsepower and 300 foot-pounds of torque. Theoretically, this truck could achieve 30 mpg, an important efficiency threshold that not one of today’s truck models attains.

Although many concepts are never built, you have to think that Hyundai is seriously weighing its options in a bid to serve a segment it doesn’t currently reach in North America. Certainly, the Santa Cruz is far different from traditional body-on-frame pickup trucks, but it has the potential to fill a void that some people see as having been left open since Subaru ended production of the Brat more than 20 years ago.

Will the Chevrolet Bolt EV Concept become a production reality?

Chevrolet Bolt EV Concept

With gas prices falling below $2 per gallon in many places, talk about electric vehicles seems almost absurd. Yet, the current price plummet simply will not last — more than likely we will see prices return above $4 per gallon some day.

Car manufacturers cannot afford to be sentimental when it comes to prices at the pump. Indeed, federal fuel regulations require manufacturers to achieve a 54.5 mpg average in 2025 — that’s just 10 years away. Electric vehicles will play no small part in helping manufacturers attain those averages, though the challenge to convince you to purchase an EV is a significant one at that.

General Motors has been busy doing its part in advancing vehicle electrification, chiefly with its hybrid Chevrolet Volt. But it also is knee deep in pure electrification as it has a smattering of EV products of its own.

One of those products is currently in concept form and was introduced at the Detroit auto show on Monday. The Chevrolet Bolt EV concept could be just the vehicle to cajole people to making a switch, especially given its proposed $30,000 price tag and 200-mile range.

Bolt + Volt = Chevrolet Vehicle Electrification

What sets the Chevrolet Bolt EV Concept apart from the pack is its mini minivan-like layout, with very little front and rear overhang. It has been designed to maximize interior space and offers seating for four. GM’s designers looked to amplify its interior space for maximum comfort and in the concept, it appears that they have succeeded.

Using glass all around makes this model seem large, even commodious compared to other small vehicles. A high belt line sweeps upward to the D-pillar, what gives this vehicle a look that is at once sporty as it is elegant. In its design, GM made good use of such lightweight materials as magnesium, aluminum, carbon fiber and woven mesh. Moreover, its aerodynamic design plays a significant role in helping this model maximize its efficiency.

In GM’s presentation, the company was big on its conceptual homily, but small on its engineering application. We know nothing about the battery system that allegedly enables this vehicle to attain its 200-mile range, a number that is approximately three times longer than what most current EVs deliver, although it does align with basic Tesla models. Therefore, the only thing we can surmise is that the enhanced battery system is something that GM would like to attain and at a price point consumers would embrace.

A full reveal of the Jaguar F-PACE is on its way.

Keeping Pace with the Jaguar F-PACE

You will be forgiven if the name Jaguar F-PACE does not easily roll off your tongue. Not that the pronunciation is difficult, rather that it is one of those names that may bewilder the big cat enthusiast.

The British marque, along with its LandRover consort, have been making great strides in recent years in a bid for relevance. Jaguar LandRover sales are up around the world as parent Tata Motors gives the dynamic duo much room and independence to grow.

In the Jaguar F-PACE we have a model that will go on sale early in 2016, a five-passenger crossover utility vehicle underpinned by the brand’s innovational aluminum architecture and state-of-the-art suspension system.

Based on the Ian Callum’s C-X17 concept car, the F-PACE maximizes cabin space and provides the types of on-road dynamics that luxury utility vehicle buyers prefer. Jaguar offered scant details beyond the show and tell, but we know that the upcoming “performance crossover” will be based on the same platform driving the XE sedan.

Jaguar may seem as if it is crossing into LandRover territory with the utility vehicle, but there is a difference that should be noted. Whereas LandRover’s are designed with off-roading in mind, the F-PACE is designed solely for advancing its on-road antics.

A full reveal is likely this spring at the New York International Auto Show.

Ford Atlas Hints at Pickup Truck Future

January 16, 2013 by admin 5 Comments

Ford Atlas Concept. — Ford Atlas Concept pickup truck.

The future of the pickup truck is likely to face a big challenge in coming years as federal fuel economy mandates require that current manufacturer fleet averages must double by 2025 with incremental changes each preceding year. Pickup trucks wont go away, but they’re likely to become even more efficient, making use of lighter materials, diesel engines, new transmissions and perhaps even hybrid powertrains for select lighter duty versions.

Ford Pickup Trucks

For the Ford Motor Company, maker of the bestselling F-150 pickup truck for 36 straight years, its commitment to the segment isn’t wavering. In fact, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this week Ford unveiled the Ford Atlas Concept, a full-size pickup truck that shows how it plans to set the agenda for future models.

The concept truck is not a radical departure from the current model, at least not at first glance. On closer inspection there are many upgrades, technological changes that should help this truck keep pace with stiffening federal requirements.

Truck Styling Cues

To begin with, this truck holds true to the styling cues found in the current F-150 with its oversized, upright grille, its massive wheel wells, strong shoulders, flat profile and traditional box bed. Ford wont mess with success when it comes to sheer size, payload and cabin capacity, but there is an awful lot of room for improvement elsewhere.

For one, both active grille shutters and active wheel shutters are incorporated within the Ford Atlas Concept design. Both groups of shutters remain open at low speeds and close up at higher speeds to improve aerodynamics. A drop-down front air dam and power running boards also work to improve aerodynamics, offering yet more ways that Ford will squeeze additional miles out of every tankful of gasoline.

Future EcoBoost Improvements

Under the hood, the Ford Atlas Concept offers the next generation of the company’s EcoBoost engine. EcoBoost marries turbocharging and direct injection to enable smaller engines to perform at higher levels than standard engines and for this concept, that means adding in engine shutoff technology to turn the truck off when it is idle or in traffic. When towing, the engine would not shut down, as sensors would be able to detect when heavier loads are present.

Although a four-cylinder EcoBoost has been rumored, Auto Trends is expecting that future models may have a slightly smaller V-6, displacing around 3.2 liters and pairing it with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Were also expecting that Ford will offer the 3.2-liter five-cylinder diesel planned for the Ford Transit van as an option with base F-150 models. That would give Ford diesel engines at both ends of the pickup truck spectrum as its Super Duty line currently offers a turbo diesel. Yes, an inline-six or small-block V-8 diesel could eventually fill the huge middle ground. Just saying.

Pickup Truck Amenities

Other goodies that Ford is showing with its Atlas Concept include a 360-degree point of view camera, designed to give drivers a birds-eye view of the truck, ideal for parking or hitching up a tow. LED lighting comes to the inside of the cargo box, providing much-needed lighting in the dark. Also, hidden cargo ramps, a dual-purpose tailgate, dynamic hitch assist, and trailer backup assist are featured. LED lighting treatments front and back would also debut.

When might we see this concept go into production if at all? Well, Ford is actively working on its next-generation pickup truck and likely the Atlas Concept is a close representation for what Ford plans to unveil later this year. That truck, a 2014 model, could set the pace for its competitors as Ford finds way to bring much-desired innovations to this still popular segment. This means the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Ram 1500, Nissan Titan and the Toyota Tundra have a higher rung to pursue as Ford continues to lead the way.

See Also — Aluminum Tough: 2015 Ford F-150

Concept Jeeps: The Crawl of the Future

October 8, 2012 by Hank Choi 1 Comment

Jeep Concept Vehicle — Classical Jeep styling cues in a pickup truck frame.

A concept Jeep J-12 with heritage good looks.

Reviewing this year’s Jeep Safari Moab concepts, we turn our lens towards the J-12 Concept from Mopar, a pickup truck that may also answer the consumer call for diesel-powered models. The Jeep J-12 Concept strikes a rare balance of classic and avant-garde styling that most concept vehicles are unable to achieve. Its trim and powertrain boast truly innovative thinking in automotive design and manufacturing.

At one glance, off-road enthusiasts and the uninitiated both will recognize this vehicle’s quality in craftsmanship.

Crawl Features

Jeep and Mopar are not only looking at different lifts and axles, but also have varying configurations in mind for the hood, heat displacement, exterior colors and interior fabrics. The concept Jeep is outfitted with Chryslers 3.6-liter V-6 engine, the same motor found in virtually every larger Chrysler product built today. Jeep fans have long been begging for a diesel, but so far the answer has been unclear at best with European customers given a 2.8-liter diesel four for the Wrangler. At the Moab event, Jeep officials hinted that a diesel option was possible perhaps even for this Wrangler-derived concept.

The 2012 Wrangler Unlimited serves as the baseline for the J-12, its frame extended 18 inches to allow for a 6-foot long truck bed, while reserving space for the spare tire under the bed floor.

As an acknowledgement to classic Jeep Gladiator series enthusiasts, Jeep’s design team created a custom hood and front fender flares for the J-12. Mopar also ramped up the J-12’s off-roading capabilities with the exciting addition of the new Mopar 3-inch suspension lift kit, as well as Teraflex sway bars controlling ARB air-locker equipped Dynatrac D-44 and D-60 axle assemblies. And the J-12’s classic 36-inch tires mounted on 16-inch steel Jeep wheels gives it phenomenal traction over the gnarliest of terrains.

Superior Interior

And Jeep knows that it is important to hit those gnarly Moab patches in comfort and in style. The J-12 concept’s cabin has been designed with a minimalist approach in support of a basic truck theme, with a rugged truck bed liner replacing the interior carpet. The bucket seats have been fashioned into a modernized bench seat, trimmed in a unique, original red and white plaid pattern. A Mopar fuel-filler door, Mopar slush mats, Tom Woods custom driveshafts, and Katzkin seat trim complete the J-12 concept Jeep.

Concept or Reality?

Like most concepts, the J-12 may never see the light of day. However, enthusiast feedback has been very positive with message boards lighting up with build this now! remarks. Given that the entire Chrysler Group is on a roll, it seems possible that Jeep will someday make the J-12 concept a reality.

See Also — The Benefits of a Good Winch

Photos courtesy of Chrysler Group, LLC.