Nissan Resonance Concept
Resonance concept previews Nissan’s design
language for future crossovers such as the next generation Murano. A ‘V-Motion’
nose, boomerang-shaped head and taillights, ex- pressive body panel surfaces
emphasizing advanced aerodynamics and ‘floating’ architectural elements all
feature strongly. Flare Orange body color, tinted acrylic grille, satin chrome
accents and 22 inch alloy wheels round off a concept that, by all accounts,
resonated [sorry] well with Detroit’s show goers. Let’s hope the next Murano
follows suit.
Nissan
Resonance Concept
Audi RS7 Sportback
A7 given the hardcore RS treatment, meaning
a 412kW and 700Nm 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 lifted straight out of the RS6 Avant that
punches the RS7 to 100kph in 3.9sec faster than a Porsche 911. With cylinder on
demand technology that shuts off a bank of cylinders when you’re taking it
easy, Audi claims economy figures of 9.8ℓ/100km. Paired with the V8 and
four-wheel drive Quattro system is an eight-speed automatic transmission, with
Sport and Manual modes.
Audi
RS7 Sportback
Toyota Corolla Furia
Yes just a concept, but one that supposedly
previews the possible styling direction of the next Corolla. Let’s hope so. Who
knows, if Toyota holds its nerve, the next Corolla may just turn out to be
funkier and more desirable than chief rival Honda and its Civic sedan. A
Corolla you bought for its looks? Now wouldn’t that be something?
Toyota
Corolla Furia
Infiniti Q50
From now on all Infinitis will wear either
a Q or QX (for crossover variants) prefix. First up is this Q50. A replacement
for the recently launched in SA – G37, it’s designed to sway buyers from
default German choices like the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series. The styling is bulbous,
check those chubby cheeks, and covered increases. US-market engines are a 245kW
3.7-litre petrol V6, or a 3.5-litre V6 petrol-hybrid, good for 268kW and 620Nm.
Both are available in rear- or all- wheel drive, and come matched to a
seven-speed auto only. European versions may get downsized turbocharged
2.0-litre petrol and diesel four-pots, sourced from parent-brand Nissan and its
tie-up with Renault.
Volkswagen Crossblue
Not the Amarok-based SUV yet, but an
American market-specific ‘mid-sized’ six/seven-seat plug-in diesel-hybrid SUV.
200mm longer than a Touareg, the 4WD CrossBlue’s four-cylinder TDI engine,
twinned with two electric motors, produces 700Nm and 232kW. Claimed consumption
is 2.1ℓ/100km with a 22km electric-only range. Inside, the CrossBlue concept is
equipped with six individual seats – 2016’s production models get the option of
a seventh. Brushed aluminum air vents and switches, rising dials for the
lights, climate control and four-wheel drive system and a 10.2in touchscreen
dominate a stylish cockpit. Larger, but cheaper than the Touareg, that’s ‘Made
in America’ alright.
Volkswagen
Crossblue
Jeep Grand Cherokee Srt
Facelifted SRT gains mean LED treatment
outside and an eight-speed automatic transmission inside to the further benefit
of its overtaking presence and fuel economy respectively. Restyled interior
offers new levels of tech and connectivity highlighted by an 8.4-inch
touchscreen display. New car adds Forward Collision Warning and Rear Cross Path
detection safety kit and a retuned Selec-Track system for a sportier rear-drive
feel when in Track Mode.
Jeep
Grand Cherokee Srt
Ford Atlas Concept
Built to showcase the design, efficiency
and tech of Ford’s future pickup trucks, Atlas is basically a glimpse of the
next F-150. Besides the super-tough style, multiple tie-down points and
110-volt electrical outlets in the cargo box, an integrated roof carrying
system and hidden extendable ramps boost functionality. Features a turbo-
charged EcoBoost powertrain, with start-stop and a plethora of active aero
elements including auto-deploying running boards! Other tech highlights are
dynamic hitch assist, multiple cameras for bird’s eye view positioning and LED
lighting all around.
Ford
Atlas Concept
Peugeot 2008
First previewed as a lurid green concept at
the 2012 Paris motor show, the production 2008 tones down the show car’s
angular lights and massive wheels, but retains much of its style. At just over
four meters long, it matches a Nissan Juke for footprint. As you’d expect, the
2008 shares oily bits with the 208. The concept car used Peugeot’s new
1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo mill, pumping out 82kW. Four-cylinder Petrols
and a diesel will also join the range, though all-wheel drive versions are
unlikely. Perfect for the school run...
Peugeot
2008
Honda Urban Crossover
In case you didn’t notice, small SUVs are
the next big thing. Honda intends to build its own take on the genre before the
year’s end, as evidenced by this Jazz-based concept. The lazily named Urban
Crossover previews the styling of the production version, said to be ‘powered
by Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology’. More tangible will be the inclusion of
Honda’s so-called Magic Seats. It will be built in Mexico alongside the Jazz.
Any bets on it being badged Honda Mariachi?
Honda
Urban Crossover
