#Genesis Announces Gorgeous 2025 GV80 Coupe

[Auto Styling News]

The award-winning Genesis GV80 gets a beautiful  facelift with a suite of remarkable enhancements for 2025, launching early next year. 

The distinctively powerful exterior comes fully equipped with 22-inch alloy wheels, an aggressive front grille with sportier air inlets, and a streamlined tail with hidden exhaust.

Get ready: the sportscar-inspired counterpart to the GV80, the first-ever 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe, is hitting the road soon. With its dramatically sloping roofline and powerful 3.5T e-SC powertrain, this sport SUV takes athletic elegance to a whole new level.

Genesis, a spin-off luxury brand of of Korean automaker Hyundai, won high

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Auto Styling News is a blog that covers car concepts, newly released models, and the auto industry.

#Lucid Air Is Winning Awards And Delivering EV Luxury

[Auto Styling News]

Lucid Air was awarded MotorTrend’s Car of the Year late last year, competing successfully against a formidable field of 24 competitors from major manufacturers.

The win marked the first time that the initial product from a new automotive company has been awarded MotorTrend’s flagship Car of the Year award.

Designed in Silicon Valley and built in Arizona, Lucid Air delivers an industry-leading 500+ miles of range from Lucid’s proprietary powertrain technology, which is designed and built in-house.

The announcement followed the start of customer deliveries for the fully-reserved Lucid Air Dream Edition, a car that retails at $169,000. The lower end Air is a bit cheaper, at 77,000, and reservations for the Dream have already closed.

The dream comes with a mind-blowing 1, 111 horsepower, which blows almost anything off the road except a Tesla Plaid, which is just about it's only EV competition.

The exterior styling of this beautiful car immediately tells you that it is a luxury vehicle.

Not only is Lucid Air simply stunning, it’s also among the most aerodynamic cars in the world — with a 0.21 coefficient of drag. Inspired by the elegant shape of aircraft, we aimed for clean lines in every detail to create a phenomenally fluid form. Even functional features like the autonomous driving sensors were sculpted in seamlessly.

Exterior lighting is another way Air gets its wow factor. Designed entirely in-house, the Intelligent Micro Lens Array headlights are dazzling. And at the rear, a sweeping speedform taillight creates an uninterrupted impression of light and depth.

And this luxury EV is winning hearts and minds. Legendary Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, a disenchanted former Tesla owner, recently took delivery of his Lucid Air.

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Auto Styling News is a blog that covers car concepts, newly released models, and the auto industry.

Lucid Group Plans October Delivery Of Its First EV

[Auto Styling News]

Electric startup Lucid Group Inc. said Tuesday that it will start delivering luxury electric sedans with a Tesla-beating driving range in late October, posing a major new challenge to the market leader.

The company noted it has received more than 13,000 advance reservations for its Lucid Air model.

The California-based Lucid began production of the long-delayed Lucid Air vehicles at its Arizona factory this week, and said it plans to ramp plant's capacity up to 90,000 vehicles annually in the next two years - an ambitious goal, for sure.

The first Lucid Air will come at a hefty price tag, but many will believe the 1,000 hp performance, which takes it from zero to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds, earns every penny.

A high-end model, the Lucid Air Dream Edition, priced at $169,000, received an official U.S. government rating of a 520-mile driving range. That's 100 miles more than its closest rival, Tesla's Model S, which is priced at $89,990.  And the company says it will take a mere 20 minutes to charge a vehicle so that it will go 300 miles.

Lucid says cheaper models will follow, including the Lucid Pure, which will go for a mere $77,000.

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Auto Styling News is a blog that covers car concepts, newly released models, and the auto industry.

#Chrysler Has "10-year Window" To Prove Itself, Says New Owners

[Auto Styling News]

Chrysler has 10 more years to prove itself as a viable brand, says it's new European Masters, Stellantis.

CEO Carlos Tavares says he's giving his brand execs a 10-year window to prove their worth. He says all 14 brands (Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS, Fiat, Jeep, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram and Vauxhall) are being "given a chance."

“We’re giving each a chance, giving each a time window of 10 years and giving funding for 10 years to do a core model strategy. The CEOs need to be clear in brand promise, customers, targets and brand communications. If they succeed, great. Each brand is given the chance to do something different and appeal to customers.”

As you may or may not know, Chrysler currently has an anemic lineup of just two name plates, the Pacifica minivan, which comes both as a combustion engine and electric version as well as a stripped-down version they're calling the Voyager. 

They also have one car, the 300, which, while it has been updated several times, essentially is the same four-door sedan as when it was introduced in 2005.

If Tavares is honestly giving this brand a chance, he needs to seriously rethink the strategy of the previous owners, FCA.

To succeed, Chrysler will have to somehow developed a mini ute - the most popular vehicle in America right now, which is for some reason lacking in its lineup. It will also have to develop an electric strategy because many cars, if not most, in the 2030s will be electrified.

California is looking at going with a ban on all combustion engine car sales in the 2030s, as are several nations in Europe, such as Ireland and Germany.

Chrysler should look to other luxury car brands and see them as competitors once again. Clearly, the brand has lowered its standards and saw itself as a competitor to the likes of Ford and Chevy in the past few years. They need only look at Genesis to see how to build a highly successful luxury brand in this segment.
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Auto Styling News is a blog that covers car concepts, newly released models, and the auto industry.

As Stellantis Takes Over Chrysler, Can the Storied Name Be Saved? (Yes! Here's how!)

[Auto Styling News] 

Stellantis is the new owner of Chrysler. And very likely its last one.

The new brand name (created by marketers from the Latin word "stello," meaning, "to brighten with stars") consists of a mish-mash 14 Italian, French, German, British, and American automakers including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS, FIAT, Jeep®, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, RAM, and Vauxhall.

The newly minted brand name takes over this month from FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) a company that oversaw extremely weak US sales not only for Chrysler, but for FIAT, Abarth, and Alfa Romeo. FCA Group acquired Chrysler in 2014.

Chrysler Corporation was of course founded as an American company in 1925 by Walter Chrysler from the remains of the Maxwell Motor Company. In 1998, it was acquired by Daimler-Benz, and the holding company was renamed DaimlerChrysler. 

The German-American union was not a happy one, with many differences coming to the surface about the direction of the company. In short, it was a really bad fit.

After Daimler divested Chrysler in 2007, the company briefly existed as Chrysler LLC (2007–2009) and Chrysler Group LLC (2009–2014) before merging in 2014 with the Italian holding company Fiat S.p.A. and becoming a subsidiary of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

Chrysler has clearly fallen on hard times. It has two nameplates, the aging 300 sedan (first introduced in 2005) and the Pacifica van (it has an electric version of the van and a stripped-down model now using the iconic Voyager name, but these are just badge-engineering exercises. They have two.)

That's really sad for several reasons, not least is which that company has a recent history of innovation and large, exciting lineups. Lee Iacocca revived the company from bankruptcy and (paid back government loans - early!) with the K-Car line. In the 1990s, the company had success after success with exciting concept cars that they brought to market. Among them was the PT Cruiser, which sold in the millions.

The 300, back in the day, was also a huge hit. The Crossfire fired imaginations, and the LHS was a gorgeous car that made it to production as a beautiful vehicle, part of the "cab-forward" design style that captured America's imagination. They introduced many new nameplates that sold well in that era.

The company could use a dose of the spirit of the '90s and early 2000s right about now - a spirit that showed many concepts taken to the market, a daring can-do spirit that showed it was a bold car designer, not just a retread, recycling old nameplates on boring vehicles, as they are now.

The once-luxury brand has no top-of-the-line "halo car," no SUVs, no mini-Utes (the hottest vehicle type on the market) and no sports cars for middle aged men to buy during their mid-life crises.

Last year sales were anemic. It sold around 110,500 vehicles, about one-third its volume in 2015, according to company figures.

Fiat, a maker of small cars reintroduced to the US in 2011, also saw a sharp drop-off in sales.

Experts believe there is a consolidation of the new car conglomerate's 14 brands coming, and that doesn't bode well for Chrysler.  One news site suggested that Chrysler was already dead (as a name, anyway) when their sign was replaced with the Stellantis one at their storied Auburn Hills, Michigan headquarters.

Regardless of when it happens, it almost seems inevitable that the brand is going to fade away, unless someone in the new company's Amsterdam, Holland headquarters decides to revive it in a BIG WAY.

It's not hard to see how it could regain its footing. It must launch a solid, stylish luxury SUV. It must launch a dependable mini-UTE that actually stands out from its many vanilla competitors, and it must launch a hot sports car that captures imaginations.

That's a tall order, since new vehicles take 2-5 years to produce through the traditional  auto design pipeline. But these are not ordinary times, and innovation is called for if Chrysler hopes to survive to see its 100th birthday.

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Auto Styling News is a blog that covers car concepts, newly released models, and the auto industry.

#Acura Previews Future Styling With Stunning Type S #ConceptCar [Auto Styling News]

Acura recently unveiled the Type S concept, which it insists will be the basis of future vehicles and help it differentiate itself from its lesser sibling, Honda.

The concept will, says the company,  heavily influence the character of the upcoming, second-generation TLX Type S cars, and they will develop two Type S performance variants in the next two years.

The "S" probably stands for "Stunning," because this concept is just that.

It has a clear, unmistakable silhouette, and a powerful and aggressive front end that will turn heads. 

Building on the style of the Acura Precision Concept, the Type S Concept's powerful form is characterized by a wide track and low stance, with an expansive hood that stretches forward from the A-pillars.

The large "A" symbol within a top-to-bottom pentagon-shaped grille (which is seen on many cars today, notably Lexus) and the stunning, cat-like - "Jewel-Eye" Acura calls them - LED headlamps work together well. One hopes a strong exhaust note in the rear of the vehicle combines to give it enormous presence as it approaches its destination. Indeed, this marks the return of the S Type performance range after an absence of decades.

Functional large center and side intakes, capable of supplying required airflow to a high-performance engine and brake package, round out the front. If "round" could be used in describing the shapes, which are angular, masculine, and, again, aggressive.

The side view features jutting lines that arch upward, ending in muscular wheel arches at the rear.

The sharp and distinctive tail features a deck lid with a sharply creased center line (drawn from the hood) and integrated forged carbon spoiler. "Chicane" LED taillights, a large rear diffuser and quad chrome exhaust outlets complete the look.

In addition to the rear decklid spoiler, forged carbon – created by bonding layers of carbon on top of one another to exceed the strength of traditional interwoven carbon – is applied to the front and rear splitters, side sills, rear decklid spoiler and multi-spoke 21-inch wheels.

The Type S concept's bespoke "Double Apex Blue Pearl" paint reflects a liquid and electric hue that pays homage to blue Type S heritage models, including the acclaimed 2007-2008 TL Type S. "Double Apex Blue Pearl" employs Nano pigments and a color-infused clear coat that impart a sense of fluidity and motion, and enhance the paint's luster and brilliance.

One hopes future production models feature an option to drive home a shade a stunning as this.

#Jaguar E-Pace Is An Attractive Luxury Offering [Auto Styling News]

The 2018 Jaguar E-Pace is a lot of things. It's an attractive vehicle, a luxury car, a Mini-Ute, and a production car that resembles a Concept. But don't make the mistake of thinking it's an electric car.

Many people will make that mistake, unfortunately, but Jaguar is leaving that for it's I-Pace vehicle. This small, beautifully wrought Mini-Ute (a small SUV) is, however, a worthy effort. And it will likely be a success for the company. Though it's not without its flaws.

Coming in at just 173 inches (the I-Pace is 184 inches long) this cute little bundle of engineering is a true entry-level luxury offering, starting at just $38,000.

It's curves up front remind one easily of a Porsche, but the similarities end there. The curves are definitely attractive, especially on the side, which provide the high doors of an SUV and the rakish rear window seen in many others of its size (the Mercedes GLA and its cousin the Infiniti QX30 have similar roof shades in the rear. As does the Nissan Rogue, Subaru Impreza, and... the Honda Fit.)

The front air intakes are huge, and while some my compare them to the Porsche as well, they add a uniqueness to the front fascia that is undeniably attractive.

The rear side view is very "butch" and masculine, if one may still say that these days. The C-Pillars are a bit large and thick, and the back window seems too small, both of which may be problems for visibility, but this is a common complaint for all Mini-Utes. Great back-up cameras will alleviate this problem.

The tail lights are exceedingly attractive, and uniquely beautiful. One cannot mistake them for any other make of car, and that's something rare in today's styling choices. They are similar to other models in the Jag line-up, but that's totally fine. They distinguish the car immediately and give it credibility.

The interior is stunning, as one expects from a Jaguar. Fit and finish inside, not to mention a properly working drivetrain under the hood, will make or break this car among luxury enthusiasts.

But from the looks alone, there's no doubt that the car will be successful in the marketplace - even a crowded one, filled with Mini-Utes already. It will be a stunner on the road, and in driveways, and that's part of the draw for its target audience.

Photos: Jaguar USA

Gorgeous #BMW Concept #M8GranCoupe: Designed To "Polarize" [Auto Styling News]

"Polarizing" is not usually the word car designers or auto manufacturers themselves embrace for their products, but that's exactly what the VP of design for BMW's M and i models is saying about the newly unveiled concept M8 Gran Coupe.

"The BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupe is designed to stir things up, to polarize – it should move you emotionally,” admits Domagoj Dukec. "With this car we want to reach people who are looking for something special and who want to stand out from the crowd. Here, BMW M is unmistakably taking luxury out of its comfort zone."

Like the BMW Concept 8 Series before it, the BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupe supposedly shows off BMW’s new design language, featuring expressive surfacing that accentuates the car's dynamic pretensions more vividly than current models. And the concept is more evolutionary than revolutionary, except for a couple of elements that, as we'll describe below, may very well be left on the designer's drawing board.

Low to the road and broad in stance, the eye-catching front end of the BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupe is designed to set hearts racing. But it is the one thing that also may ACTUALLY polarize BMW enthusiasts.

The face is wearing a copper grin, as the familiar kidney shaped grille is outlined in copper, and the look is mimicked in the gold headlamps, which are a hexagonal interpretation of BMW's four-eyed front end. The contours of the radiator grille kidneys broaden as they descend towards the road, designed to highlight the car’s low center of gravity. The headlamps are positioned slightly higher than the kidneys and give them the impression of sitting lower, which further emphasizes the car’s closeness to the road.

The rear of the car also carries with it the possibility of major polarization. A large "lip" rises up from the hood to form an aerodynamic wing, and massive "scoops" are carved out of the rear bumper. It is  very hard to believe these gaps will
make it to production in the US, what with all the safety regulations, which have traditionally required a large 5-MPH-impact bumpers, as silly as some may think they are. The quad exhaust pipes also feature the copper colored theme that works its way into almost all metal on the concept M8 Gran Coupe.

The sides feature strong lines that cut into the form of the car and give it an undeniably muscular appearance. The windows in this computer model seem gold tinged, which follows nicely from the front end styling, and the "Hofmeister kink" remains, as part of a large rear window of the coupe that looks elegant and upscale.

The greenhouse looks too small in the concept drawing, but in the actual art (clearly this car hasn't been built) it's better proportioned, in fact, it's very nicely proportioned, and easily helps peg this as a BMW. And finally, one must call out the rather large BMW badge on the rear, which is a trend and not at all a bad one (yet.)

So, there are possibilities here that the M8 Gran Coupe concept will indeed polarize. But there's also a lot here to love. The style is undeniably BMW-flavored, and it is undeniably a well-designed concept. But whether some of the more "boy racer" elements remain - including the huge rear scoops and the more mild and mainstream front end ones - is up for debate. It's easy to see the rear become more restrained and the rest of the design remain as-is. Which will work for most BMW enthusiasts just fine.

(Photos: BMW Group)

#Porsche Stuns With "Road Ready" Luxury Electric #MissionECrossTurismo At Geneva [Auto Styling News]

Porsche has stunned the automotive world and upended the luxury electric car markets with the introduction of its Mission E Cross Turismo at the Geneva Motor Show.

The four-seater, with its low-cut hood and heavily curved wings happens to go from zero to sixty MPH in 3.5 seconds, matching the speed of the Tesla Model X P100D.

It can also be charged by induction, at a charging station or using the Porsche home energy storage system. The road-ready Mission E Cross Turismo (yes, you read that right: ROAD READY!) builds on the Mission E study Porsche presented at the 2015 International Motor Show and uses elements that are close to series production.


Its look is designed to spark emotional memories of the iconic Porsche 911, says the company. Vertical air inlets in the front, known as air curtains, are a distinctive design feature.

Another stylistic highlight are the matrix LED headlights. The brand’s typical four-point daytime running lights have evolved into narrow, three-dimensional glass elements. Embedded in four sweeping wings, these also contain an innovative four-point indicator light.

At the same time, the vehicle has high-performance full beams with Porsche X-Sight technology. The off-road design elements include robust wheel arch protection and door sills, a striking front spoiler and lower rear and increased ground clearance.

The silhouette is defined by a sporty roofline that slopes off to the rear, which Porsche designers refer to as a "flyline." This is reminiscent of the rear of the Panamera Sport Turismo.

Equally distinctive for the brand is the dynamic shape of the side windows. The broad wings and three-dimensional side panels with air outlets behind the front wheels reinforce the sporty crossover character of the concept car, which is 6 feet 6 inches wide.

Photos: Porsche.com

#Mazda Vision Coupe Concept Wins French Award [Auto Styling News]

The Mazda Vision Coupe concept was named the “Most Beautiful Concept Car of the Year” on at the 33rd Festival Automobile International held in Paris, France.

Revealed in 2017, the Vision Coupe concept is a design model signalling the styling of the next generation of Mazda cars. Featuring a simple and flowing “one motion” form, it embodies a more mature interpretation of the company's KODO/Soul of Motion design language tempered with a Japanese aesthetic. 

Taking its cues from the Mazda Luce Rotary coupe and other models from Mazda’s design heritage, the Vision Coupe's styling is elegant and projects a luxury feel. Clearly, this would be the company's "halo" car if it was ever produced close to this design (however unlikely that is.)

Vision Coupe uses reflections to express a sense of vitality; the next step for KODO design,” said Ikuo Maeda, Mazda’s Managing Executive Officer in charge of Design and Brand Style. “This car embodies a delicate Japanese aesthetic, and to be recognized here in the ‘City of Art’ two years after RX-VISION was awarded the same honor is very gratifying. We want to retain our identity as a Japanese brand as we continue making cars with global appeal.”

The award celebrates the freshest, most creative and most beautiful of the current crop of concept cars, as chosen by a jury of prominent designers working in fashion, architecture and other industries. Mazda RX-Vision won the same honor in 2016, making this a double win for the two concept models that will guide the design of the next generation of Mazda cars.

Photo: Mazda USA

#VW Shows Off Sexy #Arteon At Geneva Auto Show [Auto Styling News]

The lackluster sales of the Passat/CC has led VW to replace it with a dramatically styled replacement that - lo, and behold - will actually go on sale later this year as a 2018 model! (*In Europe. Probably later in the USA.)

Shocking, perhaps, that a concept (itself based on the GTE Coupe Concept from 2015) will actually go on sale, unlike the numerous iterations of the 1960s VW Bug, the latest of which we won't dignify with a comment. What's even more shocking is that this is a really beautiful design.

Dr. Elmar-Marius Licharz, head of the mid- and full-size vehicle lines for Volkswagen, raves about its design.

"The car looks simply great – it both arouses emotions and creates desirability," he said. "Many of the details of the show car have made it into real production."

Yes, it does. The company is calling the car a "fastback," which technically means a car's roofline merges smoothly into its tail in one, smooth, seamless curve. Indeed  that's the case here, though if its meant to evoke the old VW Bug, that's not the case, but it's still beautifully wrought. (The Type 3 Fastback sedan of the late 1960s is a better analogy, as the company points out.)

The name Arteon is a portmanteau of "art" and "eon," the suffix that cleverly signifies all high-end luxury models within the Volkswagen brand worldwide. The Arteon’s integrated grille, LED headlamps and daytime running lights with chrome trim that connects all three elements presents the new “face” of the Volkswagen brand.

Compared to the outgoing CC, the Arteon is longer and wider, while its fastback profile allows for a true hatchback trunk. It’s also space efficient, with up to 55 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats are folded down.

LED taillights and 20-inch wheels combined with a SEXY shoulder line that runs the length of the body, highlighting the Arteon’s sporty nature.

THE AUDI PROBLEM
The car does have a problem, however, and it's a problem I call "the Audi Problem."

The company's website says, "while the Arteon offers a premium appearance, it will not carry a huge price tag." Lichartz is quoted as saying it's "the perfect car for people who appreciate great style and great value for money. That is how we are challenging premium car makers without becoming one ourselves." While Volkswagen assuredly is NOT a luxury car company, it's sure approaching one when it puts out such a high-end vehicle as this, and one like the much-maligned CC.

And the problem with all that is that Volkswagen HAS a luxury brand: Audi. And it undercuts sales of new and even used Audis when it puts out a "near-luxury" luxury car such as this.

Audi has long struggled to get itself back on top after a decade or two of floundering sales with cars that looked like, well, flounders. This car, admittedly beautiful and luxurious, is part of Volkswagen's "Audi Problem," because it most assuredly cuts into sales of its A3 entry-level car - which strangely resembles, and perhaps, the Arteon even RIVALS with its gorgeous sheetmetal curves

As KIA is learning with its poorly selling upscale K900 model, a non-luxury car company is NOT a luxury car company, nor can it be. Leave that to the upscale version of your brand (or in the case of KIA, *build* a luxury brand) and then don't try to compete with it.

#Bentley Set To Unveil Sexy 6e Electric Supercar [Auto Styling News]

Making its debut at the 2017 Geneva International Motor Show in mid-March, Bentley's EXP 12 Speed 6e concept represents a bold statement on the future of electric cars, and of luxury mobility.

Designed to transform the EV sector in both concept and execution, the EXP 12 Speed 6e fuses the unrivaled hand craftsmanship for which Bentley is famous, with electric performance, heart-stopping design and the range of a true grand tourer.

Bentley aims to create the world's first true luxury electric sports car, Will they succeed? The exterior screams, "Yes, they probably will."

The exterior body is a sleek expression of sports car design, inspired by contemporary architecture, aircraft fuselages and the geometry of the natural world. That's what Bentley's press release states. What it really looks like - in many respects - is the latest version of their Continental. Which isn't bad news by any stretch. Both are utterly gorgeous.

In a clear evolution of Bentley’s design DNA, it takes the brand's trademark muscular haunch and powerline to exhilarating new heights. The short front overhang, long bonnet and wide, planted rear aspect all contribute to an unmistakable sense of speed, while the iconic matrix grille features an exquisite smoked stainless steel finish. Contrasting copper highlights offer subtle acknowledgement of the car’' status as a fully electric vehicle, while an illuminated ‘6’ logo can be seen through the grille.

The tail lamps are smooth ovals that will punctuate the darkness and look like nothing else on the road. That's important, when many luxury vehicles resemble their own company's sub-luxury cars because they raid their parts bin, or somehow ending up like pricier Hyundais.

Throughout the car, form coexists with function to support a more sustainable future. The twin hood scoops, for example, are actually functional, acting as heat sinks to keep down the temperature of the car's batteries and drivetrain, without the need for additional cooling tech.

Like the Tesla and other electrics, the 6e boasts neck-breaking acceleration and all the latest tech inside. Will this be enough to give the automaker an advantage in the luxury market as well as the electric market? Hard to say. All that can be said is this is one sexy beast!

#Jaguar I-PACE Concept Set For Production In 2018 [Auto Styling News]

Jaguar has been known for over 80 years as a maker of sports cars, but they're hoping that with the introduction of the 2018 I-PACE, they will be taking a big, bold step into the future as an electric vehicle manufacturer.

The I-PACE Concept is a technologically advanced, five-seater sports car. And it's actually slated for production for the 2018 model year. It’s as daringly designed and innovative as the cars that put Jaguar on the map, with technology that enhances our customers’ lives. It sets a template for others to follow, just as we have always done.

Transportation will change more in the next decade than it has in the past 50 years, and the I-PACE proves that they're ready.

Based on the same architecture as the new F-Pace premium SUV, incorporates new technology to create an electric performance package that, according to Jaguar, accelerates to 60 mph in just 4 seconds with the power of a 90-kWh battery that has an estimated range of 220 miles (EPAe) before recharging, which can be done at public charging stations in less than two hours, claims the company.

Yes, it's a performance car, a family car and an all-wheel-drive SUV all in one. Its "groundbreaking design, true Jaguar performance and competitive range and charging times will make it the first real electric alternative to a traditional premium SUV," crows Jag.

The design of the sheet metal is just as stunning as the design of the electric motors. The vehicle occupies less road space than conventional mid-size SUVs yet offers more room for passengers and luggage than models in the segment above. And optimized aerodynamics deliver a low drag coefficient of just 0.29 and inspired new design features that embody the vehicle’s power and performance.

The exterior in some ways is similar to other SUVs, but in others, a radical departure. Like the "hard edge" direction of Cadillac and of recent Lexus models, there are a lot of angles to take in at first glance.

But the effect isn't jarring, but is rather stirring. The large front fender haunches, the flat rear and he lower door creases all have a unifying effect, despite their novelty. The large intake chutes and cats-eye headlamps could be from any luxury car, but the now-familiar Jaguar corporate grille assures us that this is, indeed, a Jag. The shortened hood itself is stunning, as well, and that, along with the stubby rear-end, give it a smart and aggressive look.

More branding occurs in the rear, with a leaping Jaguar and Jag-style lamps that assure us what brand this really is. But some may see the rear as too generic, resembling a Japanese car if one squints.

That said, it's hard to view this car from almost any angle and not see that it will be a success, even apart from the revolutionary tech that runs it, which will also give the Tesla cars runs for their money. And if this thing is even close to being reasonably priced, it could be a smash hit.

[Photos: Jaguar.com]

#AstonMartin Reveals Hot Vanquish Zagato #Concept [Auto Styling News]

Aston Martin brought a real head-turner to this year's Concours d'Elegance in Pebble Beach this year, the latest concept Vanquish Zagato, which debuted at the Villa d'Este show on Lake Como in Italy this past spring.

The Vanquish Zagato is the fifth car to emerge from a collaboration that stretches back over five decades, pairing Aston Martin's acclaimed dynamic and material qualities with Zagato's signature design language. As well as spectacular sporting ability, Vanquish Zagato showcases the very best of Aston Martin’s bespoke luxury.

The collaboration with Zagato began with the beautifully muscular DB4 GT Zagato racing car of 1960 – now valued at over £10 million -, and includes the V8 Vantage Zagato launched in 1986, the 2002 DB7 Vantage Zagato and the V12 Vantage Zagato revealed in 2011.


The design of the production Vanquish Zagato will be closely related to the concept. With proportions that remain quintessentially Aston Martin. The new bodywork is entirely shaped from carbon-fiber, with the split lines on the body significantly reduced by the use of large one-piece panels.

The beautifully wrought hood looks very muscular indeed, as if it's going to leap forward while sitting still. The grille is larger than on current models, making it an extremely aggressive and drop-dead gorgeous. The lamps and fog lamps are equally sweet, and add to the overall handsomeness of the concept.

Other design elements include devastatingly beautiful round tail light reflectors that are meant to evoke the classic Zagato, using the same 'bladed' LED technology as the Aston Martin Vulcan, while the wing mirrors are closely related to the units developed for the One-77.

The Vanquish Zagato's sculptural rear end resembles the DB11's aerodynamic profile, complete with retractable spoiler and rear hatch for easy access to the luggage compartment. Rippling carbon fiber sills run around the lower body to create a pronounced line from front to rear, with a quad-exhaust nestling within the curvaceous shapes.

The Vanquish Zagato’s glasshouse wraps around the bodywork like a visor, enhancing its aggressive stance. The classic strake is larger, running from the wheel arch all the way to the door, like the new DB11. A sharp crease on the rear wheel arch transforms into the rear flanks, where it meets the cascading roofline.

The roof has a gorgeous "double bubble," continuing into the rear window glass, like few other cars has ever accomplished, but has been a staple in Zagatos going back to the 1950s as a way to make room for racing helmets, so this is clearly an homage, which may or may not make it into production, if this car actually does. (The Peugeot RCZ, which IS a production vehicle, has an equally gorgeous, and perhaps even more pronounced "bubble" on its roof and rear window. Sadly, we don't ever  get to see Peugeots in the US, so Google it.)

In short, Aston should definitely build this. It's a testament to this concept that all of these elements not only look beautiful together and work together seamlessly to bring about a true work of art (as all Astons are, but here, even more so.) But also, they separately would be assets on ANY luxury vehicle - and are actually improvements over many in its class. They would dramatically elevate any vehicle of a lesser class.

Photos: Courtesy Aston Martin

New #Jaguar F-PACE Keeps Pace With Costlier Rivals [Auto Styling News]

Jaguar enters the Mini-Luxury SUV category with the F-PACE in June, and it's pretty stunning.  The F-PACE, visually inspired by the Jaguar F-TYPE, is billed by the British automaker as a performance SUV with the DNA of a sports car. And it sure looks the part.

The proportions of the F-PACE support a low drag coefficient of 0.37. Completing its assertive stance, the ‘teardrop’ shape is emphasized by a very pleasing roofline. Optional LED headlamps feature Jaguar J-Blade LED daytime running lights that look appropriately aggressive.

Its grille is also borrowed from the F-TYPE, which is either hit or miss, depending on whether you think it steals from Volvo too much. (And I tend to think it does.)

Buyers will get an extensive choice of lightweight, aerodynamically efficient alloy wheels, as large as 22” in diameter.

The vehicle will be offered in base, "Premium" and "Prestige" lines, running from about $41,000 to $49,000, competitive with BMW X4 (which it more than resembles) as well as the Porsche Cayenne and the new Maserati Levante.

The F-PACE, like the new XE (which tends to borrow the look of a Lexus and other luxury brands he way that earlier KIAs stole from automakers, including Jaguar) had better be gold for the brand, because with under 15,000 units sold annually, they need a winner - and fast!

The good news? With great looks and reasonable pricing, the F-PACE seems on pace to be a winner for Jaguar.

2016 #Jaguar XF Gets Nicer Curves [Auto Styling News]

The Jaguar XF was never an ugly duckling by any stretch. But it's clearly outgrown a bit of an early, somewhat awkward phase to become a true beauty.

This is the second generation of the car, which was totally new in 2009, and had a mild refreshing in 2011. Previous exteriors for the XF (2009-2011) actually looked far more generic and arguably less beautiful than this iteration. Or to be blunt, if you squinted at the '09 model, you might have seen bits and pieces of other cars, cobbled together. And it was jarring. Have a look:

The 2009 XF - or is it a Lexus? Or a Volvo? Or a BMW?

It had a clearly Volvo-like grille, seemingly had borrowed 1990s-era rounded Chrysler parts bin headlights, had a side that overly-resembled a Lexus, and even sported a BMW-style "Hofmeister kink" rear-quarter window. These companies must have been VERY flattered by all the imitation.

Much like the early KIAs and Hyundais, this first edition of the model seemed so unsure of itself, that it looked like it had stolen visual cues from other cars. Yes, it's odd comparing Jags to these "lesser" vehicles, but since Jaguar left England, it's looked like the dog's breakfast; this model in particular. And it's a well-deserved criticism.

Thankfully, this 2016 model actually seems far more evolved, and has a bit of its own DNA now, and its identity crisis seems like it's over.

The headlights - which were refreshed in 2011 - look even less bulgy, less round, and over all, more beautiful and sleeker. They are available in an all-LED version featuring daytime running lights. I like the new lower bumper work on the front as well, which looks racy.

The front section extends forward, as if the Jaguar is about to pounce. With the grille jutting out in this way, it gives the entire car a distinctive feel.

The grille itself is more upright, and wider than before, which is far more elegant and erases any comparison with the Volvo's grille. To add this feature, the entire grille and headlamp area of the hood is clearly and visibly chopped off from the rest of the hood in a separate piece of sheet metal. (This shows up more in white and lighter colors, it seems. Darker colors, like this examples here, don't reflect it as much.)

Some reviewers have noted that in an accident, that piece, if it alone is damaged, would be far cheaper to replace. But if you can afford the $57k to $65k price tag of the regular or Premium edition of the XF, then perhaps that's not as much of an issue as if you were forced to pay $2,000 to replace the bumper of a Hyundai.

The side seems much less of a Lexus-thief than before, and a bit more rounded, especially at the rear, which is a hint at tradition. The leaping Jag - missing from some earlier models, to the consternation of longtime Jag buyers - is good to see as a fixture on this XF, as it was before.

The wheelbase has actually been stretched in  this model, giving it more interior room, though the entire car is shorter by less than an inch. That interior, it goes without saying, is sumptuous, with wood and leather galore, great leg-room (thanks to that wheelbase stretch) and many technical bells and whistles - though perhaps too many as pricey "add-on" packages. $300 for an in-car Wi-Fi package is certainly affordable, but when Chevy is offering it for free in a $25k car, it's hard to see why it's an add-on HERE.

The BMW hat tip on the side window also is thankfully gone, with a luscious curved rear panel window in its place, assuring us that yes,  this is a Jaguar. The side vent behind the front wheel is more elegant, and smaller, metallic, and completely horizontal, replacing the earlier one, which was paint-colored, clunky and entirely vertical.

The rear features a dual exhaust, gorgeous lamps and the leaping Jaguar, which adds character and tradition. Though one must say that the overall design looks a bit Toyota-like. A rounder rear window would go a long way towards making this a more traditional Jaguar look, from behind at least.

Overall, the XF has grown up, and has grown into a personality of its own, rather than imitating others. That's a good sign for those who are longtime admirers of the prancing Jag, and may even convince more of them to plunk down 57-65 large for a true luxury car.

Mercedes and BMW May Be Planning a Love Child (Let's hope not!)

Mercedes Benz is shopping a concept/design study called the "Concept Coupe SUV." See if it reminds you of another car or two on the road today.

Let's first be positive here: The front end is devastatingly gorgeous, as is the rest of the current line-up from Mercedes.

The head lamps are incredibly detailed and again, match the current line-up and cannot be mistaken for lights on any other vehicle.

The grille is equally beautiful and features wonderful details that are making Mercedes a prime choice in the luxury market (as if they have ever given up that title!)

But... okay, the gloves must come off now: The rear quarter of this concept are horrendous, and extremely derivative. It  looks like the slow-selling and "uniquely" styled BMW X6, a so-called "four-door coupe SUV" (a style that has already run its course, frankly) with the added "bonus" of Lincoln MKZ-style tail lights, which look too small for this vehicle.

Mercedes raided the Lincoln parts bin for the tail lights!

This concept - actually just a "design study" to determine what a full-sized, SUV/Coupe would look like if one is ever made - is actually a bit larger than the BMW X6, a full-sized behemoth. It is being shopped around at the Beijing International Auto Show (April, 2014) but it would certainly make an impact in supermarket parking lots all over America if it was ever built and sold here.

While it's a good start, and a wonderful concept, generally, I have to urge Mercedes-Benz to go back to the drawing board on this one.

Other than having proper tail lights, this X6 too much resembles the Mercedes concept!

The Amazing Rolls-Royce Wraith: Set for Production in 2015

The amazing Rolls-Royce Wraith convertible concept is going to production by 2015, according to multiple sources who said Rolls-Royce chief Torsten Müller-Ötvös had signed off on the model. The lushly produced "Official" video above shows how this shorter Rolls will likely appear, and it's extremely tantalizing.

The suicide doors, which undoubtedly alone weigh in at a ton or more, are slathered with leather, as is the entire interior, which will likely have literally millions of available permutations for a true bespoke/custom look, as is available for all Rolls orders.

The grille and lamps are squared off and are incredibly imposing, as they are on other models, like the Phantom Drophead Coupé, on which it's clearly based. The fast-back styling of the coupe are what really set this apart from the larger models currently in production. Care is taken not to sharply curve downwards in the rear quarter panel, but the D-Pillar is large and a bit bulky. While nicely rendered, as expected, this will clearly be a line-of-sight issue that will hinder visibility, but likely to be well handled by rear cameras, which are included on car makes far less expensive than this. Expect more top-of-the-line cameras here than on a Hollywood set.

The entire daylight opening in the greenhouse is extremely limiting, which, while stylish, is going to be a problem for owners who are daily drivers. Or their chauffeurs.

The trunk is likely to be ginormous, large enough for several golf bags or a huge assortment of custom luggage for the annual Hamptons holiday.

The entire rear, including the tail lamps, clearly define it as a Rolls, and its clear the heritage of the design was of paramount concern here. The entire design language and down-road graphic is instantly recognizable, and isn't a severe or radical departure for Rolls, and that's a very important and crucial decision, since the brand's customer base is conservative and loyal. Best not to stir things up with extreme and bizarre styling that will rankle the 1% who can afford this new iteration of a classic brand.

As a side note about the video's "plot," I love how the guy blows right by the beautiful woman in the video, rather than picking her up! As if to day "This car is enough for me, babe!"

The fastest artwork ever - Bugatti Grand Sport Venet

French artist Bernar Venet was recently invited by Bugatti to adorn the Grand Sport with his unique visual idiom.

The stunning result - the one-off Bugatti Grand Sport Venet - draws upon the engineering studies and equations that created Bugatti's mythical performance - the text is seemingly being blown off by the car as it cuts through the wind.

A beautiful synthesis of Bugatti's sculptural beauty and Venet's passion for mathematics and scientific treatises. This unique sculptural work will be on view at the Rubell Family Collection in Miami during Art Basel Miami Beach.

Designed by French artist Bernar Venet, the bespoke model features a two-tone exterior with a dark brown rear end and orange mathematical formulas at the front.

The unique styling carries over to the interior as it has two-tone leather upholstery and special door pads with contrasting orange mathematics. There's also an embroidered Bernar Venet signature and a small metal sculpture between the seats.

Like the standard Grand Sport, the Venet is powered by a quad-turbocharged W16 engine that produces 1001 HP (736 kW) and 1250 Nm (922 lb-ft) of torque. It enables the model to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 2.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 407 km/h (252 mph).
Source: Bugatti

2013 Aston Martin Vanquish. It will vanquish you.

The 2013 Aston Martin Vanquish is a gorgeous vehicle, there's no doubt about that.

The video below is the official unveiling of the car to the public by the company (though it was also shown earlier this summer.)

The lines and curves - not to mention the extremely powerful and easily recognizable exhaust note! - are uniquely and clearly Aston Martin. If anyone were to criticize, ever so slightly, it would be the tail lamps, which look kind of like cut-outs of lamps, where the tail lamps were supposed to go. (Though close-up, and at night, they do look more spectacular than a first glance would suggest.

That said, these are the kinds of details that grow on you in a car like this. And if Toyota can foist tail lamps onto the millions like they have with the Camry's "comma-shaped" lamps, these will suffice for the few who buy Astons- and these surely are better and more nicely defined.

The interior of the vehicle is masterfully crafted, and will take your breath away.

Watch this astounding video and see if you fall in love: