Zero concept

Zero concept bares a striking resemblence to the Audi TT, Nissan 350Z, and Infiniti G35 coupe. A project that has come out of the International School of Design in France, more specifically transportation designer Franck Levivier and digital designers Remi Marchand and Pierre-Olivier Wagner.Based on exterior design alone, you would expect that such a concept would involve a V6 (or bigger) engine with a huge displacement and outrageous horsepower numbers. Instead, the designers envision the R-Zero being "powered by an electric motor yet offer a supercar level of performance." To be able to generate the 800 volts of output and rocket around the test track, the R-Zero is said to deploy around 1,200 kilos (about 2,645 pounds) of "high-tech lithium-ion batteries" and a quad of engines weighing 85 kilograms (187 pounds) in total. Add in the chassis, the interior, body panelling, and all that and you have yourself a rather porky sportscar, no?

Nissan Skyline

Nissan Skyline

The next Nissan Skyline will be wilder than ever when it hits the streets in two years. The all-new R35 Skyline GT-R will use a Le Mans-proven V8 engine that produces around 400bhp. With a 3.5-litre variant of the unit that powered the Nissan R390 GT1, the R35 will rival Porsche's 911 and the forthcoming V8-powered Honda NSX, sprinting from 0-60mph in less than 4.5 seconds and hitting a top speed of 170mph.
The current hi-tech, four-wheel-drive Skyline is powered by a turbocharged straight six-cylinder engine delivering 280bhp. Insiders at Nissan say the new unit is necessary to allow its models to compete with European supercars as more power is needed, and that rival Japanese models, including Mitsubishi's Lancer Evo VI, already produce more than 280bhp. The R35 will borrow from the existing R34's innovative drivetrain and computerised gadgetry. That means the R35 will use a six-speed gearbox and four-wheel-steering. The brakes will be uprated, though, and the suspension tuned to give greater flexibility on demanding roads.
The price will increase, and it is expected the newcomer will cost a Porsche 911-rivalling $60,000. Nissan is not alone in adopting such a change of strategy. Honda is developing a new 400bhp V8 engine, while Mitsubishi is currently working to produce a range of powerful GDi direct-injection units including a 2.0-litre turbocharged version for its rally cars, a V8 and a V12.

Nissan Skyline

The next Nissan Skyline will be wilder than ever when it hits the streets in two years. The all-new R35 Skyline GT-R will use a Le Mans-proven V8 engine that produces around 400bhp. With a 3.5-litre variant of the unit that powered the Nissan R390 GT1, the R35 will rival Porsche's 911 and the forthcoming V8-powered Honda NSX, sprinting from 0-60mph in less than 4.5 seconds and hitting a top speed of 170mph.
The current hi-tech, four-wheel-drive Skyline is powered by a turbocharged straight six-cylinder engine delivering 280bhp. Insiders at Nissan say the new unit is necessary to allow its models to compete with European supercars as more power is needed, and that rival Japanese models, including Mitsubishi's Lancer Evo VI, already produce more than 280bhp. The R35 will borrow from the existing R34's innovative drivetrain and computerised gadgetry. That means the R35 will use a six-speed gearbox and four-wheel-steering. The brakes will be uprated, though, and the suspension tuned to give greater flexibility on demanding roads.
The price will increase, and it is expected the newcomer will cost a Porsche 911-rivalling $60,000. Nissan is not alone in adopting such a change of strategy. Honda is developing a new 400bhp V8 engine, while Mitsubishi is currently working to produce a range of powerful GDi direct-injection units including a 2.0-litre turbocharged version for its rally cars, a V8 and a V12.

SNAKE EYES
Having recently proven itself in the American Le Mans Series with an undefeated season, Dodge Viper GTS-R proudly claims the title of thoroughbred racer. The Viper GTSR Concept Vehicle explores the idea of bringing that race-ready handling and performance to the street.
The Viper GTS-R street racer is lower and lighter than ever, and every detail has been reworked for maximum functionality. Viper GTS-R's airflow is fully adjustable by the driver with an electronically controlled front splitter, a large rear air diffuser and a rear hoop spoiler with an electronically trimmable wing.
To further blur the boundaries between racer and road car, Dodge engineers managed to tweak a little more power out of Viper's outrageous 8.0-liter V10. With dry-sump technology, it now produces 500 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque - up from 450 and 490, respectively.
That's enough extra get-up-and-go-power to take the Dodge Viper GTSR Concept Vehicle from 0-60 in 3.75 seconds (est.), with a top speed coming in at over 200 miles per hour!
Key Features:
Lightweight carbon fiber body
Modified space frame & suspension
Larger, racing tuned brakes
19-inch front/20-inch rear tires
Chassis lowered 2 inches
Sill-to-roof height 1.5 inches lower
Lower hood with larger grille opening and integrated engine louvers
Larger, snake-eye-inspired headlights, designed for endurance racing
Electronically trimmed front splitter
Larger rear air diffuser
Larger rear hoop spoiler with electronically trimmed rear wing
Larger doors for improved ingress/egress
Racing-inspired interior decor
Built-in fire suppression system

SUPER CHARGED
Along with the name, we also brought back the heritage that made Charger R/T a legend. This concept car advances four-door style into an entirely new dimension. True to the original muscle car form, Charger R/T, with its low, thrusting hood, has a powerful V8 matched with a five-speed manual transmission that drives the rear wheels. The front grille and lamps look menacing. The body is taut. The rear deck with spoiler, and the fascia with sly-looking taillamps and twin exhaust outlets, all signify a vigorous departure from the past. In true retro form, 1966 meets the millennium. One look at the radio knobs and three-spoke steering wheel will confirm that. The pistol-grip shift lever adds to the feeling.
Throughout this interior past and future, street and racing are balanced. Exposed metal is emphasized -- but the front and rear bucket seats are made of carbon fiber and have red leather accents. Because the Charger R/T is supercharged, the 4.7-liter SOHC, 16-valve, V8 engine has the kind of ferocity that results in 325 horsepower.
But Charger R/T is environmentally gentle -- its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fuel produces negligible emissions at the tail pipes.

Dodge Magnum

Magnum SRT-8 Get a closer look at Dodge Magnum
THE NEW MUSCLE
It's been more than 30 years since Dodge ruled the streets with HEMI® power and rear-wheel-drive performance. Dodge has unleashed that power in an all-new proportion with the introduction of its 2003 Dodge Magnum SRT-8 concept vehicle.
"Dodge Magnum is the new shape of American muscle," said Dieter Zetsche, President and CEO of the Chrysler Group. "With its innovative packaging, performance and utility, there's nothing else like it. While Chrysler Pacifica is the premium sports tourer, Dodge Magnum is the performance sports tourer that packs a powerful punch and the functionality of an all-wheel drive sport utility. Armed with a HEMI inside and rear-wheel-drive, Dodge Magnum delivers power in a package that offers unmatched flexibility and versatility."
While the Dodge Magnum SRT-8 is a concept vehicle, it provides a strong hint at the first version of Chrysler Group's much-anticipated next-generation of rear-wheel drive "LX" vehicles. A production version similar to the Dodge Magnum SRT-8 concept vehicle will go on sale in 2004 under the Magnum name.

New Touareg Debut

New Touareg Debut

Volkswagen has revealed the first photographs of its new Touareg model ahead of its world public debut at the Paris Motor Show next week. With revised styling, updated interior and new sound system as an option, the new Touareg goes on sale in the UK at the beginning of next year.
At the front, the new Touareg features a new grille, bonnet, front wings and bumper, plus new headlights and mirrors. The rear lights, spoiler, bumper and exhaust pipes have also been modified.
The new model will feature new and revised technology, including ABSPlus and additional ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) features. The ABSPlus system - developed and patented by Volkswagen - shortens the braking distance by up to 20% on loose driving surfaces. New features have been added to the ESP, these include Active Rollover Protection (ARP), rain brake support, fading brake support and understeer control logic, which improves the turning behaviour in the event of understeer.
The UK line-up will remain as before with three trim levels - Touareg, SE and Altitude. Four engines will be available: one petrol and three diesel. These are a 3.6-litre V6 276bhp petrol; 2.5-litre TDI 171bhp with DPF (diesel particulate filter); 3.0-litre V6 TDI 221bhp with or without DPF; and the range-topping 5.0-litre V10 TDI with 308bhp and DPF.
The 2.5-litre TDI will be available as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox and optional Tiptronic automatic transmission. All other engines will be mated to the six speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.