What was originally designed by Takumi Yamamoto as a fantasy supercar for the digital world of the Gran Turismo racing game has not only turned into a real life concept car, but odds are that it will make it into a limited series production. Recently, Citroen gave Londoners the chance to see the GT supercar on the road ahead of its scheduled run at next weekend's Goodwood Festival of Speed. We're still not sure what engine could power the production version though word has is that it may be a Ford or a GM derived V8. Follow the jump to watch the video. |
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Tuesday, June 30, 2009
VIDEO: Citroen GT Supercar Live from the Streets of London
What was originally designed by Takumi Yamamoto as a fantasy supercar for the digital world of the Gran Turismo racing game has not only turned into a real life concept car, but odds are that it will make it into a limited series production. Recently, Citroen gave Londoners the chance to see the GT supercar on the road ahead of its scheduled run at next weekend's Goodwood Festival of Speed. We're still not sure what engine could power the production version though word has is that it may be a Ford or a GM derived V8. Follow the jump to watch the video. Monday, June 29, 2009
Aston Martin Cygnet: $30k - €25k Mini Based on the Toyota iQ and it's Official!
We know what you're thinking but you couldn't be more wrong; this is not some funky replica kit but an official concept for an Aston Martin mini car! The Cygnet is based on the Toyota iQ and it is expected to go on sale before the end of next year with an estimated base price somewhere around £20,000 or about $30,000 - €25,000. The initial plan is for the Cygnet to be offered only to current and future Aston Martin owners but a general release could follow at a later date.
"Now is the right time for Aston Martin to take this first bold step to embark on this special project - made possible with the support of an organisation of Toyota's stature and capability and the intelligent design and perfect city car package of the iQ," said Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez.
The British automaker did not disclose any specific details, but from the official teaser shots released by Aston Martin it is evident that the Cygnet will feature a new skin while retaining the basic shape of Toyota's iQ citycar. Expect to see a new interior adorned with Aston Martin-esque details.
"Much work is still required, but I am confident that this project could become reality in the not too distant future," said Bez. "This concept - akin to an exclusive tender to a luxury yacht - will allow us to apply Aston Martin design language, craftsmanship and brand values to a completely new segment of the market."
There's no word on the powertrain options but it is believed that the Cygnet will be us the iQ's 1.33-liter four-cylinder petrol that makes 100HP at 6,000 rpm and peak torque of 125Nm at 4,400rpm. It is possible that Aston Martin's engineers will tweak the iQ's suspension and brake system.
"The offering of a 'Cygnet' with a DBS, DB9 or Vantage is a unique combination of opposites and a novel transport solution allowing intelligent and sensitive mobility on an exclusive and innovative level," Bez noted.
The Toyota iQ donor cars will be built in Japan and then shipped to Aston Martin's Gaydon factory in the UK where they will be transformed into Cygnets.
And you thought GM's badge engineering was ridiculous...

Sunday, June 28, 2009
Fiat Sapor Roadster: Concept Study for a RWD Two-Seater Sports Car
Fiat's link with the Chrysler LLC Group has spurred a wave of speculative reports, product plan forecasts and even design proposals like the Fiat Sapor roadster that was conceived by the crew over at Diseno-Art as an entry-level sports. We see two basic problems with this idea: A. the 500 mini is the only Fiat badged-car set to make it to the States (unless it comes with a Chrysler - Dodge logo) and B. the design itself is very rough, meaning that there's something there, but it definitely needs more work to show its full potential.
According to the designers, the Fiat Sapor's exterior styling is influenced by various Fiat models such as the 124 Spider up front and the X1/9 at the rear. The two-seater features a removable canvas rooftop that stows away into a special compartment behind the rear seats.
As for the roadster's mechanical hardware, the Sapor was designed to feature a front-mounted engine that sends power to the rear wheels. The designers claim that one possible option could be Fiat's 1.4-liter turbocharged four that makes 180HP in the Abarth Grande Punto Esseesse hatch.
Via: Diseno-art
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Bugatti Stratos: Retrotastic Concept Study by Bruno Delussu
Designed by Bruno Delussu from France, the Bugatti Stratos is retro-futuristic concept study that draws inspiration chiefly from the Bugatti Type 57 Atlantic which is considered by many as one of the most beautiful cars of all time. Bruno states that he also used some design cues from the Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Mille Miglia for the styling of the front end. To be completely frank, the first car that leaped into our mind upon seeing the Strato's fascia was the BMW-powered Weismann MF4 Roadster. The French graphic designer said that his goal with the Bugatti Stratos was to create a pure fantasy vehicle clearly focusing on the design aspect of the concept without taking into account the technical restrictions and the resulting styling limitations of a model intended for production.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Citroen's Real Life Playstation GT Concept Car Hits London Streets
The GT by Citroen, a concept supercar that bridges the gap between reality and fantasy as it was initially created for the virtual world of Sony's Gran Turismo 5 racing game, took to the streets of central London on Tuesday, June 23. In its first appearance in Britain, the 5-meter long GT prototype recreated part of the 'street circuit' featured in the Gran Turismo driving game sweeping through the Piccadilly circus, Regent Street, the Trafalgar Square and down the Mall past Buckingham Palace.The curvaceous GT that could eventually enter a limited run production after the positive feedback from the public at last year's Paris motorshow, will be making its UK show debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed (3-5 July) and will climb the famous 1.16-mile Goodwood Hill as part of the Sunday Times Supercar Run.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Rolls Royce Ghost / 200EX Online Configurator
If you feel like fooling around with the 200EX configurator that allows you to change the exterior and interior colors of the Rolls, click the link below and then choose 'Design' and after that, 'Visualizer'
Link: Rolls Royce , Via: Autoblog.it
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Amoritz GT: Brazilian Concept Study for an Affordable V8 Sports Coupe
Featuring a 2+1 seating layout (or at least that's what the designer claims), the Amoritz GT is said to be an affordable sports car designed for the Brazilian market.
Measuring 4,250mm in length and 1,900mm in width with a wheelbase of 2,500mm, the Armoritz GT rides on a custom made chassis with power being provided by a front-mounted 5.3-liter V8 engine that in classic Brazilian style, is capable of running on both ethanol and natural gas.
Source: Armoritz , Via: Carbodydesign
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Bertone Mantide: Final Episode of Video Series Plus New Photos
Eventually, even the always news-hungry online media became tired of Bertone's overzealous efforts to promote the Corvette ZR1 based concept car, so the last episode of the company's multi-part series documenting the design and development of the Mantide went by unnoticed the most part. Which is actually a shame as the tenth episode is probably the most interesting of the series. It includes a mini interview with the Mantide's designer, Jason Castriota, as well as new shots of the controversially styled supercar that may be produced in a limited run of up to 10 examples. Check out the video and the latest photos after the jump.










































