Cadillac Ciel Concept debuts at Pebble Beach

Cadillac Ciel Concept

Cadillac Ciel Interior Designs

The Japanese aren’t the only automakers making some significant debuts at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. General Motors showed up with a surprising and exciting new concept called the Ciel. The Cadillac Ciel Concept celebrates Caddy’s historical grandeur, as well as a celebration of open-air motoring.

“Large, expressive luxury is innate to Cadillac and the Ciel recalls that heritage, while suggesting where the brand can go in the future,” said Clay Dean, global design director for Cadillac. “Authentic luxury is driven by experiences, not just products, and Ciel is about the experience of the journey.”

The Cadillac Ciel concept is a four-door, four passenger convertible with a longitudinally mounted front engine and sits on an all-wheel-drive architecture.

Power comes from a 3.6L V6 engine with twin turbochargers (DOHC, continuously variable valve timing and direct injection). The engine is good for 425-hp and a peak torque of 430 lb-ft and is mated to a hybrid transmission with low-speed all-electric drive.

Any plans for producing the Cadillac Ciel Concept? Not yet and we highly doubt it’ll ever see the light of day.

2013 Dodge Viper

Dodge is doing a pretty good job keeping any and all secrets for the next generation Dodge Viper’s exterior look at bay and, quite frankly, we’ve grown tired of waiting. Yes, we got a sneak peek at the front of the car on a mule testing the engine components, but to see an idea of what the entire car will look like, we put our artists to work.

Ralph Gilles, head of Chrysler’s design, has said that "there won’t be a part of the car that’s untouched." They can say what they want about the entire car getting made over, but our sights are set on the long hood housing a yet-to-be-unveiled powerhouse engine. The recent spy shots taken of the new Viper had a big air intake in the front bumper and what looks to be three air intakes in the hood. A need for cool air can only translate into a fiery engine and we are twitching at the thought of what it could be.

The first rumors surrounded the engine choice suggested the Viper would get a new direct-injection 8.4-liter V10 engine that would deliver around 700HP. Then, European magazines were talking about a V8 engine with an output of 500 HP for an entry level version. The latest ripples in the rumor pond are flowing towards a variation of Chrysler’s new 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 with some form of forced induction. This new engine will also be available with stability control, a feature never before seen on their high-performance car.

To say we’re excited for the unveiling of the 2013 Dodge Viper would be an understatement. Unfortunately, Dodge has plans of its own and our impatience isn’t going to deter them from their path. We’ll just have to keeps our eyes and ears perked up for any and all information available.

2011 Chevy Cruze

They're here! The first official pics of the 2011 Chevy Cruze have been released by General Motors, and we're not ashamed to say it – we like it. Of course, we're comparing it to the current small car in GM's lineup, the Cobalt, so the bar is pretty low. That said, GM's new small car takes the split-grille motif made famous by the Malibu and makes it more interesting with sharp creases rather than rounded corners. The front end features headlights that extend up and "point" to the A-pillars, and a strong character line running the length of the vehicle sits below a concave bend that sweeps up to meet the windows. 

GM claims that fit and finish of the Cruze will be world class for a small car, and that its interior will use "grained surfaces, soft-touch materials and low gloss trim panels" to improve its perceived quality. Unfortunately, no shots of the interior were provided, but you can catch a glimpse in this rear 3/4 shot.The Cruze will be a global car, and as such it's going on sale in Europe first. It will makes its global debut at the Paris Motor Show in October, where European customers will be the first to check it out in person before it goes on sale in March 2009 overseas. It will be available at launch with a 112-hp 1.6L engine, a 140-hp 1.8L and a 150-hp 2.0L turbodiesel. The North American version will likely get GM's upcoming direct injected 1.4L four-cylinder. The Cruze will also offer a five-speed manual and GM's first application of a six-speed automatic in a small car. The kicker? The 2011 Chevy Cruze will be built at GM's plant in Lordstown, OH where the current Cobalt and Pontiac G5 are built. Though it'll be built right in our own backyard, the Cruze reportedly won't be available in the U.S. for at least a year or two.

2011 Honda Brio Launched

It was rumoured to be unveiled in India this month, but, our Asian neighbour got the first chance to grab Honda Brio hatchback. The small car was launched officially yesterday in Thailand with starting price of 399,900 Baht (around Rs. 6 lakh). Honda Brio is expected to make its India debut very soon with price tag of Rs. 4.5 lakh. The concept model of Brio was unveiled  at 2010 Thailand International Motor Expo.

Honda Brio is available in the Thai market in two versions, the S and the V, with both versions featuring a five-speed manual transmission, and the V is also available with a CVT transmission, making for three variants in all. Both version are equipped with 1.2-litre 4 cylinder SOHC engine churning out 90bhp at 6000rpm and 11.21kgm at 4800rpm.

2011 Honda CR-Z Α Black Label Edition

Honda has launched a special edition CR-Z "α · Black label (Alpha Black Label)" on the Japanese market. This model comes equipped with alloy wheels and a black interior, among other improvements. It will be offered in seven different exterior colors and will be priced from 2,510,000 yen or about $32,000 at the current exchange rates.

Honda has opted for a black interior in order to create a sense of deep calm and advanced quality black-themed coordination (front seats, door linings, meter visor and the shift boot). The model is also equipped with 16" lightweight aluminum-coated wheels painted in metallic pewter gray.

Nothing has changed under the hood so the hybrid CR-Z will still come with an IMA hybrid system made up of a 1.5 Liter gas burning engine combined with an electric motor. The electric motor provides an additional 14 HP for a grand total of 124 HP and 131 lb-ft of torque.

2012 Honda CR-V Concept

The lead-up to the highly anticipated launch of the next generation Honda CR-V is now in full swing after the Japanese automaker unveiled the very first photo of the 2012 CR-V Concept. The photo hints at what could possibly be the next generation model of Honda’s popular crossover.

Specific details of the 2012 CR-V are still being kept under wraps - with a car this popular, it’s a smart move to build up the anticipation slowly. What we do know is a few details, including a front-wheel-drive set-up for most of the available versions with the all-wheel-drive variant set to come as an added option.

As for the powertrain, it is expected that the US market CR-V will carry a 2.4-liter four-cylinder iVTEC engine that delivers 180 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 161 lb/ft of torque at 4,400 rpm, which is the same as the 2011 model. Europe-bound model could carry a 2.2-liter iDTEC diesel engine that produces 165 horsepower.

The expectations for the 2012 CR-V are understandably high considering the brand’s global popularity and its standing as one of the top-selling crossovers in the world. For their part, Honda seems to be up to the challenge, declaring that the new design for the crossover will set a new standard for the class.

2012 Volkswagen Up

The Volkswagen Up! makes no bones about what it is and what it isn’t. What it isn’t is a thoroughbred car that will satisfy all your speed thrills. What it is, however, is a smiling, fun-loving, economical city car that will net you plenty of mileage and provide state-of-the-art technology for compact vehicles.

Built in numerous concept forms over the past couple of years, the Volkswagen Up! has finally been given the production green light, and its getting ready to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.

For the production version, Volkswagen will be offering the Up! in three different trim versions with "take up!" being the entry level version, "move up!" being the comfort-oriented version, and "high up" being the top-of-the-line version with two special edition models of the "high up!" - "up! black" and "up! white" - scheduled to be introduced when the car officially makes its official launch at the end of the year.

For now, you can check out all the details about the Volkswagen Up! leading up to its debut in Frankfurt next month.

Model Alexis Ford is a funny outgoing person

Model Alexis Ford is a funny outgoing person

Toyota Camry NASCAR Collection

Bound to SEMA, Toyota will present a two-door preparation Toyota Camry, developed by RK Collection (TRD) with the assistance of team Toyota Racing Development (TRD). The project has two aspects: first road vehicle to make a high performance, and secondly, a NASCAR engine.

Abroad have included a “bodykit” racing, with grill, carbon brake ducts and fog lamps, TRD emblems as well. The wheels are TSW Jarama, 20 inch Michelin Pilot tires. As for your engine is a V8 with 680 hp at 8,500 rpm with a gearbox six-speed manual and twin-disc clutch.

2011 Cadillac Ciel Concept

Shortly after announcing that the Converj Concept was giving birth to a production version called the "ELR", Cadillac went to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and unveiled their newest concept car, the Ciel.

Pronounced as "C-L", which translates to ’sky’ in French, the Ciel is a four-seat convertible tourer that completely blows the lid off of Cadillac’s new design language, taking it to a level that we’ve never seen before.

As a brand that built its name on the popularity of its old-school grandeur, Cadillac is returning to that game plan while adding modern-day luxury to the mix. The Ciel is the epitome of a large and expressive luxury car that suggests how Cadillac’s rich history can sync perfectly well authentic luxury and high-end technology of today’s time.

"Large, expressive luxury is innate to Cadillac and the Ciel recalls that heritage, while suggesting where the brand can go in the future," said Clay Dean, global design director for Cadillac.

"Authentic luxury is driven by experiences, not just products, and Ciel is about the experience of the journey."

In its attempt to bring back the glory days of Cadillac luxury, General Motorsdesigned the Ciel Concept to emulate the great touring cars of the past while combining it with a modern flair that projects Cadillac’s vision for the future.

With a long, low proportion that features French-style doors and rear doors hinged at the rear, the B-pillar-less Ciel Concept is the evocation of a modern-day classic. The fender lines run the entire length of the car with nickel-plated bright work serving as accents to the car’s body lines, enhancing the overall look while paying homage to Cadillac’s glorious roots.

Cadillac dressed up the Ciel in a special paint color - Cabernet - that’s reserved only for the concept car and was inspired by the "rich translucence of a glass of red wine held up to the sunlight." The windshield frame, together with the shield grille, and the vertical lighting elements, are all Cadillac originals. The aforementioned frame also serves the purpose of providing an important structural and aesthetic element to the car. As for the vertical lighting set-up, the headlamps and taillamps all feature LED lighting that include a daytime running light graphic on the front end of the car.

The car rides on a set of beautifully finished 22" wheels with brushed nickel plating over milled billet aluminum with carbon ceramic brake rotors behind it.

Back when open-air grand-touring cars were the perfect highway joyride partner, Cadillac is bringing it back with a modern interpretation that epitomizes the perfect bridging of timeless metamorphosis.

Where most concept vehicles usually go the route of futuristic design set-ups, the Cadillac Ciel takes a different route, opting for an interior that highlights simplicity, authenticity and spaciousness.

"With the Ciel, the journey is the thing, so the interior is a place of uncompromising comfort and elegance, with technology that only makes the journey more enjoyable," said Gael Buzyn, the Ciel’s interior design manager. "Simplicity and lightness ensure nothing distracts from the open driving experience, while the color and materials lend the feeling that the vehicle’s environment blends with the surroundings."

The defining element of the Ciel’s interior is the prevalent use of Italian Olive wood on the doors, instrument panel, console, and the front seatbacks. As a premium, yet sustainable material, Italian Olive wood comes from a single fallen and recycled tree from a west coast producer of premium olive oil that was painstakingly prepared before it was cut for the concept vehicle.

The Italian Olive wood evokes warmth and craftsmanship, especially for those customers that appreciate the art of old-world techniques. Similar to the exterior, the passenger space of the Ciel is accented with sweeping nickel-plated trim, dividing the body-color upper sections from a complementing beige lower color.

As for the design of the Ciel’s back seat, it’s got plenty of elegant and luxurious touches, including a wood trim in the rear center console that opens to reveal a small humidor. This humidor conveniently comes with a set of expensive cigars. There’s also a pull-able leather tab on the rear sets that stores a cashmere blanket, providing enough warmth for those looking to stretch their legs.

The center console runs from the instrument panel to the rear of the interior, effectively separating each passenger from the other and thus creating personal space. The panel features a minimalist gauge cluster that serves as the personification of Cadillac’s attention to details and its priority on authentic materials.

Each of the seats have their own cooling and heating features to go with a special drawer that includes, among other things, sun lotion, sun glasses, towels, and aromatherapy.

Ambient lighting on the armrests are also available for the romantic nighttime drives, as are transparent gauges that come in a detailed, brushed-aluminum housing that has the intricate depth of a high-quality chronograph.

With all the fascinating design elements of the Cadillac Ciel, it’s still important to note the powertrain housed under its hood. In this case, the Ciel comes with a GM-sourced 3.6-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 engine with direction that produces an output of 425 horsepower and augmented by a hybrid system using lithium-ion batteries.

Cadillac has not announced if the car is headed for a production designation, but considering the elaborate detail that went in building this concept, we’d be surprised if the American automaker pushes for a road version anytime soon.

That being said, you still can’t take anything away from this one-top, luxury grand tourer. It’s the perfect example of old classics having a place in today’s world if the people behind it know what they’re doing. And from the looks of things, Cadillac scored big time with the Ciel Concept.

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe News

Cadillac announces 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe, which debuted at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It combines a spectacular design the new Cadillac CTS Coupe with 556 horsepower (415-kW) V-8 engine supercharged Cadillac CTS-V sedan. The result is a luxury sports coupe aimed at driving enthusiasts.

“Cadillac CTS-V Coupe to marry the most powerful technology, sophisticated design with the most dramatic production,” said Bryan Nesbitt, Cadillac general manager. “The combination of visual and technical attributes are designed to create a very attractive option for consumers of luxury sports cars.”

Cadillac CTS-V Coupe begins production this summer. His set of technical and performance elements including Magnetic Ride Control, a race-bred Brembo brakes and automatic transmissions are available with control paddle-shift.

V-Series Coupe, including a doubling of lattice single volume auto air intake, a critical factor for high-performance capabilities. It is also visually identified by the raised hood center that gives permission for the compressor, and front and rear specific. Like the Cadillac CTS Coupe, with the exhaust pipe is centered in the rear fascia, but a single individual outlets. The car rolls on 19-inch cast aluminum wheels, available in either painted or polished finish, and Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tire performance.

Futuristic Unimog Truck Variant

The official pictures and reviews below tell the amazing performance and design of the Mercedes-Benz called Unimog. This special truck design is presented in futuristic design and aimed to welcome the 60th anniversary for Unimog truck variant. This futuristic Unimog truck concept is developed by Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks (MBS). The design of this new truck variant follows the concept of U 5000 version which was produced by the MBS development team collaborates with the commercial vehicle designers namely Daimler in Sindelfingen.