carsmodellist

2009 bmw 335d

The BMW 335d sedan and X5 xDrive35d are making their U.S. debut in Los Angeles. The BMWs are powered by the automaker's first 50-state-legel diesel, a twin-turbo, 3.0L straight-six that delivers 265 hp at 4220 rpm, and a thumping 425 lb-ft of torque between 1750 and 2250 rpm. Driving through a six-speed automatic transmission, BMW claims this engine will propel the 335d from 0 to 60 mph in 6.0 sec while delivering 23 mpg city and 36 mpg on the highway. Pricing for the 335d, begins at $44,725 including destination. The BMW X5 xDrive35d will be priced starting at $52,025. According to BMW, both vehicles will be eligible for an IRS tax credit: $900 for the 335d, $1550 for the x35d.

2009 bmw 335d

toyota hi-ct concept

Straight from the set of Blade Runner 3000 is Toyota's Hi-CT, a four passenger plug-in hybrid and looks like some futuristic semi trailer. This front engine, front wheel drive trucklet uses a 1.5-liter gas engine and electric motor that can be recharged overnight at home and freshened up while you park work. That thing on the back looks like some Toyota's version of a foldable Segway. No idea where they hide the miles of cord on these things.

toyota hi-ct concept

toyota ft-mv concept

Also in Toyota's booth was the FT-MV, a concept that looks a lot closer to reality, particularly if you live in Japan, where these kinds of maxi-minivans are super popular. This 6-passenger, front engine, front wheel drive van features a 3.5-liter gasoline V-6 and follows in the tradition of other popular multi passenger vehicles like the Nissan El Grand and Honda Odyssey Stream.

toyota ft-mv concept

suzuki x-head concept

Beyond looking like a miniature dump truck, the X-Head features an adaptive bed that can be fitted with a number of modules that serve different purposes. For example, a "Camper" module provides enough sleeping room for two adults, a "Fashion" module provides "stylish urban mobility"(whatever that means), and a "Rescue" module is equipped for, well, rescue operations in various conditions

suzuki x-head concept

suzuki concept kizashi 2

The Suzuki Concept Kizashi 2 is an update of the Kizashi concept shown earlier this year at Frankfurt. Not a lot of information on what this car may become. All they said about it was that it had aggressive styling and big wheels, and could run on all types of terrain (they showed a cartoon version tracking through dirt and snow.) Apparently, the main point Suzuki is trying to drive home with this large, sporty crossover wagon is that they are strong enough design and engineer a large car. - Ed Loh

suzuki concept kizashi 2

nissan intima concept

This striking sedan could be viewed as a future step in the evolution of Nissan's design language, and also as its take on the "four door coupe" ethos demonstrated by cars like Mercedes' CLS, and BMWs CS concept which made its debut in Shanghai earlier this year. The Intima is all about "Comfort, relaxation, fine quality and visual enjoyment" explains Product Chief Designer Kinichi Saito, and we agree. The interior is elegant and soothing; the exterior design is organic and well balanced. The surface detailing and jewelry are also clean. The headerless windscreen, which rolls its way back across the roof, isn't a new styling touch; it's already available on several production cars around the world. But the sweeping front glass adds elegance to the look of the body, and airiness to the cabin. Power comes from Nissan's "Clean Diesel" V-6 which is under development. It is on target to meet California's toughest emissions requirements, and earn an SULEV rating in the process. We don't expect to see the Intima as a future production model, but it is clear evidence that Nissan's world design director Shiro Nakamura is in full command of his design teams, and that good looking products are in the offing

nissan intima concept

mazda taiki concept

The Taiki is a front-engine/rear-drive two-door powered by the next-generation of the Rensis rotary engine that continues the "flow" theme Mazda established last year with the Nagare, Ryuga, and Hakaze concepts. It is highlighted by a futuristic rear-end design, though its front-end is similar to that of the Nagare and Ryuga. Mazda says the Taiki "further advances and refines the theme through a fusion of the Nagare design concept and real-world technologies

mazda taiki concept

Thursday, 7 July 2011