Latest news with #conceptcar
Top Gear
4 hours ago
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Skoda students have turned this Superb Estate into a bike-carrying pickup truck
Plug-in hybrid Superb becomes a ute with a clever bike rack and a sliding rear door to support pro bike racers Skoda loves cycling. Of course, the Czech firm started out with Václav Laurin and Václav Klement making bicycles all the way back in 1895, and in slightly more recent times it has been a main partner of the Tour de France for over two decades. So it's perhaps no surprise this year's concept car produced by the students of the Skoda Academy in Mladá Boleslav is a cyclist's dream support vehicle. Christened the Skoda L&K 130, this is the first Skoda student concept to be based on the Superb Estate, and the kids have turned it into a rad pickup style thing with space for two bikes on the racks in the extendable bed, and another on the roof.
Motor Trend
a day ago
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
Gold Rush: The Dodge Deora Is the World's Coolest Skateboard
[This story first appeared in the premier issue of MotorTrend Classic in 2005] Concept car? Custom? the Dodge Deora is both. It started as an idea for one of the most radical, cutting-edge customs ever made and became a concept vehicle shown by Chrysler. Built over two years and at a cost of $10,000, the Dodge Deora would stun the custom-car world and become an automotive icon that transcended the niche world of the chop-'n'-channel crowd. You probably have never seen the Deora in the metal; but if you were a car-crazy kid in the late 1960s, chances are you built the plastic, scale-model kit or loop-the-looped the Hot Wheels version in your living room. The Dodge Deora, a radical custom concept by Mike and Larry Alexander and designer Harry Bentley Bradley, became an automotive icon. Built on a Dodge A100, it featured a unique cab-forward design and innovative engineering, gaining fame in the 1960s as a model kit and Hot Wheels car. This summary was generated by AI using content from this MotorTrend article Read Next Detroit-based customizers Mike and Larry Alexander rightly take the credit for painstakingly crafting the Deora. But the radical cab-forward styling is actually the work of a former GM designer and Art Center lecturer, Harry Bentley Bradley. The Alexander brothers first noticed Bradley while he was still studying automotive design at New York's Pratt Institute. Bradley was a regular contributor to the sketchpad pages of magazines that specialized in customizing, such as Rodding and Re-styling, Customs Illustrated , and Rod & Custom . Within weeks of his arrival at GM Design Staff in 1962, he and the Alexanders had forged a relationship that would result in more than 10 Bradley-designed custom cars over the next eight years. The Deora is the most famous by far. The Deora project started in 1964 when the Detroit-based Alexander brothers decided they wanted to build a custom pickup based on one of Detroit's new cab-over pickups. They asked Harry Bradley to design a vehicle based on Chrysler's recently launched A100, figuring they'd get the company to supply them with a truck if they liked what they saw. But if Chrysler wouldn't play, the Alexanders had a back-up plan: They would approach cross-town rival Ford, which had its own cab-over pickup, the Econoline. "Of the three cab-forward pickups on the market at the time, the Dodge was unquestionably the homeliest," Bradley recalls. "What I wanted to do was get rid of that phone-booth cab and integrate the upper with the lower," he says. There would be no doors. "I didn't want cutlines. We were always told at GM to play down cutlines. If cutlines were wonderful, Ferraris would have them running all down their sides. I always thought of it as a conceptual proposal, rather than a customizing solution." To actually get passengers inside, Bradley proposed a front-opening hatch built using the lift-up rear window from a 1960 Ford station wagon. Mike and Larry Alexander loved Bradley's proposal. Surprisingly, so did Chrysler, which handed over a stripped A100 to be chopped beyond recognition. The Alexanders cropped the stock cab sheetmetal right down to the floorpan. When the roof, the first of the new parts, was tacked in place, it nearly rested right on top of the stock steering column. Bradley had originally intended the front hatch to be a top-hinged one-piece affair, like the tailgate of a modern hatchback or European sport wagon. But the narrow A-pillars just weren't strong enough to support it. The Alexander brothers instead developed a split-door arrangement, with the 1960 Ford window hinged at the top and controlled by an electric motor, and a handbuilt lower panel between the headlights that swung on a center pivot. Engineering it all to work was every bit as complex as it sounds. In place of the stock steering column, the Alexanders fabricated a horizontal strut that rotated forward from the left body side--to allow the driver to get in and out--and locked into place when you wanted to drive. The steering wheel was a drag-racer-style butterfly item; steering inputs were transmitted via a sprocket and a chain running through the strut to a vertical shaft in the left body side. Fortunately, the standard A100 pedals came through the floor, like those in a Porsche 911, and didn't have to be moved. Hurst engineers developed a special linkage to connect the floor-mounted shifter to the Chrysler three-speed manual transmission. To make room for occupants, the Alexanders moved the slant-six engine rearward 15 inches. It intruded well into the pickup bed, but as the Deora was never actually going to haul anything, it didn't matter. They also moved the radiator to the pickup bed and placed it ahead of the rear axle. Holes cut into the bottom of the bed allowed electric fans to draw through cooling air. It was a neat idea, but it meant the fuel tank had to be moved from its standard position behind the rear axle to the pickup bed just behind the cab. To hide everything, the bed was covered with a hard tonneau secured by chrome hood-lock pins. At its first public showing, the Deora caused a sensation, with Chrysler claiming it represented a major advance in modern vehicle styling. Even now, more than 40 years after it was first drawn, the Deora looks modern. Of course, it was designed in an era before crash tests and crumple zones, and that slammed cabin is a tight fit for most people. "The Alexanders were small guys," says Bradley. Those with a sharp eye for detail and a good memory will recognize a surprising number of Ford parts used on this "official" Chrysler custom. Apart from the 1960 Ford tailgate, the rear window is from a 1960 Ford sedan, and those side vents (for the exhausts) are actually 1964-1/2 Mustang taillight bezels. The ingenious taillights, hidden under the wood veneer panel across the rear and visible only when reflected in the angled chrome strip underneath, are the sequential turn-signal units from a Thunderbird. "Chrysler never seemed to understand we used Ford parts to build this car," says Bradley. Although driveable--"Mike and Larry's customs were always well engineered," says Bradley--Chrysler leased the car for a year to appear on its stand at car shows. At the 1967 Detroit Autorama, one of the country's leading custom shows, the Deora won nine awards, including the coveted Ridler Award. In 1968, it became one of the 16 cars in the original Hot Wheels lineup when Bradley left GM to join Mattel. "At one stage, Mattel figured out that every kid in America had 1.3 Hot Wheels cars," says Bradley. That meant a lot of Deoras. "I don't think many knew it was a real vehicle." Chrysler leased the Deora for a second year, but asked for changes, including a coat of lime green pearl paint. When the lease was not renewed at the end of the year, the Alexander brothers sold the Deora to custom-car enthusiast Al Davis, whose son, Al Jr., still owns it. Al Davis Sr. died in March 1970, and the Deora was put into storage. "I was 12 at the time," says Davis. "When I was 18 or 19, I pulled it out, restored it--though not to original condition--and put it back on the show circuit. I won a championship with it in 1982 and used the money as a down payment on a house." Davis pulled the Deora out of storage in 1998 and asked Harry Bradley to help restore it to its original 1967 look. The color is greener than the original gold--Mike Alexander kept none of the original paint numbers--and Harry Bradley remade the exhaust boxes from templates supplied by Alexander so the Mustang taillight bezels could be refitted. As usual, the detail stuff took time to find, but the only pieces missing are the center console between the seats and the special Firestone tires made for it in the 1960s--the engineering drawings were rediscovered recently at Firestone, but the dies were destroyed years ago. The Deora starred at the 50th-anniversary Detroit Autorama in 2002 as part of a special display of classic Alexander brothers customs. "The reaction was unbelievable." More than 40 years on, the Dodge Deora is still turning heads. Except one. To this day, the man who designed it, Harry Bentley Bradley, has never seen the finished truck and is in no hurry to do so. "Building a custom is more engrossing than owning one," he says. Detroit Copies VW The Dodge A100 was the last in a string of smallish, forward-control pickups launched by Detroit automakers around this time--Jeep had kicked off the vogue in 1956 with the launch of its 4WD Willys FC-150 styled by Brooks Stevens; Ford had followed with the Econoline. GM, most radically of all, used Corvair running gear to produce the rear-engine Chevy Loadside and Rampside pickups, trucks whose layout most closely resembled the inspiration for all these vehicles, VW's Transporter pickup. Although the A100's power--it used Chrysler's 170- and 225-cubic-inch slant-six engines, mounted between the front seats--and its interior package were perhaps the best of the bunch, consumers' enthusiasm for forward-control trucks lagged behind that of the automakers by the time it launched for 1964. Chevy had already killed off its Corvair-powered pickups, and Econoline pickup sales were slow. Ford axed the Econoline pickup after 1967; the A100 lasted barely two years more.
Fox News
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Fox News
Luxury Mercedes electric van with 65-inch screen, 42 speakers
This isn't your run-of-the-mill minivan, far from it. The Mercedes Vision V is shaking things up as a concept that gives us a sneak peek at what luxury vans could look like when they hit production in 2026. Mercedes-Benz is on a mission to make you forget everything you thought you knew about family haulers. If you picture vans as boxy, practical and a little bit boring, the Vision V is here to flip that script with its bold looks, jaw-dropping tech and the kind of comfort that makes road trips feel like first-class flights. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join. From the moment you see the Vision V, it's clear Mercedes wants to turn heads. The exterior features sculpted lines and chrome accents, giving it a modern yet unmistakably Mercedes look. At the front, you'll spot an ornate LED light bar connecting the headlights, just beneath a glowing three-pointed-star hood ornament. The grille has been completely reimagined, combining chrome and illuminated elements for a futuristic touch. Massive 24-inch wheels with illuminated details and a wraparound rear taillight ensure this van stands out on any road. Climb inside, and you're met with an interior that feels more like a private jet than a van. Mercedes uses rich wood trim, white Nappa leather, white silk, and polished aluminum to create an atmosphere that's both tranquil and glamorous. The seats are designed for ultimate comfort, featuring flexible tubular cushions that can recline completely flat, transforming into beds for long journeys or restful stops. Entering the Vision V feels special, thanks to a large, automatically opening portal door and an illuminated retractable running board. For privacy, a smart glass partition between the driver and rear passengers can shift from transparent to opaque with just a touch. Mercedes has packed the Vision V with technology that turns every ride into an event. The centerpiece is a massive 65-inch retractable 4K cinema screen that rises from the floor, instantly transforming the rear cabin into a private theater. The 42-speaker Dolby Atmos surround sound system, including four glass-encased speakers, delivers an audio experience that rivals top home cinemas. Seven hidden projectors in the roof and floor, along with windows that double as projection surfaces, allow for a 360-degree viewing experience. Ambient lighting can sync with your music, and a fragrance diffuser adds another layer of sensory delight. Mercedes has created seven unique "digital environments" for passengers to enjoy. In Entertainment mode, you can relax and watch movies or listen to music. Relax mode reclines your seat and fills the screen with soothing landscapes and sounds. If you're in the mood for gaming, there's a controller tucked away, and you can even simulate driving while being chauffeured. Work mode lets you take video calls and access productivity tools, while Shopping mode brings a virtual storefront right to your seat. Discovery mode uses augmented reality to let you explore your surroundings in 3D, and Karaoke mode is perfect for those moments when you want to sing along with friends. The Vision V is built on Mercedes' new electric platform, which will support a lineup of high-end electric vans starting in 2026. This new architecture means a spacious, flat-floor design and the flexibility to include all the advanced features that make the Vision V unique. Mercedes plans to launch production models with names like VLS and VLE, targeting the premium end of the market. With the Vision V, Mercedes is targeting a growing trend of luxury vans for private ownership. While this segment has been popular in Asia, it's now making its way to the U.S. The Vision V is set to compete with high-end minivans like the Lexus LM and Volvo EM90, but it goes even further with its focus on digital experiences and personalized luxury. GET A FREE SCAN TO FIND OUT IF YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION IS ALREADY OUT ON THE WEB While Mercedes-Benz has not officially announced the price for the production version of the Vision V, early reports and industry speculation suggest that this luxury van could cost around $200,000, especially for models equipped with all the high-end features seen in the concept. For context, the current V-Class starts at about $60,000 in Germany and can exceed $100,000 with options, so it's reasonable to expect the Vision V to command a significant premium, positioning it well above existing luxury van offerings. As with most high-end vehicles, the final price will likely depend on customization and selected features, but the Vision V is clearly aimed at buyers seeking exclusivity and the ultimate in automotive luxury. The Mercedes Vision V is a clear signal that the luxury van market is about to get a serious upgrade. With its bold design, high-tech features, and focus on comfort, this van is set to offer a travel experience that feels truly special, whether you're heading to a meeting or taking the family on a weekend getaway. While we don't know the exact price yet, it's safe to say the Vision V will be a premium choice for those who want something different from the usual luxury SUV. If you're looking for space, style, and a bit of wow factor in your next ride, the Vision V is definitely one to watch. If money were no object, would you choose to ride in ultimate comfort and style, even if it meant swapping your dream car for a luxury van like the Vision V? Or does practicality still win out, no matter how tempting the tech and features? Let us know by writing us at For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Follow Kurt on his social channels: Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Top Gear
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Skoda has made another Enyaq RS ‘Race' concept, and it's bonkers
Concept Want yer electric family SUV with a vertical handbrake, two limited-slip diffs and diffusers for days? Here you go Skip 11 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Skoda loves pulling together a fun concept, as was evidenced by the recently reimagined Favorit. But how's this all-electric Enyaq RS 'Race' to whet an even spicier appetite? It follows closely in the footsteps of the pre-facelift Mk1, previewing a series of sustainable, lightweight materials (like polycarbonate) to drop 316kg from the standard car. New total? 1,946kg. Small moon territory, as opposed to a medium-sized star territory. Advertisement - Page continues below That chassis has also been lowered by 70mm, and the arches widened by 72mm at the front and 116mm at the rear. Meanwhile, the new bumpers have some menacing extensions added, with various NACA ducts and winglets in place to channel more air toward that bulbous rear wing. The Race rides on phat 20in alloys, behind which sit sportier shock absorbers and springs, carbon ceramic brakes and a limited slip-diff per axle , all in a bid to try and replicate the handling of the Fabia RS Rally2. You might like It also pulls certain cabin elements from the super hatch, including racing seats with six-point harnesses, a chrome-molybdenum steel roll cage, and (more importantly) a good old yank stick for easier slipping and sliding. Skoda's integrated a 'digitalised sound amplifier' too, which is fancy speak for a racier e-motor note. The now two-seater also gets protective skid plates along its underbelly to help better protect those crucial internal organs. Internal organs which are identical to the road car, headlined by a 335bhp dual-motor powertrain. Thanks to that diet, though, the key difference is almost a second carved off the 0-62mph run, down now to 4.6s. Advertisement - Page continues below How badly do you want to see Petter Solberg hoon this thing around Corsica? Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox.
Auto Blog
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Kia EV2 Spied Testing Ahead of Launch as Affordable Electric SUV
Futuristic Kia EV2 Prototype Revealed in New Spy Shots Kia shocks the crowd in February by revealing a trio of futuristic EV concepts. One of them was the Concept EV2, which will arrive next year but not on US roads. Now, it appears that the concept has entered the next stage of development, thanks to our spies who caught one testing on public roads. The Kia EV2 prototype hints at what we can expect of the production model. Most notable is the front end, which we can now see has projector LEDs high up on the front fascia. While the concept came with two strips of LED DRLs, the heavy disguise makes it difficult to tell whether they are still present. Concept Features Like Suicide Doors Dropped for Production Another alteration – and this one would break the hearts of some – would be the presence of B-pillar on the spied prototype. This means the production version won't have suicide doors at the back, which would have been cool and functional at the same time. We're guessing the decision to have conventional ones is in line with safety and structural integrity. Another heartbreak would be the wheel design, though we hope Kia will slap the unique blocky rims on the production EV2. At the back, the low-mounted taillights transcend into the production EV2. Most of the rear end's design are concealed, but we'd wager that Kia will keep the clean look of the concept to stand out. EV2 Styling Mixes EV6 Practicality With EV9 Inspiration There's not much to say about the interior as the spy shots don't exactly show much of it, except for the two-tone tiller visible through the front window. We're not seeing the nifty message display on the windows, though, so that's a downer. Still, this is not a confirmation that they aren't happening. Overall, the Kia EV2 looks different compared to the rest of the compact SUV segment. The boxy little brother of the EV6 does inherit some of the features and styling of the EV9, the biggest in the lineup, but it still has its own unique quirks to call its own. Source: SHProshots/Autoblog Hopefully, we'll see the EV2 in full later this year. Production is earmarked for 2026, and given the prototype already has its production lights on, we expect a debut in Q4. Pricing is said to be around the $30,000 mark when it hits the market, which will make it the most affordable Kia EV. With the cheapest EV right now selling just a hair under $30,000, America could benefit from another cheap model like the EV2. Unfortunately, the Kia EV2 probably won't reach the US because of its size and its European-focused design.
