On March 20, 2008 the Nissan Denki Cube Concept car made it’s first world wide appearance at the New York Auto Show.  Nissan is always looking for new ways to make their cars more environmentally friendly and the Nissan Denki (Japanese for electric) is an attempt to create another, greener, electric powered vehicle that is  practical for the whole family.  Nissan plans to make the Cube Car as a gasoline powered car first, and it will be available to drivers in the United States in 2009.

This boxy appearing car does not appear very cool to me, but many people find the minimalist design and practicality of the Nissan Cube just perfect.  We’ll see in 2009 how well the Nissan Cube does in the United States.  I am hedging bets that this is one concept car that we won’t see around too long.  It just seems too ugly.

Tags: cool new car, corvette, hummer, toyota, chevy

With the potential for 48 miles per gallon when using gasoline, the SAAB 9-X BioHybrid car may be just the concept car we are all looking to buy in the future.  With the cost of gas expected to rise even further than the already ridiculous price fo $3+ a gallon, car buyers will be looking for more affordable, more gas conscious cars.

This car contains an engine that produces  200 horsepower and can use either traditional gasoline or E85 for fuel.  E85 if a fuel that is made up of 15 percent gasoline and 85 percent ethanol. gasoline. With the E85, carbon monoxide emissions are much lower and miles per gallon is at 37 mpg.

The SAAB 9-X BioHybrid was recently showcased at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show.

The Suzuki X-HEAD

A Tonka Truck made for adults.  What could be better?

The Suzuki X-Head Concept Car has so many moveable pieces that a former matchbox nut would never leave the garage if they owned this car.   Unfortunately, they may have to wait before they have a life sized transformer car at their disposal.

The Suzuki X-Head Concept Car made its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2007.  The plan for this car is versatility.  The car is made to be part car, part pickup truck, and even part hotel.  With enough sleeping room for two adults, the planners of the Suzuki X-HEAD hope to lure adults always waiting for an adventure.

From the 2007 press release: 

 “A key feature of X-HEAD is that it can hold various load-bed units for diverse purposes. For example, it can hold a unit called the Camper, which provides sleeping space for two adults; a unit called the Fashion, which provides stylish urban mobility; and a unit called the Rescue, which is designed for emergency rescue operations in a wide range of extreme environments.” 

The front bumper has well protected LED headlights and is easily able to hold a winch.  The point of the Suzuki X-HEAD is provide as many potential uses as possible.  The car is equipped with a variety of emergency supplies and because of its bed capabilities, could be used as a rescue vehicle.

So far this car is not slated for production but has been traveling to auto shows around the world.  I’d love to get a glimpse of one. 

The Pivo 2, from Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., has created a new, advanced electric concept car and it is the Nissan Pivo 2.

Powered by four motors, one in each wheel, the Pivo 2 is designed as an urban commuter vehicle that seats three.  (I would love to meet the three people that fit inside this car).  The Pivo 2 is powered by advanced Compact Lithium-ion Batteries and employs “by-wire” technologies for breaking and steering.

Although cute, the car may not be able to survive on looks alone.  With a cabin that fully rotates and tires that turn 90 degrees, the Pivo 2 has made driving in reverse obsolete.  Parking is no longer a problem either, turn the wheels ninety degrees and drive sideways.  Now the only concern is finding a parking space.

Not only can this car drive sideways and do an about face, due to a highly innovative Robotic Agent, this car can talk to you as well.  The Pivo 2 can converse with passengers in either Japanese or English, making the commuter’s trip a little less stressful.  Not only can the Pivo 2 talk you down from ramming the car in front of you, the Pivo 2 can locate the nearest available parking. 

The Pivo 2 has a moon-eyed talking head on the dash that watches the road and navigates.  Your facial expressions are also read by the moon-eyed head and watch out, the car will try to cheer you up if you look agitated.  I am not sure about anyone else, but if my car could talk in certain situations, it might find itself parked into the nearest garage until it could behave itself.

The Pivo 2 is not slated for release any time in the near future.  A good concept, but not very practical. 

Can this car really beat a mustang?

With a 300 HP, V6 Engine, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe is revving its engine for a early 2009 arrival.  Hyundai’s most recent Concept Car, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe

is looking to replace the Ford Mustang as the number one bargain in rear-wheel-drive performance.  The projected base price for this car is under $25,000.  Of course if you want a kickin’ sound system and all the bells and whistles, the price will rise dramatically.  For a car that goes zero to sixty in 5.9 seconds, the cost may be worth it.  We’ll just have to wait and see.

PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION CAR DETAILS

• Engine type: V6
• Estimated horsepower: more than 300 horsepower
• Estimated torque: more than 250 lb. ft.
• Displacement: 3.8 liters
• Block material: high pressure die cast aluminum
• Cylinder head material: aluminum
• Valvetrain: Dual Over Head Cam (DOHC)
• Valve timing: continuous variable valve timing
• Estimated 0-60 mph: under 6 seconds
• Transmission type: 6-speed manual
• Front brakes: Brembo, 340 mm disc, twin-piston calipers
• Rear brakes: Brembo, 330 mm disc, twin-piston calipers
• Limited slip differential

Its called the “Advanced Sports Car Concept,” which will be replace the NSX super car that has long been missed by Acura enthusiasts.

This car wil be powered by an all new V-10 engine with rear-wheel drive and the production model will most likely not be an aluminum alloy body shell like the one shown here. Either way, its sure to turn heads roaring down the street.