2010 Alfa Romeo Sports Car Bertone Pandion Concept

Bertone returns to the Geneva Motor Show 2010, after a two year absence from the international scene, unveiling a concept car that makes its world premiere here: the Pandion, an aggressive yet beautiful coupé designed as a tribute to Alfa Romeos’ one hundred year anniversary. The Alfa Romeo Pandion Concept: an extreme and controversial sports car in typical Bertone fashion. The size of the concept car (4620 mm in length, 1971 mm wide, 1230 mm high, 2850 mm wheelbase) offers a compact sports car external dimensions with a large sports car interior feeling. Bertone Pandion Design Sketchoffers a compact sports car external dimensions with a large sports car interior feeling, all powered by a 4.7 litre, 450 CV 8-cylinder Alfa Romeo engine.

2010 Alfa Romeo Sports Car Bertone Pandion Concept

The name comes from the animal world, as Pandion Haliaetus is the scientific name for an Osprey: a sea hawk that nests and lives in coastal areas. The designers, led by Mike Robinson, have drawn inspiration from the wings of this predator to invent the spectacular door opening mechanisms, and from the hawks' facial markings to project the traditional Alfa family feeling into the next era of design.

2010 Alfa Romeo Sports Car Bertone Pandion Concept

The designers, led by Mike Robinson, have drawn inspiration from the wings of this predator to invent the spectacular door opening mechanisms, and from the hawks’ facial markings to project the traditional Alfa family feeling into the next era of design. In almost a century of Bertone tradition, it is not the first time that natural wonders have inspired the names of concept cars. Just think of the Corvair Testudo (1963) and, by no coincidence, the Alfa Romeo Canguro (1964), Carabo (1968) and Delfino (1983).

2010 Alfa Romeo Sports Car Bertone Pandion Concept

The Pandion’s taut and muscular body is the result of an original interpretation of the Alfa Romeo badge, where the man-eating snake depicted there represents the attraction of elegance (what we call the ‘Skin’), and the aristocratic cross symbolises the rigour of rational thought, the technological aspect (what we call the ‘Frame’).

2010 Alfa Romeo Sports Car Bertone Pandion Concept

According to this interpretation, the Pandion’s design is, like every Alfa Romeo, a perfect synthesis between ‘Skin and Frame’, an ideal balance resulting from a tension between opposites: technology and sensuality, rationality and instinct, architecture and sculpture, structuralism and organicism, industrial excellence and excellent craftsmanship.

2010 Alfa Romeo Sports Car Bertone Pandion Concept

The design of the Pandion is based on a concept Robinson calls: "Skin & Frame” - a new interpretation of the inherent duality in the 100 year old Alfa Romeo logo. “Skin” refers to the snake in the logo, representing the world renowned Italian excellence in beautiful, seductive forms; and “Frame” refers to the cross in the logo, representing the mechanical excellence in high performance Italian race cars. The combination of the two has now become a dynamic dial searching for an ideal balance resulting from the tension between opposites: technology and sensuality, rational and emotional, architectural layout and sculptural form, structural and organic, industrial excellence and artisan excellence.

2010 Alfa Romeo Sports Car Bertone Pandion Concept

According to this interpretation, the vibrant energy in every Alfa Romeo is represented by Pandions’ spinal structure (or ‘Frame’), which crosses the length of the car from the V-shaped grille in the nose of the car to the V-shaped bumper in the tail of the car, crossing the interior as a visually aesthetic structural element which supports the surrounding shell (or ‘Skin’).

2010 Alfa Romeo Sports Car Bertone Pandion Concept

The Alfa Romeo Pandion Concept has the profile of a true sports car, with no room for compromise. The architectural layout is 'cab rearward', meaning the passenger compartment is positioned towards the rear of the car and the long bonnet pushes the car's visual centre rearward. The body side visually connects the sensuous front end with the razor-edged rear by means of an extremely long flowing side window which stretches from front wheel arch to rear, enhancing the excellent accessibility of this low-bodied sports coupé.

2010 Alfa Romeo Sports Car Bertone Pandion Concept

Since sports cars are traditionally difficult to get in and out of, this important ergonomic activity has been facilitated with an extra wide door opening to make up for the low roofline. This new graphic formula not only adds a striking new visual division between the upper and lower parts of the body, but it also offers an incredible panorama window for passengers inside. The strong diagonal dark-light division in the rear of the side view accentuates the powerful rear wheel drive layout and draws special attention to the hidden door opening mechanism.

Peugeot Sport Cars Epine Concept Cars Inspired by Formula One and Motorcycles

Peugeot Sport Cars Epine Concept Cars derived from a project to create a hybrid eco-friendly vehicle. The Peugeot Epine Concept design study was developed to have a sportscar-like performance while creating a new way to get in touch with nature. Inspired by Formula One cars and motorcycles, Epine features a whale skeleton, as a tribute to Mother Nature.

Peugeot Sport Cars Epine Concept Cars Inspired by Formula One and Motorcycles

The concept car was created by Daniel Schumpert. Peugeot Epine was basically a project that was supposed to turn into an environmentally friendly hybrid vehicle, but eventually it turned into a “consumer’s racing car”.

This Peugeot Sport Cars Epine Concept Cars Inspired by Formula One and Motorcycles ride relies on the Epine system, with an innovative seating arrangement and the drive-by-wire technology, as far as steering is concerned. The energy source of the vehicle is placed at the back, while the storage area is at the front of the car. The major technical feature of this car is the Epine system that allows a complete seating arrangement by adopting the drive-by-wire technology to run the steering system.

The rear-engined sportscar is minimalistic with an exposed frame, Peugeot Sport Cars Epine Hybrid Concept Cars uses the Michelin Tweel concept airless wheels, with a positive impact on the suspension system.

Peugeot Sport Cars Epine Concept Cars Inspired by Formula One and Motorcycles

Turns out that the wheel spokes are able to compress and decompress, thanks to the materials they’re made out of, allowing a wide variety of car motions. This futuristic Peugeot measures 4,260 mm (length), 1,882mm (width) and 1153mm (height).

2010 Pininfarina Alfa Romeo Sports Car Spider Concept

Pininfarina, an Italian car design studio, has released to the public the teaser image of their new Alfa Romeo concept. Pininfarina turns 80 years-old this year. As part of celebrating this important milestone the company will unveil this two-seater spider concept pictured here at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in March. It will be presented as a tribute to its long relationship with Alfa Romeo. The unveiling coincides with Alfa's 100th anniversary so it is doubly fitting. The design has been managed by Lowie Vermeersch, head of Pininfarina’s style centre, and the rear reflects the old Alfa Romeo Duetto model, with its cuttlefish-bone inspiration.

2010 Pininfarina Alfa Romeo Spider Concept

A revival of the Alfa Duetto is an exciting proposition, and the prototype will be the same two-seater Spider vehicle. It will have a longitudinal engine placed in the front and rear-wheel drive. No production plan has been established as yet, so we can’t say if this could be an eventual replacement to the current Alfa Spider.

2010 Pininfarina Alfa Romeo Spider Concept

Apart from the obvious not much else is said or revealed about the car. But from this solitary sketch it can be noted that the current 8C Spider has some serious styling competition. The long sloping bonnet, two-door configuration and short rear overhangs are the main signs of a classic roadster. Whether this traditionalist approach will be kept intact with a soft folding roof remains to be seen.

2010 Pininfarina Alfa Romeo Spider Concept

Perhaps the Pininfarina/Alfa Romeo relationship is about to receive a new life. Hopefully the concept is as good, or even better than this sketch suggests.

2010 Lotus Sports Cars Elite Concept Cars

British sports car company unveil at the Paris Motor Show the sun starts to rise for the dawn of Lotus' new era - the Elite will redefine "modern classic". So here it is, the Lotus Sports Cars Elite, the first taste of what's to come from Lotus in the future. This is not only beautifully elegant, in accordance with the burden of Lotus’ appraises, that car with the center consisting of several by the identical cutting-edge technological innovation Lotus has submitted a bid. Retractile hard top version of the cunning and consumption with optional cross with KERS technology is a special case with Lotus cutting technology to provide perfect performance.

The 2010 Lotus Sports Cars Elite Concept Car is labeled as a “production intent prototype and is scheduled to go on sale in 2014 with a pricetag around £115,000 (approximately $180,000). Set for release in spring 2014, this is an innovative, exciting GT that will set a new benchmark in design, performance and emissions. And it s not all about sleek lines and stunning bodywork with this particular 2+2, what hides beneath this shark like exterior perfectly does the aesthetics justice. A front-mid positioned 5.0l V8 engine delivering up to 620 PS meaning drivers can expect to go from 0-100 km/h in approximately 3.5 to 3.7 seconds.

2010 Lotus Sports Cars Elite Concept Cars

First up, the Elite will offer a retractable hardtop roof, adding significant weight to the automobile. It may weigh in at 3,600 pounds.  This is a far step from Lotus’ usual super-light vehicles mentality. The Elite has a 2+2 seating configuration and is directly aimed at the competing with the Ferrari 612.

"Make no mistake, there's a definite market requirement for the Elite - it's the ultimate sports car feel with comfort and space. There will always be those who believe that Lotus should stick to small sports cars but we didn't take the decision to design something like the Elite lightly, it's based on months of careful research and planning. It's worth noting this sector has been very successful for us in the past and now the Elite raises the benchmark higher still." As for the new, awesome design of the car, the designer Donato Coco has designed what can only be described as a truly stunning car. It is completely different from all Lotus models of the past and really indicates that Lotus is ready to move from the ‘affordable’ sports car market deep into supercar territory.

2010 Lotus Sports Cars Elite Concept Cars 

With the likes of Porsche, Aston Martin and Ferrari in its crosshairs, it’s not surprising that the new Lotus Elite sports car is significantly heavier and more powerful than the company’s current offerings. In fact, with an expected kerb weight of 3,637 pounds, the Elite is very different to Lotus’ usual assortment of light weight track cars but its designers are confident it will still have the ultimate sports car feel--just with a little more comfort and space. The design, specification and performance figures for all Production Intent Prototypes will be confirmed following official testing and will be available from Lotus Cars.

2010 Mazda Sport Cars Coupe Shinari Concept Car

Mazda launched the 2010 Shinari sports cars coupe at the Paris Motor Show in early October, a four door concept car that shows the new design. This design as well as to replace the Nagare design. Mazda Shinari Concept represents the profound connection of driver and machine and the beginning of Mazda's latest design theme 'KODO-Soul in Motion'. Shinari exhibits a functional aesthetic that will continue to evolve as Mazda continues to define its next generation of vehicles.

2010 Mazda Sport Cars Coupe Shinari Concept Car

The development of the Shinari Concept was actually a collaboration between three of Mazda’s design centers in Japan, Germany and the United States. Mazda also said it is working to improve the quality level of its interiors for future vehicles. With 2010 Mazda Sport Cars Coupe Shinari Concept Car as the first step, Ikuo Maeda, general manager of Mazda's design division, aims to create original Mazda designs that will be recognized around the world. He summarizes his resolve in the following words:

"My goal is to create designs that people can point to proudly and say, 'This is a Mazda design'. There is no need for Mazda to build cars for people who are only concerned with 'style' and 'trends'. Whether working on sports cars or compact cars, I have always worked to create designs that evoke an emotional response in people and I hope to keep doing the same as I remain fully committed to develop designs for people who love and admire cars. It is my personal belief that the only way to create designs that fundamentally connect with people and to create designs they love, is if the people creating them are absolutely passionate about cars and are willing to make that passion a firm policy for design expression.

The Mazda Shinari is a pure design concept model of a four-door, four-seater sport cars coupe which perfectly expresses the 'KODO - Soul of Motion' design theme in a graceful and carefree form. All of Mazda Shinari Concept's body surfaces appear as if constantly undergoing transformation. There is no static shape to be found, as if the car is in perpetual motion. For instance the subtle control of the angle of the upper surface of the side sill, from the front to the rear, results in a form that suggests a flash of speed along the body of the car. Aerodynamic performance was a major priority for Mazda Shinari Concept, and the centre of the lower sections - on both the front and rear bumpers - are designed to optimize the flow of air along the underbody of the car.

2010 Mazda Sport Cars Coupe Shinari Concept Car 

The principle of 'dedicated driving ergonomics' is further reflected in the car's next generation Human Machine Interface (HMI). The availability of smaller electronic components has allowed Mazda Shinari Concept's designers to create a floating HMI three-dimensional display; a design element that represents the very latest HMI technology . The system offers three distinct modes: 'Business, Pleasure and Sport'.

Yasushi Nakamuta, the chief designer who led the design of the third generation Mazda MX-5, was the first to begin the ideation of the Mazda Shinari Concept: "The challenge for us was to create an innovative new expression for energetic and powerful movement; something that we had never attempted before. We began by developing the design around the image of a predator, as it strikes at its prey, or the stabbing movement in kendo, Japanese fencing, to express the instant where accumulated force is released.

Ikuo Maeda say, "Further, I consider it vitally important to have an awareness of Japanese originality in designing cars for Mazda. This is not merely about incorporating traditional Japanese elements into car design. I believe in reflecting the Japanese spirit in car designs as part of a subconscious practice. So, while I consider where this may lead in the future, my plan is to create cars that will be instantly recognizable as a Mazda, even when viewed at a distance. My ultimate goal is to create a brand presence that car lovers around the world recognize as representing both Mazda originality and Japanese originality. Future Mazda's will move people physically and emotionally - this is 'KODO - Soul of Motion'."

2010 Mazda Sport Cars Coupe Shinari Concept Car 

2010 Touring Superleggera A8GCS Berlinetta Sports Cars Concept

Touring Superleggera A8GCS Berlinetta was revealed in the flesh at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show after being previewed at the Concours d'Elegance. At the Festival Automobile in Paris last month, a panel comprised of designers, car experts and former Formula 1 driver Alain Prost awarded the Maserati A8GCS Berlinetta Touring the most beautiful supercar of the year. Television network Eurosport fielded over one million votes from viewers for the competition. Viewers’ choices included the Bugatti Sport Veyron, BMW 750i and Lotus Evora.

2010 Touring Superleggera A8GCS Berlinetta

Now this is how it's done. The Touring Superleggera A8GCS Berlinetta is a Maserati Gran Turismo rebodied with classic GT proportions and shapes. The result is classically beautiful, like a 1950s Maserati re-interpreted with 21st century technology.

Based on the Maserati Coupé GranSport mechanics, the A8GCS Berlinetta Touring represents the high performance sports car concept, with small dimensions, state-of-the-art constructive technology and perfect stylish synthesis between factory tradition and advanced aesthetic criteria.

Unlike the Bentley Flying Star shooting brake that's also from Touring Superleggera, the Berlinetta isn't destined for a well-heeled car nut. The company created it specifically to showcase its coachbuilding skills. If they have their way, they'll be turning the Maserati Gran Turismo and other exotic cars into vehicles that are even more exclusive, luxurious and personalized.

The new A8GCS Berlinetta Touring has been designed by the young Belgian designer Louis de Fabribeckers, in charge of the Touring styling department. The A8GCS Berlinetta Touring lines are not affected by time or fashion: the car is characterized by a soft aggressiveness originated by the perfect balance between the front end, directly derived from competitions, and the harmonious and fluent flanks reminding of the extraordinary Alfa Romeo, Isotta Fraschini and Lancia Flying Star of the Thirties, an exceptional series created by Touring and still considered the best interpretation of Marinetti and Boccioni’s Futurism.

The Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera style is first expressed through perfecly balanced volumes (reduced front overhang, front central engine and large rear overhang). The result is a dynamic form that doesn’t need a lowered waistline. Moreover, the horizontal development of lines create a natural elegance.

The sporty look of the car is underlined by the combination between bonnet and front grille. An element dashing forward the other volumes. Hence the lateral lines of the body: the lower line ends on the rear wheelarch and the upper line dissolves in the rear end of the car. Together they create a dynamic sail shape, as on Flying Stars.

Of course, also the most successful car design is not enough to make an alive and complete object. It must be combined with excellent dynamic qualities, derived from state-of-the-art technical solutions. For the prototype A8GCS Berlinetta Touring, Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera studied and designeda body in advanced composite materials, able to give the car lightness, structural strenght and performance typical of top granturismo and obviously respecting all international safety and environmental rules. The result is clear: the style protoype A8GCS Berlinetta Touring is able to enter small series production, gaining immediately a top place among the best sports cars.

The A8GCS is a strict two-seater, unlike the car on which it's based which features a 2+2 seating layout. Touring Superleggera have made extensive changes to the car's bodywork while still retaining similar proportions. The styling details like the minimalist chrome trim and classic wire wheels give the car a distinctive retro vibe, while also not being unnecessarily nostalgic.

"We wanted a strong project" - says the Belgian Head of Design of Touring Superleggera, Louis de Fabribeckers - "I drew from the stylistic heritage of Touring the work of surfaces and also this sinusoidal line across the side of the Berlinetta".

The Touring Superleggera A8GCS Berlinetta is 4.2 metres long and only 1.2 metres high. The engineers are aiming for a 1,500 kg (3,307 lb) weight for the finished car - 180 kgs (400 lbs) lighter than the Maserati GranSport.

2020 Minotauro Lamborghini Sports Car Concept

Concept cars never cease to fascinate car enthusiasts. If you claim to be a Lambo fan than this latest sports car concept creation is definitely for you. Andrei Avarvarii, a student at Milan's Scuola Politecnica di Design, with assistance from Lamborghini’s design head Filippo Perini, designed this amazing electric 2020 Lamborghini Minotauro concept.

2020 Lamborghini Minotauro concept

The duo worked to achieve three different goals:

1. Aesthetic goal – Explore soft shapes for a new Lamborghini design language,

2. Technical goal – Redefine the Lamborghini supercar as an electric vehicle and

3. Functional goal: Integrate the new vehicle in the reality of the year 2020.

Designed tasty electric sports car concept Lamborghini, uses four electric motors and power sharing 30% / 70% front to rear. 2020 Lamborghini Concept Minotauro designed by a student getting a master’s degree in Milan Scuola Politecnica in Design, Andrei Avarvarii with the help of Filippo Perini head of Lamborghini Design. Li-Tec A flat-cell batteries in the rear and front of the KERS system will provide power.

A breathtaking beauty on wheels imagined for the year 2020, it mesmerizes you with both its looks and features. The concept creation would utilize four electric motors and split the power 30%/70% front to rear while a Li-Tec flat-cell battery out back and a KERS system in the front provide the power.

The Minotauro has two asynchronous 75-horsepower (56-kW, 76-PS) electric motors at the front that provide 30% of the car’s power, and two 175-horsepower (131-kW, 177-PS) electric motors at the rear. The system runs on a Cerio Li-Tec Flatcell battery, with a Kinetic Energy Recovery System also in place.

The press release goes on to explain the bonus of no big V12 out back: The absence of a big V12 engine in the rear creates enough room for a third passenger in a central position, like the legendary Mclaren F1. While the driver’s door would be normal, the passenger side’s would be bigger to provide access to the back seat.

What is more, the absence of the powerful V-12 engine in this concept creation makes room for a third passenger. Keeping this in mind, the passenger’s door would be bigger in order to provide access to the back seat.

But what are sure to appeal to every Lambo fan are the concept’s triangular intakes/exhausts that are not just visually pleasing but serve for battery cooling and act like the tubes of a subwoofer, channeling the sound of the electric motors, placed behind them.

A hi-tech creation, the owners would also be able to upload their own track ghosts to an online community. And if a real racetrack has been / is being covered, the GPS would record car placement / track time, allowing people worldwide to challenge an owner's record.

Guess when it comes to concepts, sky is the limit for the designers.