Toyota recently released a new concept car that has the potential of being one of the first hybrid racing car.

The 2013 Toyota Yaris Hybrid-R Concept is based on the 3-door model of the line, featuring several visual improvements and a reworked drivetrain and transmission that offer a four-wheel drive capability which is rather uncommon for such compact cars.

Specifications

* Yaris Entry Specs

Engine

The Yaris Hybrid-R is powered by a 1.6 liter four-cylinder engine capable of a total output of 300 horsepower.

Its rear wheels are powered by a two 60 horsepower electrics motor used also in the classic Yaris Hybrid. Each wheel is powered individually and combined with the petrol engine; the car is capable of a combined output of 420 horsepower.

Performance

Using the two electric motors to power the rear axle, this Yaris Hybrid concept adds more grip improving road stability and handling at high speeds.

The exterior design of the Hybrid-R include carefully placed air vents to ensure improved downforce and better aerodynamics. All these additions give this Yaris an edge which is typical for sports cars.

Exterior

The Hybrid-R Concept features a large trapeze-shaped front air vent accompanied by slim and extended headlights. Another pair of air vents have been placed discreetly on the side.

The entire concept car is painted in white with blue elements on the side skirts and front bumper.

Its rear features a discrete spoiler placed right above the rear window. Below the window, two tail lights have been placed and extended towards the side of the car.

Design

The concept design of the Yaris Hybrid-R introduces multiple elements that make it one of the few 3-door compact models to come in 4-wheel drive.

Gas consumption and CO2 emissions have been reduced while the comfort level of the interior has been raised.

During the Frankfurt Motor Show, unveiled was the latest in small car design, the 2013 Smart FourJoy Concept.

This concept simply takes the notion of a fun 4-seater to a higher level; there is neither a roof nor a windscreen.

This means, the driver and the passengers will have an unhindered view of the futuristic interior that may remind you of lounge furniture.

Performance

The Smart FourJoy features a 55 kW magneto-electric motor and a lithium battery with a capacity of 17.6 kWh. When the battery is completely empty, it takes a maximum of 7 hours to fully charge.

This charging time can be shortened to less than one hour when done at a wall box or a public charging station with a 22kW on-board charge together with a rapid charging cable.

Exterior

The 3-dimensional, upright front gives this car an expensive appearance . At the front, the honeycomb structure of air in-lets and the sensuously shaped body makes the Concept look even better.

The car is made of polished full-aluminum with a brilliant bright luster finish. The headlights do not have any gloss cover; this reinforces the 3-dimensional impression of the U-shaped daytime running lights. There are also LEDs exclusively fitted just in both the front and tail lights.

Interior

With no doors, a rear window or even a roof panel, this smart FourJoy brings the city outside, in. Some of the elements that connect the interior and the exterior include the handles for the driver and passenger on the side sills and cavities in the roof structure.

Other striking features are the futuristic-looking seats and a rear bench. The rear seat is made of dark chrome while the floor has perforated and smooth surfaces.

The seats and instrument panel are supported by a continuous structure that features a convex surface on which touch-sensitive operating functions can be found. Two smart-phones are mounted on the car’s dashboard and at the center tunnel in the rear for entertainment and cutting-edge connectivity.

The concept design of the new Quattroporte aims to become the sixth generation of the series, benefiting from multiple upgrades to the chassis, design and drivetrain.

Following the footsteps of its predecessor, the 2013 Maserati Quattroporte Zegna Edition Concept offers the same luxury and quality of build but more in tune with the current technological and design trends.

Specifications

* Quattroporte S Specs
** Mirrors folded

Engine

The line will either be a 3.8 liter V8 or a 3.0 liter V6 engine with twin turbo.

The V8 is capable of going from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and has a limited top speed of 191 mph. The V6 is capable of reaching 177 mph.

Both engines use an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive as standard option. All-wheel drive configuration is available as an additional option.

Performance

Using all-aluminum double wishbone suspensions, handling gains superior precision with better cornering and stability. Because of its arched front design, the downforce of the car is increased giving it better road grip.

Exterior

The exterior bodywork of the concept model features more curved lines. With an arched hood and an air vent with rounded edges, which gives this model gains a unique new look.

The front and tail lights are smaller despite being a full size saloon.

Interior

Maserati presents a model that has an all leather interior, using light brown colors and a black dashboard. The light leather and the dashboard are separated by a faux wood divider.

Between the driver and front passenger, an LCD touch screen control panel has been placed. Additional controls have been added to the steering wheel while the analog instruments and gauges are strategically located.

As a full size Saloon, the Quattroporte behaves similar to a two-door sports car. The 2013 Maserati Quattroporte Zegna Edition concept makes use of premium quality components, continuing the legacy of Maserati.

The new 2013 Lexus LF-NX Concept is considered the choice for those who want a mid-sized crossover. This is in fact the main notion with which this vehicle is marketed by Lexus, who wanted to introduce a mid-sized model in this range.

Since Lexus ranks among the very best when it comes to full hybrid drive technology, the Lexus LF-NX is powered by a new variant of the brand’s hybrid drive system that has been tuned to improve SUV performance.

Specifications

Hybrid

The hybrid technology on the LF-NX Concept is based and similar to that of the ES300h.

Exterior

The exterior design of this model is distinctive. Stylishness and finesse are evident throughout. The front grille is eye-catching, as are the corner which separates the front wing from the bumper.

The details are described as powerful and aggressive which contribute to its unique style. This is also emphasized by the pronounced belt line, the tailgate and the wheel arches.

The lamp clusters at the rear and the front lighting are equally distinctive. The brushed-metal color adds to its handsome appearance.

Interior

The bold exterior is complemented with an equally powerful interior, and Lexus has done a great job. The driver-focused cockpit makes this car a pleasure to drive.

It is supported by an ergonomic environment that offers more than sufficient leg and head room. The dashboard is very stylish and well thought of.

Touch-sensitive electrostatic switches and an innovative RTI design touch pad adorn the main console. The upholstery is chic and sporty, all in leather, with a great array of color choices.

Recently unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor show was the new 2013 Jaguar C-X17 Concept. The car is a symbol of the company’s all new advanced aluminum monocoque architecture, on which an enthralling range of future cars will be built.

Developed and engineered for Jaguar, the architecture is built around lightweight, high-strength, and extremely inventive technologies.

It allows the potential for a high-volume of production while enabling creative freedom that includes an attractive interior design. There was no compromise, it maintains the distinctive character, performance, dynamics, and luxury that Jaguar is known for.

Exterior

This Concept borrows styling cues from the existing Jaguar range, like a grille similar to the XJ saloon and the haunches and rear lights like those found on the F-type.

The body design was done by Ian Callum, wherein he updates the modern Jaguar design language in a revolutionary manner.

Interior

It comes with 4 individual bucket seats, with two of them mounted to the floor in the rear. An ISC, Interactive Surface Console comes with an entertainment system that encompasses touch screens as well as social media capability.

The ISC allows passengers to upload images, videos and music and share them via individual touch screens through the in car WiFi network.

Future

Although Jaguar has opted to preview its chassis technology with this model, it won’t be the first to use it. The first production model to utilize it will be the new C/D segment saloon due to be released to the public in the year 2015.

It will be the first model in the segment to utilize aluminum monocoque. In addition to being available with an F type V6 engine, the saloon will come equipped with the all new four cylinder diesel and petrol units.