Breaking: Scion Teases FT-86 II Concept RWD Coupe Prior to NY Show Debut

Toyota has been teasing us with its upcoming compact rear-wheel drive sports car since the original FT-86 concept at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, which was followed up by the FT-86 G Sports study a year later at the same show, and more recently, by the almost production-ready FT-86 II concept in Geneva. Now it’s time to get our first glimpse of the North American version of the FT-86 that will be marketed under the Scion brand.

Even though the Japanese firm’s North American subsidiary only makes word of a new Scion Concept to be revealed at the New York International Auto Show on April 20, 2011, without giving any further details, the car shadowed in the teaser video below leaves few doubts that the model in question is the FT-86.

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A Detailed Video Look at Lexus’ New LF-Gh Hybrid Sport Saloon Concept

One of the star attractions of next week’s 2011 New York International Auto Show will be a new concept model from Lexus called the LF-Gh Hybrid. We’ve already brought you the first details and photos on the sedan study, but now we’ve got official footage of the LF-Gh. Those of you looking to catch a glimpse of the concept model on the move will have to skip through towards the end of the 7-minute long clip. Read more »

Lexus LF-Gh Concept Hybrid Sports Sedan Unwrapped: 50 High-Res Photos

Today’s the day for Lexus to formally lift the wraps off its new LF-Gh hybrid concept ahead of its global debut at the 2011 New York International Auto Show, which runs for the public from April 22 to May 1. The Japanese firm’s latest concept is for a premium grand tourer that previews a new design direction for the next generation of Lexus models.

Even though Toyota’s luxury division won’t say it, the LF-Gh’s also hints at a replacement for the GS given the proximity in size between the two models as the concept measures 192.5-in. long, 73.6-in. wide, 57.1-in. tall while riding on a 112.2-in long wheelbase. In comparison, the current GS is 190.7-in long, 71.7-in. wide, 56.1-in tall and rides on the same 112.2-in long wheelbase.

Lexus says that through this exercise, it redefines its L-Finesse design philosophy, which debuted in 2001, adding that it represents a bolder styling that “unites hard and soft; and energetic and soothing elements”. Needless to say, the LF-Gh has borrowed many styling elements from Lexus’ first supercar, the LF-A, including the body surfaces as well as the shape of the tail lamps, headlights and front grille.

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Ford Crafts a One-Off Transit SSV Powered by a 3.2-liter Turbo Diesel

Continuing a tradition that dates back to the 1970’s with the creation of the GT40-based Supervan 1, Ford has lifted the wraps off the next evolution of its SportVan bloodline, the one-off Transit SuperSportVan (SSV). Revealed on Tuesday at the Commercial Vehicle Show at Birmingham’s NEC in the UK, the SSV combines the smallest body available in the Transit lineup with the biggest diesel in the range. Read more »

Audi Drops Sketches of a Spyder Version of its Hardcore R8 GT

The 2012 A3 Sedan and Hatchback weren't the only future Audi models to be teased today, as another set of drawings previewing the R8 GT supercar in drop-top guise also hit the internet. Scheduled for a reveal in early 2012, the R8 GT Spyder will be the roadster version of the lightweight R8 GT Coupe. Read more »

Peugeot to Premiere China Market 508 Sedan and New SUV Concept at Shanghai Auto Show

As China’s auto market continues to grow in numbers and significance, carmakers from both sides of the Atlantic and beyond are flocking to the world’s most populous country to reap the benefits. For its part, French automaker Peugeot plans to reinforce its presence in China by launching at least one new model per year into the market starting with the new local market 508 saloon that will be introduced alongside a brand new concept model at next week’s Shanghai Auto Show. Read more »

Future Audi A3 Hatch and Sedan Previewed in Official Sketches

Audi released a set of sketches portraying the next-generation A3, which is expected to go on sale in late 2012. The officials drawings show the three-door hatchback and sedan versions, plus a view of the interior.

The A3 Sedan sketch does not come as a surprise, since it shows a car very similar in design with the A3 Concept premiered by Audi at the Geneva Motor Show. The three-door hatchback, however, is more interesting, as this is the first time Audi offers a sneak peak at the design of its future compact model.

The three-door version looks sharp and dynamic, sporting a narrow glasshouse, massive wheel arches and an interesting crease in the lower part of the door.

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New Subaru XV Concept Teased Ahead of 2011 Shanghai Auto Show

In the run-up to the Auto Shanghai 2011 that takes place in China from April 21 through 28, Subaru has released the first official photo of a brand-new crossover study called the XV Concept. The Japanese company did not give out many details on the concept simply stating that the XV is a stylish proposal for a crossover model. Read more »

VIDEO: More Powerful and Lighter BMW M3 Sedan in the Works

During the M5 Concept and M3 Pick-Up presentation held by BMW's M division in Munich, the Bavarian carmaker also showed the M3 Sedan Concept, a more powerful track-focused version that could signal the return of the CSL badge, albeit in four-door trim.

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The Wonderful Alfa Romeo GT Cabrio that Never Was...

The Alfa Romeo GT was a fairly successful small coupe built between 2003 and 2010. Its clean styling courtesy of the Bertone design house and its sweet handling led to sales of 80,832 units worldwide. But did you know that Bertone also conceived a convertible version of the car? In 2003, the Italian design house and coachbuilder built a one-off, four-seat soft-top version of the GT for Alfa Romeo, in order to convince them it was worth making.

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Batmobile gets a Very Un-Hollywood Makeover from the World’s Aspiring Car Designers

In the annals of superhero-dom, one of the most beloved and theatrically successful is Batman. Born in the late 1930’s, this iconic figure has survived many a war, the advent of television, VHS and DVD and even Joel Schumacher. Whether your allegiances lie with Adam West, Michael Keaton or Christian Bale, you have to admit the caped crusader has done incredibly well for himself.

So ask yourself: where would the dark knight be without his car? Unlike Superman (who can fly) or Spiderman (who can shoot webs from his wrists), Batman relies on a good ol’ fashioned automobile to get him from A to B. From the Barris-ified Ford Futura of the ‘60s (read about our drive here) to the nigh-indestructible Tumbler of the Chris Nolan Batman films, the Batmobile is as much a part of the series as the hood and the cape.

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BMW Unleashes New Video of V8-Powered M5 Concept

In preparation of the big reveal of the M5 Concept at the Auto Shanghai 2011 in China later this month, BMW has churned out a new video of its high-performance sports saloon. What we get to see here is the thinly disguised M5 study on the move, though in an unwanted politically correct manner. Read more »

VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz Explains the Design of the Concept A-Class

On Wednesday, Mercedes-Benz introduced an impressive design study for the next generation of the A-Class, heavily influenced by the brand's recent concept cars, mainly the F800 and the CLS Shooting Brake. Now, we have two new video of the concept model. In the first clip, exterior designer Mark Featherston, who worked on the Concept A-Class, explains the important styling features of the compact car in a short film released by Mercedes-Benz.

The German automaker also presented the first footage showing the Concept A-Class in motion and capturing the car's most appealing exterior and interior angles. Scroll down to watch both videos dedicated to the concept that previews Stuttgart’s upcoming rival to the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3.

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Jeep’s 2011 Moab Easter Safari Specials in Pictures and on Video

Earlier today, we showed you the Jeep Wrangler JK-8 Independence pickup truck [DIY] conversion, and now its time to give you a sneak peek of the rest of the vehicles Jeep and Mopar are planning to bring to the upcoming 45th annual Moab Easter Jeep Safari in Utah on April 16.

The list includes the Jeep Compass Canyon, Cherokee Overland, Grand Cherokee Off-road Edition, Wrangler Renegade, Wrangler Pork Chop, Wrangler Blue Crush and the Mopar Ram Truck Runner.

One of the most impressive looking models is the Jeep Wrangler Blue Crush, which is said to combine “high-speed off-road racing and rock-crawling capability.” The high-riding Wrangler packs a Mopar 426 cubic-inch HEMI V8 with 540 horsepower that is paired with a 545RFE performance transmission and a gear-drive transfercase.

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Arturo Arino’s Reptile Brings the Lightweight Roadster into the 21st Century

If the KTM X-Bow and Ariel Atom have taught us anything, it is that simple, stripped-down cars with go-kart like handling and supercar performance are the shiz. With that in mind, Mexican industrial designer Arturo Arino presents us with the Reptile, an imaginary hybrid racer that can also be driven on the streets.

Equipped with a 2.7 L Wankel rotary producing a theoretical 700 hp (552 kW) at 9,000 rpm, a 4-pole electric induction motor and regenerative braking to recharge the batteries, this lightweight / topless roadster epitomizes the long held motoring philosophy that, “less is more”.

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From China for China: BMW Teams up with Brilliance to Create 5-Series Plug-in Hybrid Sedan

BMW has teamed up with joint venture partner Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Ltd. to develop a new plug-in hybrid model based on the long wheelbase version of the local market 5 Series Sedan, which is available exclusively in China. The prototype model will receive its world premiere at the Auto Shanghai 2011 later this month.

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Mercedes Brings Sexy to the Compact Segment with New Concept A-Class, will be Revealed in Shanghai

Mercedes-Benz plans to show up at this month’s Shanghai Auto Show with a brand new concept for a spectacular looking A-Class model. While the Concept A-Class is just what its name says it is – a prototype study - it’s also a very good indication of where the company plans to take its BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 rival with the presentation of the next generation model that is scheduled to go on sale in 2012.

For starters, Mercedes is giving up the minivan-like silhouette of the current A-Class for a more dramatic and sporty looking two-box profile with a long bonnet and a low roof-line. The concept’s exterior design details are heavily influenced by Stuttgart’s most recent prototypes such as the CLS Shooting Brake and especially the F800.

Aside from the new nose with a prominent Mercedes grille, the three-door Concept A-Class also features concave surfaces with sweeping lines throughout the body.

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Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Turned Into a Sport Ute

Inspired by BMW’s costly but cool April Fool’s Day E92 M3 Pickup Truck, Carscoop reader L il-k Amaru drew up a similar design proposal based on the Bavarian sport model’s alter-ego from Stuttgart, the new Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe. Take a look at both renderings after the jump and tell us what you think about Merc concept as well as the ute category in general in the comments section below. Read more »

Lexus Teases the LF-Gh Hybrid Concept ahead of NYIAS World Premiere

Toyota's luxury brand Lexus released the first official teaser shots of the new LF-Gh hybrid concept car, which will make its world debut at the upcoming 2011 New York International Auto Show (April 22 – May 11). The name of the concept stands for Lexus Future Grand Touring Hybrid, and according to the Japanese company, the LF-Gh “sets out to redefine the premium grand touring sedan.”

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Suzuki to Unveil Two New Concept Versions of Kizashi at the New York Auto Show

Suzuki’s stand at this month’s 2011 New York International Auto Show will feature two brand new concepts cars, both based on the Kizashi sedan. In the Japanese automaker’s own words, the first study will be a “stylish and socially-conscious sedan propelled by a newly-developed advanced powertrain”, while the second concept will be a “wildly-schemed and amped up homage to Suzuki’s iconic motorcycle heritage”. Read more »