Concept Car of the Week: Mazda RX500 (1970)

Developed by the Toyo Kogyo Company's advanced design and engineering team, the Mazda RX-500 was described as a ‘mobile test bed for high-speed safety'. Looking at its design, the team's childlike enthusiasm has shone through, resulting in a very cool concept.  From the rakish front to the wraparound windscreen and on to the bread van rear, everything communicates high-tech and ‘70's futurism while also channeling a little of the Star Wars X-Wing. Thanks to plastic body panels, the concept weighs only 850kg and is powered by a 491cc rotary engine delivering 247bhp fitted behind the cabin, in front of the rear axle.

Kia Urban Compact SUV Concept heading for Geneva Motor Show

Kia is teasing what looks to be an Urban compact SUV come crossover ahead of a reveal at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The market for funky, rufty-tufty urban crossovers started with the ugly bug (but appealing) Nissan Juke and continues apace with car makers rushing to fill a desire by car buyers for something butch and small to blat round urban landscapers. Now it looks like Kia re planning to get in on the act with a new urban runaround of their own, with the reveal of a handful of tease photos of a new concept they will be revealing at this year’s Geneva Motor Show in March.

Kia Kue concept

Kia has released a design sketch of its newest concept car - the Kue. With distinctly grand SUV styling, Kue majors on greater driving dynamics and performance.  The focus is very much about an exciting driving experience, as opposed to the typical SUV or CUV [Crossover Utility Vehicle] lifestyle and is the first major new concept launched under the guidance of new design chief Peter Schreyer. Kue is based around a dynamically focused monocoque chassis and features large seven-spoke 22-inch alloy wheels and doors that feature a distinctive sill-to-waist door crease which can be clearly seen on the all new cee'd. Size wise, the Kue measures up with an overall length of 4,720mm and a 2,900mm wheelbase.