Daihatsu Kopen concept: changeable body panels

Wondering what all the fuss is about the interchangeable body panels on the new Daihatsu Kopen concept at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show? Hopefully this will help it make a little more sense. As you can see from our montage image, Daihatsu has designed the Kopen concept with a kind of non-structural spaceframe.

Hyundai to reveal Blue-Will plug-in hybrid at Seoul show

By Chris Chilton First Official Pictures 25 March 2009 14:15 Hyundai will reveal the Blue-Will, a dramatically-styled plug-in hybrid coupe, at the 2009 Seoul Motor Show that employs state-of-the-art lithium ion polymer batteries. The Blue-Will concept is powered by a direct injection 1.6-litre petrol mated to a CVT transmission. A battery pack mounted together with the fuel tank under the rear sat ensures cabin and luggage space doesn’t suffer and clever solar cells mounted in the glass roof panel generate power for the battery but don’t limit visibility through the glass pane Although the swoopy bodywork with its mixture of smooth curves and sharp intersecting hint at a future design direction for Hyundai, there are no plans to put the Blue-Will into production.

Renault 4 Ever contest shortlist announced

Renault and Design Boom have announced the ten designs that have been shortlisted in their ‘Renault 4 Ever’ design competition. Over 3,200 projects were submitted by design enthusiasts from 92 different countries after Renault, in collaboration with Design Boom, released a brief calling for designs that re-created the ‘look and style' of the iconic Renault 4, capture the functionality and minimalistic philosophy of the original while respecting its identity and iconic status. The jury also wanted to see innovative design and technology for sustainable mobility.