Audi cooperates with Airbus and Italdesign to create a future flying car

As time goes by, technology is now increasingly developed and sophisticated. Not surprisingly, if nowadays many findings are unexpected even thought for a long time but have not been realized because of the limited technology in past. Call it one product that was successfully created thanks to the use of the latest technology is the flying cars.

Audi Pop.Up Next flying car concept developed along with Airbus and Italdesign has been shown at the Geneva International Motor Show 2018. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2PgadtM)

Lately, the flying cars have been developed both by airlines and automotive manufacturers. As created by Audi which works together with a French commercial aircraft manufacturers, Airbus and the provider of development services for the automotive industry, Italdesign.

Those three big companies have succeeded in making the flying car. Not only make, they also plan to do testing it in the air. And reportedly, the testing process of the flying car has been approved by the German government.

As reported by Carscoops, the car that has two seats will conduct a flight test in Ingolstadt, Germany. If the flying car manages to undergo the entire trial process and fly smoothly on the sky, the car will be produced in limited quantities and used as the flying taxi.

Left side view of Audi Pop.Up Next flying car concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2OCIdkw)

"Flying taxi is no longer a vision, they can bring us into new mobility. This is a great opportunity for old and new companies to develop new technologies, "said German Transportation Minister, Andreas Scheuer.

Recently, they also have introduced this flying car in March 2018 at the Geneva Motor Show 2018 automotive exhibition. And the flying car that is still in the form of the concept is named Audi Pop.Up Next.

This flying car is based on electricity and has implemented autonomous technology as well. This two passengers compact designed vehicle also has land and air modules. Yes, so as not to be too heavy, the manufacturers decided to make the car's body from carbon fiber materials. And the Pop.Up Next has a dimension of 2.6 meters long, 1.4 meters high and 1.5 meters wide.

Interior view of Audi Pop.Up Next flying car concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2OCIdkw)

On the landline modules, the Pop.Up Next relies on two electric motors that have a battery capacity of 15 kWh. And Audi promises the Pop.Up Next can spit out power equivalent to 80 horsepower and is believed to be able to drive 130 km for a single fully battery charge.

As for the flying modules that are equipped with four propellers like drones. Each propeller is powered by an electric motor of 26 horsepower which is packed with a battery with a capacity of 70 kWh.

Rear view of Audi Pop.Up Next flying car concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2PgadtM)

When the flight mode is activated, the maximum power that can be produced by all propellers is reach out 214 hp. For maximum speed when adjusting the flight module, it is possible for the Pop.Up Next to reach a top speed of up to 120 km/hour.

Furthermore, this Pop.Up Next only has a range of 50 km with a single fully battery charge. If the battery runs out, this capsule must be recharged for 15 minutes to be able operated again.

The Pop.Up Next is claimed to be the right solution to overcome the density of traffic in big cities. The passengers just sit down calmly and input their destination, then the system will drive and fly it automatically.

Unfortunately, so far there has been no detail information about when the Pop.Up Next is produced and sold to the public. Well, we'll wait for the next infos of this flying car. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOBLOG | PHYS.ORG | CARSCOOPS]

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Row of unique 1990s American concept cars (Part-2)

American cars have a long and rich tradition both in the United States and around the world. This proves that it is true that the United States could be said to be the motorized vehicles paradise. Not only famous for the American muscle cars, they are also famous for the classic cars.

Most unique concept car of the decade, 1999 Buick Cielo. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2J9ayZZ)

Not to forget from their automotive industry also produced a lot of concept cars that were made in accordance with the demands of the times and also participated to enrich the automotive world to this day.

If you ask why that was chosen in the 1990s, because in that time span many unique concept cars were born from the American automotive industry. 

Here are the second row of 8 unique concept cars made in America in the 1990s:

5. 1996 Lincoln Sentinel

In 1996 came the Sentinel, a startling expression of Ford’s edge design ethos: a high waistline, wonderfully sculpted lighting, ultra-clean, flat shapes and elegant proportions.

It was a huge car, but felt right, and was even made into a runner on a lengthened Jaguar platform relies on the 6.0-liter V12 engine that Ford also put into another concept of the era, the IndiGo, an idea for a street-legal Indy-style racer.

1996 Lincoln Sentinel. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2CwdLkR)

The Lincoln Sentinel, a new full-size, four-door, rear-wheel-drive luxury concept car that blends classic Lincoln styling themes with the Ford-inspired 'New Edge' approach to automotive design made its world debut at the 1996 North American International Auto Show. *** [Sources: http://bit.ly/2CwdLkR]

6. 1997 Chrysler Phaeton

A company can use its heritage to catapult itself to a higher level. Chrysler’s Hemi is a current example. Their 1997 Phaeton is another. With a charge led by product guys Bob Lutz and designer Tom Gale, Chrysler showed a series of stunning concepts in the 1990s, beginning with the original Viper.

1997 Chrysler Pheaton. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2J8Mkz3)

Just as that Viper personified power, the Phaeton simply oozed classic elegance. Inspiration came from the 1940-41 Newport Phaeton, a limited-production classic of which Chrysler built only five. The two-cabin body rides on a whopping 132-inch wheelbase, about what you’d find under a crew cab, long-bed pickup. Wheels measure 22-inches in diameter. A proper V-12 resides under the long tapered hood, a product of melding two then-current Chrysler 2.7-liter V-6 engines. *** [Sources: http://bit.ly/2OIednB]

7. 1998 Chrysler Chronos

Chrysler achieved a whole new level in ‘contemporizing a classic form' in the design of the Chrysler Chronos concept vehicle. Debuted in 1998, the Chrysler Chronos concept is an incredibly dramatic sight to behold with deep resemblance to the 1950's Virgil Exner-era vehicles.

1998 Chrysler Chronos. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2R0Koeo)

The Chronos was powered by a powerful 6.0 liter V10 engine with normal aspiration and around 350 horsepower. The engine was mated with a single-long-arm modified Viper front and rear suspension, a high-strength steel chassis and a unibody structure. This combination created a highly balance, though spunky driving experience for the rear-wheel drive concept. *** [Sources: http://bit.ly/2R3sVC8]

8. 1999 Buick Cielo

Cielo is the Spanish word for sky, and this was Buick’s concept for a four-door convertible, with the lateral roof rails providing not only structural stability but also enhanced security and safety. The convertible roof comprised three hard panels that powered back and hid themselves in the car’s trunk.

Cielo’s styling draws from Buick’s design heritage with a strong vertical grille reminiscent of the Y-Job, fully functional portholes that recall the famous VentiPorts that first appeared on 1949 models, and the “sweepspear” bright metal body trim of the late ’40s and ’50s.

1999 Buick Cielo. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2J9ayZZ)

The concept car is powered by a 240-horsepower supercharged 3800 Series II V-6 with electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. The transmission is operated by a push-button control. *** [Sources: http://bit.ly/2PgPXZ2]

Well, that's the second row of unique 1990s American concept cars, but rarely seen or known to the public. (Back to Part-1.) *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | THE CLASSIC CARS JOURNAL]
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DS created the concept of an asymmetric EV powered by 1360 hp

DS Automobiles, an automotive company based in France raises an asymmetrical car design concept for the first time in the world. This concept car combines two concepts of sedan and roadster at the same time, which will be introduced in 2035.

DS X E-Tense concept is an asymmetric EV powered by 1360 hp. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2S6vyEw)

The concept name of the car is the DS X E-Tense which relies on contrasting and asymmetrical objects. While the name X represents the idea of ​​unlimited exploration in the automotive world.

DS Design Director Thierry Metroz said, "So far the concept of electric cars at the motor show exhibition has sacrificed a lot of ideas on the generation of concept cars. This means that the community is only brazed with dashboards and synthesis seats only."

Front side view of DS X E-Tense concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Cvsmgo)

Instead Metroz began introducing different designs. An aggressive design like a wild animal behind the wheel. A room for mothers and children. While the kockpit space is special for the driver. Metroz calls it a "sensual capsule" which is spacious enough for one passenger or two seats for passengers.

Left side view of DS X E-Tense concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2S6vyEw)

The X E-Tense has a lamp, fender and diffuser that adds strength soaring hard. The electric power is produced up to 1,360 hp or 1,014 kW. With the circuit mode feature, it is accompanied by traction, grip and deceleration management systems that actively adjust the road surface and performance.

Right side view of DS X E-Tense concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2S6vyEw)

Whereas in the standard feature, the electric motor is limited to 540 hp. And besides that the X E-Tense also has autonomous mode, which allows the driver to hand over technology control.
When you enter the cabin, a personal assistant named IRIS helps the driver and passengers get maximum results. IRIS is a hologram that is configured and connected to the cloud between the steering room and passenger space.

Erice Apode, DS Vice President of Senior Products and Business Development, said, "We have no intention only as suppliers of mobility alone, the X E-Tense is more to offer the spirit of culture and car history, to have and appreciate as extreme experience and sense of luxury." *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DS | TOPGEAR | AUTOEXPRESS]

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Le Fil Rouge is the marker of Hyundai design new era

Hyundai Motor showcases their latest concept car named Hyundai Le Fil Rouge with the code name HDC-1 at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show, this car became a marker of a new era of design and a glimpse of Hyundai's future design "language."

Hyundai Le Fil Rouge (HDC-1) Concept unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show 2018. (Picture from: https://yhoo.it/2R2LgPE)

As the name implies Le Fil Rouge (red thread), theese sedan concept brings a sense of sport to its design which is a reflection of the philosophy that the design of the past, present, and future is all connected.

"Le Fil Rouge is a DNA reinterpretation of Hyundai's design from the Hyundai Coupe Concept in 1974," said Luc Donckerwolke, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai Design Center.

Right side view of Hyundai Le Fil Rouge (HDC-1) Concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2AjGyYj)

"By building our long history to create distinctive and sporty characters in vehicles, we will open a new era for Hyundai design," he said in an official Hyundai Motor statement.

This new concept is an introduction to Hyundai's latest approach to design, 'Sensuous Sportiness', which will be realized by all future Hyundai vehicles, from sedans to SUVs.

Rear side view of Hyundai Le Fil Rouge (HDC-1) Concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2AjGyYj)

The aim of this new theme is to bring instinctive beauty, create emotional value and interest in Hyundai vehicles.

Sensual Sportiness is defined by harmony between the four fundamental elements in vehicle design: proportion, architecture, style, and technology, Hyundai said.

In terms of design is indeed praiseworthy, this sedan is so sporty, with a long wheel base and large wheels. The position flows down from the windshield, flowing to the center of the front axle, which impresses a powerful car.

However, Hyundai has not revealed everything that is under its hood, whether the engine is planned for Le Fil Rouge and when this car is present in the production version or just to illustrate Hyundai's upcoming design trends, all is not yet clear. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HYUNDAI | YAHOO | AUTOEVOLUTION | CAR AND DRIVER]

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Volkswagen digged deeply the autonomous tech through I.D. Vizzion

Self-driving cars are getting closer to reality. Many famous car companies are busy making self-driving cars in the form of production and prototypes. And the famous German car manufacturer Volkswagen has launched their latest autonomous car concept at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show.

Volkswagen launched their newest autonomous electric vehicle named I.D. Vizzion at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2S1hrR3)

As reported by Carscoop, of the various forms of autonomous vehicles available today, all cars are still equipped with a steering wheel. This means that the driver is still allowed to drive the car. This is what Volkswagen tried to dump through their latest concept car called Volkswagen I.D. Vizzion.

Right side view of Volkswagen I.D. Vizzion. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2S1hrR3)

Yes, as an autonomous driving system car that looks different from the others, so on this car will not seen the existences of steering wheel or control buttons, the gas pedal in the cabin. Users of this car just sit quietly in the car and hand over all the controls to the car.

Left side view of Volkswagen I.D. Vizzion. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2S1hrR3)

The car will independently regulate all power generated from its 111kWH battery capable of pouring the power up to 302 horsepower. And the maximum speed of this car alone reaches 180 kilometers per hour.

Dashboard view of Volkswagen I.D. Vizzion. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2S1hrR3)

The uniqueness of this car, while driving passengers will be entertained by virtual hosts using Artificial Intelligence technology. The interaction relies on voice and gesture commands. And the manufacturer also said that the system can understand the personal preferences of each passenger, so that the digital ecosystem that is served can adapt to each individual. Passengers can automatically drive cars and set climate control through their seats.

Rear side view of Volkswagen I.D. Vizzion. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2S1hrR3)

When the steering wheel and brake along with the throttle pedals no longer exist, the specifications of the car seem to sound less meaningful, but nevertheless this remains a major parameter in the automotive industry. But unfortunately Volkswagen does not explain what kind of technology they use to control this car. But they promised to provide a technology that can control and provide a sense of security to the passenger of the car.

Volkswagen theirself has promised to introduce 20 models of electric cars by 2025 and place the I.D model as their production line car in 2020. The initial design will use a small model and then follow a larger SUV and sedan. But until now it is still unclear when the certainty of Vizzion will be included in production or not at all. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | VOLKSWAGEN | THE VERGE | MOTOR TREND]

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Row of unique 1990s American concept cars (Part-1)

American cars have a long and rich tradition both in the United States and around the world. This proves that it is true that the United States could be said to be the motorized vehicles paradise. Not only famous for the American muscle cars, they are also famous for the classic cars.

Most spectacular concept car of the decade, the 1995 Chrysler Atlantic. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2J9CXit)

Not to forget from their automotive industry also produced a lot of concept cars that were made in accordance with the demands of the times and also participated to enrich the automotive world to this day.

If you ask why that was chosen in the 1990s, because in that time span many unique concept cars were born from the American automotive industry. 

Here are the first row of 8 unique concept cars made in America in the 1990s:

1. 1994 Chrysler Aviat 

Based on the Dodge/Plymouth Neon, the Aviat concept was a computer generated creation for a 21st century sports coupe with excellent coefficient of drag. Power was supplied by a DOHC 16-valve 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder that produced 145 horses, and although the engine was front-mounted, the cooling system was repositioned within the outrigger-style rear-quarter fenders.

1994 Chrysler Aviat. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2NZ5fwW)

Scissors-style doors were just one of the unconventional features of the Neon Aviat concept, billed as a sport coupe for the 21st century. The Aviat had bodywork that wrapped inside the rear wheels. Note the huge air scoop ahead of the rear wheel, and the full fender skirt. *** [Sources: http://bit.ly/2NZ5fwW]

2. 1995 Chrysler Atlantic

One of the most beautiful of recent concept cars, the Chrysler Atlantic recalled the styling of the classic Bugatti grand tourer of the same name. With its sculpted body, the Atlantic wore huge chrome wheels, and was powered by a straight-eight engine that was constructed with two Chrysler Neon fours.

1995 Chrysler Atlantic. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2CzPf2z)

In addition to its stunning and shapely design and Art Deco interior, At four liters of the Atlantic engine produced an estimated 325 horsepower delivered through an Autostick hybrid transmission that allowed assisted manual shifting or fully automatic operation. The car was shown in a deep gold paint scheme that highlighted its gorgeously sculpted body. *** [Sources: http://bit.ly/2CzPf2z]

3. 1995 Ford GT90

There were several efforts within Ford to create a successor to the GT40 that won Le Mans. One of those was the GT90, which showcased the “New Edge” design language popular within Ford’s styling studio. And then Ford made a dramatic reveal at the Detroit Auto Show. Dressed in white, the new 1995 Ford GT90 concept car. For a brief amount of time after its unveiling, the entire automotive industry was abuzz about what was then the world’s fast and most powerful car.

1995 Ford GT90. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2CX1x5Q)

For the GT90’s engine was a magnificent 6.0-liter V12 that had four turbochargers attached. This put the power output of the concept car at 720 hp, which was preposterous in the 90’s and is still an accomplishment by today’s standards. Albeit, a quad-turbocharged V12 could garner more power with today’s technology. That being said, that much back in the day was enough to make the exhaust system so hot that Ford needed to install ceramic plates around it in order to prevent the body panels from melting. Just like in a space shuttle. *** [Sources: http://bit.ly/2CX1x5Q]

4. 1996 Ford Synergy

The Synergy 2010 was Ford’s idea of in 1996. As such, it featured two power sources — a 1.0-litre direct-injection extremely lightweight materials (it weighed just one tonne (ton)), "air fences", which dictated the car’s advanced, aerodynamic styling and computer-animated instruments. You could even call up the phone book by issuing a simple verbal command!

1996 Ford Synergy. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2CwI6jh)

In 1996, Ford offered its thoughts on the family car of the year 2010. The federal government got the Big Three together under the banner of the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles, and part of Ford’s contribution was a lightweight and aerodynamic concept vehicle designed to get 80 mpg from its 1-liter diesel-electric hybrid powertrain. *** [Sources: http://bit.ly/2CwI6jh] 

The first part of Row of unique 1990s American concept cars is stoped here and will continue on the next section. (Jump to Part-2.) *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | THE CLASSIC CARS JOURNAL]

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