Frankfurt Motor Show 2007 » Features

Nissan Mixim concept car video

Matt — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 17:45:48 +0000

The Nissan Mixim is Nissan’s attempt to convince the new generation that it can pull some tricks they like, too. So Nissan gave them scissor doors, a 1+2 configuration seating with the driver sitting in a central position, LCD panel that displays graphical wheels turning… you know, the stuff that gets kids who grew up on the Interwebs all excited. Or the X-box junkies. Or the Playstation Pandoras. Or someone like that – you can see that I am getting confused. Fact is, that is a weird generation for whom weird is normal – and so probably this is what they want. Who am I to say that the Mixim is weird? Weird is normal.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IScTVWltbWA[/youtube]

The little electric car is of course a concept. So Nissan could do much with the Mixim. So the motor of the electric car is powered by Lithium Ion batteries, as in the Tesla Roadster. The Nissan Mixim has aclaimed 145 mile range between charges. That of course, means nothing – it’s a concept, people! So don’t bother with the details.

Fact is, all these concepts are going to be real in a while. But that might be some 4-5 years down the line. When the teenager who got all excited by the gee-wiz Mixim today would be world weary zombie who needs something bigger.Sorry, you wanted to see the video clip of the Nissan Mixim, right? This is something like a promo, so take it the way you will.

BioConcept Mustang GT RTD concept for Frankfurt

Matt — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 10:22:35 +0000

Green seems to be the flavor of the Frankfurt motor show this year. The latest to flaunt the green theme is Germany’s FourMotor that will display its BioConcept Mustang GT RTD.

The BioConcept Mustang GT RTD is powered by a 280 hp four-cylinder engine running on bio-diesel, which reaches a maximum torque of 500Nm and a max speed of 245km/h.

The chassis of the BioConcept Mustang GT RTD is similar to that of a Ford Mustang. In line with its green focus, the body panels are that of a new plastic shell made from natural plant fibers.

The BioConcept GT RTD concept car has competed in the 24-hour endurance race at the Nurburgring and will continue to compete after the Frankfurt Motor Show is over.

Suzuki Kizashi concept car for Frankfurt

Matt — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 14:57:21 +0000

Kizashi? The Europeans are gonna have a bit of trouble pronouncing that one.

Suzuki, best known for its ultra successful small cars such as the Alto and the Swift, are now getting serious about the large car business. And the Kizashi is concept car on which those plans are based. The Kizashi concept will be unveiled before the public at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2007, starting on Sep 13th.

The photos of theSuzuki Kizashi concept look a bit over the top to me. But we can be sure the production versions based on this will be a lot more sober than this!

The plans are to develop the Kizashi platform with a hatchback, a stationwagon and a sedan. A 1.6-litre variable valve engine producing 110 bhp and a 2.0-litre engine with 138 bhp are being considered.

The Suzuki Kizashi cars are going to be the company’s largest production car, and will take the battle to the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic.

Suzuki’s other mid-size car that has been succesful in some markets is the SX4 – in India, a sedan and in other countries, a hatch. The only serious SUV from Suzuki has been the Grand Vitara, which has been reasonably successful in the international markets.

What you are seeing here is a rendering – not a photo. No official photos have been released yet, but when it happens – we expect a couple of days before the opening of the Motor Show – we will have a photo gallery ready for you.