Showing posts with label 2011 Detroit Auto Show. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2011 Detroit Auto Show. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

MINI keeps pace with the new MINI Paceman concept car


MINI KEEPS UP THE PACE WITH THE NEW PACEMAN CONCEPT 

• Paceman Concept reinforces the MINI brand’s unconventional creativity
• Sporting, masculine appearance blends with versatile character
• Paceman could be another building block in the development of the MINI brand

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – December 18, 2010… A new MINI design concept, the MINI Paceman Concept vehicle, will make its debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) which will be held January 10 - 23, 2011. Although no decision has been made about a future production version, Paceman could form yet another building block in the development of the MINI brand.

A MINI Crossover CoupĂ© – urban and masculine.
The MINI Paceman Concept retains the familiar MINI family frontal appearance but adds its own distinctive flavor. Large headlights with chrome surrounds extend deep into the front wings, and together with the distinctively contoured bonnet, emphasize the imposing nose of the Paceman. The radiator grill is essentially the same as that of the Cooper S Countryman, with additional air intakes in the bumper to deliver improved brake ventilation and the incorporation of new deep set fog lights.

From the side, the MINI Paceman Concept features a fresh interpretation of the front wing and side indicator that attracts the eye from the A-pillars down to the unique design 19-inch front wheels. This rugged and sturdy design element is complemented by dark wheel arch surrounds with matching side skirts that emphasize the masculine, sporting nature of Paceman.

The familiar MINI shoulder line that rises towards the rear of the Paceman Concept also hints at its sporting intent. Less familiar is the glass and roof treatment. As the waistline rises, the flat roofline flows into a wide C-pillar that appears to be transparent. The windows appear to wrap around the car like a band of glass with the roof ‘suspended’ on top and painted in a striking, contrasting color. This is known as the ‘helmet’ roof. The coupĂ©-style windows taper towards the rear and the whole effect is one of a dynamic wedge shape.
“In contrast to the more vertical design of the MINI Countryman, we’ve given the MINI Paceman Concept a horizontal emphasis and accentuated the width of the car more to underline the powerful appearance of the study,” explained Marcus Syring, Head of MINI Exterior Design.

Click here for the rest of the story.

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Monday, January 10, 2011

Honda unveils the 2012 Honda Civic Concept at the Detroit Auto Show

2011 Detroit Auto Show – BMW 1M World Premiere

 Breaking from Detroit, BMW has released their new 1M sports car on North American shores. The long awaited BMW 1M features cost effective engineering solutions (ie. part sharing) to provide enthusiasts with the M experience at a more affordable price.

BMW’s 1M packs 340 hp spun from the N54 twin-turbo 3 liter inline six. 332 lb-ft of torque is on tap from low in the rev range, and in harmony with the M limited-slip differential, we see this as a recipe for tail out fun.
BMW intends to open the M brand up to a larger, younger demographic with the 1M – hoping to capture the M5 buyers of tomorrow.

Our editor Hugo Becker shares with us his first impressions of the 1M:

“The new 1 Series M in person is a bit more subtle than one feared (boy racer this isn’t). The front and rear fascia show the most distinction from the existing 1 series along with the flying biplane M3 side mirrors.
Where the difference between the existing 1 and the 1M really shows is in the wheels and brakes. The brakes have a very serious appearance – the floating calipers showing well even up against the stylish Brembos on the regular 135i.

The most striking element of the 1M is the the Valencia Orange paint. It is a polarizing color, more so than the Sedona Red launch color of the 1 Series. Fortunately it is also available in black or white.”
Be sure to check out our exclusive photo gallery from Detroit, and stick around for a video walk around of the 1M later today.

Source:  bmwblog.com