Infiniti Essence Concept

What it is
The Essense is not necessarily a pre-cursor to any particular model (like an Infiniti-version of the Nissan GT-R); think of it more as a design and brand statement.

What we like about it
This is the kind of concept you look at, roll your eyes, and say, "Just build this, please?"

Bottom line
If this is the "essence" of what we can expect from Infiniti going forward, we're all for it.

Opel Ampera Concept

What it is
The Chevrolet Volt's hot foreign cousin.

What we like about it
It's not that the Chevrolet Volt (upper left) isn't attractive, but given the choice we'd go with the Opel Ampera. This is what we all think of when you say "car of the future."

Bottom line
This Autoblog poll says it all: http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/01/first-official-image-opel-ampera-with-poll/

Hyundai ix-onic Concept

What it is
You're likely looking at a concept pre-cursor to the Hyundai Tucson crossover, Hyundai's smallest SUV.

What we like about it
Typically this would fall in the class of "cute-ute", but cute just doesn't cut it with the ix-onic Concept; it is downright attractive. We hope the upcoming Tucson doesn't look too different.

Bottom line
Like that girl you met while studying abroad in Slovakia, this Hyundai is beautiful even if you're still not sure how to pronounce its name.

Aston Martin Lagonda Concept

What it is
Aston Martin's take on the Infiniti FX or BMW X6 class of vehicles, whatever it is you want to call them.

What we like about it
It takes a lot of guts for a manufacturer best known for gorgeous sports cars to design an SUV.

Bottom line
Time Magazine named the 1976 Aston Martin Lagonda to its 50 Worst Cars of All Time list; jury is out as to whether this concept is doing a better job restoring the Lagonda name to glory.

Frazer-Nash Namir by Giugiaro

What it is
Frazer-Nash makes hybrid powertrains in the UK. Italdesign Giugiaro is an Italian design company. They made sweet love and popped out this beautiful hybrid you see here.

What we like about it
According to Autoblog Green, the Namir can accelerate to 60 mpg in 3.5 seconds and still manage 91.7 mpg.

Bottom line
We call this one a chin-scraper because everyone who sees it drops their jaw.

Kia No. 3 Concept

What it is
Think five-door hatchback roughly half a foot longer than the Honda Fit.

What we like about it
Kia offers a very attractive use of contrasting materials and aggressive lines. Hopefully it will find its way into production and provide one more reason to downsize your vehicle.

Bottom line
Econo-cars are no longer a cheap afterthought at the end of a model lineup, produced to capture a greater share of dealership traffic -- they are now often the cars that drive dealership traffic.

Bugatti Veyron Blue Centenaire

What it is
A one hundred-year birthday celebration edition of everyone's favorite super-luxury sports car.

What we like about it
With the absolutely stunning matte-blue finish, the Centenaire would look at home in a MOMA exhibit.

Bottom line
Already one of the fastest, most expensive vehicles on the planet, what more can you do other than throw a special paint job on it?

Rolls-Royce 200EX

What it is
Rolls-Royce answers the Bentley Continental Flying Spur with an entry-level Rolls-Royce, as if anything is really entry-level about a Rolls-Royce.

What we like about it
Rolls-Royce demonstrates that you don't need sheer mass (it is much smaller than the Phantom) to have a significant and luxurious presence.

Bottom line
Everything you've come to expect from Rolls-Royce, now in a smaller package.

Aston Martin One-77

What it is
Aston Martin's most exclusive and technologically advanced vehicle they have to offer (and only 77 people will be offered said vehicle).

What we like about it
Aston Martin pens some of the most beautiful cars on the market, and this is the epitome of their design and engineering capability.

Bottom line
Don't take this the wrong way, but the closest you will ever get placing a One-77 in your garage is printing this page out and stapling it to your wall.

Tata Nano Europa

What it is
Remember everyone's favorite $2,500 Indian car, that Tata Nano? It's coming to Europe (albeit with high safety standards and a price tag that will likely be closer to $6,000).

What we like about it
It doesn't look half bad for being one of the least expensive cars on the market. Still wouldn't drive one on the highway.

Bottom line
The way the economy is looking in the US, we might want to examine bringing something super-inexpensive like the Nano this way too.

Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce

What it is
A more powerful, lighter, faster, and outrageous looking Lamborghini Murcielago LP 640

What we like about it
Lamborghini describes how the SuperVeloce's "unique design radiates a supreme form of highly concentrated sensuality." Take this out of context and you'd think they were selling pheromones (which come to think of it, they kind of are).

Bottom line
Somehow this manages to make other Lamborghinis look tame, which is like saying Liberace managed to out Liberace himself.

Nissan Qazana Concept

What it is
Nissan calls it a small five-door crossover concept inspired by motorbikes and beach buggies; sporty, yet rugged.

What we like about it
We're encouraged to hear that up to 75% of what you see here will make it into production. It's a fun design for very serious times.

Bottom line
If and when we colonize the moon, we'll be dropping off our kids to school in some derivative of a Nissan Qazana.

NLV Quant by Koenigsegg

What it is
Rumor is a Koenigsegg CCR holds the record for fastest speeding ticket in the United States (242 mph in a 75 mph). While the Swedish-made NLV Quant is battery and solar powered, it sure looks like it could break some speed limits.

What we like about it
Koenigsegg recognizes that innovation in the world of supercars isn't always about pushing the limits of top speed, but about exploring new modes of propulsion too.

Bottom Line
While there is nothing responsible about doing 242 in a 75, building a zero-emissions vehicle that looks like the NLV Quant is something we have no trouble condoning.

BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo Concept

What it is
BMW calls it a Progressive Activity Sedan, which is a combination of a sedan, crossover, and a wagon. Progressive is just a buzzword BMW tacked on in a nod to the Obama administration.

What we like about it
We give BMW a lot of credit for not trying to design cars that fit into any particular "segment".

Bottom line
So you don't want a sedan, need the room but not ride height of a BMW X6, and don't picture yourself driving a wagon but like hatchbacks? Well let me tell you, BMW has something special for you...

Ferrari 599XX

What it is
A 100%-drive ready prototype full of Ferrari's best technology that only 20 or so people will have the opportunity to drive.

What we like about it
The 599XX is essentially a Ferrari race car that doesn't have to conform to race regulations, so it's like driving a Ferrari race car -- only better.

Bottom line
If you have a history of buying Ferraris, like the Sultan of Brunei and his collection of 367 of them, or maybe just raced Ferraris at one point like Michael Schumacher, you'll probably get an invite in the mail from Ferrari to try out the 599XX.

Want more?

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