Audi Shark flying car concept

Is it a shark? A submarine? A flying car? All of the above. And it’s the most badass flying car/shark/submarine I’ve ever seen. Kazim Doku’s Shark concept is how he envisions the future of Audi’s design: as a flying car. Design inspirations came from motorcycles and airplanes, and obviously underwater vessels.

Even the interior gets some sporty seats with the cockpit’s sculpture, so you can sit comfortably while flying to work and playing with some buttons etc. Check out a video below. Who needs roads when you can fly in this kind of style?

Mostly, this thing just makes us want to shout Audi Shark flying car. Audi Shark flying car! Wahoo.

Toyota FT-HS Concept Car

Designed to showcase Toyota’s leadership in hybrid powertrain technology, FT-HS runs on a next-generation hybrid system built around Toyota’s punchy 3.5-liter V-6 and capable of delivering ~ 400 horses.

Lamborghini SPIGA Concept Car

The name “SPIGA” refers to the roof shape of the car which sticks out along the windshield giving it a spike-like shape which translates in Italian as SPIGA.

Mitsuoka Orochi Concept Car

Roadster concept car designed by Mitsuoka, first presented at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show. 

Fastlane Concept Car

Futuristic concept car designed by TransFX, a California-based custom car maker

Lamborghini Insecta Concept Car

The design combines the brand’s styling cues with elements inspired by insect exoskeletons.

Audi RSQ Concept Car

Beautiful concept car developed by Audi AG for use as a product placement in the 2004 sci-fi movie I, Robot.

BMW M1 Hommage Concept Car

Beautiful concept car pays tribute to the original M1 and shows what could be possible if BMW were to produce a new mid-engined sports car

Lexus LF-A Concept Car

Transparent Lexus LF-A concept car on display at the Salone del Mobile design fair in Milan. 

Bertone Mantide Concept Car

Stile Bertone has documented the design and development of his new supercar - the Mantide in a series of videos that you can view on insideprojectm.com. 

Chanel Fiole Concept Car

Designed by Jinyoung Jo, a car designer at Hong-ik University in South Korea, the Chanel Fiole concept car design was centered on simplicity of lines and “the best of black and white.”

Lamborghini Murcielago R-GT Concept Car

Car Specifications:

Make:	Lamborghini
Model:	Murcielago R-GT Concept
Acceleration:	2.8 sec.
Top speed:	330 km/h.
Transmission:	6 - speed manual
Design:	6.0 litre V12 engine
Displacement:	6000 cc
Maximum Bhp	600 hp / 7500 rmp
Tires Front:	245/35 ZR 18
Tires Back:	n/a
Length:	4580 mm
Width:	2045 mm
Height:	1135 mm
Weight:	1100 kg

STRUT Hummer H2 Matte-Black

Many people find Hummer vehicles as being too big, too thirsty and too damaging from an environmental point of view - and they're all probably right. However, if there's one positive thing that can be said about Hummer's off-road models that has to be their communicative and distinct styling which sets them apart from anything else you see on the road. Even better when the color of choice is a matte-black like the one on this heavily customized Hummer H2 show car that is scheduled to be featured in both DUB and Truckin' Magazines in 2009.

Aside from the cool paint job, the blacked-out H2 also features an array of accessories such as flat black 24-inch alloy wheels, a STRUT body kit, chipped engine, upgraded suspension and even a 'grenade' like shifter.

The overall cost of the custom work performed on the H2 is said to be valued in excess of $60,000 - and that does not include the price of the vehicle itself of course.

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Custom features: 
* STRUT front end kit, which includes two grilles, front bumper extensions and chimney stacks
* STRUT badges throughout the vehicle
* STRUT wheels / custom ordered 24 inch set of 5; painted flat black
* 37 inch tires (Toyo Open Country)
* 1 inch lift to fit the tires but low enough to minimize head clearance
* Professional grade flat black paint job on entire exterior of vehicle (including bumpers, side panels, etc). We also added a clear coat to protect the paint and provide a subtle sheen
* Custom, diamond tucked suede interior (black), including a suede headliner
* Custom exhaust system with dual tips

* Engine has been chipped for better performance & acceleration
* Amp Research drop down H2 steps
* Custom made H2 BREMBO brake pads; set of 4
* Custom accessory pieces (hood handles, door handles, side markers, etc)
* Flat black Grenade shifter
* Blacked out interior handles, center console, etc.
* Smoked/tinted lights on entire vehicle (front, back, roof, sides, etc)
* Custom carbon fiber on side view mirrors
* Navigation, OnStar, XM radio, iPod hook-up
* Advanced Clifford Alarm System with keyless entry, remote ignition start/kill switch, and a 1-mile tamper detection warning/antenna
* Seat warmers in the front and back
* One touch system that drops all the windows down simultaneously, providing an open air feel
* BOSE sound system with an aftermarket AMP, iPod connection, and woofers with a custom box under the rear set.

2005 Ferrari F430

• Large frontal air vents for channeling the air out of the radiators and sides of the car.
• Large hollows above the rear wheel-arches for channeling air into the engine.
• The wheel view is embellished by the all new 19" wheels with the 5 twin-spoke design.
• The collection of all the main controls facing the driver, and within comfortable reach.
• The rev counter, which includes new graphics, and a choice of either a yellow or red backgrounds, with a new metal encasing.
• The digital display of the gear ratio chosen.
• A multi-functional screen display.
• The horn pushes are easily activated.
• The interior reflects the advanced ergonomic technology.
• The interior could be further customized with carbon-fibre or aluminum addition.
• The cockpit size has increased considerably.
• A thinner middle gear/F1 console tunnel.
• More rear seat space and storage capabilities.
• The F430 seats’ have been restructured for better lateral control.
• An advanced carbon-ceramic disc braking system.

Every single section of this latest development in the Prancing Horse family has been totally influenced by the Formula 1 technology. And every last part and module of this 2005 Ferrari F430 has been refined to deliver flawless, exceptional performance and dispense the highest driving satisfaction possible.

Mitsubishi Concept-RA, Lancer Ralliart

Lexus LF-A Roadster Concept

Lexus LF-A Roadster ConceptA roadster version of the LF-A concept and more details about the vehicle’s mechanical package.

The tease continues. Lexus, which introduced its LF-A supercar two years ago, was thought to be bringing the final production version to Detroit. Instead, it showed a roadster version of the concept and revealed more details about the vehicle’s mechanical package.

While Lexus was cagey at first on whether the LF-A would be front- or mid-engine, it now acknowledges that the car will use a mid-front-mounted V-10 that “approaches 5.0 liters in displacement”, confirming speculation that it would be 4.8 liters. Part of the confusion over engine placement is due to the fact that the LF-A employs rear-mounted radiators, which are typical in mid-engine cars. The LF-A’s horsepower is said to be in excess of 500 bhp and Lexus claims a top speed of more than 200 mph. To more evenly distribute the vehicle’s weight, the sequential paddle-shift manual transmission is rear-mounted.

Like the coupe, the roadster stands just 48’ in. tall and rides on a 102.6-in. wheelbase. It measures 175.6 in. in overall length. While overall styling is similar to the coupe’s, the open LF-A now has a speed-adaptive rear wing incorporated into the design. The LF-A rides on massive 20-in. alloy wheels shod with 265/35R-20 tires up front and 305/30R-20 rubber in the rear.

The LF-A now sports prominent “F” logos on each front fender signifying that it is part of Lexus’ new F marque for models developed outside the normal vehicle engineering and development process.

Aston Martin DBR9

Car Specifications:

Make:	Aston Martin
Model:	DBR9
Acceleration:	n/a
Top speed:	n/a
Transmission:	6 - speed manual
Design:	6,0 litre V12 engine
Displacement:	5935 cc
Maximum Bhp	600 hp / n/a
Tires Front:	n/a
Tires Back:	n/a
Length:	4687 mm
Width:	1978 mm
Height:	1195 mm
Weight:	1100 kg

Aston Martin DBR9

The Aston Martin DBR9 has been in production since 2005, and it is manufactured by Aston Martin’s racing division and currently has already built multiple DBR9s. This GT1 racing class car got its name “DBR9” from the first winning car the “DBR1” in the line that claimed the 1959 “24 Hours of Le Mans” race and the “World Sportscar” title. The cars were named after the “DBR1’s” then-owner David Br own. The body is crafted in the traditional 2 door coupe style, and is foundationally based on the Aston Martin DB9 road car.

The DBR9 preserves some characteristics from DB9 for example the cylinder block, the chassis, and the heads of the V12 engine, which results in everything else on the car being completely re-engineered for an elevated performance under competition situations. The structure constitutes race developed DB9 aluminum under-frame, aluminum roof, all other body panels are made from a carbon fibre composite, and a high strength steel roll cage. The dimensions of the DBR9 are a length of 4767mm; a width of 1978mm; a height of 1195mm; a wheelbase of 2741mm; and a weight of 1100kg.

The suspension consists of a double wishbone at the front and at the rear, with adjustable Koni dampers outfitted with Eibach springs. The braking system is made up both front and rear Brembo six pot calipers with 330mm diameter carbon discs, all working around the OZ forged magnesium wheels. The configuration of the DBR9 encompasses a rear wheel drive, mid front mounted engine, and a mid rear mounted transmission. The transmission itself is Xtrac, which is made up of six speed sequential that is longitudinally positioned at the rear axle, and utilized by a four plated carbon clutch. The engine of the Aston Martin DBR9 is a 48 valve Aston Martin Racing 6.0 litre V12 made up of all alloy and quad overhead camshaft, also consists of dry sump lubrication system, and 2 x 31.2mm air restrictors. The V12 max power hits at approximately 600 bhp with a torque of over 700 N m. The ECU/Data system is made up Pi Data system with a Pectel engine ECU.

The DBR9’s bodywork is a total mix up of optimum aerodynamic performance, and the basics of a typical road car, which helps the movement of the car on the track. And to add to the areodynamicness of the body again, the entire bottom of the DBR9 is flat, from the rear diffuser to the front, and a carbon wing is added to the backend to accelerate the rear down-force, resulting in the car going from 0-60mph in 3.4 seconds.

With the changes in regulations for drivers while racing, Prodrive made modifications of the original DBR9 design for the 2007 24 Hours of Le Mans competition, in order to make the driver more comfortable, thus performing better. The changes that had to occur were the installation of air conditioning in the cockpit, in order to prevent drivers from over stressing themselves. Prodrive also added in a heat resistant white roof inside to assist in keeping the temperatures down, whereas performance modifications includes the extraction from the hood of the two vents responsible for cooling because they were no longer needed.

The Aston Martin DBR9 has a rich racing history for being on the track for just three short years, and it will continue to grow with every year, and with every modification. Aston Martin introduced in 2007 the limited edition DBS road car, which in turn has a lot of design cues that was taken from the DBR9 in honour of the film Casino Royale. Aston Martin has a lot inspiration for DBR9, and it will persist on the racetrack as a true racing car.

Barbapapa On Wheels

This must be the automobile of the Barbapapa family! Finally they found something perfectly fitting their voluptuous proportions. Honda’s “Puyo” is also a touchy-feely creation, with a surface consisting of gel (exact specs unknown), people are encouraged to fondle it and accidents are supposed to be less severe. On top of that, its body is a luminescent colour. Yay! A glowing Barbapapa on wheels!

Honda’s “Puyo:” a Barbapapa’s ride!

Category: Cuddly Buddies

A toy car? Wrong! Toyota’s “RiN” concept is more a rolling tea house with astroturf flooring! The “RiN’s” appearance is “based on the image of the mystical, towering Yakusugi tree,” hence the green colour we guess. A floating tree, including humidifier (for the cold, dry Japanese winters) and a mood enhancer that senses your stress level through your hands on the steering wheel and will display a matching colour (how about smoking red…?). Gas and brake pedal come in a nice leaf-shape (!).
There’s more: It adjusts the oxygen level inside, and you can see through the transparent doors down to the concrete. What a natural sight! If only this wasn’t a gas-fueled car - which we assume, since there was no info about its power sources.

Toyota’s “RiN:” All the natural offerings of the mystical Yakusugi tree … green cubed.

Bringing Retro Future Back

The “1/X”, also by Toyota is a plug-in hybrid just like those for ’60s visions of the future. This special one aims to “exist harmoniously in society” - by being polite: Meaning its narrow wheels try to reduce their noise on the road and do less pedestrian splashing. Your ’60s plastic dress will thank you for this protection.

Toyota’s “1/X:” A sleek vision of the future … as seen by people in the 1960’s.

Raging Bull - Playmobil Version

The dream of every truck lover that can’t afford one! Front view of the “HI-CT.”

Our penultimate find was Toyota’shybrid “Hi-CT.” This compact cubicle has a front resembling either a bulky truck grill or a pit bull’s mug, we couldn’t decide. Not so when looking at its rear: space for lots of junk in the trunk.

BMW 3-Series E46 Prior-Design

Prior-Design developed a bodykit that gives a stronger look to the BMW 3-Series. Prior-Design is a German tuner specialized in manufacturing bodykits.

The new kit features a completely re-styled front bumper, new side skirts, a new rear bumper with diffuser which includes a sport exhaust system with 4 tips, 20″ alloy wheels and a pearl white color giving the car an aggressive look.

The new body kit makes the car stronger and aggressive. The car is fully painted in white and those white rims match the car’s design perfectly.

Top Ten Best Wedge Car Designs Of The 60s, 70s and 80s

In car design, the wedge is something we can appreciate. Here's our list of the top ten most influential wedge-shaped designs of the 60s, 70s and 80s.

Back in high school and middle school the wedgie (or as we called it, the wedge) was something you most certainly didn't want, under any circumstance and you definitely didn't appreciate it when it came along. But in car design, the wedge is something you can appreciate.

The beautiful and technical shape was used by many of the top design houses of the seventies and was a signal the future had officially arrived. While not the most aerodynamic form in practice, it certainly looked the part and helped usher in a new era of automotive design. Italian design houses ItalDesign, Bertone and Pininfarina were at the forefront of the movement, but the Japanese, Germans and the U.S. jumped on the bandwagon shortly thereafter

10) 1972 Lotus Esprit M70

First displayed at the Turin Motor Show in 1972, theLotus Esprit M70 was designed by Giugiaro at Ital Design and was built on a widened and lengthened Europa chassis. After positive reviews from the public Colin Chapman decided to put the Espritinto production. The final design was completed in 1973 with many of the concept cues intact and when the then GM owned Lotus decided to build Peter Stevens redesign in 1987, many of those original cues remained.

Fun fact: that you couldn't call yourself a car guy without knowing already: Roger Moore drove a submersible version in the 1977 James Bond movie, The Spy Who Loved Me.

9) 1989 Vector W8

In 1989, after nearly two decades of development, Gerald Wiegert revealed his Vector W8 to the public. Extensive use of aeronautical building techniques were to be W8s selling point, but shoddy quality and a lack of funding eventually brought down the U.S.-built Lamborghini competitor in the mid-nineties. The W8 drew its inspiration from the 1968 Alfa Romeo Carabo and many other wedge cars in our list and is still a beautiful car today and you can pick up one of the few examples for a steal; nearly 20 percent of the original $685,000 asking price.

Fun fact: The Vector W8 was featured briefly in the 1993 movie, Rising Sun.

8) 1972 E25 BMW Turbo