Fiat 750: Elegant Two-Seat Abarth Coupe

Artandcolour's more elegant Fiat sports coupe, the 750 Abarth. Top-spec 500 Abarth drivetrains with longer and lower-yet-lighter bodywork. Rear seat is tossed in favor of fitted luggage and a fold-down bulkhead. Accordion-like folding roof continues with its structural side roof rails.

Read More

New Malibu Facelifted for '14

Sleeker Malibu might be an easier sell next to Ford's svelte new Fusion.

2014 Chevrolet Malibu sedan—At first, all I wanted to do with the new 'Bu was change the grille. I wanted to do away with the now-dated dual openings but didn't want to give it the new Impala's Camaro-like grille. The first thing I did was unify the openings and then I started leaning the ensemble forward and backward. I settled on this Mercedes-like proud front grille and hood shape. The opening textures would remain simple eggcrates and meshes as this upscale version sports. Then when I saw the way the new front end seemed defiant, almost leaning into the wind, the rest of the car seemed to want to be more aero. I gave it a 6-window greenhouse and introduced a few slight arcs to the fenders. I also dialed back the almost bug-like rear lights and cut-back trunk lid. That's the production car's biggest flaw in my opinion, the design of the rear of the car. I filled out the corners and sliced the taillights into a clean, modern shape. I also changed the contours of the rear bumper.

While no raving beauty—this is really a tall platform—I think my Malibu would stand up quite well with the Fusion and Altima and Camry. The new grille treatment would work on smaller as well as larger cars, too.

Read More

Continental for 1958

Opalescent Pistachio Point Green lacquer perfectly highlights the lines of this Wixom-built '58 Continental coupe. Altering the new-that-year unibody Lincoln, I changed the proportions for more of a personal coupe appearance. The hood length looks back to the Classic era consisting of almost half of the length of the car. The four passenger interior would have been based on the '58 Thunderbird, itself brand new that year and also built at the fabled Wixom plant. The roof would have been available in linen-covered steel or brushed stainless to match the front fender coves.

And, yes, I started out with the regular Lincoln that year, not the upscale Continental. This mockup would have been early in the process and trim was still being mixed and matched and developed...

I also left off the spare tire hump... Rocketships don't need no stinkin' spare tires, lol.

Read More

2014 E-Series TurboDiesel Hatchback: The Professor?

Sensible and SENSATIONAL! This is my idea of a Mercedes I'd love to see Stuttgart build: An E400TDI-h. For this "professor's" Benz, I've brought back the idea of a longitudinally mounted inline 6-cylinder turbodiesel powerplant, this time with a hybrid-assisted drivetrain. There is a practical hatchback in the rear and with careful aero-tuning I'd predict a nice round 50mpg of fuel-sipping diesel in combined city/highway driving. As much as I loved the first generation CLS 4-door coupe, the new one falls short for me and I'd rather have seen a fastback/hatchback E-Series instead!

The background is a detail from a watercolor painting I found hidden behind the cardboard of an antique frame. There was a second painting, too. Story at my artandcolour blog: here.

Read More

Acura RLX (2014)

 

Oke Car | Acura RLX (2014) | The RLX 2014 together with a new direct-injection 3.5-liter SOHC i-VTEC ® V-6 engine with an engine capacity SPORT sequential 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. For the tour excellent product RLX new 3.5-liter engine of 90 percent of the maximum torque over a wide speed range from 2,000 rpm to 6,600 rpm. The 3.5-liter engine complies with the strict ULEV-2 rated California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions. 2014, RLX is larger than its predecessor RL in a series of important dimensions, including the width, the length and the front and rear. The pass to 112.2 centimeters, two centimeters longer than its predecessor, RL, offers more rear cabin space and improve the quality of leadership in the process. 74.4 cm wide, RLX Acura too. Significant 1.7 inches wider than the previous model RL Static and dynamic rigidity and rear lateral stiffness has greatly improved. The strength and stiffness in key areas to increase without increasing the weight, and 55 percent of the body piece of high strength steel RLX occurs. Hot forging of high-strength steel is used in key areas to improve the performance of impact resistance.

The 2014 Acura RLX Jewel Eye ™ offers LED headlights of the first world, excellent light distribution and excellent for the entire range of street lighting and the properties of light. The LED rear lights lighting RLX periphery that is effective and very special. The accuracy of the series steering wheel (AWS-P) RLX system continuously monitors and calculates the correct amount of traction independent (convergence angle), the. Before the new Acura RLX double wishbone, lower maneuverability of double articulation around a larger driver safety maneuverability of the fork and the confidence and sophistication. Available Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) allows the driver to the desired speed and extent of the distance behind a vehicle detected before selecting imagine why. When the vehicle is detected within the scope of the system and stop RLX be terminated. When the vehicle moves forward in the direction of the front part of the vehicle to flash multi-information display symbol.

RLX efficient vehicle stability ™ (VSA ®) improves vehicle stability during cornering. The RLX and RLX Brands navigation with 7-spoke alloy wheels 18x8J sound, while the level of technology, advanced audio and Krell have alloy wheels large noise reduction 19x8J. The special design reduces tire noise reducing noise of 7 dB over a range of audible frequencies. Standard three-zone climate control for comfort for passengers in the cabin. Ventilated front seats and heated rear seats able to advance the university. Rich, luxurious living place Milano leather is standard on the RLX with the technology package and higher, the degree of soil cover with leatherette seats. The focus of the new dashboard is a large, 8-inch color audio / information screen that offers a variety of useful information and access to a variety of custom features. If equipped with a navigation system, the screen combined in the same position / navigation and audio information.

The RLX comes with the new generation of Acura Link ® is based on cloud connected car equipped and offers a full range of media services, comfort and safety, including bi-directional communication and Internet-enabled devices. Superior sound quality has always been a brand Acura, and RLX, three audio systems are offered an impressive Acura / ELS ® 10-speaker sound system. Can RLX technology. Acura / ELS Premium Audio System Studio ® comes standard with an advanced powered speaker with 14 speakers and amplifiers in the last four years as one of the most respected companies in the world audio - In Advance Audio Krell and accounts, 14 - Krell speaker sets new standard for audio performance of the car. The new 2014 Acura RLX has a long list of safety technologies and standards available.

It is equipped with active safety technologies include Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). Passive safety systems include a new generation of advanced compatibility engineering ™ (ACE ™ IIS) body structure, two-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, side airbags, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, driver knee airbag, front head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and force.

Automotive ATOZY

Automotive ATOZY

Read More

2014 Buick Invicta: Entry Level Convertible

2014 Buick Invicta. This is a pretty straight forward Opel-to-Buick chop, the base photo being the new Opel Cascada convertible. For this Buick version, I lengthened the rear trunk and overhang for a more balanced appearance, and I reprofiled the roof to include a much wider rear window.  I'd actually like the rear window to wraparound slightly, so I think it might need to be three pieces, with slender frames, and they'd all nicely fold into the boot area. That would be a neat look back at Buick's 3-piece rear windows on the many of their '57s. I also added the black/chrome rocker moldings, the Ventiports and Buick grille and gave it a sparkly cherry paint job. I would position this at the Verano level in Buick show rooms, in the $32-35,000 range. It would be a nice bookend to the eventual Buick flagship coupe/convertible, the Riviera.

Read More

2013 Impala Coupe-Sixties Inspired

All the planets have aligned in the past couple of days to give me time to do some chops. Finally! Above, the Impala 2-door coupe. Even with the vastly different proportions from the 1960s platforms, I've tried to give my coupe the feel of the '65-'68 fastbacks. I also emphasized the rear fender swage line. I think it recalls the '58's rear shoulder line now, the first year of the Impala. I added rocker panel trim to the rear quarters to try to make the rear overhang appear longer, another nod to the past.

Read More

Holden VF Commodore Calais V Concept (2013)

 

ATOZY |Holden VF Commodore Calais V Concept (2013) | We redesigned everything from the dashboard are the graphics of the instrument panel, bonnet, center console and steering wheel flow layout panel, seating, storage and lighting. The project team material high grade titanium and black tone light aircraft to a feeling that the level structured Calais V-Series sample selected with great effect. VF Calais V peak inside ergonomically symmetrical design of global search is powered up the expectations and preferences of consumers. The center console features a covered space redesigned cup holder versatile new smaller storage element, electric parking brake and a cell phone is easily accessible on the front of the driver's license new auto parts. In night mode, the cavity light attraction of this area and the ice blue door ambient lighting. The VF Calais V-Series also offers a top frame, the new seat with curved profiles GM comfort designed to ensure best practices worldwide implementation details of the integration and quality. Combine driver heated sports front passenger and back tense and strengthening for enhanced cushioning.

The show car is pierced by a modern combination of the finest leather with suede inserts in the lightweight titanium and stitching accent, and a center of retail covered jet black. Tap Chrome on the new steering wheel and elsewhere through subtle elements are silver electroplated chromium supplements. Holden chief designer Richard Ferlazzo Creative Design says VF beautiful new figure is true to traditional concepts. The cover is bright and modern, more sophisticated. The headlights and taillights are complex treatments, complex and finely detailed. Really part of the design DNA Moved Finish New integrated taillights and license plate lights on the lower fairing is wider, cleaner look. The opulence of the new interior design is reflected in the color design modern and luxurious Holden VF and strategy pad.

2013 Calais V indoor environment with a strong emphasis on the degree of detail with finishes such as perforated materials, deer and chromium have been carefully chosen to reflect the theme of improving the design of sporting luxury. More interior wood and chrome accents add a touch of modern elegance. Two images of the interior have been created a dark picture with details and light titanium decoration more technical strategy - and an interior that is lighter and has the ultimate in luxury style. The car show VF Calais V has an elegant interior and we are convinced that we have the technology brief for that. Modern and luxurious The lower band V includes front honeycomb mesh insert detail Calais stitched black and chrome intake. The doors on the outside chrome sport pilot and light LED lamp operating / parking light chrome support integrated combination belt.

Deep trapezoidal grille with a bright chrome finish, Holden exceptional head and horizontally on a black background with shiny texture shirt. Halogen headlights Fluid, sculptural and incredibly shaped stones, with layers of complex internal light guide "eyebrows", a detail projector zip hoodies, black bezel accents. The band is flanked by the flared front wings and flared wheel arches modified aerodynamics. Deeply concave 20-inch V-Calais car shows ten dual wheels machined alloy radial triangular elements. Vents thin vertical wings with a chromed wheels take repetition. Door handle surrounds, trim waist and door frames are available in polished chrome, painted steel while Prussia exterior color concept reflects the luxurious style of polished chrome exterior. Play the fluid design headlights, taillights expand integrated into the tailgate. These intricate details and chrome rings for jewelry are instantly recognizable bright red "hot spots". 

Automotive ATOZY

Automotive ATOZY

Read More

2014 Corvette Stingray; Alternate Styling B

For my second take on the C7, I decided to keep the idea of a rear quarter window, but I reshaped it into a much simpler graphic. By bringing this new side window to a point, I referenced the Corvette supercar prototype from the 1970s, the mid-engined 4-Rotor.At the back  I created a set of aluminum-ringed quad circular taillight and replaced the new "V" crossed flags emblem with a "proper" set of flags from '72 'Vette. I cut down on the visual height of the bodysides by using another '70s styling trick: Argent colored rocker panels.The cool new Stingray logo has been moved to the B pillar when it's noticeable every time you open the door. Then in a nod to Harley Earl and Bill Mitchell, I gave Welburn's oversized (and now body-colored) side vents dual chrome strakes. It's a minor point, but I made the glass roof and rear window graphic read as one large tinted panel by glazing over the "baskethandle" instead of painting it body color. I think it unifies and simplies the C7's shapes and details.

Read More

2014 Corvette Stingray split-window

The Split-Window is Back! For my take on the new C7 Corvette Stingray I went backwards in time a bit. To begin with I restored its traditional four round taillights. I gave it a much more traditional greenhouse rather than the new car's first time and rather forced rear quarter windows. I also added a thin central paint-colored spine to the hatchglass, following the existing indented roof panel. I also edited the side vents so they'd fit better with the last several generations. Detail changes include moving the new Stingray logo to the B pillar and flattened out the new "winged" crossed flags. That newest touch just smacks of the Firebird's past logos an odd touch with the new car's Camaro-like taillights.I don't think the 'Vette needs to have any "Chevrolet" cues other than perhaps similar LED lighting details, road wheels, steering wheel and Sat/Navs.

For a second C7 "facelift" click here.

Read More

1996 Honda Accord. With Scissor Doors!

Not a chop of mine, and certainly not a car one sees everyday: A 1996 Accord LX 4-door sedan in "survivor" condition with mega-bucks scissor doors! I found this car in town yesterday and asked if I could take some photos. These young guys were pretty convivial. The tall guy in the center of this photo seemed to be the owner and was enjoying the ironies his car presents. I didn't even ask "why" because it didn't matter to me in the least.

The world is a better place with this car in i.

Read More