At the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, Toyota aroused the interest of many car enthusiasts in its introduction of the FT-CH concept. It is a vehicle conceptualized by Toyota’s European Design Center in Nice, France. Makers hope that this and some technological innovations will attract young customers when they introduced this model in 2012.

This FT-CH model is part of the company’s effort to provide consumers with wide-ranging variety of full hybrids, in addition to its plug-in hybrids (PHVs) and battery electrics (EVs) to be also introduced in 2012, and its hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCHVs) in 2015 in global markets.

Refer to the pictures and see how the FT-CH gives its passenger maximum comfort and interior roominess, with a creative sense of style. See the pictures and judge for yourself.

The designers also hope that this design would give its consumers a lively 8-bit generation resemblance. See how savvy it is in these pictures.

Source: CarBodyDesign

One of the cars presented in the 2010 Detroit Auto Show is the Volkswagen New Compact Coupe. This is a concept car that features a well-proportioned design resembling the Audi model line-up with an efficient hybrid drivetrain with a 7-speed DSG.

This hybrid can travel at the speed of 141 mph and accelerates to 60 in 8.1 sec. Its fuel efficiency is high reaching 45 mpg.

It has a savvy interior that is well laid out and cleanly detailed. See the pictures for references.

Source: Volkswagen via CarBodyDesign

It takes a Danish-based company to actually get the concept of a sports car right, would think that other car manufacturer’s from all over world would know how to make, granted they’ve done it before. But so far, the big boys have been missing the point entirely.  Yes there’s a recession going but sometimes it’s good to go back to the basics.  No fancy schmancy fluff like them floating seats, hackneyed design concepts or lame attempts at reinventing the wheel.  You see, sports cars are made to be fast, mean-looking and a joy to drive.  Really, how hard is that? You can make an argument about the car’s specs and whatnot, but really automobile business, at the end of the day, if you get the last two right, your consumer couldn’t care less if his/her ride is half a second slower than the competition. So kudos to Zenvo and it’s ST1 so far for simply going with what seems to be  a classic, no frills, kickass sports car.

[Source: Car Body Design]

A student designer from the University of South Australia has submitted an interesting concept for his entry in the International Australian Design Awards, which is organized by Dyson Appliances Australia.  Kat One-Moo has proposed a modular and customizable dashboard concept which allows consumers to change the orientation and configuration of their dash easily.

The concept’s premise is based on the emergence of new technologies like drive-by-wire controls and wireless internet access. The basic configuration is a detachable, wireless steering wheel that can be attached to either left or right side and a central touch screen console.  The word “modular” is the key term here, as users can easily add, remove and modify the added components in the dashboard.  Software upgrades via the Internet are nothing new, but imagine being able to only have the components you want or a certain add-on from another car model that was unavailable outside of the aftermarket route. Of course, 3rd party upgrades are already available but the problem lies in the cost and the risk of installation.  This little concept does away with that and also provides an avenue for future-proofing.  The steering wheel can be attached to either side depending on the users preference and has a vibrate function (for what purpose other than being predicated by some sort of video game addiction, we don’t really know).

On a design standpoint, well, it’s not really that sleek or classy looking and looks like a carnival bumper car than anything.  Also, if there’s ever a need to prove that brown is the new black of car interiors, this is probably one such item of evidence.

The question lies in whether or not car manufacturer’s will jump on the concept, make something similar on their own, or make it an exclusive.  Being a 3rd party/aftermarket product could prove to be a hindrance to the concept being widespread, never mind the future of wireless technology in the automotive business or the technical know-how required from the end user (it sounds a lot like building your own desktop).  All in all however, the concept is still far away before actual development, but from what’s seen so far, it does show promise.

[Source: Dyson Student Design Awards via AutoMotto]