My Top 10 Concept Cars of 2010

In less than two weeks, 2010 will draw to a close. So what better time to look back at the real stars of this year’s motor shows: the concept cars! Enter into a world where considerations like practicality and profitability fall by the wayside and the world’s designers and engineers show us their true potential. Let’s count down...my Top 10 Concept Cars of 2010!

10. Kia POP

Kia’s POP small electric vehicle study is a designer’s wet dream: a one piece glass windscreen and roof, scissor doors and an interior that looks more like a space capsule than a car. It also offers further proof that the South Korean company has evolved from a budget buyer’s first choice into a proper, world class automaker.

9. Citroen Lacoste

Again and again, Citroen has proved that it can do concept cars like no other automaker. Alas, with so many other awesome concepts this year, the Lacoste never made it further up our list than here. Still, this beach buggy for the 21^st century has some standout features like its funky LED dashboard, semi-open design and plastic-clad body.

8. Renault DeZir

Renault has never been so cool. In a perfect world, this electric two-seater would be the French automaker’s Audi R8. In reality, it’s just another fantastic shoulda-been from France’s dullest automaker (Renault Sport models notwithstanding).

7. Mercedes Benz BIOME

The BIOME is pure flight of fancy. Designed to be seeded in an orchard and grown like a cob of corn (no, really), the BIOME emits nothing but oxygen and marketing hyperbole. Am I the only one who thinks this looks a bit like the 2001 SEL from Spaceballs?

6. Peugeot EX1

Part car, part motorcycle: Peugeot’s eccentrically electric two-seat, three wheeler packs 250 kW / 340 hp between its narrow front wheels. This isn’t Peugeot’s first three wheel concept (remember 2005’s 20 Cup and 2009’s RD?) and is unlikely to be the last. Tres magnifique!

5. Lotus Elise

2010 has been a great year for Lotus concept cars, what with the Aston Martin Rapide rivalling Esterne and the relaunch of two classic nameplates in Esprit and Elan. Still, this teaser for the next-generation Elise is my favourite. 2013 can’t come too soon.

4. New Lancia Stratos

A fabulous one-off that’s drivable to boot, the new Stratos is underpinned by the same (if tweaked) 510 hp V8 that powers Ferrari’s 430 Scuderia. Designed and built by Italian design house Pininfarina, the new Statos recalls the much loved HF rally and road cars of the 1970s. Here’s hoping Pininfarina secures the licence to put this schoolboy’s wet dream into limited production.

3. Lamborghini Sesto Elemento

If there’s one 2010 concept car that divided opinion like no other, it’s Lamborghini’s Sesto Elemento. Between its stealth fighter styling, cacophony of oddly shaped intakes and outtakes and the de-saturated grey and red colour scheme, this was one of the wildest concepts to come out this year. Still, there’s no arguing with its 570 hp V10. We’ll take two.

2. Audi Quattro Concept

Raise your hand if you weren’t utterly enraptured by the rebirth of Audi’s ur-Quattro of the 1980s? No one? I thought as much. With its lightweight body, historically accurate 5-cylinder engine and 911-rivalling performance, what’s not to like? And the styling is to die for. The 1980s never looked so good.

1. Jaguar C-X75

And so here it is, my #1. 2010 had a lot of great concept cars, but none so much as Jaguar’s fabulous C-X75. Here is a gas / electric hybrid with 780 hp with a body fashioned out of texalium and vapour-blasted aluminium. This car is so cutting edge you have to wear gloves. It’s the perfect mix of exotic materials, futuristic technologies and pure styling jizz, and the top dog in our top ten.

So there you have My Top 10. What? You don't agree? Does putting a Kia on this list outrage your sensibilities? Are you disappointed that there are no American cars on the list? Is Jaguar's C-X75 and poorly conceived attempt to elevate the brand beyond its upper-class retiree roots? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

By Tristan Hankins

Find of the Day: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to Auction off his Peugeot 504

Want to buy a car owned by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad? Well, if for whatever reason the answer is yes, here's your chance. Iran's state television reported on Monday that the country's president has decided to auction off his 1977 Peugeot 504 sedan to raise money for the Mehr Housing Plan, which is aimed at providing affordable housing for low-income families.

"In a charitable move, Mr. Ahmadinejad will auction off his [Peugeot] automobile at a gathering of the Mehr Housing Plan donors," Iranian Minister of Welfare and Social Security Sadeq Mahsouli was quoted by IRIB as saying. The minister added that all proceeds will be donated to the housing plan.

"The car is put up for international auction, and the starting price will be announced soon," he concluded.

Ahmadinejad had used the white Peugeot several times during the 2005 election campaign to gather support from lower-income voters.

*Iran's state television did not release any photos of Ahmadinejad's personal vehicle. All the pictures you see here are from Peugeot's archive.

Source: Iran TV , AFP

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

2011 Peugeot EX1 Concept Is An Electric Sport Cars Concept The "Extreme Dream Car"

Peugeot's thoughts are that of an "extreme dream car" which demonstrates the "exciting possibilities for electric power". Peugeot has created an all-new electric sports car bearing the alphanumeric appellation EX1, which it will show at the upcoming 2010 Paris Motor Show. This car and the images are real. The 100% electric sports car Peugeot’s latest concept car is a visually striking two-seater roadster with a futuristic styling and an original architecture, designed to offer intense driving sensations as a celebration of the Marque’s 200th anniversary.

The electric motor is a potential source of new driving sensations thanks to its exceptional acceleration capabilities, but also because it is silent in operation and makes the car very easy to drive (no need for a gearbox). On the EX1 sports car concept, two electric motors are used, one on each axle, each with a peak output of 125 kW (250 kW / 340 bhp in total), and an immediately available constant maximum torque of 240 Nm at the front and rear.

The 2011 Peugeot EX1 Concept Is An Electric Sport Cars Concept The "Extreme Dream Car" benefits from characteristics that give it a high enough level of performance not only to leave behind the city centre, the preferred territory of electric vehicles, but also to challenge acceleration records. Its lightness, weight distribution and aerodynamics, the torque and power of its two electric motors and its high-output lithium-ion battery are just some of the characteristics that make this a car capable of lightning acceleration: the latter can exceed 1G of gravitational force.

2011 Peugeot EX1 Concept Is An Electric Sport Cars Concept The "Extreme Dream Car"

Indeed the EX1 sports car concept has already broken the following international records (approved by the International Automobile Federation) for an electric-powered terrestrial vehicle. This series of records was established, by Nicolas Vanier, the famous French explorer and film-maker ("The Last Trapper", "Wolf") who drove the EX1 concept car.

Between now and the end of the year, China, the world's largest car market, will be the setting for the EX1 sports car to pursues other world records.

2011 Peugeot EX1 Concept Is An Electric Sport Cars Concept The "Extreme Dream Car"

2011 Peugeot EX1 Concept Is An Electric Sport Cars Concept The "Extreme Dream Car"

Peugeot's thoughts are that of an "extreme dream car" which demonstrates the "exciting possibilities for electric power". Peugeot has created an all-new electric sports car bearing the alphanumeric appellation EX1, which it will show at the upcoming 2010 Paris Motor Show. This car and the images are real. The 100% electric sports car Peugeot’s latest concept car is a visually striking two-seater roadster with a futuristic styling and an original architecture, designed to offer intense driving sensations as a celebration of the Marque’s 200th anniversary.

The electric motor is a potential source of new driving sensations thanks to its exceptional acceleration capabilities, but also because it is silent in operation and makes the car very easy to drive (no need for a gearbox). On the EX1 sports car concept, two electric motors are used, one on each axle, each with a peak output of 125 kW (250 kW / 340 bhp in total), and an immediately available constant maximum torque of 240 Nm at the front and rear.

The 2011 Peugeot EX1 Concept Is An Electric Sport Cars Concept The "Extreme Dream Car" benefits from characteristics that give it a high enough level of performance not only to leave behind the city centre, the preferred territory of electric vehicles, but also to challenge acceleration records. Its lightness, weight distribution and aerodynamics, the torque and power of its two electric motors and its high-output lithium-ion battery are just some of the characteristics that make this a car capable of lightning acceleration: the latter can exceed 1G of gravitational force.

2011 Peugeot EX1 Concept Is An Electric Sport Cars Concept The "Extreme Dream Car"

Indeed the EX1 sports car concept has already broken the following international records (approved by the International Automobile Federation) for an electric-powered terrestrial vehicle. This series of records was established, by Nicolas Vanier, the famous French explorer and film-maker ("The Last Trapper", "Wolf") who drove the EX1 concept car.

Between now and the end of the year, China, the world's largest car market, will be the setting for the EX1 sports car to pursues other world records.

2011 Peugeot EX1 Concept Is An Electric Sport Cars Concept The "Extreme Dream Car"

2011 Peugeot EX1 Concept Is An Electric Sport Cars Concept The "Extreme Dream Car"

Peugeot's thoughts are that of an "extreme dream car" which demonstrates the "exciting possibilities for electric power". Peugeot has created an all-new electric sports car bearing the alphanumeric appellation EX1, which it will show at the upcoming 2010 Paris Motor Show. This car and the images are real. The 100% electric sports car Peugeot’s latest concept car is a visually striking two-seater

Peugeot Sport Cars Epine Concept Cars Inspired by Formula One and Motorcycles

Peugeot Sport Cars Epine Concept Cars derived from a project to create a hybrid eco-friendly vehicle. The Peugeot Epine Concept design study was developed to have a sportscar-like performance while creating a new way to get in touch with nature. Inspired by Formula One cars and motorcycles, Epine features a whale skeleton, as a tribute to Mother Nature.

Peugeot Sport Cars Epine Concept Cars Inspired by Formula One and Motorcycles

The concept car was created by Daniel Schumpert. Peugeot Epine was basically a project that was supposed to turn into an environmentally friendly hybrid vehicle, but eventually it turned into a “consumer’s racing car”.

This Peugeot Sport Cars Epine Concept Cars Inspired by Formula One and Motorcycles ride relies on the Epine system, with an innovative seating arrangement and the drive-by-wire technology, as far as steering is concerned. The energy source of the vehicle is placed at the back, while the storage area is at the front of the car. The major technical feature of this car is the Epine system that allows a complete seating arrangement by adopting the drive-by-wire technology to run the steering system.

The rear-engined sportscar is minimalistic with an exposed frame, Peugeot Sport Cars Epine Hybrid Concept Cars uses the Michelin Tweel concept airless wheels, with a positive impact on the suspension system.

Peugeot Sport Cars Epine Concept Cars Inspired by Formula One and Motorcycles

Turns out that the wheel spokes are able to compress and decompress, thanks to the materials they’re made out of, allowing a wide variety of car motions. This futuristic Peugeot measures 4,260 mm (length), 1,882mm (width) and 1153mm (height).

Peugeot Sport Cars Epine Concept Cars Inspired by Formula One and Motorcycles

Peugeot Sport Cars Epine Concept Cars derived from a project to create a hybrid eco-friendly vehicle. The Peugeot Epine Concept design study was developed to have a sportscar-like performance while creating a new way to get in touch with nature. Inspired by Formula One cars and motorcycles, Epine features a whale skeleton, as a tribute to Mother Nature.

Peugeot Sport Cars Epine Concept Cars Inspired by Formula One and Motorcycles

The concept car was created by Daniel Schumpert. Peugeot Epine was basically a project that was supposed to turn into an environmentally friendly hybrid vehicle, but eventually it turned into a “consumer’s racing car”.

This Peugeot Sport Cars Epine Concept Cars Inspired by Formula One and Motorcycles ride relies on the Epine system, with an innovative seating arrangement and the drive-by-wire technology, as far as steering is concerned. The energy source of the vehicle is placed at the back, while the storage area is at the front of the car. The major technical feature of this car is the Epine system that allows a complete seating arrangement by adopting the drive-by-wire technology to run the steering system.

The rear-engined sportscar is minimalistic with an exposed frame, Peugeot Sport Cars Epine Hybrid Concept Cars uses the Michelin Tweel concept airless wheels, with a positive impact on the suspension system.

Peugeot Sport Cars Epine Concept Cars Inspired by Formula One and Motorcycles

Turns out that the wheel spokes are able to compress and decompress, thanks to the materials they’re made out of, allowing a wide variety of car motions. This futuristic Peugeot measures 4,260 mm (length), 1,882mm (width) and 1153mm (height).

2010 Peugeot Cars 308 Millesim Special Edition

The British division of Peugeot announced today it will expand its 308 range by adding a special edition to the lineup that celebrates Peugeot’s 200th anniversary: the Millesim, after unveiling the 207 special edition wearing the same name. There will be four models available powered by VTi petrol and HDi diesel engines.

Model Range On-the-road Price Combined MPG CO2 Emissions :

308 Millesim 1.4 VTi 98 £16,245.00 43.46 149    

308 Millesim 1.6 VTi 120 £16,745.00 43.46 155

308 Millesim HDi 90 £17,495.00 62.70 120

308 Millesim HDi 110 £18,245.00 62.70 120

The Peugeot 308 Millesim comes equipped with a free Nokia 5230 smartphone with Satellite Navigation and in-car mounting kit, 16 inch alloy wheels, Sports front grille, Sports rear bumper. The Peugeot 308 Millesim also features USB and Bluetooth connectivity, special badges and various other styling accents. Other features offered as standard include ABS, EBFD, EBA, ESP, driver airbag, passenger airbag, side airbags, curtain airbags, remote control central locking with deadlocks, electric front and rear windows, radio / single CD player, air-conditioning and front fog lights, among others.

For the petrol versions, the 308 Millesim is equipped with Peugeot’s class leading VTi petrol engines. Two engine options are available, a new Euro 5 1.4 litre 98 bhp, or a 1.6 litre 120 bhp version. Both engines benefit from Peugeot’s particularly innovative VTi technology which improves the engine’s overall efficiency, significantly reducing fuel consumption (particularly in phases of partial load) and, therefore, CO2 emissions. For HDi diesel versions, the 308 Millesim is powered by Peugeot’s 1.6 litre 90 and 110 bhp engines, both acknowledged for their driveability, performance and low running costs (62.7 mpg in the combined cycle and zero vehicle excise duty). An additive based diesel particulate filter system (FAP) is fitted as standard on the HDi 110 bhp engine.

The 308 Millesim benefits from Peugeot’s extensive experience and the latest technological advances to ensure safety of the highest order at all levels. A five star EuroNCAP rating is combined with the standard fitment of: ESP, six airbags, five three-point inertia reel seat belts with a “fasten seat belt” warning system, front and rear head restraints designed to limit whiplash, three Isofix mountings to accommodate a child seat – one at the front and two in the rear outer seats and an electrically operated child safety system which simply and safely locks the rear doors and disables the electric rear windows.

2010 Peugeot Cars 308 Millesim Special Edition

The British division of Peugeot announced today it will expand its 308 range by adding a special edition to the lineup that celebrates Peugeot’s 200th anniversary: the Millesim, after unveiling the 207 special edition wearing the same name. There will be four models available powered by VTi petrol and HDi diesel engines.

Model Range On-the-road Price Combined MPG CO2 Emissions :

308 Millesim 1.4 VTi 98 £16,245.00 43.46 149    

308 Millesim 1.6 VTi 120 £16,745.00 43.46 155

308 Millesim HDi 90 £17,495.00 62.70 120

308 Millesim HDi 110 £18,245.00 62.70 120

The Peugeot 308 Millesim comes equipped with a free Nokia 5230 smartphone with Satellite Navigation and in-car mounting kit, 16 inch alloy wheels, Sports front grille, Sports rear bumper. The Peugeot 308 Millesim also features USB and Bluetooth connectivity, special badges and various other styling accents. Other features offered as standard include ABS, EBFD, EBA, ESP, driver airbag, passenger airbag, side airbags, curtain airbags, remote control central locking with deadlocks, electric front and rear windows, radio / single CD player, air-conditioning and front fog lights, among others.

For the petrol versions, the 308 Millesim is equipped with Peugeot’s class leading VTi petrol engines. Two engine options are available, a new Euro 5 1.4 litre 98 bhp, or a 1.6 litre 120 bhp version. Both engines benefit from Peugeot’s particularly innovative VTi technology which improves the engine’s overall efficiency, significantly reducing fuel consumption (particularly in phases of partial load) and, therefore, CO2 emissions. For HDi diesel versions, the 308 Millesim is powered by Peugeot’s 1.6 litre 90 and 110 bhp engines, both acknowledged for their driveability, performance and low running costs (62.7 mpg in the combined cycle and zero vehicle excise duty). An additive based diesel particulate filter system (FAP) is fitted as standard on the HDi 110 bhp engine.

The 308 Millesim benefits from Peugeot’s extensive experience and the latest technological advances to ensure safety of the highest order at all levels. A five star EuroNCAP rating is combined with the standard fitment of: ESP, six airbags, five three-point inertia reel seat belts with a “fasten seat belt” warning system, front and rear head restraints designed to limit whiplash, three Isofix mountings to accommodate a child seat – one at the front and two in the rear outer seats and an electrically operated child safety system which simply and safely locks the rear doors and disables the electric rear windows.

Peugeot RCZ Review

The RCZ is the first passenger car by Peugeot that does not use the central zero numbering system for identification
Peugeot RCZ


Peugeot RCZ


Peugeot RCZ


Peugeot RCZ


Peugeot RCZ




Peugeot RCZ


Peugeot RCZ




Peugeot RCZ


Peugeot RCZ


Peugeot RCZ


Peugeot RCZ




The RCZ was originally planned as a simple concept car but it received critical acclaim, capturing the imagination of the public and professionals. Peugeot decided to take the leap from concept to actual car and began production. The car's lines and style have remained very close to the original concept so as not to disappoint public opinion, however a series of changes were made to the central dual exhaust system which was replaced by a dual exhaust to the left of the rear bumper. The RCZ has double-bubble roof inspired by Zagato.




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