Nanotechnology is useful like that: realistic enough to sound credible, far enough away to make just about anything possible. "What, those square, anti -terrorism jamwheels? Nanotech, mate. They'll be along sooner than you think, mark my words..." Beyond the imagino-tech, we like the A9, a four-door coupe-sedan that could well be a future Audi rivals to the Merc CLS---or, perhaps, the next-gen A7, a car we should see in production form very, very soon. Sure, it's mighty similar to BMW's mental Vision' concept, but since when was that a bad thing?
Well, the A7 isn't bad-looking. Fact is, it's actually tidy, with sophisticated lines and surfaces that mark it as a true premium car. But given the stunning proportions of the A6 and A8 sedans, the A7 is awkward in comparison, its fastback shape not as grateful as the arcing, architecturally evocative rooflines of its sedan siblings. Unlike the CLS that's a proper, more stylish alternative to Mercedes's C-and E-class sedans, the A7 lacks the visual punch to play the same role. The Gran Turismo could be forgiven because it's basically a model that expands BMW's 5-Series lines. The A7 stands under styling scrutiny all on its own.
Randy shares his inspiration for the 370Z's sexy curves: "I had all the Z history to draw from, but I looked for non-automotive things to inspire me as well. I was heavily influenced by sharks, and you can see that in the car's beltline---shark profile---and side---shark belly---as well as in the sharp, aggressive detailing. I studied athletes, especially sprinters, with their powerful, muscular bodies that have great stance while being lean and agile." For those who also want to design the next Japanese sports-car icon, Randy has words of advice: "If you want to be an automotive designer, you should study at a school that offers Transportation Design." he encourages. "One common misconception is that studying engineering is the path to car design. If you want to be a car designer, you need to study design.
Until now. Volvo is out of Ford's hands, and berserk is back. This is Polestar's C30, a 400hp Volvo's Swedish Touring Car Team. It is the spiritual successor of the 850 R and the most exciting thing to emerge from Sweden since Victoria Silvstedt.
It looks evil. Those 'eyebrows' running over the front wheels inspired by the arches on Polestar's race car, as are the black winglets flanking the front air dam and the double-deck rear wing. The Polestar concept sits lower to the road than the stock C30, with Viagra-spec Ohlins springs and dampers. There's your hint: This isn't some pretty show concept. This is a functioning, shockingly fast hot hatch. We know, because we're driven it.
The exterior dimensions are limited by the platform it shares with the more streamlined Previa, but the corners have been pushed out as far as practically possible. The result is a surprising amount of interior space that incorporates a plenitude of cupholders, cubbyholes, storagebins, pockets, hooks, and seven airbags--all without having to add a prosthetic roof. The "normal-sized" exterior also means the Alphard should be easy to park. With proximity sensors installed on both front and rear bumpers, plus side-view mirrors that tilt downward when reverse gear is engaged, parking the Alphard isn't easy--it's effortless.
