Even though you may not have heard of Pininfarina you have definitely seen their work.  The Italian-based design firm has been the go-to guys for Ferrari for decades.  They have also done design work for many other OEMs including Ford, GM, Mitsubishi, Jaguar and many other Italian OEMs like FIAT and Alfa Romeo.  I like to keep an eye on what they are up to because their designs tend to be trendsetting and suggest where automotive design will go for the next few years.  In just a few days Pininfarina will debut a new concept named the Cambiano at the 2012 Geneva autoshow.  I am not sure if this is just a design study concept for this or if this car is for a mystery client but judging by the teaser shots (click on thumbnails below) I think it will make waves once the show opens.

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At the Worthersee celebration Audi has just pulled the curtain off their newest go-fast concept car the A1 Clubsport Quattro.  The A1 Clubsport is literally a 500hp race ready version of the magnificently awesome Audi A1.  The A1 Clubsport is powered by the same 2.5 liter direct injected turbocharged and inter-cooled 5 cylinder engine used in the Audi TT RS and RS3 sportback.  Audi then massaged and tuned the 5-cylinder to 503hp and 486 ft-lbs of torque all of which is sent to all four wheels through their signature “Quattro” all-wheel drive system.  The best part is everything that I’ve just gone over is wrapped up in a neat little package that weighs just 3,064lbs!  That is probably thanks to carbon composite body panels and carbon fiber dripping all over the interior of the car.  The only downside is that Audi probably won’t put this beast into production, and even if they did I would guess that we would never see it sold on American soil.  The good news is you can still possibly drive this car, virtually that is.  Audi says the A1 Clubsport Concept will be a playable car in EA Games Need For Speed World game! 

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 Press Release:

May 31, 2011 , INGOLSTADT, Germany

Audi at Worthersee Tour 2011

- Audi presents the A1 clubsport quattro showcar at the Wörthersee
- New adhesive film decals in accessories program for the A1 family
- Experience the Audi A1 clubsport quattro at world.needforspeed.com

It gives the impression of having just emerged from the shop, freshly painted, on its way to the first rollout on the race track. The Audi A1 clubsport quattro is a one-off vehicle built to the limits of technology for breathtaking dynamics. Audi is presenting the showcar in Reifnitz, in the Austrian state of Kärnten, at the Wörtherseetour 2011. The 30th edition of this major meeting for Audi, Seat, Skoda and VW fans takes place from June 1 – 4, 2011.

The heart of the Audi A1 clubsport quattro is a classic Audi gasoline engine – a five-cylinder unit displacing 2.5 liters with turbocharging and direct fuel injection. Compared with the version used in the Audi TT RS and RS 3 Sportback on which it is based, the output of the TFSI has been increased dramatically to 370 kW (503 hp) and 660 Nm (486.79 lb-ft) of torque. Maximum power is available between 2,500 and 5,300 rpm.

The turbocharger, intercooler, admission tract and the exhaust line have been systematically tuned for high performance. As on the Audi A4 DTM, the tailpipe is located on the left flank, just in front of the rear wheel.

Another area where the A1 clubsport quattro shines is its overall weight of just 1,390 kilograms (3,064 lb). The powerful engine catapults the car from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.7 seconds. From 0 to 200 km/h (124.27 mph) takes just 10.9 seconds, while the car goes from 80 to 120 km/h (49.71 to 74.56 mph) in fourth gear in just 2.4 seconds.

A six-speed manual transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive, both taken from the TT RS and enhanced, deliver the power to all four wheels. Top speed is governed at 250 km/h (155.34 mph).

The Audi showcar rolls on 255/30 low-profile tires mounted on 19-inch alloy wheels with a unique turbine design. Sitting behind the wheels are large, internally ventilated disc brakes. Up front, six-piston calipers grab perforated carbon fiber-ceramic discs. Large steel discs are mounted on the rear axle. The coilover suspension of the A1 clubsport quattro features adjustable compression and rebound damping.

Dynamic and brawny: the exterior
Sporting a very dynamic appearance and an exquisite finish, the showcar makes no secret of its potential. The body has a Glacier White matt paint finish, with accents provided by many add-on parts. The roof arch in high-gloss black supports a roof made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), and the four rings at the front of the car are solid aluminum.

Large, split air intakes with carbon struts are integrated into the distinctively modified front skirt. The single-frame radiator grille sports a black honeycomb design, and the headlights feature matted clasps with a red “wing.” Heat from the engine compartment is dissipated via two large air outlets in the hood.

The front fenders, the doors and the rear side panels of the Audi A1 clubsport quattro have been widened by a total of 60 millimeters (2.36 in). They form horizontal “blister” edges, like those found on the Audi Ur-quattro. Air outlets are integrated into the rear ends of the fenders, and the newly designed trim strips on the sills are made of exposed CFRP. Sleek side mirrors are reminiscent of the Audi R8 high-performance sports car.

The rear of the showcar is dominated by the roof spoiler, which features a double wing to provide for sufficient downforce. Darkly toned rear lights and a large, closed diffuser hone the rear view of the A1 clubsport quattro.

Designed as a road vehicle for the race track, the showcar has no rear seat. In its place are a large crossbar to further stiffen the body and storage for racing helmets. A weight-optimized starter battery used in racing is mounted in the rear below the two storage compartments. The strict high-performance concept left no room for an infotainment system, an MMI monitor or even a loudspeaker. The lightweight bucket seats are taken from the Audi R8 GT and feature a chassis made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer. Red four-point belts secure the driver and passenger.

The interior of the showcar is a study in dark gray. Large areas are covered with exposed, matt-finished CFRP, including the walls in the rear section of the car, the tubes of the air vents and the “stern of the yacht” in the lower section of the center console. The CFRP material used on the open-spoked sport steering wheel is covered with leather. Rocker switches on the center console replace switches on the control stalk and in the door panels. Three additional instruments indicate the oil pressure, boost pressure and electrical system voltage.

The center console and the seats are covered in fine leather upholstery with tone-on-tone stitching. The selector lever is made of aluminum; the caps of the pedals and the surface of the footrest are made of stainless steel. Red loops replace the handles on the doors, the glove box and the covers of the storage compartments.

Experience the Audi A1 clubsport quattro interactively
The Audi A1 clubsport quattro can also be experienced exclusively in Need for Speed ​​World (http://world.needforspeed.com), where it will be available to all players as a free in-game rental car from June 1 – 4. Need for Speed ​World is the Play4Free online PC racing game from EA, in which players take part in races in a giant multiplayer world.

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I know I am a little late to the party on this but if you haven’t seen it yet this is the Lexus LF-Gh in its full glory.  Lexus teased it a while back and it actually ended up leaking before it was to make its official debut at the New York Auto Show (going on right now).  According to Lexus the LF-Gh is a design study that will dictate the future of gran touring sedan design.  To achieve that it looks like they went for that mythical balance between agression and class.  For the most part I feel that they pulled it off nicely.  However the front end is a bit much for my taste.  If the LF-Gh ever gets produced I imagine the that front fascia will be toned down a bit to conform to safety regulations.  As you may have guessed, the “h” in the name indicates that this concept is a hybrid but it isn’t said what type of engine would be providing the petrol side of the system.  If I had to make a guess I’d say a V8 derived from what is currently found in the IS-F.  That’s just a guess though..  If you want to come to your own conclusion check out the press release below as well as a few pictures.

Press Release:

LF-Gh concept to make world debut at 2011 New York International Auto Show

Stylish and assertive concept advances notions of premium grand touring sedan

Concept explores Lexus’ future direction with aggressive and bold spindle-shaped front grille  

NEW YORK (April 12, 2011) – The Lexus LF-Gh hybrid concept will make its global debut at the 2011 New York International Auto Show. The concept, which sets out to redefine the premium grand touring sedan, will be at the Lexus display through May 1.
“For this concept, Lexus designers studied characteristics that are often considered contradictory and difficult to execute together,” said Kengo Matsumoto, general manager, Lexus Design Division, Toyota Motor Corporation. “The captivating design of the LF-Gh concept examines the possibility of balancing what are normally opposing qualities, such as style and functionality.”
  Working with a clean sheet of paper, Lexus Design Division designers aimed to perfectly blend style, performance, efficiency, and environmental compatibility in a premium, grand touring sedan while trying to leverage advanced, new technologies.
  The team explored how a future grand touring sedan would look standing still and on the road, and what design approaches might work to convey an extraordinary combination of attributes. They came up with a design that unites hard and soft; and energetic and soothing elements.

Through this exercise, the definition of L-Finesse, the marque’s design philosophy since 2001, has been refined and evolved to include a bolder, more distinct projection of what a premium car could become in a modern world. The result is the LF-Gh concept, which conveys original thoughts and ideas that will migrate to future Lexus vehicles on a global scale.    “Customers have been waiting for a bold concept like this from Lexus,” said Mark Templin, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager. “We look forward to their feedback and integrating some of these exciting design features into future Lexus vehicles.”   In The Grand Touring Tradition
With the LF-Gh, Lexus takes the idea of the grand touring sedan one step further. The LF-Gh was designed to be a high-performance concept capable of providing a moving driving experience, and comfortably transporting multiple occupants at higher speeds on long-distance drives. It combines a strong sense of presence and emotional appeal with functional attributes, supplying enhanced creature comforts plus the practical ability to transport personal supplies and luggage necessary for extended travel. Even while maintaining serene passenger comfort, it is a car designed to inspire and captivate the driver as hours behind the wheel accumulate. 
    The bold, wide stance is consistent with the goal of inspiring dynamic excellence on the road. Fundamentally, these are the proportions of an agile, responsive sedan built on an advanced rear-wheel-drive platform. The distinctive long greenhouse design provides the potential for functional passenger benefits, such as generous interior room for all four passengers, ample cargo area, and excellent forward visibility. 

LED lighting hints at the range and scope of new materials, electronics and dynamic systems that endow this concept vehicle with state-of-the-art performance, driving control, and safety features. Overall, the LF-Gh’s styling embodies the definition of what an authentic grand touring sedan from Lexus could be.   Dramatic and Bold, Yet Light and Agile           
This newest Lexus concept brings together unique, dynamic proportions that lend to its advanced and aggressive stance. The LF-Gh is based on an architecture that enables a spirited, energetic and elegant car with an uncommonly assertive presence.

Viewed from the front, design elements contributing to the assertive effect include a boldly designed spindle-shaped grille that expresses the resolute face of Lexus, contributes to radiator and brake duct function, and is an essential element in achieving excellent aerodynamic performance.  Every line in the LF-Gh combines form and function.

As an example, air flows in through front inlets adjacent to the unique vertical LED fog lamps, and exits through similar slim rear outlets that follow the curve of the tail lamps from the rear quarter panel.  The concept also explores the minimization of traditional features such as side mirrors and door handles to enhance the sleekness and improve aerodynamics.

The spindle-shaped grille, a powerful design element that contributes to the commanding presence of the LF-Gh, also plays a role in airflow control and enhancing stability. It’s a key feature that integrates distinctive style with engineering functionality without sacrifice in either discipline, and will be inherited by future Lexus models.

An athletic and strong stance is achieved through the contrast of the tapered torso and long cabin, with width-enhancing front and rear wheel arches. The form of the lower body begins from the short front overhang, and is cross cut in the middle of the rocker panel leaving the rear overhang looking light and agile.

Dynamic front fenders work to create a sense of movement, pushing down toward the ground to convey a low, crouching center of gravity. The raised hood implies ready and powerful performance potential. The rear deck has a robust, raised center deck lid that lets the air smoothly glide backward to flow gracefully into the rear fenders. Deeply sculptured dynamic twin spokes stemming from the center of the 20-inch wheels enhance an instinctive sense of driving appeal.

Lexus designers took advantage of increased width that provides an expansive canvas for distinct, wrap-around LED tail lamps. The use of distinctive tail lamps and intricately designed reflectors behind all-red lenses contribute to a strong visual presence. Judicious use of slim chrome trim elements in the bumper exhaust and integrated diffuser adds a subtle premium touch.

Unique LED headlamps and independent L-shaped LED daytime running lights assure that the Lexus face will be like no other car on the road.   A Gracious Interior
Behind dark tinted glass, hints of an all-new, future Lexus interior can be perceived. The cabin of the LF-Gh is the product of a meticulous re-examination of every detail, with the aim of making an interior that is driver-oriented.

The driver’s zone includes a meter panel with excellent visibility and a console with intuitive operability. An all-new analog clock with a three-dimensional face, a contemporary and exclusive timepiece suitable to a premium luxury brand, is a focal point of the interior and represents a shift in Lexus’ design philosophy.

Use of genuine, high-quality materials and rich, finely honed details help create a driver and passenger space consistent with the idea of a full-fledged grand touring sedan. It is an interior designed to respond to the needs of customers who know true quality, and are particular about details.   Hybrid Propulsion
Blue LED Lexus Hybrid Drive badges located on the front grille and rear trunk lid signal an intention to provide equal measures of fuel efficiency and performance on demand. The rear valance blends sculpted exhaust tips for a very clean, finished look, minimizing the presence of the exhaust system to suggest that the flow of exhaust gas will be substantially reduced. Taken as a whole, the treatment emphasizes that this hybrid concept is designed to comply with the exceptionally low emissions requirements of the future.  

The LF-Gh design supports engineering that changes current notions of power, efficiency, safety, and environmental consideration in a premium luxury car.

“Although only a concept, we hope the LF-Gh will resonate with our customers worldwide, and communicate our intention to once again advance ideas about the face of Lexus luxury in the years to come,” said Matsumoto.   Lexus LF-Gh Concept Specifications

With the exception of the Smart Car, Mercedes Benz never really released any of their B-segment or A-segment cars here in the states. Which is a shame because they usually look pretty fresh but they have to worry about things like brand dilution and other jargon that you learn about if you’re a marketing major.  Normally it’s a necessary evil but in the case of their new Concept A-Class it is a major bane to us all because this car is shaping up to be a lil’ badass!  Besides the FRESH design the Concept A-Class sports a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, a dual clutch transmission, and a radar based collision warning system!  How’s that for a grocery list of awesome?!  While I am impressed with what the Concept A-Class would be if produced I’ll admit I also met it with a bit of cynicism since its a slim chance that this car will be produced and if it was we would probably never see it in America.  Although it will be making an appearance at the 2011 New York Auto Show so maybe not all hope is lost.  Why show a concept in America that would never be sold here if produced?  Here’s crossing my fingers that some version of this will make its way to our shores in the not-too-distant-future!

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So during the special “Mazda 22″ event a few journalists asked Mazda if there would be any accessories available for the Mazda2, if the Mazda2 would be involved in racing, or if there would be a Mazdaspeed2.  The answer to all three of those questions was either “no” or “there are no announcements”.  All to be expected correct?  However on the west side if their exhibit I see a Mazda2 decked out with different wheels, and even a carbon fiber wing!  Oh and there were “Mazdaspeed” decals in strategic locations.  So what’s the deal Mazda?!  I think the cat is out of the bag!

UPDATE: So Mazda’s explaination is that this awesome little rocket is a “concept” known as the “Mazda 2Evil” but we can’t help but notice how it looks strikingly like an OEM variant! Hmm I guess we will just have to wait and see what path they’ll take with this concept.

Press Release:

Mazda 2Evil Special Concept

This concept is inspired by the weekend track car but one that can function equally well as an urban commuter. The body has been modified to show a more aggressive front spoiler and a deeper side rocker for improved aerodynamics and lower overall stance. A strong lower diffuser is added to enhance the rear proportion and more emphasis is placed on the exhaust tip. The rear upper spoiler was redesigned for both additional downforce and a race appearance. The dynamic MAZDA2 body is finished in Ceramic Grey metallic with subtle motorsports inspired graphics. The graphics are finished off with the historic number 55, a tribute to the 1991 Le Mans-winning Mazda 787B race car. Wheels, mirrors and other details are accented in Spirited Green. To top it off, the performance and stance are enhanced with 17″ wheels, 215/45/17 Yokahama Advan tires, lowered coil-over suspension provided by H&R and Magnaflow performance exhaust.