Hyundai has introduced the Staria Camper concept at the CMT Show.
It features a pop-up roof, refrigerator, solar panel, and smart glass.
The company is considering production and is looking for feedback.
Hyundai has used the Caravan, Motor und Touristik Show to introduce a camper concept based on the Staria Electric. It’s designed to explore how the van could “evolve into a premium recreational vehicle tailored to the European market.”
Designed for off-grid travel, the Staria Camper concept has been equipped with a retractable canopy as well as a power pop-up roof. The latter has been fully integrated to reduce wind noise and buffeting while driving.
The roof is also notable for being covered by a 520W solar panel, which can generate up to 2.6 kWh of electricity per day. This can be used to power onboard equipment or to extend the vehicle’s range.
Another cool touch is the use of electronically adjustable smart glass for privacy. The rear windows are controlled by a dedicated touchscreen, which enables users to instantly adjust their transparency.
Besides keeping prying eyes at bay, the smart glass offers “significantly improved UV, thermal, and acoustic insulation compared with conventional glass.” Despite this, Hyundai also threw in traditional curtains.
The rest of the exterior largely carries over, but we can see water and electrical hookups located near one of the taillights.
Modular Comfort Inside
Moving inside, the second- and third-row seats fold flat to create an expansive sleeping area for two adults. The concept also sports a long counter that houses a sink, storage compartments, and a 1.3 cubic foot (36 liter) refrigerator. They’re joined by a folding interior table, a classy peg board, and special lights.
Rounding out the highlights are a swiveling front passenger seat and a climate control system that can keep you warm on chilly nights. Furthermore, the liftgate opens to reveal a deployable rear table as well as an outdoor shower setup.
Could It Actually Happen?
While the van is a concept, Hyundai wasn’t shy about the possibility of a production model. In fact, they’re actively seeking feedback from a “cross-section of camping, caravan, and adventure enthusiasts from across Europe and beyond.” The company said this will help them gauge interest in bringing the concept to life.
Hyundai went on to say the production model would echo the regular Staria Electric, which has an 84 kWh battery pack as well as a front-mounted motor producing 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS).
This enables the van to have a WLTP range of approximately 249 miles (400 km). When the battery is low, a DC fast charger can take it from 10-80 percent in around 20 minutes.
One-off Macan Turbo Concept Lago debuts at German boat show.
Cabin features wood floor mats and marine-style fabric seats.
New 790 Spectre uses a Macan EV powertrain and makes 536 hp.
Porsche and boats have been flirting for a while. The German sports car brand already helped create a rapid electric speedboat with Austrian builder Frauscher. Now the partnership is back with a smaller boat called the 790 Spectre and a one-off, marine-inspired Macan concept to keep it company.
No, the Macan Turbo Concept Lago can’t jump from the road to water like a Gibbs Aquada or Amphicar 770. But it borrows some neat nautical design and trim ideas in the same way that the Frauscher’s boats have cribbed the Macan’s motors and battery pack. And it has some of the most stylish floor mats we’ve ever seen.
Porsche raided its Exclusive Manufaktur personalisation catalog and roped in experts from its Sonderwunsch “special wish” department to give the concept a distinctly salty vibe.
Darkteal Metallic paint, which originates from Porsche’s Paint to Sample programme, covers the outside while neat graphics tie the car to the matching boat. Even the keys wear the same color.
Swab the Floor Mats, Matey
Open the doors and the nautical theme gets stronger. Real wood inspired by boat decks lines the front and rear luggage compartments and the floor mats look ready for bare feet.
A compass replaces the usual dashboard stopwatch and the seat centers use marine grade fabric trimmed with Crayon leather. Green contrast stitching finishes the look and proves Porsche’s trim specialists can customise almost anything.
Frauscher 790 Spectre
The Concept Lago is just a one-off, unlike the new Frauscher 790 Spectre it’s designed to promote. Engineers built the 7,970 mm (313.8 inches) sports boat around the same 100 kWh battery and dual electric motor setup used in the Macan Turbo, though Porsche quotes 630 hp (639 PS / 470 kW) for the SUV and 536 hp (544 PS / 400 kW) for its sea-going counterpart.
The hull is new and lighter than before and the cockpit borrows plenty of Porsche style touches, including the steering wheel and elements of the seat design. Buyers can personalise the boat with special paint and materials to mirror their car.
Orders for the 790 Spectre are open now, but the price is going to make a $112,700 Macan Turbo Electric look downright affordable. While neither Porsche or Frauscher has indicated an exact sticker, the fact that the earlier 850 Fantom Air cost around $600k tells us this one is for wealthy Porsche and boat lovers only.
Dreame revealed three electric Bugatti-style sedans at CES 2026.
Kosmera’s designs mimic Bugatti’s front and rear styling cues.
Two of the super sedans produce 1,903 hp from four electric motors.
Few would expect a vacuum cleaner company to roll up to CES with supercars, but that’s exactly what Dreame just did. Chinese tech firm Dreame, best known for producing competitively priced vacuum cleaners, has unveiled three dramatic high-performance cars at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, introduced under the newly formed Kosmera and Nebula Next brands.
As early teasers hinted, Dreame has looked to Bugatti for stylistic inspiration. Even so, while initial renders leaned heavily into Chiron-like mimicry, the finished models veer in their own direction, avoiding full-blown imitation but still bearing more than a few familiar cues.
What many might not know is that Dreame sits within Xiaomi’s sprawling ecological chain. The tech giant has invested in the company and may be lending more than just capital. Xiaomi itself has already become a serious contender in China’s burgeoning EV market, though it remains unclear if Dreame’s pivot is directly tied to Xiaomi’s automotive push.
Bugatti Echoes, Not Clones
The first model under the Kosmera name is described as a super sports car and comes dressed in black. Its four-door configuration immediately sets it apart, but the front end is where things get especially familiar. The grille, framed in carbon fiber, strongly resembles the Bugatti Mistral and Brouillard. Large air intakes flank the front, and the overall fascia feels unmistakably French in its inspiration.
Headlight and DRL placement continue the Bugatti homage, as does the sculpted hood with prominent air extraction vents, a detail nearly identical to the one-off Brouillard.
Autohome
The side profile, however, strikes a different chord. With smooth surfaces and a gradually sloping roofline, it brings to mind a lengthened Porsche Taycan more than anything from Molsheim. Around back, the car adds its own flair with a full-width LED light bar, a fixed rear wing, and a vertical brake light extending down the rear window.
According to Autohome, this Kosmera sedan houses four electric motors, combining for a total of 1,903 horsepower. Intriguingly, the car reportedly weighs exactly 1,903 kilograms (4,195 pounds), creating a symmetrical 1:1 power-to-weight ratio that sounds almost too perfect to be real.
While most technical details remain under wraps, the car is said to incorporate a complex suspension setup and a number of 3D-printed components.
A Second Concept
Kosmera’s second offering looks quite different. It’s also a sedan, finished in a dark purple paint, but the design is less dramatic. While the front doesn’t look like a Bugatti, the same can’t be said about the rear, as it bears a resemblance to the Chiron, including its taillights, the shape of the fascia and decklid, and the split rear window. As for specs, Dreame hasn’t released anything about this model’s capabilities just yet.
Autohome
Rounding out the trio is the Nebula Next 01, the only car not wearing a Kosmera badge. This is the model Dreame teased earlier. Painted green, it has the most supercar-like design of the trio, but surprisingly, it is also a four-door. It rocks loads of exposed carbon fiber parts, including the front splitter and rear diffuser, and also has similar Bugatti-inspired headlights to the first of the Kosmera cars.
Local media claims the Nebula Next 01 is powered by the same four-motor setup with 1,903 horsepower. If accurate, it should rocket from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 1.8 seconds. As of now, Dreame hasn’t confirmed whether and when this concept will reach production.
Dreame’s first EV is the Nebula Next 01, revealed at CES 2026.
It uses four electric motors to deliver a massive 1,876 hp output.
Final design leans more toward Ferrari and Lotus than Bugatti.
For months, Chinese consumer electronics company Dreame looked like it was trying to sneak into the car world dressed as a Bugatti. The early renders felt like Chiron fan fiction, and even the later teaser leaned heavily on a rare Bugatti one offs for inspiration. But now the covers are off at CES in Las Vegas, the real thing looks less Molsheim and more Maranello.
The Nebula Next 01, as we now know the brand and model thanks to Car News China, still wears a dramatic shape, but it’s swapped out the heavy-handed hypercar cosplay for something lighter and more athletic, almost as if Lotus had a hand in the design. If the name rings a bell, that’s because we’ve heard it before, but we’ll get back to that in a minute.
And while there are similarities between the shape of the C-pillar kink here and the one on the Bugatti Brouillard, there’s no sign of the Bugatti horseshoe grille on a nose that reminds us far more of a Ferrari F8 Tributo than any Chiron.
We already knew the Nebula Next 01 would have four doors, but the overall shape says supercar more than sedan, and the aggressive carbon lower aero pack and motorsport-stye trunk-lid wing hint at some serious racetrack potential.
Hypercar Levels Of Power
Fengyu Huanhuan / Carnewschina / Autohome /Dreame
Backing that aero trickery up, is a quad-motor electric drivetrain making 1,876 hp (1,902 PS/ 1,399 kW). Zero to 62 mph (100 kmh) takes just 1.8 seconds, the report says, putting on the same performance level as other Chinese exotics like the Yangwang U9 and Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, not to mention any supercar from Europe’s legacy brands.
Family of Three
Rather confusingly, Dreame has a second brand called Kosmera, which is also teasing two more low-slung four-door cars at CES, one of which looks like it could be a different version of the Nebula 1. But the third car’s front-wheel is pushed further away from the A-pillar and it has two visible charging/filling flaps, suggesting it is a front-engined PHEV.
The Nebula 1 is still a concept at this stage and one without an interior, so plenty could change before production allegedly starts later this year at a Berlin, Germany plant close to Tesla’s Gigafactory. Or so the company’s CEO recently claimed. Still, if it drives as well as it looks and is priced to match the SU7 Ultra, Porsche’s Taycan sales could be heading from bad to worse.
Sony Honda Mobility reveals Afeela Prototype 2026 crossover.
Both EVs share interior tech, platform, and design principles.
Afeela 01 sedan enters pre-production ahead of 2026 launch.
EV startup Sony Honda Mobility has returned to CES in Las Vegas this year with a fresh glimpse into its future, unveiling both a nearly production-ready version of the Afeela 01 sedan and a new crossover concept. The taller, more upright newcomer is called the Afeela Prototype 2026 and is set to arrive on American roads in 2028.
The two vehicles share a common mechanical platform and clearly draw from the same design playbook with broad LED light strips front and rear, a display panel built into the front fascia, and smooth, bi-tone bodywork.
Both wear their tech ambitions on their sleeves, though their overall shape leans more conventional than provocative. Still, they mark a visual step forward from the earlier Sony Vision-S 01 and Vision-S 02 prototypes that premiered at CES in 2020 and 2022.
A Cabin Built Around Screens
Inside, the crossover closely mirrors the sedan, with a dashboard lined in multiple displays and two additional screens in the rear, where passengers can dive into PlayStation games. The tech backbone is Qualcomm Technologies’ Snapdragon Digital Chassis, paired with an advanced AI agent developed in collaboration with Microsoft.
The added height should translate into better interior packaging, especially for families or anyone regularly hauling passengers. With LiDAR modules and cameras mounted to the roof, both Afeela EVs aim for Level 2+ autonomy at launch, with built-in capability to support Level 4 once regulations and software catch up.
Technical details on the crossover remain mostly under wraps, though it’s expected to closely track the sedan in terms of performance and equipment.
The Afeela 01 has dual electric motors generating 483 hp (360 kW / 489 PS), , fed by a 91 kWh battery. That setup delivers an estimated 300 miles (483 km) of EPA range. Those numbers don’t sound that exciting for 2028 standards, especially when the new BMW iX3 already offers a 400-mile (644 km) range.
How Much Will it Cost?
Sony Honda Mobility has yet to reveal pricing for the crossover variant that will hit the roads in 2028. However, the prices of the closely-related sedan are a good indication of what to expect.
The Afeela 01 sedan will debut in a high-spec Signature launch trim at $102,900, arriving in late 2026. A more affordable Origin base model, priced at $89,900, will follow in 2027. Interestingly, even though production is based in the US, the first customer deliveries are slated for Japan in the first half of that same year.
Our render uses the Citroen ELO to imagine a Fiat Multipla EV.
Two-story headlights return with subtle vintage Fiat design cues.
Sliding doors reveal a modular six-seat cabin with center driving.
The unveiling of Citroen’s ELO concept, with its stacked LED lights, minivan-like shape, and six-seat layout, immediately stirred speculation. Not just about the prospect of a Citroen-badged people carrier, but also about what it might mean for other brands within the Stellantis umbrella. It landed with a visual impact that invited questions beyond the concept itself.
Could this be the design foundation for a new Fiat Multipla? At first glance, it may seem like a stretch, but the idea isn’t as far-fetched as it sounds. Fiat is rumored to be bringing back the Multipla name for a family-focused SUV.
Still, the ELO’s shape and proportions prompted a different line of thinking; what if the next Multipla leaned more closely into its original spirit?
The Return of One-Box Thinking
The single-box layout of the Citroen concept feels oddly well-suited to a spiritual successor to the original 1955 Fiat 600 Multipla. The notion doesn’t feel far off, especially since both marques fall under the Stellantis umbrella.
With minimal styling revisions, Fiat could spin off a distinctive variant while still sharing development costs with Citroen, if such a minivan duo were ever to hit the streets.
There’s a clear visual callback in the lighting setup. The concept features round LEDs paired with slim DRLs positioned at the base of the windshield, subtly hinting to the stacked, two-tier headlights that made the 1998 Multipla infamous. A slightly reworked front end, with smoother surfacing and Fiat’s latest badge, completes the update.
Most of the 4.10-meter (161.4-inch) bodywork is carried over from the Citroen ELO, with the exception of the rear. There, the UFO-like split taillights jutting from the corners could be swapped for pill-shaped units that recall the cheerful styling of the Fiat Topolino.
As a finishing touch, we added a set of vintage alloy wheels from the Fiat 500 anniversary specials, along with a more expressive palette of exterior colors. Finally, discreet plastic cladding around the wheel arches with a matching finish for the bumpers and door inserts make the fictional model look ready to hit the road.
The wide-opening sliding doors and experimental cabin layout of the Citroen concept also make sense here. Six individual seats, a central driving position, and the option to remove chairs or add accessories like inflatable mattresses and modular storage could make this an ideal companion for family adventures.
Packaging like that requires a dedicated EV platform. That means no room for combustion engines. But a compact rear-mounted motor and a modest battery would be more than sufficient for city use and the occasional weekend escape.
The Story of the Multipla
The original Fiat 600 Multipla, designed by Dante Giacosa, was introduced in 1955. It was based on the underpinnings of the Fiat 600 featuring cab-over styling. Despite measuring just 3,531 mm (139 inches) long, it had a spacious interior that could accommodate up to six passengers and their luggage.
Fiat revived the Multipla name in 1997 for a new compact MPV, and while it may be better remembered for its polarizing design, it delivered genuine functionality. Roberto Giolito’s design, with its two-level headlights and expansive glasshouse, stood out in every possible way.
Despite being shorter than a modern supermini at 3,994 mm (157.2 inches) long, the Multipla offered uncompromising practicality. Rather than stretching it lengthwise, Fiat’s designers cleverly pushed the dimensions outward, giving it a width of 1,871 mm (73.7 inches).
That allowed for two full rows of three seats, making it a genuine six-seater, with a minimum of 430 litres of boot space, plenty of room for luggage, shopping, or a four-legged passenger or two.
And because Fiat made it wide rather than long, the Multipla not only packed in the space but also handled better than most people movers, with a squat stance that gave it a more planted feel on the road.
Fiat hasn’t confirmed a new Multipla, but the name keeps resurfacing in product speculation. n. Most likely, it will be assigned to a crossover in the expanding Panda lineup.
That model is expected to use Stellantis’ Smart Car platform, shared with the Citroen C3 Aircross and Opel Frontera, and would likely compete with budget-friendly models like the Dacia Duster and Bigster.
The forthcoming SUV will reportedly be offered with gasoline, mild-hybrid, and fully electric powertrain options, following the example of the Grande Panda subcompact hatchback and a mechanically-related fastback crossover that has been spied testing.
Still, for all the SUV planning, there remains a quiet corner of the internet hoping that Fiat remembers what made the original Multipla special: not just practicality, but a certain willingness to stand apart.
Renault’s Filante Record 2025 topped 1,000 km at highway speeds.
It uses a Scenic E-Tech sized battery from Renault’s family EV.
Ultra-low drag and weight make it a testbed for future EVs tech.
Renault wrapped up 2025 with an impressive achievement, pushing the outer limits of electric vehicle efficiency. Its ultra-aerodynamic single-seater prototype managed to cover 626 miles (1,008 km) on a single charge. Even more striking, it did so in less than 10 hours, maintaining an average speed of 102 km/h (63 mph) throughout.
After the run, the EV still had 11 percent of its battery charge remaining. According to the company, that would have been enough for another 75 miles (120 km) at the same average speed, potentially extending the total range to 673 miles (1,083 km).
A Prototype With Unexpected Stamina
The car in question is the Filante Record 2025, a purpose-built concept that made its first appearance back in January. Originally, Renault aimed to attempt the record in July, but meeting the aerodynamic targets proved trickier than expected.
By October, the prototype was ready. Then weather in France got in the way, delaying things again. Eventually, the team relocated to Morocco and ran the test on December 18 at the UTAC high-speed proving ground, where conditions finally cooperated.
The Renault Filante Record 2025 (above) compared to the original prototype (below).
The design draws inspiration from Renault’s past record-setters, notably the 1925 40 CV and the 1956 L’Étoile Filante. Even so, several elements from the original prototype had to be reworked in the wind tunnel to meet the strict aerodynamic targets.
Changes involved removing the futuristic LED lighting, reducing the number of air intakes, and refining the fender shapes. Still, key features remained intact: the extended hood, transparent canopy, aircraft-style tail, F1-style driving position, and the ultraviolet-blue paint finish all carried through to the final version.
The engineering effort went beyond just slicing through air. Renault also aimed to reduce rolling resistance and weight. To do this, the team used carbon fiber, aluminum alloys, and 3D-printed Scalmalloy components.
Michelin provided a bespoke set of low-drag tires, while the car’s steering and braking systems operated entirely by wire.
On record day, three drivers rotated in and out of the single seat, covering 239 laps of the 2.6-mile (4.2 km) Moroccan circuit over 10 hours. There were no charging stops, just brief halts for technical checks and driver changes. That consistency helped maintain the 102 km/h (63 mph) average.
The car posted an energy consumption figure of 7.8 kWh/100 km. That’s nearly half the official WLTP figure for the Scenic E-Tech, which uses the same battery and consumes 14.1 kWh/100 km under standard testing. And unlike those lab figures, this test was run at real-world highway speeds.
Renault developed the Filante Record 2025 not only to celebrate its legacy of record-breaking prototypes, but also to explore ways of improving efficiency in production EVs, particularly for long-distance driving.
The hope is that insights from the project will carry over to future Renault models, helping drivers spend more time on the road as advances in battery and motor technology continue to evolve.
A Ford designer created a Lexus EV concept using AI tools.
Two sketches and prompts led to full photorealistic renderings.
Futuristic design combines supercar lines with hatchback form.
Artificial intelligence is quickly reshaping the way cars are designed, cutting down development time and simplifying once-complex workflows.
Curious to see how far the tech can stretch, one professional designer set himself a challenge: create an entire concept car in a single day, starting with a handful of loose hand-drawn sketches and ending with high-res, photorealistic renderings generated entirely by AI.
The man behind this experiment is Antonin Cohen (@space_sketch on Instagram), a French automotive designer currently working for Ford Europe in Cologne, Germany. Before that role, he was employed by Kia, where he contributed to the design of the pre-facelifted fifth-generation Sportage.
We spoke to Antonin, who admitted to Carscoops that he wasn’t initially a fan of AI, but his perspective shifted after spending some time exploring what the tools could actually do.
The technology allows him to generate strikingly realistic renderings from multiple angles and quickly explore different colors, materials, and environments. It’s a faster way to communicate and assess early concepts without getting dragged into the time-intensive process of building them out manually.
Shaping a Digital Lexus
Antonin Cohen
Cohen put the new technology through its paces on a personal project developed in his own free time, a futuristic, Lexus-badged EV. He started with a pair of quarter-view sketches showing the front and rear of a sleek, low-slung three-door hatchback. From there, AI took over, generating a complete set of visuals based on his creative prompts.
The car takes the form of a compact three-door hatchback with a streamlined, aerodynamic stance. A short nose, paired with a steeply raked supercar-style windshield and low-mounted LED headlights, gives the front end a planted, athletic look.
The side profile sharpens that impression, with prominent fender flares and sculpted intakes that suggest a degree of performance. At the back, there is a glass canopy, slim LED taillights and an aggressive diffuser made of carbon fiber.
Cohen told us he always tries to give his designs an “impactful face”, describing the look of the concept as “a little robotic”. He imagined the C-pillars like arms that hold the volume together, and the rear end as “practical, upright, and solid”.
Details That Sell the Illusion
Antonin Cohen
Even for trained eyes, it is hard to distinguish the AI-made renderings from actual photos. The reflections and the texture of the materials is top notch, while the setup is close to what you’d expect from a professional photographer.
Cohen also generated “behind-the-scenes” images showing AI humans prepping the car for an imaginary press shoot. The concept looks particularly striking in a deep orange shade paired with contrasting black roof, pillars, accents, and wheels.
Some images even reveal the interior, featuring a sweeping digital cockpit and angled center console. One version pairs white leather-style materials with minimal trim, while another opts for a more textured feel, combining blue upholstery with wood accents.
The Real Benefit for Designers
The prototype Lexus might be purely digital, but the process behind it highlights how AI tools can support, rather than replace, a designer’s vision. When used thoughtfully, they allow ideas to take shape faster and in greater detail, making it easier to pitch or refine early concepts.
Cohen put it this way: “AI allows us to focus purely on the creative side instead of spending time on rendering. I love illustration work – I’ve done sketches that took me three days – but sometimes you just don’t have that kind of time.”
He also offered a piece of advice to young designers: “No sketch is ever chosen for the quality of its reflections or how many hours you spent drawing the wheels. What really matters are the first few lines, regardless of the technique you use.”
We’d like to thank Antonin Cohen for sharing his project with us.
Caterham still plans to launch its first fully electric coupe.
A Project V prototype debuts at the Tokyo Auto Salon.
The model was due in 2025, but that timeline has slipped.
A lot has changed since Caterham introduced its fully electric Project V concept all the way back in July 2023. Zero-emission sports cars don’t sound as appealing as they did, with many automakers now rethinking and delaying their electrification plans. But not Caterham.
The British company is preparing to unveil the first working prototype of its EV coupe at the Tokyo Auto Salon next month, a move that signals continued investment in a project it believes has long-term potential.
According to the latest update, this initial prototype is being used for “testing and evaluation” as Caterham moves toward full-scale production. The company hasn’t pinned down a new launch window, but it’s understood that the previously suggested timeline of late 2025 or early 2026 is no longer on the table.
The last major update came in October 2024, when Caterham confirmed the Project V would use a Yamaha-supplied e-axle. The concept had originally promised 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) from a single electric motor, the same configuration Yamaha previously used on the 2022 Subaru STI E-RA concept. That figure still appears to stand.
A few months later, in December 2024, Caterham shared another technical development: the car will use immersion-cooled battery packs supplied by Xing Mobility. These cells, which use CTP (cell-to-pack) architecture, are said to provide 200 Wh/kg of energy density, outperforming traditional liquid-cooled alternatives. In practice, that likely means more range and less weight to carry around.
What’s Next for Project V?
The company’s next steps include continued evaluation of the electric powertrain, additional testing of the Xing battery system, and a round of chassis durability assessments. All of this will help shape the final production model, which still appears to share much with the original design study.
Besides the rolling prototype set to debut on January 9, Caterham also confirmed that the show car will make its US debut at the 2026 CES in Las Vegas on January 6. It’s likely this will be the same white vehicle displayed at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich last September
Having both cars on the circuit at once suggests that the Project V’s exterior and interior designs will carry over largely intact into the next stage of development.
In other news, Caterham announced last month that Bob Laishley had stepped down as CEO after four years at the helm. Laishley, a former Nissan executive, has been succeeded by Kazuho Takahasi, who is also the President and Founder of parent company VT Holdings.
Commenting on the prototype’s debut, Takahasi said:
“This is a significant milestone in the development of Project V, with our prototype making its public debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon. This next step enables us to begin a comprehensive vehicle testing program in collaboration with our technical partners. Our objective remains unchanged: to realise our vision of a pure electric sports car that embodies the unmistakable DNA of a Caterham.”
ELO concept revives quirky minivan style with fresh intent.
Cabin seats six with flexible layouts and a bold orange theme.
Designers call it a lab for clever, fun, and practical ideas.
There was a time when Europe’s roads were dotted with compact and subcompact minivans, purpose-built to juggle space, versatility, and daily practicality. That era faded fast once SUVs rolled in and pushed the category toward near extinction. But Citroen isn’t quite ready to let the minivan disappear quietly into the past.
The French automaker has unveiled the Citroen ELO, a concept it calls a “laboratory of ideas,” blending a boxy, unmistakably van-like silhouette with a modular six-seat cabin that is, by all accounts, very orange.
While not a direct preview of an upcoming production vehicle, the ELO hints at where Citroen’s design language may be heading, and perhaps at how the brand still sees a future for vehicles shaped around utility rather than what sells fashion.
The name of the concept originates from the words rEst, pLay, and wOrk, communicating some of its use case scenarios. Measuring 4.10 m (161.4 inches) long, it is about the same size with the discontinued C3 Picasso and the previous generation C3 Aircross. However, it looks nothing like these models, adopting single-box proportions.
Reinventing the Urban MPV
Its name is an acronym of sorts, built from the words rEst, pLay, and wOrk, each pointing to one of the concept’s imagined roles. Measuring 4.10 meters (161.4 inches) in length, it roughly matches the size of the now-discontinued C3 Picasso and the previous C3 Aircross.
In shape, though, it’s a clean break, leaning into a single-box form that has little in common with those models.
Up front, the ELO wears squared-off LED lights and a large, illuminated Citroen badge, bookended by a utilitarian front bumper that’s mirrored around the back. The windshield has a weird curve and is joined by a small glass roof. The profile is dominated by the large greenhouse and the sliding doors that create a 1.92 m (75.6-inch) wide opening.
The concept rides on 21-inch wheels with futuristic covers. There are horizontal cutouts above the fender on the beltline, while the roofline drops towards the rear section. The rear has an asymmetrical door and glass, with split LED taillights mirroring the shape of the headlights.
Four Or Six Seats
Inside, the ELO is configured as a “modular living space,” designed to hold either four or six people. The layout is unorthodox: the driver’s seat is mounted in the center, with two removable passenger seats positioned slightly behind it, and a three-person bench completing the rear row.
The front seat can swivel, creating a living room or a work space for meetings. The rear section of the cabin can transform into a sleeping area thanks to a pair of inflatable mattresses.
These are made of a durable material called Dropstitch and can be stored in the trunk. Furthermore, a drop-down screen turns the EV into a home theater.
The ELO doesn’t have a dashboard in the conventional sense. In its place, the ELO features an open section ahead of the driver and a slim display mounted beneath the front windshield.
The steering wheel juts out from the front wall in a futuristic shape, equipped with two joystick-style inputs and traditional stalks, replacing the need for a touchscreen. Door cards and side panels incorporate clever storage solutions, as expected in a van shaped around practicality.
The concept rides on a fully electric architecture, which is beneficial for packaging. Citroen hasn’t shared the specifications of the electric motors or the battery pack, but said that the “natural habitat” of the concept is urban areas.
It Could Spawn a Subcompact Offering
The concept will make its first public appearance at the Brussels Motor Show in January 2026. While it’s not destined for production in this form, French outlet L’Argus reports that it could influence a future subcompact model expected in 2028. That vehicle would slot somewhere between the C3 hatchback and the C3 Aircross SUV.
Citroen’s Design Director, Pierre Leclercq, referred to the ELO as “a burst of energy,” describing it as a design experiment built around practicality, efficiency, and a touch of whimsy. CEO Xavier Chardon echoed that, calling the concept both “a laboratory of ideas” and “a powerful message that carries our vision of what Citroen should be”
LFA Concept shares its aluminum chassis with Toyota’s new GR GT.
The concept skips Toyota’s twin turbo V8, even though it could fit.
Styling evolves the earlier Sport Concept with clear refinements.
This is the Lexus LFA Concept, and it’s quite unlike the V10-powered weapon that preceded it. For years, enthusiasts assumed the next LFA would be little more than a Lexus-badged take on Toyota’s new GR GT. Instead, what’s emerged is something very different. It’s electric. Yes, really.
The concept made its debut in Japan this evening alongside the twin-turbo V8 Toyota and was first teased months ago under the name Lexus Sport Concept. That early study has now morphed into the more production-ready LFA Concept, carrying a fully electric powertrain.
According to Lexus, the ‘LFA’ name is “not bound to vehicles powered by internal combustion engines,” but instead symbolizes a vehicle that “embodies the technologies that engineers of its time should preserve and pass on to the next generation.”
Toyota Underpinnings
While Toyota has already shared a trove of details about its new halo performance car, Lexus is staying quiet on the finer points of its electric sibling. The company has yet to release any figures for the LFA Concept’s powertrain, leaving its performance potential open to speculation.
Whatever its output, it’s safe to say no amount of kilowatts will replicate the unmistakable howl of the original LFA’s V10, or even the sound of the Toyota’s new V8.
Interestingly, the LFA Concept is based on the same all-aluminum platform as the Toyota GR GT and GR GT3. That presumably means Lexus had the option of using the same V8 as its parent company, but opted against it.
While the choice of powertrain seems odd, particularly given poor demand for high-performance electric sports and super cars, there’s no denying the LFA Concept looks beautiful, which isn’t a word we’d use for the Toyota. The interior is also wildly different than the Toyota, although this isn’t a surprise given the LFA is still a concept.
When Will it Launch?
What does the future hold for the LFA Concept? We know it’s headed for production, and the renaming of the Sport Concept to the LFA Concept suggests it will indeed be sold as the second-generation Lexus LFA.
When it will reach public roads remains uncertain, but if we had to place a bet, it’s likely to arrive around the same time, or perhaps a little later, than the Toyota GR GT, which is expected in 2027.
Jaguar’s Type 00 concept returns in London finished in matte red paint.
British brand will unveil a dramatic four-door production EV next year.
The production EV promises 430 miles of range and ultra-fast charging.
This time last year, Jaguar revealed the wild Type 00 concept, the first look at its all-electric future and a statement of intent to compete with Bentley and Rolls-Royce.
As development of the production version continues, a matte red example of the concept has been spotted on London’s streets, marking the marque’s 90th anniversary and coinciding with the unexpected departure of its longtime design chief, the figure behind the brand’s polarizing rebrand.
The Type 00 was originally shown in Miami Pink and London Blue during the official launch. Earlier this year, the model was dressed in a French Ultramarine livery and made a surprise appearance during the Paris Fashion Week.
The company has now unveiled a fourth color variation, London Red with a matte finish, as the concept makes its arrival in the UK capital. The new shade draws inspiration from the redbrick Victorian architecture of Kensington, one of London’s most recognizable neighborhoods.
Jaguar
The freshly repainted concept was photographed alongside a classic 1935 Jaguar SS outside the Chancery Rosewood Hotel.
For those wondering, no other changes have been made to the concept’s exterior. It still rides on the same 23-inch alloy wheels, while the minimalist cabin remains finished in white and gray upholstery accented by ambient lighting.
Photos shared by Jaguar UK Director Santino Pietrosanti on LinkedIn show the Type 00 parked alongside some exotic company, including a Bugatti Chiron, Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge, Ferrari F8 Tributo, and Lamborghini Aventador SVJ.
Santino Pietrosanti / LinkedIn
The brand’s rebrand has been met with mixed reactions. Its ad campaign, oddly enough, featured no cars at all, leaving many scratching their heads. It was also rather odd that it initially showcased the Type 00 in a bright shade of pink, which didn’t do the car any favors.
Still, under London’s gray winter light, the matte red finish lends the concept a sense of gravitas. Out in the open, it naturally draws attention, albeit that’s not really surprising for a concept car. Much like the Tesla Cybertruck, its unconventional form challenges expectations so completely that people can’t decide whether they admire it or despise it. There seems to be little middle ground.
The Road Car
Prototypes of the production version suggest Jaguar plans to stay faithful to the concept’s striking proportions. The roadgoing model will, however, take a more practical shape with four doors and a longer wheelbase, built on the company’s new Jaguar Electrical Architecture platform.
As per recent reports, the EV should have a driving range of up to 430 miles (692 km) and support fast charging, adding 200 miles (322 km) of range in just 15 minutes.
Only time will tell if those who would ordinarily shop for a Bentley or Rolls-Royce will be willing to spend their money on a vehicle that looks as controversial as this.
In separate news, it has been confirmed that Jaguar Land Rover design boss Gerry McGovern has departed from the brand. No official reason has been given for this high-profile departure, but it comes shortly after former chief financial officer at Tata, PB Balaji, was named as JLR’s new chief executive.
Citing insider sources, Autocar India reports that McGovern was “escorted out of the office” on Monday, with his contract being terminated with immediate effect. The man behind Jaguar’s relaunch has spend over two decades at JLR, being responsible for successful models including the new Land Rover Defender.
According to business economics professor at the University of Birmingham, David Bailey, McGovern’s exit marks a “symbolic end of an era.” He told The Guardian that it may also be a sign that Tata wants to exert more control over the British company.
Skoda unveiled a modern reincarnation of the 1970s 100 sedan.
Digital concept was designed by headlight specialist Martin Paclt.
It’s envisioned as fully electric with a rear-engined RWD layout.
Skoda has already served up a flurry of digital concepts nodding to its back catalogue, but this latest one marks a first, as it’s the only sedan in the mix. The design channels something like a future Superb, though under the surface it sticks with the rear-engined, rear-wheel-drive layout once common in the brand’s earlier models.
The concept draws directly from the Skoda 100, a milestone model for the Czech brand that became its first to pass the one-million-unit production mark. Between 1969 and 1977, 1,079,708 examples of the 100 were built.
This digital reinterpretation was developed by Martin Paclt, part of Skoda’s headlight design team. He’s no stranger to shaping the company’s visual identity, having contributed to concept projects like the Vision X, 7S, and O, as well as production vehicles including the Enyaq, Karoq, Kamiq, and Kodiaq.
Paclt said he chose the Skoda 100 because of its strong recognition and what he described as its “clean, timeless lines,” which align naturally with the brand’s current Modern Solid design philosophy.
Throwback Details
The new sedan’s proportions reflect those of today’s Superb, though Paclt aimed to give it a more premium, limousine-like presence compared to its modestly priced ancestor from the 1970s.
References to the original 100 appear throughout the design: character lines along the flanks, cooling intakes on the rear fenders, vents beneath the taillights, and a front graphic that encloses both grille and headlights.
The latter break from the old circular style, though Paclt experimented with that shape in early sketches before settling on a cleaner interpretation.
The reborn 100 sedan rides on large, futuristic alloy wheels that emphasize its balanced proportions and short overhangs. The rear deck draws attention with its roof scoop and the omission of a traditional rear window, a feature now common among experimental concepts that prioritize form over convention.
Electric Heart with a Vintage Layout
Curiously, although envisioned as a fully electric vehicle, the study preserves the rear-engined, rear-drive setup that defined the original 100.
The rear intakes now cool electric components rather than a combustion engine, while the main storage area sits at the front with a smaller compartment at the back, staying faithful to the model’s unconventional architecture.
The digital 100 sedan joins Skoda’s growing catalogue of heritage-inspired concepts, following the 110R and 1000 MBX coupes, the Favorit hatchback, and the Felicia Fun pickup.
None are planned for production, yet each gives the company’s designers space to revisit its history through an electric, Modern Solid lens, where past models find new expression in digital form rather than on the assembly line.
Kia unveiled the EV5 Weekender concept with off-road upgrades.
It features lifted suspension, wide fenders, and modular accessories.
Concept could inspire a production model in the very near future.
Kia has unveiled a new concept at the ongoing Guangzhou Auto Show in China, one that hints at a production model on the horizon. Named the EV5 Weekender, it presents a tougher, outdoors-ready take on the compact electric SUV.
The EV5 is the fourth Kia to wear the Weekender badge, following in the tracks of the EV9, PV5, and Tasman. Each model in the series interprets an outdoor-oriented trim with its own distinct approach.
While none of the Weekender concepts have yet transitioned to production, that could change as buyers increasingly look for rugged, lifestyle-oriented versions of these models.
Outdoor Intentions
The concept was developed by the Kia China Style Design Team. From the outside, the main changes are immediately clear. It sits higher on larger wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, while the lifted suspension gives it noticeably greater ground clearance and a more confident stance.
The SUV wears a matte beige finish accented with lime green details, a color scheme that has become a signature for the Weekender range. It also features a redesigned bodykit with wider fender extensions, new skid plates, chunkier side skirts, a hood insert, and a large roof rack.
Kia even added dedicated mounts on one side of the vehicle for attaching extra equipment, in a similar vein to the Land Rover Defender.
Practical Changes Inside
The interior has been reworked more extensively than expected for a concept based on an existing production SUV. The wide display now stretches in front of the passenger and is paired with a slim digital instrument cluster.
Other updates include a new steering wheel, a revised center console, reshaped climate vents, and fresh upholstery with modern colors and a 3D texture.
The cabin is filled with practical touches reminiscent of Dacia’s YouClip system, including cup holders and storage compartments mounted along the sides of the cargo area, as well as extra rails on the roof liner for securing gear.
What’s Beneath It
Kia hasn’t disclosed the technical specifications of the concept, so it’s unclear whether it differs mechanically from the production EV5 beyond its upgraded suspension setup.
The EV5 rides on the E-GMP architecture and is available in FWD and AWD forms with different battery options depending on the region. A GT variant has been confirmed for production, promising a more potent powertrain and sportier handling.
It wouldn’t be surprising if the production EV5 lineup eventually adds a toned-down version of the Weekender concept for buyers who enjoy camping or off-road trips. Kia has a habit of turning its concepts into real models, and this one looks ready to follow the same path.
GM’s China studio created a sporty EV concept for local market appeal.
Sketches show a grille-less SUV with arrow cues and wraparound glass.
The design may inspire future Chevrolet models for Chinese customers.
The world’s largest automotive market has become a linchpin for General Motors, a place where nearly all its brands are striving to secure a stronger presence. To that end, GM’s China Advanced Design studio has unveiled another fresh concept study, a “sporty EV” created specifically with Chinese buyers in mind.
The exploration sketches and renderings were made by GM designer Charles Huang at the company’s Shanghai facilities. They show what looks like a small crossover – some might even see shades of a future Bolt – with oversized wheels and a contrasting bi-tone paint scheme.
At the front, the concept trades a traditional grille for a clean, enclosed surface with split LED headlights and a Chevrolet emblem that may light up. The bodywork is restrained, defined by crisp lines and minimal decorative detailing.
The most striking element is the wraparound glasshouse, framed by a thick C-pillar that seems to clasp the rear of the vehicle. The contrast between the deep blue and black tones amplifies this visual tension.
GM Design / Instagram
According to the designer, the profile is inspired by a “released arrow”, an idea most evident in the early sketches. The later, photorealistic renderings dial the drama back, edging closer to something feasible for production.
In fact, it’s easy to picture this crossover parked in a Chevrolet showroom, fitted with regular mirrors and door handles, of course, assuming those still have a place in modern EV design.
The presentation on the GM Design Instagram profile doesn’t include any sketches of the interior. We don’t have any specs, either, although a rear-mounted electric motor and a medium-sized battery pack would probably do the job.
The EV seems to have a similar length to the Chinese-spec Chevrolet Tracker RS and the US-spec Bolt. That puts it below the Trailblazer, Trax, Equinox EV, and Blazer currently sold in the States.
While the Chevrolet concept is just a design study with no production intent, GM is working on multiple affordable EVs for the future. It is safe to assume that at least some of them will adopt an SUV bodystyle, possibly similar to the “sporty EV” depicted in the sketches.
Though GM describes the project as a design study with no immediate production intent, it arrives at a time when the company is actively developing several affordable EVs for many markets. It’s likely that some of those models will borrow cues from this study, especially the SUV silhouete.
E SUV concept previews the second model from the AUDI sub-brand.
It carries the E5 Sportback’s design language on a larger SUV body.
Dual motors deliver 671 hp and promise a 435-mile driving range.
One year after introducing the AUDI sub-brand for China, Audi and its joint-venture partner SAIC are already gearing up for their second production model, following the market launch of the E5 Sportback in September.
The momentum continues with the reveal of the new AUDI E SUV concept at the Guangzhou Auto Show, a preview of an electric SUV expected to reach Chinese showrooms in 2026.
The concept feels nearly production-ready, carrying over the same design cues as its low-slung stablemate. Signature styling cues include the wraparound lights on both ends and the clean surfacing with sculpted fenders.
The electric SUV also features short overhangs, flush door handles, and camera-based mirrors, with fin-shaped C-pillars adding a distinctive profile.
The AUDI emblem now sits prominently on the nose, and at 5,057 mm (199.1 inches) in length with a 3,060 mm (120.5 inches) wheelbase, the concept nearly matches the footprint of the combustion-powered Q7.
The company hasn’t revealed the interior, though it’s likely to mirror the E5 Sportback’s layout, centered around a vast 27-inch 4K display stretching across most of the dashboard.
The concept also includes the AUDI 360 Driving Assist System, an advanced driver-assistance suite developed specifically for Chinese traffic patterns and road conditions.
The AUDI E SUV is built on the Advanced Digitized Platform (ADP), developed jointly with SAIC. Power comes from dual electric motors delivering a combined 671 hp (500 kW / 680 PS) to a quattro all-wheel-drive system.
According to the company, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0–62 mph) in roughly five seconds.
The 800-volt battery pack holds 109 kWh and promises a CLTC range of over 700 km (435 miles). A rapid 10-minute charge can add about 320 km (199 miles), though the figure trails slightly behind the smaller, slipperier E5 Sportback, which stretches to 770 km (478 miles) per charge.
A Stretched A6 e-tron For China
Sharing the spotlight in Guangzhou, the A6L e-tron stretches Audi’s EV presence in the region. This version, built for Chinese buyers, gains 132 mm (5.2 inches) in wheelbase and a subtly revised front end featuring a black trim strip that links the main headlights across a covered grille.
The cabin features a market-specific infotainment system and enhanced driver assistance features. It runs on an 800-volt electrical system with a 107 kWh battery offering a CLTC range of 770 km (479 miles).
Production takes place in Changchun under the Audi-FAW joint venture, alongside the Q6L e-tron and Q6L Sportback e-tron.
AUDI’s leadership describes this expansion as part of a sweeping realignment in China. CEO Gernot Döllner called it “the largest model initiative in our company’s history,” noting that five new locally built models have already launched in the latter half of 2025.
Audi China President Johannes Roscheck emphasized the brand’s dual strategy of combining two powertrains and two partners to secure long-term growth. In his words, “local innovation is now part of our foundation,” as the company aims to balance its legacy in combustion engines with a steady acceleration toward electrification.
The plan carries through 2026, with several new models already slated to join the China-specific portfolio.
GM Design revealed two new Buick concept vehicles created in China.
One of them is a family-oriented compact SUV with modern styling.
The other is a sleek crossover with a sporty estate stance and suicide doors.
Buick is enjoying solid momentum in China, with consistent demand for the Envision SUV, LaCrosse sedan, and GL8 minivan keeping showrooms busy. Even so, the design team continues to push forward, developing fresh ideas and refining future models.
Two of these design studies just appeared on the General Motors Design Instagram account: one is a family compact SUV, the other a sportier crossover estate. Different takes, but both look unusually ready for production.
Both concepts were developed at the GM Advanced Design studio in Shanghai, China. One is designed by Sangmin Kim, while the other is designed by Yixuan Feng.
GM Design / Instagram
Starting with the more conventional concept, it’s described as “a fun, family-oriented premium Buick design study” created around the theme “driving in comfort.”
Up front, split LED headlights feature futuristic internal graphics, compensating neatly for the absence of a traditional grille. Along the sides, large bi-tone alloy wheels fill the arches, framed by glossy black cladding and muscular fenders.
The thick C-pillars flow into a rear spoiler that wraps around the back window, where the taillights are integrated beneath the glass. The rear also features a wide tailgate and a sculpted bumper with a discreet diffuser. Despite modest ground clearance, the upright front end, roof rails, and protective cladding lend it an SUV stance reminiscent of the Kia Niro.
Buick hasn’t revealed technical details, but the proportions seem to place this concept between the 171.4 inches (4,355 mm) of the Encore GX and the 182.7 inches (4,645 mm) of the Envision.
GM Design / Instagram
The next concept is described as a “small, expressive premium Buick design study” built around the idea of “driving pleasure.” It adopts an aerodynamic crossover hatchback or estate profile, complete with suicide doors and a split tailgate.
The front end features an illuminated grille, slim headlights, and ADAS sensors hidden in the bumper intakes. The forged aluminum wheels have shiny chrome accents, while the surfacing in front of the toned rear shoulders looks inspired by Lexus.
Other highlights include the panoramic sunroof, the flying buttresses, the swooping rear glass, and the reflective taillights. Overall, the model appears to be smaller in size compared to the Electra-L Shooting Brake concept from 2024.
What’s Next For Buick?
Buick’s design language is shifting toward New Energy Vehicles (NEV), and both of these concepts seem well-suited to fully electric or range-extender setups.
While the models are labeled as design studies, they could easily pass for production vehicles, as they don’t have any wildly futuristic features. Buick is reportedly working on an electric subcompact crossover, which is set to arrive before 2029, followed by a new generation of the Encore GX.
Reports from Japan say Toyota is developing two new Land Cruisers.
One is an SUV and the other a pickup truck, both coming to US too.
Both models may offer electric or hybrid options when they debut.
Toyota has broadened the ever-expanding Land Cruiser family with the smaller, more accessible FJ. The catch? It’s only available in select Asian markets. But fear not, as according to a new report, this might just be the start.
A new SUV and pickup duo is said to be in the works, potentially marking a turning point for the storied Land Cruiser name.
All Land Cruiser models since 1951 have been built on rugged ladder-frame foundations, defined by their focus on durability, reliability, and off-road prowess.
A Softer Side of Land Cruiser
Now, according to unnamed inside sources cited by Japan’s Best Car, an upcoming pair of Land Cruiser SUV and pickup, described by those same insiders as “the beginning of a new chapter”, are set to break from that long-held tradition.
Both are said to adopt a unibody structure, favoring on-road comfort and daily drivability over the usual body-on-frame toughness.
According to Best Car, the forthcoming pickup will share styling cues with the EPU, which measured 199.6 inches (5,070 mm) in length and featured an extendable rear bed.
That setup would clearly set it apart from the new generation Hilux, Tacoma, Tundra, and Land Cruiser 70 Series trucks, all of which continue to rely on traditional body-on-frame construction.
Electric Roots, Flexible Future
Both of the 2023 concepts were fully electric, pairing large battery packs with all-wheel drive systems. Production versions could evolve from Toyota’s e-TNGA platform or shift to a different unibody layout that supports hybrid powertrains. That approach would align with Toyota’s broader “multi-pathway” philosophy, as demonstrated by the new Corolla concept.
The report indicates that the new pickup could debut as early as 2027. Earlier coverage suggests the production version of the Land Cruiser Se SUV may arrive a year sooner, in 2026, to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the nameplate.
Adding to this, Toyota officials have admitted they are considering an affordable pickup for the US market, a role that could be fulfilled by these new two new Land Cruiser models.
An electrified Land Cruiser pickup could go head-to-head with Ford’s forthcoming Ranger-sized EV or the eventual successor to the compact Maverick. Either way, it’s clear Toyota is positioning itself for a broader, more flexible future. We’ll be watching closely as these plans take shape.
Peugeot is giving us a sneak look at its future with the Polygon concept.
The exterior design and new i-Cockpit interior hint at the next 208 hatch.
Its square steering wheel is connected to the driving wheels virtually.
Peugeot has followed up on last week’s tease of its Polygon concept by giving us a proper look at the futuristic hatch, and now we’re even more pumped for the arrival of the next 208.
Though the French brand doesn’t specifically mention the 208 in its concept blurb, it’s clear that what we’re looking at gives us some strong pointers to both the design and technical makeup of the next-generation supermini due in 2027.
Sure, the extra-long gullwing doors will be swapped for four conventional ones by the time the production 208 appears. But the overall design language, the pinched waist, broad shoulders, large glass area and focus on recycled materials all hint at where the big-selling supermini – and all future Peugeots – are heading.
Details like charging port and LED charge status indicator in the C-pillar (which reference the classic 205’s design) seem like strong candidates for the production treatment, as are the horizontally oriented reimagining of the brand’s now familiar three-claw light signature.
But it’s the Polygon’s interior that Peugeot really wants us to focus on. It gets a next-generation take on the i-Cockpit interior, which for a decade has been placing the instruments above the steering wheel to make them more visible to drivers.
Here, the entire windshield becomes a gauge cluster and infotainment screen that’s equivalent to having a 31-inch display.
The focal point, though, is the Hypersquare rectangular steering wheel, something Peugeot began teasing on concepts a couple of years ago.
Each of the four circles within the wheel is a pod containing key controls, and steer-by-wire tech means the wheel’s gearing can be increased at parking speeds, reducing the number of turns to less than one.
Peugeot says it’s no mere show-car fantasy, either. Both the wheel and the steer-by-wire tech that “connects” it to the driving wheels will be on a production Peugeot by 2027, the company says, meaning the next 208.
The 1969 512 Electric Experimental shows how long GM’s pursued EVs.
Just 86 inches long, the fiberglass microcar used an 84-volt battery.
A household charge took seven hours and delivered 58 miles of range.
In 1969, the automotive world was a study in contrasts. Two concept cars, each wearing the same 512 badge yet conceived on opposite sides of the globe, were redefining what “experimental” could mean.
One was the competition-inspired V12-powered Ferrari 512 S Berlinetta Speciale, a supercar wedge that pre-dated the Lamborghini Countach concept by two years and looked like it could break the sound barrier. The other was a tiny orange ball of an EV from GM that could barely break the speed limit outside a school.
We’ve taken a look at GM’s 512 Electric Experimental before, but the automaker has really jumped on the modern EV trend since then and has a new Chevy Bolt out for 2027, so the time feels right to throw the spotlight on it again.
Designed strictly for urban duties and part of an entire family of experimental GM microcars displayed at the Transpo ’72 trade show that used a mix of electric, petrol and hybrid engines, the 512E was every bit as tiny as it looks in these pictures.
Measuring just 86.3 inches (2,190 mm) long and 56 inches (1,420 mm) wide, it was an incredible foot (300 mm) shorter than an original Smart ForTwo and 3 inches (75 mm) narrower.
Access to its two seats was through a weird combination of a lift-up canopy that makes it look like a helmet with the visor up and side-hinged front door that reminds us of one of those grandma bathtubs for the mobility impaired.
Tiny wheels are pushed into each corner and wear fat rubber, like the kind of thing you’d see on tuned Mini in 1969.
The wraparound canopy must make for excellent visibility, though even if it had A-pillars like elephants legs you’d have plenty of time to look around them.
Slow And Steady Power
The top speed is just 30 mph and it takes 12 seconds to get there, which sounds terrible until you remember that the Citroen Ami, the modern incarnation of this very idea, is also restricted to a similar speed (28 mph / 45 kmh).
Citroen quotes a 47-mile range, which the 512E beats by 11 miles (though certainly measured differently), but the Ami can be fully charged in four hours compared with seven hours for the GM satsuma.
Where they differ most, of course, is in the design of the batteries providing those range miles. Like all modern EVs, the Ami uses lithium ion batteries, whereas the 512E relies on old-fashioned lead-acid packs from Delco-Remy.
The fiberglass-bodied GM car is still surprisingly light at 1,250 lbs (567 kg), though the Ami is lighter still at 1,065 lbs (483 kg).
The 512E project didn’t put a tiny EV in Chevy showrooms during the 1970s or 1980s, but the fact that GM unveiled the Impact EV concept, and put it into production as the EV1 six years later, proved that it hadn’t given up on the idea of small electric cars.
Half a century later, GM is still in that game, this time with the upcoming 2027 Bolt, though one can’t help but wonder how much more fun it’d be with a flip-up canopy and a hint of that 1970s optimism.
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