Search Results

The 1989 Dumbo was a boxy concept van based on the production HiJet mircovan. Although the Hijet Dumbo is still the same "brick," it is difficult to say it has a conventional or inconspicuous design. The compact car was first presented at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show. Since the concept was originally sharpened to fit the norms of a kei car, it was based on the serial Hijet with a 660 cc engine. The idea behind the Hijet Dumbo is a tea ceremony car (the floor is entirely flat with curtains to create the mood), but it can also be used as a workhorse. Source: motor.ru Images: Daihatsu

The 1989 Daihatsu Fellow 90 was presented at the Tokyo Motor Show. It was a front-wheel-drive 4-cylinder engine coupe. Engine & performance: Position: front Type: 4-cylinder, 16-valve, SOHC Capacity: 1589 cc Power: 120 hp @ 6300 rpm Torque: 140 Nm @ 4800 rpm Drive: 4WS Dimensions: Length: 3500 mm Width: 1630 mm Height: 1415 mm Wheelbase: 2400 mm Weight: 850 kg Source: allcarindex Images: Daihatsu; eye-love.jp/gg

This electric, three-wheeled microcar was presented at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show. Engine & performance: Type: electric Top speed: 45 km/h Range: 180 km @ 40 km/h Dimensions: Length: 2000 mm Width: 985 mm Height: 1700 mm Source: allcarindex Images: Daihatsu

In 1989, Luigi Colani took all his vehicles named UTAH to the Bonneville Salt Flats Speedway, famous Utah Salt Lake, which he rents for two weeks for Automorrow ’89, to break new speed records. Colani had built 13 Vehicles, but he could only take them 12 to demonstrate record vehicles all more spectacular than each other. Thanks to his design, all that he won has been reinvested in its vehicle studies. This allowed Luigi Colani to achieve unprecedented independence as a designer. He dispenses during his trip his good word to designers from Ford to Dearborn, then to the students of the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, before meeting other visionaries, including Georges Lucas and Steven Spielberg. The 1989 Colani UTAH 13 was designed specifically for speed and acceleration on the salt flats. It had a turbocharged 4-cylinder 1300 cc engine. It is believed that the 11 had only two wheels and became the UTAH 13 when the extended side wheel was added. Source: http://www.bubblemania.fr

In 1989, Luigi Colani took all his vehicles named UTAH to the Bonneville Salt Flats Speedway, famous Utah Salt Lake, which he rents for two weeks for Automorrow ’89, to break new speed records. Colani had built 13 Vehicles, but he could only take them 12 to demonstrate record vehicles all more spectacular than each other. Thanks to his design, all that he won has been reinvested in its vehicle studies. This allowed Luigi Colani to achieve unprecedented independence as a designer. He dispenses during his trip his good word to designers from Ford to Dearborn, then to the students of the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, before meeting other visionaries, including Georges Lucas and Steven Spielberg. The 1989 Colani UTAH 12 (Colani Truck 2001) was the second-generation version which had a reduced drag coefficient of 0.38. Apparently, this Mercedes-based tractor trailer did not hold a record on the salt flats. Source: http://www.bubblemania.fr

In 1989, Luigi Colani took all his vehicles named UTAH to the Bonneville Salt Flats Speedway, famous Utah Salt Lake, which he rents for two weeks for Automorrow ’89, to break new speed records. Colani had built 13 Vehicles, but he could only take them 12 to demonstrate record vehicles all more spectacular than each other. Thanks to his design, all that he won has been reinvested in its vehicle studies. This allowed Luigi Colani to achieve unprecedented independence as a designer. He dispenses during his trip his good word to designers from Ford to Dearborn, then to the students of the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, before meeting other visionaries, including Georges Lucas and Steven Spielberg. The 1989 Colani UTAH 11 was designed specifically for speed and acceleration on the salt flats. It had a turbocharged 4-cylinder 1300 cc engine. It is believed that the 11 had only two wheels and became the UTAH 13 when the extended side wheel was added. Source: http://www.bubblemania.fr

In 1989, Luigi Colani took all his vehicles named UTAH to the Bonneville Salt Flats Speedway, famous Utah Salt Lake, which he rents for two weeks for Automorrow ’89, to break new speed records. Colani had built 13 Vehicles, but he could only take them 12 to demonstrate record vehicles all more spectacular than each other. Thanks to his design, all that he won has been reinvested in its vehicle studies. This allowed Luigi Colani to achieve unprecedented independence as a designer. He dispenses during his trip his good word to designers from Ford to Dearborn, then to the students of the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, before meeting other visionaries, including Georges Lucas and Steven Spielberg. The 1989 Colani UTAH 10 was recorded at 281.6 km/h. It had a 500 cc Honda racing engine with 148 hp. Source: http://www.bubblemania.fr

In 1989, Luigi Colani took all his vehicles named UTAH to the Bonneville Salt Flats Speedway, famous Utah Salt Lake, which he rents for two weeks for Automorrow ’89, to break new speed records. Colani had built 13 Vehicles, but he could only take them 12 to demonstrate record vehicles all more spectacular than each other. Thanks to his design, all that he won has been reinvested in its vehicle studies. This allowed Luigi Colani to achieve unprecedented independence as a designer. He dispenses during his trip his good word to designers from Ford to Dearborn, then to the students of the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, before meeting other visionaries, including Georges Lucas and Steven Spielberg. The 1989 Colani UTAH 9 was the only electric car to arrive at the Salt Lake. Source: http://www.bubblemania.fr Images: allcarindex; Colani

In 1989, Luigi Colani took all his vehicles named UTAH to the Bonneville Salt Flats Speedway, famous Utah Salt Lake, which he rents for two weeks for Automorrow ’89, to break new speed records. Colani had built 13 Vehicles, but he could only take them 12 to demonstrate record vehicles all more spectacular than each other. Thanks to his design, all that he won has been reinvested in its vehicle studies. This allowed Luigi Colani to achieve unprecedented independence as a designer. He dispenses during his trip his good word to designers from Ford to Dearborn, then to the students of the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, before meeting other visionaries, including Georges Lucas and Steven Spielberg. The 1989 Colani UTAH 8 had some insane features. A turbocharged engine 150 ch BMW K-100 4 lowered cylinders (1000 cm3) from 160 ch. A Lotus Super Seven transmission, BMW gearbox. A height of 90 cm and a weight of 550 kg. Also, the chassis was carbon fiber. Source: http://www.bubblemania.fr

In 1989, Luigi Colani took all his vehicles named UTAH to the Bonneville Salt Flats Speedway, famous Utah Salt Lake, which he rents for two weeks for Automorrow ’89, to break new speed records. Colani had built 13 Vehicles, but he could only take them 12 to demonstrate record vehicles all more spectacular than each other. Thanks to his design, all that he won has been reinvested in its vehicle studies. This allowed Luigi Colani to achieve unprecedented independence as a designer. He dispenses during his trip his good word to designers from Ford to Dearborn, then to the students of the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, before meeting other visionaries, including Georges Lucas and Steven Spielberg. The 1989 Colani UTAH 7 was an aerodynamic racing car with a CO2 engine. Unmodified mechanics just with the body changed, it broke the record for the lowest consumption in 100 km with 1.75 L. Its engine 50 cc, has the lowest drag coefficient (Cx 0.18). Source: http://www.bubblemania.fr

In 1989, Luigi Colani took all his vehicles named UTAH to the Bonneville Salt Flats Speedway, famous Utah Salt Lake, which he rents for two weeks for Automorrow ’89, to break new speed records. Colani had built 13 Vehicles, but he could only take them 12 to demonstrate record vehicles all more spectacular than each other. Thanks to his design, all that he won has been reinvested in its vehicle studies. This allowed Luigi Colani to achieve unprecedented independence as a designer. He dispenses during his trip his good word to designers from Ford to Dearborn, then to the students of the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, before meeting other visionaries, including Georges Lucas and Steven Spielberg. The 1989 Colani UTAH 6 was a sports coupe 2 mid-engine seating that uses a VW Golf engine (Rabbit) centrally mounted. There is also an identical White version. Source: http://www.bubblemania.fr

In 1989, Luigi Colani took all his vehicles named UTAH to the Bonneville Salt Flats Speedway, famous Utah Salt Lake, which he rents for two weeks for Automorrow ’89, to break new speed records. Colani had built 13 Vehicles, but he could only take them 12 to demonstrate record vehicles all more spectacular than each other. Thanks to his design, all that he won has been reinvested in its vehicle studies. This allowed Luigi Colani to achieve unprecedented independence as a designer. He dispenses during his trip his good word to designers from Ford to Dearborn, then to the students of the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, before meeting other visionaries, including Georges Lucas and Steven Spielberg. The 1989 Colani UTAH 5 was another speedy bike and it was supposedly equipped with an 80 cc engine. Source: http://www.bubblemania.fr

In 1989, Luigi Colani took all his vehicles named UTAH to the Bonneville Salt Flats Speedway, famous Utah Salt Lake, which he rents for two weeks for Automorrow ’89, to break new speed records. Colani had built 13 Vehicles, but he could only take them 12 to demonstrate record vehicles all more spectacular than each other. Thanks to his design, all that he won has been reinvested in its vehicle studies. This allowed Luigi Colani to achieve unprecedented independence as a designer. He dispenses during his trip his good word to designers from Ford to Dearborn, then to the students of the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, before meeting other visionaries, including Georges Lucas and Steven Spielberg. The 1989 Colani UTAH 4 was a high-speed bike designed and built by Colani’s assistant, Sebastian Kummer. Swiss Schlimmer V8 engine - 4 Lilliputien water-cooled camshafts from 47 cm3. It sits transversely to the tail of the contoured bike and provides additional power to the cyclist, which is facing forward and on the belly. Source: http://www.bubblemania.fr

In 1989, Luigi Colani took all his vehicles named UTAH to the Bonneville Salt Flats Speedway, famous Utah Salt Lake, which he rents for two weeks for Automorrow ’89, to break new speed records. Colani had built 13 Vehicles, but he could only take them 12 to demonstrate record vehicles all more spectacular than each other. Thanks to his design, all that he won has been reinvested in its vehicle studies. This allowed Luigi Colani to achieve unprecedented independence as a designer. He dispenses during his trip his good word to designers from Ford to Dearborn, then to the students of the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, before meeting other visionaries, including Georges Lucas and Steven Spielberg. The 1989 Colani UTAH 3 was a high speed bike, designed and built by Colani’s assistant, Sebastian Kummer cperceived to exceed the current speed record of 104,63955 km / h. Source: http://www.bubblemania.fr

In 1989, Luigi Colani took all his vehicles named UTAH to the Bonneville Salt Flats Speedway, famous Utah Salt Lake, which he rents for two weeks for Automorrow ’89, to break new speed records. Colani had built 13 Vehicles, but he could only take them 12 to demonstrate record vehicles all more spectacular than each other. Thanks to his design, all that he won has been reinvested in its vehicle studies. This allowed Luigi Colani to achieve unprecedented independence as a designer. He dispenses during his trip his good word to designers from Ford to Dearborn, then to the students of the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, before meeting other visionaries, including Georges Lucas and Steven Spielberg. The 1989 Colani UTAH 2 was a high-speed bike designed and built by Colani’s assistant, Sebastian Kummer. Double front pedals and a Fichtel motor & Sachs 2 time, air-cooled 30 cc with a power of 2,5 ch. Rear-mounted engine can start quickly on rope to increase muscle power on slopes. Source: http://www.bubblemania.fr

In 1989, Luigi Colani took all his vehicles named UTAH to the Bonneville Salt Flats Speedway, famous Utah Salt Lake, which he rents for two weeks for Automorrow ’89, to break new speed records. Colani had built 13 Vehicles, but he could only take them 12 to demonstrate record vehicles all more spectacular than each other. Thanks to his design, all that he won has been reinvested in its vehicle studies. This allowed Luigi Colani to achieve unprecedented independence as a designer. He dispenses during his trip his good word to designers from Ford to Dearborn, then to the students of the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, before meeting other visionaries, including Georges Lucas and Steven Spielberg. The UTAH 1 was a high speed bike, designed and built by Colani’s assistant, Sébastien Kummer (Cyclist of the Tour de France). Source: http://www.bubblemania.fr/

The Colani Corvette was originally white and believed designed in early 1988. Modeled with Luigi’s unique Bio-Design, the vehicle evolved through many transformations before arriving in the US to be challenging a land speed record at Bonneville. The vehicle was redesigned for the original Automorrow tour but was not finished in time. The car was featured in E&M Nov 16, 1988, and CarStyling Jan. 1989. Source: www.automorrow.com; motor.ru Images: Colani Design

Millennium demonstrated Chryslers technology and "cab-forward" design direction for the 1990s. It served as a "living" research vehicle, exploring what safety technology of the 1990s will encompass. Millennium focused on evolving technology for accident avoidance and accident survivability, employing active and passive safety devices. Source: Chrysler Corporation Images: Chrysler Corporation; eye-love.jp; Popular Science

Show and go- Cadillac's newest concept car, Solitaire, combines sleek aerodynamics and advanced engineering concepts, including a V12 engine, for the ultimate personal luxury automobile. The 1989 Cadillac Solitaire was essentially a two-door version of the 1988 Cadillac Voyage. Among its many advanced features are doors equipped with unique hinges that electronically slide the door forward and out for easier access. A single sheet of glass that darkens automatically in sunlight stretches from the cowl to the lock panel. Designed for high-speed travel, the coupe has a drag coefficient of .28. The 1988 Cadillac Voyage and 1989 Cadillac Solitaire concept car design shared many traits, but the Solitaire coupe offered unique elements. The Cadillac Solitaire's electrically-powered doors, some of the longest in GM's history, demanded the use of an articulated hinge. The Solitaire's doors moved slightly forward as they opened. The keyless entry system could also release the hood or trunk lid. Seats traveled all the way forward to permit easy entry into the back (unless they happen to be occupied, that is) then return to the pre-selected position as the door shuts. While the Voyage had 20 seat adjustments, the Solitaire added four more. Some comfort-minded folks are never quite satisfied, it seems. Once again, both heat and massage were available to soothe chilled or tired muscles. Airbags mounted in the steering wheel, instrument panel, and rear seatbacks were installed for each occupant. Mirrors disappeared completely, with only a set of video cameras providing a view of oncoming traffic from the back, seen on a liquid-crystal color video screen inside the car. Lack of stick-out mirrors made a slight difference in aerodynamics and a bigger improvement in the Cadillac Solitaire concept car's flush appearance. Body-colored louvers, front, and rear created the illusion that the car carried neither headlamps nor tail lamps. Under the hood of the Cadillac Solitaire, replacing the Voyage's V-8, lurked a dual-overhead-cam, 48-valve V-12 engine with port fuel injection. Developed in conjunction with Lotus, the 6.6-liter powerplant produced 430 horsepower and 470 pounds/feet of torque. Computer-designed tires rode unique 20-inch cast-aluminum wheels. Prepared to carry four passengers in unheard-of swiftness and ease, the Cadillac Solitaire was called "Cadillac's vision of the ultimate in road-car performance, comfort, convenience, and style." It was created to serve as a test vehicle, not just a showpiece like its predecessor. A look at either of Cadillac's visions evoked a hope that such a day would arrive soon and that cars like these would be available for our enjoyment. Also, it appeared in the 1993 movie, Demolition Man. Source: GM; auto.howstuffworks.com Images: General Motors Corp.; www.shorey.net

The 1990s brought out the wildly creative side of automakers, whether they were designing a production vehicle or a one-off showoff. While digging through the Story Cars archive, these twenty-five concept trucks definitely visualize the vibrant and charged nature of this decade. #1) 1990 Dodge LRT Dodge had a popular hit in '78 with its Li'l Red Truck — a vehicle now in demand by collectors. It had a macho truck image and good performance from a converter-free 360-cu.-in. V8. The Mopar folks are trying to recapture some of that magic with their LRT (Little Red Truck) convertible based on the V8-powered Dakota. #2) 1990 Ford F-150 Street Based on a full-size F-150 model, the Street gets its don't-mess-with-me Hulk Hogan stance from a low profile and big 16-in. wheels. The truck is lowered 4 in. in front and 3 in. at the rear. The roof height is chopped 3 1/2 in. Then the suspension was set up to create a nose-down, "bad" attitude. #3) 1990 Ford Fiesta Bebop by Ghia Fiesta versatility was the theme in 1990, which created the Fiesta Bebop. This jazzy Fiesta-based concept was a dynamic pickup design geared to sports-minded drivers. #4) 1990 Ford Surf The debut of the 1990 Ford Explorer Surf Concept was at the 1990 North American International Auto Show in all its purple glory. Ford fields two concept trucks — the Surf, a no-roof, no-tailgate version of its new Explorer 4x4, and the Street, an exercise that goes head-to-head with California customs in creating a mean and nasty street image. #5) 1990 GMC Mahalo The Mahalo convertible pickup concept was based on the coming 1991 Sonoma compact pickup. Featuring a three-tone paint job of a coral body, accented by a diagonal sea-spray design in seafoam green, edged in white. The lowered body wore special ground effects, rear spoiler, bed cover, custom mirrors, and front air dam. The two-seat cockpit color scheme was a continuation of the exterior combination. #6) 1990 GMC Transcend Based on the GMC Siena pick-up, the Transcend featured a retractable roof that stowed away behind the seats or covered the top at the push of a button. The cab and cargo bed were integrated for a smoother appearance. #7) 1990 Jeep Freedom Built on the chassis of the Jeep Cherokee Limited station wagon, the Freedom was a proposal for a two-door convertible Jeep, similar to the 1985 Cherokee Targa. Painted a color dubbed "Viper Red." The four-wheel-drive Freedom featured a powder-actuated roof and a sporty rollbar behind the front seats. The Freedom was powered by Jeep's 177-horsepower Tech Six. #8) 1990 Nissan Gobi The futuristic Gobi was released at the 1990 Detroit Auto Show and consisted of an egglike cocoon segmented into divided zones. Thus the "whole" is not a single boring shape. The driver's seat location is designed as an "orthopedically fitted work station," and the glovebox is a removable canvas bag attached via velcro. Typically wasted, space under the truck bed is used for four rubberized lockable storage compartments that hold skis, soda, camping equipment, and other items. #9) 1991 Isuzu Como The Isuzu Como was one of the stars of the 1991 Tokyo Motor Show. Designed by Simon Cox - the man who would create vehicles like the Cadillac Cien and develop Cadillac's ultra-sharp styling - the Como was a crazy mix of supercar and pickup truck which Isuzu called a "grand sports-utility vehicle." The Isuzu Como had a mid-mounted 740 horsepower V12 engine derived from F1 race cars, dramatic gullwing doors, a four-seat cabin, and a decently sized rear cargo bed. #10) 1992 Fiat Cinquecento Pick-up by Pininfarina The 1992 Turin Motorshow was used to present a series of concepts based on the Fiat Cinquecento. Concept of two-seaters open pickup, on Fiat 500 mechanicals; young lifestyle for a car that can be, with the aid of purpose-designed accessories, transformed into a minivan, a berlinetta, a pickup, a convertible, or a coupé. This pickup version was an all-wheel-drive utility version with a rear rumble seat. #11) 1992 Ford F-150 SuperFlare Concept Listed as a presented vehicle at the 1992 Detroit Auto Show, this Ford concept truck remains a major mystery. What is known is that it has sleek running boards that transition into a headache rack with what seems to be auxiliary lighting. #12) 1992 Pontiac Salsa The 1992 Pontiac Salsa concept vehicle was designed in GM’s Advanced Concept Center in Southern California. This vehicle transformed from an all-weather, five-seat hatchback to a five-seat convertible or a two-seat panel delivery truck. Each module has several potential spin-offs. #13) 1993 Chevrolet Highlander During the 1993 auto show, Chevrolet gave Chicago a hint of the forthcoming 1994 S-10 extended cab pickup truck with its Highlander concept. Painted in chartreuse and purple, the two-tone exterior featured a custom removable roll bar, a sliding driver-side second door, a roll bar with driving lights, and a tool compartment on the left side of the bed. The power train consisted of a 4.6-liter V-6 with an automatic transmission. #14) 1994 Ford PowerStroke Ford built this wild 1994 Ford PowerStroke Concept Truck to promote their Power Stroke Engine. It was featured on the cover of "American Dream Cars, 60 years of the best Concept Vehicles". It was also featured in Ford Racing' video games. Besides showcasing the brand's forthcoming design language, the Power Stroke housed Ford's upcoming turbo-diesel 7.3-liter V-8 engine, which would soon make its way to production bearing the Power Stroke moniker. #15) 1995 Nissan XIX Concept XIX was built on the all-wheel drive Nissan Sunny platform of the time, which in America is known as the Nissan Sentra. The preference was given to the all-wheel-drive chassis so that the high ground clearance of the car was of practical importance. They did not reinvent the wheel with the engine either - they installed the time-tested "four" SR20DE with a capacity of 150 horsepower. #16) 1995 Plymouth Backpack Plymouth released the small Backpack pickup truck concept in time to appear at the 1995 Chicago Auto Show. The 2+2 Backpack featured a MoPar 2-liter OHC 4-cylinder engine that produces 135 horsepower based on Neon underpinnings. #17) 1996 Citroën Berlingo Coupe de Plage Built in cooperation with Bertone, the Coupe de Plage was intended for younger crowds frequently visiting the beach. Powered by a 103-horsepower 1.8-liter engine from the Citroen Xantia, the Coupe de Plage's top speed was 102 miles per hour. The rear pickup bed could be equipped with two beach reclining chairs for sunbathing after the rear window could be electrically lowered. #18) 1997 Audi Al2 Open End The Open End was the fun version of the Al2. It was a two-seated, two-door, semi-cabrio-pickup ;) The car sits a bit higher than the "standard" Al2. Please not the 5-spoke rims. The spokes are doubled. Wonder where you have seen that before? Look at the A6 Allroad quattro factory rims. They are similar. Not exactly fun to clean, but cool-looking. #19) 1997 Dodge T-Rex 6x6 Concept First seen at the 1997 SEMA show, the Dodge Ram T-Rex 6×6 began life as a factory-stock Ram 3500 1-ton regular-cab pickup truck. Design to be an extreme off-road machine with class-leading tow/haul capabilities, the T-Rex featured V10 power and tandem-mounted dual rear axles. Mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission, the 8.0-liter engine produced 497 horsepower and a stout 593 lb-ft of torque. #20) 1997 Ford Powerforce Concept The 1997 Ford Powerforce Concept could be viewed as a somewhat delayed response to the big rig looks of the Dodge Ram 1500, which had debuted just three years earlier and shocked the entire industry with its brawny personality. With integrated bull bars, a chunky front end design, and a V10 engine of its own to go up against Mopar's three-quarter and full-ton ten-cylinder option, the Powerforce was dramatically different from the F-150 at the time. That was intentional because the Powerforce was intended to point the way towards what Ford's new Super Duty lineup of trucks would have to offer commercial customers and those who needed extra towing and hauling power. #21) 1998 Dodge Big Red Truck Concept The heart and soul of The Big Red Truck is the new Cummins 24—Valve Turbo Diesel engine. Now offered as an option on production Dodge Ram 2500 HD and 3500 pickups, this engine has a new electronic fllCl system which helps provide cleaner, quieter operation. The new 5.9L inline six-cylinder Cummins kicks out 460 lb-ft of torque at a low 1,400 rpm and maintains it all the way up to 2,700 rpm with its standard five-speed manual transmission. And with 235 horsepower at 2,700 rpm. The Big Red Truck really hauls. #22) 1999 Dodge Power Wagon Dodge’s Power Wagon concept vehicle, shown in 1999, was inspired by the 1946 Dodge model of the same name. The modern pickup truck prototype was built off the Ram chassis and featured 35-inch wheels. At 77-inches high, the Power Wagon was a full 3- inches taller than the production Ram. Like its 1940s predecessor, the Power Wagon included bumpers, fenders, and running boards separated from the body. A 250 horsepower, 7.2-liter diesel in-line 6-cylinder was teamed with a 4-speed automatic transmission. #23) 1999 Ford Ranger Powerforce Concept The Ranger Powerforce was constructed on a 2-door Ranger 4×4 chassis. Painted in vivid tangerine, its interior is standard Ranger upholstered in grey cloth. In addition to the Powerforce nose, hood, and fender well flares, Ranger Powerforce rides on 17″ cast alloy 2-piece wheels with custom tread pattern 33×12.50R-17 BFGoodrich Proto T/A tires. The sills and bed top rail are clad with matte grey plastic, and there is a black cloth bed cover. #24) 1999 Nissan SUT Spun from a Frontier Crew Cab platform, Nissan’s SUT (Sport Utility Truck) concept blended SUV and pickup traits through a nifty flip-up liftgate behind the second row of seats. That portal separated what Nissan Designers described as the “clean” and “dirty” zones. #25) 1999 Toyota Celica Cruising Deck The Cruising Deck pops off the newest Celica’s rear hatch, installs a rumble seat and a picnic-table sized rear spoiler, and heads for the sun. (Maybe that’s where the designers have been spending a little too much time…) The trucklike bed can be pulled up and fixed on to the spoiler to create a deck chair, believe it or not, and the Cruising Deck has a side-hinged tailgate for parties out of bounds. A hitch for towing watersports vehicles has been installed, too. A 1.8-liter four with 187 horsepower provides power, and a six-speed manual is the gearbox of choice.