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Targeting a practical and fully functional experimental model, the changes from the production Bravada were limited to realistic add-on features. Incorporating the levels of luxury found in an Aurora into the Bravada was a key goal. Low-profile high-performance tires mounted on 17" wheels gave it a more aggressive stance while improving on-road stability and control. In touch with Oldsmobile"s signature design cues, jewel-like clear lens headlamps, and tail lamps were added along with body-colored door handles and exterior rearview mirrors. Rearview mirrors also had red-orange internal illumination to warn other drivers of an impending turn with an arrow and a stop using a bold diamond. When the transmission is shifted into reverse, this display flashes like a strobe lamp. X-Scape"s supercharged engine delivers 245 horsepower at 4750 rpm and a peak torque of 315 lb-ft at 3000 pm. With the 29 percent gain in power and 26 percent, extra torque. the torque changed production version, trim the Bravada's 0 to 60 mph acceleration time to less than eight seconds. And consistent with Bravada"s upscale SUV mission, all interior materials are premium grade: 18-ounce plush carpeting for the floor and seat-back surfaces, supple harness-grained two-toned leather for seating surfaces, and color-coordinated steering column and steering wheel. There are two individual seats in the rear separated by a center console to complement bucket seats in front. All of the seats except the driver"s bucket fold to create a level load floor for transporting long or especially bulky items. To entertain rear-seat passengers, aVCR is built into the extended-length floor console. Overhead, there"s a 7-inch liquid-crystal monitor that hinges down from the overhead console for viewing taped program material. This system also includes wireless stereo head-phones stowed in the center console, which offers rear passengers the choice of audio material from the video cassette player or the Monsoon sound system. A special shelf, called Cargo Max™, is built into the rear compartment and slides out a full 24-inches on roller tracks to facilitate loading and unloading heavy or bulky parcels toward the forward extremes of Bravada"s spacious cargo hold. A second use for the Cargo Max™ is to provide buffet service for tailgate parties. The third mode aids Saturday shopping; the rear half of the Cargo Max™ contains folding partitions that can be erected to help organize and support several bags of groceries or shopping-mall purchases. The forward half of the shelf is divided into two shallow covered storage bins for securing essential documents, dining ware, or storing small valuables out of sight. Another useful feature on the right side is a lockable storage bin for fairly large items. The bin is 8.5" x 8" x 13" in size. Source: encyclopedia.classicoldsmobile.com Images Source: www.shorey.net

Nissan’s KYXX is a five-door, five-passenger vehicle in the small MPV mold. The concept took about ten months to create. The overall length of the car is 3650 mm (144 in.), width 1680 mm (66 in.), and height 1480 mm (58 in.), with a wheelbase of 2550 mm (100 in.). Nissan put particular effort into providing maximum interior space. The car's exterior and interior were designed in parallel, with teams swapped regularly to maintain overall design identity. The dashboard has a central information pod, and the car is fitted with a satellite navigation system. The steering wheel is of small diameter. This and the rounded look to the interior with the instrument pods create the effect of even greater interior space. The beltline of the car is high and rises to the rear. The vehicle is markedly cab-forward with a short nose. There are six lenses in each headlamp using fiber optics technology. Neon systems are used for the indicators; the taillights use LED technology. Its power unit is a four-cylinder, common-rail turbodiesel to give the car 3.0 L/100 km (78 mpg) fuel economy potential. It uses the development of Nissan’s M-fire combustion system. Source: www.conceptnissan.com Images Source: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

The Eclipse changed its third generation in 1999, closely aping the Mitsubishi SST design study, which debuted at the 1998 North American International Auto Show. It was the first concept vehicle exhibited by Mitsubishi at an auto show in the United States. Source: Wikipedia Images Sources: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation; minkara.carview.co.jp

Collaborating with stylist Garnero, the Maggiora's CityMagg is based on the Fiat Seicento (600) and can be powered by a Fiat 899-cm3 engine converted to burn methane, or it can use an electric motor. The CityMagg Droll is a two-seater with the ability to carry two extra passengers instead of luggage. Its overall length is a mere 2650 mm (104.5 in.), width 1500 mm (59 in.), and height 1650 mm (65 in.). Styling is highly unusual, but the positioning of lights just below the windshield shows some visual cues of the new Fiat Multipla. Sources: www.sae.org; www.wheelsofitaly.com

The Dialogos large sedan, in terms of some styling aspects, is said to point the way toward future Lancia production models. It features some advanced design thinking and technology, with frontal styling, particularly that harks back to Lancias of the 1950s, such as the Auerilia GT coupe. Some five meters long, the Dialogos has no central pillar, and the rear doors open backward, as did Lancia sedans of the 1950s. It is understood, however, that it can meet current crash test requirements. The front seats swivel through 90° to help access (they also have a 180° facility and can be placed together to form a sofa). All seats are trimmed in nabuk, similar to chamois leather. Two screens are fitted in the back of the front seats. The dashboard and some other areas use a thin film of softwood bonded to a layer of resin and foam; the result is deformable to finger pressure. An "Ego Card," a personal electronic key, allows the car to adapt to an individual's needs—rather like a seat-memory system. But it also covers climate control and even steering-wheel and pedal position. The driver's door opens on their approach. Instead of conventional seats, the Dialogos has armchairs that mold to an individual's body. The dashboard has three screens, with screen information and cruise control (intelligent, using anti-collision radar) activated via a joystick. Suspension settings, drive-torque distribution (to both axles), and such things as oversteer, are driver-selectable. TV cameras look after rear vision. The system warns the driver of overtaking vehicles. Headlights are adaptive, the beam changing direction, intensity, divergence, and pattern according to speed, proximity of other cars, and ambient weather conditions. Interior equipment includes voice control for many systems. The steering wheel is in the center of the car to allow accessible entrance. Hinged at its base, it can be moved right or left, with the instrument panel moving about it. If the driver unintentionally enables the car to cross lane dividers, the steering-wheel rim vibrates, and an acoustic signal sounds. The Dialogos has multilink suspension front and rear. The main feature of the front suspension is its virtual steering axis, says Lancia. The steering axis passes through the center of the wheel, so obstacles such as potholes or uneven surfaces do not cause the wheel to vibrate or turn. The device ensures that steering is unaffected when the active differential applies different pulling forces to both half-axles for increased stability. This suspension architecture also provides high longitudinal stability and reduces vibrations from the road surface to improve car handling. One of the most innovative features of the multilink rear suspension is its virtual pitch center. When riding over an obstacle, the wheel moves back to reduce interference transmitted to the body. Source: www.sae.org Images Sources: www.italiaspeed.com, Fiat Auto S.p.A.

The domestic car manufacturer AvtoVAZ presented its concept car at the largest motor show in Paris for the first time. Concept cars at car dealerships, motor shows, presentations are not been guests for a long time. For the leaders of the automotive world, the concept is, it seems, a familiar thing, although it is still not ordinary: such a car is like a flag - it is carried in front, they look at it, they equal it. At the same time, it is known that there will be no such machine either in the series or even as a piece. Often such a car is just a shell on wheels or, as the pros call it, a "doll." The doors and the hood cannot be opened; there is no engine, no suspension, or interior inside. But the exterior seems to be from the future. In such cases, firms sometimes present the concept as a kind of work of art, an achievement of design, demonstrating their creative capabilities. The purpose of the demonstration is to probe public opinion, get an idea of ​​how the public and competitors will react to new ideas, and solve the eternal problem later - to be or not to be? It happens that the concept is prepared as a complete working car - sit down and drive. But this, as they say, is the upper class - not many firms can do this. Often in such cases, an exhibit with the assertiveness of a pioneer pushes the place, indicating to other companies that it is not worth getting in here - they say, they are late. Further, the idea is intensively developed, and the concept gives rise to a new model range. Our car factories have never put such markers before - and why would they? VAZ employees were the first to accept these rules and rolled out their concept in Paris - a "live" electric car with an unusual name for the Volga shores, "Rapan." The goals and objectives for them were determined at the top - in the "authorities." But times, thank God, are changing - the time has come to make our way and live according to the world canons. This is a demonstration of the technical and scientific potential of VAZ, its design capabilities, forward-looking thinking, and, finally (to spite the enemies), the stable state of the enterprise, which can be dealt with, despite all the shocks of the Russian economy. It seems that ours in Paris succeeded in much of what was planned. Togliatti residents, not devoid of professional ambitions, tried to solve complex problems. And they deserved the attention of the public, and the press did not pass by. VAZ already had experience in demonstrating a concept car, but very modest. At the Moscow show this year at the plant's stand, there was an unusual "Lada-Oka-2". But that was one hundred percent "doll." "Rapan" - the second concept of VAZ - marks a noticeable leap forward. The main thing in it is the exterior, unusual and mesmerizing, although there is something to see inside - the original interior corresponding to the external appearance. A curious person can sit in the concept and feel himself in the future. A specialist can appreciate the visibility, the convenience of the location of all parts, layout solutions. Rapan "Rapan" is a riding dummy. He drove onto the Paris podium on his own. The drive and transmission in it are from the electric "Oka," already well-known in Europe - the winner in the international competition of electric vehicles. The Rapan has an electric motor, as in the Oka, the drive wheels are also front in front. This surprise was prepared in Togliatti in advance. In 1995, a small creative group, the backbone of designers Vladimir Pleschanov, Valentina Novikova, and Ilya Zharkov, took up this project. The authors concluded that even a small car should be spacious, cozy, and comfortable. Large round doors were made sliding, and the roof with an opening hatch was made transparently. The front seats are rotating; the rear ones are movable with such a wide range that a person of average height can almost straighten his legs in the extreme position. However, in this case, the seats occupy the entire luggage compartment. The floor is flat, without protruding thresholds. Under it, inside the machine's base, is a battery pack that does not require maintenance (except for charging) during operation. This provides an almost perfect weight distribution (50% front, 50 rear) and a low center of gravity. In order not to interfere with the entry (exit) of the driver, the steering column itself folds back to a vertical position when the left door is opened. Unusually, the instruments, having got along with the airbag, are concentrated inside the steering wheel, and the buttons and levers are around it in a circle. Any mechanism can be turned on without taking your hands off the steering wheel - this is very convenient. An electric car, of course, does not have a gear lever. The view forward and to the sides is excellent - the road is visible right in front of the car. Parking on it and squeezing into narrow places on the street is as easy as shelling pears. It seems that the "dish" from "Rapana," cooked on a VAZ for the Parisian table, was to the taste of the French. After all, they are hungry for all kinds of seafood. In any case, the responses from the "tasters" were more than favorable. We will not hide it; it is very flattering that our car was not where "bread and kvass" are in the world car menu but the category of gourmet snacks. This article is translated from Russian to English from the following source: «ЧУДО МОРСКОЕ РОДИЛОСЬ В... ТОЛЬЯТТИ» (Сергей Мишин) - Журнал «За рулем», №11 1998 Images Source: АВТОВАЗ; Фото Владимира Демченко

Kia’s future minivan concept is the Genesis, which was given an FUV (Family Utility Vehicle) acronym. The vehicle features a pair of huge power-operated gull-wing doors for both front- and rear-seat occupants, six of whom may be accommodated in comfort. Among Kia’s novel ideas incorporated in the vehicle is an "air jet wiper." Multiple nozzles installed in the base of the windshield blow away raindrops with powerful bursts of pressurized air. The Genesis is propelled by a 3.5-L V6 and electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission provided by the company’s parent, Hyundai. The vehicle measures 4778 mm (188 in) long and has a mass of 1650 kg (3640 lb). Source: www.conceptcars.it Images Source: Mario Buonocunto Concept Cars Page

XK180 is a concept sports car hand-built in the company's Special Vehicle Operation workshop at Browns Lane in Coventry to commemorate the fifty years history of the XK engine and the XK120 sports car. To mark the 50th anniversary of the XK 120 sports car, Jaguar's XK 180 concept was created in just ten months to indicate the capabilities of the company's Special Vehicle Operations (SVO). Based on a shortened version of the supercharged XKR convertible, the XK 180 has aluminum bodywork (as did the original XK 120) with a strong hint of 1950s' Le Mans-winning Jaguar D-type about it. The car's engine has been up-rated from 227 kW (304 hp) to 337 kW (452 hp), with brakes, wheels, and suspension upgraded to cope with the added performance potential. Supercharger speed has been increased by 10%, and changes made to the V8 engine's intercooler, induction, and exhaust systems. Interesting elements of the car include fingertip sequential gear selection by steering-wheel-mounted controls developed by Jaguar. The rear light cluster (running lights, brake lights, turn indicators) was specially designed for the car by Valeo and incorporates 24 light-emitting diodes. The car is 345 mm (13.6 in.) shorter, and its wheelbase is 125 mm (4.92 in.) less than the XKR. The car has racing seats with a full harness, but they are trimmed in fine Connolly leather. The dashboard is finished in machine-turned aluminum with switches in the style of 1950s' Le Mans Jaguars. It took four weeks to design the interior and two weeks to create the molds used to form the necessary panels. The body panels were formed by hand and assembled by Abbey Panels of Coventry, responsible for the D-type bodies amongst other Jaguars. The car's suspension is based on the XKR, with racing-style aluminum shock absorbers incorporating coil spring/damper units. A Brembo braking system features four-pot calipers with 355 x 32 mm (14.0 x 1.3 in.) cross-drilled, ventilated, front-disc brakes with a similar design measuring 315 x 28 mm (12.4 x 1.1 in.) at the rear. The wheels are huge and fitted with Pirelli tires: 255/35ZR20 P Zero Direzionale at the front, 285/30ZR20 P Zero Asimmetrico at the rear. Source: www.tokyo-motorshow.com; www.sae.org Images Source: Jaguar

Italdesign's highly novel MPV is called the Structura. Based on the Audi A8, but designed to take VW's W12 engine, the car aimed to promote "the hidden side of design, the internal technological structure." With its lower door sections glazed and aluminum structure exposed for inspection, this see—through vehicle certainly does that. The windows are fixed for added rigidity because the designers regard opening windows as being unnecessary in the future; climate control will be highly efficient, and tolls will be paid electronically. The rear doors open only if those in front are opened first, and the vehicle has ten airbags. Source: www.sae.org Images Sources: www.canalauto.com, ItalDesign

The Frankfurt Design Centre spent about three years (from 1996) and approximately 643,000 to develop the EURO-1. The open-top, 2-seat roadster is a classic sports car with 6-speed transmission. Aimed at the European market, the mid-engine EURO-1 has rear-wheel drive and a 2.0 beta power plant. The tailpipe is positioned in the middle, giving the rear a solid triangular look. The EURO-1 measures 3,725mm long, 1,760mm wide, and 1,150mm high, and the wheelbase is 2,500mm. The platform is a honeycomb-sandwich structure of carbon fiber and epoxy material, so the main chassis weighs only 50 kilograms. The platform is light but highly rigid. The driver shifts the gears of the 6-speed semi-automatic transmission by twisting on a lever attached to the steering wheel rim. Some of the gauges are placed on the door trim on the driver's side. Source: Hyundai

The Hyundai Avatar, a show car now appearing at major auto shows, offers a look at what Hyundai Motor America sees as major styling trends for the most popular type of car in America, the mid-size sedan. “Sedan owners are looking for safety, security, good styling, and a higher level of performance, but all of this must be in a package that is eminently practical,” says Hyundai Product Planning Manager Jim Park. “The Avatar is a vehicle that is mechanically sophisticated and makes a strong styling statement, but within the bounds of what practical-minded owners expect,” he states. The Avatar stands out because of the strong character lines over the front and rear wheel openings. While more subdued than in the Hyundai Tiburon, these character lines give the car a family resemblance to its sportier sibling. Hyundai designers feel that mid-size sedan buyers, while concerned about practicality and still seeking relatively conservative styling, are beginning to seek out vehicles that have more personality than in past years. Thus, design elements such as these character lines, which give the Avatar a more aggressive appearance than the typical sedan of today, will be a trend that will be more popular in the future. In line with the trend toward more distinctive sedans, the Avatar has a dramatic frontal look, with large headlights pushed to the vehicle's corners, emphasizing the car’s size and presence. The bright, bold vertical bar grille highlights the car's front, with the lines of the hood flowing smoothly into the bumper while focusing the eye on the dominant grille. The car is slightly larger in interior and exterior dimensions than Hyundai’s current mid-size sedan, the Sonata. The five-spoke alloy wheels of the Avatar have a subtle shaping along the inside circumference. The understated twist in this area adds a sense of motion even when the car is standing still. At the rear of the Avatar, a high trunk lid serves as a visual cue to the spacious trunk underneath. The rise up at the back end of the trunk provides the look of a rear spoiler, in keeping with the overall sporty sedan tone of the vehicle. Large rear tail lamps offer a safety benefit and echo the strong placement of the headlights at the front. Hyundai designers believe that the movement that places top importance on ergonomics in a sedan’s interior will continue to dominate. However, there will be a trend toward placing ergonomics within a more interesting design framework. Inside the Avatar, the front cabin design stems from an architectural approach with a strong horizontal, almost wall-like dashboard divided by a vertical element that holds the radio, heating and air conditioning, and other controls. The interior forms are crisp and distinct, in line with the vehicle’s crisp exterior edges. In terms of vehicle performance, there has been a growing trend toward more mechanically sophisticated automobiles with handling capabilities that were previously found only in upscale, luxury, and sporting sedans. To meet the needs of drivers with higher performance expectations, the Avatar is built on a chassis with a high torsional rigidity, which has several benefits. When combined with the double wishbone-type front suspension, a very stable platform provides the basis for excellent handling. This stability also helps ensure that the fit of various components can be quite precise. The Avatar is powered by a high output V-6 transverse-mounted engine that drives the front wheels through a 32-bit, electronically controlled, four-speed automatic transmission. Braking is done through four-wheel disks with four-channel ABS. In another node to drivers more aware of performance enhancements, the car comes with an electronic traction system. This also helps ensure safety and stability in bad weather. Inside the vehicle has the latest generation “depowered” airbags and side airbags for the driver and front passenger, whose seat belts also feature pre-tensioners. The Avatar was fashioned by a team of designers at the Hyundai California Design Studio, working closely with Hyundai designers in Korea. Source: Hyundai

The Honda MV-99 concept vehicle minivan, introduced in the fall of 1998 as a 1999 model, provides a clear indication of the shape and size of the new production minivan. The one-of-a-kind MV-99—with its front-wheel–drive, V-6 engine, and dual sliding doors—has an interior designed to offer a glimpse into the future when new technologies could turn the common minivan into an executive shuttle and mobile office on wheels. Source: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

The Pregunta debuted at the 1998 Paris Auto Show and the 1999 Geneva Motor Show. In Spanish, PREGUNTA means "question." This car was an original way of questioning the motor world to ask if it is aware of the HEULIEZ GROUP's abilities and possibilities, a European industrial reality. So the PREGUNTA is an aggressive act of defiance that needs to and must succeed in demonstrating the HEULIEZ Group's ability to design and produce a real car and not just a simple exhibition prototype. This one-off was built in 1998 based on the Diablo chassis and mechanicals. According to some, it's an "ugly" car, but I rather like the aggressive styling not present in the Canto. Too bad this design hadn't appeared earlier when Lamborghini was deciding on the new replacement "Super Diablo." From the very first moment, the lines of the PREGUNTA make an impression. Its aerodynamic properties and a deliberately aeronautical design result in a two-seater speedster with sensations of power and dynamism. HEULIEZ has dressed the refined mechanics in an outfit that can be instantly identified. It's one of a kind. It is thus a mixture of technology and extreme shapes where aerodynamic properties and combined with beauty and elegance. A tough, powerful car, the strength of which is natural but not ostentatious, the front of the PREGUNTA reminds you of a sport-prototype vehicle while the back is more like a fighter plane. PREGUNTA gives you the sensation of supersonic flight and does it magnificently; even if the front remains typical of a racing car, a glance at the sides show that they are sculptured and planed down to guide the aerodynamics towards two air inlets that are in the shape of a streamline jet engine. As far as the rear end is concerned, although it is very shapely, the finish is sharp. Inside, two distinct areas can be observed: a driving or even piloting side for the driver and a comfortable side for the passenger. Once again, the aeronautical inspiration is visible, including in the materials and the upholstery, in an attempt to rigorously respect the main mission of the PREGUNTA: to go like the wind. The PREGUNTA equipment uses the latest devices, particularly the formula-1-type dashboard by Magnetti-Marelli, the Cristine navigational aid by BCI, the CD stereo equipment by Alpine who also supplies the screens for the rearview system, the 4-point self-winding seat belts by Schrott, the fiber optical atmospheric lighting by DGA and the steering wheel by Classic Board. It is thus a mixture of technology and extreme shapes where aerodynamic properties are combined with beauty and elegance. Source: www.lamborghiniregistry.com Images Sources: leroux.andre.free.fr; www.autodrome.fr; Heuliez

The Turing Ka, a 4-door, 4-seater concept car based on the successful Ford Ka, is unveiled on the Ghia stand at the Turin International Motor Show. "Ka has an extremely inspirational and thought-provoking design. You really feel a passion for Ka and want to take the concept into new territories and different roles, to build on its success. That is exactly what we have done here," said the head of Ghia, Filippo Sapino. The Turing Ka has been designed as a sophisticated sports wagon, not only for urban driving but also for long-distance touring. The stretched Ka platform uses many carry-over body parts, including the tailgate and most of the roof. Wide wheel arches accommodate 17" racing wheels with low-profile 205/40 tires, and the exhaust now exits at the center. Turing Ka is fitted with the 1.7-litre 125 PS Zetec SE engine normally found in the Ford Puma, which powers to a top speed of 203 km/h. Powerful 4-wheel disc brakes complete the performance credentials. Puma and Ka are both built on the acclaimed Fiesta chassis, and the appearance of the Turing Ka underlines once more the variety of vehicles, each with very different character, which can be developed from the right common platform. The new tailored interior design reflects the freshness of Ka but adds deep bucket seats finished in dark blue and tan leather and wild boar suede to underline its sporting character. A complete set of soft luggage makes most of Turin Ka's luggage space. Outside, the striking Zinc Yellow paintwork contrasts with titanium-grey bumpers. "There is a strong visual link to Ka - we have just allowed ourselves to explore one dimension of its character. The result is a Ka on steroids," said Filippo Sapino. "Ford have now asked us to examine other concepts, also based on Ka, which will fulfill different needs." Source: Ford

Libre was a small, four-passenger convertible built off of Ford’s European B-platform. Sharply angled windshield, clean sheet body surfaces, and quad-doors were design highlights. A 1.25-liter Sigma engine mated to a five-speed manual supplied power. Making its debut at the Chicago Auto Show in 1998, the Ford Libre Concept was another Ford approach to using Fiesta architecture to create a stunning, open-top sports car. The Libre Concept featured a rear-hinged second door to allow access to the rear seating. It was finished in red with a cream leather interior. The exterior design featured Ford’s New Edge design language, with teardrop-shaped headlamps and a large lower front grille. It was fitted with cast alloy wheels in a five-spoke design with 17-inch Pirelli P-Zero tires. Body-color treatments are carried through to the vehicle's interior, contrasting nicely with the cream-colored materials. Source: Ford Media Site; www.chicagoautoshow.com Images Source: Ford Motor Company

In 1998 Ford contacted the German designer, Luigi Colani, to make a more aggressive variant of the Ford Ka presented at the Essen Motor Show. The car was distinguished from the original model by the more aggressive aerodynamic body kit and the new Schmidt Revolution alloy wheels. The engine was equipped with a four-cylinder Ford Endura-E 1.2 8V managed by a five-speed manual gearbox and combined with front-wheel drive. Able to generate the power of 60 hp with 105 Nm of torque, the propulsion unit was able to push the Ka Colani up to the maximum speed of 158 km/h with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 15.1 seconds. Incredibly the public was impressed by this version, and it was approved the realization of 200 specimens that can be purchased from the Cologne R&S Mobile dealer. Source: https://drivetribe.com/p/in-1998-luigi-colani-presented-CVoUYr2pRvymeEWJfOj2fg?iid=e35I61wQSsaOKHpMGvfiWA Images Source: Colani Design

The first-generation Ford Focus was one of the stars of mass production cars in the 1990s and 2000s. When it replaced the old and tired Escort in 1998, it shocked us with a striking new design, clever packaging, and class-beating dynamics. It was so much better than any generations of Escort ever done. From that moment, I knew it would become a classic in the future. Not long later, it became the first car to win the European COTY and North American COTY awards at the same time. It was a real "World Car." If the name Escort represented conservative thinking, then Focus represented a revolution. This started from its New Edge design. For decades, car stylists couldn't find ways to make a sporty-looking car spacious or vice versa. They were two contradicting elements in car design. However, the stylists of Ford succeeded in applying its New Edge theme – having already tested in Ka, Puma, and Cougar – to gel the two elements together. Look at its profile; it was a volume-optimizing shape. What distracted your attention from this shape were the coupe-like side windows, which flowed smoothly towards the base of the D-pillars rather than following the roofline like conventional cars. This would have revealed bulky D-pillars, but its designers were clever to cover them with eye-catching triangular-shaped rear lights. The overall effect was very graphical. New Edge made very good use of light reflection to amplify the subtle changes of surface curvature to deliver a sporty perception. This can be seen from the crest lines at both sides and the tailgate, as well as the large wheel arches. In my eyes, there were only two car designs in the 1990s truly innovative. One was the original Audi TT; another was this one. The Focus was equally innovative in suspension design. While the strut suspensions up front were conventional, at the rear, it introduced a new kind of multilink independent design called "Control Blade Suspension." It used a large trailing arm made of pressed steel and incorporated a hub carrier to replace two longitudinal rods and the expensive cast knuckle. This achieved the multilink's control at relatively little cost. On the road, Focus won many praises from the motoring press for excellent handling and ride. Its steering received similar admiration for precision and feel. Even a decade later today, we still struggle to find a family hatch delivering as much fun in pure driving terms. Source: www.autozine.org Images Source: Ford

"Multipla" is a time-honored name for Fiat. The company made an adorable microvan by that name in the '50s and '60s, based on the Fiat 600. The Multipla that appeared in 1998 was anything but adorable. With its strange high-beam lenses situated at the bottom of the A-pillars (base of the windshield), the Multipla looked like it had several sets of eyes, like an irradiated tadpole. It had this weird proboscis out front, and a bulky, glass cabin in back, and the whole thing was situated on dwarfish wheels. I rented one of these in Europe, and it worked beautifully, but it was just so tragic to look at. The Multipla (and the Aztek and the Consulier GTP) reminds us that cars cannot just work beautifully. They have to be beautiful. At least they can't look like this. Source: The 50 Worst Cars of All Time - www.time.com

From Fioravanti comes a Gran Turismo concept for the year 2000, dedicated to the Prancing Horse: the F100 salutes the centenary of Enzo Ferrari's birth. A compact, high-performance engine - such as a V 10 - for a vehicle with outer measurements makes it smaller, lighter, and easier to drive than the huge supercars we have become accustomed to seeing in recent years. A semi-automatic gearbox and the F1-type paddle selector mounted behind the steering wheel were natural choices here. The aim is to provide relaxed driving conditions, permitting concentration to focus on the unique pleasures of fast driving. The spontaneous hallmark of history: the outer skin bears one of the classic design themes associated with the Prancing Horse cars - the famous Ferrari "wave," that plastic, almost sculpted shape. Seen here as a claw mark, it starts at the nose, spreading and developing three-dimensionally around the whole of the car's perimeter. The search for lightness moved in two directions: structure and components. The engine air intakes, for example, have been lodged in the upper part of the roof panel, a location that takes advantage of the boxed roof structure as well as improving rear vision. As far as components are concerned, the front and rear neon light clusters, for example, are styled with the classic Ferrari designs in mind but are built to a unique, lighter specification. The wheels were the subject of a special design project too. The Fergat company, the European leader in steel wheel design and production, worked with Fioravanti to match innovative design with cutting-edge technology. New steels and high resistance levels - with load limits of over 600 MPA -sophisticated design using computer-generated simulations, further deformity, and assembly techniques have all made it possible to conceive and engineer steel wheels of quite stunning beauty at a significantly reduced weight. In addition, the forging requirements themselves lead engineers to a naturally more aerodynamic wheel. Cabin design hinges on a philosophy of relaxed driving, achieved here in particular by choice of the Ferrari F1 gear-selector and the two-pedal action -magical, gradual, equilibrium. The design of the dash develops from the two selector paddles behind the wheel, and almost all the controls are located on the wheel itself. The support provided by the lower part of the seats maintains a relaxed muscle position all along the legs. In the case of the driver, practically guides the feet onto the accelerator and brake pedals, almost like an F1 car. The speed of this kind of F1 gear-selector means the driver must view and collate cockpit information faster and more immediately, and so traditional-type instrumentation is no longer suitable. It is replaced here by an innovative type of digital-analog instrumentation with simple but highly effective graphics. Source: www.fioravanti.it

The second series in the ESX line completed testing in 1998 and made several improvements on its predecessor. The ESX2 was dubbed a "mybrid" (mild hybrid) because its reliance on electrical power was not highly dependent on the battery. This system contained two motors that worked in parallel: a 1.5 L 74 bhp direct-injection diesel and a 20 bhp AC-induction electric motor. The main power came from the diesel engine. The electric motor charged the batteries, added to the acceleration, and powered the reverse gear. Coupled with the powertrains were a 5-speed electronically shifted manual transmission, a nickel-metal hydride battery pack, and controlling equipment which included components from the Patriot hybrid race-car program. Chrysler fit the car with an unpainted thermoplastic body attached to an aluminum frame to cut down on cost and weight. The shape had a low aerodynamic drag. Inside, trim was constructed of carbon fiber, and the seats were built from a tube frame—the final cost: only $15,000 more than a regular Intrepid, or about $37,000. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodge_Intrepid_ESX Images Source: Dodge