We already know that Fisker will be unveiling the production version of its Karma sport sedan at the Detroit Auto Show, but now there's proof that another concept will be making its way to the Detroit stage: the Karma S, or Sunset. (Sources at AutoblogGreen say that while the S stands for Sunset, Karma S will be the official name.)

Fisker says that the Karma S will have similar architecture with the production Karma sedan and that the two cars will share the same powertrain. Aside from this little bit of information and a very cropped teaser shot, no other details were released about the Sunset, so we'll have to wait until its Detroit Show debut. Speculation suggests that this could be a coupe or convertible variant of the Karma sedan, since the vehicle seems to lack a B-pillar in this photo. As always, we'll keep you posted with more details once they arise.

+ AutoblogGreen: Fisker set to debut new Karma S "Sunset" concept in Detroit

Even though the production Kia Soul recently debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the folks at Kia say that they'll be unveiling the next chapter in the Soul story in Detroit next month. Kia goes so far to say that this concept is more than just a re-packaging treatment, but it will demonstrate the flexibility of the original Soul design.

Based on this teaser shot, we're not sure what to expect. A coupe? Pickup? Two-door crossover? We'll leave the speculation up to you, our readers. Let us know what you'd like to see, in comments. In the meantime, click through the post to read Kia's short press release and stay tuned for the official reveal at the North American International Auto Show next month.

• Previous Image
• Next Image
• Enlarge Image

• 
• 
• 

For the Detroit Auto Show in January, Mercedes plans to give the world a preview of three fuel-saving systems for its new entry-premium model range, which should replace the B-class by 2010. Known as Concept BlueZero, the technology will be shown in forms ranging from a purely electric car, a plug-in hybrid, and as a fuel cell model.

The electric model “E-Cell” will have a 100-kilowatt motor with a lithium-ion battery pack and a range of around 60 miles. The plug-in hybrid on the other hand will feature a three-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric generator to extend the car's range in electric mode (similar to what General Motors plans for the Chevrolet Volt). The third model called the F-Cell, will use a fuel cell and hydrogen tanks to produce the necessary electricity.

Mercedes' plan is to replace the B-class and A-class with four cars, which include a coupe to compete with the BMW 1-series, and also an SUV to rival BMW's upcoming X1. These replacements are slated to be built in Rastatt, Germany, as well as in Kecskemet, Hungary where M-B will open up shop by 2010. Have a look at the full press release for Concept BlueZero below and take a look at a few images of the car in our attached gallery.

Audi has big plans for Detroit. Many unveilings are planned for this event and the German automaker is no exception. Audi has already released details about its new V-10 powered R8 supercar, along with some sketches of an A7 four-door coupe concept (above) that may also appear at the show.

According to some inside information, the A7 concept will strongly resemble the production model due late next year. Several teaser sketches have been released by Audi, showing uniquely short overhangs reminiscent of the TT coupe, and a pair of highly tapered headlamps. The images also revealed a straight roofline that slopes down that blends directly into the rear hatch.

The A7 is expected to begin with a 204 horsepower 2.8-liter model, followed by a 300 horsepower 3.0-liter supercharged version, and then a 394 horsepower 4.2-liter V-8. Finally, an RS7 would most likely be added on later with a predicted 600 horsepower, twin-turbocharged, 5.0-liter V-10 engine.

Other models rumored to be on the Audi show stand next month will include a new turbodiesel A4 saloon designed for the U.S. market, the new 300 horsepower 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 A6 range, and the 265 horsepower TTS sports coupe.

+ Motor Authority: Audi reportedly prepping A7 concept for Detroit Auto Show

We had heard some rumors that Subaru would be showing some sort of concept at the upcoming North American International Auto Show, and we'll be the first ones to admit that we were hoping for some sort of rear-wheel-drive coupe concept. However, this teaser shot of Subaru's Legacy Concept is indeed a surprise, and we're pleased to see the direction in which Subaru is taking their design language. The mean fender flares and lower fascia look great, though we may need a moment to warm up to those stacked headlamps.

This concept marks the Legacy's twentieth anniversary and will likely be a preview of what we can expect when the current model bows out in a few years. We'll be sure to give you the full details when this concept makes its official debut in Detroit next month.

• Previous Image
• Next Image
• Enlarge Image

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

The already attractive Volvo S60 is set to get even better-looking in its next generation—that’s if the styling from these newly released images of the S60 Concept car are anything to judge by. Shown ahead of the car’s launch at the North American International Auto Show next month in Detroit, the Volvo concept sedan should hint strongly at the production version of the car, which will likely make its own splash at another show later in the year.

The S60’s cabin is stylish in a typically Volvo fashion, showing foxy white leather seating, a roof made almost totally from glass, and an all new take on the company’s signature “floating” center stack. The innovative (if vaguely phallic) shift lever is able to stand at attention for a more direct feel when shifting through the gears manually, folding on its side for the auto gearbox function.

Scroll down below to read the full-bodied official S60 Concept press release from Volvo, or check out our gallery above for loads more photos.

• Previous Image
• Next Image
• Enlarge Image

Caption:

Finnair A1700-2400 Cruiser

A charter aircraft with turning engines located in front – designed for both gliding and vertical take-off. In an emergency, the aircraft can land on water.All of the vessel’s 1,700 to 2,400 passenger places are in one- to four-person cabins, which have their own toilet and shower as well as internet and satellite links. Some cabins have windows. All cabins also have AV windows, offering zoomable views of the sky or downwards to earth. The AV windows also act as display terminals and receivers, on which passengers can watch television transmissions or even follow shows held in the vessel’s restaurant.

Specs
• Passenger seats 1,700–2,400
• Length 118.30 m
• Width 98.70 m
• Height 32.60 m
• Maximum take-off weight 422,000 kg
• Cruising speed 160–750 km/h
• Maximum cruising level 14,800 m
• Runway length when taking off 2,100 m
• Runway length when landing 1,300 m
• Flying range 21,600 km

Engines

• Take-off power along runway 7 x 530 kN
• Take-off power vertically 12 x 850 kN
• Take-off speed along runway 210 km/h
• Landing speed along runway 165 km/h

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Finnair may not be the world’s most high-profile airline, but after celebrating 85 years of existence in the air, the company feels as if it has something to offer on the future of the industry. Teaming with the innovative minds at Airbus, Finnair is offering up five examples of what it believes aviation could look like in 85 more years. The concepts run from quite plausible, super-sized luxury liners, to more out-of-box conveyances to outer space. Have a look at the group, with attendant explanations and stats from Finnair, in our gallery above.

+ Finnair

Volvo has released a first glimpse of its new S60 Concept car which has been slated to be revealed to the public at the upcoming North American International Auto Show. The concept shows a very coupe-like silhouette and is a good bet that hints strongly at the real design language for the next production S60.

Volvo design director Steve Mattin says that the lines of the concept have been inspired by the cliffs and seas of the Swedish coastline, adding, "The concept car's exterior gives a clear indication of what customers can expect of the all-new S60. On the inside we've been even more daring – there the focus has been on creating a vision of the future."

Enjoy this first peek at the new Volvo, and look for much more on the concept as the Detroit show nears.

While Pontiac's GXP division isn't necessarily known for producing staggeringly fast performance cars, the minor visual and power tweaks are usually enough to move a good amount of GXP-badged vehicles off of GM dealer lots. For this year's SEMA show, however, Pontiac is bringing two new concepts -- the Solstice GXP Coupe and G8 GXP Street Concept.

The Solstice Coupe features a Stage 2 GM Performance Parts kit, intake kit, and a cat-back exhaust system, along with an upgraded sport suspension, graphics kit, iPod interface, custom leather-trimmed seats, and race-inspired pedal covers. While the basic engine mechanics are largely unchanged, the added performance modifications boost horsepower from 260 to 290 ponies.

On the other hand, Pontiac's G8 GXP Street Concept gets a whole raft of performance modifications, including the new LSX454 crate engine from GM Performance Parts. Yep, that's the ZR1's engine, and it will crank out 638 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque under the G8's hood. Stiffer springs have been added as well as the Cadillac CTS-V's brake kit wrapped behind twenty-inch black chrome wheels. A more aggressive front fascia rounds out the front while a new rear fascia incorporates a performance exhaust system and rear diffuser.

Both of these cars will officially be unveiled in Las Vegas next week.

+ Autoblog: Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe Concept
+ Autoblog: 638-horsepower Pontiac G8 GXP Street Concept

• Previous Image
• Next Image
• Enlarge Image

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Developed at the General Motors Design studio in Brazil for the 25th Sao Paulo International Auto Show, this Chevrolet GPiX crossover coupe concept car (say three times fast) hails the opening of what GM hopes will be a new market segment for the Mercosur region of Central and South America.

The crossover coupe features the high ground clearance that the automaker believes will be an asset on the sometimes hazardous roads found in emerging markets, and the same styling language that has been found on other recent Chevy concepts and products.

The GPiX moniker is a clever reference to the “Global Picture” for GM, an increasingly important part of the business for the automaker which is currently suffering through a difficult time in its home market.

Read the full Chevy press release below and take a closer look at the GPiX in our gallery of images above.

• Previous Image
• Next Image
• Enlarge Image

• 
• 
• 

What do you get when you cross a motorcycle with an F1 car? Mix that hybrid with a fetish for the Volkswagen GX3 concept and a product like the Energya will likely come about. The three-wheeled "recreational vehicle" was conjured up by a Higgins-Aubé Inc., a Canadian start-up company, and is currently in the early design stages.

With the rear of a motorcycle, the intake of a formula racer, the Energya is a looker that does not hold back with its smooth curves and sharp lines. The open-cockpit vehicle with two-seater set up will be made up of mostly aluminum, and so far it's estimated to weigh a measly 770 pounds.

The Canadian company will start initial designs with a motorcycle engine, but could lead to becoming an electric vehicle if development funds appear.

+ Green Car Advisor: Eye Candy For Relief From News About Politics and a Slumping Economy

• Previous Image
• Next Image
• Enlarge Image

• 
• 
• 
• 

Iconic artist, illustrator, and graphic designer Alan Aldridge, has recently completed a truly original, one-off painting using a new Mini One as his canvass. Joining the fine tradition of BMW art cars, the Mini-based painting is titled, The Man with Kaleidoscope Eyes, any showcases the trippy style that lead Aldridge to prominence. Many will recognize the surrealistic characters and bold color choices from Aldridge’s design work for rock legends the Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who.

With Kaleidoscope, Aldridge reprises a work he did in 1965 for the cover of the Sunday Times Magazine, in which he took brush to metal in a similar fashion on the original Mini. The new work follows the old in using a male and female theme for separate sides of the car, defined by the fairly obvious paint schemes of blue and pink. Have a closer look in our gallery above or read the official press release below.

• Previous Image
• Next Image
• Enlarge Image

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

More strange and lovely than we might have surmised from the initial release of press information and photos, Renault’s Ondelios Concept is just the sort of vehicle that Francophiles dream of. The concept’s flawless and curving grille nicely picked up the swooping lines found on every Ondelios exterior surface, and the glowing white Renault diamonds were fine details as well. Have a closer look for yourself in our gallery above, or reread the Renault press release here .

• Previous Image
• Next Image
• Enlarge Image

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Say this for Mazda designers; they certainly know how to get some serious mileage from a single design theme. Casting its tried and true Nagare styling language into the form of a highly efficient city car, Mazda came up with the flowing Kiyora for the Paris show. The concept may look radical, but it is powered by a truly conventional small four-cylinder engine; relying more on a slippery shape and lightness to make mpg headway.

Have a closer look at the Kiyora in our huge live image gallery of the concept above.

• Previous Image
• Next Image
• Enlarge Image

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

One of our favorite pure concept cars from this year’s Paris show, the GT by Citroen does its damnedest to be all things to all people. With a little help from the shrewd minds at Polyphony Digital—makers of the Gran Turismo series of driving simulators—the GT combines otherworldly sex appeal with a 21st century consciousness via a hydrogen fuel-cell powertrain. The fertile minds of French auto designers may bend toward the wacky on most occasions, but we think the GT will prove memorable for Citroen.

Have a look at our live gallery of Citroen GT images above or click here to read our previous post.

• Previous Image
• Next Image
• Enlarge Image

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Mini offered up its Crossover Concept vehicle at last week’s media preview of the 2008 Paris Motor Show, showing off the first version of the car that will likely morph into a fourth model for the popular small car brand. We got down with the details of the car long before we flew to Paris (read that post here), but though it wise to take a minute to share some of the live images we brought back with us. Take a look above.

• Previous Image
• Next Image
• Enlarge Image

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

When Mercedes-Benz unveiled its ConceptFascination shooting break to the crowd at Paris, it immediately added another member to the strange cadre of concept cars whose planners feel compelled to equip with yacht-like interior features, and booze.

While we were well aware of what the M-B wagon would look like ahead of the show – getting early word from the company that some elements of the car could make an impression on the next E-Class – we were mildly baffled at the inclusion of champagne, cigars, and expensive wooden decking hiding in the business end of the concept car. It’s not that there’s anything particularly bad about using these kinds of touches to convey the “opulence” of a show car, but the boats ‘n booze angle is getting to be a little played. Designers take note.

Check out our full gallery of Mercedes-Benz ConceptFascination images above. 

• Previous Image
• Next Image
• Enlarge Image

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Sure, you may remember the Lexus LF-Xh hybrid crossover concept from last year’s Tokyo Motor Show but if you’re anything like the wild concept car mavens at Lexus, you’ve probably been wondering how good it might look clad entirely in flat black.

We tease, but Lexus did reprise the LF-Xh for the Paris crowd, and the car which the automaker promises will foreshadow the replacement vehicle for the current RX looked pretty hot in its new duds. Under the hood the Prince of Darkness Lexus still offers the same combination of electric motors and V-6 power that it did in Japan. Have a further look at the concept in our gallery above.

• Previous Image
• Next Image
• Enlarge Image

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Ferrari may be swearing off four door cars – at least for twenty years or so – but the steady hands running things at Automobili Lamborghini had no such compunctions today, using the occasion of the Paris Motor Show to debut the stunning Estoque “super sports sedan” concept. The newest Lamborghini may find itself tacked with that “stunning” tag more often than it finds a word like “beautiful” written down, as we found throughout the course of the day that more than a few journalists weren’t buying what Estoque was selling (your writer, for the record, found the car rather gorgeous).

Estoque may be labeled as a concept for now, but with Lamborghini taking pains to point out the production feasibility of the sedan, we’d be willing to bet that it – or something very like it – will eventually find its way into a showroom.

The Italian supercar maker wouldn’t let itself be pinned down on the choice of a powerplant for Estoque, mentioning only that a range of “fascinating” alternatives exist for the car. Lambo does press the point that the car is indeed mid- and not front-engined, pointing out that any future mill will be located well behind the front axle.

Check out our live gallery of Lamborghini Estoque images above, or scroll down below to read the full (and huge) press release.