Concept Cars

Nissan continues to refine its business and product strategy with the under-pressure Japanese carmaker set to reorganise 80 per cent of its global nameplates into three broad families.As reported by Automotive News, the brand’s new ‘Family-Planning’ structure will see the introduction of five new body-on-frame models in two years to be introduced at ‘China Speed’.Nissan remains in the midst of a major global financial crisis, recording massive consecutive annual losses, including a A$7.0 billion net loss for the fiscal year ending March 2025 and a A$4.7 billion net loss for the year ending March 2026. Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa launched the revised product approach as part of the company’s goal to cut its global product portfolio by 20 per cent to 45 models from 56 currently and slash development lead times from 50 to 30 months.The three product family groupings are mid-size (think X-Trail), compact family (think Qashqai/Note) and body-on-frame, the latter initially focused on reintroduction of the Xterra SUV in the US market from 2028, with it and “four sibling spinoffs” to be produced at Nissan’s Canton, Mississippi plant by the end of the decade.Speaking at the company’s Yokohama headquarters on Friday, Nissan Deputy General Manager Product Business Division Hidemi Sasaki said the new direction will reduce vehicle development time by 40 per cent, enable a 20 per cent reduction in the number of different parts used and commonise 70 per cent of components.“China players are following different rules; they are changing the game. That’s why we are trying to do this transformation.“By revising the business scheme, we can reduce investment and efficiently engineer cars in a shorter period of time while catering to all the needs in the market,” he said.Nissan is aiming to optimise shared platforms, powertrains, software systems and components by planning an entire family at the same time. The US-made models will lead off with the five-seat Xterra SUV, followed by a three-row Nissan SUV, the Navara-sized Frontier pick-up, as well as two- and three-row Infiniti SUVs. Sasaki-san’s presentation included a teaser image of the upcoming Xterra with what Automotive News described as “a rugged stance, flared fenders, angled C-pillar, indented hood and semi-solid front fascia with the Nissan name spelled out in capital letters.”He said the frame family will share about 70 per cent of components forward of the B-pillar and underneath, including the platform, V6 and V6 parallel hybrid powertrains, software, electrical system, navigation and driver-assist systems.Vehicles will then be given specific rear ‘top hats’ to differentiate them as pick-ups, three-row SUVs or premium Infiniti vehicles, the latter receiving their own interiors and exterior styling.While recognising Nissan already develops multiple vehicles around common, modular platforms, Sasaki said, “The timing is what is different. In the first stage, we will plan multiple models at the same time.“In the traditional way, we tried to do this, but the business planning was not as fast,” he said.Performance models including the Z or a future GT-R, as well as light commercial vans fall outside the scope of the family structure for now.

A new game-changing hybrid engine is coming. The D20 Methanol is a range-extender engine made by global automotive engineering firm Horse Powertrain, a joint venture between Renault and Geely. Horse makes a range of engines, electric motors and transmissions for Renault Group, Geely, Volvo, Proton, Nissan and Mitsubishi. Its latest engine burns 100 per cent methanol fuel, opposed to ethanol alternatives in current mainstream petrol engines. The engine is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged unit that produces 105kW (weighing 170kg) to charge the battery.Its sole purpose is to power the battery, with a lightweight electric motor responsible for driving the wheels. The disk-shaped electric motor lies flat, meaning it is 46 per cent shorter than vertically-mounted alternatives.It is said to have 63 per cent better power density, but Horse has not revealed the engine's total power output yet.Horse claims a 40kWh battery can be recharged using less than 20L of methanol fuel, making it one of the most efficient electrified set-ups on the market.  The set-up generates 1kWh of electricity for every 2.1kWh of methanol burned, and can perform cold starts in temperatures as low as -35-degrees. The engine also has less emissions output. It complies with the European Union’s Euro 7 standard, which will become the benchmark later this year. What will the D20 Methanol engine be used in? It is unclear what this new engine will be used for, with Horse remaining coy on which of its carmaker clients will receive it. Range-extenders have become increasingly popular in China, especially in large SUVs, and the D20 could be the latest example of this. Geely might be looking to gain an advantage over other range-extender competition, the Leapmotor D19 and Volkswagen ID. Era 9X.China produces the majority of the world’s production of methanol, and is now heavily investing in renewable ethanol as opposed to coal-based.A low-emissions methanol-fueled car could be ahead of the curve in China for Geely.  There is potential for models featuring this new range-extender set-up to come to Australia in the coming years, but nothing is confirmed at this stage.

McLaren has produced a new supercar, the McL 6GT, inspired by the brand’s founder and his vision for a road-going supercar bearing his name.In 1969, Kiwi race ace and budding car manufacturer Bruce McLaren made a bold expand from track to road car production with the McLaren M6GT, a brutal 5.7-litre Chevrolet V8-powered coupe based on the M6A Can-Am competition machine.Sadly, McLaren was killed in a testing crash before his road car vision could be realised and only three prototypes were produced.But of course McLaren has since matched its stellar on-track success with a series of stunning super sports cars, starting with the iconic, Gordon Murray and Peter Stevens developed F1 in 1992 through to the current W1 hypercar.Introducing a concept version of the car at the 2026 Monterey Car Week in California, McLaren said the McL 6GT “celebrates purity in design and driver connection”, the main headline being the fact it’s the first McLaren to employ a manual gearbox since the F1.Positioned as “a contemporary interpretation of the M6GT” the ultra-lightweight supercar features a full carbon-fibre monocoque and V8 internal-combustion power (with no spec details at this stage) sending drive to the rear wheels through the manual ‘box. Another old school touch is hydraulic steering assistance, pretty much a thing of the past in this type of car for at least 15 years. The car’s sleek, low and muscular design is a 21st century interpretation of 1960s sports prototype racing cars and McLaren aficionados should look out for details like the ‘Speedy Kiwi’ logo etched into the fuel filler cap.On the inside there’s tactile switchgear and “visible engineering details” including knurled machined aluminium controls and boxed-quilt trim.Even the digital instrumentation has been developed to “retain the clarity and emotional appeal of the original M6GT.“In an enticing final statement McLaren said the McL 6GT concept precedes a production model coming in 2028 and “creates the space for a new type of exclusive McLaren supercar beyond the core portfolio.”

It’s been more than a year since Jaguar’s rebrand and the reveal of its Type 00 Concept, and now the brand has revealed the first glimpse of the production version’s interior.The 2027 Jaguar Type 01, to give it the recently confirmed production name, will be revealed properly in New York on 6 October 2026, but the EV’s design still remains a mystery in terms of many details.Now, Jaguar has revealed a few images of its interior, which looks to be closely related to the interior shown in the controversial Type 00 concept.A blend of minimalism and unfamiliar design philosophy, the interior certainly confirms the words of Jaguar Managing Director Rawdon Glover in that it’s “an interior like no other”.Inspired by the travertine limestone and brass of the concept, the colour palette and materials in the Type 01 also follow the ‘copy nothing’ philosophy set out upon the brand’s relaunch.With its name revealed in May this year not long after a preview drive afforded to select media - including CarsGuide - the Type 01 will be the brand’s first car to debut in its new era.The large electric four-door GT has a long bonnet, a total length of 5200mm over a 3200mm wheelbase, and space inside for four separated by a central ‘spine’ - the one made of limestone in the Type 00 concept.Under the cabin, a 120kWh battery should mean a range around 700km, though its brisk performance provided by three motors (two at the rear for 706kW, one at the front with 206kW) might tempt some to use up that power rather inefficiently.On our preview drive, we estimated a 0-100km/h sprint of under 4.0 seconds.Thomas Holden, Chief Interior Designer for Jaguar, said the “unmistakable drama” of the Type 01’s interior aims to “define the modern luxury automotive interior of the future”.“Our holistic design philosophy translates the vehicle’s exterior presence into a distinctive interior architecture,” he said. “In contrast to the horizontal interior design norm, we emphasise its dramatic longitudinal nature through the central spine - an architectural statement that creates four individual spaces.“With authentic materials, technology on demand and reductive flowing surfaces, Type 01 presents unmistakable drama and theatre that will define the modern luxury automotive interior of the future.”

American custom performance vehicle maker Hennessey has revealed the Blackbird - its new spy-plane inspired 354km/h hypercar designed to be driven 1284km per day.Hennessey’s Blackbird, like all of the company’s creations, is special, but it’s not outright power that makes this soon to be launched hypercar unique.Inspired by the iconic SR-71 Blackbird United States spyplane the roadgoing Blackbird is for exactly that - road going - with Hennessey saying that rather than sitting in a garage it’s designed to be driven long distances thanks to its extra levels of comfort and spaciousness over the brand’s current hypercar the Venom F5.“Touring ability is central to the concept. Blackbird is engineered to cover more than 800 miles in a day with a larger glasshouse, gullwing doors, more cabin space than Venom F5, adaptive suspension, strong NVH targets, four cup holders, discreet device integration, and luggage capacity for two full-size carry-on bags plus additional rear-quarter and cabin storage,” Hennessey's press release says.The Blackbird doesn’t have the unfathomable 1355kW output of the twin-turbo V8 Venom F5, Hennessey says again the focus is on the road and engaging, enjoyable driving rather than outright, brutal performance,That said the 637kW made from the Blackbird's naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 is plenty of oomph and can slingshot it from 0-100km/h in 2.5 seconds and onto a top speed of 354km/h.Inspired by the spyplane’s stretched sleek body, Hennessey says the Blackbird hypercar car is long and uses a pinched styling bringing together upper and lower surfaces as a tribute to the aircraft’s design.The Blackbird hypercar's vertical rear stabilisers are the biggest SR-71 hat-tip. These stabilisers deploy at 71 mph (114km/h) and lock into place at an angle of 71 degrees. Keeping with the driving focus, the cabin of the Blackbird is free from screens and instead is a sumptuous cabin dripping in retro old school style with analog dials.Just 71 examples of the Hennessey Blackbird will be sold and the asking price is expected to be $3.6 million. The Blackbird will make its public debut at Monterey Car Week on August 14.

Yet another about face on a new electric vehicle program has come courtesy of Toyota’s decision to discontinue development of the Lexus LF-ZC sedan.Unveiling the LF-ZC Concept in 2023 Lexus positioned it as “a symbol of Lexus' electrification journey, characterized by its sleek proportions, low center of gravity, spacious cabin, and an emotionally charged design that seamlessly blends functionality and aesthetics.”But three years later the automotive world has changed thanks to a slower than expected market uptake of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) globally and ongoing consumer preference for hybrid and pure-combustion models.At the same time, a combination of political factors including high US import tariffs and President Donald Trump's elimination of tax incentives for EV purchases, as well as the European Union’s revision of its ban on the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035 have also thrown a big spanner in the EV development works.Global players including Ford, General Motors, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Volvo, VW, and most recently Subaru, have also shelved multiple EV model programs. Volume Lexus LF-ZC production was scheduled to begin late this year at Toyota’s Tahara plant south-east of Nagoya, using large section ‘gigacasting’ techniques to split the vehicle’s alloy body into front, centre and rear sections for reduced complexity and cost as well as lighter weight and increased rigidity.Recently postponed to mid-2027, Nikkei Asia has reported Lexus will now discontinue development, to “instead focus on developing SUVs and other vehicles amid a global slump in EV sales.” Despite the cancellation Toyota and Lexus will continue research and development into gigacasting and battery technology as the LF-ZC was set to feature “advanced high-performance batteries made with a prismatic structure engineered to achieve approximately twice the range of conventional BEVs through improved aerodynamic integration and weight reduction.” A “compact powertrain” also helped deliver an ultra-low Cd (Coefficient of drag) value of approximately 0.20 for the car.

Hyundai has renewed its commitment to the Chinese market at this year’s Beijing motor show, claiming it’ll launch 20 new models over the next five years.The South Korean carmaker is officially spinning out its all-electric Ioniq brand and its first dedicated model is the Ioniq V electric liftback.A production version of the recently revealed Venus concept, the Ioniq V has an angular design that from some angles is reminiscent of a Lamborghini Temerario, but with an extra set of doors.Ioniq claims it offers up to 600km of electric range, according to lenient CLTC testing. No other official powertrain details have been provided yet.The Ioniq V measures in at 4900mm long, 1890mm wide and has a 2900mm wheelbase. This makes it around the same size as a Sonata sedan.It features a 27-inch central touchscreen that flows into the front passenger compartment, as well as a head-up display.Ioniq notes that the V's suspension tune is optimised for comfort and stability, as well as low road and wind noise in the cabin.A Hyundai Australia spokesperson said there are no plans to introduce the Ioniq V locally.Despite this, there is precedent for Chinese-built Hyundai products to launch in Australia. The Hyundai Elexio mid-size electric SUV launched locally earlier in 2026.Beyond the Ioniq V, the brand has confirmed it will launch an SUV model in China in the first half of 2027. No further details have been provided but it will likely be based on the Earth concept, which is a boxy SUV.Hyundai claims its further model launches in China will focus on the mid-size to large vehicle segments, with both electric (EV) and range-extender (REEV) powertrains.“China is an essential market for Hyundai Motor Company,” said Hyundai Motor Company CEO Jose Munoz.“The world's most demanding EV consumers, the fastest development cycles, the deepest battery supply chain, and an advanced innovation ecosystem. That is why we are tripling down on our commitment to China.“With significant investments into Beijing Hyundai, 20 new models coming over the next five years, the official launch of our Ioniq brand in China and the unveiling of Ioniq V, this is the most committed, the most ambitious, and the most exciting chapter we have ever written in this market.“China is where the future of mobility is being defined, and Hyundai intends to help define it, In China, For China, and ultimately, for the world.”

Last week Hyundai revealed a boxy, new SUV concept that gives us a glimpse of what to expect from its next dual-cab ute.Multiple digital artists have now taken the Hyundai Boulder concept and given it the ute treatment, giving us a better look at what this ute might look like.Imagery from Russian outlet Kolesa shows this new Hyundai ute will have the bold and upright front-end treatment of the Boulder SUV concept, but have other design elements that are reminiscent of the Kia Tasman dual-cab ute.Alternatively, imagery from Brazilian digital artist KDesign AG show this ute being a slightly upsized version of the Tasman and more of a rival to US mid-size pickups like the Chevrolet Colorado, Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier.Hyundai has confirmed that it plans to launch a mid-size pick-up in the US in 2030. It will also be built in the US which indicates it’s focused at North America and makes an Australian launch unclear in the short term.While the Boulder-based ute is confirmed to be built on a ladder-frame architecture, it’s unclear whether it will be related to the South Korean-built Kia Tasman, which also has a ladder-frame chassis.A range-extender (REEV) hybrid powertrain has been floated by overseas reports.At this stage it’s unclear how much of the Boulder SUV concept’s other design features will carry over to the production ute version. It has 37-inch mud-terrain tyres and a roof-mounted light bar.Previous patent imagery has shown the Boulder-based ute could feature detachable doors, much like the Jeep Gladiator.It’s understood a different Hyundai ute is set to launch in Australia before 2030. Hyundai Australia CEO Don Romano told CarsGuide late last year the brand would have a ute ready by the end of 2028."My work permit goes for another two and a half years. I'm not leaving until it's coming,” Romano said in November 2025.“If they produce what we're talking about at this stage and what we're working on, it's gonna be mind blowing, it's gonna be great. And I really mean that, I'm not just blowing smoke.”

Hyundai just unveiled its striking Boulder SUV concept at the New York International Auto Show.The concept gives a glimpse into Hyundai’s ladder frame chassis rugged off-roading future. The Boulder previews its first ladder frame model, which will be a mid-size pick-up truck built in the United States launching in 2030. A mid-size pick-up truck in the US means it will be a similar size to Aussie favourites such as the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and BYD Shark 6.It looks like the new Hyundai ute will be targeted towards the North America market, with an Australian launch unlikely in the short term. This will be the brand's second ute, with a different model expected to arrive in Australia before 2030. Hyundai Australia boss Don Romano told CarsGuide late last year the brand would have a ute ready by the end of 2028. "My work permit goes for another two and a half years. I'm not leaving until it's coming,” Romano said in November 2025.“If they produce what we're talking about at this stage and what we're working on, it's gonna be mind blowing, it's gonna be great. And I really mean that, I'm not just blowing smoke.”It is anticipated to feature a range-extender hybrid set-up. The Boulder concept has a boxy overall design with accentuated fenders and beefed up 37-inch mud-terrain tyres to highlight its go-anywhere potential.The concept itself is similar to the general blueprint of the popular Ford Bronco, which is based on the Ford Ranger ute, and has been a raging sales success in the United States. Adding to this theme is the tailgate-mounted full-size spare wheel, along with roof racks and a roof-mounted light bar.This latest concept comes after US patents of a pick-up truck for the North American market surfaced online. One of the key elements these patents revealed was thought to be detachable doors. It now appears that the doors are in-fact coach-style, not detachable, meaning they open away from the centre of the car. This increases the practicality and loading capacity of the car, like on the old Toyota FJ Cruiser. The Boulder’s interior has a minimalist yet futuristic look, with no large tablet-like screens present, but it does have a panoramic head-up display, which spans the length of the front window. 

Land Rover’s Freelander is back, not as an SUV, but as a standalone brand in a joint venture with China's Chery.The first model from the new partnership was revealed overnight in China ahead of its debut at the upcoming Beijing motor show.The first model has been called the Concept 97, in recognition of the year the original Freelander was introduced by Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).The Concept 97 draws on the Land Rover design identity with its blocky, tall and sophisticated styling while the original Freelander's unique triangular rear three-quarter window is revived again on the new model.The interior also has a familiar look sharing design elements and materials with Land Rover models, but new features we haven’t seen before from the brand include a curved display the full length of the dashboard.There are some features on the large six seater SUV, which won’t make it into production, including the rear-hinged side doors and the most likely the open-plan lounge-like setting in the second row, too.  JLR is already in a partnership with Chery in China; the joint venture sees the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport produced and the JLR-Chery plant in Changsu. When the Concept 97 goes into production it will also be manufactured at the Changsu factory and be produced as a pure EV and hybrid. The Discovery Sport and Evoque will be discontinued to make way for the Freelander model range.Freelander CEO Wei Lan told British publication Autocar at the Concept 97’s preview in China that while the Concept 97 would go into production and be sold initially in China, the plan was to then debut the vehicle markets around the world."International variants are currently in intensive development and shall, after launch in China, make their distinguished entry into the world's foremost markets," Lan told Autocar. "From its very first day of existence, every Freelander product is conceived and calibrated for the diverse demands of markets across the world. We are not exporting a Chinese car to the world but we are building a world car, for the world, from the very beginning."  The Concept 97 is built on Chery’s T1X platform, which also underpins the Tiggo 8 and will support EV, hybrid and range extender variants with 800V battery architecture.The range extender battery has been developed with CATL and features what it calls a world first "Freevoy Range-Extended Hybrid Battery" design allowing the range extender version to be charged at 360kW.The range extender battery has been designed with off-road use in mind and comes with underbody protection and a thermal coating to keep it cool.JLR-Chery plans to have the first Frelander model go into production and on sale  by  mid-2026 before being launched globally. JLR-Chery will then embark on an ambitious growth plan, which it says will see the introduction of a new Freelander model every six months. Will the new range of Freelanders make it to Australia? Nothing has been confirmed but Chery's executives haves been open to bringing more sub-brands into the country.Earlier this year Chery Chief Executive Officer Lucas Harris has said there is more room for additional sub-brands in Australia.“Why not?” Harris told CarsGuide.“Chery is the brand where you never say never.”