The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este is an annual event where BMW presents some of its most impressive concepts such as the 8 Series, the Concept Touring Coupé or the Skytop. This year’s event is approaching and the Bavarian manufacturer is already announcing a new concept model, but with a lot of mystery.
What we know for now is that the new concept will be a two-seater, but it is not known on which model it will be based. All previous BMW concepts were based on existing production models, so the same is expected in the case of this car. It will have an elegant sporty design created for driving pleasure.
The secret concept won’t be the only one to be unveiled in May. At the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, BMW’s M sports division will also premiere a new high-performance car. It certainly won’t be the M2 Dakar that the company announced as an April Fool’s joke, and many believe it will be the long-awaited M2 CS.
Anyway, May is approaching and we expect a lot of exciting news from BMW.
After expanding its fleet a few years ago with the new family-friendly Austral, Renault has decided to launch a refreshed version of this model. The new Austral is Renault’s compact SUV that brings a visual change but also greater passenger comfort compared to the current model.
The design changes are inspired by the Rafale model, and include a new front end, a new hood, a new multi-angled radiator grille with the Renault logo, narrow headlights, while the DRL lights in the shape of an airplane wing are located in the bumper. The rear lights are smaller despite the trend of long light lines.
The cabin features more ergonomic seats with additional cushions, a 12.3-inch dashboard and a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which will be familiar to anyone who has been behind the wheel of the current SUV. However, more apps are available via Google’s media system.
“Renault Austral has a key role to play in our C-segment market offensive. Unique on the market, it is a compact car that thinks big, with the exceptional interior space provided by the sliding rear seat, the highly efficient full hybrid E-Tech 200 hp powertrain, as well as onboard equipment rivaling higher market segments with 4Control Advanced, driver recognition with automatic profile loading and OpenR Link with Google built-in. Ultra-versatile and even more desirable with its contemporary looks, New Renault Austral has all the qualities to reach even more buyers,” said Bruno Vanel, VP Product Performance, Renault Brand.
When it comes to the powertrain, the Austral is powered by a 1.2-L gasoline engine combined with electric motors, with a total power of 200 hp, paired with a clutchless multi-mode automatic gearbox. Outside France, the range also includes a 1.3-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine (160 hp) assisted by a starter-alternator, and a 12V lithium-ion battery mated to a CVT-type automatic gearbox.
Renault claims that the new Austral is quieter thanks to the Alpine equipment package, which includes laminated glass for the front doors, which further reduces noise, and new engine mounts that reduce vibrations in the cabin.
South Korean brand Genesis has revealed its two new concepts, the X Gran Coupe and X Gran Convertible. Both models are based on the G90 road-going model, which will be offered as a coupe and convertible.
“Genesis is committed to providing unique value to more than 1.3 million customers worldwide. We aim to use this opportunity as a launch pad for the new decade, to showcase models that embody Genesis’ pursuit of high-performance technology and future luxury design,” said Genesis global head Mike Song.
Both models are reminiscent of the X Speedium and X Convertible that we saw a few years ago. Compared to the G90, both models have Two-Line headlights, a 3D front grille, more sloping windshields, wider fenders and slightly longer beltlines. At the rear are two LED light bars and rectangular exhaust tips. Overall, the concepts look elegant, and many are hoping that we’ll see production versions soon, although Genesis hasn’t commented on the matter.
When it comes to the interior, the coupe’s cabin is covered in a combination of green and brown, while an olive leaf pattern adorns the door panels. The convertible’s interior is designed differently. It’s inspired by the colors of the grapes used to make Cabernet Sauvignon wine, and is covered in blue leather.
