January 11, 2006

By ALAN OLDFIELD / Special to KGW-TV (Portland, Ore.)

Concept cars might not make it to production status, but they can offer insight into design elements and features that could show up in future production models. Automakers including Audi, Chrysler, Lincoln and NIssan took the wraps off new concepts at the North American International Auto Show this week. Here's a look at some of the concepts on display.

Audi Roadjet

ALAN OLDFIELD

Audi Roadjet concept

Audi unveiled the Roadjet Concept at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit- a car it describes as a "fastback saloon." The rear hatch might remind some of a station wagon.

Rear seats travel on a set of rails, allowing a child's seat to be installed in the center, behind the second row of seats if needed. This rail system also allows the rear seats to adjust to accommodate convenience features such as a console or even an espresso machine if desired.

Power comes from a 300 horsepower 3.2 liter V-6.

The Roadjet Concept is the first Audi to feature what the company describes as a "sporty, 7-gear Direct Shift Gearbox." The transmission combines the advantages of a 7-speed manual transmission with the convenience of a modern automatic transmission, according to Audi.

Chrysler Imperial

Chrysler Imperial concept

Chrysler's Imperial concept is designed as a potential flagship vehicle for the brand.

It is yet another variation on the popular Chrysler 300 sedan. The Imperial concept is nearly 17 inches longer and six inches taller than the 300, however, affording a great deal more passenger room.

The roof was pulled rearward to enlarge the cabin, and passengers sit nearly seven inches higher than in the 300.

The Imperial concept draws inspiration from the classic Imperials of the 1950s and 1960s. Striking design features include a boat tail rear end, and suicide doors (rear passenger doors hinged at the back).

Chrysler's popular Hemi V-8 powers the Imperial with 340 horsepower. Top speed is 160 miles per hour.

Honda Fit

ALAN OLDFIELD

Honda Fit concept

Honda's all-new 2007 Fit is part of a parade of new small cars unveiled at the 2006 North American International Auto Show.

The subcompact hatchback is set to go on sale in the United States in April. The Fit already is a hot seller for Honda in Europe, and the company says it will bring best-in-class features to the segment in the United States.

Power comes from a 109 horsepower, 1.5 liter 4 cylinder VTEC engine. Buyers can choose a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic.

A sport model offers wheel-mounted paddle shifters for its automatic transmission and a 160-watt, six-speaker audio system.

Fit has more than 90 cubic feet of interior space and offers multiple seating and cargo configurations.

Lincoln MKS sedan

ALAN OLDFIELD

Lincoln MKS concept

The MKS sedan foreshadows what is likely to be Lincoln's next flagship sedam.

This full-size concept sports many of the same features found on the MKX crossover, also shown at the 2006 NAIAS. Features incude adaptive headlights that turn in the direction the car is steering. The MKS also is Lincoln's first car produced with factory-standard 20-inch wheels.

Features include a 315 hp V-8, with a 6 speed transmission and all-wheel drive. 

No production date has been set.

Lincoln MKX

ALAN OLDFIELD

Lincoln MKX concept

Lincoln has the Lexus RX300 squarely in its sights with the MKX.

The MKS, which goes on sale later this year, is among the first luxury crossovers from a domestic automaker. The Lexus RX300 was the first luxury crossover and has been the leading seller in the segment since its debut.

The MKS features a number of luxury and convenience features uncommon on crossovers, including adaptive headlights that move with the steering, a panoramic glass roof and heated rear seats.

Power comes from a 3.5 liter engine coupled to a six-speed transmission and a fully independent suspension. The MKS comes standard with 18-inch wheels and tires.

The available DVD navigation system features a 6.5-inch wide screen and text-to-speech technology that plays travel directions in English, Spanish or French.

Nissan Urge

ALAN OLDFIELD

Nissan Urge concept

The Urge is a sports-car concept from Nissan, which describes it as "bare, exposed, agile, yet filled with safety and technology features."

Motorcycles inspired the minimalist design, according to Nissan. Materials used in the car include aluminum and carbon-fiber composite.

One of the unique features of Urge is its built-in Xbox 360 gaming system.

Urge offers flexible seating that can accommodate a driver and one or two passengers. A third "alpha" seat can be fitted behind the two front passengers.

Nissan envisions a production version with a "quick, high-revving engine and a six-speed transmission."

Volvo C30 Design

Volvo C30 concept

Volvo calls the C30 Design Concept the "smaller Volvo."

It provides a strong indication of what the new production C30 will look like at its unveiling in Paris in September of this year.

Curves are the primary design element for this concept. Well-defined wheel arches and sloping roofline give it a fast silhouette, emphasizing the "extreme boat shape of the glasshouse," the company says. The curves are enhanced by a horseshoe-shaped taillight pattern and a glass tailgate.

This two-door, four-seat concept comes in two colors – Quite White and Very Bronze.

Power comes from an inline five-cylinder, 2.5 liter turbocharged engine that makes 260 horsepower.