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26 WHEELS Your Auto Show Event Guide February 2006 FO R D S H E LB Y C O B R A A sneak peek at automotive future AutoShow concept cars hint at the design direction of your By Bill M cLauchlan If you accept the Oxford Dictionary definition, a concept is "an idea, a general notion, the concept of freedom." Shift to the automotive world and that idea or general notion takes shape in physical form as designers and engineers tinker with the concept of freedom to explore new directions in styling and future technology -- heading down design roads that often lead to future production vehicles. The 2006 Canadian International AutoShow once again brings you a series of concepts that combine the latest thinking from many of the auto manufacturers. What you see here are just some of the exciting, intriguing and interesting design ideas that you'll find on what's to come in your automotive future. ing, side vents, low-back seats and ;ing wheel arches make a visceral connection bulging withi Carroll Shelby's original bad boy 427 Cobra. With a 605 hp, 6.4-litre, all-aluminum V10 bolted into a car weighing less than 1360 kg (2,998 lb), this concept adheres to Shelby's famous formula of a "massive motor in a tiny,'lightweight car." Chrysler Firepower This intriguing design uses the Dodge Viper chas sis and suspension system to serve as a showcase for Chrysler's creativity and engineering ability. The exterior and interior design, flush with fine materials and meticulous details, are matched with performance proyidechby a SRT-developed 6.1litre Hemi V8. Driving through a 5-speed AutoStick transmission and massive 20-inch rear wheels, the Firepower can hit'an estimated 280 km/h (174 mph) top speed. The interior is bathed in sumptuous leather accented with maple wood, chrome and piano-black lacquer. All touch surfaces are finished with fine materials for added luxury feel. GM Sequel First GM showed the Autonomy, a marriage of fuel cell propulsion, by-wire controls and a skateboard chassis. Then it delivered the Hy-Wire, a drivable example to prove the abili ty of hydrogen fuel cell use. Now we have the next ste with the GM Sequel. It's the real deal, the first fuel cell vehicle capable of driving over 480 km (300 miles), and this range is for a 5passenger crossover SUV. With the integration of its advanced -- but real -- technology, the Sequel moves us-closer to the hydrogen future. sty ling elements will likely make their way into future Mazda offer ings,but probably not the Senku's massive, poweroperated `flying wing' sliding doors, which open to reveal a sumptuous 2+2 cabin with a two-level sci-fi dash. A new direct-injection version of the RX-8's 13B two-rotor engine, linked to a Mazdadesigned hybrid, provides power. Roof solar panels help charge the battery. Subaru R1e Its Japanese maker calls this concept "the ideal mode of transportation for urbanites who pur sue minimalist lifestyles." As a perfect match for our eco-conscious era, the R le is designed for easy parking urban use, but with a sporty stance that hints at high-grip handling. It uses an electric power unit comprising a high-per formance battery and advanced power control tech nology aimed at caring for the environment. Best of all, the Rle can be recharged from a household electrical outlet. ^ BMW Z4 Coupe Concept Based on the Z4 Roadster, this is one of those design treatments bound for future production, mid-2006 as a matter of fact. With its classic long hood and short deck treatment, this compact crowd-stopper has a balanced look the roadster couldn't pull off. Use of contrast is a key feature: in its `flame surfaced' body panels; the `warmth' of soft leather with the `cold' high-tech look of polished and brushed aluminum interior trim; and dark 19-inch wheels that play against unique, matte silver paintwork that suggests the coupe is sculpt ed from solid aluminum. Ford Mustang GT-R A muscular performer that rekindles the legendary Mustang's road racing glory in a stunning concept that paved the way for Ford's off-the-shelf 2005 Grand Am Cup championship-winning racer. The GT-R features a 440 horsepower "Cammer" crate engine now available to grassroots racers every where. The bright orange car -- inspired by the famous Grabber Orange 1970 Boss Mustang Trans-Am race cars piloted by such legends as Pamelli Jones -- is a technological showcase that reveals how easily a stock Mustang can be trans formed into an affordable competitive option. Chevrolet Cam aro Concept The long hood, short deck and wide stance of the Camaro Concept leave no doubt that this is a seri ous performance c'ar. Those looks are backed up by a 400 hp small-block, aluminum V8 with fuelefficient Displacement on Demand.iechnology mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Its styling embodies the performance and passion that has made first-generation Camaros among the most sought-after collector cars. Rumours are this con cept could surface as a 2007 or '08 rival for Ford's Mustang and the Dodge Challenger. Suzuki PX Visually, the PX makes a bold statement redolent with overtones of the classic Airstream trailer. But underneath its industrial retro look lurks Suzuki's everyday Grand Vitara platform. This 6-seat SUV sits on a 2,997 mm (118.0 in) wheelbase, propped up by 20-inch rims and tires placed at the comers for a great stance. The PX's power supply comes from a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine. Inside are three rows of comfy Recaro seats and opulent fittings adorned with all the chrome, leather and electronic gadgets one can think of. Since Suzuki has no minivan in its portfolio, it's a pity there are no plans for a production PX. Chrysler Akino A unique one-box theme that certainly turns heads, this 5-seat "living room on wheels" has a single door on the driver's side and two on the passenger side that open in opposite directions. An armchair like front passenger seat swivels 180 degrees to face a sofa-style rear seat for a club-type atmosphere. Interior materials feature natural and recyclable syn thetic fabrics, while the exterior features side glass that has an unusual graphic breakup and rear glass specially coated for privacy and a sense of comfort. Ford Shelby Cobra Concept This evocative design not only brings, bonafide performance credentials but a level of feasibility close to production state. Clean body lines hide a sophisticated aluminum space frame adapted from the Ford GT. Cues like the massive grille open Saturn Aura What you're looking at here is an all-new mid size sedan that clearly communicates a new, dynamic design language for Saturn. Its lines are fluid, muscular and powerful with sculpted sur faces and flowing horizontal lines that create a dramatic feel. The Aura's front end, dominated by a strong, bold and beautifully detailed headlamp treatment, signals the new face of future Saturn models.The instrumentation is the showpiece of the Aura's interior, with highly refined details and precise LED backlighting. Volkswagen Touareg R GT Fresh from an appearance at the SEMA show, VW's twin-turbo Touareg R GT is an example of what can be done with aftermarket help. This wellbred urban cruiser is basically a stock 2005 Touareg improved with a body kit, special paint and custom-built 22-inch Avus aluminum wheels. Under its hood is a 500 hp HPA-built twin-tur bocharged V6, augmented by special chassis enhancements, a KW three-way coilover suspen sion and high-performance braking system from Brembo. A suitably sporty interior rounds out this luxurious limousine for track-day fun. Mazda Senku First seen at the recent Tokyo Motor Show, the Senku makes its North American debut at the CIAS. Mazda has gone all out with this epic 4-seat rotary hybrid sports coupe concept. Some