By Sky Motoring
14 January 2008
Cadillac Provoq
This suspiciously production-ready concept from Cadillac, the Provoq, features the latest incarnation of GM’s E-Flex hydrogen fuel cell. Capable of travelling 300 miles between fill-ups and with a top speed of 100mph, the Provoq exemplifies America’s reluctance to leave their SUVs despite the need to reduce carbon emissions.
Unfortunately GM’s latest attempt at a ‘green’ SUV has provoked (should that be provoqed?) accusations of ‘greenwash’ as it features an engine bay that’s perfectly shaped for a great big petrol engine for when production starts.
Mazda Furai
Another motorshow, another crazy Mazda concept car. When the automotive world around it seems happy to display thinly disguised production cars labelled as ‘concepts’, Mazda continues to furrow the show-stopping, dream car path.
The latest addition to its growing collection of ‘Nagare’ creations, the Furai (Japanese for ‘sound of the wind’) is set to be unveiled at the upcoming Detroit Motorshow. “Nagare is flow, with an insightful and spirited styling,” explains Franz von Holzhausen, Mazda’s North American director of design. “The Furai, invokes a raw, unfettered desire to possess everything this car represents.”
Inspired by the fact that there are more Mazdas racing cars in action on circuits across the US than any other brand, the Furai is based on an American Le Mans Series racing car, complete with 450bhp, triple-rotor, Wankel engine (no sniggers please).
NEXT PAGE>>>