First Look: Toyota FT-86 Convertible

From Edmunds InsideLine: Since rumors are already flying about the possibility of a Toyota FT-86 convertible, we thought we would give you an idea what such a vehicle might look like. Not bad eh?

Supposedly a Toyota official told someone at a Dutch website that the company would build such a vehicle "if there was sufficient demand." Well, given that the FT-86 was the unofficial star of the 2009 Tokyo auto show, we're guessing that an FT-86 convertible would create more than enough demand to justify its existence.

An FT-86 convertible would also do something that an FT-86 coupe probably would not -- that is, lure non-enthusiast buyers who simply want a stylish two-door that gets decent mileage. Makes for a much better business case, and the way Toyota's fortunes are going it could use a few hits.

Autotelegraaf via Autoblog

Click here to view this article.

Kia Cadenza - who put your badge on outside of your grille?

Personal File: KIA has developed a great new design language that is punctuated with its dog-bone grille with a large KIA logo centered inside.

Well maybe not ... I see that KIA released images of the new Cadenza sedan and what happened to the logo? It is sitting up on the hood! What were they thinking? I had to put it back where it belonged ... take a look above.

All source photos copyright original owners

2011 Chrysler Sebring - Mid-cycle Enhancement by way of 200C Concept?

Personal File: Seems the fate of the much maligned Chrysler Sebring and platform mate Dodge Avenger are not as bad as originally reported. According to reports by AutoWeek and AutoBlog, it appears the platform may be getting a much needed mid-cycle enhancement. This MCE will hopefully help boost sales until fresh product (and capital) from Fiat can arrive by 2012.

If this is the case, I certainly hope they will integrate design cues from the stunning 200c concept shown at Detroit. In the spirit of this news, I have rendered what a 2011 Sebring might very much look like if they go in this direction. Updates include revised front clip from 200c, completely reworked profile (removed all Crossfire cues), new wheels, new side door trim from 300c, deletion of c-pillar black plastic triangle, and new chrome ring around the top of the doors

What do you think? Click the image above for a larger view.

All source photos copyright original owners

Here's a fun one - let's call it the BMW Concept M1 Coupe

Personal File: Wow - I just read about the new BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept and I am impressed! Not only is the concept showing off a new diesel-based plug-in hybrid drive system, the concept looks awesome as well! I really like the design language that has been applied and feel it is the appropriate look for the future of BMW.

I wanted to take a stab at applying this design onto an existing and appropriate BMW vehicle in the product stable. What you see above is what I call the Concept M Coupe: based on the M6 with the new design langauge of the Vision Efficient Dynamics.

I think it turned out great. What do you think? Click the image above for a larger view.

All source photos copyright original owners

Thoughts on the Autobot Twins, Skids and Mudflap, from Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Personal File: I'm sure by now you've all heard how well Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen has done overseas and here in America. I was quite excited to go see TF: ROTF so I went with my brother at the first midnight showing. Unfortunately, we left with mixed feelings. One of the major issues we had with the movie was with Autobot twins, Skids and Mudflap.

If you haven't seen the movie yet, I won't spoil any details. However, you've probably heard how the twins are portrayed as racist stereotypes in the movie. I have to agree with this assessment that the jive-talk, gold tooth, and constant play-violence were not necessary for this kind of movie.

In lieu of this and the fact there were actual twins in the G1 Transformers storyline, Sunstreaker and Sidewipe (who was in the movie but was a Corvette concept! - ugh), my brother and I worked up a different vehicle senario. Using two automobiles that are indeed siblings, the Lamborghini Gallardo and the Audi R8, I think the movie could have been much more cohesive and have eliminated the "Jar Jar Binks" effect with the characters.

I've put together a quick chop of what the vehicles might have looked like in car mode and attached their G1 transformations for comparison. What do you think?

All source photos copyright original owners

Lexus IS-F Convertible: BMW M3 Killer Lexus Should Build

From Edmunds InsideLine: DETROIT — Lexus has never been shy about mimicking its competition. And its most recent form of flattery is the introduction of its "F" performance sub-brand. The first salvo is the 416-horsepower IS-F sedan, a direct competitor for compact German sport sedans such as the Audi S4/RS4, BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. Following BMW and Audi's lead, Lexus could produce an F version of its recently unveiled 2010 IS convertible.

True, IS-F sedans aren't exactly flying off of dealer lots; the company has sold 445 from January of this year through June 5. But it has been critically well received and buyers have shown a willingness to pay full price for them. What Lexus is most closely focused on, no doubt, is how direct competitor/inspiration BMW is doing with its M3 convertible.

Click here to view this article.

The new Nissan Maxima headlights - are they serious?

Personal File: As much as I am impressed with Nissan's new design language established with the 370Z and Maxima, I'm not a big fan of the headlight and tail light design. These so called "boomerang" headlights on the Maxima, for example, look completely alien to me. They are so over styled that I cannot appreciate the rest of the vehicle from any front or side angle.

I couldn't resist the urge to remove the "boomerang" hooks and decided to make some improvements. I think the car is much easier on the eye with these adjustments. What do you think?

Original Photo Copyright Nissan Motors Corporation, USA

Save the Camaro: 10 Camaros GM Needs To Build Right Now

From Edmunds StraightLine: Forget about bankruptcy. GM's big problem is the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro. The fools in the Center of Renaissance aren't building enough of them. They need to be cranking out more badass versions of their new red-hot hot rod; like right now. You know, before Obama and the Green Brigade take it away from us.

The Camaro needs saving. Here are my brilliant ideas how to save it.

Click here to view this article.

Should the G8 become the Chevy Camaro SS Sedan?

From Edmunds StraightLine: Yeah, you read that right, Chevrolet Camaro SS Sedan. If there can be a BMW M3 sedan why not a four-door Camaro?

The Camaro and the G8 already share a platform and although their engines aren't exactly the same they're pretty close. Leave the Impala for family duty and keep the rebadged G8 what it should be -- a full fledged sport sedan.

Click here to view this article.

My first digital rendering...

Personal File: My first digital automotive rendering was this Oldsmobile Aurora (circa 1996). I originally cut the car out of a magazine advertisement and then cut out pieces of the middle to find the desired coupe shape. I taped the pieces back together and had a pretty convincing picture.

However, while I was learning digital illustration in college, I wanted to make that coupe picture look more realistic. After scanning the car and working with it in Photoshop, I was pretty pleased with the final result.

It certainly wasn't much, but this little exercise put me in the mindset that I could take any vehicle and turn it into something different. That was a very big step for me as I realized anything was possible if I put in enough effort and time.