AutoRAI 2001: the concept cars

A less futuristic design by Nissan is this X-Trail concept, which also debuted at the 2000 Paris Auto Show. It's a modern and relatively compact 4x4 off-road car in which some advanced technology has been fitted.
The main idea behind this car was that it should combine real off-road ability with first class on-road handling and performance. For that a new electronically controlled 4x4 system has been developed, which is combined with an Electronic Stability Program (ESP), a Traction Control System (TCS), ABS with brake assist and a limited slip differential. Added to all this technology is a drive-by-wire throttle control to ensure dynamic safety. With all these sensors and computers working it should be fool-proof; and here I was thinking that 4x4 cars were all about ruggedness and adventure!
The X-Trail is powered by a 4-cylinder 2-litre petrol engine with 16 valves, double overhead camshafts (DOHC) and a compact balancer system. In 2001 Nissan introduces a compact 4x4 very similar to this concept, with even the same model name.

Peugeot has a presented a large number of concepts in this new century, like this 607 Feline. The Feline should be the car "that's always a pleasure". It was introduced at the 2000 Geneva car show and is based on Peugeot's new 607 saloon car.
Most remarkable feature is the heat-insulated bubble roof. The rear window can be removed completely by a simple rotation to make it into a coupé-cabriolet. For entering the car the doors slide almost entirely into the front wings, while the windscreen moves 50 cm forward and the rear window 12.5 cm backward.
The car has a carbon chassis constructed from aircraft type honeycombed panels. A 2946 cc V6 engine is fitted under the long bonnet which turns out 210 hp. It has variable timing at the air intake, four overhead camshafts and 24 valves. A 5-speed manual gearbox is placed in front of the engine.
Maybe this car isn't very realistic but it's a fun styling study and a nice showcase for Peugeot's styling studio. It certainly attracts enough of attention.

At the 2000 Paris Auto Show Peugeot introduced a variety of new cars and concepts, on of which was this Promethee model. Peugeot calls it a rolling laboratory which incorporates technology for tomorrow's cars. It also gave a peek into Peugeots styling cues for models to come, like the 306 model for 2001.
Most remarkable styling feature are the uneven sides: the left side has one big sliding door which can move either forward or backward for letting passengers or driver in. The right side, like shown on the picture, has a conventional door in front and a smaller sliding door at the rear compartment. Apparently this is a safety feature for providing better access to driver and passengers at an accident. Other features are a windscreen which seamlessly goes over into the (partly transparent) roof,  a flat loading space without threshold and with extra storage space underneath and rear seats which fold at a push of a button.
The car is powered by Peugeot's high-pressure direct injection engine which is attached to a particulate filter for cleaning the exhaust fumes. The interior shows the ever present computer display, which also functions as an entertainment center and can be hooked up to a DVD player for playing films. In my opinion not the best looking car, but certainly very functional.

Far more playful are the four "City Toyz" which were also shown at the 2000 Paris Auto Show. These models, all small cars looking almost like go-karts, were there as examples for Peugeot's international design competition on the Internet. Central idea behind these designs was to evoke the pleasure of motoring; in any case they looked cute and drew a lot of attention.
This "Bobslid" model is a 3-seater in which driver and passengers sit behind each other in a row (hence the name) on the left. On the right side there is a large storage area. For entering the car the complete roof and a large part of the sides rotates on an axis on the left side. On the right side also a small door can be opened to access the storage area.
The car is four wheel driven by electro motors. Each wheel is individually powered by ten 500 Watt motors placed around the center of the wheel. Depending on the situation each motor can individually be switched on or off, and so the propulsion power can be varied from 0 to a total of 20 kW. The steering is done by varying the rotation of the wheels (more or less like in a tank), controlled by two "joy-sticks" on a rudder bar between the drivers legs. Quaint, isn't it...

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