Automotive Trends

Volvo is in the midst of rolling out a stunning range of concept cars to hint at what is coming from the Scandinavian brand in the coming years and this shooting brake style hatch is a good indication of what kind design cues will be applied to the upcoming 2015 XC 90 crossover. We’ll be expecting great things after seeing concepts like this.

Infiniti made a smart decision in rushing out a performance-tuned version of their Q50 sedan for the upcoming auto show circuit. The Eau Rouge version shown in Detroit doesn’t come with specific powertrain info other than hints that forced induction would yield more than 500 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque should it ever reach production. Turns out that’s enough to get us excited! The Q50 has damaged Infiniti’s reputation as a builder of rewarding sport sedans (The G37 of yore) due to the emphasis on drive-by-wire steering technology and other comfort-oriented technologies that dulled the car’s responses. But a seriously tuned version under the IRL subbrand could do a lot to stir up competition in the CTS-V, M5, E63 world of hot-rod sedans. An aggressive body kit and wheel/tire package along with cross drilled brake rotors are enough to set this car apart from standard Q50s even from across the show floor. We say rearrange your priorities to put driving fun back atop the list and build this car as a mea culpa to your fan base.

Audi said their Allroad Shooting Brake concept hints at a future sports car design (probably the TT) but the tech it hides is just as significant a hint. The latest version of the E-Tron powertrain uses a 2.0-liter turbo engine and a 8.8-kw battery pack, which can provide 31 miles of driving before firing up the gas engine and returning an equivalent of 124 mpge. It does this while providing 408 hp and 479 lb-ft of total system torque to all four wheels. Zero to 60 mph happens in 4.6 seconds and the top speed is 155 mph. To us it sounds like Audi might be hinting at an optional TT powertrain here. With numbers like those we’re ok with that.