#Concept

BMW introduced its 1-Series Coupe-based Active E electric vehicle at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

BMW will introduce a new electric concept model based on the 1 Series Coupe at the Detroit Auto Show.

Used to highlight the potential of the Microsoft SYNC system found in modern FoMoCo vehicles, the Lincoln C Concept is quite obviously a technology concept and not a production concept – even if it is based on Ford’s global small car platform.

The futuristic SYNC system in the C Concept allows drivers to interact with a computer personality by voice and have the computer perform tasks, such as adding meetings to an address book, making calls and providing you with navigation instructions – essentially things that GM’s onStar already does, although the SYNC system would perform the tasks itself, rather than a person on the other end of the phone.

Most impressively, however, is the fact that the conceptual SYNC system can search the internet for you, find articles or items of interest and even read them to you while you drive.

The C Concept show in Detroit features a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 180hp and 180 ft-lbs of torque, all the while getting 43 miles per gallon on the highway. The transmission on the concept is a dual-clutch system (likes Audi’s DSG system) that is operated by paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

Now if only Ford could produce a car with this engine/drivetrain combo. That would be exciting!

Official release after the jump:

With its debut at the Dubai Motor Show as a “Design Study,” Maybach shocked the world by announcing, shortly afterward, that it would in fact build the 62S Landaulet. This bizarre creation is a genuine limousine (stretching a foot longer than even the Rolls-Royce Phantom) and yet it features a retractable rear roof. This way, passengers can enjoy the sun while the driver can stay focused at the task at hand.

Unveiled at the LA Auto Show, some 25 years after the Swedish company first brought the world a Saab Convertible, the 9-X Air Concept will likely drive the design direction of future 9-3 models.

Looking almost crossover-like, the Volvo S60 Concept is undeniably an embellished version of the S60 that will make it to production for 2010. Volvo is, after all, one of the most conservatively styled manufacturers on the planet.

Other than the obvious design cues, Volvo will introduce several significant updates with the S60 as well as one new industry leading safety feature.

That feature is called “Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake” and what it does is detect when a pedestrian steps out in front of the car. At first it will give the driver a warning and if the driver does not react in time, the vehicle will apply the brakes. At speeds 20 km/h (12.4 mph) and below the system will bring the car to a complete halt. At any other speed, the system will reduce the speed by 20 km/h, which, says Volvo, will reduce the impact force by 75 percent.

The S60 concept will be on display at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, and will showcase a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with direct injection technology. Output is an impressive 180hp.

The production version S60 will have direct injection although we expect there to be a larger powerplant for the North American market. The production S60 will also come with another first for Volvo, a dual-clutch gearbox.

Official press release after the jump: