Mitsubishi CS Design Concept for a Sporty-Looking Colt Replacement by Gábor Farkas

What you see here is a very well executed and almost production ready-looking concept study penned as a replacement for the Mitsubishi Colt supermini, which was sent to Carscoop by independent designer Gábor Farkas. Called the Mitsubishi CS, the Ford Fiesta-sized concept model blends select styling cues from the Japanese brand's most recent models such as the Lancer's so-called shark nose with an aggressive body shape boasting curvalicious details.

Gábor's more production, less concept approach is continued in the interior which is partially inspired by the Outlander Sport (called ASX in Europe and RVR in Japan).

Here's what Gábor Farkas had to say about his creation:

"During the winter holiday I had some time to speculate and this is how I imagine a Colt successor that Mitsubishi fans could like. When designing the conceptCS, the main goal was to summon the spirit of its ancestors. The design concept revives the Colt CA (92-96) with a touch of the C50 (88-92) model at the front, wrapped in Mitsubishi's new jet-fighter design language. The interior is similar to that of the Outlander Sport/ASX/RVR."

Designer: Gábor Farkas

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Hyundai Launches First 4-D Commercial for New Azera Sedan

Hyundai is banking on the latest film technologies to promote its new Azera sedan, at least on its home turf. The automaker released a new advertisement for the mid-size saloon, which is named Grandeur in its home market, in select 4-D and 3-D movie theaters in South Korea.

For the creation of the advertisement, Hyundai turned to the makers of the Avatar movie. Even though this is not evident in the 2-D version of the advert seen in the video below, the 4-D movie shown in theaters combined a 3-D film with special physical effects such as vibrating seats, wind and steam which occur in synchronization with the film.

We'll have to wait and see if Hyundai will make use of the 4-D commercial for the North American version of the car when it arrives in the market later this year.

Hat tip goes to Jinhwan!

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Tata Nano Sales Rose by 1,136% in December

In an effort to boost sales of its US$2,900 Nano micro car, India's Tata extended the warranty and offered easier financing in December, while it also launched a new advertising campaign that included a TV spot.

It turns out that this was a smart move, as sales of the Nano spiked reaching 5,784 units, which represents a 1,136% increase over the 509 units the company shifted a month earlier. This is still below the 9,000 monthly sales record achieved in July, but it seems that the Nano is back with a vengeance for 2011.

The warranty has been extended to four years or 60,000 km (37,282 miles) and clients can opt for a US$2 monthly maintenance option, which, coupled with the opening of new sales points and the upcoming nationwide distribution plan, should keep the momentum going.

“Tata Motors is now focusing on the Nano because its reputation is riding on it”, said Umesh Karne, a Mumbai-based analyst with BRICS Securities Ltd., who has a “buy” rating on the stock. “Measures such as easy financing and the maintenance offer have reassured customers”.

Last but not least, the Indian maker also promised to retrofit all Nanos with revamped exhaust and electrical systems in order to prevent more cars bursting into flames.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Bloomberg

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2012 Ford Focus Electric Teaser Photos Released Ahead of CES

We've known for quite some time now that Ford is preparing an all-electric version of its latest generation Focus subcompact, but the Detroit automaker released a set of cropped teaser images showing the car's plug-in port located on the front fender on its Facebook page today. The company also noted that it will have "big news" about the Focus EV at this week's 2011 Consumers Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Here's FoMoCo's statement: "On Friday at 11 AM PST, CEO Alan Mulally will have big news from the 2011 International CES in Las Vegas. We'll broadcast his keynote address on a Livestream tab on this page and have exclusive technology news every hour leading up to his address."

According to a previous announcements from Ford, the all-new Focus Electric will make its market debut in late 2011 in the U.S. and 2012 in Europe. The new model will be built at Ford’s retooled Michigan Assembly Plant and have an expected range of up to 100 miles or 160km.

The Focus Electric is one of five electrified vehicles Ford is planning to release over the next three years. In addition to the Focus Electric, the company will introduce the Transit Connect Electric small commercial van in late 2010, followed by two next-generation hybrid electric vehicles, as well as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle in North America in 2012 and Europe in 2013.

Source: Ford Facebook

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