Strange vehicle: Volvo Gravity Car

Volvo's Extreme Gravity Car is a radical styling exercise for the company. Volvo, more commonly associated with high quality, if somewhat bland cars has produced some interesting concepts over the recent years.Volvo's gravity car has no propulsion mechanism whatsoever except for the pull of gravity, and the car is constructed from lightweight materials such as aluminium, carbon-fibre and fibreglass giving it an anorexic weight of 15 kgs.

Strange vehicle:Thoroughbred Stallion Trike

The Stallion trike from Thoroughbred Motorsports, a subsidiary of trike converters Motor Trike, features a frame and suspension designed completely in-house by Motor Trike engineers, and a 2.3-liter Ford four-cylinder engine. The hand laid fiberglass body can be painted in 1 of 5 colors, black, red, cherry, silver or white.The Stallions engine produces 150 horsepower and 160 ft/lbs of torque, that translates to a power-to-weight ratio rivaling a Corvette. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a 5 speed automatic transmission (with reverse), while steering control is handled by a steering wheel - rather than handlebars.

Strange vehicle: Blastolene Special 'Tank Car'

The Blastolene Special, built by Randy Grubb, is powered by a 29 litre WWII M47 Patton tank engine, hence the name, obviously.This gigantic engine puts out 1600 bhp @ 2800 rpm and 1600 ft lbs of torque at 2400 rpm. All this power is run through an Allison HD4060 6 speed automatic gearbox, giving the 9 tonne Tank Car a 0-60 sprint time of 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 140 mph.

Strange vehicle: I.D.E.A. KAZ

The I.D.E.A KAZ was a luxury limousine concept from 2001. The KAZ, Keio Advanced Zero-emission vehicle, has a total of 8 wheels, 6 of which are involved in turning. Each of the KAZ's 8 wheels is powered by its own electric motor - hence the zero emissions.Unfortunately, whereas most luxury vehicles have names which evoke a sense of prestige and quality, the I.D.E.A KAZ sounds more like an electronic gadget.

Strange vehicle: Batmobile (Batman Begins)

During the filming of 'Batman Begins' the movie makers used 8 different Batmobile's, four of which were drivable and surprisingly rapid. The Batmobiles were powered using 340 horsepower GM 350 V8's giving them a 0-60 time of around 5.3 seconds and a theoretical top speed of 220 miles per hour. The design is based on a cross between a Lamborghini Countach and a Humvee. The designer actually bought an airfix model of both the Countach and Humvee and played around with the models until the desired look was achived.

Concept Car: Dodge Tomahawk

The insane potential widowmaker Dodge conceived and subsequently named the Tomahawk was first seen in 2003 at the Detroit Auto Show. The bike is powered by the same 500 hp 8.3 litre V-10 found in the legendary Viper, and is capable of propelling the concept up to 300 mph+, theoretically. However in practice the poor aerodynamics of the bike would cause it to become unstable at high speeds and it would be suicidal to try.Dodge produced the Tomahawk concept to hammer home its power orientated design philosophy, which encompasses cars such as the Viper, Magnum SRT-8 and Hemi Super 8 among others, it was never intended for mass production.n.

Strange vehicle: Mercedes F 300 Life-Jet

The Mercedes F 300 Life-Jet was first shown back in 1997 at the 57th Frankfurt International Motor Show. The Life-Jet incorporates an active tilt control system allowing the front wheels and body of the tandem two-seater to lean into corners. This means the F 300 Life-Jet can attain cornering speeds similar to those of a motorbike.The active tilt control also increases the overall ride comfort for the passengers by moving the cornering forces to a central, vertical axis, rather than a sideways force. As well as looking like great fun.

Strange vehicles: Tango T600

At 39 inches the Tango is 5 inches narrower than a Honda Gold Wing motorcycle. The Tango T600, costing $85,000 USD (!), is a two seat luxury, high performance vehicle with a carbon fibre body, race-tuned suspension, Connolly leather interior, and a 400-watt stereo. With 1,000 ft lbs of torque coming from two electric motors driving the rear wheels, the T600 can reach 60 MPH in 4 seconds and a top speed of 150 mph.

Strange vehicle: Jeep Hurricane

The Jeep Hurricane's one-piece body is composed largely of light-weight carbon fiber. The Hurricane’s body also serves as the chassis, and all of the vehicle's components such as the engine's (yes there's two!), transmission, and suspension system are mounted directly to the body. The skid plate is an aluminum spine that connects the chassis to the underside of the vehicle. The Hurricane doesn’t have side doors or a roof, and there is only seating for two people.

Concept Cars: Lexus LF-A (2007)

A Lexus LF-A concept was first revealed back in 2005, but was revived with alterations for 2007 at the Detroit Motor Show.The Lexus LF-A is a high performance supercar concept powered by a mid-front mounted 500 horsepower V10 engine.As with all recent Lexus vehicles, the styling of the 2007 LF-A is rooted in a design direction called L-finesse. The concept of L-finesse was used to shape and detail the original LF-A of 2005, and it was used to reshape, redetail and redefine the latest version.

Strange vehicle: Lexus

It is a high performance two-seater sports car projection for the year 2054.This futuristic car has a strong muscular design theme, with extreme cab-forward seating, and wheels spaced out to each corner, and proportions so unusual that at first glance it's hard to tell the front from the rear. This is Lexus' vision of sports cars of the future.Cool features of the Minority Report Lexus include a 'heads up' display with night vision an organic recognition, dent-resistant carbon composite body panels, laser guided cruise control, body conforming bucket seats with automatic heating and cooling, voice and gesture controled computer system, rear view video camera, retractable solar body panels for recharging and interior climate control during parking.

Concept Cars: Toyota Volta

Toyota's design collaboration with Italdesign produced the hybrid sports coupe the Alessandro Volta. The car is powered by twin electric motors and a 3.3 litre V6 petrol engine. The layout of the drive systems with the V6 behind the rear axle, and one electric motor behind the cockpit and the other driving the front wheels gives the Volta a flat floor and a spacious cabin capable of seating three.The Volta's steering, braking and throttle are all electronically controlled by 'drive-by-wire' technology.

Concept Cars: Toyota Hybrid-X

Toyota presented the Hybrid-X concept at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show – a concept car that proposes a new design language for hybrid models, while also acting as an innovative technology showcase for future generation hybrid cars.The Toyota Hybrid-X is designed as a four door, four seat open-space concept. It has the dimensions of a conventional family car with an overall length of 4,500mm and wheelbase of 2,800mm. The width is 1,850mm and height 1,440mm.

Concept Cars: Toyota IQ

The Toyota IQ concept was created at ED2, Toyota's advanced European design studio in the south of France. The IQ concept was revealed at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show.Managing officer of Toyota Motor Corporation's Design activities, Wahei Hirai, says of the vehicle: "The IQ concept is designed to reflect and enhance the lifestyle of its owners. In an urban environment, people want to express themselves through dynamic and on-the-edge design, but at the same time rational factors such as size, functionality and CO2 emissions cannot be ignored.

Concept Cars: Toyota RSC (Rugged Sports Coupe)

The Toyota RSC (Rugged Sport Coupe) was designed by CALTY Design Research, Toyota's North American Design Center based in Newport Beach, California, and first shown at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show.The RSC was developed to test the waters regarding a next-generation sports car aimed at the adventurous younger buyer.The RSC's designers were given a great amount of freedom during the project, with a pretty open brief and no designated platform or drivetrain to adhere to. The RSC was a true concept car.

Concept Cars: Toyota RiN

The RiN concept from Toyota is a vehicle which focuses on making the lives of the driver and passengers, and actually everyone around it, more healthy and stress-free.The exterior design of the Toyota RiN is intended to blend into the natural environment. The green glass and organic forms of the headlights, taillights and rear side windows are influenced by a type of tall-growing Japanese tree, the Yakusugi.

Concept Cars: Toyota CS&S

The Toyota CS&S, (CS&S meaning Compact Sports and Specialty) from the 2003 Frankfurt Auto Show, is a 4 wheel drive, mid engine 2+2 sports car. The CS&S is powered by Toyota's Synergy Drive, a hybrid drive system employing an electric motor to drive the front wheels, and a 1.5 litre petrol and an electric motor driving the rear wheels.The CS&S is an attractive open top vehicle with the ability to carry four passengers in style (rare for a hybrid vehicle).

Concept Cars: Daihatsu HVS

The Daihatsu HVS is a hybrid roadster with performance similar to conventional 2-litre engine vehicles while offering excellent fuel economy. The minimal bodywork is attractive and belies the environmentaly-friendly power source. Inside, the cockpit features a wrap-around dashboard and form-fitting seats, provide lateral support. The HVS features a front-mounted hybrid system consisting of a 1.5-litre inline 4-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors

Concept Cars: Honda IMAS

The Honda IMAS from the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show was a concept designed to explore fuel efficient petrol-electric hybrid technology. And like any good hybrid, the IMAS has an impressive fuel economy, capable of traveling 50 miles on 1/2 a gallon of fuel (40km per litre).The IMAS achieves this impressive mpg with the help of a low drag coefficient, just 0.20, and a lightweight body constructed from carbon fibre and aluminium.

Concept Cars: Honda Kiwami

The Honda Kiwami from the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show is a large saloon car with extremely pronounced angular styling. The Kiwami is not a beautiful vehicle in the classic sense, but it is certainly striking. When seen side on it is almost a cross between a Lamborghini murcielago, an MPV and an oriental dinner set.The Kiwami is powered by a Honda hydrogen fuel cell running a DC electric motor. The low slung layout and positioning of the fuel cell drive system gives the Kiwami a low center of gravity and more head room for the passengers

Concept Cars: Acura Advanced Sports Car

The Acura Advanced Sports Car concept which went on show at the 2007 North American International Auto Show provides a preview of the next generation Acura exotic sports car. Or NSX for short (see also the Honda HSC concept).The Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept is designed to incorporate a front-mounted, V10 engine and a new high-performance, version of Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) with bias given to the rear wheels.

Concept Cars: Acura DN-X

The Acura DN-X was revealed at the 2002 New York Auto Show. The Acura DN-X was a mid-engine, all-wheel-drive, four-door sports car concept fitted with highly advanced electrical systems which previewed production technology.The Acura DN-X concept was fitted with a 400 horsepower hybrid powertrain that combines a high-output, 3.5-liter, DOHC, i-VTEC V6 engine driving the rear wheels and an electric Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system that provides additional power to all four wheels.

Concept Cars: Acura Stealth

The Acura Stealth was designed by Alex Chou, a 2008 graduate of the transportation design course at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California.The Stealth was designed to fit under the NSX in Acura's line up based on a shared platform with the Honda S2000. The front-mid engine layout of the Stealth is coupled to Acura's SuperHandling All-wheel Drive system that distributes the optimum amount of torque not only between the front and rear axles but also between the left and right rear wheels.

Concept Cars: Acura 2+1

The Acura 2+1 concept is a creation of designer Leon Paz. The project was done during Paz's internship at Honda R&D Americas, where it was professionally modeled with assistance from Honda employees.

The Acura 2+1 was designed to slot in under the replacement NSX in the company's lineup. It is intended as a "gateway" car for buyers that are interested in the NSX but can't afford the steep price.

Concept Cars: AV Design Forte

The 2007 AV Design Forte from third year Coventry Transport Design student Andrew Varnish is a concept sports coupe inspired by the character of the Auburn, Cord and Duesenberg luxury sports cars of the 1930's.The Forte is a carbon fibre bodied, front-mid engined urban sports car powered by a bio-fueled V8 engine mated to a 6-speed manual, or 5-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. Access to the engine compartment is easy thanks to an aluminium bonnet hinged on both sides and opened from the left or right.

Chevrolet Nomad

The Nomad was a concept car offering from GM first introduced at the 2004 North American International Auto Show. It’s not a sedan, wagon, SUV or any other easily categorisable vehicle. A mix between sports coupe and wagon is probably the closest explanation.A turbocharged Ecotec 2.2-liter 4 cylinder engine powers the Chevrolet Nomad concept, which also features a new Hydra-Matic 5L40-E electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission with finger-operated tap shifting.

Chevrolet SSR

The Chevrolet SSR concept was well received when it was introduced at the 2000 North American International Auto show. The SSR brought Chevrolets' truck design philosophy into the new millennium.

The retro design is reminiscent of the trucks of the 1950s with flared, exaggerated wheel arches which hide 19" wheels up front and 20" wheels at the back. Power for the Chevrolet SSR comes from a 5.3 L 285 hp V8.

Chevrolet Belair

The 2002 Chevrolet Belair concept was a retro design echoing the iconic '57 chevy Bel Air but with modern technology.The Chevrolet Bel Air concept had an all-new, inline 5 cylinder engine with a 'turbo boost' button on the steering wheel. When pushed it increased horsepower by adjusting the timing and fuel calibration.

Chevrolet Corvette Z03

The Chevrolet Corvette Z03 is a design created independently from Chevrolet by Ugur Sahin Design, a company setup in 2007 by Axel van Mourik and Ugur Sahin and based in the Netherlands.One of Ugur Sahin Design's previous concept cars was the Ferrari Dino concept from 2007. But unlike the Dino concept which was never intended to go into production - the Z03 concept is. Ugur Sahin Design hope to get a limited production run of 100 cars underway before the end of 2008.

1953 Chevy Coupe - Pure Gold

Gary "Chopit" Fioto is a self-taught metal artist who has been perfecting his technique since the tender age of 12. Now in his 50s, he has spent more than three quarters of his life creating automotive and motorcycle masterpieces. Gary is a designer who does not use a drawing board, but instead creates show-winning automotive art from images in his mind. His work has been the subject of dozens of magazine feature articles and he has regularly shared the winner's platform with some of the scene's top players. His personal ride, the wild bubbletop dubbed Beatnik, won the big-ticket Go For The Gold award at Darryl Starbird's Tulsa show in February 2006.

1950 Chevrolet Coupe

The word unique gets tossed around pretty casually these days, but it's aptly applied when referring to Larry Johnston's radical '50 Chevy. This is truly a one-of-a-kind custom. Yet despite its singular stature, this car's story will sound all too familiar to many enthusiasts.Larry wasn't even looking for an old car when he stumbled across the Chevy hardtop during a vacation to Iowa a decade ago. "The car was so nice it was unreal," Larry says, and it already had a 327 with dual fours under the hood. Larry and his son, Larry Jr., became the Chevy's third owners when they bought it. After getting the car home to Pennsylvania, all it needed was some polishing and a fresh battery to be ready for the local weekly cruise.