Mini Cooper S (1968)

The Mini is a small car that was produced by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) and its successors from 1959 to 2000. The most popular British-made car, it has since been replaced by the New MINI which was launched in 2001. The original is considered an icon of the 1960s, and its space-saving front-wheel-drive layout influenced a generation of car-makers. In the international poll for the award of the world's most influential car of the twentieth century the Mini came second after the Ford Model T.

This revolutionary and distinctive two-door car was designed for BMC by Sir Alec Issigonis (1906–88). It was manufactured at the Longbridge and Cowley plants in the United Kingdom, and later in Australia, Belgium, Chile, Italy, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Uruguay, Venezuela and Yugoslavia. The Mini Mk I had three major updates: The Mk II, the Clubman, and the Mk III, within which were a series of variations including an estate car, a pickup truck, a van, and the Mini Moke — a jeep-like buggy. The Mini Cooper and Cooper "S" were sportier versions that were successful as rally cars — winning the Monte Carlo Rally three times.

Design and development

Designed as project ADO15 (Austin Drawing Office project number 15), the Mini came about because of a fuel crisis. In 1956 as a result of the Suez Crisis, which reduced oil supplies, the United Kingdom saw the re-introduction of petrol rationing. Sales of large cars slumped, and there was a boom in the market for so called bubble cars, which were mainly German in origin. Leonard Lord, the somewhat autocratic head of BMC, decreed that something had to be done and quickly. He laid down some basic design requirements: the car should be contained within a box that measured 10 × 4 × 4 feet (3 × 1.2 × 1.2 m); and the passenger accommodation should occupy six feet (1.8 m) of the 10 foot (3 m) length; and the engine, for reasons of cost, should be an existing unit. Issigonis, who had been working for Alvis, had been recruited back to BMC in 1955 and, with his skills in designing small cars, was a natural for the task. The team that designed the Mini was remarkably small; as well as Issigonis, there was Jack Daniels, who had worked with him on the Morris Minor, Chris Kingham, who had been with him at Alvis, two engineering students and four draughtsmen. Together, by October 1957 they had designed and built the original prototype, which was affectionately named 'The Orange Box' because of its colour.

Hummer H2 Safari Concept (2007)

The HUMMER H2 Safari concept brings a unique, open-air experience to those who want to experience as much of the outdoors as possible when taking their H2 to a favorite wilderness location. A unique, safari-inspired matte olive finish allows sportsman to take the H2 Safari on to the trail and blend in with the scenery. A large, folding canvas roof panel opens up the H2 Safari, too, creating an open-air driving experience. Additional modifications are aimed at enhancing the vehicle's capability and comfort, including a dockable GPS unit.

Hummer H3 Wagon Concept (2008)

Artist Matthew Harrison unveiled his latest project entitled 'Hummer' at the fifth Zoo Art Fair (17-20 October, 2008) - a HUMMER H3 complete with wooden wagon wheels, the iconic installation will be parked on Old Burlington Road, opposite the Royal Academy of Arts for the duration of the fair.

Harrison is exhibiting on behalf of East London gallery, Limoncello, one of 57 under six year old galleries, project spaces, artists' collectives, curatorial groups and publications showcasing works from some of the most exciting art talent in the world.

Harrison has combined the legendary off-road vehicle with 'Wild West' wooden wheels to create a sculpture that is a mixture of art, engineering and motoring. For Harrison, the crux of the 'Hummer' is formed by both its 'being' and its afterlife.

Corin Richards from HUMMER comments: "Similar to HUMMER, this sculpture really is like no other. As well as being built for action, the H3 certainly has a unique, iconic style. We were thrilled to be approached by Matthew and glad to be supporting his work at the Zoo Art Fair."

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

The development goal for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X was to make the car as fast as possible, while also making it as safe to drive as possible. To that end Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X is loaded with the very latest in automotive engineering technology, including the S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) vehicle dynamics control system and the newly developed, power-efficient Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission). Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X is a new-generation high-performance 4WD sedan that allows a new category of driver access to Mitsubishi's dynamic driving experience by underpinning speed with control, security and safety.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X's handsome and aggressive functional design presents an intimidating and exciting aerodynamic exterior suggestive of its superior road performance. This is complemented by a functional interior that encourages the driver to concentrate fully on piloting his machine. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X uses the front end design identity common to all new Mitsubishi Motors sedans (inverted-slant nose with a trapezoidal grille design) first seen on the new Galant Fortis (Mitsubishi Lancer / Lancer EX in overseas markets). As well as shouting loud the aggressive qualities that mark a high performance sports sedan, the front fascia is crafted for optimum aerodynamic performance.

Subaru Impreza WRX (2009)

Subaru is revving up performance and handling in its iconic All-Wheel Drive Subaru Impreza WRX sport compact for 2009, following the debut of the all-new model in 2008. Performance leaps to a higher level in the 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX thanks to a 265 horsepower turbocharged intercooled Boxer engine, retuned suspension and wider, lower-profile summer performance tires. WRX enthusiasts will quickly identify the 2009 models by the ST-type grille and standard Aero Package. The 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX comes with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe (2010)

Hyundai unveiled Genesis Coupe, the new benchmark for attainable 300-horsepower sport coupes, during a press conference at the New York International Auto Show. The 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a purpose-built rear-wheel drive sport coupe featuring two performance-focused engines - a 212-horsepower (est.), 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a range-topping all-aluminum, 306-horsepower (est.), DOHC 3.8-liter V6 engine. Hyundai Genesis Coupe is scheduled to join the Hyundai lineup in the spring of 2009.

Following the introduction earlier this year of the rear-wheel drive Genesis sport sedan, Hyundai Genesis Coupe is Hyundai's most dynamic performance car ever and the second consecutive all-new model introduction from Hyundai appealing directly to the car enthusiast. Hyundai Genesis Coupe uses the same flexible rear-wheel drive architecture originally developed for the Genesis sport sedan.

Opel Ampera (2012)

The revolutionary Opel Ampera celebrated its world premiere at the 79th Geneva Motor Show. General Motors Europe president, Carl-Peter Forster, unveiled the extended-range electric vehicle and announced plans to put the car into production in late 2011.

The Opel Ampera will also be offered with right-hand drive in the United Kingdom by Opel's sister-brand, Vauxhall.

"The Opel Ampera further demonstrates GM's leadership in the electrification of the automobile," said Carl-Peter Forster. "Its ground-breaking Voltec electric propulsion system is the kind of game-changing technology the automotive industry needs to respond to energy and environmental challenges."

The five-door, four-seat Opel Ampera is influenced by Opel's award-winning design language of sculptural artistry meets German precision, incorporating several styling cues from the innovative Flextreme and GTC Concept show cars

"There could not be a more fitting way to celebrate Opel's 110 years of innovation in the car industry than by revealing the Opel Ampera," said Alain Visser, GME Vice President Opel.

The Opel Ampera's wheels are turned electrically at all times and speeds. For journeys up to 60 km (MVEG), it runs on electricity stored in the 16-kWh, lithium-ion battery, and emits zero CO2. When the battery's energy is depleted, electricity from an engine-generator extends the Ampera's range to more than 500 km.