Jaguar C-XF concept

Cut to the chase: this concept divides opinions like no other car here in Detroit this week, particularly amongst designers, many of whom are passionate about the brand and all of whom have opinions about where it should be heading. The C-XF concept is Jaguar's teaser for the next S-Type and is a crucial car, not only as a statement of design direction but also for the future of the company itself. Designing a contemporary Jaguar is never an easy task but defining the next big thing for Jaguar's sedan range was always going be the real test for Ian Callum, ever since he took up the post in 1999. The basic recipe here is good: the sportiest bodyside proportion this side of a CLS, a completely contemporary form language that links to the new XK in several key areas [rear fender, the subtle bone line in the body mid-section and the side vent] and a nod to heritage at the front end. It's also good that they're in this priority - too often in the past, it's been the heritage baggage that's led the design. Here, the wide, rectangular grille and hood power bulge both reference the original XJ6 but that's about it in terms of retro design.

Up close, one notices the play of tones and textures and how they enhance the basic forms, which appear a little fuller than in press photos. Chrome and aluminium accents are used, together with a white ceramic finish to the hood and side vents, while the deeply recessed grille has a crinkled diamond texture to it, adding interest. There's also a lovely minimalism and purpose behind the shutlines that is refreshing, especially around the front end.

But, it isn't the showstopper we hoped for and many people commented on the cross-pollination of themes from other Ford Group designs as diverse as the Aston Martin Rapide, Ford Iosis or some recent Lincoln concepts.

Design review coming soon.

Toyota FT-HS concept

The FT-HS 'Hybrid Sports' concept is a bold design direction, unashamedly advanced and challenging yet based on sound principles that many casual observers may have overlooked. In the flesh, the pearl white paint finish shows more fullness in the surfaces and larger radii than in photos, softening the spikeyness of initial impressions. "We came up with the idea of 'subtractive mass' to express the bold and lightweight aims of the concept" explains Jin Won Kim, senior creative designer for the exterior. "For instance, the center of the roof is scooped out, as are areas below the headlamps and rear lamps, to reduce the massive feeling of the body. It's a progression of both our Vibrant Clarity and J-Factor philosophies". Other features that add to this idea of 'subtractive mass' include a scooped-away hood to reveal the hybrid engine, blade-like rear lamps that double-up as a spoiler and beautiful carbon fiber rims. Up close, the design of the five spoke rims is actually composed of three crossover blades that are both ultra-light yet also promote cooling. Rear fender buttresses channel air to the rear-mounted batteries to reduce excessive heat when the high performance is used to the full.

The triangular form of the box flares around the wheels is repeated in the front face and the door glass that extends from the wraparound screen. The box flares themselves give a very anchored look to the side profile, with the apex of the triangle appearing directly over each wheel.

The 'subtractive mass' idea extends into the cockpit where the delta wing IP form is carved away to a minimal form, as are the wraparound racing bucket seats. As a final touch, the rear glass pivots and moves into the trunk allowing the roof panel to slide rearwards and stack on top to allow a fully open cockpit. Overall, this was a most impressive concept that's already a driving prototype and brings a new excitement to the direction of hybrid sports cars.

Nissan Bevel concept

This is an interesting counterpoint to the Ford Airstream concept, also shown at Detroit this week. The two cars have a lot of similarities in that they both explore asymmetry, they reference 1970's avant-garde, both use deeply recessed side windows and have open-plan interiors. Other Ford links continue: the front owes a lot to the Marc Newson 021C while the vertical rear has elements of the Ford SYNus concept with its recessed rear window and full width tailgate. Designed by Nissan Design America (NDA) in California, the Bevel is, nevertheless, an exciting concept in its own right that challenges currently available vehicles such as SUVs and minivans, which emphasize passenger needs and comfort. By contrast, the Bevel's focus is placed strictly on the primary user - male empty-nesters actively engaged in hobbies, recreation and community service. As John Cupit, Design Manager NDA explained to Car Design News "The idea is it's just for one guy, driving alone or maybe with his dog, a kind of toolbox on wheels. A bit selfish as a concept perhaps, but realistic".

The interior continues the asymmetric theme, with a driver's area focused on craftsmanship and the rest focused on utility. It also features a driver's seat with an offset headrest and fold-away seating for a further four passengers. "The aim is that the driver would mainly keep the seats folded and use the twin kerbside doors to access big loads easily. The tailgate has a fold-out perch seat that doubles as a doggy hatch for the kennel behind the driver" explains designer Tim Pilsbury. Driver information is projected onto the vertical firewall below the screen and the drive-by-wire steering and lack of a steering column results in a unit that links the wood-capped pedals to the steering wheel in a neat S-shaped form. Model quality wasn't up to Nissan's usual standards but the ideas displayed are novel.