Paris Preshow: Lamborghini's 999kg Sesto Elemento Concept Revealed

[Updated with New Images] These are the first full-blown pictures of the concept car Lamborghini has been teasing Ford Explorer-style for a little while now. It's called the Sesto Elemento (Sixth Element) and, according to Carscoop sources, it is powered by the Gallardo Superleggera's 5.2-liter V10.
Riding on center-locking wheels (seen in one of the teasers), the Superleggera's 570-horsepower mill pushes the car to 100km/h (62mph) in 2.5 seconds. That's nearly a second faster than the rocket ship-like Superleggera, all thanks to a massive reduction in weight.
Sant'Agata's newest concept showcases Lamborghini's commitment to reducing weight, and boy howdy does this car get lightened up; the Sesto Elemento weighs in at a featherweight 999 kilograms (no word yet on if that's dry or wet).
Unlike more unique concepts from the past, like the 4-door Estoque and retro Miura, the Sesto Elemento looks more like a Gallardo - Lamborghini's smallest and lightest current model - just drove through a razor-filled car wash. Expect more pics, info, and the announcement of oodles of carbon fiber as soon as its available.

By Phil Alex

Photos via: Lepoint & GTspirit - Kudos to Michaël for the tip!

LA Show 2010: Mercedes BIOME Concept is a Stunner

For this year's Los Angeles Design Challenge, Mercedes-Benz readied the BIOME, a super lightweight and eco-friendly (more than you could ever image...) sports car. It was created by a design team from the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studios in Carlsbad, California. If you read the press release though, you'll probably think that Mercedes is talking about a cucumber and not a car. Don't believe us? Check out this expert:
"[The team] Taking their inspiration from nature, they designed a vehicle which is fully integrated into the ecosystem, from the moment of its creation right through to the end of its service life. The Mercedes-Benz BIOME grows in a completely organic environment from seeds sown in a nursery. Out on the road the car emits pure oxygen, and at the end of its lifespan it can be simply composted or used as building material."
But wait, it gets even better:
"The vehicle is created from two seeds: The interior of theBIOME grows from the DNA in the Mercedes star on the front of the vehicle, while the exterior grows from the star on the rear. To accommodate specific customer requirements, the Mercedes star is genetically engineered in each case, and the vehicle "grows" when the genetic code is combined with the seed capsule. The wheels are grown from four separate seeds."
And now you know why Proposition 19 failed to pass in California...
But humor aside, we must admit, the BIOME is one cool-looking concept study. Kudos to the designers.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

The French Tumbler: Peugeot's EX1 340HP EV Concept Revealed Ahead of Paris Show

As a celebration of the marque's 200th anniversary, Peugeot has created a new concept car called the EX1 that will have its world premiere at the Mondial de l'automobile 2010 in Paris later this month.
Our first though upon seeing the all-electric prototype was that of a futuristic and nifty-looking successor to Batman's Tumbler from the Christopher Nolan films. Peugeot's thoughts are that of an "extreme dream car" which demonstrates the "exciting possibilities for electric power".
The design of the water droplet-shaped body incorporates Peugeot's new design language, as first seen on the SR1 concept car earlier this year and the new production 508 that will also debut in Paris, including the "floating" front grille and flowing contours.
The driver and passenger climb into the cabin through reverse-opening doors that oddly enough, house the bucket seats.
The EX1, which measures 0.90m in height and 1.77m in width, makes use of a monocoque body structure manufactured from a carbon/honeycomb composite to optimize weight and rigidity.
The car's suspension employs a drop link double wishbone arrangement up front and a single "swinging arm" linked to a centrally mounted shock absorber which is connected via a rocker arm at the rear.
The Peugeot EX1's motivation comes from a pair of electric motors, one on each axle, thus offering four-wheel drive. Each electric motor produces a peak output of 125kW, for a combined 250kW or 340HP and 240Nm (177 lbs-ft) of constant torque. Energy is provided by a high-output lithium-ion battery.
Peugeot did not announce performance figures, but the company did say that the EX1 is "capable of lightning acceleration" that can "exceed 1 G of gravitational force."
We'll bring you more news and photos of Peugeot's EX1 sports concept from the Paris Motor Show on September 30.

Peugeot EX1 Sports Concept Gallery