Hot Wheels Darth Vader Car

What do you get if you cross one of the most evil empires the universe has ever seen, with a fictional character from Star Wars? The answer is this; the Hot Wheels Darth Vader Car.  I kid of course, Mattel isn’t all that bad, it’s been a full seven years since they accidentally tried to poison children with outsourced Chinese-made toys coated in paint which contained 180 times the acceptable limit of lead.

The timing of the release of the Darth Vader Car, along with more Hot Wheels Star Wars vehicles and playsets isn’t just random either. They arrive ahead of the new Star Wars movie which is due out in 2015. But what makes the Darth Vader car the stand-out vehicle of the bunch is the fact that as well as the 1:64 scale model – which comes with its own lightsaber-inspired collectors care and commemorative box – Hot Wheels actually built a full-size fully functional version of the car.

Unveiled at the San Diego Comic-Con, the Hot Wheels Darth Vader Car is based on a C5 Corvette and powered by a V8 engine producing 526 horsepower driving the rear wheels. It features a back-lit side-exit exhaust, blatantly obvious Darth Vader helmet inspired styling, custom wheels and carbon fiber bodywork. Access to the interior of the car is via the rear-hinged clamshell roof.

Interestingly Hot Wheels also say the car features “heavy breathing sounds from the Sith Lord himself”. Which makes it sound more like he has asthma than anything else.

The limited edition model costs $40. It is only officially available from the Mattel stand at the San Diego Comic-Con. The life-size version was probably a little more expensive – although it’ll probably still be cheaper than the models which will go up on eBay in the next few days

Aston Martin confirms Lagonda super saloon

Aston Martin has today confirmed what most automotive industry analysts and news outlets already knew, that the Lagonda name is coming back, and that it’ll be mounted on the back of an all-new ultra luxurious super saloon.

The Aston Martin Lagonda saloon will be based on the company’s versatile VH architecture which underpins their current lineup of vehicles – excluding the One-77. The car will be produced in a limited series, and rather frustratingly, it will be exclusively offered in only the Middle East market – or more specifically the United Arab Emirates. Whether Aston Martin decide the other markets are worthy of receiving the car in the future is yet to be decided.

The car will be offered for sale by invitation only, ensuring that only the wealthiest and discerning ofplutocrats car collectors can take ownership of the new Lagonda.

The car will be built at Aston Martin’s production facility in Warwickshire, England by a team of dedicated craftsmen working  in the same building previously used to create the One-77 supercar.

Aside from the official announcement of the new Lagonda, and the specific market it will be sold in, Aston Martin have not revealed any details regarding the car’s specifications, equipment or price.

Vote: Classic face-off – Luxury barges from the past

Classic face-off is a feature where we show you a couple of similarly priced classic cars from the same era, and you vote for the one you find most appealing.

In this round we have a couple of vehicles which at some point in their lives could have been described as fine luxury automobiles. Now however they could euphemistically described as “fixer-uppers”. Just over a decade separates their production dates, although perhaps surprisingly its the older car which seems to have had an easier life. One is a finely honed German machine, the other was cobbled together by Englishmen toiling away with hand tools and overcoats. Both of them offer character by the bucketload.

First up we have a 1968 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. This is a six-cylinder model with 111,000 miles on the clock. It’s  been repainted, changed from cream to a maroonish brown color. It doesn’t look to be the best paint job in the world as the door jams and engine bay still display the original color. Surprisingly the interior looks to be in good condition and more or less complete, the rear seats in particular look immaculate. The seller says it was bought as a parts car, but in the end they decided it was too good to break up. The engine runs – but only when its force-fed directly through the carbs. It comes with many new parts, including new tires, belts, hoses, water pump, points, plugs and wires. The price is $2,500.

Up against the Merc is none other than a Rolls Royce! In this case a rather sorry-looking 1979 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow. It’s clearly not in the same “well used” condition as the Mercedes. It sits more in the “used to within an inch of its life” category. The car is lumbered with a salvage title, and has minor damage to the trunk and body, as well as some rust. It’s also missing numerous trim elements, including the trademark grille and Spirit of Ecstasy figure. Aside from the cosmetic deficiencies, it also requires electrical work, new brakes, and engine work – happily it sounds like the engine still runs, but unfortunately it makes a knocking noise. But at $2,500 for a genuine Rolls Royce, what do you expect? 

McLaren P1 GTR, more details and debut date announced

Last month McLaren revealed they were working on an even higher-performance track-focused version of the P1 supercar. Now they’ve revealed a few more details regarding the car, as well as announcing when and where it will make its world debut.

As stated before, the P1 GTR will be offered alongside a fully comprehensive owners program, which includes driving events, training and vehicle support. P1 GTR owners will also have access to some of the resources used to help train up McLaren’s successful F1 drivers.

To accompany the latest announcement, McLaren revealed a sketch showing the car from the rear 3/4 angle. The image shows a car with significantly revised bodywork, including redesigned side air intakes, a much more aggressive rear bumper/diffuser assembly, and an enormous rear spoiler. Using the new sketch as a starting point, we’ve amended our previous photoshop of the P1 GTR to include changes.

The P1 GTR will be revealed in two separate stages at the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The first glimpse of the car will be during an exclusive preview at the McLaren Brand Center on the 18th Fairway at the Pebble Beach Lodge at 18.00 EST on Friday 15 August. Afterward the car will make its public debut on the Pebble Beach Concept Lawn over the course of the weekend.

Fiat 500L concept inspired by Vans and surfing

At the 2014 Vans US Open of Surfing competition – which takes place from July 26 to August 3 in Huntington Beach, California – Fiat will be displaying a concept version of the 500L which is inspired by Vans footwear and also the surfing scene.

The Vans Fiat 500L concept features a new front bumper and grille assembly complete with four round LED driving lights. It also has two-tone blue and white paintwork set above the dark grey ruggedized wheel arches and matching dark grey alloy wheels. The roof features a check pattern and is fitted with a roof rack for hauling kit – in this case surfing and kite surfing paraphernalia.

On the inside the Fiat 500L Vans concept has been livened up with the addition of hundreds of Vans stickers strategically applied to parts of the dashboard to create a “sticker bomb” effect. The seats have been upholstered in the same sort of canvas material used to create Vans shoes, and the trademark waffle tread pattern has been used for the pedals.

Napier-Railton Revival Concept

The original one-of-a-kind Napier-Railton was a beast of a car. Built in 1933 by Reid Railton for the British racing driver John Cobb, the Napier-Railton was powered by a 24-litre aircraft engine which produced 580 horsepower. The transmission was a three-speed non-synchromesh manual gearbox which sent power to the rear wheels. Interestingly the car only had brakes on the rear wheels, despite the fact it has a 168 mph top speed!

From 1933 to 1947 the Napier-Railton broke no less than 47 World speed records. The car is currently owned by the Brooklands Museum, and it is kept in perfect running order.

Obviously a car of such historic importance and prestige is a worthy of a futuristic homage, and clearly that’s what Detroit-based designer Colin Murach thought when he came up with the Napier-Railton Revival concept.

Designed for the year 2033, the concept uses the same aircraft-inspired technology of the original car. Murach sees his concept as not just a car, but also quite literally a trophy vehicle. In a fictitious air-race series, the car – minus the engine – would be presented to the victor. The engine from the winning aircraft would then be transplanted into the Napier-Railton Revival to make it a complete vehicle.

Styling influences for the Napier-Railton Revival concept include the iconic Supermarine Spitfire WW2 fighter aircraft, luxury watches and of course the original car.

Maserati BiTurbo rendered for the 21st Century

The Maserati BiTurbo of the 1980s and 1990s was one of the most reviled Maseratis of all times. It was fairly ugly – although revisions throughout its life made it slightly better. It wasn’t particularly powerful for what was supposed to be a luxury Italian sports car, made worse by the fact Italy kept all the best engine options for themselves.

Throughout its life the original Maserati BiTurbo won a number of accolades – for being terrible. In 1984 it was selected as Time Magazine’s worst car of the year. Owners reported numerous electrical problems, and the build quality was poor.

After all that, it seems an odd starting point for world renowned automotive photoshop artist Theophilus Chin to create his compact Maserati render. But times have changed, Maserati have upped their game considerably over the last decade, and a new generation of BiTurbos could help rewrite history regarding the somewhat tainted nameplate.

Polaris Slingshot 3-Wheeler

There are a number of so-called ‘reverse trikes’ or 3-wheelers on the market, including the classically styled Morgan Three Wheeler, the sports car-like Grinnall Scorpion III, F1 car-like Scorpion Prodigy P6, the more motorcycle-like T-REX and the electric-powered Epic EV Torq. At the same time there are also a few yet-to-be-realised projects from major manufacturers, like the Volkswagen GX3 and the Peugeot 20Cup.

And now there’s the Polaris Slingshot. Polaris are better known for their range of quads, snowmobiles and off-road vehicles, as well as their Victory and Indian line of motorcycles. But now, not content with offering vehicles with two wheels, vehicles with four wheels, and vehicles with tracks, they’re splitting the difference and offering a 3-wheeler too.

The Polaris Slingshot is a two-seater with an open cockpit and a motorcycle-like driving experience. It’s powered by a 2.4 litre Ecotec engine connected to a 5-speed manual transmission (with reverse) which drives the single rear wheel via a carbon fiber reinforced belt.

The engine produces 173 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm and 166 ft-lbs of torque @ 4,700 rpm and is cradled within a high-strength steel spaceframe chassis. To reduce weight, the suspension wishbones, rear swingarm and roll-over hoops are all formed from aluminium. The bodywork is formed from lightweight polymer panels.

Curb weight for the base Polaris Slingshot is 1,725 lbs (782 kgs). Or 1,743 lbs (790 kgs) for the Slingshot SL – which comes with larger 18-inch wheels, a rear-view reversing camera, an infotainment console with Bluetooth connectivity, six speakers and a USB port, and distinctive red paintwork. Both models come with ABS brakes, electronic stability control and traction control as standard. Good news for those who don’t appreciate unwanted electronic intervention is that the traction control can be turned on or off with a simple switch.

As the Polaris Slingshot is technically classed as a motorcycle, depending on local legislation it may require a motorcycle endorsement on your license to legally drive it. In addition, helmets are also probably a good idea – even if it’s just to keep your teeth and eyes free from bugs.

In terms of practicality, the Polaris Slingshot scores pretty low. Obviously. But there are some handy lockable and surprisingly spacious storage units behind each seat, the lockable glovebox is handy for smaller items. Comfort wise the Slingshot has adjustable seats upholstered in a waterproof material, as well as a steering wheel which is adjustable for tilt.

Pricing for the Polaris Slingshot is fairly competitive. The base model starts at $19,000, while the SL starts at $24,000. Accessories include a double-bubble windshield kit, infotainment system (standard on the SL), custom iPhone cases and mounts, full vehicle or cockpit covers and an interior LED lighting kit.

Strand Craft V8 Wet Rod luxury PWC

Thinking about it now, it seems odd it’s taken this long for someone to come up with the idea of a luxury, high-class jetski or personal water craft. Generally speaking, if you’re in the market for a PWC, you have the choice between the more difficult to ride but sportier single-person standy-uppy style, or the more common design with anywhere between one to three seats. Generally speaking they’re covered with garish graphics and look like sportsbikes of the water. Nobody, until now, has offered a classy-looking jetski.

The Strand Craft V8 Wet Rod is a 16-feet (4.8 metre) long vessel capable of carrying up to three people. As the name suggests it’s powered by a 5.7 litre V8 engine producing 300 horsepower which is connected to a water jet drive. Top speed of the vehicle is a claimed 65 mph.

The Strand Craft V8 Wet Rod – designed by Kurt Strand – is built around a carbon fiber hull, and features an under-seat ice box as well as a waterproof luggage compartment. Options include a custom-built trailer, a chrome-plated engine dress up kit, wood or carbon fiber inlays, custom paintwork, a sound system and a GPS system.

Prices for the Strand Craft V8 Wet Rod, which is currently still in development, are said to start at $49,000.

Prefix Medusa Roadster SRT Viper Convertible

If you want a brand-new fifth-generation SRT Viper convertible, then you’re out of luck, as it only comes in coupe form. But now Michigan-based automotive engineering and prototype design company Prefix has rectified this by developing their own convertible Viper.

The conversion, called the Medusa Roadster (Manufactured, Engineered, Developed in the USA), costs $35,000 – on top of the price of a brand-new Viper. Prefix say they initially have plans for a run of just 10 cars, each with its own limited edition badge. The Medusa Roadster was debuted at a special event for 500 Viper owners and enthusiasts who were treated to a surprise unveiling of the car.

It’s worth noting that Prefix know exactly what they’re doing when it comes to the SRT Viper, they are in fact one of the companies involved with the manufacture of the production car – the paintwork in particular. So quality as well as fit and finish should be up there with the best.

As well as the convertible roof, the Prefix Medusa comes with “smoked chrome” Medusa badging, color matched X-brace and coil covers and color matched floor mats. Optional extras include custom paint or stripes, bespoke interiors or aftermarket wheels. Buyers will also have the option of meeting with a designer to go through all the options available and build a unique one-of-a-kind car.

Retro Concepts: 1955 Lincoln Indianapolis Exclusive Study

In 1955, Ford’s luxury division, Lincoln, flirted with the idea of building a sports car. The bodywork of the Lincoln Indianapolis Exclusive Study was  developed by the Italian coachbuilding company Boano. It was based on a Ford chassis, and the car’s styling was penned by Gian Paolo Boano, the son of the company’s founder.

The Lincoln Indianapolis was unveiled to the world at the 1955 Turin Motor Show in Italy. It featured aviation-inspired styling, stacked headlights, large lateral air intakes and a streamlined cockpit. It was painted in an extremely eye-catching bright orange hue and topped off with numerous chrome trim elements.

On the inside, the Lincoln Indianapolis concept featured an unusual hidden instrument panel. At the touch of a button a door slid down to reveal the gauges, radio, and heater controls.

Powering the concept is a 341-cubic inch V8 engine producing 200 horsepower connected to a four-speed automatic driving the rear wheels.

Despite Lincoln deciding against putting the Indianapolis into production, the concept still exists, and is in outstanding condition thanks to a complete restoration performed in the early 20oos. The car has changed hands several times since 1955, however its most notable owner was Thomas Kerr, who kept the car in his collection for over 30 years. The concept was sold in 2006 for $1.375 million, and in 2013 it went up for sale again, but failed to find a new home despite a bid of $1.55 million.

Ford Excursion-based JD3 Rockzilla

If you’re a fan of military vehicles you can always go out and buy ex-army stuff. But if you want something a bit different – and especially if you happen to have a Ford Excursion taking up space in the garage – then JD3, an automotive design and fabrication company run by Jeremy Dixon based in Tucson, Arizona can help.

The JD3 Rockzilla is a monster of  a machine. Available in either two or four seat versions, and powered by whatever engine came in the donor Excursion – either diesel or gas, the build time for a Rockzilla is approximately four months. Amazingly, due to the fact all parts are Ford, it can be serviced at any Ford dealership in the US!

Street legal in most states, the JD3 Rockzilla has been designed to cope with mud, sand or rocks. That’s primarily due to the massive 54-inch Micheline off-road tires. Naturally fuel economy isn’ t on a par with a Prius, and when cruising at 75 mph the V10 gasoline powered version gets around 11 MPG.

If this looks like your thing, then start saving. Prices, not including the donor vehicle, start at $50,000. If you just want one off-the-shelf and you let Jeremy source the donor vehicle you’re looking at $75,000. If you want a four-seater version and start adding some options like additional lights, music, heater, winches, lockers, aftermarket axles, rear steer, rock rams then the price could be as much as £150,000.

Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster

What you’re looking at here is the Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster, the fastest series production convertible to leave the Aston Martin factory. Mechanically identical to the V12 Vantage S Coupe, the Roadster uses the same AM28 6.0 litre naturally aspirated V12 engine, a powerplant which produces 565 horsepower and 457 lb-ft (620 Nm) of torque. It allows the car to accelerate from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in just 4.1 seconds, and continue on to a top speed of 201 mph.

Like its hard top sibling, the V12 Vantage S Roadster also uses the same three-mode adaptive damping suspension system which offers Normal, Sport and Track settings. It also employs carbon ceramic brake discs and uses the same ZF Servotronic power assist steering.

The transmission is a seven-speed Sportshift III hydraulically actuated automated manual unit which provides motorsport-style paddle shift changes. It replaces the six-speed manual unit used in the V12 Vantage Roadster, and also weighs 20 kgs (44 lbs) less.

Visually, the car is marked out from its more pedestrian cousins by a redesigned carbon fiber front grille (with either black or titanium silver mesh), a distinctive quartet of hood vents, wider wheel arches, optional lightweight ten-spoke alloy wheels, and an optional graphics package.

The interior of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster features enhanced trim options and optional lightweight carbon fiber seats.

For buyers looking for even more individuality and options, Aston Martin’s Q division can be called in to create bespoke styling elements; including different paint colors, body-colored carbon fiber hood vents, a full carbon fiber center console, black anodized controls, and an upgraded sports steering wheel.

XL Stainless Custom Corvette featuring Morgan-inspired styling

This striking creation is the work of XL Stainless, a Canadian company who specialize in stainless steel fabrication, welding and customisation. This particular car was an in-house project. It wasn’t designed as a pre-production prototype for some small-scale manufacturing run. It’s just a showpiece to demonstrate the company’s skills in working with metal – in this case aluminium.

Based on a rear-ended 1998 Chevrolet Corvette donor vehicle, the car was designed, and built, by the company’s boss, Warren Scaife. Scaife says the styling – specifically the front-end – was inspired by the Morgan LIFEcar 2 concept from 2010. The back end is a bit more of a mystery, although it apparently utilizes Mitsubishi Eclipse rear lights.

Leaving the somewhat controversial styling aside, which by Scaife’s own honest admission isn’t perfect, the XL Stainless custom Corvette is anything but boring. And the fact the bodywork is entirely fabricated from aluminium instead of fiberglass is a testament to the quality of the build. It’s not just a new body though, the car also has a 21-inch longer wheelbase and a wider rear end. Scaife also went to town on the interior, reupholstering it with fine-grade leather from Mercedes-Benz.

The drivetrain too is far from standard. Both the engine and transmission received a full rebuild and were treated to a plethora of off-the-shelf performance parts. The engine in particular benefitted from upgrades, including a stroker kit and a supercharger to boost the power output to an impressive 665 horsepower.

In total Scaife says the car took around 2,500 hours to build, and cost roughtly $80,000. He’s currently using the car to promote his company, while also being careful not to put too many miles on it as it’s also up for sale.

Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG Coupe

Mercedes-Benz have today published all the details regarding their top-of-the-range model in the S-Class Coupe series. Called the S 65 AMG Coupe, the V-12 powered car is visually almost identical to the V8-powered S 63 AMG Coupe model. The tell-tale signs of the additional four cylinders, are a revised front grille, exclusive 20-inch diameter multi-spoke wheels, a larger rear diffuser, and of course the obligatory “V12 Biturbo” badging on the front fenders.

Powering the Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe is a 6.0 litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine, the same unit used in the S 65 AMG Sedan. It pushes out 630 horsepower and 737 lb-ft (1,000 Nm) of torque. The transmission is an AMG SpeedShift PLUS 7G-Tronic semi-automatic with three modes; Controlled Efficiency, Sport and Manual. The car’s top speed is an electronically limited 155 mph, while the 0-62 mph run is completed in just 4.1 seconds.

Aside from the potent engine, one of the S 65 AMG Coupe’s other engineering highlights is the AMG sports suspension, which is based on the company’s Magic Body Control system. The car combines Magic Body Control, Active Body Control and Mercedes-Benz’s Road Surface Scan technology to create a system which actually makes the car lean into corners. Mercedes say the system is not designed to improve cornering speeds, instead it is there to improve comfort. The system detects curves using both a stereo camera behind the windscreen, and an additional lateral acceleration sensor. During cornering the car inclines automatically and continuously, making adjustments in a fraction of a second based on curve radius and vehicle speed.

The Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG Coupe also features speed-sensitive steering with variable steering ratio. Depending on the drive mode selected, the steering is either lighter for more comfort, or heavier for a sportier feel.

The interior of the car offers luxury, style and a wealth of gadgets. The designo AMG Exclusive nappa leather features a diamond-pattern, while the exclusively developed AMG sports seats are designed for comfortable long-distance touring. The new three-spoke sports steering wheel features shift paddles, perforated leather trim and a distinctive metal “AMG” insert on the lower spoke. Standard equipment for the S 65 AMG Coupe includes a head-up display and a touchpad. The Head-up display puts all the vital driving information right in the driver’s sight line by projecting key data onto the windscreen, while the touchpad is an innovative Mercedes-Benz system designed to make operation of secondary functions – like the radio – easier.

Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG Coupe Specifications:

Engine	6.0 litre V12 twin-turbo
Output	630 hp at 4800-5400 rpm
Max. torque	1000 Nm at 2300-4300 rpm
Fuel consumption, NEDC combined	23.7 mpg
CO2 emissions	279 g/km
Acceleration 0-62 mph	4.1 s
Top speed	155 mph

Textron AirLand Scorpion – “Affordable” Military Jet

“Affordable” and “military jet” are not two phrases which are usually used in conjunction. But Textron AirLand Enterprises have just rewritten the rule book when it comes to military jets.

Firstly, as you may or may not know, the US military is still waiting for the Lockheed-Martin F-35  joint strike fighter to be delivered. It has been in development since the early 1990s, and to date is the most expensive military jet program the world has ever seen – currently estimated at $1.0165 trillion overall, and with a unit cost of between $124 million and $156 million depending on specification. The F-35 has been plagued with delays, engineering problems and disgraceful budget increases over the years. And just before it was due to make its international debut this week at the Farborough Airshow in the UK, the entire fleet was grounded while engineers try and figure out what caused one to set alight while sat on the runway.

The other US fighter jet which made its world debut at the Farnborough Show was this, the Textron AirLand Enterprises Scorpion Jet. It has taken less than two years to go from paper to prototype, and has a unit cost of just $20 million. The two aircraft offer very different things, the F-35 is the most advanced jet the world has ever seen is yet to see, and it employs the very latest and most expensive technology available. On the other hand, the Scorpion Jet uses already existing, tried and tested off-the-shelf components from a number of manufacturers.

Adding to the Scorpion Jet’s practicality is the fact it is being built with the might of Textron, the same company which own Cessna, behind it. Many of the aircraft’s components come from the Cessna Citation business jet.

Textron AirLand Enterprises see the Scorpion Jet as unique in the market. As far as brand-new military jets go it’s cheap. It’s also cheap to maintain and operate – costing around $3,000 per flight hour. Compare that to the popular, but aging, F-16 which costs around $18,000 per flight hour, and the saving soon start to add up.

The Scorpion Jet’s designers aren’t aiming to make their aircraft the most capable military jet available, but instead intend to market it to countries who are looking to reduce their military budgets, or want a jet which can easily fulfil most low-end strike missions without costing a fortune to buy or operate.

The roles in which the Scorpion Jet could find itself include; close air support, maritime security, aerospace control alert, advanced jet training, border security, counter narcotics, counter insurgency and monitoring of natural disasters and humanitarian response.

The jet is based around a composite airframe and is powered by two turbofan engines that together produce approximately 8,000 pounds of thrust. It can carry up to 6,200 lbs of ordinance on its external pylons, and also features an internal payload bay which can be configured to carry additional sensors, fuel, cameras or communications modules – up to 3,000 lbs. The aircraft features a duel cockpit layout and incorporates multi-function color displays, dual HUD systems, weather radar, terrain awareness system, and Martin-Baker ejector seats. The aircraft’s top speed is 517 mph, with a range or 2,761 miles and a service ceiling of 45,000 ft.

The next few months will be an interesting time for Textron AirLand Enterprises and the Scorpion Jet as they start to market the aircraft and look for potential buyers. But already the interest seems strong, with several countries already showing interest. And there have even been talks with US defence officials who are said to understand there is a requirement for this type of aircraft.

Perhaps the days of US defence officials handing out blank checks to their cigar-smoking buddies in the defence industry are starting to come to a long-overdue end.

Zombie-proof Maybach Exelero concept

Daimler may have killed off the Maybach brand last year, but this particular Maybach – based on theMaybach Exelero prototype from 2005 – looks like it’s ready to take the fight to the undead.

Created by the Jordanian designer Khaled Alkayed, the Mad Max-worthy Maybach Exelero concept features a range of enhancements which turn it from a 700 horsepower V12-powered luxury coupe, into a battle-ready, gun-toting, armor-plated sinister death machine.

The concept features tank-inspired tracks in place of the rear wheels, dual rear machine guns mounted on robotic arms, thick armor plating for the passenger compartment, a multi-purpose bull-bar up front, protective grilles covering the headlights, and a rocket-launcher and gun thingy bolted to the hood.

Jaguar Virtual Windscreen – the ultimate HUD

Following on from Land Rover’s innovative “Transparent Hood” concept from earlier this year, Jaguar/Land Rover have unveiled a similar concept which could be integrated into future Jaguar models. Unlike the transparent hood, which is primarily designed to assist in extreme off-road situations, the Jaguar Virtual Windscreen is intended to help drivers on the track to get the most out of their car.

The Jaguar Virtual Windscreen offers the driver an augmented reality view of the world by projecting images onto the windscreen which can provide detailed at-a-glance information about the world around them. It can, for example, provide virtual racing lines onto the windscreen and optimum braking points to guide drivers around a particular race track like a pro. It can also create a ‘ghost car’ visualisation to allow drivers to race against themselves on a previous lap, or against other drivers who have uploaded their laps.

In addition to these advanced functions – which have clearly been poached from the gaming industry – the Jaguar Virtual Windscreen would also provide more mundane information, like speed, RPM, gear and timing data like many current HUD systems.

Interestingly, Jaguar say the system is designed to reduce driver distraction. Now I’m not saying it isn’t a clever idea that doesn’t have its uses. But to be fair, I wouldn’t want to share a track with a guy who’s seeing visions of his previous self, while also trying to follow some invisible lines and utilize braking points he hasn’t selected himself.

Getting lost in your own little digital racing world is all fine and good when you’re sat on a sofa. Doing it in the real world while straddling the ragged limit on a track day with others around you is less good.