If Carmakers Made Speedboats, What Would They Look Like?

The answer to the question we posed in the title comes to us in the form of five different conceptual studies, all made by Russian designer Vladimir G. The drawings show proposals for various kind of boats inspired in design by Ferrari, Porsche, Maserati and Bugatti models as well from Mercedes-Benz's SLS AMG Gullwing supercar. Hit the jump to see the complete gallery.

Source: Cardesign

Xenatec Shows Off its "Dream Cars": Bentley SUV, BMW 6-Series Sedan and More

Now that their limited production Maybach 57S Coupe (see here) has made the rounds, here are some of the other proposals from Xenatec. Since the company's specialty is chassis modification (and the necessary body work thereafter), they've got some ideas for a lengthened (and shortened) "dream cars".

Have a look at the gallery below and see what tickles your fancy. The SUV limos are a bit much, but the rag-top conversions don't look too bad (especially the CLS and 300).

Other winners include the standard limo conversions (like the Flying Spur and 300C), while big-time no-no's include that ridiculous 7-Series with the bubble top and the extended R8 and Carrera.

For those of you who thought the Porsche TranSport pickup was interesting, have a look at what Xenatec would do with the Cayenne to create a sport truck. Still want a Porsche truck?

By Phil Alex

Photos: Xenatecgroup

Mercedes-Benz Hexawheel Concept Study

The Mercedes Hexawheel concept asks an interesting question: what if Mercedes (or Smart) tackled mini-off-roading?

Thought up by Siyamak Rouhi Dehkordi, a 35-year-old Mechanical Engineer from Iran, it features an insect-inspired all-wheel-drive platform integrating hydraulic pistons into the frame to help control the car's two halves.

A diesel engine would put power through a "flexible hydraulic power transmission system" to all six wheels.

The concept is 4.8 meters long, split up by twin 0.95 meter wheelbases. It may be a little too funky for production, but it would be awesome to see something like in real concept form.

For an idea of what the Hexawheel could theoretically handle, have a look at some of the pics below.

By Phil Alex

Images: Siyamak Rouhi Dehkord, Via: Carbodydesign

Mercedes CLS Shooting Break Concept: A New Dream Car

Latest in a line of design tangents starting with the CLS, Mercedes will be debuting its Shooting BreakConcept. This is meant to be a closer, more production-ready preview to the next CLS than the FASCINATION. It also rolls on 20's.

First off, the engine is a 3.5 liter V6 previewing the next generation of V-engines from Mercedes that develops 306 horsepower (225 kW) and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm). And that's the least interesting part about the car.

Design-wise, it inherits the SLS's "soft nose" with world-premier dynamic full-LED headlamps, "which for the first time offer all of the regular dynamic light functions using LED technology."

They "feature the Intelligent Light System which has already been tried and tested in Mercedes models with bi-xenon headlamps. Its five light functions - country lights, motorway lights, enhanced fog lights, active curve lights and cornering lights -have been specifically designed for typical driving or weather conditions."

The Shooting Break's oak-lined passenger compartment is cool, as long as you like the Panamera's layout. Its floor is lined with Maybach carpet, which is another step in the right direction.

The compartment is divided by an attractive center console ("with inlaid work: curved Mercedes lettering which harks back to the style of the 1920s"), accenting the 4-passenger seating layout and giving everyone their own private bubble to reside in. Also, it prevents anybody from fooling around back there. Damn kids.

The luggage compartment has funky saddlebags lining its sides for extra storage, adding a unique touch to an already-interesting segment. It even has oak lining the compartment floor; so luxury.

The good news is, if there's enough interest, the Shooting Break could spawn a 5-door variant (call it a CLS Wagon). I say a 3-door would be even cooler.

It's Mercedes' take on the 5-Series GT, a sexy grand tourer that looks the part without needing to break the mold. Frankly, this is what the R-Class should evolve into.

By Phil Alex