Lexus RFC Shooting Brake

M Coupe, Reincarnate

The designer and photoshop-master X-Tomi may have just produced the next M Couple (Z3 M Coupe, of course). This concept of a Lexus RC-F Shooting Brake is quite frankly a masterpiece. Integrating the aggressive styling of the standard Lexus with a rakish profile and flared rear fenders, this concept is more than believable-- its downright professional. While Lexus is no fan of wagons (except for their cool but flawed IS300 Sportcross), producing a concept as bold and radical as this could bring a whole new range of active-lifestyle enthusiasts to the brand. 

X-Tomi's design presumably retains all the standard kit of the RF-C, most importantly a front-mounted 5.0L V8 that cranks out 467 horses and 389 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a competent 8-speed automatic. Weight would certainly be an issue for this as Shooting Brake, as the standard coupe begins at a portly two tons. Even with all that mass, the RF-C Shooting Brake would be able to hit sixty in 4.5 seconds and run the quarter mile in about 13 seconds. 

All in all, an RF-C Shooting Brake could be one hell of a gentleman's hot hatch. Let'r Live!

November 23rd, 2014 (Source: X-Tomi)  

Zolland Design Volvo V60 V8 Concept

V8 Volvo Racewagon

Volvo's new V60 estate is inspiring all kinds of encouraging creations. Not only can one now purchase the potent Polestar V60, but Zolland Design has an even more radical take on the rakish wagon. Dispensing with the V60's standard six-cylinder, Zolland shoehorns a transversely-mounted 4.4L V8 from the S80 under the hood. While this mill churns out 311 horsepower and 325lb-ft of torque stock, Zolland claims it would "tune" the eight-pot to produce even more grunt. Requested by an Australian Volvo dealer, it is not surprising that this V60 is designed as a contestant in an Aussie V8 Supercar Series. The press release is mum on other specifications, but its fair to assume all-wheel drive and we can all hope for a slick-shifting 6-speed manual.

In terms of design, this fastback really shines. The two-door layout, classy but aggressive wheels, big brakes, and front and rear spoilers all add to its appeal. In aiming to complete with Audi's S4 Avant, the Zolland V60 certainly offers aggressive looks, but its unclear if this svelte Swede can stack up to the dynamics of the supercharged Audi.

We certainly can't quibble with the sport two-door layout, but beyond the idea of the Supercar Series, the V8 seems superfluous. Sure, everyone loves a V8 growl, but it would add greater weight and reduce weight distribution. Like its target S4 Avant, a boosted six would offer the Zolland greater performance, efficiency, and aftermarket tuning potential. Hell, VW's new Golf R Wagon puts out 300 horsepower from a 2.0L four-banger.

Ultimately, the displacement wars should be confined to the past, when well-meaning but technologically-limited engineers engaged in a narrow-minded arms race. "There's no replacement for displacement" is an idea best abandoned to the 1960s. In the 21st Century, we have triple-supercharger systems, sequential turbos, and torquey electric motors. We have the technology, its time to start using it.

November 21st, 2014 (Source: Zolland Design)

(from Bo Zolland) 2014 Zolland Design Volvo V60 V8 Two Door Estate Concept

Designed at the request of an Australian Volvo dealer who wanted to see what a modern 2 door V60 high performance estate would look like! This design would match up against competitors like the Audi S4. Power is from a tuned version of the V8 used in the Volvo S80. The wheel openings are enlarged by 1.5 centimeters, with the rear wheel opening moved forward for a more harmonious appearance. It also features new front and rear spoilers. This AWD car uses the largest brakes from the XC90.