Mercedes is prepping its lineup for a complete overhaul in the next few years, even for its less than spectacular Viano, which is the passenger version of the Vito commercial panel van. The first generation Viano has been on the market since 2004 and was due for a new look.
At first glance, these first spy images of the Viano look to be a hot AMG version with a raised hood and a bigger grille marking the most grandiose of changes. But, before anyone gets too excited, this is just a mule for the next generation Viano and that raised hood and bigger grille are there to make room for the new engine and cooling systems, which were too big to fit under the old setup.
Expect to see the new Viano/Vito make its public debut in late 2013 or 2014, quite possibly next to a Renault version since Mercedes and Renault are working together on both cars and transporters.
A few years from now, the Nissan NV200 van will become one of the most recognizable vehicles on the planet, thanks to its future role as one of the primary taxis running around one of the most famous cities in the world, New York City.
But that won’t happen until late 2013.
Until then, Nissan will keep rolling out conceptual iterations of their van, beginning with the just-launched e-NV200 Concept, which the Japanese automaker unveiled in all its glory at the 2012 North American International Auto Show.
Taking the same face and color as that of the Nissan Leaf, the e-NV200 Concept is based on the NV200 multi-usage vehicle. It previews what is already expected to be a near-future production version of a full electric vehicle designed to provide businesses or families with flexible, roomy interior space, while achieving a dramatic CO2 footprint reduction.
It doesn’t do much in the way of attractiveness, but considering its clear and unbridled purpose of being an environmentally appeasing ride, we figure we could just focus on its true calling as a spacious zero-emissions ride.
Find out more about the Nissan e-NV200 Concept after the jump.
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Sitting in one corner of the 2012 North American International Auto Show is the Chrysler 700C Concept, an attendee that not a lot of people knew was coming.
We really didn’t expect to see it, much less know anything about it, but according to Chrysler, the 700C Concept - it follows in the naming nomenclature of two of Chrysler’s more popular models, the 200 and the 300C - is a concept study on what could potentially be the look of their mini-vans.
The American automaker is using the 2012 NAIAS to gauge the interest on the concept and while Chrysler has made it known that the car is not headed to production, it’s still in attendance to see how the crowd is going to receive it.
Consider it market research, so to speak.
As far as details are concerned, Chrysler didn’t really share any. Judging by the photos, though, the 700C Concept looks pretty svelte and stylish for a mini-van. The profile looks fresh and is dominated by a pair of slit-like headlights. The grilles are pretty much non-existent while the front bumper sports plenty of aggressive details. True to its mini-van roots, the 700C Concept has rear sliding doors, and almost as if adding more flavor, it sits on a set of pretty chromed-out wheels.
Considering the purpose of the 700C Concept at Cobo Hall, we invite you to share your thoughts on the concept minivan. Yay? Or nay?
Just like every other model in Peugeot’s line-up, the 5008 MPV is also preparing to enter its second generation. It was first launched back in 2009 and its success was almost instantaneous. That being said, Peugeot has to keep up with the times in order for that success to continue.
The new 5008 will be based on a new platform that appears to be slightly wider than the current one, illustrated by the testing mule’s wider fenders. Other changes seen in the spy shots include five wheel bolts instead of the current four and the location of the fuel cap (it has switched sides). But no matter what changes are being done on the exterior, the 5008 will get bigger dimensions, especially on the inside. This will allow up to seven people the room that they need.
The engine line-up will be shared with the upcoming 301, the successor to the 308, which means a wide range of diesel and petrol engines as well as a diesel-hybrid. Just like with every other model in the line-up, Peugeot will be focusing on reducing fuel consumption and Co2 emissions.
It’s been a while since we last heard from Daihatsu so it was a bit surprising to find out that the Japanese automaker actually attended the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show with a concept called the D-X, pronounced d-cross. And to make things better for these guys, the concept actually looks good!
We don’t have an answer as far as a production future for the D-X Concept is concerned, although it appears that Daihatsu is promoting it as a Transformers-inspired vehicle that can take the shape of a number of vehicles, including a convertible, a roadster, a sporty van, and even a race car. Talk about taking versatility to a whole new level.
The D-X has a base look that can be shifted in a variety of different ways to suit the driver’s preference. Under its hood, the concept runs on a .66-liter two-cylinder engine that comes with direct injection and turbocharging technology. The words ’turbocharging’ and ’Daihatsu’ are about as likely to be put on the same sentence as Pintos and Ferraris, but the mere fact that it is actually speaks volumes to the strides Daihatsu is making in turning a new leaf for their company.
