Many people may not be familiar with the Istituto Europeo di Design, or IED, located in Turin, but after taking a look at its Eye concept, they more than likely will be.

This concept is the result of a collaborative effort with Tesla, and it will be revealed at the motor show in Geneva, set to take place just next month.

Eleven studets, who are part of the Transportation Design MA program at the university, created the concept. Franz von Holzhausen, the Design Director for Tesla, oversaw and supervised the project.

The target audience for this vehicle is the young set, the cosmopolitan youth of the world. The front mask is comprised of black plexiglass and the structure of the roof is highly innovative.

If you are going to be at this years auto show in New York — it takes place in April — then make sure you keep your eyes peeled for the Kia Optima/Magentis, since you are just going to get something of a sneak peek here. Why? Because all I myself got was a sneak peek, of course, but I am so unabashedly, modestly selfless, I wanted to share it with all of you.

A mid size sedan, as you can see by its design, Kia is heading in a different direction. The Optima is both lower and longer, not to mention wider, than most of Kia’s models.

In the fall of 2010, the United States and various other markets will be able to get their hands on the car. The European market, however, will have to wait until Spring of 2010.

Mercedes-Benz has long been known for style, and now they are letting it be known loud and proud, via their F800 Style concept.

This concept, like many others, will be revealed in March at the motor show taking place in Geneva. In its silhouette and style, the traditional design known as Mercedes’ signature is reinterpreted. The vehicle is meant to give hints to the future.

Owners will be able to choose between two different types of power: a fuel cell electric drivetrain or a plug in hybrid.

Inside, drivers will find a variety of different materials, the majority of them lightweight. Alcantara, natural wood, magnesium: they can all be found in the interior.

Okay guys – it has to be said that I have not seen a Lincoln yet that I like.  Lincoln is just a brand that I do not really think about but when I saw that Lincoln Concept C debuted at the Detroit Auto Show, I fell in love.  This is a car that looks so futuristic and different; it truly is one of the most unique cars on the market.

If you are looking to stand out, the Lincoln Concept C is it.  While right now, it is just a concept, the concept, from the negotiations that are taking place right now seems to be pulling through rather quickly.  Mass markets hopefully will be able to get the Lincoln Concept C in 2012 – hopefully!

I’ll be on the lookout for the Lincoln Concept C and let you know if I get anymore updates at all!

Okay guys – so this is one car that I could not resist putting up just because of how beautiful it is.  The brand new 2011 Lotus Elise is one car that I think that everyone should just fall all over.  Not only does the front look absolutely incredible but the back of the 2011 Lotus Elise is also something that I love.

However … one thing that you should know about the 2011 Lotus Elise is that it will actually not be available in North America.  You heard me right, if you want to get the 2011 Lotus Elise you will have to import it – or maybe buy it and bring it back that way.

Overseas is lucky huh?  Sorry people in the states, you are just going to have to suffer without the 2011 Lotus Elise next year.

Can we just have a talk about VW for a minute here?  Now, they are known for their bug and the Jetta but what VW is not known for is their pick-up trucks and now … now they are putting the small pick-up trucks on the market and on the map even with the Volkswagen Amarok!  This particular truck is one that even I would buy!

Not only is it just a little lightweight but look at the picture – come one, it looks absolutely beautiful and menacing all at the same time.   The horsepower is about 163, which is not the best in the world but it is not the worst either.

If you want just a small pick-up truck just to get around, the Volkswagen Amarok is definitely the best choice for you!

Now that we have talked about exactly what happens if you do have concept cars and why we have them, let’s talk about what would happen if we did not have any concept cars.  Firstly – the world as we know it with cars would not be nearly as interesting as it is right now.

The design of the cars and trucks that are coming out in concept form not only develop on their way to production but they lead into some of the best features.  Many cars would not be equipped with all of the things that they have now if a concept was not built.

That is the reason why concept cars are so, so important and why we need them and why they are shown constantly at auto shows – like the Detroit Auto Show!

While most people think that a lot of the concept cars out right now are stupid and they are probably wondering why we need concept cars in the first place.  Well – that is what I am here to explain to you so that way you understand exactly why we need concept cars and why we need more of them.

One reason why we need concept cars is because without them – all of the cars and trucks would look exactly the same and do we really want that?  Also, there would be no ideas at all to breed and that is where all of the new features come through.

In the next blog, we will talk about what would happen if we did not have any concept cars!

When it comes to cars – how do all cars get started?  Well, they all start out as a concept and that is exactly what the GMC Granite is.  This particular car is actually awesome looking and is definitely one car that I am checking out in more detail.  At the North American Auto Show that happened in Detroit just a few short weeks ago – the GMC Granite was the highlight of it.

Not only was this hatchback a highlight, but it was designed beautifully and with so many different features that it truly makes it feel like it was designed exactly for you.  Take the flip back seat and the flip front passenger seat – these can all be flipped down so that you have more room.

You can actually carry a full mountain-sized bike inside of it, which to me … is pretty damn awesome!

Lately, there seems to have been a lot of back and forth and back and forth regarding the Chevrolet Spark.  GM had not decided whether or not the Chevrolet Spark was going to be released in the states or not but finally, this beautiful little car is going to be coming to North America – Mexico and Canada are obviously included too.

In the past, General Motors talked about just releasing the Chevrolet Spark to India and calling it a day but after a lot of debate and a lot of surveying, they have finally come up with the answer of releasing the Chevrolet Spark to the states.

To me – this is a personal win, as I have been waiting for this car to be released forever!