Hottest Car Wallpapers | Bestgarage

Honda S660 Concept 2013

2013-10-25T18:56:00.002-07:00

Image credits: © Honda.

Press Release

Honda Motor Co., Ltd has announced its line-up of production and concept models, including cars, motorcycles and power products, ahead of the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show 2013, which will take place at Tokyo Big Sight from 20th November 2013.

Highlights on the Honda stand will include the Honda S660 CONCEPT, an open-top sports-type mini-vehicle, the world premiere of the production model of the URBAN SUV CONCEPT and the Japan premiere of the NSX CONCEPT, the next-generation super sports model.

Honda will also exhibit the all-new UNI-CUB, a personal mobility device developed under the theme of “harmony with people”; the world premiere of the N-WGN, the fourth model of the N Series of mini-vehicles; and a number of mass-production models, including the all-new Accord Plug-in Hybrid and the Fit equipped with Earth Dreams Technology.

In the motorcycle area several planned production models will be exhibited, including the DUNK, a new style 50cc scooter made for the Japanese market, equipped with a newly-developed liquid-cooled engine.

(Honda Press Release)

Lamborghini Veneno Roadster 2013

2013-10-21T18:55:00.001-07:00

Image credits: © Lamborghini

Press Release

As a further highlight of its 50th anniversary year, Automobili Lamborghini is presenting one of the most exceptional super sports cars of all time. The Lamborghini Veneno Roadster is an open racing prototype with an extreme design and breathtaking performance. And it is one of the world’s most exclusive automobiles – not more than nine units will be built during the course of 2014 and sold at a price of 3.3 million Euros (excl. tax).

The Veneno Roadster is extreme and guarantees an intense driving experience – because open means truly open. There is no roof, just a strong rollover bar for optimum safety. The design is focused on optimum aerodynamics and stability through fast corners – with handling akin to that of a racing prototype. Yet it is fully road legal.

With a maximum output of 552 kW / 750 hp, the Veneno Roadster accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds and top speed stands at 355 km/h. The Lamborghini Veneno Roadster is driven by a twelve-cylinder engine with a displacement of 6.5 liters and is equipped with the extremely fast-shifting ISR transmission with five modes, permanent all-wheel drive and a racing chassis with pushrod suspension and horizontal spring/damper units.

The Lamborghini Veneno Roadster brings the aerodynamic efficiency of a racing prototype to the road. Every detail of its form pursues a clear function – exceptional dynamics, optimum downforce with minimal drag and perfect cooling of the high-performance engine. Therfore the Veneno Roadster is unmistakably a Lamborghini; it sticks firmly to the consistent design philosophy of all the super sports cars from Sant’Agata Bolognese. That includes the extreme proportions, as well as the powerfully arrow-shaped front end and the interplay between razor-sharp lines and precise surfaces.

The entire design of the Lamborghini Veneno Roadster has been laid out for perfect airflow and downforce. The front end works as a large aerodynamic wing. The visual division of the rear fenders from the car body is a reference to the world of racing cars and optimizes the aerodynamic flow. The smooth underbody transitions into a substantial diffuser framing the four sizable exhaust pipes divided by a splitter. Large openings serve to ventilate the engine bay and direct airflow to the rear wing. The design of the adjustable rear wing is the product of motorsport experience and extensive aerodynamic simulation to ensure optimum airflow in the interaction of the rear wing with the rear diffuser.

The design of the exclusive alloy wheels is also determined by aerodynamic functionality – a carbon-fiber ring around the wheel rim works like a turbine to deliver additional cooling air to the carbon-ceramic brake discs. The intense paint color “Rosso Veneno” was developed exclusively for the Veneno Roadster, although each single customer will be able to individualize his own vehicle to suit his personal preferences.

The Veneno Roadster is further proof of Automobili Lamborghini’s unique competence in CFRP-based lightweight design. A monocoque made from carbon-fiber reinforced polymer forms the basis of the Roadster. All exterior parts are made from CFRP. The Veneno Roadster meets all safety and registration requirements worldwide, and naturally also incorporates a full complement of safety systems from airbags through to the adapted ESP handling system.

Carbon fiber dominates also the interior of the Veneno Roadster. The carbon fiber monocoque is visible inside the car around the central tunnel and the sills. The two lightweight bucket seats are made from Lamborghini’s patented Forged Composite. The woven carbon-fiber CarbonSkin is used to clad the entire cockpit, part of the seats and the headliner. Like a hi-tech fabric, this extremely fine-looking carbon-fiber matting fits perfectly to any form and reduces the weight of the vehicle.

The systematic, carbon-fiber, lightweight design of the Veneno Roadster is not only visible, it is also evident on the scales: with a dry weight of just 1,490 kilograms (3,278 pounds), the Veneno Roadster benefits from a power-to-weight ratio of just 1.99 kg/hp (4.38 lbs/hp) which guarantees a performance that is nothing short of mind-blowing. Even the stunning acceleration figure of 2.9 seconds cannot adequately describe it. Despite an aerodynamic setup configured for extreme downforce, the Veneno Roadster possesses exceptionally low wind resistance which allows it to reach a top speed of 355 km/h (221 mph).

(Lamborghini Press Release)

Mini Paceman John Cooper Works Frozen Black 2014

2013-10-19T20:28:00.000-07:00

Image credits: © Mini.

Press Release

MINI is extending its program of exterior paint finishes for current models to include an exclusive new variant. Frozen Black metallic paint is now available as a limited edition colour for the top of the range MINI Countryman and MINI Paceman models. This innovative paint which has a textured, shimmering matt finish, gives the car a striking and expressive appearance. The new colour and finish is available for the MINI Cooper S Countryman, MINI Cooper SD Countryman, MINI Cooper S Paceman, MINI Cooper SD Paceman, MINI John Cooper Works Countryman and MINI John Cooper Works Paceman.

The Frozen Black metallic paint finish is created using a complex manufacturing process exclusive to the BMW Group. This special painting procedure, which involves not just innovative technology but also a high level of manual craftsmanship, is now being applied for the first time by Austrian production partner Magna Steyr in Graz where the MINI Paceman and MINI Countryman are produced. The special surface treatment encompasses the base layer for grip and corrosion protection, the colour layer as well as the clear lacquer finish which has added silicates to create the matted impression as well as the velvet effect which can be seen and felt.

Attached exterior parts such as the model-specific front and rear aprons and the exterior mirror caps are finished separately in the paint finish Frozen Black metallic. Due to the labour intensive process used to apply this exclusive body colour during production it is limited to a restricted number of cars.

Frozen Black metallic is of the same high quality as the other paint finishes available for MINI in terms of abrasion resistance and colour fidelity. The finish is completely weather resistant and car wash resistant, however hand washing does require special care as spot cleaning of the surface using wax or polish can leave an unwanted gloss effect. For this reason the BMW Group offers care products developed specially for treating the Frozen Black metallic paint finish.

(Mini Press Release)

Chevrolet Camaro Z28 2014

2013-10-18T19:03:00.002-07:00

Image credits: © Chevrolet.

Press Release

Chevrolet today introduced the restyled 2014 Camaro line at the New York Auto Show, including the return of the Z/28, the most iconic model in Camaro history.

The 2014 Camaro models feature a revised exterior design that integrates high-performance aerodynamics for more efficient cooling and stability at high speeds. The new Camaro Z/28 also features a full aerodynamics package that creates downforce at speed, which helps make it the most track-capable offering in Camaro’s history.

“As the ultimate track-capable Camaro, this car restores the mission of the original Z/28, and serves as a testament to the expertise of Chevrolet as the best-selling brand of performance cars,” said Mark Reuss, president, GM North America. “The build sheet is the wish list of any racer: lightweight, high-revving, dry-sump LS7 engine; carbon-ceramic brakes; integrated coolers for track use; true aerodynamic downforce, and a significant reduction in curb weight. This car could only come from Chevrolet, and could only be called the Z/28.”

The first Camaro Z/28 was introduced in 1967, created to compete in the Sports Car Club of America's Trans-Am 2 class. It featured a smaller, lighter, 302-cubic-inch V-8 for improved weight balance, as well as quick-ratio steering and a heavy-duty suspension for track use. In keeping with its road-racing focus, the 1967 Camaro Z/28 was not available with an automatic transmission or air conditioning.

While the new Camaro Z/28 is not intended to compete in a specific race series, it is solely focused on track capability. In initial testing, the Camaro Z/28 is three seconds faster per lap than the Camaro ZL1. That extra speed comes from three areas:

Increased grip: The Z/28 is capable of 1.05 g in cornering acceleration, due to comprehensive chassis revisions
Increased stopping power: the Z/28 features Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes capable of 1.5 g in deceleration, and consistent brake feel, lap after lap
Reduced curb weight: The naturally aspirated Z/28 weighs 300 pounds less than the supercharged Camaro ZL1, with changes ranging from lightweight wheels to thinner rear-window glass

Like the original, the 2014 Camaro Z/28 is offered only with a manual transmission. In a nod to modern convenience, air-conditioning is available, but only as an option.

"We set out to make the fastest road-racing Camaro possible that was still street-legal,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “While the Camaro ZL1 offers exceptional performance on the street, the drag strip, and the track, the Z/28 is entirely focused on the track performance. The Z/28 will be too track-focused for most drivers, but offers road-racers one of the most capable track cars ever offered from an automaker.”

The new 2014 Camaro line will arrive at Chevrolet dealers later in 2013. The Camaro Z/28 is expected to be appearing at track events across the United States in spring 2014.

High-performance aerodynamics highlight changes for 2014 Camaro

The 2014 Camaro represents the most significant redesign since the introduction of the fifth-generation Camaro as a concept car in 2006.

“The 2014 Camaro is our opportunity to apply what we have learned listening to our customers, and our continuing development of high-performance models,” said Tom Peters, Camaro exterior design director. “We look for solutions that are both functional and beautiful so that the result is genuine Chevrolet – simple, powerful, honest, and more than expected.”

Compared to the previous model, the design represents a strong visual change front and rear, resulting in a wider, lower, more contemporary appearance. The front fascia features a wider lower opening, and a narrower upper opening that also updates the appearance of the iconic “halo ring” HID headlamps on the Camaro RS package. The functional hood vent on the Camaro SS helps reduce heat and aerodynamic lift. Moving to the rear, the sculptural decklid, horizontal lamps and diffuser complete the powerful statement.

The Camaro Z/28 also features a full aerodynamic package designed to produce downforce at track speeds. At the front, the Z/28 features a large splitter, connected to an underbody panel that further reduces lift. In profile, the Z/28 features fender flares over the front and rear wheels, as well as extended rocker panels that contribute to aerodynamic stability. An aggressive rear spoiler and functional diffuser complete the aerodynamic package.

On the interior, the Camaro Z/28 features trim in a distinctive, matte-metallic finish named Octane, the ZL1 flat-bottomed steering wheel, and standard Recaro seats with microfiber suede inserts. The new seats (also available on the coupe versions of the SS and ZL1 models), feature aggressive bolsters for high-performance driving, as well as seat cutouts inspired by the five-point harnesses found on racing seats. To save weight, both front seats incorporate manual adjustment.

The rear seats of the Z/28 have also been modified for weight reduction. A total of nine pounds (four kilograms) was saved by eliminating the seat-back pass through, as well as using high-density foam in place of the rigid structure of the seat back and steel mesh of the seat bottom.

“Unlike the Ford Mustang Boss 302, we felt it was important to keep the 2+2 configuration of the Camaro Z/28 as Chevrolet already has a world-class two-seat sports car in the Corvette,” said Oppenheiser. “By modifying the construction of the rear seat, we were able to reduce the overall weight of the Z/28 while still preserving the flexibility of 2+2 seating.”

7.0L, LS7 the heart of the Camaro Z/28’s track-capable performance

Like the original, the new Camaro Z/28 forgoes ultimate horsepower and torque for improved weight balance and track performance.

In 1967, the most-powerful engine available in a factory Camaro was a 396 cid V-8 with 375 horsepower. To prepare the Camaro Z/28 for road racing, engineers specified a lighter, 302 cid V-8, officially rated at 290 horsepower. While the 302 was not the choice for drag racers, it proved ideal for sports-car racing.

Today, the most-powerful engine offered is the Camaro ZL1’s supercharged 6.2L LSA, which delivers 580 horsepower. The heart of the 2014 Camaro Z/28 is the lighter, naturally aspirated 7.0L LS7 first introduced in the Corvette Z06.

“The LS7 is ideal for road racing because it delivers amazing performance in a compact, lightweight package,” said Jordan Lee, Small Block chief engineer and program manager. “The broad torque curve and high redline of the LS7 mean fewer shifts are required for each lap, while the lightweight design improves the front-to-rear weight balance for better handling.”

Co-developed with Corvette Racing, the hand-assembled 7.0L (427 cid) V-8 uses a number of high-performance components, including:

Titanium intake valves and connecting rods, and sodium-filled exhaust valves
CNC-ported aluminum cylinder heads
Forged-steel crankshaft and main bearing caps
High-lift camshaft
Hydroformed exhaust headers
11.0:1 compression ratio, and a 7,000 rpm redline.
10.5-quart, dry-sump oiling system

For the Camaro Z/28, the LS7 features unique induction and exhaust systems, and delivers at least 500 horsepower (373 kW) and 470 lb-ft of torque (637 Nm).

The racing-style, cold-air induction system and large K&N air filter provide maximum air flow.

The standard dual mode exhaust system and larger-diameter pipes enable improved air flow. By bypassing the mufflers during acceleration, the system increases both the torque and sound generated by the LS7 engine.

The Camaro Z/28 is exclusively offered with a Tremec TR6060 manual transmission. The six-speed features close-ratio gearing and 3.91:1 final drive ratio, both optimized for the power characteristics of the LS7.

Power is distributed to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential featuring a helical gear set, rather than traditional clutch packs. The new design enables the driver to apply more power and get through corners faster, by continuously adjusting the torque bias to maximize available traction.

The differential works in unison with Chevrolet’s proprietary Performance Traction Management system, which allows drivers to adjust the level of throttle and brake intervention to match their capability and driving environment.

Unlike some competitors’ “track package” offerings, the Camaro Z/28 makes standard all the cooling systems required for track use. This includes the dry-sump oiling system for the LS7, which is connected to an integral liquid-to-liquid cooling system for engine oil.

A second liquid-to-liquid system provides cooling for the transmission and differential. This system pumps overcooled transmission fluid to a heat exchanger in the rear differential before traveling to the transmission. This reduces differential temperatures as much as 100 degrees F.

Camaro Z/28 chassis delivers 1.05 g in cornering grip

The singular focus of the Camaro Z/28 is most evident in the chassis, where the most has been made of every component for track use, from the ultra-high performance tires to race-proven dampers.

“We used the very best components in the industry to deliver uncompromised performance, lap after lap,” said Mark Stielow, Camaro Z/28 engineering manager. “We made nearly 200 changes to improve the track performance, which cumulatively make the Z/28 capable of 1.05 g in cornering. For perspective, with all other things, equal increasing maximum grip from 1 to 1.05 g can cut up to four seconds per lap.”

The Camaro Z/28 is the one of the first production cars fitted with race-proven, spool-valve dampers. Compared to a conventional damper that offers only two-way tuning for bump and rebound, a spool-valve damper allows four-way adjustment to precisely tune both bump and rebound settings for high-speed and low-speed wheel motions. The wider tuning range allowed engineers to dramatically increase the damper stiffness on the Camaro Z/28 without a significant change in ride quality. Additional chassis changes include stiffer string rates and suspension bushings for improved cornering response.

The Camaro Z/28 features 19-inch diameter wheels and tires, which reduce unsprung weight by 42 pounds (19 kilograms) per car compared to the 20-inch wheels standard on Camaro SS and ZL1. In addition, the smaller diameter wheels lower the center of gravity by 33 millimeters, further improving handling.

At all four corners, the lightweight, forged aluminum wheels are wrapped in massive 305/30ZR19 tires. This is the first production application of ultra-high performance Pirelli PZero Trofeo R tires, and believed to be the widest front tire on any production car.

To fully exploit the grip of the Pirelli tires, the Camaro Z/28 also features Brembo Carbon Ceramic Matrix™ rotors and fixed, monoblock calipers. The large 394 x 36 mm front rotors are paired with six-piston calipers, while the 390 x 32 mm rear rotors are paired four-piston calipers. Compared to similar-size, two-piece steel rotors, the lightweight carbon discs save 28 pounds (12.5 kilograms) per car.

The combination of tire grip and braking power enable the Camaro Z/28 to achieve up to 1.5 g in deceleration. With standard front brake cooling ducts, the Z/28 is also capable of continuous track use unmatched brake feel, lap after lap.

“What makes the Z/28 so addictive is it inspires confidence through every section on the track,” said Stielow. “The incredible, balanced performance helps you carry much more speed through every corner: the brakes are so good you can adjust your braking points later and later; the grip and suspension damping allows you to carry more speed through the apex; and then the limited slip allows you to make the most of the LS7 as you power out of the corner.”

Extensive lightweighting saved 300 pounds over the Camaro ZL1

To optimize the track performance of the Camaro Z/28, the engineering team subjected it to an intensive lightweighting program, saving 100 pounds (45 kilograms) compared to the naturally aspirated Camaro SS and 300 pounds (136 kilograms) to the supercharged Camaro ZL1.

“We looked at every subsystem for opportunities to save weight,” said Oppenheiser. “Our goal was to get rid of everything that didn’t make the car faster, and keep only what was required by law. For example, we wanted to eliminate the audio system completely, but we had to keep a single speaker for the seat-belt chime to meet safety requirements.”

Other examples of weight savings include:

Eliminated the tire-inflator kit, except for Rhode Island and New Hampshire, where it is required by law
Removed interior sound deadener, and carpeting from the trunk
Replaced the standard LN4 battery with a smaller, lightweight, LN3 battery
Specified thinner, 3.2-mm glass for the rear window, compared to 3.5-mm glass on the standard Camaro
HID headlamps and foglights are not available
Air conditioning is only available as a stand-alone option

“The team was so fanatical about saving weight, we even stripped the unused wiring out of the harness when we eliminated the fog lights, speakers, and air conditioning,” said Oppenheiser. “Every ounce saved contributed to making this the most track-capable Camaro we have ever built, and a worthy successor to the Z/28 name.”

(Chevrolet Press Release)

Renault Captur 2014

2013-10-16T17:25:00.004-07:00

Image credits: © Renault.

Press Release

As testified by a record of innovations that dates back to 1898, Renault has never stopped questioning preconceived ideas or challenging conventional automotive thinking by placing the needs of customers at the heart of each new project.

Today, Renault introduces Captur, its first urban crossover that will stand out from the crowd by delivering the best of three different worlds:

The expressive styling and driving position of an SUV,
The cabin space and modular interior of an MPV,
The agility and driving enjoyment of a compact saloon car.

Coming in the wake of Clio’s renewal, Captur marks the next step in Renault’s design offensive under the leadership of Laurens van den Acker.

“Renault Captur is a compact, unaggressive crossover which is particularly user-friendly. It benefits from Renault genes through and through…” Benoît Bochard, Director, A/B-Segment Product Range

Renault Captur, a crossover on the outside

Renault Captur’s smooth, fluid, balanced forms express an assertive yet unostentatious personality. Its robust, status-enhancing look takes its inspiration form the Captur concept car, from which Renault has carried over both the spirit which guided its design, as well its evocative name. The lines of Renault’s new crossover are perceived as unpretentious, yet the forward position of its steeply-raked windscreen emphasises its dynamic stance.

The combination of its compact volumes, raised ground clearance, large-diameter wheels and sill guards will enable it to take every aspect of everyday motoring in its stride.

Renault Captur will be easy to customise and notably comes with an original two-tone colour scheme which produces an attractive contrast between the roof and pillars and the rest of the body work.

Renault Captur, an MPV inside

Despite its compact footprint (length: 4m12), Renault Captur exudes a real sense of interior space which is underpinned by the forward position of its windscreen and its generous interior dimensions.

Its exclusive, colourful cabin is warm and relaxing, and this first impression is reinforced by a selection of interior customisation solutions founded on a choice of colours and motifs for the different trim features.

Renault Captur also boasts the appointments and comfort refinements expected of an MPV, such as a high-up driving position, large boot, modular interior and innovative stowage solutions.

The standard Renault Captur will have an equipment specification worthy of that of the next segment up, including hands-free entry, hill start assist and rear parking sensors.

Also available will be the new, connected, in-dash Renault R-Link touchscreen multimedia tablet, plus a system that comprises six loudspeakers, Bluetooth® connectivity, audio-streaming and Arkamys® hi-fi sound.

Renault Captur, the agility and driving enjoyment of a compact saloon car

Renault Captur is based on the same platform as New Clio, acclaimed as a B-segment benchmark when it comes to driving pleasure. It consequently delivers best-level dynamics, from road holding to engine response and agile handling.

The petrol and diesel engines available for the model benefit from the very latest Renault technologies and will return best-in-class fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, starting from as low as 96g/km.

Renault Captur will be manufactured at Renault’s Valladolid plant in Spain and will be unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

(Renault Press Release)

Nissan Juke Nismo The Dark Knight Rises 2013

2013-10-13T19:29:00.003-07:00

Image credits: © Nissan.

Press Release

The Dark Knight has risen – in a special one-off Nissan Juke Nismo. To celebrate Nissan’s partnership with Warner Bros and the release of the third film in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy on DVD and Blu-Ray 3rd December, Nissan has produced a truly unique car.

Called The Dark Knight Rises™ Juke Nismo, the one-off machine features a host of Batman-inspired details that will make the lucky owner the envy of every movie fan and car buff.

Based on the new Juke Nismo, which goes on sale in January 2013, The Dark Knight Rises™ Juke Nismo features the same 200PS 1.6-litre turbocharged engine driving the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox - giving it a 0-62mph time of 7.8 seconds - as well as a Nismo bodykit, uprated suspension and enhanced interior.

But in addition, it has a whole host of Batman-inspired details that will make the driver feel just like Bruce Wayne.

Matt black paint gives a menacing look reminiscent of Batman’s Tumbler, while a shark fin antenna replaces the standard car’s conventional aerial. In addition to Nismo badging, there are aluminium

Bat badges on the front grille and tailgate while the unique gloss black 18-inch alloy wheels include bespoke red detailing, matching the eye-catching pinstripe on the bumpers and sills of the standard Juke Nismo.

Open the door and you’re greeted by Bat logos on the kickplates and reflective Bat badges on the headrests of the suede-trimmed Nismo sports seats. Thanks to downlighters mounted under the door mirrors the famous Bat signal can be projected onto the floor area around the doors. A clever uplighter projects the same signal onto the black headlining inside too.

The Dark Knight Rises™ Juke Nismo is the work of Nissan’s very own Batcave – Nissan Design Europe, based in London’s Paddington, the same studio responsible for the design of the original Juke.

The Dark Knight Rises™ Juke Nismo will not go on sale in a Nissan dealership, nor will it be made available to the highest bidder – instead the only way to get this car on your driveway is to enter a special competition at www.builttothrill.co.uk. Just take the Thrill Test and you’re in with a chance of owning The Dark Knight Rises™ Juke Nismo.

The competition runs until February 28th 2013 with the winner announced early March.

Meanwhile, order books for the Juke Nismo open in January 2013 with deliveries set for March 2013. The first in a range of Nismo road cars, it has been designed and developed by Nissan’s Nismo performance division. It will be available with two transmissions: a 2WD manual or 4WD CVT automatic. Prices and full specifications for the Juke Nismo will be released closer to the car’s launch.

To summarise the changes over the standard Juke Nismo, The Dark Knight Rises™ Juke Nismo features the following:

Matt black paintwork
Aluminium Bat logos front and rear
Shark fin antenna
Black 18-inch Nismo alloy wheels with red detailing
Uplighter that projects Bat symbol on headlining
Downlighters in door mirrors to project Bat symbol on floor area by doors
Reflective Bat badges on front and rear headrests
Door sills with Bat logos

(Nissan Press Release)

Toyota GT86 TRD 2014

2013-10-11T17:33:00.001-07:00

Image credits: © Toyota.

Press Release

New GT86 TRD adds impact to Toyota’s sports coupe
First official UK model grade to feature genuine TRD parts
Features include forged 18-inch alloys, front and side skirts, rear spoiler, fast-response quad exhaust and TRD-branded details
Only 250 available in the UK, on sale from 1 March
On-the-road prices £31,495 for GT 86 TRD manual, £32,995 for the automatic

Since its launch last year, the Toyota GT86 has revitalised Toyota’s reputation for building cars that are all about the pure pleasure of driving. Now the hugely acclaimed sports coupe – shortlisted for both European and World Car of the Year awards – gains even more appeal with the introduction of the new GT86 TRD.

Just 250 examples will be available, equipped with genuine design and performance features from TRD (Toyota Racing Development), one of the world’s most accomplished and successful after market engineering businesses.

GT86 is the first UK Toyota for which official TRD parts have been used to create a specific production model grade.

The GT86 TRD , on sale from 1 March, will create a new halo model for the 2+2 coupe range. Both six-speed manual and automatic versions will be available, in a choice of two colours: Pearl White and GT86 Black. On-the-road prices are £31,495 for the manual and £32,995 for the auto.

The focus is on sports styling, but not at the cost of GT86’s essential performance and handling character. The package includes 18-inch cast TF6 alloys, deep front and side skirts, a rear bumper spoiler and a fast-response quad-exhaust system with a rear diffuser to increase stability. The TRD touches also extended to a branded radiator cap and fuel filler cover, while inside the car there is a new TRD gear shift lever.

These items are all in addition to GT86’s established equipment specification, which includes HID headlamps, front fog lamps, limited slip differential, Smart Entry and Start, dual-zone climate control, analogue dials and meters, drilled aluminium pedals, sports seats, scuff plates, cruise control and the Toyota Touch multimedia system.

Acceleration and maximum speed are unchanged at 7.7 seconds for 0-62mph and 140mph for the manual and 8.4 seconds and 130mph for the automatic. There are slight changes in fuel consumption and emissions: 192g/km and 34.9mpg for the manual and 181g/km and 36.2mpg for the automatic (all figures official combined cycle).

(Toyota Press Release)

Cadillac Escalade 2015

2013-10-08T19:33:00.002-07:00

Image credits: © Cadillac.

Press Release

Cadillac today introduced the all-new 2015 Escalade, a sophisticated luxury SUV designed to establish new benchmarks for hand-tailored craftsmanship and technology.

The fourth-generation Escalade is an entirely new design yet instantly recognizable. Much of the story of Cadillac’s redesigned flagship SUV is on the interior, where new levels of luxury combine with the latest technology.

“Cadillac’s growth provides the ideal stage for the all-new Escalade to take a major leap forward,” said Bob Ferguson, senior vice president, Global Cadillac. “The 2015 Escalade is completely new and elevated in design and technology, inside and out. The clear objective is to once again assume the leadership position among luxury SUVs.”

From its introduction, Escalade quickly became the standard among luxury SUVs with a formula of bold design, powerful capability and luxurious accommodations for up to eight occupants. Three succeeding generations led luxury SUV customers to confer icon status on it. The 2015 Escalade takes design and technical elements from Cadillac’s product expansion to elevate the brand’s signature SUV.

of the 2015 Escalade begins next spring in Arlington, Texas. The product line will consist of the standard Escalade model, as well as the extended-length ESV edition, with offers a 14-inch-longer (355 mm) wheelbase and approximately 20 inches (508 mm) more in overall length, maximizing space for third-row passengers and 60 percent more cargo space behind the third-row seat than the Escalade.

Offered with 2WD and 4WD drivetrains, Escalade features a new 6.2L V-8 engine that is more powerful and more efficient than previous models. Cadillac’s Magnetic Ride Control, the world’s fastest-reacting suspension system, is now standard and delivers precisely controlled driving performance.

The exterior features crisp, new and more sophisticated surfaces, accented by dramatic light-emitting diode, or LED, lighting.

The new interior features cut-and-sewn and wrapped materials, with wood trim options chosen for elegance and authenticity. Seats were engineered to be more comfortable and sculpted in appearance. The new interior is dramatically quieter, too, thanks to a stronger new body structure, new and enhanced acoustic material, and Bose Active Noise Cancellation technology.

CUE, Cadillac’s advanced system for connectivity and control, is standard featuring state-of-the-art voice recognition with touch controls common with the world’s most popular tablets and mobile devices. A standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster can be reconfigured with four themes and an available head-up display projects information onto the windshield. An available Blu-Ray DVD rear entertainment system includes a nine-inch, roof-mounted screen on Escalade and two nine-inch screens on Escalade ESV.

The front seating area offers more than 1.5 inches (44 mm) more headroom and more than four inches (101 mm) of additional legroom compared to previous models while the second- and third-row seats fold flat for greater cargo versatility – and a segment-first hands-free liftgate includes programmable height settings.

Escalade’s new technologies include safety features to help protect occupants before, during and after a collision, such as Front and Rear Automatic Braking, which relies on short-range radar technology and ultrasonic sensors to help the driver avoid front and rear low-speed collisions via a progression of alerts that extend to complete braking, if necessary.

Also new is the segment’s only Front Seat Center-Mounted air bag, which is engineered to provide additional protection to drivers and front passengers in far-side impact crashes, where the affected occupant is on the opposite, non-struck side of the vehicle.

A Driver Awareness package includes Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning System, and the patented Safety Alert Seat, which offers directional vibrations to alert the driver about potential crash threats. A Driver Assist package adds Full Speed Range Adaptive Cruise Control, Front and Rear Automatic Braking, Automatic Collision Preparation and Automatic Safety Belt Tightening.

Additionally, Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Change Alert are standard on Luxury and Premium models.

Crafted interior

Craftsmanship defines the 2015 Escalade’s passenger space, designed to be one of the industry’s most authentic and luxurious cabins mixed with seamless technology integration for today’s connected luxury customers.

Real wood combined with premium cut-and-sewn materials and sueded accents, along with ambient lighting, were designed to add elegance to the interior design. Tight tolerances of the instrument panel and door panels, precision controls and triple-sealed doors were engineered and designed to reinforce a feeling of quality.

“An exceptional level of craftsmanship has gone into the redesign of the 2015 Cadillac Escalade, and it all centers on the premium materials and extensive use of cut-and-sew live stitching – the way fine furniture is produced,” said Eric Clough, director of design, Cadillac Interiors. “We designed Escalade with what we call the beauty of contrast. It offers a distinctive combination of bold, truck-like character, but also the refinement of the Cadillac form vocabulary and technology.”

The seats were designed to be more comfortable and sculpted in appearance with a reclining second row. The design incorporates dual-firmness foam that ensures long-trip comfort and helps retain appearance over time.

Heated and cooled seats are standard in front and second-row bucket seats have standard heat. The available second-row bench has heated outboard seats now reclines.

Intuitive technology

Technology is integral to the Escalade’s driving experience. New and enhanced features help make what already was one of the industry’s most-connected vehicles more intuitive.

For the first time, Escalade will feature CUE standard. The eight-inch center screen uses capacitive touch technology and gesture recognition, enabling tapping and swiping common to smartphones and tablets. CUE uses proximity sensors to activate common options and controls as the user’s hand approaches. An expanded “favorites” section offers quick access to phone contacts, navigation destinations – even digital music – in the same one-touch form as traditional radio presets.

The instrument cluster features a standard, reconfigurable, high-resolution 12.3-inch digital driver information center display paired with Cadillac’s CUE infotainment system. Key data also is displayed on an available, full-color head-up display. Along with vehicle systems information, the color driver information center also provides details on the audio, Bluetooth phone and navigation systems, and they can be easily adjusted via steering wheel controls.

Precise exterior

The new Escalade’s exterior advances a 15-year legacy of design distinction with evolved character cues designed to add sophistication. Full LED lighting creates a bold new interpretation of Cadillac’s vertical light signature.

The headlamps incorporate the industry’s first Total Internal Reflection LED high-beam function, which consists of four vertically stacked crystal lenses and LEDs. The low beam consists of five crystal lenses and LEDs that create the light pattern. The Cadillac script is branded in the headlamp bezel. Tall, thin vertical LED taillamps reach to the top of the Escalade and feature the brand’s wreath-and-crest insignia, which illuminates in the dark. Escalade also features LED-illuminated door handles on the Premium Collection.

The new Escalade’s surfacing is sophisticated, and the sectioning of the body exudes more emotion to forge a new presence for Cadillac’s iconic SUV,” said Bob Boniface, design director, Cadillac Exteriors. “Our designers worked with the studio sculptors closer than ever to translate a two-dimensional vision into a three-dimensional representation that captures your attention from afar, and then pulls you in with beautiful details in the lamps, door handles and wheels.”

New inlaid doors fit into the body side openings instead of over the top of the body, significantly reducing wind noise and contributing to improved aerodynamics that help the vehicles slip through the air on the highway with less wind drag. Active air shutters close in front of the condenser/radiator assembly at certain highway speeds to improve aerodynamics for greater efficiency. A lightweight aluminum hood and liftgate panels reduce overall mass.

panel gaps are tighter throughout. The new liftgate is designed to be sleeker in appearance integrates the rear window wiper into the spoiler.

“Moving the rear wiper to the top of the glass and packaging it within the contours of the spoiler resulted in a clean appearance and improved visibility,” said Boniface. “It is an example of the attention to detail in the new Escalade.”

Performance and driving experience

The performance threshold for the 2015 Escalade lineup rises with an all-new, more efficient 6.2L V-8 engine rated at an SAE-certified 420 horsepower (313 kW) and 460 lb-ft of torque (623 Nm) – a nearly 5-percent increase in horsepower and 10 percent more torque. The greater torque delivers an enhanced feeling of power on demand, particularly from a standstill and at low speeds.

The new 6.2L features state-of-the-art technologies, including direct injection, Active Fuel Management, or cylinder deactivation, continuously variable valve timing and an advanced combustion system, designed to make the most of power, torque and efficiency across a broad range of operating conditions. More precisely controlled combustion enables Escalade to run with a higher compression ratio, which delivers greater power and greater expected efficiency.

The engine is matched with the Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission with enhanced TapShift control.

Escalade’s performance is channeled to a more sophisticated chassis and suspension system, engineered for a greater feeling of solidity and a quieter, smoother ride. A fully boxed frame – composed of more than 75 percent high-strength steel – is the foundation for its ride quality. New shear-style body mounts help reduce vibrations transmitted into the vehicle.

Additional chassis and suspension highlights include:

Coil-over-shock front suspension and five-link/coil-spring rear suspension
Wider rear track that contributes to a more planted stance
Standard 20-inch wheels and available 22-inch wheels
New, electric variable-assist power steering system that enhances fuel economy and tailors steering assist to vehicle speed
New 9.5-inch rear axle and standard automatic locking rear differential
StabiliTrak electronic stability control, incorporating tow/haul mode, auto grade braking and hill start assist
New four-wheel-disc brake system with Duralife™ brake rotors that offer up to double the service life, along with brake pedal revisions engineered to improve pedal feel for more confident braking performance
Third-generation magnetic ride control is standard with Tour and Sport modes.

Magnetic Ride Control is a real-time damping system that delivers more precise body motion control by “reading” the road every millisecond. Damping can go from full force to lowest force in a few milliseconds, or within three inches of road travel. It replaces conventional mechanical-valve shocks with electronically controlled shocks filled with a magneto-rheological fluid containing minute iron particles. Under the presence of a magnetic field, the iron particles align to provide damping resistance almost instantly.

Security measures

The new Escalade has been designed with greater security features to thwart theft attempts, including an intrusion sensor, inclination sensor and glass breakage sensors. Along with triggering the vehicle’s alarm systems, some of the features shut down key control systems to make it almost impossible to start or move the vehicle. The security features are supported by OnStar Stolen Vehicle Assistance, which can help police locate the vehicle.

(Cadillac Press Release)

Toyota iQ EV 2013

2013-10-05T19:04:00.000-07:00

Image credits: © Toyota.

Press Release

Toyota’s engineers have been involved in Electric Vehicle (EV) research and development for over 40 years, since 1971. Developed in parallel with the company’s pioneering full Hybrid (HV), Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) and Fuel Cell (FCV) vehicles, the EV represents Toyota’s long-term vision for short range sustainable mobility.

The company’s readily adaptable Hybrid Synergy Drive® platform serves as the core technology for all of its advanced powertrain applications, based on specific usage patterns: EV for city driving, PHEV for city/mid distance use, HV for mid distance driving and FCV for long distance use.

Key to EV development are the battery and motor control systems that Toyota has created and fine-tuned through the broad technological base of its hybrid vehicle programme. To date, Toyota has developed several types of EV, including a two-passenger concept- the e-com, an SUV- the RAV4 EV, and several FT-EV concept cars.

First unveiled at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show, the e-com shared much of its EV technology and powertrain components with the larger RAV4 EV. Producing zero emissions, it could run at speeds of up to 100 km/h for approximately 100 km on a single charge. By 2000, Toyota had a fleet of around 30 e-coms in use in Japan.

By 1995, Toyota was already highly focused on bringing a viable electric vehicle to the market. Its first generation RAV4 EV represented the successful culmination of all the company had learned over the previous 24 years. Indeed, the first prototype won the Scandinavian Electric Car Rally in August of that year.

The RAV4 EV had one of the best cruising ranges of any electric vehicle in the world –more than 120 miles (200 km) on a single charge. Since it was released in 1997, 1,500 were sold in the United States. A second generation RAV4 EV, created in partnership with Tesla, has recently been launched in the United States market.

Three generations of FT-EV concept have been produced so far, making their respective world debuts at the Detroit Motor Show and the Tokyo Motor Shows of 2009 and 2011. The iQ EV is a production version of those concepts, incorporating the technological and design strengths of all three models.

It represents the installation of an all-electric powertrain within a Toyota iQ package, combining the ultimate in compact city car agility with zero emissions and the easy, silent driving of a fully electric vehicle for up to four passengers.

Concept

The iQ EV has been specifically designed as a city commuting vehicle for use in an urban environment.

In the interests of weight saving, packaging and charging times, that range had to be realised with the lowest practical battery capacity. Power efficiency therefore became the key development goal, focusing on a combination of lightweight design and the lowest possible power consumption.

In an EV, the power consumption of the air conditioning system takes up a very high percentage of the total available battery power. To counteract this, the iQ EV features a low power consumption heat pump air conditioning system, allied to seat heater fitted as standard to directly warm occupants, and a new Heated Windscreen Defroster (HWD) system to clear the screen without the aid of the air conditioning system.

A lower battery capacity also translates into a shorter charging time. Not only can the iQ EV be fully recharged in approximately three hours, but also, via Fast Charging, its battery can be recharged up to 80% capacity in only 15 minutes, significantly enhancing the convenience and practicality of the new Toyota EV.

Packaging

At 3,120 mm overall, the new iQ EV is just 135 mm longer than a standard iQ,sharing the latter’s overall width of 1,680 mm, height of 1,505 mm and 2,000 mm wheelbase. A minimum turning circle of just 4.1 metres offers excellent urban manoeuvrability.

Because the zero emission EV has no requirement for an exhaust system, the newly developed, flat, highly compact lithium-ion battery pack has been mounted within a high strength steel cradle beneath the cabin floor.

This packaging solution has three key benefits: it offers no compromise to either loadspace or passenger accommodation for four; it equips the iQ EV with a low centre of gravity and ideal weight distribution for stability and urban agility; and it allows for the creation of an entirely flat vehicle underbody, maximising aerodynamic performance and, hence, power efficiency.

Minimising the weight increase caused by the installation of the lithium-ion battery pack, high tensile sheet steel has been extensively used in the body shell construction, combining lightweight with high rigidity. As a result, the iQ EV weighs just 125 kg more than a standard iQ (1.3L, CVT)

High body rigidity not only improves vehicle stability and handling agility, it is also instrumental in the suppression of vibration. As a result, and in conjunction with extensive sound proofing throughout the bodyshell and cabin, the new iQ EV offers occupants the remarkably quiet exterior appropriate to an all-electric driving experience.

Exterior Design

Based on the FT-EV III concept shown at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, the new iQ EV exterior is hallmarked by unique styling details and the strong use of two-tone, White Pearl and Black colour to create a simple, bold design which instantly identifies the new Toyota as a highly advanced, all-electric evolution of the company’s renowned city car.

To the front, a smooth, simple surface structure sees the removal of the upper grille and its replacement with a charging port lid to one side of the Toyota badge. The port lid itself has been positioned at the very front of the vehicle for maximum ease of charging cable connection within a wide range of urban parking scenarios.

Adhering to the design principles of all latest generation Toyota vehicles, the lower bumper adopts trapezoidal, Under Priority character lines and an enlarged lower grille with a gloss black finish. The grille incorporates Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) to reinforce the new Toyota EV’s unique visual signature.

A new headlamp design incorporates gloss black, side extension battery cooling air inlets, whilst the interior of the projector halogen headlamp housings has also been finished in black to further strengthen the EV’s visual differentiation from a standard iQ.

To the side, the black upper surfaces of the two-tone colour scheme and the blacked out B pillar emphasise the new iQ EV’s sleek profile, whilst new, aluminium wheels with two-tone wheel caps reinforce the vehicle’s unique, all-electric credentials.

The rear design features a black tailgate and a new, LED combination lamp design above a trapezoidal license plate mounting area within the bumper, both harmonising with the front Under Priority styling and reinforcing the iQ EV’s broad, stable stance.

Aerodynamics

The iQ EV features numerous aerodynamic enhancements in the interests of maximising power efficiency. Grille openings have been reduced to a minimum and the bonnet upper surface shaped to optimise airflow over the front of the vehicle. The A pillar moulding width has been increased, the roof rear edge angled, and the rear pillar, quarter window glass and moulding shaped to help air flow separation over the top and sides of the vehicle.

The front fender wheel opening has been aerodynamically shaped, front and rear wheel spats added in three locations and even the iQ EV-unique aluminium wheel cap design itself has been aerodynamically styled to optimise the flow of air down the sides of the vehicle, minimising turbulence. Comprehensive underbody covers allied to the underside of the battery pack create a flat underfloor surface, further enhancing the aerodynamic efficiency of the new Toyota.

EV-Unique Interior Design Features

As with the exterior design, the iQ EV’s interior is finished in a bold, high contrast, black and white colour scheme. The meter hood, centre console, rear console upper surface, steering wheel horn pad, passenger side dashboard ornamentation and door trim grip and shoulder panels are all finished in white to reflect the vehicle’s uniquely clean, all-electric credentials.

EV-unique, partial leather seat upholstery also features contrasting black and white finishes; the seat and headrest sides in white, central areas in a dark, plug-in-theme patterned fabric with bluish-grey and white stitching.

Exclusive, premium-feel detailing includes light coloured accents to the rear console and door trim grip cover surrounds, the door handle itself, and the instrument binnacle hood.

The iQ EV features an exclusive driver’s instrument binnacle with Optitron metres styled to resemble electrical componentry such as a generator turbine and printed circuitry. It incorporates a central speedometer with EV System Indicator-linked changing colour illumination, a 3.5” TFT (Thin Film Transistor) multi-information display, a compact, high contrast LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a plug-in indicator.

The 3.5” TFT screen displays a comprehensive variety of vehicle information. Its easy-to-read default setting shows only the basic information the driver needs; driving range, state of charge and, through the EV System Indicator, output/regeneration status.

In addition, the display may be switched through seven further screens; average/instant power consumption, post charge power consumption, electrical equipment usage information, driving range, total average vehicle speed/total driving time, EV battery information and settings.

Located at the base of the centre console and finished in blue to match the ornamentation of the EV system start/stop button and shift knob, a further cluster of four, EV-related switches control the front and rear screen defrost functions, the charging timer start function and the charging port lid opener.

Standard Equipment

Helping to maximise power efficiency, the iQ EV features a low power consumption, electric heat pump air conditioning system. The system has been designed to prioritise EV driving range.

It is allied to front seat heaters -fitted as standard- to directly warm occupants, a windscreen-mounted humidity sensor to help the system control the internal/external air mixture to minimise screen fogging, and a new Heated Windscreen Defroster (HWD) system to clear the screen without the aid of the air conditioning system. Pressing a MAX mode switch activates maximum heating or cooling performance when required.

The new Toyota EV is also equipped with a Remote Climate Control System. This allows the air conditioning to be remotely activated with the key when the vehicle is plugged in and charging. By reducing on board temperature extremes through remote activation of the system when the iQ EV is plugged in, air conditioning power consumption whilst driving is significantly reduced, extending driving range.

In addition, the iQ EV benefits from a particularly generous standard equipment package, which includes a Smart Entry & Start System, a 6-speaker audio system and Hill Start Assist.

Despite being the world’s smallest four-seater EV, the new iQ EV is a equipped with a comprehensive range of advanced safety features, including VSC and nine airbags; two front, two side, one driver’s knee, one passenger front seat cushion, two curtain shield and one rear window curtain shield airbags.

Powertrain and Driving Dynamics

The new Toyota iQ EV combines compact city car agility with zero emissions and the easy, silent driving style of a fully electric vehicle.

Its small, 4.1 metre turning circle gives it excellent manoeuvrability in the urban environment, and the position of the battery pack beneath the vehicle floor creates a low centre of gravity and ideal front/rear weight distribution for excellent ride comfort and agile, engaging handling.

A further development of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology, the iQ EV’s fully electric powertrain comprises an air-cooled, 47 kW electric motor/generator, a 150 cell, a 12.0 kWh, 277.5 V battery pack, a 3 kW water-cooled battery charger, an inverter, an DC/DC converter and a motor speed reduction mechanism.

The motor/generator, planetary gear speed reduction mechanism and torque biasing differential are all housed in a new, ultra-compact, EV-exclusive transaxle, which combines a low centre of gravity with reduced energy losses to minimise power consumption.

Maximum torque of 163 Nm is delivered, from a standstill, to the front wheels, giving the iQ EV 0-100 km/h acceleration of 14.0 seconds and a maximum speed of 125 km/h.

The new Toyota EV generates zero CO2, NOx or particulate emissions throughout its operation. With a power consumption of 134 Wh/km, this equips the vehicle with an NEDC-certified range of 85 km between charges.

Similar to Toyota’s full hybrid vehicles, the iQ EV is equipped with a regenerative braking system. When decelerating with the accelerator pedal released, the rotation of the wheels is transmitted to the motor, which acts as a generator, converting kinetic energy into electricity for storage within the battery.

When braking, the amount of energy that is recovered is determined through coordinated control with the electronically controlled brake system, optimising both braking force and energy recovery.

The iQ EV’s gate-type gear shift lever offers drivers three driving ranges: D-range controls the vehicle to consume the least amount of power during city driving; S-range increases acceleration performance for brisk driving; and B-range maximises regenerative braking to extend the vehicle’s driving range as far as possible.

In addition to the extensive system information provided by the EV System Indicator, an ECO Driving Indicator is also provided, helping drivers maximise the efficiency of the new Toyota EV’s all electric powertrain.

Battery Charging

Via an illuminated battery charger inlet conveniently located beneath a discreet, flush-mounted panel at the front of the new iQ EV, the battery pack can be fully recharged in approximately 3 hours from a standard, 230 V household outlet.

A dedicated rapid charger compliant port is available as an option, enabling the battery to be 80% recharged in just 15 minutes, greatly enhancing the new Toyota EV’s everyday practicality.

Two battery charger timer functions allow users to set either the start or the end time of battery charging. And a timer has been introduced to automatically match the charge completion time with duration of vehicle use, helping to reduce battery degradation.

The 5 metre charging cable has been designed to remain flexible even in cold weather. It incorporates a CCID (Charging Circuit Interrupter Device) to automatically block the supply of AC current in the case of electrical leakage during charging. And the plug-cord may be detached from the CCID allowing it to be changed for compatibility with outlet shapes in various countries.

Commercialisation

The iQ EV has been specifically designed as an electric city commuting vehicle for use in an urban environment - the engineering programme is complete and iQ EV is ready for production.

However Toyota has seen that many customers are not yet willing to compromise on range, and they don't like the time needed to re-charge the batteries. Moreover, the infrastructure for recharging has not become as widespread as originally anticipated.

So, even though Toyota is ready with the iQ EV, we believe a plug-in hybrid solution offers a better way than pure electric for most customer needs in the short- to medium-term, and that is where we will concentrate our commercial activities.

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid is a car that delivers the 25 kilometers of pure electric driving needed for 70% of Europe's daily journeys, and has the backup of an efficient hybrid system to deliver a range of over 1200 kilometers without recharging or refuelling.

(Toyota Press Release)

Range Rover Sport 2014

2013-10-04T02:50:00.000-07:00

Image credits: © Land Rover.

Press Release

The all-new Range Rover Sport, revealed to the world today on the streets of New York, is the ultimate premium sports SUV - the fastest, most agile and responsive Land Rover ever. The Manhattan skyline was the perfect backdrop for this world premiere with more units of Range Rover Sport sold in the United States than any other global market and New York being the model's best-selling city.

Developed alongside the highly-acclaimed all-new Range Rover, the new Range Rover Sport now delivers the brand's best-ever on-road dynamics together with class-leading, genuine Land Rover all-terrain capability. The new, technology-packed, Range Rover Sport, presents customers with a more assertive and muscular exterior, more luxurious interior and the flexibility provided by the option of occasional 5+2 seating.

Exploiting Land Rover's breakthrough lightweight suspension design and innovative dynamic chassis technologies, the Sport's all-new, first-in-class aluminium architecture achieves a weight saving of up to 420kg*. This transforms the vehicle's dynamic performance, enabling it to blend agile handling with exceptional comfort, offering a unique mix of sporting luxury and a dynamic, connected driving experience, along with CO2 emissions reduced to 194g/km.

Speaking ahead of the official world premiere at the New York International Auto Show, Land Rover Global Brand Director John Edwards said: "The all-new Range Rover Sport is a vehicle that has been designed and engineered without compromise. With Land Rover capability at its heart, it is one of the most road focussed vehicles we've ever produced, but of course still offers unsurpassed all-terrain capability. It is a vehicle which is designed to be driven. We've taken ride, handling and agility to another level for Land Rover to deliver a truly rewarding, sporting, drive together with unmatched luxury, capability and versatility.

"Building on the success of the recently launched flagship Range Rover, the new Range Rover Sport also employs a vast array of new technologies which help to transform its performance, refinement and all round capabilities," adds Edwards.

Design: assertive, powerful and muscular

The dynamic new Range Rover Sport has a bold and progressive exterior design that is assertive, powerful and muscular, hinting at the improved driving performance, and positioning the vehicle clearly between the Range Rover and the Evoque through a clear, shared design DNA.

Land Rover Design Director and Chief Creative Officer, Gerry McGovern, said: "The new Range Rover Sport is the ultimate luxury SUV. A new Range Rover Sport for a new era. Relevant, sustainable and utterly desirable. Alongside the all-new Range Rover, and the Range Rover Evoque, the new Range Rover Sport represents the third distinct product in Land Rover's product revolution. Firmly establishing it as a powerhouse British brand, with exceptional Design at its core."

With a fresh interpretation of the previous model's distinctive design, the new vehicle has a sleek and contemporary appearance combined with enhanced use of space. The new Sport is just 62mm longer than its predecessor, yet at 4850mm, it is shorter than other 7-seater SUVs and most E segment sedans, bringing greater manoeuvrability and ease of parking. However, a significantly longer wheelbase (increased by 178mm) provides greater room and improved access for rear passengers. Shorter overhangs at the front and rear, plus additional width (+55mm) give the new vehicle a more modern stance.

With its 'faster' windscreen angle, streamlined and rounded profile and lower, dynamic sloping roofline, the new Range Rover Sport is 8 percent more aerodynamic than the outgoing vehicle (Cd 0.34). The new Sport is 149mm shorter and 55mm lower than the all-new Range Rover on which it is based and model-for-model weighs 45kg less.

While it was developed alongside the Range Rover and shares some commonality with its sister vehicle, the all-new Range Rover Sport benefits from 75 percent unique parts, a significant number of which directly influence the way the new Sport looks and feels.

To maximise personalisation, customers will be offered a choice of wheel designs ranging through 19-, 20-, 21- and 22-inches in diameter including the iconic "Viper's Nest" wheel design, now available for the first time across all Range Rover models.

Capability: the broadest range of abilities in an SUV

The new Range Rover Sport has been engineered to deliver dramatically improved on-road driving dynamics, with more connected and agile handling complemented by enhanced ride and refinement. The lightweight aluminium suspension is fully-independent, with wide-spaced double-wishbones at the front and an advanced multi-link layout at the rear.

Wheel-travel is class-leading (260mm front and 272mm rear) and provides exceptional wheel articulation of 546mm to deal with the toughest conditions. Maximum ground clearance is increased to 278mm (+51mm) and the upgraded air suspension system automatically varies between two ride heights, while the next generation ground-breaking Terrain Response® 2 system automatically selects the most suitable terrain programme.

Fifth generation air suspension provides up to 115mm of regular movement, from the lowest setting 'access height' (now 10mm lower at 50mm for easier entry and exit) to the standard off-road height. An automatic extension, triggered by sensors, and a manually-selected extension, both raise the Sport by 35mm, giving a total movement range of 185mm.

The re-engineered air suspension system with its new +35mm intermediate setting means that the off-road mode can remain available at much higher speeds (80km/h up from 50km/h) than was possible before, which is valuable in terrain with long, rutted dirt roads.

All-new, the electric power steering is characterised by a lighter, more direct steering feel. A choice of two full-time 4WD systems will be offered. One system provides a two-speed transfer case with low-range option, for the most demanding off-road conditions with a front-rear 50/50 percent default torque split, and 100 percent locking capability.

The alternative system is 18kg lighter and features a single-speed transfer case with a Torsen differential, which automatically distributes torque to the axle with most grip, working together with the traction control systems to deliver excellent traction in all conditions. The default front-rear torque split of 42/58 percent is designed to provide a rear-wheel drive bias for optimum driving dynamics.

Powertrains: four engine choices from launch, with new Hybrid to follow

At launch, all-new Range Rover Sport customers will have a choice of four engines - two supercharged petrol engines (5.0-litre 510PS V8 and the new 3.0-litre 340PS V6) and two diesel engines (3.0-litre 258PS TDV6 and 292PS SDV6). The powertrain line-up will be expanded later in this year by the addition of a high performance 4.4-litre 339PS SDV8 diesel version. In addition, an innovative, high-efficiency diesel Hybrid model will be available to order later this year for delivery in 2014. Across the range, acceleration times for the 0-60mph dash start from sub-5.0 seconds, while fuel consumption is cut by up to 24 percent - depending on model - and CO2 emissions start as low as 194g/km. All petrol and diesel engines in the new Range Rover Sport are paired with the advanced electronically controlled ZF 8HP70 8-speed automatic gearbox.

The weight reduction measures on the new Range Rover Sport open up the future possibility for the fitment of a smaller, lighter power plant, such as a four cylinder engine. A model which could have an overall weight of less than 2000kg, a reduction of over 500kg* from the previous lightest model.

Sustainability: first in class withlightweight aluminium construction

The all-new Range Rover Sport is the first vehicle in its segment to feature an advanced all-aluminium body structure, which not only contributes to outstanding agility and driving dynamics, but also delivers significantly reduced weight and enhanced sustainability.

Engineered in parallel with the highly-acclaimed new Range Rover, the new model's lightweight aluminium body structure employs a combination of pressed panels, plus cast, extruded and rolled aluminium alloy parts, so the strength is concentrated precisely where the loads are greatest. The vehicle's platform is 39 percent lighter than the previous model's.

In 2014, the new Sport's improvement in efficiency will be raised to a new level with the introduction of an ultra-efficient diesel Hybrid achieving CO2 emissions of 169g/km.

All models across the range are fitted with an advanced intelligent Stop/Start system which improves fuel consumption by up to 7 percent.

Interior: modern and luxurious with a strong sporting character

The new Sport provides an interior with distinctive Range Rover Sport design cues, superior detailing and craftsmanship.

A design benchmark in its segment, the Sport interior offers a unique blend of style and understated luxury with strong, elegant lines, top quality materials and an extra dash of sporting character. Strong, architectural forms within the interior have been enhanced by a cleaner, purer surface treatment, beautifully executed with more luxurious soft-touch surfaces in key touch points around the cabin.

The sporting ambience of the interior is also reflected in the smaller diameter, thicker steering wheel, vertical gear shifter, higher centre console, configurable mood lighting and more generous seat bolsters. The Sports Command Driving Position (CDP) combines the supreme sense of confidence and control offered by the Range Rover, with a more sporting seating position similar to the Evoque.

Interior packaging is optimised to create a more spacious rear cabin with 24mm more knee room, while occupants also benefit from the wider cabin. New, neatly integrated third row, occasional 5+2 seating can be specified. These powered seats leave a flat floor with no loss of boot space and are split 50/50.

Technology: customer-focused vehicle and safety features

The new Range Rover Sport has been developed as the ultimate 'no compromise' vehicle that will fit perfectly into its customers' lifestyles. It has been engineered to incorporate the latest developments in customer-focused vehicle and safety technologies to enhance comfort, confidence and safety behind the wheel.

New or enhanced chassis technologies for the new Sport include Adaptive Dynamics featuring continuously variable dampers (CVD), and on more powerful models, a dedicated Dynamic mode in the Terrain Response® 2 system for enthusiastic on-road driving. This system is combined with twin-channel Dynamic Response active lean control, a Dynamic Active Rear Locking Differential, and Torque Vectoring by Braking, which transfers torque to the outside wheels during cornering, reducing understeer.

The new Range Rover Sport offers a comprehensive connectivity package enabling customers to stay seamlessly connected to their vehicle, business and family lives.'Connected car' technology allows the driver to check the status of the vehicle via an App installed on their smartphone and also provides support features such as Stolen Vehicle Tracking, Emergency Call and Land Rover Assist Call. Finally, a high bandwidth Wi-Fi Hotspot can be installed in the vehicle so that passengers can use the internet and get the best data connection for their smartphones or tablets.

A new, optional colour Head-Up Display presents key vehicle and navigation data without the driver needing to look away from the road, using laser technology for superior clarity and contrast.

The new model introduces a digital camera system which supports three driver assistance features that help deliver improved driver awareness: Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition and Automatic High Beam Assist. Another unique innovation on the Sport is the new Wade Sensing™ feature that provides 'depth' information when driving through water, made even more beneficial to the driver now that the Sport's maximum wading depth has increased by 150mm over the previous model to 850mm.

Conclusion

The all-new Range Rover Sport, with its greatly enhanced versatility, is destined to continue the outstanding success of its predecessor, which quickly became one of Land Rover's most popular models following its introduction in 2005, with sales exceeding 380,000 units to date.

Designed and engineered at Land Rover's development centres in the UK, the new model will be produced in a state-of-the-art low-energy manufacturing facility at Solihull, UK.

On sale during the third quarter of 2013, the new Range Rover Sport will ultimately be introduced in 169 markets worldwide. Most markets will offer customers a choice of four equipment levels (S, SE, HSE and Autobiography), plus new 'Dynamic' versions of the HSE and Autobiography. An extensive choice of colours, finishes and details will enable customers to create the ultimate bespoke SUV.

(Land Rover Press Release)

Chevrolet Silverado Volunteer Firefighter Concept 2013

2013-09-30T17:54:00.002-07:00

Image credits: © Chevrolet.

Chevrolet Silverado Black Ops Concept 2013

2013-09-30T17:41:00.001-07:00

Image credits: © Chevrolet.

Lotus Elite 2014

2013-09-27T19:26:00.002-07:00

Image credits: © Lotus.

Ford Mustang GT U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds 2014

2013-09-24T19:48:00.002-07:00

Image credits: © Ford.

Press Release

The engineering and design teams at Ford Motor Company have produced a unique U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Edition 2014 Ford Mustang GT. This car will be donated by Ford to be sold at the Gathering of Eagles charity event on Thursday, Aug. 1 during the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture Oshkosh 2013 – the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration.

All proceeds from the car donation and sale will benefit the EAA Young Eagles program, which has provided free introductory flights to more than 1.6 million young people since 1992, helping inspire and motivate the next generation of leaders, aviators and innovators.

Ford is the exclusive automotive sponsor of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, held July 29 through Aug. 4 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wis.

“The dedication and excellence displayed by the United States Air Force Thunderbirds are qualities we also celebrate at Ford,” said Edsel B. Ford II, a member of the Ford board of directors. “With this year’s beautiful U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Edition Mustang, we’ve captured the recognizable symbols of their stature and paired it with the innovation our Ford design and engineering teams build into all of our products.

“Through this project,” Ford added, “we take great pride in continuing our support for EAA and the Young Eagles organization.”

This unique U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Ford Mustang GT celebrates and commemorates the 60th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the fastest, multi-jet flight demonstration team in the world. Thunderbirds fly the F-16 Falcon, known for its glossy red, white and blue paint scheme.

This one-of-a-kind car is VIN 0001. The design of the modified 2014 Mustang GT 5.0-liter glass-roof coupe exudes a creative connection to the Thunderbirds, with a contemporary flair for the serious collector.

The exterior will showcase a custom brilliant white paint with red and blue accents, as well as markings and logos, tying it to the Thunderbirds’ F-16 Falcon aircraft. The unique treatment includes wide body modifications and a handcrafted and painted “belly pan” that emulates the F-16 Thunderbird appearance. TS Designs handcrafted the front and rear wide body elements, Creations n’ Chrome crafted the unique belly pan – plus applied the paint and markings – and Forgiato created custom 22-inch wheels to further differentiate this Mustang from anything else on the road.

Unique interior details of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Edition Ford Mustang GT include a modified navigation screen, instrument cluster and rear seat-delete. The car’s Recaro® seats include embroidered Thunderbirds elements. Additional features include unique sill plates and puddle lamps that project the aircraft silhouette when the doors open.

Ford Racing components will boost the performance to an extraordinary level. With the addition of a Ford Racing supercharger, suspension handling pack and Brembo® brakes, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Edition Mustang will exude class, power and performance.

Ford Design Manager Melvin Betancourt and Mustang Chief Nameplate Engineer Dave Pericak led the design and engineering teams that developed the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Edition Mustang GT.

The Young Eagles auction is part of the EAA Gathering of Eagles gala. The Gathering of Eagles annually draws more than 1,000 aviation enthusiasts in support of Young Eagles and other EAA programs that inspire young people to become engineers, aviators, astronauts, scientists and innovators – the aviation pioneers of tomorrow.

“Ford is a longtime, committed sponsor of EAA and AirVenture, bringing value to those who make Oshkosh the pinnacle of their aviation year,” said Jack Pelton, EAA Chairman. “These specialty vehicles reflect the depth of Ford’s commitment and allow EAA to provide support to its valuable programs and dedicated members in helping us grow the next generation of aviators.

” The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Edition joins five other one-of-a-kind Mustangs created by the Ford design and engineering teams for the EAA Young Eagles auction in recent years, each generating excitement among aviation and automotive enthusiasts alike. Ford vehicles sold at auction during past EAA AirVenture events have collectively raised nearly $1.9 million to support Young Eagles.

The unique vehicles produced by Ford in support of EAA Young Eagles include the Mustang AV8R, with cues from the F-22 “Raptor,” which in 2008 helped introduce the glass-roof canopy and delivered a record auction contribution of $500,000. In 2009 Ford’s AV-X10 “Dearborn Doll” Mustang was crafted in honor of World War II aircraft. In 2010 two automotive icons – the late Carroll Shelby, a former U.S. Air Force flight instructor, and Jack Roush, longtime P-51 pilot – collaborated for the first time to create the SR-71 “Blackbird” Mustang inspired by the legendary reconnaissance jet. The “Blue Angels” Mustang in 2011 celebrated 100 years of United States naval aviation, and last year’s “Red Tails” Mustang paid homage to the Tuskegee Airmen, the courageous squadron of P-51 Mustang pilots who were the United States’ first African American military airmen.

(Ford Press Release)

Subaru BRZ 2013

2013-09-21T19:55:00.000-07:00

1mage credits: © Subaru.

Press Release

SUBARU BRZ is a rear-wheel drive sports car featuring the Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine. It was developed as a joint-project between Subaru and Toyota Motor Corporation, to bring to the world a sports car with superior steering response and driving pleasure that everyone can experience. The Subaru Boxer engine in the BRZ was positioned even lower than other Subaru models so that the BRZ has one of the lowest possible centers of gravity on the market today. This low center of gravity produces astonishing handling character and combined with a light-weight chassis BRZ realizes Subaru's aim for "Pure Handling Delight" -- the driving experience taken to a new level.

Major Features

Concept

The product concept of BRZ is "Pure Handling Delight." The Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine has inherent qualities of low center of gravity, lightweight, and compactness. These attributes are maximized by placing this engine even lower and closer to the center of the chassis. These factors contributed to BRZ's low center of gravity -- one of the lowest possible. The BRZ is a fun sports car that any driver can enjoy driving with peace of mind.

Design

"Ultra-low Center of Gravity Package"

The BRZ has a low-mounted Boxer engine on a specially designed sub-frame that forms an "ultra-low center of gravity package". With this arrangement, BRZ achieved a low driving position typical of a sports car. Overall height of BRZ is 1,300 mm and it has a wide and low body of a stylish coupe at 1775mm. Yet, it allows for 2+2 seating and a trunk with ample space. Not only is the BRZ a sports car, but it can also be a suitable partner for long tours with its unexpected utility.

Exterior

Subaru aimed for a sports car design that instinctively conveys the car's fun-to-drive character. In addition, it was detailed to be instantly recognizable as a Subaru.

Front fascia

The "ultra-low center of gravity package" also allowed a low hood design. This low hood and bulging front fenders raise expectations for the BRZ's drivability. Also, to communicate the Subaru identity the Subaru six-star ornament, headlights and hexagon lower grille follow the Subaru design motif common across new Subaru models.

Side

The low center of gravity enhances BRZ's sensuous beauty with its shapely fender flares. The aesthetic beauty is combined with functional beauty that advances aerodynamics through such areas as the C-pillar shape, rear glass inclination, trunk lid layout. As would be expected from a sports car, the front and rear overhangs were shortened to express the BRZ's liveliness. The front fender is accentuated with a distinctive garnish.

Rear fascia

The projecting rear wheel arches sit by way of contrast to the compact cabin and emphasizes the beauty of the BRZ's rear view.

Interior

Details were carefully designed to allow a new level of fun-to-drive experience in which the driver and vehicle become one.

The steering wheel was made smaller to achieve sports car maneuverability.
A tachometer with digitally displayed speedometer is placed in the center of the gauges so that the driver can instantly see information without diverting attention from the road.
Bespoke sports car seats were designed to hold the driver and passenger and feature lowered sitting positions to match the "ultra-low center of gravity package".

Mechanisms

Engine

Making full use of the design concept of the new-generation Boxer engine, the newly developed engine made exclusively for the BRZ is highly efficient with superior output and environmental friendliness. It realizes an exhilarating high revving nature of a naturally aspirated sports engine.

It has square bore and stroke of 86 X 86 mm.
Due to the joint development with Toyota Motor Corporation, Toyota's direct injection and port injection technology "D-4S" was incorporated in the BRZ's power unit.
To achieve the "ultra-low center of gravity package", the engine as a whole has been made more compact by such means as adopting the shorter intake manifold and the shallower oil pan.

Transmission

The joy of sports car driving was realized through a transmission that focuses on shift feel and response.

The 6-speed MT employs a short stroke shift lever. The lever was optimized in rigidity, shift quality and weight application in its pursuit of a superb shift feel.
The 6-speed AT has "S mode" for better shifting response and "M mode" for optional shifting. Also, with the paddle shift and downshifting blipping control, this model can respond faithfully to the driver's inputs.

Body

The lightweight yet highly-rigid body was developed exclusively to maximize the advantages of the "ultra-low center of gravity package".

Low center of gravity and low driving position were achieved by the perimeter type body frame layout.
The body has a rigid and durable frame structure that also works in balance with the vehicle's light-weight. The rigidity is optimized for high drivability and appropriate durability is maintained for collision safety.
High tensile steel was used in the body to contribute to weight reduction. Effective use of this material in the upper structure of the BRZ contributed to its low center of gravity.
The front hood employs aluminum for lightness. The structure was fine-tuned for a low styling that also improves pedestrian protection performance.

Chassis

Excellent maneuverability and stability of the "ultra-low center of gravity package" offers direct and sharp response to steering and enhances driver's connection to the car

The front suspension employs struts for light-weight and high rigidity, while a double wishbone layout is adopted at the rear for better shock absorption.
To gain a low front hood from the "ultra-low center of gravity package", the front strut mount was lowered while maintaining the stroke.
The tires are 215/45R17 combined with lightweight and highly rigid aluminum wheels.
All models are equipped with electronic stability control to provide both driving pleasure and safety.

Major Specifications

Overall Length X Width X Height (mm) / (in)		4,240 X 1,775 X 1,300 170 X 70 X 52
Wheelbase (mm) / (in)		2,570 / 101
Curb weight (kg) / (lb)		1,220 / 2,689 12
Maximum output (kw(PS)) / hp		147(200) / 200*1
Maximum torque (N.m(kg.m)) / (lb/ft)		205(20.9) / 151*1
Power unit	Engine	2.0-liter Horizontally-Opposed Boxer Direct Injection engine
	Transmission	6MT/E-6AT
Drive train		Rear-wheel drive
Suspension		front: strut / rear: double wishbone
Tire size		215/45R17

*1 reference value
*2 average value

(Subaru Press Release)

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe Concept 2013

2013-09-19T20:58:00.002-07:00

Image credits: © Mercedes - Benz.

Press Release

Traditionally the top of the Mercedes-Benz product range is occupied by the grand coupé. With the Concept S-Class Coupé the company will provide a concrete vision of the next model generation at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt: with its gorgeous appearance and self-assured style it embodies the design philosophy of sensual clarity. In the interior with its spectacular architecture and truly exclusive appointments the four-seater defines the state of the art of modern luxury.

"The new S-Class Saloon was received enthusiastically in the market and perfectly lives up to its role as a representative of the power of innovation of Mercedes-Benz", says Dr Joachim Schmidt, Member of the Management Board of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Sales & Marketing. "On the S-Class Coupé as the traditional top of our product range the designers take advantage of their additional freedom and thus create an automotive masterpiece".

Gorden Wagener, Vice President Design at Daimler AG, adds: "The Concept S-Class Coupé combines tradition and emotion, and is a symbol for the embodiment of our design style of sensual clarity. The perfected design with self-assured style and the highly exclusive appointments make the coupé a true design icon and an expression of modern luxury“.

Design: sensual clarity at its most beguiling

Sensual clarity as an expression of modern luxury – this was the focus for the designers, and is the design philosophy of Mercedes-Benz. The aim is to create clear contours and smooth surfaces that stage high tech while exuding emotional appeal. The sensual clarity is reflected in the core design values of tradition, emotion and progressivism. These are the guiding star, and are accentuated differently depending on the model. Mercedes-Benz creates a bridge between modernity and the avant-garde, between tradition and progressivism. Each model series has an assigned role and a very specific character, depending on the attributes on which the design focusses. And yet a Mercedes-Benz is always recognisable as a Mercedes-Benz. Because in addition to incorporating new stylistic developments, and in the interests of keeping tradition alive, the designers draw from a gene-pool of styling features typical of the brand.

"Design needs the sublime! Because design is the best brand ambassador. At the centre of our work is sensual clarity as an expression of modern luxury, because this is precisely what gets to the heart of our brand philosophy – the bipolarity of intelligence and emotion", says Wagener.

The exterior: flowing profile of perfect proportions

The flowing profile of the Concept S-Class Coupé embodies sensual clarity in a modern way. It is characterised by typical rear-wheel drive proportions, which are emphasised by the Mercedes-typical signature, the dropping line. The long bonnet with distinctive lines and powerdomes, the cowering greenhouse with high beltline, the accentuated wheel arches as well as the 21-inch wheels (tyres at front 265/35 R 21, at rear 295/35 R 21) and the visually broad rear substantiate the claim of the Concept S-Class Coupé as a masterpiece of automotive refinement. With a wheelbase of 2945 mm the coupé measures 5050 mm in length, 1958 mm in width and 1409 mm in height.

Positively arched surfaces give the Concept S-Class Coupé a sensual character. The sculpted appearance lends it classic elegance that forms a perfect symbiosis with the modern-progressive design idiom.

The view from the side is marked by the dropping line in keeping with the emotional character of the vehicle. It underscores the brand-typical proportions like a signature. The lines are deliberately reduced to the basics. This creates a timeless clarity.

The creative interaction of various design elements lend the Concept S-Class Coupé a superior and self-assured front: at the centre of the vehicle front is the three-dimensional and further evolved diamond radiator grille, whose structure is defined in this case by rectangular, dark chrome-plated elements. It bears the central Mercedes star and one blade.

The full-LED headlamps with their iconic eyebrows as daytime driving lamps lend it an extremely self-assured and distinctive gaze. On the Concept S-Class Coupé the eyebrows have been further advanced with a semicircular counter-swish. The diamond-look of the headlamps and the tail lamps underline the luxurious appointments of the show car.

The side profile is defined by the dome-shaped stretched roof line and the frameless doors. An elegant, three-dimensional chrome frame surrounds the glass areas that are uninterrupted by B-pillars. This underscores the Mercedes-typical coupé look. In designing the pillared exterior mirrors the designers took opportunity of the liberties offered by a concept car and made them especially slim, giving them an elegant appearance.

A muscle above the rear axle protruding from the side wall generates a sense of lightness and dynamic spirit even at a standstill. The positively arched surfaces and lines of the side walls flow into the rear end with a dramatic tapered effect.

The rear end with its surfaces, broad shoulders and distinctive character lines rounds out the emotional overall appearance. Moving the license plate to the lower bumper section allows positioning the three-pointed star more prominently on the smooth boot lid. This is complemented by a chrome trim strip modelled with love of detail. It runs horizontally across the boot lid and continues past the tail lamps, creating visual width. The arrangement of the LEDs in two horizontal rows within the two-piece tail lamp represents high tech and at the same time is reminiscent of the relief-type design on earlier models.

The interior: dynamic flow of lines

Sculpted elegance and simplicity also characterises the interior. The white instrument panel exudes sensual clarity. Its curved shape is reminiscent of a whale fluke just before it re-enters the water. Like the entire interior it is dominated by flowing lines: the upper and lower wave create a clear structure. The architecture of the instrument panel is spectacular: Thanks to a new airbag packaging the designers were able to give the lower part of the instrument panel an extremely sculpted shape. The upper section of the instrument panel seems to float sensually in front of the dashboard as a so-called top layer. The instrument panel seamlessly transitions into the doors in a wrap-around design. The wavelike motion continues in the door panels.

The ventilation nozzles, which among other places are housed as a four-piece cluster in the centre of the instrument panel, have a futuristic and highly detailed design: fins that route the air stream surround an oblong hole. The ventilation nozzles are designed to add contrasts and are made of a mix of white aluminium with a ceramics-like appearance and brushed and polished aluminium.

The aluminium control elements have a functional and clean design, and provide an exciting contrast to the organic and avant-garde shapes that surround them. On top of the free-form surface under a reduced hood are the 30.7-cm (12.3-inch) screens familiar from the new S-Class. They have an aspect ratio of 8:3. In the Concept S-Class Coupé the fully glazed colour displays are even slimmer and seem to float even more freely. As high-tech elements they offer an exciting contrast to the sensual landscape of the instrument panel. The colour scheme of the displays is bluish and consequently sporty and modern.

A touch screen showing four world clocks is located on the centre console. The driver can choose which clocks to display: To do so, the driver first scrolls on a globe in the display and selects a time zone before a drop-down menu offers the corresponding city selections. The world clock concept was designed and implemented by designers and engineers at the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Center in Palo Alto, California, USA.

The central command unit on the centre console looks like a shiny jewel. Its extremely high-quality "black diamond" surface creates depth of field. The "black diamond" method uses the chemical CVD (chemical vapour deposition) gas phase process to deposit a precious metal on a high-sheen chrome surface at temperatures of 1000°C. The metal reacts with the surface to form a layer that is highly scratch-resistant and has a high adhesive strength.

The door panels of the Concept S-Class Coupé are made from aluminium. Using computer algorithms delicate topographic lines were milled into the metal and mimic the contours of the door-mounted control elements. This creates an interesting light pattern with tiny sparkling highlights. For this creation the designers drew their inspiration from rock formations in Utah, USA. The progressive perforations of the loudspeakers were also generated using algorithms and display some intelligent aesthetics of mathematics.

Like the entire interior the seats have a highly dynamic and natural "flow of lines" and continue the sculpted design of the shapes. The front seats evoke associations of haute-couture tailoring because their sculpted shape embodies sensual lines reminiscent of figurines in fashion design. In the upper section of the seat the side bolsters envelope the occupant like a collar. The vertical lines of the seats come courtesy of an array of delicate piping. Piping on the side bolsters provides contrast and like the perforation of the seat surfaces is a factor in the sporty-elegant impression.

The choice of colours and materials plays with the extroverted contrasts of anthracite and white as well as aluminium, and bolsters both the timeless modernity and avant-garde nature of the design and the claim of the Concept S-Class Coupé to ultimate exclusivity, high quality and perfection. In this spirit the instrument panel and seats are made from supple calfskin. The roofliner of the vehicle is made from hand-woven silk and consequently underscores the exclusive character of the interior.

The technology: intelligent assistance systems and a seeing suspension

The Concept S-Class Coupé is powered by a V8 Biturbo engine. This engine produces 335 kW (455 hp) from a displacement of 4663 cc. The peak torque is 700 Nm. The Concept S-Class Coupé is equipped with the "Intelligent Drive" technology from Mercedes-Benz. Thanks to two "camera eyes" the stereo camera can get a three-dimensional view of the area up to about 50 metres in front of the vehicle, and as "6DVision" can detect the position and movement of objects. It monitors the surroundings ahead of the vehicle over a range of up to 500 metres. These data are combined with the data from the radar and ultrasound sensors. A multitude of assistance systems monitors the surrounding traffic for the driver. This helps to reduce the burden on the driver and other road users are also protected. The suspension makes use of the new stereo camera as well: like the new S-Class, the Concept S-Class Coupé can detect surface undulations in advance. If ROAD SURFACE SCAN detects such undulations with the help of the stereo camera, MAGIC BODY CONTROL adjusts the suspension in advance to suit the situation. Using the camera images and vehicle status information, the control unit continuously calculates the best control strategy to cope with uneven stretches such as long undulations.

The infotainment system also meets the highest standards: the MoodGrid software from music recognition service Gracenote makes it possible to listen to whatever music fits the mood. Finding suitable songs no longer requires the driver and passengers of the Concept S-Class Coupé to awkwardly search through their collections of digital music. Based on a selected mood the software compiles a pre-selection of songs. This compilation not only includes familiar songs, but music from a catalogue containing 18 million tracks – adapted to the individual taste and the respective mood. The navigation system based on the Garmin NaviCore also offers more convenient orientation with a modern design and a 3D view.

(Mercedes Benz Press Release)

Audi nanuk quattro Concept 2013

2013-09-18T03:16:00.002-07:00

Image credits: © Audi.

Press Release

Sportiness in a new form – Audi is showing the Audi nanuk quattro concept show car at the IAA in Frankfurt am Main. Its crossover concept combines the dynamics of a high-performance sports car with Audi's quattro expertise on the road, on the race track and also off-road. The V10 TDI engine sets benchmarks for power and efficiency.

Audi developed the Audi nanuk quattro concept show car in collaboration with the designers from Italdesign Giugiaro. The result is a sports car for any stage of life and for any surface – equally at home on the race track, the highway or a winding country road as it is off-road in the sand or in the snow. It’s crossover concept combines the dynamics of a mid-engine sports car with the versatility of a sporty recreational vehicle.

The two-seater is powered by a newly developed V10 TDI installed longitudinally in front of the rear axle. The powerful 5.0-liter diesel engine produces over 400 kW (544 hp) and delivers 1,000 Nm (737.56 lb-ft) of torque to the crankshaft from just 1,500 rpm. Its twin-turbo register charging unit is controlled via the Audi valvelift system (AVS). The common rail system operates at an injection pressure of 2,500 bar. A beefed-up seven-speed S tronic located behind the engine transfers the torque to a specially designed quattro drivetrain.

The Audi nanuk quattro concept has a curb weight of around 1,900 kilograms (4,188.78 lb). It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.8 seconds, and the top speed is 305 km/h (189.52 mph). The innovative thermal management with its separate cooling loops and the steplessly regulated oil pump contribute to the excellent fuel consumption of just 7.8 liters per 100 kilometers (30.16 US mpg) on average.

Double wishbones guide the show car's 22-inch wheels, which are shod with 235/50-series tires up front and 295/45 at the rear. The carbon fiber-ceramic brake discs can withstand high temperatures and are extremely abrasion-resistant.

The adaptive air suspension with electronically controlled dampers features the next generation of technology from Audi. The driver can manually adjust the ground clearance of the Audi nanuk quattro concept in three stages: normal, 30 millimeters (1.18 in) lower or 40 millimeters (1.57 in) higher. The system also controls the level of the body itself based on driving speed and the predictive route data supplied by the navigation system. On the highway, for example, the body remains lowered even when the Audi nanuk quattro concept is moving slowly. It is automatically raised when turning onto a gravel road.

Another technological highlight of the show car is the integral steering, which resolves the classic conflict between dynamic handling and stability. The system combines the proven Audi dynamic steering at the front axle, which among other things can intervene at the cornering limit for enhanced stability, with supplemental steering for the rear wheels. Separate actuators activate the two active track rods.

When the driver steers at low to moderate speeds, the rear wheels turn up to nine degrees in the opposite direction of the front wheels. This shortens the wheelbase virtually by around 100 centimeters (39.37 in), reducing the turning circle to roughly 10 meters (32.81 ft). Handling also becomes more agile. The Audi nanuk quattro concept turns in even more eagerly and is essentially neutral in corners.

At higher speeds the system turns the rear wheels by as much as 2.5 degrees in the same direction as the front wheels. This extends the wheelbase virtually by around 140 centimeters (55.12 in) for better stability. On the highway, the show car is firmly seated on the road and masters fast corners and avoidance maneuvers with aplomb.

Precise and uncompromising: Exterior design

The Audi nanuk quattro concept has a wheelbase of 2,710 millimeters (106.69 in). It is 4,541 millimeters (178.78 in) long, 1,990 millimeters (78.35 in) wide and 1,337 milli-meters (52.64 in) tall. The load-bearing body structure is a lightweight, aluminum Audi Space Frame (ASF). Components made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) comprise the outer skin and are finished in Extreme Red.

These are exaggerated, uncompromising and angular. The Audi nanuk quattro concept is a dynamic sculpture on large wheels that opens a new chapter in the Audi design language.

At the front of the show car is a very flat version of a hexagonal single-frame grille. A narrow aluminum frame encircles its insert.

Dynamic daytime running lights accentuate the Audi signature when the car is started and also serve as dynamic turn signals. Particularly distinctive, however, is the switch between the low beams and high beams made possible by the new Audi Matrix LED technology. When driving with the low beams, the show car appears clean and open, but hunkered down and focused when driving with the high beams.

The large air inlets up front have been shifted toward the back. Three upright bars structure their interior. The blade, which forms the lower edge of the bumper, includes airflow slits. The four rings are mounted in the single-frame grille.

The contours of the fenders dominate when theAudi nanuk quattro concept is viewed from the side. The front contour forms a sharp blister edge, a classic Audi design feature. The rear contour extends like a wave over the wheel. The greenhouse is low, and the C-pillars flow smoothly at a gentle angle to the rear of the car. In the bottom section of the flanks, very wide aprons cap the side sills.

The door is sculpted. The upper and lower sections protrude boldly while the center section is slightly recessed. The doors open upward at an angle. Delicate, wing-shaped cameras replace the exterior mirrors. Behind the door opening is a large, vertical sideblade like that on the Audi R8 high-performance sports car. It feeds intake air to the V10 TDI engine. A second, smaller blade behind the side window is moveable and facilitates the flow of air through the engine compartment.

The interplay between protruding and recessed surfaces continues at the rear of the car. A concave section extending across the entire width integrates the Audi rings, the tail lights and the third brake light, which runs as a flat strip between the lights. The license plate is mounted on another recessed surface in the lower section of the back end. The diffuser houses the two large, round tailpipes of the exhaust system.

A large rear window exposes the TDI engine. The entire rear bodywork can be flipped upward in one piece like with a race car for maintenance work. The occupants’ luggage is stowed at the front of the car, where there is room for two trolleys or a golf bag.

Systematically driver-oriented: the interior

The interior of the Audi nanuk quattro concept has been reduced to the essentials. The architecture revolves around the instrument cluster. A carbon island accentuates the cockpit and provides for a clear driver focus. The instrument panel seems to float and emphasizes the horizontal lines and the width of the car. It is supported by aluminum stirrups at the center console, which have soft pads as leg rests. Besides numerous storage compartments, there is also a holder made of a soft material in the scissor doors.

All control elements, including the controls for the electronically controlled air suspension, the touchwheel for navigation and multimedia functions and the turn signals, are concentrated on the center tunnel console and the steering wheel. The seats, with folding backs, pronounced side bolsters and integrated head restraints, are power-adjustable. A mobile phone can be charged inductively in the Audi phone box.

Rather than physical dials and needles, the show car has a freely programmable instrument cluster. The driver can call up a variety of displays and information as desired. Two small monitors in the area of the A-pillars serve as digital exterior mirrors and display the images from the cameras on the doors. The same function is provided by the center display mounted on the headlining, which replaces the rearview mirror.

Dark aluminum shines at the front of the instrument panel, whose surface as well as the seats, arm rests and door panels is covered in fine mineral gray leather. The third characteristic material in the interior of the Audi nanuk quattro concept is CFRP.

(Audi Press Release)

BMW i8 2013

2013-09-15T08:42:00.001-07:00

Image credits: © BMW

Bugatti Grand Sport Vitesse Jean Bugatti 2013

2013-09-12T23:56:00.002-07:00

Image credits: © Bugatti.

Press Release

Following the successful launch of its “Les Légendes de Bugatti” (Bugatti Legends) series a few weeks ago in Pebble Beach in California, Bugatti presents the second vehicle in this exclusive edition as a world premiere at the 65th International Motor Show in Frankfurt. The French luxury car manufacturer intends the Bugatti Grand Sport Vitesse “Jean Bugatti” to be a celebration of the oldest son of company founder Ettore Bugatti and his most famous creation, the Type 57SC Atlantic. Like all other five models in the Legend series, the “Jean Bugatti” is limited to three vehicles. It costs 2.28 million euros (plus tax and other charges).

With its “Jean Bugatti” Legend model, Bugatti pays homage to a prominent figure in 20th century automotive history. Gianoberto Carlo Rembrandt Ettore Bugatti, known as Jean, was the eldest son of Ettore Bugatti and the most gifted of his four children. From the late 1920s onwards, Jean used his own structural and design ideas to exert more and more influence over the development of the company located in Molsheim, Alsace. In 1936, he took over as head of the company at the age of 27. By the time of his tragic accidental death in 1939, Jean had secured his place in automotive history thanks to his pioneering engine and chassis designs and concepts for vehicle bodies.

“Jean Bugatti is a Bugatti legend,” says Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, President of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. “Along with his father Ettore, Jean played a critical role in shaping our brand. Jean managed to combine the artistic roots of Bugatti with his father’s innovative automotive technology, and from that developed a design which is still reflected in the brand today, finding expression in our brand values of ‘Art, Forme, Technique’.”

One of the most extraordinary designs created by Jean Bugatti has to be the Type 57SC Atlantic, one of the most exclusive and exceptional sport coupés ever built and ranking among the most expensive vintage cars in the world. The Legend vehicle to be unveiled in Frankfurt is a call back to La Voiture Noire (‘The Black Car’), an Atlantic model which was driven by Jean Bugatti himself and has been lost since the Second World War.

“The Bugatti 57SC Atlantic is an icon. For many, it is one of the most elegant and valuable sports cars in automotive history,” asserts Wolfgang Schreiber. “Jean Bugatti was a gifted car designer who knew to mirror the 1930s style of avant-garde in the design of the Bugatti car bodies,” explains Achim Anscheidt, Chief Designer at Bugatti. “His jet black La Voiture Noire was more than just Jean’s ‘private’ car. It was also his most impressive work of art – breathtakingly sporty dimensions paired with fluid, elegant lines and the unmistakeably expressive Bugatti DNA.”

The technology in the Bugatti Legend Edition “Jean Bugatti” is based on the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse, whose 8-litre W16 engine generates an enormous 1,200 PS and an unparalleled 1,500 Nm torque at 3,000 to 5,000 rpm, and which can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.6 seconds.

Design

For the first time ever, the Bugatti horseshoe sparkles in precious platinum

In developing the Jean Bugatti Legend Edition, the designers at Bugatti aimed to follow the concept of its historic predecessor, the Type 57SC Atlantic La Voiture Noire, as closely as possible.

Exterior: The body of the Jean Bugatti Vitesse Legend Edition is constructed entirely from jet black, clear-coated carbon fibre, making it the embodiment of elegance and the apex of technical engineering. The use of platinum lends an air of extravagance to the vehicle, with the famous Bugatti horseshoe on the front grille and the EB logo on the rear taking on a resplendent appearance. Bugatti is using this precious material for the very first time on the exterior of one of its modern models.

The vehicle’s elegant, minimalist appearance is further punctuated by its wheels, which feature black diamond-cut rims.

In reference to the Legend Edition’s namesake, the signature of Jean Bugatti has been lasered onto the petrol and oil cap and painted Arctic grey.

Interior

The designers also took care to adhere to the motif of the historic La Voiture Noire as much as possible for the interior of the Vitesse Jean Bugatti Legend Edition. As such, it has been fully fitted out in leather. The Vitesse will also feature the same beige and brown tones that were present in the Type 57SC Atlantic. The seats, instrument panel, steering wheel, dash panel, centre console, door trim panels and windscreen crossmember are all rendered in chocolate brown.

As in the original vehicle, the chocolate brown is contrasted against the leather upholstery in a light beige silk colour across the extended centre console. This upholstery is continued in the footwell, the outer door trim panels and the handle recesses. The colour of the decorative stitching in the vehicle has been selected to complement the leather used.

The intricate, particularly eye-catching embroidery on the doors and the cover of the rear storage compartment once again harks back to the vehicle’s legendary predecessor, given that the side silhouette of the Type 57SC was embroidered onto the chocolate brown doors using contrasting beige silk thread. From a bird’s eye view, the Atlantic’s silhouette is immortalised using brown thread for decorative stitching on the rear beige-coloured storage compartment. The results of this passion for detail and the desire to use the finest materials throughout the engineering process can be observed in the interior’s steering wheel as well – as for the exterior of the vehicle, the EB logo has been styled in gleaming platinum. Also staying true to the original Type 57SC is the selector lever, which is rendered in valuable rosewood.

Additional specific Legend Edition features in the vehicle include a leather insert embossed with the lettering “Les Légendes de Bugatti” in the extended section of the centre console, and door sill plate displaying the likeness and signature of Jean Bugatti.

A historic predecessor: the “Voiture Noire”

Just four Type 57SC Atlantic vehicles in total were built between 1936 and 1938. Only two of these vehicles still exist today in their original condition. The Atlantic is the most famous version of the Type 57. At the time, Jean Bugatti wanted to offer a motorsport version of the standard model, thereby resulting in production of the SC version (SC stands for supercharged).

Jean Bugatti, whose skill in developing unique body designs was already proven by the Type 41 Royale, Type 55 Roadster and Type 50, was responsible for the shape and style of the Atlantic, which was intended to be extremely light and aerodynamic. Aluminium was the material chosen, giving the Atlantic its unmistakable design feature – a clearly accentuated dorsal seam which runs at a right angle from the windscreen to the rear bumper and effectively welds the two halves of the aluminium body together. This element continues to play a fundamental role in vehicles designed by Bugatti even today. As the floor of the vehicle sits between the longitudinal chassis members rather than on the frame itself, this means that the wheels are offset from the body and accentuated by enormous wings, thereby providing the car with a footwell. Seen from above, the extremely long bonnet flows to the rear of the vehicle in an oval shape, further highlighting the graceful and elegant design of the Atlantic.

The sport coupé was equipped with a straight-eight engine with 3,257 cm³ displacement, which produced 200 PS. However, even though it was able to reach speeds of over 200 km/h at the time, it was never entered into a race.

The specific Atlantic which served as the godfather of the Jean Bugatti Legend Edition is the legendary La Voiture Noire, which was the first of four vehicles produced in total. It belonged to Bugatti and was lost in transit amid the confusion of World War Two. The location and circumstances surrounding its disappearance are still shrouded in mystery.

(Bugatti Press Release)

Porsche 918 Spyder 2014

2013-09-09T18:57:00.003-07:00

Press Release

A unique combination of performance and efficiency

Stuttgart. The 918 Spyder embodies the essence of the Porsche idea: it combines pedigree motor racing technology with excellent everyday utility, and maximum performance with minimum consumption. The task faced by the development team was to create the super sports car for the next decade with a highly efficient and powerful hybrid drive. Developing the car from scratch, appropriately beginning with a sheet of white paper, allowed the team to come up with a no-compromise concept. The entire car was designed around the hybrid drive. The 918 Spyder therefore demonstrates the potential of the hybrid drive to a degree never seen before: the parallel improvement of both efficiency and performance without one being at the cost of the other. This is the idea that has made the Porsche 911 the most successful sports car in the world for 50 years. In short, the 918 Spyder will act as the gene pool for the Porsche sports cars of the future.

The 918 Spyder reveals its close links to motorsport in a variety of ways. It has been designed, developed and produced by Porsche engineers who build race cars, in cooperation with series production specialists. A great deal of insight gained from the development of Porsche race cars for the 24 hours race in Le Mans in 2014 is thus integrated into the 918 Spyder – and vice versa. The structural concept of the 918 Spyder with a rolling chassis as its basis – a basic vehicle that can be driven even without a body – is race car tradition at Porsche. The concept of the V8 engine originates from the LMP2 RS Spyder race car. The load-bearing structures, the monocoque and subframe, are made of carbon fibre reinforced polymer. Porsche has many years of experience with this high-strength, lightweight construction material and has again achieved top results with the development of the series production 918 Spyder. Many parts of the super sports car come from manufacturers who have a proven record as suppliers for motorsport vehicles.

Hybrid drive brings advantages in terms of driving dynamics

A key message of the 918 Spyder is that the hybrid drive from Porsche is a plus for no-compromise driving dynamics. Drivers can experience this thanks to the unique all-wheel drive concept with a combination of combustion engine and electric motor on the rear axle and the second electric motor on the front axle. It is based on knowledge gained by Porsche during motor races with the successful 911 GT3 R Hybrid. Due to the additional, individually controllable front drive, new driving strategies for extremely high, safe cornering speeds can be implemented, especially for bends. Furthermore, the advanced “boost" strategy manages the energy of the electric drive so intelligently that, for every sprint with maximum acceleration, the full power of the 918 Spyder can be tapped into by simply pressing the accelerator down fully. In short, the 918 Spyder allows even drivers without motorsport training to experience the potential of advanced longitudinal and transverse dynamics.

The Porsche 918 Spyder also has the potential to break many records. The current lap time for the North Loop of the Nürburgring is 7:14 minutes. This time was achieved in the presence of international journalists during test drives in September 2012 – more than a year before start of production. The 918 Spyder prototype was therefore approximately 20 seconds quicker than the Porsche Carrera GT. More test drives on the Nürburgring North Loop will follow. An even more important factor is that the 918 Spyder surpasses previous models and competitors by far in its efficiency as well. As a plug-in hybrid vehicle, it systematically combines the dynamic performance of a racing machine with over 880 hp and low NEDC fuel consumption, which at about three litres fuel per 100 km is better than that of most small cars today. To sum it up: maximum driving fun with minimal fuel consumption.

Carbon monocoque guarantees lightweight design with a low centre of gravity

The 918 Spyder utilizes the best state-of-the-art technologies, taken straight from motor racing, to achieve its top performance. The entire load-bearing structure is made of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) for extreme torsional rigidity. Additional crash elements at the front and rear absorb and reduce the energy of a collision. The car’s unladen weight of approximately 1,640 kg (“Weissach" package), an excellent low weight for a hybrid vehicle of this performance class, is largely attributable to this concept. The drivetrain components and all components weighing over 50 kg are located as low and as centrally as possible within the vehicle. This results in a slightly rear end biased axle load distribution of 57 per cent on the rear axle and 43 per cent on the front axle, combined with an extremely low centre of gravity at approximately the height of the wheel hubs, which is ideal for driving dynamics. The central and low position of the traction battery directly behind the driver not only supports efforts to concentrate masses and lower the centre of gravity; it also provides the best temperature conditions for optimum battery power capacity.

Chassis with race car genes and rear-axle steering

The multi-link chassis of the Porsche 918 Spyder is inspired by motorsport design, complemented by additional systems such as the PASM adaptive shock-absorber system and rear-axle steering. Basically, this incorporates an electro-mechanical adjustment system at each rear wheel. The adjustment is speed-sensitive and executes steering angles of up to three degrees in each direction. The rear axle can therefore be steered in the same direction as the front wheels or in opposition to them. At low speeds, the system steers the rear wheels in a direction opposite to that of the front wheels. This makes cornering even more direct, faster and more precise, and it reduces the turning circle. At higher speeds, the system steers the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels. This significantly improves the stability of the rear end when changing lanes quickly. The result is very secure and stable handling.

Porsche Active Aerodynamic (PAA) for different driving modes

Porsche Active Aerodynamic (PAA), a system of adjustable aerodynamic elements, ensures unique and variable aerodynamics; its layout is automatically varied over three modes ranging from optimal efficiency to maximum downforce and is tuned to the operating modes of the hybrid drive system. In “Race" mode, the retractable rear wing is set to a steep angle to generate high downforce at the rear axle. The spoiler positioned between the two wing supports near the trailing edge of the airflow also extends. In addition, two adjustable air flaps are opened in the underfloor in front of the front axle, and they direct a portion of the air into the diffuser channels of the underbody structure. This also produces a “ground effect" at the front axle.

In “Sport" mode, the aerodynamic control system reduces the attack angle of the rear wing somewhat, which enables a higher top speed. The spoiler remains extended. The aerodynamic flaps in the underfloor area close, which also reduces aerodynamic drag and increases attainable vehicle speeds. In “E" mode, the control is configured entirely for low aerodynamic drag; the rear wing and spoiler are retracted and the underfloor flaps are closed.

Adjustable air inlets under the main headlights round off the adaptive aerodynamic system. When the vehicle is stationary and in “Race" and “Sport" mode, they are opened for maximum cooling air intake. In “E-Power" and “Hybrid" modes, they close immediately after the car is driven off in order to keep aerodynamic drag to a minimum. They are not opened until the car reaches speeds of approximately 130 km/h or when cooling requirements are higher.

From comfortable to race-ready: five modes for three motors

The core of the 918 Spyder concept is its distribution of propulsive power among the three power units; their cooperation is controlled by an intelligent management system. To best exploit these different approaches, the Porsche developers defined five operating modes that can be activated via a “map switch" on the steering wheel, just like in motorsport cars. On the basis of this pre-selection, the 918 Spyder applies the most suitable operating and boost strategy without driver intervention, thus allowing the driver to concentrate fully on the road.

Quiet and elegant: “E-Power"

When the vehicle is started up, the “E-Power" mode is the default operating mode as long as the battery is sufficiently charged. In ideal conditions, the 918 Spyder can cover over 30 kilometres on purely electric power. Even in pure electric mode, the 918 Spyder accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in less than seven seconds and can reach speeds of up to 150 km/h. In this mode, the combustion engine is only used when needed. If the battery’s charge state drops below a set minimum value, the vehicle automatically switches to hybrid mode.

Efficient and comfortable: “Hybrid"

In “Hybrid" mode, the electric motors and combustion engine work alternately with a focus on maximum efficiency and minimum fuel consumption. The use of individual drive components is modified as a function of the current driving situation and the desired performance. The Hybrid mode is typically used for a fuel economy-oriented driving style.

Sporty and dynamic: “Sport Hybrid"

In more dynamic situations, the 918 Spyder selects the “Sport Hybrid" mode for its power sources. The combustion engine now operates continuously and provides the main propulsive force. In addition, the electric motors provide support in the form of electric boosting or when the operating point of the combustion engine can be optimised for greater efficiency. The focus of this mode is on performance and a sporty driving style at top speed.

For fast laps: “Race Hybrid"

“Race Hybrid" is the mode for maximum performance and an especially sporty driving style. The combustion engine is chiefly used under high load, and charges the battery when the driver is not utilising its maximum output. Again, the electric motors provide additional support in the form of boosting. Furthermore, the gear-shifting programme of the PDK is set up for even sportier driving. The electric motors are used up to the maximum power output limit to deliver the best possible performance for the race track. In this mode, the battery charge state is not kept constant, rather it fluctuates over the entire charge range. In contrast to Sport Hybrid mode, the electric motors run at their maximum power output limit for a short time for better boosting. This increased output is balanced by the combustion engine charging the battery more intensively. Electric power is thus available even with several very fast laps.

For pole position: “Hot Lap"

The “Hot Lap" button in the middle of the map switch releases the final reserves of the 918 Spyder and can only be activated in “Race Hybrid" mode. Similar to a qualification mode, this pushes the traction battery to its maximum power output limits for a few fast laps. This mode uses all of the available energy in the battery.

Main propulsion: the race car’s eight cylinder engine

The main source of propulsion is the 4.6-litre, eight cylinder engine that produces 608 hp of power. The engine is derived directly from the power unit of the successful RS Spyder, which explains why it can deliver engine speeds of up to 9,150 rpm. Like the race engine of the RS Spyder, the 918 Spyder power unit features dry-sump lubrication with a separate oil tank and oil extraction. To save weight, components such as the oil tank, the air filter box integrated into the subframe and the air induction are made of carbon fibre reinforced polymer. Further extensive lightweight design measures have resulted in such features as titanium connecting rods, thin-wall, low-pressure casting on the crank case and the cylinder heads, a high-strength, lightweight steel crankshaft with 180 degrees crankpin offset and the extremely thin-walled alloy steel/nickel exhaust system. Striking features of the V8 are that it no longer supports any auxiliary systems, there are no external belt drives and the engine is therefore particularly compact. Weight and performance optimisations achieve a power output per litre of approx. 132 hp/l – the highest power output per litre of a Porsche naturally aspirated engine – which is significantly higher than that of the Carrera GT (106 hp/l) and outstanding for a naturally aspirated engine.

Unique race car design heritage: top pipes

It isn’t just this engine’s performance but also the sound it makes that stokes the emotionality of the 918 Spyder. This is attributable first and foremost to the so-called top pipes: the tailpipes terminate in the upper part of the rear end immediately above the engine. No other production vehicle uses this solution. The top pipes’ greatest benefit is optimal heat removal, because the hot exhaust gases are released via the shortest possible route, and exhaust gas back pressure remains low. This design requires a new thermodynamic air channelling concept. With the HSI engine, the hot side is located inside the cylinder V, the intake channels are on the outside. There is another benefit as well: the engine compartment remains cooler. This is especially beneficial to the lithium-ion traction battery, as it provides optimum performance at temperatures between 20 and 40 degrees Celsius. Consequently, less energy needs to be used for active cooling of the battery.

In parallel in the drivetrain: hybrid module

The V8 engine is coupled to the hybrid module, since the 918 Spyder is designed as a parallel hybrid like the current hybrid models from Porsche. Essentially, the hybrid module comprises a 115 kW electric motor and a decoupler that serves as the connection with the combustion engine. Because of its parallel hybrid configuration, the 918 Spyder can be powered at the rear axle either individually by the combustion engine or electric motor or via both drives jointly. As is typical for a Porsche super sports car, the power pack in the 918 Spyder has been placed in front of the rear axle, and does not have any direct mechanical connection to the front axle.

Upside-down for a low centre of gravity: Doppelkupplung

A seven-speed Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission handles power transmission to the rear axle. The high-performance transmission is the sportiest version of the successful PDK; it has undergone a complete redesign for the 918 Spyder and has been further optimised for high performance. To ensure a low mounting position for a low centre of gravity of the entire vehicle, the gear unit was turned “upside down" by rotating it 180 degrees about its longitudinal axis, in contrast to other Porsche series. If no power is required on the rear axle, the two motors can be decoupled by opening the decoupler and PDK clutches. This is the action behind the Porsche hybrid drive’s typical “coasting" with the combustion engine switched off.

Independent all-wheel drive: front axle with electric motor

On the front axle, there is another independent electric motor with an output of approximately 95 kW. The front electric drive unit drives the wheels at a fixed ratio. A decoupler decouples the electric motor at high speeds to prevent the motor from over-revving. Drive torque is independently controlled for each axle. This makes for very responsive all-wheel drive functionality that offers great potential in terms of traction and driving dynamics.

Lithium-ion battery with plug-in charging system

The electric energy for the electric motors is stored by a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery comprising 312 individual cells with an energy content of about seven kilowatt hours. The battery of the 918 Spyder has a performance-oriented design in terms of both power charging and output, so that it can fulfil the performance requirements of the electric motor. The power capacity and the operating life of the lithium-ion traction battery depend on several factors, including thermal conditions. That is why the battery of the 918 Spyder is liquid-cooled by a dedicated cooling circuit. The global warranty period for the traction battery is seven years.

To supply it with energy, Porsche developed a new system with a plug-in vehicle charge port and improved recuperation potential. This vehicle charge port in the B-column on the front passenger side lets users connect the storage battery to a mains supply at home and charge it. The charge port is standardised for the country of purchase. The on-board charger is located close to the traction battery. It converts the alternating current of the mains supply into direct current with a maximum charge output of 3.6 kW. Using the supplied Porsche Universal Charger (AC), the traction battery can be charged within four hours from a ten ampere rated, fused power socket on the German 230 Volt mains supply, for example. Furthermore, the Porsche Universal Charger (AC) can be installed at home in the garage using the Charging Dock. It enables rapid and convenient charging within approximately two hours, irrespective of regional conditions. The Porsche Speed Charging Station (DC) is available as an optional extra. It can fully charge the high-voltage battery of the 918 Spyder in just 25 minutes.

Pioneering control concept: clear organisation of the cockpit

The driver is the focus of all technology in the future Porsche super sports car. A cockpit was created for the driver that is typical of the brand and pioneering in its clarity. It is partitioned into two basic areas. First, there are the controls that are important for driving, which are grouped around the multifunction steering wheel, combined with driver information displayed on three large round instruments. Second, there is the infotainment block that is housed in the lifted centre console, which was introduced in the Carrera GT. Control functions, e.g. for the automatic climate control system, wing adjustment, lighting and Porsche Communication Management (PCM), including a Burmester high-end sound system, can be intuitively operated by multitouch with a new type of black panel technology.

For even higher performance: the Weissach package

For very performance-oriented customers of the 918 Spyder, Porsche offers the “Weissach" package. These modified super sports cars can be recognised at first glance by special colours and designs that are based on legendary Porsche race cars. The roof, rear wings, rear-view mirrors and frames of the windscreen are made of visible carbon. Parts of the interior are upholstered with Alcantara instead of leather, and visible carbon replaces much of the aluminium. Sound insulation has been reduced. The emphasis on performance is not just visual: very lightweight magnesium wheels reduce unsprung masses; gross weight was reduced by about 35 kg. The benefits are experienced in further improved dynamic performance. Other references from motorsport are six-point seatbelts for driver and front passenger, optional film-coating instead of body paint, as well as additional aerodynamic body parts in visible carbon.

Porsche redefined: a new super sports car for a new decade

The 918 Spyder continues a long tradition of super sports cars at Porsche; as technology platforms, as the driving force behind both car emotion and car evolution and as the ultimate sports cars of their decades: the Carrera GTS, the first Porsche Turbo, the 959, the 911 GT1, the Carrera GT. More than any of its predecessors, the 918 Spyder is providing key impetus for developing technologies for future vehicle concepts. It offers a complete package of components that reflect Porsche DNA – more concentrated than ever before.

(Porsche Press Release)

Audi Sport Quattro Concept 2013

2013-09-06T22:19:00.002-07:00

Press Release

quattro is Audi and Audi is quattro – the brand and the technology are indelibly linked. In celebration of the 30th birthday of the Sport quattro, Audi will present its legitimate successor at the 2013 IAA in Frankfurt am Main. The Audi Sport quattro concept show car continues the grand quattro tradition, with a stunning coupe design and plug-in hybrid drive with a system output of 515 kW (700 hp).

quattro is more than just a technology – quattro is a philosophy. The term stands for driving safety and sportiness, technical competence and a dynamic approach to life. Since the debut of the “Ur-quattro” in 1980, Audi has sold more than five million cars with permanent all-wheel drive, far more than any other premium manufacturer worldwide. The strengths of the quattro concept and its successes in racing have been impressively displayed for over three decades now. One legendary Audi classic is the Sport quattro, which made its debut at the 1983 IAA and was designed as a homologation model for the World Rally Championship. With 225 kW (306 hp) and many technical innovations, it was the supercar of its day. The short wheelbase, which honed the handling, gave the Sport quattro an unmistakable look. The competition car wrote racing history. Walter Röhrl drove it to a convincing victory in the 1987 Pike's Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado, U.S.A.

design: powerful and eye-catching

With the Audi Sport quattro concept show car, Audi is bringing this grand tradition into the present and taking up ideas again that were first seen in the Audi quattro concept study three years ago. The coupe combines the DNA of the Ur-quattro with dramatic elegance. It has a powerful, intense road stance, its body tautly perched over the 21-inch wheels. The overhangs are short, the proportions sportily balanced.

With a wheelbase of 2,784 millimeters (109.61 in), it is 4,602 millimeters (181.18 in) long. With 1,964 millimeters (77.32 in), the two-door model is very wide and at just 1,386 millimeters (54.57 in) unusually low-slung.

Like the Audi Sport quattro, the Audi Sport quattro concept was designed in the spirit of racing. None of its design solutions are an end unto themselves. Each is driven by a technical function, and several are an homage to the quattro models of the early 1980s. These include the angular, flat C-pillars and the rectangular double headlights featuring Audi's groundbreaking Matrix LED technology, which will be available by the end of this year in the refreshed Audi A8. Two very flat structures are visible inside the headlight. The wrap-around daytime running lights together with the central low-beam units and the Audi Matrix LED make for a sporty, determined look. The headlights and tail lights are a reinterpretation of lightweight construction. The headlights forsake fascia, exposing the LED heat sinks, while the tail lights reduce glass and housing to a minimum.

The LED high-beam unit of the Audi Matrix LED headlights is comprised of numerous individual diodes. The individual LEDs, which work in tandem with upstream lenses and reflectors, always deliver excellent illumination. They are activated, deactivated or dimmed individually according to the situation. With the number of LEDs, their arrangement and the size and design of the headlights, the new technology offers many fascinating possibilities.

Another design homage are the “blisters” above the fenders. The Audi designers have reinterpreted and strongly accentuated these lines. They give the body even greater emotional appeal and broad shoulders. Throughout the car, sharp contours frame tautly muscular surfaces. With their interplay between convex and concave curvatures, the engine hood, fenders and flanks define the athletic character of the Audi Sport quattro concept.

New details: the single-frame grille

The front of the show car is characterized by the hexagonal single-frame grille with a new, sculpted grille insert, a typical element borrowed from racing. Its lower section is virtually vertical; the upper section follows the line of the engine hood. The low grille emphasizes the width of the car. Two large, vertical blades divide each of the large air inlets, and their form is taken up by the creases in the engine hood. The CFRP splitter is shifted far to the front, as on a race car. The grille is part of Audi's new design philosophy and provides a first glimpse at the future design of the sporty production models. The proportions of the rear of the car are defined by the combination of a flat greenhouse and broad shoulders. The spoiler at the lower edge of the rear window underscores the car's width. Another distinctive element at the rear of the show car is the CFRP diffuser, which extends far upward. Similar to the single-frame grille, its upper section is honeycombed, whereas the lower section houses two large, oval tailpipes. Mounted on a black CFRP facing, the tail lights are rectangular – a typical quattro styling cue – and emphasize the width of the car. A spoiler extends from the rear hatch at higher speeds. The luggage compartment, which is reinforced by a solid crossbeam beneath the rear shelf, has a capacity of 300 liters (10.59 cubic ft).

Precisely penned details round out the dynamic look of the Audi Sport quattro concept. The flared sills are made of CFRP; the power door handles extend automatically to meet an approaching hand. The four rings adorn the front, the rear, the air outlets behind the front wheels and the C-pillars. The center-locking wheels feature a five twin-spoke design.

Interior: racing meets elegance

The concept of elegant sportiness carries over to the interior of the Audi Sport quattro concept. The spacious cabin is awash in dark gray tones and precise lines.

The interior is focused on the driver. The steering wheel, digital instrument cluster and head-up display are all in the direct field of view. A line running below the windshield encircles both the driver and passenger and integrates all ergonomic functions such as the door openers.

The lightweight construction typical for Audi is reflected both in the design and in the choice of materials. Viewed from above, the slim dashboard is reminiscent of the wing of a sailplane. The support structure of the interior is a carbon shell that also serves as a storage compartment in the side doors. Elements like this make lightweight construction visible.

The quattro drivetrain runs beneath the continuous center console. Sporty racing bucket seats with folding backs, sculpted side bolsters and integrated head restraints up front and full rear seats offer space for four. The folding mechanism provides access to the rear. A crossbeam behind the rear seats provides for additional rigidity.

Great attention to detail is reflected in both the choice of materials and the workmanship. The multifunction sport steering wheel provides a glimpse into future sporty production models.

The control concept is also focused on the driver. All important information is displayed in the fully digital instrument cluster, another show car feature. The multifunction sport steering wheel is used to switch between a number of virtual 3D displays.

Choices include a Race mode with central speedometer, track information and a stopwatch, for example, or the Setup mode with detailed information about numerous race tracks. In addition, the touchwheel of the characteristic Audi MMI control unit makes it easy to enter information.

Another highlight is the innovative air conditioning control unit, which is integrated directly into the air vents. Temperature, intensity and air flow can be controlled using one and the same element. The display in the vents shows either important media information or the air conditioning settings.

Powerful performance: the plug-in hybrid drive

The plug-in hybrid drive makes the Audi Sport quattro concept a breathtakingly dynamic coupe. System output is 515 kW (700 hp); system torque is 800 Nm (590.05 lb-ft). Power flows through a modified eight-speed tiptronic to the quattro powertrain, which features a sport differential on the rear axle. According to the applicable standard, the show car consumes on average 2.5 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (94.09 US mpg), a CO2 equivalent of 59 grams per kilometer (94.95 g/mile).

The combustion engine is a four-liter, twin-turbo V8. It produces 412 kW (560 hp) and 700 Nm (516.29 lb-ft) of torque. The cylinder on demand (COD) system, which deactivates four cylinders under part load, and a start-stop system make the sonorous eight-cylinder unit very efficient.

Located between the 4.0 TFSI and the transmission is a disc-shaped electric motor producing 110 kW and 400 Nm (295.02 lb-ft). It draws its traction energy from a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery in the rear with a capacity of 14.1 kWh. The show car is charged via an Audi wall box, which uses intelligent charge management to ensure the optimal feed of energy to the lithium-ion battery. The Audi Sport quattro concept can cover up to 50 kilometers (31.07 miles) on electric power alone. An intelligent management system controls the interplay between the two drives as needed, and the driver can choose between various operating modes.

The customer can choose between various characteristics for the Audi Sport quattro concept depending on the operating and driving strategy. A choice of three modes is available. EV mode is for purely electric driving; Hybrid mode for maximum efficiency and Sport mode for maximum performance.

In EV mode, only the electric motor is active. With a peak electric output of 110 kW and 400 Nm (295.02 lb-ft) of torque, electric driving both inside and outside the city is possible. An active accelerator indicates the transition to hybrid operation to the driver so that he/she can consciously control the switch between electric and hybrid vehicle.

In Hybrid mode, environmental and route data are used to compute the optimal use of the electric motor and combustion engine for fuel efficiency and implement this via the operating strategy. If navigation is active, the route is optimized for efficiency. This mode also includes the ability to customize the operating strategy. If the driver wants to retain a certain amount of electric range or to drive certain route segments on electric power, they can use the Hold or Charge function to precisely adjust the charge of the battery even without charging from the power grid.

In Sport mode, the operating strategy sets the drive system for maximum power and performance. The electric boost function supports the combustion engine in all driving situations. The energy management system ensures that the battery always has sufficient charge.

When the V8 and the electric motor work together, the Audi Sport quattro concept accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.7 seconds – much like the powerful Audi rally cars once did. Its top speed is 305 km/h (189.52 mph). The lightweight construction concept also plays a large part in this dynamic performance. The occupant cell combines ultra-high-strength steel panels and cast aluminum structural elements. The doors and fenders are made of aluminum, and the roof, the engine hood and the rear hatch are made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer. The result is a curb weight including the battery pack of just 1,850 kilograms (4,078.55 lb).

The show car’s chassis is easily able to handle the drive system's power. Handling is as dynamic as it is stable. The front suspension features five control arms per wheel; the rear suspension follows the Audi track-controlled trapezoidal link principle. Tautly tuned springs and dampers connect the Audi Sport quattro concept firmly to the road. The dynamic steering varies its ratio as a function of driving speed. The brake calipers grip large, carbon fiber-ceramic brake discs, and the tire format is 285/30 R 21.

(Audi Press Release)

Citroen Cactus Concept 2013

2013-09-06T02:46:00.003-07:00

Press Release

CITROËN Cactus is more than a concept car; it is a manifest of the future models in the C line. CITROËN is shifting the paradigm with the new concept car, shedding the superfluous and bringing wellbeing firmly into the limelight. CITROËN Cactus is a desirable, user-friendly car that forges an unprecedented harmony between distinctive yet pragmatic design, comfort for all occupants, and easy-touse technology.

Pure and functional styling:

Strong styling choices focused on efficiency (light weight, aerodynamic)
High-tech gaze and flowing surfaces free of any form of aggressiveness
“Airbumps”, customisable design components covered with a soft skin featuring air capsules that protect the body

Ingenious design:

An airy driver’s station housing all the controls in a 100% digital interface
Sofa-style front seats for more human warmth and comfort
Authentic, natural materials laid out in a stylish, relaxed atmosphere

User-friendly technology:

A Hybrid Air drivetrain for attractive running costs and reduced environmental footprint
Immediate and intuitive connectivity, including access to the CITROËN Multicity Connect portal

Genesis

The origins of CITROËN Cactus date back to the reveal of the C-Cactus concept car at the 2007 Frankfurt show. C-Cactus was a radical automotive approach that posed a number of key questions: What do motorists expect from cars in today’s world? And which equipment and features really count? The fascinating exercise pushed engineers and designers to make sweeping changes and set problems differently in order to explore new solutions. The pragmatic approach eschewed the superfluous to concentrate on what makes motorists feel good. The end result, CITROËN Cactus, is a manifest that previews forthcoming models in the C line. More will be revealed in 2014…

Pure and functional styling

The styling of CITROËN Cactus marries the aesthetic to the practical, with designers having sought to find the right volumes and extend efficiency to the smallest details. The idea was to keep only the essential, and optimise that essence to obtain a form of natural perfection. The approach allowed the designers to break free from classic automotive cues and explore ingenious solutions to bring customers real equipment and features.

The body styling of CITROËN Cactus seems original and obvious, both at the same time, lingering easily in the memory like that of all great cars that have marked their time. The styling is easy to identify, with:

Pure and smooth surfaces in pearlescent white
Flowing, aggression-free shapes
Floating quarterlight and roof
Contrasting design components, each one with a function (protection with Lama grey Airbumps and textured black wheel arches; transport with lacquered black roof arches; cabin light with the large panoramic roof).

One component stands out immediately through its originality: the Airbump.

Located on the sides and the bumpers of the car, the design component expresses a new approach that gives style a function. The Airbump strengthens the styling of CITROËN Cactus, heightening its personality with its originality and personalisation possibilities. The supple skin of the Airbump features a soft treatment that resists scratches and includes air capsules that dampen impact. CITROËN Cactus has optimal proportions for extra efficiency and driving comfort:

The dimensions of a compact hatchback (4.21 m long and 1.75 m wide)
An ideal balance between one-third glazed area and two-thirds wing surface
High ground clearance (21 cm) but with an optimised height of just 1.53 m
Reduced overhang, with the wheels set firmly in the corners

The styling of CITROËN Cactus evokes technology and perceived quality and is entirely free of aggression. The front end, previewing the visual identity of future models in the C line, is characterised by:

Smooth surfaces showcasing the chevrons
Flowing forms with a seamless progression from bonnet to wing
A high-tech light signature with LED daytime running lights and lamps built in to the Airbumps

The styling at the back respects the same principle with 3D-effect LED lights built in to the wide Airbump protecting the boot.

The singular and radical design of CITROËN Cactus also promises a warm, ergonomic and comfortable interior. The absence of side windows, rear window and B pillars beckons onlookers to discover the cabin inside, which has been entirely reworked in terms of architecture as well as in the design of colours and materials.

Ingenious design

The first objective with CITROËN Cactus was to free up space inside for the driver and passengers, bringing them more ease and user-friendliness and, hence, more comfort.Ingenious design The first objective with CITROËN Cactus was to free up space inside for the driver and passengers, bringing them more ease and user-friendliness and, hence, more comfort.

The slender, floating dashboard fully frees up the floor below and on its upper part offers the front passenger a capacious and easy-access storage space. The dashboard design was made possible by using a 100% digital interface and by optimising the organisation of the driver’s station, in particular by:

Replacing the instrument cluster with a 7-inch screen
Switching control buttons for an 8-inch touchscreen connected to all vehicle functions (air conditioning, audio, satnav, connected services and driver aids)
Installing the passenger airbag on the ceiling
Replacing the traditional gearstick with push-button controls on the lower part of the dashboard and steering-wheel paddles

The new architectural approach also informs the front seats, which were designed sofa-style for extra comfort and human warmth.

Extra comfort is also delivered by the panoramic roof, thermally treated to let in the light but not the heat. It protects passengers from UVs with technology similar to that used for category-4 sunglasses. The second goal with CITROËN Cactus interior was to provide a stylish and relaxed atmosphere. The interior layout frees up plenty of space and focuses on authentic and natural materials. The seats and doors are upholstered in a combination of two materials evoking contemporary furniture: a blue heatheredcotton fabric and natural “camel” leather (vegetable tanned) also used on the dashboard and steering wheel.

In a nod to the luggage sector, the design of the door handles and the storage space on the upper part of the dashboard was informed by decorative travel-trunk components.

The design choices for CITROËN Cactus were guided not just by interior architecture intelligence but by a whole new approach to the automobile. CITROËN Cactus brings drivers a new motoring experience and total peace of mind, reuniting them with the pleasure and freedom inherent in car travel – a simple, communal, day-to-day pleasure.

User-friendly technology

CITROËN Cactus technologies are easy to use, economical and environmental in use, accessible to all and connected, and resolutely focused on the new needs of motorists.

The new Hybrid Air drivetrain is a case in point. The full-hybrid technology combines compressed air and the hydraulics of a PureTech petrol engine. This powertrain excellence is written into the Brand’s DNA and has led to breakthrough performance, with fuel consumption of under 3 l/100 km.

Hybrid Air technology has a reduced environmental footprint (no additional battery) and is broadly affordable thanks to:

Attractive cost in use (45% reduction in fuel consumption in urban driving)
Easy maintenance and servicing through the combination of proven technologies
No compromises on interior space

Digital, tactile and connected! All the controls are grouped on the 8-inch touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard, ergonomic, easy to use and offering access to CITROËN Multicity Connect. The driver and passengers benefit from a portal of web-connected applications that takes vehicle data – including mileage, speed, range and GPS position – into account to generate information adapted to motorists’ needs, warning them of risk areas, locating service stations and identifying tourist destinations, among other advantages.

Asking questions differently to find new answers

By proposing a fresh new take on design, architecture and technology, CITROËN Cactus stands as a new automotive synthesis. The car’s optimistic approach finally addresses the expectations of people looking to combine practicality with pleasure.

CITROËN Cactus is a desirable, user-friendly car, one that is a pleasure to share day by day:

“Simple to live”. An ingenious design and intuitive technologies
“Simple to love”. A functional design free of all aggression
“Simple to share”. A user-friendly cabin and a connected driving interface

(Citroen Press Release)

Lexus LF-NX Crossover Concept 2013

2013-09-04T18:24:00.004-07:00

Press Release

A new Lexus compact crossover concept, the LF-NX, will make its world premiere at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA). This concept explores the potential for a compact crossover within the Lexus model range.

Reinforcing Lexus’ leading position in full hybrid drive technology, the LF-NX concept is powered by a new variant of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system tuned for SUV performance.

With its highly distinctive and powerfully sculpted styling, the LF-NX concept’s exterior design reflects a further evolution of Lexus’ L-finesse design language.

The front is dominated by a strong interpretation of the Lexus spindle grille, extremely expressive signature front lighting with independent Daytime Running Lights (DRL), and unique corner styling which separates the bumper from the front wing with an aggressive vertical cut.

In profile, muscular wheel arches are trimmed with the black protective finish which typifies an urban crossover. Above the pronounced diamond shape of the belt line, a classic Lexus side glazing profile and steeply raked tailgate create the sweeping silhouette of an athletic coupe.

The rear features highly articulated lamp clusters. They are detailed to project downwards to the full depth of the bumper, creating a sharp, aerodynamic trailing edge to the vehicle which mirrors the front wing detailing.

The Lexus LF-NX concept is finished in a new Brushed Metal Silver exterior colorwhich gives the striking impression that the bodyshell has been carved from a single piece of solid metal.

The interior mirrors the LF-NX’s highly sculpted exterior with bold, powerful forms creating a driver-focused cockpit within an ergonomically ideal environment.

In a continuation of the ‘Human Oriented’ L-finesse design concept, the cabin features the ideal, upper display zone and lower operation zone dashboard format perfected over successive Lexus generations.

This allows for intuitive interaction with the vehicle’s next generation technology, which includes touch-sensitive electrostatic switches, and a new touch pad Remote Touch Interface (RTI) design.

Reinforcing the LF-NX concept’s premium crossover credentials, the strength and refinement of the interior’s carved metal surfacing is complemented throughout by Sunrise Yellow / Black leather upholstery with contrast stitching, and sophisticated blue instrument lighting.

(Lexus Press Release)

Hyundai Santa Fe 2013

2013-09-02T08:39:00.002-07:00

Volvo Coupe Concept 2013

2013-08-29T18:21:00.005-07:00

Press Release

Inspired by contemporary, progressive Scandinavian lifestyle and design as well as iconic elements from the past, the elegant new Volvo Concept Coupé is the first of a series of three concept cars that reveal the design possibilities created by the company’s new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA).

After a more than a year of rising expectations, the first design by the new Senior Vice President of Design, Thomas Ingenlath, showcases how design builds emotion into the Volvo brand and points toward the next generation of Volvo models, starting with the forthcoming XC90 in 2014.

“The Volvo Concept Coupé is no futuristic dream car. It is designed to demonstrate the capability of our new architecture: the confident stance, the proportions and the most prominent design signatures. Even though the all-new XC90 is an entirely different type of car, you will recognize the connection instantly when it is revealed next year,” said Ingenlath.

Developed in-house for Volvo Cars only, the Scalable Product Architecture liberates Volvo’s designers and engineers from the limitations of previous cross-brand platforms.

“The new Volvo Concept Coupé reveals how we could shape our cars from now on. Free from the superficial surface excitement of other car brands, we add emotional value to the Volvo brand with the calm, confident beauty that is the hallmark of Scandinavian design,” says Thomas Ingenlath.

Powerful visual impact

The visual impact of the new proportions is most powerful when viewing the Volvo Concept Coupé from the side. The distance between the dashboard and the front axle is extended and the greenhouse has been moved slightly rearwards.

A low hood, roof, and the five-spoke, 21-inch wheels also contribute to the impression of an elegant Gran Tourer oozing effortless power. The confident stance is emphasized by a beltline that spans an elegant bow along the whole car.

“Think about the powerful calmness of a lion. He doesn’t have to prowl to radiate respect. Even lying down he shows very clearly what he is capable of,” smiles Ingenlath.

New T-shaped Daytime Running Lights

The face of the Volvo Concept Coupé is characterized by a new topography on the hood and the ‘floating’ grille, flanked by headlights featuring new T-shaped daytime running lights guides. Just like the rear light signature, the daytime running lights are distinctive elements in the new design direction of Volvo Cars.

“The face is new, but it also carries more than 85 years of Volvo heritage with great pride. We are still working with the final interpretation of the grille and the iron mark and this will be revealed together with the XC90 next year,” said Ingenlath.

Echoes the iconic P1800

The Concept Coupé also features elements that echo the design of the Volvo P1800 from the 1960s.

“It is a car designer’s duty to reflect and incorporate design signatures that are vital parts of the company’s heritage. The P1800 is an iconic Volvo, renowned for its beautiful forms and detailing. However, using elements from the P1800 exterior and interior has nothing to do with being retro. We are using these subtle links to a glorious past to create a future where sheer beauty becomes a recognized part of Volvo’s identity. That journey starts with Concept Coupé,” said Ingenlath.

Sparkling crystal gear-leaver

The blue-grey exterior is echoed on the inside of the Volvo Concept Coupé. Refined, handcrafted elements such as the leather instrument panel, inlays made of naturally aged wood and the dark blue woven carpets are blended with beautifully machined metal details.”

“To me, handcrafted crystal is one of the finest examples of high-quality Scandinavian design and I love the idea of bringing it into the car. The prominent position of the gear-leaver is the perfect place for this sparkling sensation,” said Robin Page, Design Director Interior at Volvo Car Group. He adds: “The experience inside Concept Coupé is an excellent example of how we will make Volvo customers feel truly special.”

Large portrait touch-screen

The concept car also includes a totally new approach to Volvo Cars’ human-centric user experience. A large portrait touch-screen in the center console interacts with an adaptive digital display and head-up display in front of the driver.

“This is a natural integration of user interfaces in our new car generation. Interaction with pleasure but without distraction is the key. We bring connectivity into our cars to make them both more enjoyable and safe,” explains Ingenlath.

The Scalable Product Architecture is also being prepared for completely autonomous driving. The first features with autonomous steering to avoid accidents and make driving more comfortable will be introduced in 2014 – and Volvo Cars’ aim is to have cars with fully autonomous technology out on the roads before 2020.

Gasoline plug-in hybrid – powerful and efficient

The gasoline plug-in hybrid driveline in the Volvo Concept Coupé reflects Volvo Cars’ strategy to use electrification to create the most powerful versions in the new four-cylinder Drive-E engine family. This will take power figures up into V8 territory.

The concept car features a two-liter high-performance Drive-E gasoline engine with a supercharger and turbo. The petrol engine is teamed with an electric motor on the rear axle. This gives Volvo Concept Coupé a total output of around 400 hp and over 440 lb.-ft. of torque.