Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), USA, Inc., unveiled the all-new next-generation Highlander and Highlander Hybrid mid-size sport utility vehicles (SUV) at a press conference today at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show.”Highlander holds a unique distinction within the Toyota brand and within the industry,” said Don Esmond, TMS senior vice president, automotive operations. “Along with the 4Runner and the FJ Cruiser, it anchors one of the industry’s only three-vehicle, mid-size SUV line-ups. Equally important, along with Prius and Camry Hybrid, it is a key component in the industry’s only three-vehicle hybrid strategy.”
The 2008 Highlander is significantly larger, roomier and more powerful than the vehicle it replaces. Yet its fuel efficiency will be virtually unchanged. It is noticeably quieter, smarter, with improved versatility and ride comfort. It will offer the highest level of standard safety equipment in a segment where safety is at the top of purchase considerations. And, it’s all wrapped in a package designed for buyers who want to stand out and make a statement.
Highlander will have no equal to its comprehensive list of standard safety features. It will provide a segment-leading total of seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag and roll-sensing side curtain airbags for all three rows.
Toyota Highlander (2008)
As with all Toyota SUVs for the last three years, Highlander will provide Toyota’s STAR safety system, featuring:
• anti-lock brakes,
• traction control,
• electronic brake-force distribution,
• brake assist,
• and for the first time, enhanced vehicle stability control,
• with electronic power steering.
On all models except the base models, it will provide a stand-alone backup camera with a multi-information screen, not tied to a navigation system. And, Highlander will have the distinction of being the first Toyota division vehicle to feature both active head restraints and a new hood and fender system designed to crumple on impact with a pedestrian.
On the outside, Highlander moves away from traditional SUV styling cues with a statement of strength instead of ruggedness; of intelligence over toughness. Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, Calif. sculpted clean, crisp lines, a wide, stable stance and muscular contours to give Highlander an advanced, contemporary, forceful and dynamic personality.
Highlander rides on an all-new chassis derived from the current Camry and Avalon. It is nearly four inches longer and three inches wider, with an inch more ground clearance and three inches of additional wheelbase.
Interior designers took full advantage of Highlander’s substantial dimensions. Design intelligence is carried through to the refined interior, where smart and sophisticated blend with practical, flexible and versatile.
The passenger compartment is open and airy. Convenient and innovative interior features such as flexible seating arrangements, and ease of entry and exit, were directly related to customer input.
For example, Highlander’s second-row features captain’s chairs with armrests that, if needed, can be converted to a bench seat for three passengers. A “Center Stow” seat, when not in use, is hidden in a compartment under the front center console. In its place, passengers can easily snap in the provided center stow center console or choose to leave the area open as a walk-through to the third row. The second row also slides forward and back 4.7 inches and reclines.
Clever and convenient standard features include:
• a third-row bench seat with foldable headrests for a flat rear cargo area,
• a rear glass hatch for quick access to the back (optional on base grades),
• and Smart Start and Entry for Limited and all hybrid models.
When Highlander arrives in July, it will be offered in Base, Sport and Limited grades. All three grades will be powered by a new 3.5-liter V6 that delivers an impressive 270 horsepower — a 55 horsepower gain over the previous generation’s 3.3-liter engine.
Two months later, the all-new Highlander Hybrid will arrive at dealerships. Offered in both Base and Limited grades, all Highlander hybrids will feature Toyota’s advanced VDIM stability system. The system integrates:
• full-time four-wheel drive with intelligence,
• electronic brake and throttle control,
• with true electronically-controlled active steering.
Highlander’s advanced Hybrid Synergy Drive system has been extensively upgraded and refined for 2008 for both power and economy. The new Highlander gained about 500 pounds, growing significantly in every dimension and receiving extensive body and chassis reinforcement, aimed specifically at achieving best-in-class crash ratings. Not only were engineers able to increase output to 270 net horsepower, they were able to maintain Highlander Hybrid’s impressive fuel economy at 31 city and 27 highway.
The Highlander will be loaded with standard-equipped comfort and convenience features. Nineteen-inch alloy wheels will be standard on both Sport and Limited gas models and both hybrid models.
An array of options and accessories will be offered, such as a power backdoor that can be opened and closed with a key fob, a navigation system with an eight-inch screen, a rear-seat entertainment system with a nine-inch screen, and three-zone air conditioning.
Other options include:
• JBL audio with six-disc changer and nine speakers with Bluetooth,
• third-row seat delete to create a second-row model,
• leather seat trim and heated seats,
• and a tow package with a 5000-lbs. maximum towing capacity (class-leading for car & van-based mid SUVs).
“The 2008 Highlander takes the car-based SUV concept to a new level,” said Esmond. “I say that with conviction, because it’s a category we invented.”
The Toyota RAV4, now in its third generation, was the world’s-first car-based SUV. In 1998, Lexus established a whole new category of car-based luxury SUVs when it launched the RX300. The debut of Highlander in 2001 marked the beginning of a shift in the mid-size SUV segment, from truck platforms to car platforms.
“As you can see, the new Highlander has raised the bar significantly,” said Esmond. “Last year we did the same with RAV4. And in about a year, we’ll do the same with both Land Cruiser and Sequoia. The Toyota division now markets a six-vehicle SUV lineup that appeals to specific buyer demographics and life-stages. It is a lineup that gives us enormous flexibility in responding to shifts in the marketplace. We are committed to keeping our products fresh and at the front of the pack.”
Unveiled today at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show, the 2008 Ford Taurus X is a full-size crossover that offers three rows of seating, a powerful 3.5-liter V-6 engine with six-speed automatic transmission and a long list of standard safety equipment – including side curtain air bags and AdvanceTrac® electronic stability control.
Innovative convenience features on the Taurus X include one-touch, flip-and-fold second-row seating and an available power rear liftgate. The 2008 Taurus X will reach dealer showrooms in late summer 2007.
“The three-row Taurus X is a key element in o ur broad crossover lineup and is a great complement to the popular, two-row Ford Edge,” says Cisco Codina, Ford’s group vice president of North America Marketing, Sales and Service. “Like Edge, the new Taurus X delivers confident design, good power and handling, and plenty of standard safety equipment. With Taurus X, customers get a roomy, interior that is flexible, functional and comfortable – in all three rows.”
Bold, new look inspired by the Ford Edge
The exterior design of the Taurus X picks up design cues from the Ford Edge, including the
step-up headlamps and distinctive Ford three-bar chrome grille. The Taurus X also features a restyled hood, newly shaped front fenders and fascia along with headlamps and fog lamps mounted in new chrome surrounds.
Taurus X sports a new rear fascia, Fusion-inspired taillamps, chrome dual exhaust tips and an available reverse sensing system. A new roof rack up top features a tougher, more rugged design.
Ford Taurus X (2008)
Also available for the first time on Taurus X is an Eddie Bauer branded series. Ford’s relationship with Eddie Bauer over the last two decades has proven to be very popular with customers with a nearly 40 percent take rate of the series on both the Ford Explorer and Expedition. The Eddie Bauer series includes a unique two-tone paint scheme, standard 18-inch, five-spoke aluminum wheels, wiper activated headlamps and an Eddie Bauer badge.
Innovations improve an already versatile interior
The 2008 Taurus X delivers the interior space and convenience features that customers shopping for a three-row crossovers are known to prioritize. Two new features set Taurus X apart: one-touch, flip-and-fold second row seats that provide easy access to the third row and an available power rear liftgate. Controls for the power liftgate are located on the center console, rear cargo area and on the key fob.
With the Taurus X, the interior is as large and comfortable as it is flexible. It is available in 5- and 7-passenger configurations and offers exceptional visibility and space for all passengers because of the stadium style seating that places the third row higher than the second row.
It can haul cargo as well. With the second and third row folded flat, Taurus X offers 85.2 cu. ft. of cargo space behind the first row. Fold the front passenger seat flat and Taurus X can accommodate items up to nine feet long.
Must-have features include an available voice activated DVD-based navigation system and SIRIUS satellite radio. For entertainment, rear seat passengers can enjoy an available DVD player with a large, eight-inch screen and a clearer, brighter picture.
Taurus X is also one of 12 new Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products to offer Ford Sync™ – a voice-activated, hands-free, in-car communications and entertainment system. Developed in collaboration with Microsoft, this Ford-exclusive system fully integrates mobile phones and digital media players into the vehicle.
New powertrain transforms Taurus X
At the heart of the 2008 Taurus X is Ford’s 3.5-liter Duratec 35 V-6 engine. It delivers an estimated 260 horsepower – an increase of nearly 30 percent over the previous engine. To manage the additional power and deliver sharper performance, the continuously variable transmission has been replaced with a six-speed-automatic gearbox that was developed in tandem with the Duratec 35.
Even with the increase in power and torque, the 2008 Taurus X is expected to post real-world fuel economy numbers similar to the 2007 Freestyle, thanks to a more efficient powertrain and technologies like a fuel-saving electric power steering system. Final numbers, measured under the new-for-2008 EPA standards, will be released closer the vehicle’s on-sale date.
Taurus X’s available intelligent all-wheel-drive system, new for 2008, is less complex than the system it replaces and similar to the Ford Edge AWD system. It incorporates an active, on-demand electro-mechanical center coupler to allocate a precise amount of torque from front to rear, up to 100 percent to either axle. This system can also anticipate wheel slip before it happens. Under heavy acceleration, for example, the system will proactively allocate torque to the rear wheels before the front wheels begin to slip.
Taurus X features a long list of standard safety features
Taurus X is expected to earn five star ratings in all four categories of government crash tests, giving it leadership in passive safety. In terms of active safety, every 2008 Taurus X has standard anti-lock brakes and AdvanceTrac® electronic stability control, a feature nearly 70 percent of car shoppers are interested in according to Ford customer research.
The AdvanceTrac system can predict the vehicle’s path using a sensor to detect and measure oversteer and yaw by monitoring the vehicle’s speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle. When the system senses wheel slip or the loss of traction, the system reduces engine torque and applies braking where needed to keep the car tracking safely on its intended path.
The 2008 Taurus X features standard dual-stage driver and passenger front air bags, seat-deployed side air bags for driver and front passenger and Ford’s Safety Canopy™ side curtain air bags for all three rows. The advance side air curtains feature “roll-fold” technology to enhance protection during an extended crash event. New reinforcements in the foot well area provide for better crash protection, while side impact protection is improved with pressurized crash sensors in the doors and redesigned interior door panels.
The rise of the crossover segment
Crossovers are part of the fastest-growing vehicle segment in the United States, outpacing even the remarkable growth SUVs achieved in the 1990s. CUVs surpassed traditional SUV sales for the first time last year, and they are on the way to 3 million sales annually by the decade’s end.
Two distinct consumer trends have helped fuel the explosive growth of the CUV segment: car buyers seeking more spacious and flexible interiors along with the security of all-wheel drive, and traditional SUV buyers seeking more maneuverable and fuel-efficient vehicles that still make an active lifestyle possible.
The three-row Taurus X will complement the sporty and popular two-row, five-passenger Ford Edge in the lineup. To further underscore Ford’s commitment to leadership, the two crossovers will be joined by yet another large Ford crossover – based on the Ford Fairlane concept vehicle – which will debut later this year and go on sale in 2008.
In time with the launch of X-Bow’s media website. KTM shows the first images of a scale model. This model was built for design purposes, has a scale of 1:2,5 and corresponds in almost every detail with the final car.
The scale was not selected randomly – it’s the best size to fit into the windtunnel of Dallara, KTM’s Italian developement partner for the X-Bow project. (more…)
The all-new Volvo V70 is the third generation of Volvo’s best-selling estate car. The all-new V70 model offers more of everything; it is more luxurious inside than its predecessor, it is sportier to drive, offers more space for both passengers and luggage, and it integrates a variety of intelligent solutions for flexible usage. Safety is at the highest level and the car also includes a world breakthrough – for the benefit of families with young children.“With the all-new Volvo V70, we want to mark our position in the premium segment even more clearly than before,” says Tomas Ahlborg, Project Director for the all-new V70. “We have seen that estate cars in the upper segment follow the same trend as sedans, that is to say a shift towards more specialised products. We have therefore focused firmly on giving the all-new Volvo V70 just about all the best features. Design, naturally, but we’ve also given top priority to areas such as driving pleasure, flexible function and high comfort – of course alongside safety, both preventive and protective. We know that all these properties are important to Volvo’s customers, who in many cases are highly aware and active families.”
1. Improved child safety with a world innovation
“When we developed the all-new Volvo V70 the aim was that it should be the safest car in its segment,” says Ingrid Skogsmo, Director of Volvo Cars Safety Centre. “The V70 model shares the same sophisticated network of interacting safety systems as the Volvo S80. The patented body structure absorbs energy in a highly efficient way. And the interior safety system includes the latest generation of side airbags and whiplash protection. What is more, we are introducing a world innovation in the field of child safety.”
Volvo V70
Improved child safety with extended IC (Inflatable Curtain) and integrated booster cushions – a world breakthrough
To improve safety for children in the rear seat of the all-new V70 model, Volvo has further developed the Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) with a stronger body structure, extended inflatable curtains and a height-adjustable integrated child booster cushion – the latter a world innovation.
The booster cushion, which is integrated in the rear seat, can be set at two heights, allowing children of different sizes to sit sufficiently high to see out through the windows yet at the same time get the most effective protection possible. The lower setting is intended for children between 115 and 140 cm in height and weighing between 22 and 36 kg, while the upper setting is designed for children measuring 95-120 cm and weighing between 15 and 25 kg. The all-new Volvo V70 can be equipped with integrated child booster cushions in both outer rear seats.
The adjustable booster cushion means the seat belt geometry is optimum irrespective of the child’s height. The integrated booster cushion is also accompanied by safety belts with specially adjusted force limiters. They contribute to the best possible protective effect by restraining the child with just the right amount of tensioning force in a collision.
The inflatable curtains in the all-new Volvo V70 have been extended by 60 mm, which in combination with the height-adjustable booster cushions and the strong body side structure provide more children of different sizes with effective protection in a side impact. Furthermore, the fact that more children are provided with comfortable seating on booster cushions helps create a more harmonious atmosphere in the car and provides better conditions for relaxed driving. The front passenger airbag can be disabled using a key. What is more, the seat can be specified with attachments for rear-facing fitting of a child seat once the front passenger airbag is disabled.
New, stronger side structure
To optimise side-impact protection in the all-new V70 model, not only for children but for all occupants, the body’s entire side structure is both stronger and lighter thanks to a well-balanced combination of high-tensile steel of different grades (High Strength Steel, Extra High Strength Steel and the extremely strong Ultra High Strength Steel). The various components and grades of steel interact to minimise penetration into the passenger compartment. The aim is instead to get the entire car to move sideways – away from the colliding vehicle.
The new type of side-impact airbag which was launched together with the all-new S80 model makes Volvo’s patented SIPS (Side Impact Protection System) into an even more effective safety system. The new side impact airbags have two separate chambers – one for the hip section and one for the chest. Since the hips can withstand greater force than the chest can, the lower chamber inflates with up to five times more pressure than the upper section. The side-impact airbags interact with the inflatable curtains and the body’s network of safety beams to provide the most effective protection.
Crumple zones made using different grades of steel
The patented front body structure in the all-new Volvo V70 is divided into zones, each of which has a different task during the deformation sequence. The outer zones are responsible for most of the deformation. The closer the collision forces get to the passenger compartment, the less the material deforms. In order to give each zone the right properties, different grades of steel are used in different structures, a total of four different grades. Apart from regular body steel, three different grades of high-tensile steel are used: High Strength Steel, Extra High Strength Steel and Ultra High Strength Steel.“With the zone system, we can exploit the material’s properties to the very maximum for the best possible energy absorption,” explains Ingrid Skogsmo. “The aim is that the passenger compartment should be preserved in a predictable way in a variety of collision scenarios.”
ZONE FOR DEFORMATION AT LOW SPEEDS
The front bumper is structured around a cross-member made of aluminium. The attachment points at the body’s longitudinal beams are designed as collapsible “crash boxes”. They help absorb incoming low-speed collision forces without damaging the rest of the body’s beam structure.
ZONE FOR DEFORMATION AT HIGH SPEEDS
The straight sections of the longitudinal beams are made of High Strength Steel, a very tough grade of steel that is optimised for high energy absorption. This zone accounts for most of the deformation.
ZONE FOR BACKUP
The beam section that curves out towards the A-posts serves as a barrier protecting the passenger compartment and also as a backup to reduce deformation. Its shape also helps minimise the risk of the front wheel penetrating into the passenger compartment. Instead, the wheel helps absorb the collision forces. This section is very rigid and is made of Extra High Strength Steel.
THREE-POINT ATTACHMENT
A rigid cross-member links the two A-posts and the lower side-members so that they form a particularly sturdy three-point attachment on each side. This design is particularly effective at protecting the passenger compartment in a severe impact.
Compact transverse engines contribute to collision safety
Like the other models in the Volvo range, the all-new Volvo V70 has a transverse driveline and front-wheel drive. Transverse installation gives the engine more space inside the engine compartment and helps reduce the risk of penetration into the passenger compartment in a frontal impact.
Even the six-cylinder engines have been able to be installed transversely in the all-new V70 model thanks to its extremely compact format and efficient packaging in the engine compartment.
Second-generation WHIPS system
Volvo’s system for avoiding neck injuries – WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System) – is one of the most effective on the market. In the event of a rear-end collision the front seat backrest accompanies the passenger’s initial body movement and dampens the incoming force rather like one’s hand does when catching a ball.
The all-new Volvo V70 features the same generation of WHIPS mechanism as was launched on the all-new S80 model. This generation was further developed to ensure that the damping motion is gentle and to provide good contact between the head and head restraint throughout the impact sequence.
Protection for other road users
Protection for pedestrians and cyclists has also been further developed in the all-new Volvo V70. The front has been given energy-absorbing properties, not least with a generously dimensioned soft structure in front of the bumper that helps reduce the risk of leg injuries. In addition, the spoiler’s lower edge has been reinforced and moved forward, almost on a level with the bumper. The aim is that the area of contact on a pedestrian’s or cyclist’s leg should be distributed across a larger area, thus helping reduce the risk of injury still further.
The bonnet is raised and its underside has a honeycomb structure which similarly spreads the load in the event of an impact, thus helping to absorb the energy and reduce the risk of personal injury.
2. Advanced drive systems contribute to increased safety margins
“The best way to protect the car’s occupants is to avoid accidents,” says Ingrid Skogsmo, Director of the Volvo Cars Safety Centre. “That’s why we’ve developed a number of advanced driving and support systems that interact intelligently to assist the driver in difficult situations, yet without taking over the driving itself or taking over responsibility for safe progress. The task is to assist the driver to take the right decisions, by alerting him or her and in various ways indicating how best to get out of the situation.”
Collision warning with brake support and emergency brake lights
Rear-end collisions are a common type of accident. In many of these cases, the reason is that the driver is distracted and fails to respond in time. Against this background, Volvo Cars has developed a system known as Collision Warning with Brake Support. It is an advanced system with auxiliary functions that aim to avoid rear-end impacts or to minimise their consequences should they nevertheless occur.
The area in front of the car is continuously monitored with the help of a radar sensor. The system is activated in a variety of ways at different stages of the sequence: If the car approaches another vehicle from the rear and the driver does not react, a red warning lamp flashes in the windscreen. At the same time, a warning buzzer sounds. In certain situations this is enough for the driver to respond and take action to avoid the danger.
If the risk of a collision increases despite the warning, the brake support system is activated. In order to shorten the reaction time, the brakes are prepared for action by automatic application of the pads against the discs. In addition, brake pressure is amplified hydraulically, which results in good braking effect even if the driver does not press particularly hard on the brake pedal.
“If the road speed is not too high, brake support helps reduce the consequences of a collision,” says Ingrid Skogsmo. “However, it is always the driver’s reactions that are crucial to the outcome.”
The application of firm braking is signalled to traffic behind the car by the brake lights first flashing (valid for Europe – fixed light for US markets). Once speed drops to below 30 km/h, the hazard warning flashers are also activated.
In order to adapt the warning system to different conditions and individual driving styles, the system’s sensitivity can be adjusted in the car’s setup menu. There is a choice of three settings.
Adaptive cruise control
In order to help the driver stay a safe distance behind the vehicle in front, Volvo Cars has developed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). This system should primarily be regarded as a comfort function but it does also contribute to more controlled progress if the rhythm of traffic is uneven. The technology is also used as a basis for several of Volvo’s advanced driving and support systems.
Using a radar sensor, the adaptive cruise control continually monitors the gap to the vehicles in front and automatically adjusts the car’s speed to ensure that this gap does not shrink too much.
The driver activates the cruise control by setting a desired speed between 30 and 200 km/h and then selecting the minimum time gap to the vehicles in front. There are five different time gaps to choose between.
Advanced information systems contribute to better driver control
The all-new Volvo V70 is also equipped with BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) and IDIS (Intelligent Driver Information System), two systems that can help the driver maintain better control over the driving situation.
Using cameras integrated into the door mirrors, BLIS registers whether another vehicle is in the blind spot offset to the rear of the car. If there is a vehicle there, a lamp lights up at the relevant mirror to alert the driver and increase his or her chance of making the appropriate decision.
IDIS is an electronic information system that helps prevent the driver from becoming distracted by irrelevant information in busy situations. By continuously monitoring certain functions in the car such as steering wheel movements, the movement of the accelerator pedal, turn indicator usage and brake application, IDIS can assess the complexity of the current situation. The information is processed and at a certain level of complexity, any information that is not essential to safety is delayed, for instance incoming phone calls or SMS text messages.
Active Bi-Xenon Lights – swivelling headlamp beams
In order to contribute to the best possible visibility during night-time driving on curving and twisting roads, the all-new Volvo V70 can be equipped with Active Bi-Xenon Lights – swivelling headlamps that follow the sweeps and bends of the road. A mini-processor is used to calculate and analyse a number of parameters and optimise the light beam to suit the situation. The headlamps can be swivelled up to 15 degrees in either direction, totalling 30 degrees, and can thus light up a longer stretch of road as it twists and turns. In order to save wear and tear on the system, it is automatically deactivated in daylight conditions.
In order to lower the risk of dazzling oncoming traffic, the headlamps’ height is adjusted depending on how heavily the car is loaded and also on whether the car is accelerating or braking.
The headlamps are cleaned using an electromagnetic high-pressure system that washes one headlamp at a time so as to always provide the best possible illumination under all conditions.
Advanced, interacting braking functions
The all-new Volvo V70 has a highly advanced braking system with a number of functions that interact to ensure the shortest possible braking distance under all circumstances.
HYDRAULIC BRAKE ASSIST (HBA) is a new generation of Volvo’s emergency braking support system. It helps the driver to brake in the shortest possible distance in a panic situation. Unlike the previous system which was only based on vacuum, here brake pressure is also reinforced hydraulically. In an emergency situation where the driver does not press the brake pedal sufficiently quickly and firmly, HBA can help ensure that the ABS system is utilised optimally and the braking distance is reduced.
OPTIMIZED HYDRAULIC BRAKES (OHB) reinforce braking ability under hard braking by utilising hydraulics to compensate for low vacuum pressure in the brake servo.
READY ALERT BRAKES (RAB) can predict rapid braking and apply the brake pads against the discs even before the driver has time to press the brake pedal. The braking system’s response time – and the braking distance – can thus be shortened. The triggering signal for the braking system may be that the accelerator pedal is released suddenly or that the adaptive cruise control registers an obstacle in front of the car.
FADING BRAKE SUPPORT (FBS) utilises the hydraulics to gradually build up braking pressure during long hard braking, thus helping cut the risk of brake fade and maintaining pedal feel.
Personal Car Communicator with heartbeat sensor provides enhanced security
In an increasingly insecure world, it is important to have control over what happens in one’s immediate vicinity, not least when you park your car. This is a matter both of preventing theft of and from the car and also of avoiding situations that may involve personal risks.
Together with the all-new S80 model, Volvo Cars launched the Personal Car Communicator (PCC), an advanced pocket-sized control centre which is now also available on the all-new Volvo V70. The Personal Car Communicator provides information which in some circumstances may be crucial to the car owner’s security and safety.
The Personal Car Communicator is remarkably like a regular remote control but it can do a lot more than just activate the locks and alarm. A simple push of a button can within a few seconds tell the car owner if …
… the car is locked or unlocked …
… if the alarm has been triggered …
… if the alarm has been triggered and someone is inside the car, which can be registered by a highly sensitive heartbeat sensor and an advanced calculation process.
The information is available and up-to-date as long as the distance between the PCC and the car is about 100 metres or less. In addition, the most recent data is logged so the owner can at any time and any place check whether the car really was locked when it was parked.
Laminated glass all round and automatically locked storage unit in the luggage compartment
In order to make break-ins more difficult, the all-new Volvo V70 can be specified with laminated glass in all the windows, including the rear side windows and the tailgate. This means that the luggage compartment too gets effective protection.
The storage system under the luggage compartment floor has a capacity of no less than 46 litres if the car does not have a spare wheel, and it is now lockable. It is locked automatically and conveniently when the tailgate is closed and locked.
3. Upgraded driveline with more cylinders and new turbo technology
• Six-cylinder twin-scroll turbo engine offers an entirely new driving experience
• Six-cylinder normally aspirated engine with dual cam profiles
• Extremely compact transversely installed engines
• Five-cylinder turbo engine with integrated turbocharger
• Energy-efficient turbodiesel from second-generation D5 range
• Wide engine range at the launch of the all-new Volvo V70
• FlexiFuel model powered by renewable bioethanol
• Six-speed Geartronic with Sport mode
“The all-new Volvo V70 generation includes an upgrade of the engines too,” says Tomas Ahlborg. “With more cylinders and new turbo technology, we now offer customers an even more thrilling performance experience allied to high-class ride comfort in one and the same package. It’s a total experience that is premium in every single respect.”
Six-cylinder twin-scroll turbo engine offers an entirely new driving experience
For the first time ever, the Volvo V70 is now available with a six-cylinder performance engine. It is based on the immensely compact 3.2-litre in-line aluminium engine that was first launched in the all-new Volvo S80 in spring 2006. When fitted in the V70, it becomes available not just as a normally aspirated engine but also in a newly developed turbo version with a displacement of 3.0 litres, producing 210 kW (285 hp) and no less than 400 Nm of torque. Maximum torque is on tap from just 1500 rpm and remains available all the way up the rev range, resulting in remarkably quick acceleration and smooth driveability (0-100 km/h in 7,2 seconds – preliminary figure).
The somewhat smaller cylinder displacement of the turbo engine, owing to the slightly narrower cylinder bore and shorter stroke, is compensated by the turbocharger which in this engine takes in exhaust gases in two stages, with the inflow divided into two lots of three cylinders each, a system known as twin-scroll technology. Twin-scroll technology permits use of a more compact and uncomplicated turbocharger and provides extremely swift response, fully on a par with that from twin turbochargers.
“This engine has been optimised to provide a particularly sporty driving experience and it gives the V70 concept an entirely new dimension,” says Tomas Ahlborg. “We have what is virtually the perfect car for the active family, a car that also packs that little extra for the dedicated driving enthusiast. Yet at the same time, the engine has been programmed to provide the highest possible performance with the lowest possible fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.”
Six-cylinder normally aspirated engine with dual cam profiles
The six-cylinder normally aspirated engine producing 175 kW (238 hp) and 320 Nm offers a high-class driving experience. This engine has an advanced valve system with dual cam profiles on the inlet side. With CPS (Cam Profile Switching), as the system is known, the inlet valves can be lifted to two different heights in response to variations in engine revs and load.
In normal driving, with normal throttle activation and low engine revs, fuel consumption is dampened at the same time as there is sufficient torque for good driveability.
In sportier driving, under full acceleration and high revs, the engine is immensely alert to the throttle and powerful at both low and high speeds.
“In principle two engines in one,” explains Tomas Ahlborg, “satisfying both performance-orientated customers and those who prioritise driving comfort and fuel economy.”
In addition, the engine features VIS (Variable Intake System). It consists of two throttle valves that adjust the volume of the inlet manifold to suit the current driving conditions and allow the engine’s capacity to be exploited to the very maximum throughout the rev range.
Extremely compact transversely installed engines
As in the other Volvo models, all the engines are installed transversely, even the six-cylinder units. This has been made possible owing to an extremely compact construction.
“A transversely mounted compact engine is the best way to reduce the risk of penetration into the passenger compartment in the event of a frontal collision, since the engine takes up minimal space in the car’s longitudinal direction,” explains Tomas Ahlborg.
The six-cylinder in-line engine’s compact format has been achieved by positioning ancillaries such as the power steering pump and air conditioning compressor behind the engine in the space above the gearbox. There is therefore no drive system for these ancillaries in front of the engine. Instead, drive is provided via gears on the rear of the crankshaft. This solution is called READ – Rear End Ancillary Drive. The alternator is direct-driven and is fitted onto the engine block. These solutions mean the entire package including the engine and gearbox take up the least possible space, above all in the car’s longitudinal direction.
By designing the drive system in the form of a small “gearbox” with an intermediary shaft inside the driveshaft – a solution known as Shaft In Shaft – the whole package has been able to be made very short. The two shafts are driven by different gears that give them different speeds (one speed for camshaft drive and one for powering the ancillaries).
Even the vibration damper, which compensates for vibrations in the six-cylinder engine’s relatively long crankshaft, has been integrated inside the engine block.
Five-cylinder turbo engine with integrated turbocharger
There will also be a five-cylinder petrol engine as an alternative on the all-new Volvo V70. It is fitted with a light-pressure turbocharger and produces 147 kW (200 hp) and 300 Nm of torque. The engine is very compact, partly because the turbocharger is integrated into the manifold. It is made of high-quality steel that withstands high exhaust temperatures and contributes to efficient combustion and low exhaust emissions.
Energy-efficient turbodiesel from second-generation diesel range
The all-new Volvo V70 can also be specified with Volvo’s in-house manufactured second-generation D5 five-cylinder diesel engine. It is a very powerful and easy to drive turbodiesel which is available in two versions. The more powerful variant offers no less than 400 Nm of torque – and it does so across a particularly wide rev range.
Compared with the first generation, the new D5 engine has been further developed and offers impressive refinement, featuring a new electronically controlled turbocharger, more advanced multi-point injection technology and a particularly powerful engine management system. The improvements have resulted in an entirely new driving experience with far higher performance and improved driveability. At the same time, emissions are noticeably lower.
A service-free particle filter is standard, making the D5 a highly eco-efficient alternative.
All the engines feature four valves per cylinder and double overhead camshafts, promoting alert response and good high-speed properties.
FlexiFuel model powered by renewable bioethanol
FlexiFuel cars are run on E85, which is a blend of 85% renewable ethanol and 15% petrol. Ethanol is an entirely renewable fuel and can in principle be produced from just about any biomass source, such as corn, wheat, sugar-beet and cellulose. If the car is run on E85, emissions of fossil carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, drop by up to 80% compared with the same car running only on petrol.
The all-new Volvo V70 will be available in an environmentally optimised FlexiFuel alternative. It is powered by a four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine producing 145 hp. Bioethanol and petrol are both filled in the same tank. The fuel hoses, valves and gaskets have all been modified to withstand the more corrosive properties of ethanol. The injection valves have been reinforced and are also larger, since more fuel is injected into the engine because of the lower energy content of E85 compared with petrol. Moreover, the software calibration is updated for ethanol power. The engine management system precisely monitors the fuel mixture in the fuel tank and automatically adjusts both injection and ignition to suit.
Six-speed Geartronic with Sport mode
The five- and six-cylinder engines can be combined with a six-speed automatic Geartronic transmission. It is designed to handle the immense power of the most powerful turbo engines. With Geartronic it is also possible to change gear manually.
For the T6 engine the six-speed Geartronic gearbox has a Sport mode which provides slightly faster gearshifts and a selection of a lower gear than in Drive mode. Sport mode is selected by moving the gear lever to the right in the Drive mode.
4. Dynamic chassis with advanced drive systems
• Advanced body structure and stable chassis promote controlled ride and roadholding properties
• Active chassis with Four-C – and three settings
• All Wheel Drive with Instant Traction
• Adjustable power steering
• Power Parking Brake is standard
• DSTC is standard
“The all-new Volvo V70 has been further refined in every respect,” says Tomas Ahlborg. “The chassis technology offers high-class driving feel and superb control whatever the situation. All of which helps us further reinforce Volvo’s special position in the estate car premium segment.”
Advanced body structure and stable chassis promote controlled ride and roadholding properties
Not only the driveline but the whole of the car has been developed and balanced to give a first-class driving experience, based largely on pliant ride and secure roadholding allied to high stability. Stability is in fact particularly important when driving with many passengers and a lot of luggage.
The body features a highly advanced structure that contributes to both good deformation properties in the event of a collision and to high torsional rigidity. Thanks to the design of the body structure and the optimised use of different grades of high-strength steel, torsional rigidity has been increased by no less than 15 percent compared to the previous V70 model. Good torsional rigidity is the very basis of the car’s excellent ride and roadholding properties.
The chassis technology has been further developed compared with the previous V70 model to provide even more stable and more controlled road manners. A lot of effort has also gone into features such as the suspension system and engine installation to ensure high-class comfort.
Active chassis with Four-C – and three choices
The all-new Volvo V70 can be optionally specified with an active chassis based on Volvo’s Four-C technology. It is an advanced self-regulating chassis system that uses a number of sensors to continuously monitor the car’s behaviour. The dampers are adjusted to suit the current driving conditions in mere fractions of a second.
Four-C adjusts chassis settings to match the car’s speed. The higher the speed, the firmer the damping. This makes the car easy to control even at high speeds. This technology also reduces the car’s tendency to squat, dip or yaw under hard acceleration, firm braking and quick steering wheel movements.
“With an active chassis, the car’s driving properties improve in all situations,” says Tomas Ahborg. “It becomes both safer and more entertaining to drive.”
Three alternative chassis settings at the touch of a button allow the driver to alter the car’s driving character to suit his or her personal taste.
• COMFORT provides pleasant, comfortable progress with calm, harmonious body movements.
• SPORT provides more controlled body movements, faster steering response and a higher degree of road contact.
• ADVANCED gives minimum damper movement and maximum contact between tyres and road surface. It’s the setting for enthusiastic driving on smooth and flat asphalt.
In a difficult-to-control situation, however, the driver’s choice makes no difference at all: Four-C always responds by helping the driver out of the situation by automatically stabilising the car to maintain control.
All Wheel Drive with Instant Traction
The T6 model of the all-new Volvo V70 is equipped with Volvo’s All Wheel Drive. Using an electronically controlled hydraulic clutch, the AWD system distributes drive between the front and rear wheels to ensure the best possible road grip in all situations. The system features Instant Traction, which shifts drive at lightning speed from the front to the rear wheels when starting on a slippery or loose surface.
Adjustable power steering
Speed-dependent power steering is available as an option. The system delivers more servo assistance at low speeds, for instance to make things easier when parking. Servo assistance is reduced as speed rises, disappearing entirely at higher cruising speeds.
In order to give every driver the most optimum road feedback, servo effect can be adjusted via the car’s information and set-up system. Three levels of servo assistance are available.
Power Parking Brake is standard
In order to assist the driver when starting on an uphill gradient, the all-new Volvo V70 has a smart, electrically operated parking brake system known as Power Parking Brake. This makes things far easier for the driver, especially if the car is fitted with a manual gearbox. If the parking brake is engaged at traffic lights, for instance, it is automatically disengaged when the accelerator is pressed and the car moves off. Please note that the driver’s safety belt must be secured for this function to operate.
The parking brake is engaged by pushing a lever to the left of the steering wheel and disengaged by pulling the lever. To ensure that the parking brake is applied when the car is parked, it is automatically engaged when the key is removed from the ignition switch or, if the car is equipped with Keyless Drive, when the door is opened. This function must be selected initially in the car settings menu.
DSTC is standard
DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control) is standard in the all-new Volvo V70. This is a stability-enhancing system that when necessary reduces engine torque and applies carefully calculated braking power to reduce the risk of a skid.
“By combining systems such as FOUR-C, AWD and DSTC we can offer a driving experience of extremely high calibre under virtually all operating conditions, even when the car is loaded,” says Tomas Ahlborg. “The fact that the driver can also influence the car’s character via the alternative chassis settings makes the experience and the feeling of control even more highly appreciated.”
5. First-class comfort and versatile function
• Increased legroom
• Ventilated seats
• Clean Zone Interior Package provides enhanced comfort
• Personal comfort settings
• Smart and versatile functionality
• Versatile load compartment floor makes loading easier
• Power-operated tailgate
“By building on a new vehicle architecture base when we designed the all-new V70 model, we have been able to improve both comfort and the scope for utilizing the vehicle in an intelligent way,” says Tomas Ahlborg. “More interior space and more versatile functions make the all-new Volvo V70 a truly multi-functional tool for families, business-owners and others who use their car for a variety of purposes.”
Increased legroom
The all-new Volvo V70 is both more spacious and more comfortable than its predecessor. The distance from front to rear passengers has been extended by 21 millimetres, rear legroom by 48 millimetres and rear knee clearance by 21 millimetres. Large drivers and passengers will be happy to note that width at shoulder height has been increased by 30 millimetres in the front seats.
Ventilated seats
Volvo’s front seats are regarded by many as the very best on the market. They are designed to offer the best possible support and comfort, even on long trips. Power-adjustable seats are available as an option, and they can be equipped with perforated and ventilated leather upholstery. These seats are equipped with fans in the seat and backrest cushions. The temperature in the cushions is swiftly lowered to a pleasant level and contributes to superb seating comfort, especially on hot days and in humid climates.
The opposite effect – heating of the front seats when the weather turns chilly – can be selected at a choice of three temperature settings. The rear seat too can be specified with heating, which includes separate switches for each of the two outer seats and, as in the front seats, three temperature settings.
Clean Zone Interior Package provides enhanced comfort
In order to give particularly sensitive passengers a better interior in-car climate, the all-new Volvo V70 can be equipped with the Clean Zone Interior Package, a system that is based on ECC (Electronic Climate Control) and IAQS (Interior Air Quality System).
When the car is unlocked using the remote control, the passenger compartment is automatically ventilated for about a minute if the outdoor temperature is higher than 10 degrees Celsius. Clean Zone Interior Package creates a passenger environment that has been recommended by the Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association.
The interior trim materials and fittings have been selected to emit minimum levels of harmful substances.
Personal comfort settings
The V70 driver has a wide range of scope for adjusting the car’s comfort functions to suit his or her personal needs and wishes. These settings are altered in the car’s information system. The menu includes the seats, rear-view mirrors, climate unit, audio unit, navigation system and to a certain extent the car’s driving properties. One of the selectable functions is automatic operation of the rear defroster. When this setting is chosen, the defroster is automatically activated when outside temperature is about 9 degrees C. Another example is the speed-dependent power steering. It is an option and can be set at one of three levels via the information system.
“Being able to alter settings oneself gives added comfort,” says Tomas Ahlborg. “However, from the safety viewpoint it is important that we do not spend too much time on the menu system while driving. In order to prevent the driver from losing concentration on the road while driving, certain functions are therefore blocked in the menu after about 20 seconds.”
Smart and versatile functionality
“Flexibility is something of a mark of honour for the all-new Volvo V70,” says Tomas Ahlborg. “Plenty of space, a three-part rear seat and a number of intelligent functions make loading and travel a real pleasure, both with and without luggage.”
The rear seat splits 40/20/40, with two very comfortable seats and a convenient armrest in between. The centre backrest can be folded to make space for long cargo items or raised to provide an additional seat. The backrests can be folded separately to create a larger load compartment with an entirely flat floor. With the foldable backrest in the front passenger seat, the combination possibilities are even greater.
The luggage compartment floor is equipped with aluminium rails and movable anchorage points to secure the load. The anchorage points can be tucked down into the rails when they are not in use so they are entirely out of the way. The side panels also have built-in load anchorage eyelets to keep luggage securely in place. What is more, they can be supplemented with multifunctional rails for a variety of hooks, load-anchoring nets, cargo space dividers and other load-related accessories.
In order to protect the luggage compartment floor there is a wide range of mats, including one that can be folded double for normal use or opened out across the entire luggage compartment floor when the rear backrests are folded down.
Versatile load compartment floor makes loading easier
An extra sliding load floor is available as an accessory. It is fastened simply and quickly in the floor rails and slides out easily over the bumper to permit convenient loading. It is automatically locked into place when the handle is released. When it is not in use, the floor can be folded up against the rear backrest or easily removed from the car altogether.
The sliding floor and complete load system fulfil Volvo’s extremely high demands for safety.
Power-operated tailgate
Loading can be made even more convenient by choosing the optional power-operated tailgate . It is opened by pressing a button on the remote control, and the rest is handled by the car’s hydraulics. Handy when your own hands are full. In order to reduce the risk of accidentally squashing one’s hands or fingers, it is closed from the panel on the tailgate itself. What is more, there is a dual-stage safety function integrated into the tailgate, involving a pinch protection moulding on each side and an emergency stop, which means that the hydraulic system is equipped with a force sensor, stopping immediately if it senses an obstruction during operation.
A wide range of accessories featuring holders for such equipment as bikes, kayaks, skis and snowboards is available for cars with or without rails. Bikes can also be transported inside the car, secured to the floor rails using a special holder.
6. World class audio system
• Digital technology contributes to natural sound profile
• Automatic volume and tone adjustment
• Three performance levels
• Dolby Pro Logic II Surround with adjustable sound pattern
• World-famous loudspeakers from Dynaudio of Denmark
• Optional subwoofer provides richer bass tones
• Plays MP3 format
• Integrated DVD system in the rear seat
• The latest-generation RTI
“Volvo’s audio systems are among the very best in the automotive world today,” says Tomas Ahlborg. “And obviously only the best is good enough in a car of the calibre of the all-new Volvo V70. In cooperation with the foremost audio manufacturers in the world, we have developed a first-class sound system with a digital amplifier from Alpine, Dolby Pro Logic II Surround and excellent loudspeakers from Danish experts Dynaudio. The result is an audio experience of absolute world class.”
Digital technology contributes to natural sound profile
The very latest in digital technology has been used to control and adjust sound reproduction to suit the shape of the passenger compartment and the positioning of the loudspeakers. Using DSP – Digital Signal Processing – the tone curve has been fine-tuned so it contributes to natural audio quality.
Digital technology is also used in Volvo’s modern amplifier, developed in cooperation with Alpine. A digital class D amplifier has extremely low current consumption thanks to its high efficiency rating. This also means that it produces less heat than an analogue amplifier and that it can be made more compact.
Volvo’s amplifier also has a particularly high damping factor thanks to ICEPower® technology from Denmark’s Bang & Olufsen PowerHouse a/s. This technology contributes to crystal-clear yet powerful sound all the way down to the deepest bass tones.
Automatic volume and tone adjustment
Owing to the use of digital technology, the sound can be adjusted to match the driving situation. Not only volume but tone too is adjusted automatically in response to the car’s speed. Furthermore, there is scope for individual preferences. In the car’s menu system with its personal settings the driver can choose by how much the sound should be adjusted in relation to the car’s speed. There are three levels to choose between: low, medium and high.
Three performance levels
For the all-new Volvo V70 there are three levels of sound system to choose between:
• Performance – with a 4×20 W amplifier and six loudspeakers
• High Performance – with a 4×40 W amplifier and eight loudspeakers
• Premium Sound – with a digital 5×130 W amplifier, Dolby® Pro Logic II Surround and twelve Dynaudio loudspeakers. The system can also be supplemented with a subwoofer under the luggage compartment floor. It features an integrated digital 2 x 130 W amplifier.
Dolby Pro Logic II Surround with adjustable sound pattern
Volvo was the first car-maker in the world to factory-fit an audio system with Dolby® Pro Logic Surround sound. The technology was developed to provide authentic multi-channel sound perception and it was introduced in 1997 in the very first Volvo C70 generation.
The system offered on the all-new Volvo V70 is the latest surround-sound generation, Dolby Pro Logic II Surround. It is a 5.1-channel system that provides a broad audio profile in the front seats and authentic stereo effect and full bandwidth in the rear seat. What is more, sound from the front and rear loudspeakers is blended into a natural entity.
In order to further contribute to the best possible individual audio experience, the Premium Sound unit has a special setup facility. The audio profile can be optimised in three different ways – for the best possible clarity from the driver’s seat, from both front seats or from the rear seat. The selection is made via the car’s information system.“A person riding alone in the car can set up the audio profile with unashamed selfishness!” says Tomas Ahlborg. “And if the car owner is riding in the back seat, it’s equally easy to prioritise the audio experience there.”
World-famous loudspeakers from Dynaudio of Denmark The loudspeakers in the Volvo V70 are of consistent high quality. The Premium Sound level features loudspeakers from Danish specialists Dynaudio®, a company with which Volvo has had long in-depth technical cooperation.
There are large three-way loudspeakers integrated into the front doors. The rear doors feature two-way loudspeakers with a tweeter and a mid/woofer. The tweeter diaphragm is made of textile (known as a silk dome tweeter), a Dynaudio speciality that helps create more crystal-clear sound. Each loudspeaker has a passive crossover filter to provide a harmonious total sound experience with the best possible bandwidth and dynamics. Specially developed centre loudspeakers in the instrument panel interact with the door-mounted loudspeakers to create a natural, homogeneous sound.
Optional subwoofer provides richer bass tones
To achieve even deeper, richer bass tones, the Premium Sound and High Performance systems can be complemented with a twelve-litre, dual-chamber subwoofer under the luggage floor, close to the rear seat backrest. The subwoofer, which is developed by Alpine, includes two 6.5” bass elements and an integrated digital 2×130 W amplifier. This subwoofer is able to provide very high-quality bass performance.
Plays MP3 format
With the High Performance and Premium Sound systems, it is now possible to play CDs with music in MP3 or WMA format. This means that the CD changer can store several hundred tracks and give the owner access to large sections of his or her personal musical library in the car. In addition, all the audio units are now equipped with an extra input (AUX) for connecting additional equipment such as a portable MP3 player. In order to boost radio listening quality, the FM radio has no less than three aerials to ensure the best possible reception in a system known as scanning diversity.
Integrated DVD system in the rear seat
It is possible to equip the car with a highly advanced entertainment system designed for passengers in the back seat, known as Rear Seat Entertainment or RSE. An integrated DVD player, seven-inch flat-screen monitors built into the front seat headrests, wireless headphones and remote control are all included in the system. An extra socket makes it possible to connect an additional DVD player, TV game or video camera. The two screens can be used independently of one another.
The latest-generation RTI
Volvo’s RTI (Road and Traffic Information) navigation system is highly efficient. The range of maps has recently been extended, with several new countries added, particularly in Eastern Europe. There are now three DVD discs for Europe and three for the USA, where Hawaii and Canada have been added. The material has also been updated with the latest roads, restaurants and hotels.
The system has been further developed with a new processor, which among other things allows alternative routes to be calculated far faster than before. In addition, new information such as the national flag and facts about the country, speed limits and rules governing the use of mobile phones while driving is shown on the screen when a national border is passed.
To mark the international launch of the new R27, Renault Sport Technologies will present the Clio Renault F1 Team in Amsterdam today. This will be a unique opportunity for enthusiasts to celebrate the achievements of the two-fold world champion Formula 1 Team with the unveiling of a unique car packed with sports features and technologies. Offering sensations of pure performance, passion and driving pleasure, the special edition Clio Renault Sport asserts its identity across a unique look and sporty dynamics, boosted by range of equipment drawn from the best of competition vehicles.
Asserting the Renault F1 Team identity
With its red brake callipers, its new Sirius yellow colouring and exclusive Renault F1 Team and World Champion markings, this special edition of the Clio Renault Sport will be immediately identified with its older sibling, the Mégane Renault F1 Team. The interior features Récaro seats, and the numbered plate evokes its unique sports character.
Renault Clio F1 R27
Chassis and settings for ultimate efficiency
Clio Renault F1 Team R27 rests on a Cup chassis. BeBop 17” Dark Anthracite wheels provide more sensation and road-holding accuracy. Its base is lower than the Clio Renault Sport, efficiency is improved by adjusted shock-absorbers and specific springs. This means more performance and extreme pleasure. The general public will find more details on this Special Edition Clio Renault F1 Team R27 at the next Geneva Car Show. Test drives and commercial marketing at a later stage.
The introduction of the third vehicle of the X90 Programme, which will go on to feature a total of six vehicles within the framework of Renault Commitment 2009, not only forms part of the programme’s ongoing development but also contributes to the group’s international growth.
Logan Van slots in perfectly with the Logan Programme’s overriding philosophy and, in addition to representing unprecedented value for money in its segment, meets the needs of customers looking for a basic, modern, robust and affordable van.
Renewal of the Dacia commercial vehicle range Logan Van marks both the modernisation of Dacia’s commercial vehicle line-up in Romania and the expansion of this range on the international front. Logan Van will go on sale in Romania and Bulgaria in February 2007 before becoming available in other markets from the end of 2007.
Aimed essentially at small business owners, tradesmen and traders, as well as small and medium-sized fleets, Logan Van will permit Dacia to develop brand loyalty in Romania while opening up fresh opportunities in other markets.
Dacia’s Pitesti factory in Romania also produces Logan Saloon and Logan MCV. The maximum production capacity of Logan Van is 200 vehicles per day. Logan Van is derived from Logan MCV and this has enabled the new model’s development and production costs to be kept to a minimum. Production-related investments for the two models amounted to €110 million for a total outlay of €154 million. Logan Van benefits from the Renault Group’s experience in the realm of commercial vehicles and, by associating this commercial vehicle engineering expertise with the best of what the X90 Programme has to offer, the new model combines commercial vehicle robustness with passenger car equipment levels. The Logan concept applied to the commercial vehicle world Like other vehicles in the Logan family, Logan Van has been developed for use in highly varied and often extreme conditions. It features the same simplicity and robust materials that have become a hallmark of the Logan range.
In Romania and Bulgaria, Logan Van is available with a choice of two petrol engines – the 1.4 MPI 55kW or the 1.6 MPI 64kW – or the 1.5 dCi 50kW diesel engine, all of which come from the Renault Group’s powerplant range. Logan Van naturally benefits from the same level of active and passive safety as Logan MCV.
Logan Van also shares Logan MCV’s design and volumes and, like the latter, features passenger car-style rear doors on all versions. These doors ensure wide access to the cargo area from both the left- and right-hand sides, unlike many of its rivals in the same category which permit access from one side only. Meanwhile, rear access is via 1/3-2/3 split asymmetric upright doors.
Dacia Logan Van
Logan MCV and Logan Van’s body structure was designed from the outset with both the passenger car and commercial vehicle variants in mind. Its strength and rigidity were consequently engineered to stand up the sort of constraints associated with commercial vehicle use, without neglecting either comfort or handling performance. The structure notably permits a standard payload of 800kg which puts Logan Van at the top-end of the small van segment.
Logan Van features a maximum load-carrying volume of 2.5 cubic metres, while its overall length – up 200mm compared with Logan Saloon – permits a maximum cargo length of 1,936mm, an unprecedented figure for its category.
All these features are naturally available at an extremely attractive price, with tax-paid prices starting from €6,700 in Romania.
Ford Motor Company today unveiled the world’s first drivable fuel cell hybrid electric plug-in that combines an onboard hydrogen fuel cell generator with lithium-ion batteries to deliver more than 41 mpg with zero emissions. The vehicle is built on a flexible powertrain architecture that will enable Ford to use new fuel and propulsion technologies as they develop without redesigning the vehicle.
“This vehicle offers Ford the ultimate in flexibility in researching advanced propulsion technology,” said Gerhard Schmidt, vice president of research and advanced engineering for Ford Motor Company. “We could take the fuel cell power system out and replace it with a down-sized diesel, gasoline engine or any other powertrain connected to a small electric generator to make electricity like the fuel cell does now.”
The new HySeries Drive™ powertrain featured in a Ford Edge uses a real-world version of the powerplant envisioned in the Ford Airstream concept unveiled earlier this month at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The HySeries Drive powertrain delivers a combined city/highway gasoline equivalent fuel economy rating of 41 mpg. For those who drive less than 50 miles each day, the average jumps to more than 80 mpg.
“We wanted to take what was in a ‘gee whiz’ vehicle like the Airstream and connect it with something people are driving on the road today, something that wasn’t just a futuristic concept vehicle,” Schmidt said.
Ford Edge HySeries
The plug-in hybrid is powered by a 336-volt lithium-ion battery pack at all times. The vehicle drives the first 25 miles each day on stored electricity alone, after which the fuel cell begins operating to keep the battery pack charged. This provides another 200 miles of range for a total of 225 miles with zero emissions. Individual experiences will vary widely and can stretch out the time between fill-ups to more than 400 miles: drivers with modest daily needs would need to refuel only rarely, drivers who travel less than 50 miles each day will see fuel economy well over 80 mpg, while those with long daily commutes will see somewhat lower numbers as the fuel cell must run a larger fraction of the time.
The Ford Edge with HySeries Drive can travel at speeds of up to 85 mph. An on-board charger (110/220 VAC) can refresh the battery pack when a standard home outlet is available, making the concept a true plug-in hybrid.
When the battery pack is depleted to approximately 40 percent, the hydrogen fuel cell – supplied by Ford partner Ballard – automatically turns on and begins generating electricity to recharge the batteries. Like a conventional automobile, the Ford Edge with HySeries Drive will go until it runs out of fuel – in this case via a 350-bar hydrogen tank that supplies 4.5 kg of useable hydrogen.
The HySeries Drive name is derived from the powertrain’s structure: a hydrogen fuel-cell-powered series hybrid drivetrain. This highly innovative approach reduces the size, weight, cost and complexity of a conventional fuel cell system by more than 50 percent. It also promises to more than double the lifetime of the fuel cell stack.
This flexible powertrain architecture enables the use of new fuel and propulsion technologies as they develop and become available without the need to redesign the vehicle and its control systems.
Certainly, many significant technical hurdles need to be overcome before a vehicle such as the Edge with HySeries Drive can become a reality. Fuel cell vehicles remain expensive, costing millions of dollars each. And the single biggest hurdle to plug-ins remains the cost of lithium-ion batteries. Much work also needs to be done to make fuel cells more durable and to create a hydrogen infrastructure.
Hydrogen Part of a Broader Effort At Ford
Research into hydrogen, including the Ford Edge with HySeries Drive, is part of Ford’s overall effort to address the challenges of climate change and energy independence. Ford is moving ahead with a range of technology solutions simultaneously, including vehicles such as the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid, hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen internal combustion engines, ethanol, clean diesel and refinements to gasoline fueled engines and advanced transmissions. Some of the technology, such as that seen in Ford’s lineup of hybrid vehicles, represents near-term approaches. Other technology, including hydrogen fell cells, must be viewed as a long-term option.
Ford began working on hydrogen technology in the early 1990s. Ford’s first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, released in 2001, was based on a lightweight aluminum sedan body, which also was used in the development of the company’s first hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine.
The company currently has a fleet of 30 hydrogen-powered Focus fuel cell vehicles on the road as part of a worldwide, seven-city program to conduct real-world testing of fuel cell technology. The fleet has accumulated more than 300,000 miles since its inception. With this fleet on the road, a great deal of information that can be integrated into future fuel cell vehicle propulsion systems is being generated in different local environmental conditions.
Having the fleet outside the confines of Ford Motor Company also has allowed the team to gain valuable feedback on servicing vehicles in the field. As a hydrogen infrastructure is developed and implemented for the fleet at each location, lessons learned are being generated to ensure that the customer and hydrogen fueling interface is seamless and customer friendly.
Until recently, the German tuning company IMSA was not more than just an insider tip. But by now, it has achieved the ultimate breakthrough thanks to its first product, the Lamborghini Gallardo GTV. After all, the company from Brüggen treated the Gallardo’s power unit like nobody dared before. After this special treatment, the V10 power unit develops maximum output of 610 hp at 7900 rpm. In the near future, it will also be possible to experience this pleasure in an open car since all GTV parts are now available for the Spyder as well.
Special emphasis was made on road capability.
In spite of the increased engine power and the high torque of 655 Nm at 5300 rpm, IMSA wanted the Gallardo to be suitable for every day use; it had to offer the best possible driving fun even under bad weather conditions.
Therefore, the four-wheel drive amongst other things was adjusted to the new performance. Even during extreme driving manoeuvres, the Gallardo’s new-tuned sport chassis offers great stability and driving control.
Lamborghini IMSA Spyder GTV
The necessary grip is provided by broad 245/30 ZR 20 front and 325/25 ZR20 rear tyres.
IMSA’s focus was on muscular design and, thus, the Gallardo Spyder is equipped with new front and rear aprons and flared wheelarches as well as distinctive spoke wheels with central locking and a discreet rear spoiler. The interior is designed to meet any customer’s individual wishes: leather, alcantara, aluminium and CFRP are on offer to refne the Gallardo’s cockpit.
The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is celebrating its world premiere today at the Mercedes-Benz World in Stuttgart. The new C-Class sedan offers outstanding safety, comfort and agility, and stands out through a product concept that emphasizes variety to meet the most diverse customer requirements. In addition, the three individual models have a visibly different appearance from one another. “Through innovative high-performance technologies we aim to raise the bar even higher when it comes to safety, comfort and agility in the segment of compact premium automobiles,” says Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management DaimlerChrysler AG and head of the Mercedes Car Group. “The new C-Class will thus set new standards when it comes to providing the most sophisticated driving experience in its segment.”
Individual design of the new C-Class underscores its agility and comfort
The distinctive design of the new C-Class, which will arrive at dealerships in Europe at the end of March and in the U.S. just a few weeks later, is based on the modern Mercedes-Benz idiom. For the first time in a Mercedes sedan, the model variants differ from one another through different front views. The AVANTGARDE model with its centrally positioned Mercedes star is an extremely agile C-Class in a sporty design. For customers who rather prefer a comfortable and elegant ride, Mercedes-Benz offers a truly classic model in the CLASSIC and ELEGANCE lines with the traditional Mercedes radiator grille. “With this design variety, the new C-Class can be tailored even more specifically to what typically are very heterogenous customer demands in this segment. Depending on the line, the new C-Class sets an individual tone in terms of comfort or agility,” says Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice President Mercedes Car Group, responsible for Sales and Marketing.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Newest technology ensures maximum driving pleasure and safety
Technical innovations in the new C-Class include the AGILITY CONTROL system, which adjusts shock absorbers in line with the driving situation and provides for even more direct steering. The model is also equipped with the ADAPTIVE BRAKE system – yet another innovation in chassis technology that offers additional assistance features. The highest levels of safety are ensured by seven airbags, seatbelt tensioners and belt force limiters, all of which come as standard equipment. Also standard are the NECK PRO headrests, which support and protect the heads of the driver and the front passenger within fractions of a second if the vehicle is hit from the rear. In addition, Mercedes-Benz is offering blinking brake lights that help prevent rear-end collisions as standard equipment in the new C-Class. The model is also the first in its segment to be equipped with the innovative Intelligent Light System that features five different headlight settings, and the PRE-SAFE® occupant protection system, which automatically activates measures that protect the driver and the front passenger if an accident is imminent.
New gasoline and diesel engines provide for even better performance and sophisticated driving experience
A total of four modified engines, three gasoline engines and one diesel, are available for the new C-Class. With an impressive increase in performance of up to 13 percent, these engines also make a powerful contribution to the dynamic character of the vehicle. Mercedes-Benz engineers paid particular attention to refining the four-cylinder engines, whose output and fuel economy have been significantly improved. The C 220 CDI, for example, now consumes up to 0.3 liters less fuel per 100 kilometers. The advanced V6 engines in the C-Class program remain unchanged.
The C-Class: A best-seller in the Mercedes-Benz product lineup
C-Class models have been among the most popular vehicles in the Mercedes-Benz product portfolio ever since the launch of the 190 Series – the so-called Baby Benz – 25 years ago. With the latest model changeover, the fourth generation of the C-Class will now continue the success story of its predecessor, the 203 Series. More than two million sedans, station wagons and sport coupes have been sold of this model since its market launch in March 2000. This makes the 203 Series the best-selling C-Class model ever. Germany is the most important market for the C-Class, accounting for approximately 30 percent of worldwide sales. The new C-Class will be built at the Sindelfingen and Bremen plants in Germany and at the East London plant in South Africa.
Superior Safety, Comfort And Agility
Safety, comfort, agility: these are the outstanding attributes of the new C-Class. In late summer 2007, Mercedes-Benz will continue its successful strategy and offer two C-Class models in the U.S, a Luxury Sedan and a Sport Sedan. All model variants share the latest, state-of-the-art technology.
The new C-Class is larger in virtually every dimension over its predecessor. Interior space has increased in the areas of rear legroom, front and rear hip room as well as front and rear shoulder room.
The design of the new C-Class is based on the modern Mercedes idiom, which reflects the technical superiority of automobiles bearing the star with taut lines and large, tranquil surfaces. The pronounced wedge-shape of the front end serves to emphasise attributes such as agility and performance. For the first time in a Mercedes sedan, the radiator grille is used as a distinguishing feature to position the model variants more clearly. Three extended, horizontal louvres and a big centrally positioned Mercedes star characterize the Sport Sedan as a traditional design feature of sporty Mercedes models. Together with the sporty, high-quality appointments, this feature emphasizes the youthful, agile appearance of this C-Class.
In the Luxury Sedan, Mercedes-Benz employs a three-dimensional, louvred radiator grille with a high-gloss paint finish to accentuate other brand-typical attributes such as comfort and luxury.
The two choices for the C-Class allows Mercedes customers to accentuate individual choices, and configure a C-Class to suit their personal taste and lifestyle even more emphatically than before. All the models offer the same extraordinary driving experience that the sedan provides by virtue of further technical improvements. Both by its outstanding long-distance comfort and its dynamic handling, the C-Class sets new standards in this market segment.
Shock Absorbers Automatically Adapt to the Driving Situation
AGILITY CONTROL – this is the term used by Mercedes-Benz for all new and further developments that improve both comfort and agility in equal measure. This standard package includes the AGILITY CONTROL suspension, which controls the shock absorber forces according to the driving situation: when driving normally with low shock absorber impulses, the damping forces are automatically reduced for a noticeable improvement in ride comfort – but without any compromise in handling safety. When driving more dynamically, the maximum damping forces are set and the car is effectively stabilised. The AGILITY CONTROL steering of the new C-Class has a ratio of 14.5, and is therefore six percent more direct than the steering of the preceding model. The likewise included AGILITY CONTROL gearshift reflects the sporty character of the C-Class with a short travel and precise shifts.
ADAPTIVE BRAKE is another new development in the area of running gear technology. This is based on the technology of the S-Class and provides additional support functions for even more safety and comfort. Examples include Start-Off Assist for uphill gradients, priming the braking system in critical situations and light contact to dry the brake discs in wet conditions.
The Latest Mercedes Inventions Ensure Maximum Safety
During the course of its development, the new C-Class successfully passed more than 100 crash tests, including the particularly demanding, in-house impact tests of which some go well beyond the legal requirements. Passing these is a precondition for the highest accolade in automobile safety: the Mercedes star. Occupant protection is based on an intelligently designed bodyshell, 70 percent of which consists of high-strength and ultra high-strength steel. Compared to the previous series, Mercedes-Benz has enlarged the deformation zones even further and improved energy flows. The front-end structure of the new C-Class has four independently acting impact levels, which enable forces to be distributed over a wide area while bypassing the passenger cell.
The safety technology in the interior has been complemented with the very latest protection systems. Seven airbags are included as standard equipment: two adaptive airbags for the driver and front passenger, two sidebags in the front seat backrests and two large windowbags which extend from the A- to the C-pillar during a side impact. The driver, front passenger and the passengers on the outer rear seats also benefit from belt tensioners and belt force limiters as standard.
Interior Design “Cast from a Single Mould”
When developing the cockpit, Mercedes designers took their lead from the sporty sector and included clearly laid-out dial instruments such as may be found in roadsters or coupes. Silver-colored bezels, black dial faces, white markings and glowing orange needles perfectly combine form with function for a high value impression and easy legibility.
Equally clearly laid out and well-arranged, the two-tone dashboard and centre console of the new C-Class form a harmonious unit in line with the “design cast from a single mould” principle. The same applies to the integration of the colour display at the upper centre of the dashboard. This is perfectly positioned within the driver’s line of vision, but can also be covered or folded away as required, without switching off the radio, navigation system or other units linked to the display. If the pivoting cover of the display aperture is closed, the infotainment units continue to operate.
New Control Concept for Clarity and Comfort
The central display is part of the new control and display concept which the new C-Class has adopted from the luxury-class Mercedes models. Its major advantage is rapid access to frequently used functions, which means that the driver does not need to relearn, is able to maintain familiar habits and feels at home immediately. All the control and display elements necessary and important during a journey are located in the cockpit, i.e. in immediate proximity to the driver.
In the same way, linking the standard multifunction steering wheel with the instrument cluster is an important precondition for rapid access to a wide range of information and functions in the driver’s direct line of vision. Other functions such as infotainment are shown by the display at the center of the dashboard. The driver and front passenger are able to control the radio, navigation system or telephone by using a controller on the center console, or access the main menus using direct selection keys.
COMAND Provides Voice Operation, a Music Server and DVD Navigation
The Audio 20 and COMAND APS systems are a range of newly developed, optional infotainment units for C-Class passengers. They all feature a keypad for entering telephone numbers and radio frequencies, as well as a Bluetooth interface which wirelessly connects the mobile phone to the hands-free system. An integral 6-CD changer and the voice control system are available on request.
The multimedia system COMAND APS offers even more functions than before in the new C-Class. One new feature is a Europe-wide navigation system whose data are stored on a hard disc (30 gigabytes). The high-resolution maps are shown on a color display (7-inch) which pivots away and disappears beneath a cover at the touch of a button. Other functions of COMAND APS include a music server with a four-gigabyte memory, a DVD-player for video and audio, and the voice control system, which Mercedes-Benz has likewise improved further: the driver no longer needs to spell out the names of countries, towns or roads, but is able to speak them as whole words. The voice control system is just as convenient when selecting radio stations or entries in the telephone directory.
The C-Class Is the Bestseller in the Mercedes Lineup
The new C-Class replaces a model series of which more than 1.4 million units have been sold since spring 2000. All in all, Mercedes-Benz has delivered more than two million of the Sedan, Estate and Sports Coupe models in the previous C-Class to customers all over the world. This makes the C-Class the bestseller in the Mercedes-Benz passenger car range. is the largest market for the C-Class, accounting for around 30 percent of worldwide sales.
Siam Nissan Automobile Co., Ltd. (SNA) today announced the introduction of its all-new pickup truck, the Nissan Frontier Navara. The all-new Nissan Frontier Navara will provide a major boost to the Nissan business in Thailand, a market that is dominated by the one-tone pickup segment. With the Frontier Navara, SNA will achieve 40,000 units in the pickup segment and 55,000 units in total sales in fiscal year 2007. (more…)
The SEAT dealership network in Spain already features a new “Black & White” version for the Altea range, a limited series with only 200 units on offer in Spain. Its name is a reflection of the combination of mágico black body paint and pale Moonrock leather upholstery, a unique colour scheme within the range that enhances the Altea’s roominess and lends a touch of elegance that has nothing to envy of higher segment vehicles.
The Altea Black & White’s exclusiveness does not stop at its elegant colour combination and top-notch trim level. Its extensive list of standard comfort and safety equipment sends it directly to the top of its range.
Using the Stylance trim level as a guideline, the “Black & White” adds Moonrock leather upholstery, heated seats, audio equipment with MP3 and eight speakers, Bluetooth connection for hands-free telephone, metallic paint and 17 inch alloy Zenith wheels.
These standard elements are complemented with steering-wheel mounted controls, rear parking sensors, ESP, volumetric alarm, rain sensing wipers, automatic lights-on, dual zone climatiser, trip computer, cruise control, front and rear power windows and electric park position door mirrors, among others.
Exclusively available with the 140 hp 2.0 TDI engine, the SEAT Altea “Black & White” is listed at 25,280 euros.
Ford F-Series Super Duty, the industry’s leading heavy-duty work truck and a mainstay of businesses throughout America, has been overhauled for the 2008 model year. Ford’s Super Duty pickup has been the leader in the over 8,500-pound truck segment since launch, offering best-in-class payload, gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR) and trailer tow ratings. The new Super Duty, which will go on sale in early 2007, will help ensure that Ford Motor Company maintains its nearly 30 years of leadership in the pickup truck business. (more…)
Unveiled today at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show, the 2008 Ford Taurus X is a full-size crossover that offers three rows of seating, a powerful 3.5-liter V-6 engine with six-speed automatic transmission and a long list of standard safety equipment – including side curtain air bags and AdvanceTrac® electronic stability control.
The all-new Volvo V70 is the third generation of 
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The introduction of the third vehicle of the X90 Programme, which will go on to feature a total of six vehicles within the framework of Renault Commitment 2009, not only forms part of the programme’s ongoing development but also contributes to the group’s international growth.
Ford Motor Company today unveiled the world’s first drivable fuel cell hybrid electric plug-in that combines an onboard hydrogen fuel cell generator with lithium-ion batteries to deliver more than 41 mpg with zero emissions. The vehicle is built on a flexible powertrain architecture that will enable Ford to use new fuel and propulsion technologies as they develop without redesigning the vehicle.
Until recently, the German tuning company 
The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is celebrating its world premiere today at the 
Siam 
The SEAT dealership network in Spain already features a new “Black & White” version for the Altea range, a limited series with only 200 units on offer in Spain. Its name is a reflection of the combination of mágico black body paint and pale Moonrock leather upholstery, a unique colour scheme within the range that enhances the Altea’s roominess and lends a touch of elegance that has nothing to envy of higher segment vehicles.
Ford F-Series Super Duty, the industry’s leading heavy-duty work truck and a mainstay of businesses throughout America, has been overhauled for the 2008 model year. Ford’s Super Duty pickup has been the leader in the over 8,500-pound truck segment since launch, offering best-in-class payload, gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR) and trailer tow ratings. The new Super Duty, which will go on sale in early 2007, will help ensure that Ford Motor Company maintains its nearly 30 years of leadership in the pickup truck business.