Automobiles Review

Author: autoview

  • BRABUS WIDESTAR Mercedes GL-Class

    Muscular fender flares front and back, giant 23-inch wheels and a striking face with large air dams and four auxiliary headlights: In a world premiere BRABUS presents the 2007 WIDESTAR wide version for the Mercedes GL-Class at the Frankfurt International Auto Show IAA 2007.

    The elegant sweeping lines of the fender flares add five centimeters (two inches) to the width of the large SUV. The corresponding rocker panels have more than just visual effect; they also facilitate entering and exiting of the vehicle in the dark with their integrated entrance lights.

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  • Brabus Bullit

    Over the past three decades BRABUS has perfected the art of transplanting large and extremely powerful engines into the bodies of small cars. That path led to numerous world records and entries into the Guinness Book of World Records. The BRABUS BULLIT, built in small-series production based on the new Mercedes C-Class sedan, celebrates its world debut at the IAA 2007 as the ultimate wolf in sheep’s clothing.

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  • AC Schnitzer GP3.10

    Driving pleasure has been written large at AC Schnitzer for 20 years. And happily, nothing will change for the 62nd IAA. But this goal can be reached in a totally alternative way, as the launch of the superb AC Schnitzer GP3.10 GAS POWERED shows. This high-performance coupé has LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas) drive, where power and efficiency, economy and ecology, meet in an exciting study.

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  • AC Schnitzer ACS5

    The BMW X5 is a 4×4 hero especially brilliant at urban terrain, and that calls for different accessories from a conventional off-road-vehicle. With its new range, AC Schnitzer has adapted the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) perfectly to its natural environment. Like its predecessor, the E70 is an extremely agile vehicle despite its size.

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  • AC Schnitzer ACS5 Touring

    1,1 HP per litre? This figure in relation to a high performance sports car such as the new ACS5 Sport Touring based on the BMW M5 certainly doesn’t refer to the conventional ratio of capacity to power. Instead: 500 litres luggage space meet 552 red-hot HP (406 kW). Plenty of room in every respect for incomparable driving pleasure on one hand, and a hang-glider, surfboard or mountain bike on the other. Drivers of vehicles like this think in different terms from conventional sports car drivers. But no way do they lag behind when it comes to driving dynamics.

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  • Porsche Cayenne GTS

    With the new Cayenne GTS, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG of Stuttgart, Germany, is reiterating the successful Cayenne series’ prominence in the sporty SUV segment. The model, which celebrates its world debut at the IAA in Frankfurt, features an enhanced 4.8-liter V8, has been lowered by 24 millimeters and has a specially developed chassis: it is the first Cayenne to feature the electronically controlled damping system, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), with steel springs. This combination was previously reserved exclusively for Porsche sports cars. (more…)

  • Mitsubishi Concept-ZT

    The Concept-ZT showcases an advanced level of driving pleasure, safety and environmental responsibility — Mitsubishi Motor’s vehicle strategy — wrapped in a realistic package. Under the hood, a newly developed fuel-efficient, 2.2-liter clean diesel engine is mated to the new Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission). Concept-ZT also features advanced active safety as well as passive safety technology, such as its pop-up hood.

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  • Alfa Romeo Unica

    Alfa Romeo UnicaExclusiveness and personality’ have always been distinctive features of the Alfa Romeo brand, a fact borne out by the broad choice of bodies, engines, exterior outfits, interior furnishings and options, enabling customers to order the car that meets their needs and their desire to be different.

    To extend this broad choice even further, and in response to the growing number of requests from the market, Alfa Romeo has now developed the ‘Unique Alfa’ Customisation Programme, a new departure for the brand that will enable customers to make their cars even more refined and exclusive.

    The Alfa Romeo Customisation programme has been available on the entire range for a couple of months, and was born out of the experience of the Alfa 8C Competizione, the model that the brand has chosen to define its strategies with precision and authority. One of the winning features of this lovely GT is the fact that it was conceived to cater for every whim of competent, refined customers, who wish to state their personality by the way they configure their car, transforming a car that is already exclusive into something unique.

    By the same principle, the ‘Unique Alfa’ Programme, the expression of the best Italian products, now extends this opportunity to the other Alfa Romeo models. Alfa Romeo is one of the most prestigious brands in motoring history, and it indubitably conjures up the art of Italian living, expressed in a perfect synthesis of tradition and modernity, heritage and the avant-garde, beauty and culture. And it is thanks to this propensity for art and beauty that the Alfa Romeo Customisation Programme has taken shape, developing into three different areas that identify the brand’s exclusive values and make its relationship with its customers unique.

    Alfa Romeo Unica
    Alfa Romeo Unica
    Alfa Romeo Unica
    Alfa Romeo Unica
    Alfa Romeo Unica

    The first area, known as ‘Vintage’, reinterprets Alfa Romeo tradition with elegance and modernity: intriguing colours that conjure up the Dolce Vita or victories on the world’s most prestigious racing circuits, chromatic treatments that recall the timeless emotion of the prestigious finish, and upholstery crafted with the care and precision typical of a craftsman’s workshop.

    ‘Collezione’ is the second area, which invites customers to explore the world of fashion and elegance. The interiors are designed to recreate a sensation of well-being and beauty, underlined by the materials chosen to give a feeling of sensory involvement: soft, perfumed leather covers the seats, facia, and panels; the stitching reveals and underlines the sinuous, elegant shapes; the real metal inserts propose different finishes. On the exterior, multi-layer lacquered paints give an extra touch of elegance to the lines of the body, drawing attention to the ornamental elements and the alloys with their luminous sparkle finish.

    The third and final area of the ‘Unique Alfa’ programme is ‘TI’ (Turismo Internazionale), which obviously harks back to Alfa Romeo tradition, where racing and competitions have always played an important part in the development of cutting-edge technologies designed to guarantee the proverbial enjoyment of driving an Alfa Romeo, and safety in all driving conditions. The heritage of technological culture and a passion for the product have laid the foundations for the development of this area, which addresses customers who are particularly demanding where performance, dynamic behaviour and sporty personality are concerned, with mechanical components such as a low stance, boosted braking system, alloy wheels and high performance tyres. And in the immediate future, this exciting catalogue will also incorporate other features to raise the performance of the powerful Alfa Romeo engines even higher.

  • Mitsubishi Concept-cX

    Mitsubishi Concept CXMITSUBISHI Concept-cX is a new-generation compact SUV that realizes the ideal balance between environmental and everyday practical performance. The concept car is powered by a new Euro 5 compliant high-output, high-efficiency 1.8-liter clean diesel engine mated to Mitsubishi’s new Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission) that delivers superior power transmission efficiency. This powertrain delivers zippy performance with excellent fuel economy and low emissions. Among the number of new environmental technologies applied in the Concept-cX is the extensive use of interior trim materials made from Mitsubishi‘s own Green Plastic — made from bamboo and other plant-based resins — part of an effort to stop global warming and slow the depletion of oil reserves.

    Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and its European unit Mitsubishi Motors Europe B.V. will unveil the European market version of the new Lancer sports sedan at the 62nd Internationale Automobil Ausstellung (IAA; commonly known as the Frankfurt Motor Show). In addition to the Lancer, the Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle (i MiEV*1) will be shown to the European public for the first time (press day only) and the MITSUBISHI Concept-cX*2 compact SUV will have its global unveiling. In total, 19 models (17 during press pre-viewing) will be on display. Held at the Frankfurt Messe Complex, the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show will be open to the public from September 15 through 23, with press and media pre-viewing September 11 through 14.

    Mitsubishi Concept-cX
    Mitsubishi Concept-cX
    Mitsubishi Concept-cX
    Mitsubishi Concept-cX

    The MITSUBISHI Concept-cX is a compact car that creates a new SUV/sports hatchback crossover category; a crossover that stirs a sense of adventure to “cut a swathe” through the hustle and bustle of urban life. The design gives the exterior a purposeful and functional form using a dynamic wedge shape and large tires. The front visage combines the inverted-slant nose with trapezoidal grille that defines the new Mitsubishi Motors design identity and tailors this to the car’s crossover pedigree to project an appearance that is aggressive and powerful. The interior uses a modern and sporty design that engenders a sense of expectation about the car’s performance and melds this with a high level of comfort. By visually accenting the strength of the underlying frame structure and through the contrasting use of soft padding, the design creates an interior space that wraps its occupants in a protective and comfortable cocoon.

    – The concept car uses a new high-output, high-efficiency 1.8-liter clean diesel engine, featuring a variable geometry (VG) turbocharger for optimum boost control and a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) with diesel particulate filter (DPF) in the exhaust system for compliance with Europe’s Euro 5 emission standards. The power unit is mated to Mitsubishi’s new Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission) which delivers superior power transmission efficiency in a powertrain that realizes zippy performance with excellent fuel economy and low emissions.

    – MITSUBISHI Concept-cX employs interior trim materials made from Mitsubishi’s own Green Plastic — made from plant-based resins — in a step to stop global warming and slow the depletion of oil reserves.

    – In its packaging MITSUBISHI Concept-cX ‘s 4100 mm compact body makes for easy maneuverability around town and the high driving position improves visibility and brings the easy drivability expected of a SUV. Utility is enhanced with the split tailgate already well received on the Outlander for the way it facilitates loading and unloading of luggage. In the performance department, Concept-cX also uses Mitsubishi’s electronically-controlled 4WD system and large 225/45R19 tires to deliver outstanding handling performance and stability both on tarmac and off-road.

  • Maserati to unveil the Quattroporte Sport GT S

    Maserati Quattroporte Sport GTSThe new Quattroporte Sport GT S will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motorshow for its worldwide preview. The Quattroporte Sport GT S is the ultimate expression of Maserati‘s saloon sportiness.

    Exclusively for those looking for an even stronger sporting edge in a luxury saloon, the Quattroporte Sport GT S, equipped with an automatic 6-speed gearbox, stands out for its exceptional dynamic behaviour and uncompromised handling.

    This result was obtained with the introduction of new suspension layout, featuring single rate dampers and a “racing” set up. The Quattroporte Sport GT S sits 10mm lower at the front and 25mm at the rear compared to other versions of the Quattroporte, and also features new, stiffer springs and dampers.

    The Quattroporte Sport GT S boasts a unique braking system developed in collaboration with Brembo. This innovative technology uses dual-cast brake discs, and this is the first time such a set up has been employed on a road car.

    Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S
    Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S
    Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S

    Unlike traditional cast iron discs, dual-cast discs are made of two materials, cast iron and aluminium, to ensure optimised braking, improving performance in the most extreme conditions and providing greater resistance to fade even at the highest temperatures. The Quattroporte Sport GT S’s new braking system also benefits from new mono-block, six-piston callipers at the front and tyres developed especially for this car (front 245/35-R20 and rear 295/30-R20). The increased size of the rear tyres allows optimum use of the Maserati’s V8 power, whilst the new tyre compound helps the brakes and set-up to guarantee a superior level of handling and driving emotion.

    The Quattroporte Sport GT S’s exterior is distinguished by a more aggressive look. Along with the black-chrome mesh front grille, a characteristic element of sporty Maseratis, the side window trims and the two double exhaust pipes are also in black, whilst door handles are in the same colour as the body of the car.

    The Quattroporte Sport GT S is fitted with eye-catching dark-chrome 20″, seven spoke alloy wheels.

    Even the choice of material for the interior of the Quattroporte Sport GT S reflects the car’s sporty character. Traditional Poltrona Frau leather has been combined with Alcantara, which covers the central zone of the seats, the interior door panels and the steering wheel. Maserati has previously used Alcantara for the interior of the Trofeo cars and the MC12.

    The dashboard is finished in new carbon fibre with aluminium treads, whilst front seats are characterised by a new, more cosseting sporty shape.

  • Dodge Journey

    Dodge designers and engineers have answered the needs of the global passenger car market, as well as the needs of individual drivers, and delivered the all-new Dodge Journey: a global vehicle that meets life’s changing demands by offering a unique combination of versatility and flexibility in a sporty, sexy package.

    This all-new vehicle takes the practicality of a minivan, the capability of a sport-utility vehicle (SUV) and the overall efficiency of a passenger car and blends all the best attributes of each into an all-new “right-sized” crossover for the Dodge brand.
    “The all-new Dodge Journey gives our customers the entire package,” said Michael Manley, Executive Vice President – International Sales, Marketing and Business Development, Chrysler. “With its unique combination of purposeful versatility and bold, youthful styling, this new vehicle from Dodge delivers safety, quality and reliability at a great value. Journey also blends innovative technology, entertainment features and useful storage, all wrapped together with an attitude that can only be Dodge.”

    The Dodge Journey is built on the company’s global D-segment platform and is designed to meet the needs of customers ranging from young singles, couples and families with small children to mature families who want the flexibility to do more in terms of seating people or storing gear. Clever, flexible seating and storage combinations include standard five-passenger seating with spacious cargo room and available 5+2 seating, for times when additional passengers are along on the journey. Spacious storage bins, hidden in the floor and under the front passenger seat cushion, combined with a variety of fuel-efficient and powerful powertrain options, make Dodge Journey flexible, functional and fun-to-drive.

    Safety also is at the top of mind for customers, and the Dodge Journey delivers with standard multi-stage front driver and passenger air bags, front-seat-mounted side air bags, three-row side-curtain air bags, standard four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes (ABS), standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP), standard Electronic Roll Mitigation, an available back-up camera and available all-wheel drive (AWD) in the United States and Canada.

    The 2009 model-year Dodge Journey will be available in U.S. dealerships with both five-passenger and available 5+2 seating in SE, SXT and R/T models in the first quarter of 2008 and in global volume markets outside North America in both left-hand and right-hand drive, starting in mid-2008.

  • Mitsubishi Galant Fortis

    Mitsubishi Galant FortisMitsubishi Motors Corporation announces the market launch of the Galant Fortis*1, a new style sedan, at affiliated dealerships throughout Japan today. Powered by a 2.0-liter engine, two- and four-wheel drive Galant Fortis models carry a price tag ranging from 1,785,000 yen to 2,436,000 yen. (SUPER EXCEED and SUPER EXCEED NAVI PACKAGE trim levels are due to go on sale in late October.) Galant Fortis is the first new sedan introduced by the company in Japan in seven years.

    Galant Fortis has been developed to a product concept that called for “a global sporty sedan that delivers high and well-balanced levels of safety, comfort and environmental performance.” Development was aimed to create a new sedan distinguished by: a design that immediately identifies it as a Mitsubishi Motors sedan and gives expression to the feel, the purposefulness and the stable road stance associated with the sedan body style; and by a quality of handling and response and the particular flavor of ride that define the Mitsubishi Motors brand. Principal product features are as follows:

    Mitsubishi Galant Fortis
    Mitsubishi Galant Fortis
    Mitsubishi Galant Fortis
    Mitsubishi Galant Fortis

    Galant Fortis achieves a global standard in living space with a wider and taller body without any undue stretching of overall length. With its wider track the packaging reconciles the requirements of stable handling and response with its excellent maneuverability that stems from a minimum turning radius of 5.0 m.

    • The exterior design creates a body with vibrant looks and a strong road presence using proportions comprising a large cabin wrapped in sporty, wide-stance styling and by combining the Mitsubishi Motors sedan’s hallmark inverted-slant nose with a trapezoidal grille. (Galant Fortis is the first model to employ the “new face” front visage that establishes the design identity of Mitsubishi Motors sedans to be introduced in future.)
    • The powertrain uses a new 2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC aluminum block engine, which earns a 4-star rating for emission levels 75% below those required by Japan’s 2005 Emissions Standards, mated to Mitsubishi’s INVECS-III 6-speed Sport Mode CVT that delivers responsive power transmission while returning excellent fuel economy. A high-rigidity platform with excellent impact safety performance and a revamped suspension underpin and support high levels of handling and response and safety performance.
    • Features enhancing passive and impact safety include a 7-airbag SRS system (driver and front passenger airbags, driver knee airbag, side and curtain airbags); adaptive front lighting (AFS) that improves the driver’s field of vision at night; and rain-sensitive auto wipers.
    • The Galant Fortis series is available with a Rockford Fosgate premium sound system giving superior sound reproduction as well as paddle shifters that allow the driver to shift gears without taking his hand off the steering wheel. Standard on all models is Mitsubishi Motors cocochi-interior*2 that includes a deodorizing clean air filter and odor-eating head lining.

    Trim level lineup

    The Galant Fortis series comes in three major trim levels distinguished by external appearance and interior trim: EXCEED, SUPER EXCEED and SPORT. The SUPER EXCEED and SPORT trim levels are also available in NAVI PACKAGE versions which come with HDD navigation, rearview camera and other advanced features.

    • EXCEED: Entry grade with full-functionality and comprehensive convenience and amenity specifications.
    • SUPER EXCEED – Uptown exterior and interior looks provided by: classy chrome parts (front under grille, headlight and trunk lid moldings); 16-inch alloy road wheels; leather/Granlux*3 seat upholstery; wood grain ornamentation panels; exclusive-design floor console; and high-contrast instrumentation.
    • *3 A suede-look artificial leather made by Seiren Co., Ltd.
    • SPORT – Sporty bias with following as standard: Front and side airdams, 18-inch alloy road wheels and HID lights and front fog lamps that tweak up its aggressive looks; Sport suspension; paddle shifters; adaptive front lighting (AFS); cruise control; and steering wheel remote audio controls.

    Design

    Exterior

    • To a theme of “achieving a neat balance between comfort and safety levels and a design distinguished by sporty lines,” we have created a roomy interior space supported by a wide stance and wrapped in sporty exterior styling that accents the fender flares. We have achieved the high design quality sought in a sedan by giving painstaking attention to the detailing and to achieving a pleasing contrast between its muscular surfaces and edgy character line.
    • Galant Fortis is the first model to adopt the new Mitsubishi Motors sedan design identity in its front visage, distinguishing it immediately as a Mitsubishi sedan. The inverted-slant nose, traditional to Mitsubishi Motors sedans and incorporating a leisurely flowing engine hood line with good pedestrian protection, is combined with a trapezoidal grille to give the front end a dynamic and forcefully progressive appearance.
    • The edgy treatment of the rear end and the high location of the rear combination lights create a stylish design that also makes the vehicle more visible to following cars.
    • The Galant Fortis series is available in a selection of eight body colors, including Aqua Metallic and Black Mica, all designed to express beauty and strength. (White Pearl costs an extra 31,500 yen, tax inclusive.)

    Interior

    • Development of an interior followed a theme of “Creating the ideal marriage between vehicle operating functions and a comfortable interior space.” The bowed dashboard creates a sense of roominess while the detailing is designed for optimum driver operability, visibility and viewability. The use of silver accents in the instrumentation, climate controls and steering wheel enhances the sporty and uptown look to the interior.
    • Galant Fortis uses sculpted front seats with side supports and cushioning designed for optimum location and support while the rear seat uses large cushions that engender a sense of being comfortably cocooned. EXCEED and SPORT employ suede knit seat upholstery keyed to the interior color. SUPER EXCEED uses a classy combination of bitter-brown real and artificial leather.
    • The Galant Fortis series comes in two interior color schemes: a sporty black monotone and a classy and relaxing black/beige two-tone (SPORT is only available in a black monotone). Accent panels are silver on EXCEED, wood grain and silver pin molding on SUPER EXCEED and a geometric pattern on SPORT.

    Powertrain

    • The Galant Fortis series is powered by a new compact and lightweight 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC unit, with die-cast aluminum cylinder block and MIVEC variable valve lift and timing on both exhaust and inlet valves, which delivers superior emissions and mileage performance. All models in the series earn a 4-star rating for emission levels that are 75% below those required under Japan’s 2005 Emissions Standards and return mileage that meets the 2010 fuel economy standards.
    • The engine is mated to Mitsubishi’s INVECS-III CVT transmission that optimally matches shift points to engine speed at all times to deliver responsive and smooth acceleration while returning excellent fuel economy. CVT transmission SPORT models come standard with paddle shifters that allow the driver to shift manually without taking a hand off the wheel. SPORT is also offered with a 5-speed manual transmission (2WD models only).
    • 4WD models use the electronically-controlled 4WD system well-proven on Outlander and Delica:D5 which splits torque feed to the front and rear wheels as required to match different driving conditions. A dial selector allows the driver to switch between three drive modes: 2WD, 4WD AUTO and 4WD LOCK.

    Chassis

    • Galant Fortis uses the MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension arrangement well-received on the Outlander and Delica:D5. Standard on SPORT, and a factory-fitted option on SUPER EXCEED, is a sports suspension tuned to deliver optimum roll stiffness.
    • SPORT models ride as standard on 18-inch 10-spoke lightweight high-rigidity alloy road wheels shod with 215/45R18 tires (a factory-fitted option on SUPER EXCEED).
    • Available as a factory-fitted option on all 2WD Galant Fortis models, active stability control (ASC) operates to prevent the vehicle from sliding on slippery surfaces as a result of sudden steering inputs.
    • Belying its size classification, the Galant Fortis series boasts outstanding maneuverability with a class-topping minimum turning radius of 5.0 meters.

    Interior trim / Utility

    • Galant Fortis provides a roomy and relaxing interior space thanks to its long 2,635 mm wheelbase and wide 1,530 mm track.
    • The floor console box has a pocket tissue holder on the underside of the lid. SUPER EXCEED models are fitted with their own large floor console box that also provides a penholder and small tray.
    • The 60:40-split tumble-fold rear seats allow longer items to be carried and use a folding central armrest with cup holders.
    • All models are available as a factory-fitted option with a keyless operating system that allows the driver to lock or unlock the doors and to start or stop the engine without having to take the remote unit out of pocket or handbag.
    • Standard on all models is Mitsubishi Motors ETACS (Electric Time and Alarm Control System) system that controls the operating environment for the comfort flasher, very handy when changing lanes, the headlight auto-off and other electronic systems fitted to Galant Fortis.

    Cocochi -interior: a comfortable environment

    • The Galant Fortis series offers a very clean and comfortable interior space through the use of a deodorizing clean air filter and odor-eating head lining that work together to reduce and suppress body odor, cigarette smoke and volatile organic compounds (VOC).
    • The windshield and front door windows use solar control glass to reduce penetration of the ultra-violet radiation that causes sunburn.

    Audio/Navigation

    • Standard on NAVI PACKAGE trim levels is the Mitsubishi Motors Communication System (MMCS) which comprises a 30Gb hard disk drive audio/navigation system with 7-inch LCD screen, 2,000-title music server and ultra-fast route search.
    • Available as a factory-fitted option on NAVI PACKAGE trim levels is the Rockford Fosgate premium sound system that was well received on the Outlander and Delica:D5. The system uses a 650-Watt amplifier and nine speakers to deliver awesome high-fidelity sound reproduction assisted by the use of acoustic and damping material to seal off openings inside the doors and turn them into speaker boxes.

    Peace-of-mind safety specification

    • SPORT comes standard with an adaptive front lighting system (AFS) in which auxiliary lights turn in the same direction as the steering wheel to increase the area of road illuminated and improve driver visibility at night. AFS is available as a factory-fitted option on other models.
    • Rain-sensitive auto wipers that adjust wipe speed and interval to rain intensity and auto light control that monitors the intensity of peripheral light and turns the headlights on or off accordingly are factory-fitted options on all models.
    • Standard on NAVI PACKAGE models is a rearview camera fitted to the trunk lid that feeds a picture of the area behind the vehicle to the navigation system display.
    • All models come standard with an engine immobilizer and security alarm to deter theft.
    • All models come standard with front occupant SRS dual-stage airbags which are deployed at one of two inflation pressures depending on the speed of the impact to provide the optimum restraining force and with the driver SRS knee airbag used on the Delica:D5. SRS side and curtain airbags are available as factory-fitted options on all models.
    • The front seats are designed to mitigate injury to the neck while energy-absorbing trim is used to protect occupants from head injuries.
    • The engine hood, front fenders and front bumper all employ impact energy-absorbing structures to reduce injury to and protect pedestrians.