Ford has released first two pictures of the new 2013 Mondeo. The new family-sized car is quite aggressive. It features new restyled headlights with LED turn indicators, big alloys with low-profile tires, two big exhaust pipes and two-colored rear lights.
If you find any similarities to Ford Fusion, you’ll be completely right, because the new Mondeo looks identical to the American car.
Still, nothing is mentioned about the engine range, but probably the new 1.6 liter EcoBoost engine with 181PS (133 kW) and 233Nm (172 lb-ft) will be available as well as the mighty 2.0 liter EcoBoost with 240PS (177 kW) and 339Nm (250 lb-ft).
The hugely popular Kia Cee’d will make an appearance at the Geneva Motor Show 2012 with a whole new feel – a sporty, five-door hatchback with attention to detail in every aspect.
New stylish features garnish the exterior such as chrome lining around the windows and edgy curves on the bonnet. Striking new headlights now incorporate daytime LED’s. Inside the story is pretty much the same – ergonomic design feature, higher quality materials and driver oriented controls. No news about the oily bits still but we have high hopes for that
Kia Cee’d has always been the prime C-segment choice of customers with its unparalleled 7-year warranty, affordability and reliability. It is also still used as Top Gear’s “reasonably priced car” which has the novel task to take celebrities around the Top Gear test track.
Sales are expected to start around the second quarter of 2012, after the premier at the Geneva Motor Show in early March.
Infiniti intends to pursue the ultimate driving experience delivered from electricity. They have already proven themselves apt in that field with the Infiniti M hybrid but now they are looking towards the Geneva Motor Show 2012. There they will reveal a yet to be named sports concept that will “minimize the traditional compromise between thrilling performance and sustainable mobility”.
Information is scarce really. All we have is Infiniti’s promise that we are talking about an efficient, sharp, low-emission vehicle with an even greater urban mobility. Infiniti say also that, despite an overall truthfulness to the company’s image and spirit, a new mid-ship design will provide better weight distribution. In other words most of the mechanical bits will be placed somewhere where it is least damaging to the performance of the car.
For more information supposedly, we will have to wait for the Geneva Motor Show which kicks off on the 8th of March this year.
Lincoln have revealed their latest concept (the MKZ) on the NAIAS to give voice to their intentions for the future design path they are willing to take. The MKZ Concept showcases “elegant simplicity” and unconventional luxury.
Looking at the pictures we can see what they mean. First impressions come from the brandy-colored exterior which, Lincoln say, consists of a dense base coating and a multitude of clear-coat varnish. The MKZ‘s superstructure comprises of materials such as baron and aluminum. The overlaying, smooth roofline (which houses a panoramic window trough and trough) sort of conceals the fact that this is in fact a sedan which normally consists of three boxes. The seemingly organic profile takes an aerodynamic feel with ease. Recognizable Lincoln features however, do not go unnoticed – the grille, although very conceptual, still retains the image of a split-wing-like entity first seen on the 1938 Lincoln Zephyr.
Lincoln MKZ Concept Detroit (2012)
Inside, a blend of poplar wood, aluminum and leather complements the bold outer design. The beverage themed hues continue as ‘champagne-colored’ seats show off their ‘champagne perforation patterns’ (something about the stitching that makes them look fizzy with bubbles just like a champagne glass). The four-seated saloon is airy and inviting that makes use of some cleverness – push-button transmission gear selection, a 10-inch MyLincoln Touch screen for the driver as well as an 8-inched one in the middle.
For power, the MKZ will most probably utilize the MKS and MKT EcoBoost engines, which come with Drive Control. The suspension will also make use of Lincoln’s Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) system. Drivetrains setups include both FWD and AWD.
At the 2012 North American International Auto Show, Maserati has unveiled their new SUV concept vehicle named Kubang. The concept demonstrates the power of the modern Maserati. The idea of this sport luxury SUV is not new to Maserati. To remind you, the first Kubang concept was presented in the distant 2003 again at NAIAS. While the project starts with firm fundamentals and capability, the model eventually produced will unquestionably be a Maserati. All major system components will be fully produced by Maserati in picture-perfect continuity with the brand’s core values of sportiness, elegance, glamour, luxury, performance and craftsmanship. There will also be included a new generation of Maserati high-tech proprietary engines. Interesting information is that they were designed in Modena, Italy at Maserati Headquarters. More importantly the production of the new Maserati engines will be performed by Ferrari in Maranello, Italy and they will be mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission! In addition there are also components with specific performance settings: suspension, brakes, steering and electronics, which will be exclusively developed by Maserati engineers.
Maserati Kubang SUV Concept at 2012 NAIAS
As you already know, Maserati brand is a founder of the modern granturismo. Long ago Maserati broke the boundaries of the original GT concept and made it from two to four doors. The result was Quattroporte, which now is considered by many to be the first modern super sedan. Moreover it maintained not only the brands core values of style and luxury, but also delivered genuine performance thanks to components and design.
Nowadays Maserati again provokes with innovation by giving more sportiness and luxury to an SUV and thus giving the form of a very dynamic looking, incredibly elegant and high performing sport luxury vehicle with the capability of getting its passengers through all types of climates over a variety of surfaces on and off the road.
2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe has just made its North American debut at the North American International Auto Show. The highlights about the refreshed and significantly redesigned model are the impressive performance upgrades, the more aggressive coupe styling, the improved interior materials and design. It also includes both 4-cylinder and V6 engines, which benefit from significant technology enhancements. On the other hand with the 3.8-liter V6 engine it receives sophisticated direct-injection technology and with the the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine it upgrades to a more precise twin-scroll turbocharger and larger intercooler. These two vehicles are of course with automatic transmissions and 8-speeds, with paddle-shift SHIFTRONIC® manual-shifting capability.
The refreshed 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe captures the attention with aggressively redesigned front fascia, grille, headlights, LED daytime running lights, fog lights and hood with heat extractor cues. The side view reveals new, aggressive 18- and 19-inch alloy wheel designs with deeper dimensional sculpting. Eventually, the rear taillights provide a visual spark via premium LED illumination and new contours. Nevertheless the traditional rear-drive sport coupe proportions remain the same. Moreover Genesis Coupe’s arching roofline and tapering greenhouse highlight the exterior. And to make everything perfect the depth between the fenders and the greenhouse has been maximized. In addition enlarged openings in the front fascia allow for better engine breathing along with a more aggressive look. At last, dual asymmetrical exhaust tips integrated with the blackout rear diffuser treatment complete the performance.
2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
The two Genesis Coupe engines have been significantly upgraded. In particular the 3.8-liter Lambda DOHC V6 engine adds sophisticated direct-injection technology, adding 42 horsepower (a generous 14 percent increase) and 29 lb.-ft of torque (an 11 percent increase). Peak horsepower rises to 348 (255 kW) at 6,400 RPM, with peak torque increasing to 295 lb.-ft. (218 Nm) at 5,300 RPM on premium fuel. Additionally the unique lambda-engine anti-knock technology allows the V6 engine to run on regular fuel. The result is a possible acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to an impressive 149 mph. Additionally the 3.8-liter engine uses Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (Dual CVVT) and a Variable Intake System (VIS) that helps cylinders breathe most efficiently at both low and high RPM. The result is an outstanding throttle response and off-the-line acceleration combined with remarkable fuel efficiency. All these new technologies are included in order to give Genesis Coupe 3.8 an impressive power-to-weight ratio of only 10.0:1. On the other hand the turbocharged, intercooled 2.0-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder substitutes a new twin-scroll design for its turbocharger in addition to a larger intercooler with enhanced thermal efficiency. This twin-scroll design is more efficient at recovering exhaust energy and produces cooler cylinder temperatures than. Furthermore it is also more precise, with improved combustion efficiency, reduced turbo lag, leaner air/fuel ratios and more evenly distributed pressure in the exhaust ports. All of this results in improvements in power, efficiency and emissions. The 53 percent larger intercooler further reduces the intake temperatures, providing denser, cooler air from which to develop even more power. This turbocharged engine also benefits from Dual CVVT on both intake and exhaust camshafts. The 2.0-liter turbo now generates 274 horsepower (201 kW) and 275 lb.-ft. (203 Nm) of torque on premium fuel. The highlight here is that the turbo’s anti-knock sensors automatically adjust ignition timing and engine mapping to run perfectly on regular fuel, yielding 260 horsepower (191 kW) at 6,000 RPM and 260 lb.-ft. (191 Nm) of torque at 2,000 RPM. The turbo engine also features a cast-aluminum cylinder block and cylinder head. All these improvements give the Genesis Coupe 2.0T a great power-to-weight ratio of 12.3. Both V6 and 4-cylinder engines also feature deeper, baritone-sounding dual cat-back exhausts to complement more efficient breathing on the intake side. To ensure that all this new power is evenly distributed to the pavement, Genesis Coupe also offers an available Torsen® limited-slip differential on R-Spec and Track models. Genesis Coupe’s body shell makes generous use of ultra-high-tensile steel. The rear-wheel drive powertrain configuration provides a well-balanced 55:45 front-to-rear weight distribution for the 2.0T, and 56:44 for the 3.8 model.
The new 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe has newly tuned sport suspension: spring, damper, and bushing ratings all have been precisely recalibrated to match these new powertrains. Of course they are not on the account of the road feel, precise body motion control and ride comfort, which are now all improved. Moreover Genesis Coupe employs a MacPherson strut dual-link front suspension and a five-link rear suspension setup. In more details, the front suspension is mounted to the body via a solid subframe that is lighter and stronger than a comparable multi-piece component would be. And in order to help reduce body roll and tune the cars at-the-limit handling for maximum predictability, there are fitted 23-mm diameter front and 19-mm diameter rear stabilizer bars. Another important fact that has to be mentioned is that the high-performance Genesis Coupe R-Spec and Track models raise the bar even higher with differentiated, track-tuned suspension calibrations. To be more precise, the R-Spec/Track suspension features both firmer front spring rates and rear spring rates with matched damper rates. The Genesis Coupe R-Spec/Track models also deliver a significant increase in roll control over other versions of the Genesis Coupe via thicker stabilizer bars (24mm front/20mm rear). Of course all models receive improved low-velocity-control dampers for refined ride comfort combined with improved body control. What about the suspension of the car: it uses hydraulic, RPM-sensing rack-and-pinion steering which now has been recalibrated with a quicker 13.8:1 ratio. The new models are also with further optimized driver ergonomics, and telescopic adjustment. The transitions mated with the both engines are the standard six-speed manual transmissions. However they have been significantly to provide more driver-friendly shift gating and balanced weighting precision. Additionally the clutch take-up, feel, and engagement characteristics also have been refined for optimum shifting ease and feel. Both engines now offer an in-house-developed eight-speed automatic with paddle-shift SHIFTRONIC® manual-shifting capability. In addition to the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, each automatic offers shift capability via the shift lever. Of course Hyundai can not go without high performance braking systems used in the design of the new 2013 Genesis Coupe. And as usual there are Brembo® four-piston calipers clamp down on fade-resistant 13.4-inch ventilated front brake rotors and 13-inch ventilated rear rotors on both R-Spec and Track models. However, all other models get substantial 12.6-inch front ventilated rotors and 12.4-inch rotors in the rear with floating single-piston calipers.
The 2013 Genesis Coupe interior has been significantly improved. It now has more distinctive, upscale features and design cues. Firstly the instrument panel crash pad features a stitched-seam appearance. Secondly, the parking brake lever is leather-wrapped on leather-equipped models. Next, the instrument cluster now features an electroluminescent gauge cluster for premium ambience and superior readability. In addition a new driver-side rear seat walk-in assist function has been added for more convenient rear seat access from the driver’s side. Further options are: driver seat power lumbar support; front seatback; a center stack multi-gauge cluster with instantaneous mpg, torque level (3.8 models) or turbocharger which boost pressure (2.0T models) and oil temperature; a center fascia tray with cover; interior surfaces with softer touch and lower sheen; sport front seats with deep side bolsters; Infinity® premium audio system; two-stage front seat heaters. Genesis Coupe also offers the convenience of a Proximity Key and push-button start. Furthermore the model also features innovative technologies such as Xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights, which deliver brighter illumination intensity, more daylight-like lighting character and reduced power consumption. And for the audiophiles the new Genesis Coupe has a standard auxiliary input jacks (3.5 mm mini-jack and USB input) to accommodate and charge personal audio devices such as an iPod®. Of course the new Hyundai Blue Link telematics is available on 2013 Genesis Coupe, however with a 90-day complimentary trial period. The Blue Link platform is available on 3.8 Grand Touring/Track and 2.0T Premium trim levels. Blue Link can be accessed from the buttons on the rearview mirror inside the Genesis Coupe, the web and via smart phone. In addition the Blue Link System is offered in three telematics service packages: Assurance, Essentials and Guidance.
2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Other important features are the included safety technologies. The 2013 Genesis Coupe has a wide range of both active and passive safety features. For example a standard safety technology includes driver and front passenger advanced frontal airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, side air curtains and active front head restraints. The vehicle is also built with strong body construction; front and rear crumple zones; bodyside reinforcements and five-mph energy-absorbing bumpers. The hood also includes buckling creases and safety stops. In addition the front seatbelts have pretensioners and force limiters, and the rear seats feature LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), which make affixing child safety seats easier. Furthermore all Genesis Coupe models feature standard four-channel ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Hence this optimizes the brake performance under various dynamic loading conditions. The system also includes Brake Assist, which provides maximum ABS-level braking force in accidental and unexpected stops. Of course there is featured Electronic Stability Control (ESC), which is one of the industry’s most effective life-saving technologies. The highlight here however is that the 2013 Genesis Coupe now offers a specially-tuned three-stage driver-selectable ESC modes: Full-on ESC function (default mode on start-up); Intermediate ESC function with driver powertrain override control and retained ESC/TCS braking function; Full-off ESC function for uninhibited driver vehicle control in all conditions. The driver-selectable full-off ESC mode has been calibrated to provide drivers with a larger performance envelope should they choose to participate in competitive events such as autocrosses or track days. The Genesis Coupe anti-lock braking system function (ABS) remains fully functional in all ESC modes to help drivers maintain steering control under adverse braking conditions.
Finally all Genesis Coupe models have more aggressive exterior which is emphasized with secen new color offerings: Parabolica Blue, Catalunya Copper, Monaco White, Becketts Black, Circuit Silver, Gran Premio Gray, and Shoreline Drive Blue. To further improve and refresh Genesis Coupe’s interior design there is new tan leather interior, a new red leather bolster/red cloth insert interior, and a new gray leather bolster/gray cloth insert interior have been added to the interior color environment selections.
We are all familiar how successful were the first two generations of the Allroad Quattro from the years 2000 and 2006. Now Audi has revealed the third generation of the famous model. The new A6 Allroad Quattro extends the range of uses for the A6 Avant. Moreover there is also a significant improvement in performance, as well as in fuel consumption, which was reduced by as much as 20 percent compared with the previous model.
What are the dimentions of the new A6 Allroad Quattro: 4.94 meters (16.21 ft) long, 1.90 meters (6.23 ft) wide and 1.47 (4.82 ft) meters tall. This makes it making it a few millimeters bigger than the Avant. Thank to the aluminum components included in the body of the vehicle, its total weight has been reduced by as much as 70 kilograms (154 lb) compared with the previous model. Furthermore the exterior of the Audi is designed in order to give a sportily distinctive road stance. It includes balanced proportions; sharp lines, which delineate taut surfaces; and the roof line which flows into flat D-pillars. In addition Audi offers progressive LED technology as an option for the headlights and tail lights. The xenon plus headlights can be also combined with adaptive light. Another important highlight about the body pf the new A6 Allroad Quattro is that it sits six centimeters (2.36 in) higher than that of the A6 Avant. Further improvements are made by the stainless steel covers, which protect the underbody at the front and rear of the car, and the exhaust system ending in two large, flattened tailpipes. The wheel well edges, the bumpers and the sills are painted in a contrasting color. In combination with the optional aluminum exterior package, Audi also offers a full paint finish. For example, the color called Java Braun is available exclusively for the new Audi model.
2012 Audi A6 Allroad Quattro
Is there anything different in the interior? Yes; but let’s see it in particular. The interior of the Audi A6 Allroad Quattro now offers plenty of space. This is due to the long wheelbase of 2.91 meters (9.55 ft). It also features a lean, elegant design, clear ergonomics and superior workmanship. Moreover a function that depicts the car’s pitch has been added to the MMI operating system, the soft keys of which are gleaming aluminum. The good news is that the MMI comes as standard, as well as the onboard computer with efficiency program. More about the interior design of the A6 are several visual cues: black carpeting and instrument panel; the interior color Santos Brown; the optional aluminum inlays; the door sill trims, which are also made of aluminum and emblazoned with “allroad.”
Another important highlight in the new Audi A6 Allroad Quatro is the luggage compartment which has a capacity of 565 liters (19.95 cu ft). Furthermore, latches in the luggage compartment make it easy to fold down the rear seats, and thus increasing luggage capacity to 1,680 liters (59.33 cu ft). Other standard equipment features underline the practical character of the new model. For instance there is a rail system with an included load-securing kit for dividing the luggage compartment as needed, tensioning straps on the left wall and a double loading floor.
Next in the new model is that it includes a broad choice of options. Firstly, the head-up display projects important information onto the windshield. Secondly, ambient lighting bathes the interior with subtle LED light, and the widely adjustable deluxe front seats are optionally available with ventilation and massage function. In addition there are also four-zone automatic air conditioning, a panoramic glass roof and the convenience key, which can stay in the driver’s jacket pocket. Topping the modular range of infotainment options is the hard drive-based navigation system MMI Navigation plus with touchpad operation (MMI touch) and whole-word voice control. Furtheremore The Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System boasts 15 speakers. There is also an optional Bluetooth car phone which makes a connection to the Internet via UMTS, and a WLAN hotspot. Tailored services for the driver, such as the all-new Audi traffic information online or Audi music stream web radio, are also included. Attractive services from Google, including Google Earth, Google Street View and voice-activated POI search, are also available.
2012 Audi A6 Allroad Quattro
Driving with even more confidence – this was the aim of the Audi assistance and safety systems. The radar-based adaptive cruise control with stop & go function always keeps the new A6 at a reasonable distance from the car ahead. Moreover at speeds below 30 km/h (18.64 mph), the system initiates maximum braking in the event of a collision. ACC stop & go works closely together with the Audi pre sense safety system (available in various configurations). Furthermore Audi active lane assist helps the driver to maintain the lane; next Audi side assist helps the driver when changing lanes; the night vision assistant with marking of detected persons reduces the stress of driving in the dark. In addition there is the impressive driver information system with rest recommendation function which detects when the driver is getting tired and recommends taking a rest. Moreover a variety of high-end systems help in the process of parking: the park assist system with 360° display takes over the steering; the parking system plus with 360° camera provides good vision in all directions; and four small wide-angle cameras record images of the vehicle’s immediate surroundings.
More importantly the new A6 Allroad Quattro is available with a choice of four powerful V6 engines: a TFSI gasoline engine and three TDI units. All are 3-liter engines with turbocharging and direct injection. They make use of important technologies from the Audi modular efficiency platform such as the start-stop system and innovative thermal management. The highlight here is that their fuel consumption has been reduced by as much as 20 percent compared with the previous model! In details the 3.0 TFSI, which is boosted by a mechanically driven compressor, produces 228 kW (310 hp) and 440 Nm (324.53 lb-ft) of torque. It accelerates the A6 Allroad Quattro from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.9 seconds on the way to electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). It consumes 8.9 liters of fuel per 100 km (26.43 US mpg).
On the other hand the three variants of the 3.0 TDI produce 150 kW (204 hp), 180 kW (245 hp) and 230 kW (313 hp); torque values are 450, 580 and 650 Nm (331.90, 427.79 and 479.42 lb-ft). The entry-level version consumes on average just 6.1 liters of fuel per 100 km (38.56 US mpg), corresponding to 159 g CO2/km (255.89 g/mile). Audi also consider soon to offer a particularly low-emissions clean diesel version of the 180 kW (245 hp) engine. The twin-turbo 3.0 TDI develops a 230 kW (313 hp) and it is a powerful, great sounding engine. It accelerates the A6 Allroad Quattro from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in only 5.6 seconds; the top speed is an electronically regulated 250 km/h (155.34 mph). The most powerful TDI delivers its power to a smooth and fast-shifting eight-speed tiptronic transmission. The three other engines are paired with the seven-speed S tronic, a sporty dual-clutch transmission. With their wide ratio spreads, the automatic transmissions are major contributors to the fuel efficiency of vehicle. They can be operated manually, including through optional paddles on the steering wheel. Moreover the Quattro permanent four-wheel drive system is paired with torque vectoring. For example during dynamic driving this system brakes the wheels on the inside of the curve, which are under a reduced load, before they can slip. Hence this further enhances traction and handling. The optional sport differential distributes the power in continuously variable proportions between the rear wheels.
2012 Audi A6 Allroad Quattro
How about the chassis of the A6 Allroad Quattro: it combines sportiness with comfort. This is due to the new electromechanical power steering which is highly sensitive and efficient. The optional dynamic steering adjusts the steering ratio to the speed driven. Moreover with the Audi drive select system, the driver can vary the function of the steering, the air suspension, the gas pedal, the automatic transmission, the sport differential, the automatic air conditioning, the lighting and the adaptive cruise control. In Efficiency mode, these systems work as economically as possible; their function can be very freely configured in Individual mode. Furthermore there is an adaptive air suspension, which combines air suspension with controlled damping. It comes as standard. It lowers the body by 15 millimeters (0.59 in) at high speed and raises it by 35 millimeters (1.38 in) at the push of a button. For example this Allroad mode is suitable for rough terrain. In addition, the driver can select a lift mode at low speeds. Then there are an extra ten millimeters (0.39 in) which enable the new Audi A6 to handle major irregularities in the road surface. Additional information that has to be mentioned here is that the Audi A6 Allroad Quattro rolls on 18-inch, five-arm alloy wheels and 235/55-size tires. Of course, Audi and Quattro GmbH offer optional wheels measuring 18, 19 and 20 inches in diameter. The large brakes provide powerful deceleration. The driver can activate a hill descent assist function for steep downhill passages and this results in speed limitation between 10 and 20 km/h (6.21 and 12.43 mph), depending on the surface.
The new Audi A6 Allroad Quattro will be available in Germany from spring 2012.
The 3.0 TDI developing 150 kW (204 hp) has a list price of €54,600.
Honda has revealed the Accord Coupe Concept today at the North American International Auto Show. The new ninth-generation 2013 model is set to go on-sale this fall. It boasts cutting edge technologies combined with bold design and nice powerful engines.
“Marking the 30th anniversary of U.S. production, this new ninth-generation Accord will raise the bar again through a tour de force of new Honda powertrain and safety technologies, geared to ensure that Honda and the Accord continue to lead in fuel economy, safety and fun-to-drive performance,” commented John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda.
The engine range includes a new 2.4 liter Earth Dreams with 184PS (135 kW) and 240Nm (177 lb-ft). It is coupled with a 6-speed manual or a new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). There is also a hybrid model with a 163PS (120 kW) electric motor and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine. Last, but not least, Accord can be power by a mighty 3.5-liter V6 with 314PS (231 kW) and 359Nm (265 lb-ft). It can be connected to a 6-speed manual or a new 6-speed automatic.
The new Accord will be available with Honda’s first application of Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) technology. Both systems use a camera mounted behind the windshield to alert drivers if the car is moving out of its lane or to warn drivers of a potential collision in front of them.
The standard equipment is amazing, but the most interesting features are the Bluetooth 3 HandsFreeLink phone interface, a full-color intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) and an SMS text messaging function. Another standard feature and first for the Accord is the introduction of a Pandora Internet Radio interface4, compatible with the Apple iPhone, which works with the vehicle’s audio controls and i-MID.
It is rare to hear from Smart (the Daimler AG microcar subsidiary) but today we have big news. Well, small actually but either way – A Smart For-us concept will premiere at the NAIAS at it is a pickup… sort of.
With 3547mm in overall length and 1506mm in width it wont fit much farming equipment, will it? Yes, it does have a cargo bay but even that is crammed with two clever or rather “Smart ebikes” which sit docked at the back and keep their charges up by using the batteries from the For-us.
Did we mention that the For-us is all-electric? Because it is. It has a 55 kW ‘magneto-electric’ motor which delivers a torquey punch of 130 Newton metres. Top speed, Smart say, will be more than 120 km/h which is understandable because as we said it’s not very big really.
Smart For-us Concept (2012)
But one cannot be cross at Smart for this is what they do. The “mobility-concept” is Smart’s answer to congested city districts, impassable trails and general urban havoc. In terms of aesthetics, the For-us is in a category of its own – the two seats, wrapped in their yellow fabric, keep it stylish and simple, the cabin design has aerodynamics in mind and there’s a familiar face smiling at us from the grille.
Aston Martin Racing, jointly with Multimatic Motorsports, intend to continue their winning streak with this year’s Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge (CTSCC). The Toronto-based Multimatic company is no stranger to CTSCC previous titles and so, racing one of the two team Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT4s will be Multimatic’s acclaimed drivers Scott Maxwell and Joe Foster. The other one will be driven by Hollywood film star Patrick Dempsey, a talented racer in his own right, partnered in the opening round of the series by Aston Martin Chief Engineer and greatly experienced Vantage GT4 racer Chris Porritt.
This is not the first time Aston Martin and Multimatic seen in cooperation on a common project. The Canadian firm helped develop the Aston One-77’s carbon fibre chassis and various carbon fibre components for the Aston Martin Zagato. They also have a four-post testing rig based in the UK that has been used on many occasions by road going and racing Astons.
The Vantage GT4 was first seen back in 2006 when, almost in stock condition, forged its name at the Nurburgring 24h race. Up to this day the car has not changed a lot – it still has the standard 4.7l V8, the same road car aluminium chassis with its suspension and a manual transmission. It all sounds very crude but with a reputation of reliability and numerous wins on endurance races, the Aston V8 Vantage is not to be taken lightly. It has been tuned specially to deviate from the FIA standard to meet the regulations of the Grand-Am challenge and with service provided by Multimatic it is ready to go.
Aston Martin Vantage V8 GT4
The CTSCC is run by the Grand American Road Racing Organization. Some of North America’s most iconic circuits will see action this year with over ten races which last for two and a half hours each. The challenge starts on the 27th of January at the Daytona International Speedway where the Aston will be competing in the Grand Sport category that consists of six- and eight-cylinder, production-based cars. Other notable circuits include Watkins Glen International, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Laguna Seca, and the Lime Rock Park in Connecticut which will be the conclusive race at the end of September.
The new Peugeot 208 is set to hit the UK markets somewhere in June this year and it will be very green. The range of engines included have the sole purpose of saving the planet. Weight and dimensions have shrunken and “up to 25%” of the polymers used are from recycled products. A variety of 208 choices will meet the needs of picky – the vehicle comes as a 3 or 5-door hatchback, petrol or diesel with automatic transmissions, 5 or 6 speed manuals, stop and start systems for diesels and for an extra 500 quid, one gets a touch screen navigation.
First thing we notice are the looks – it’s a recognizable figure that has taken on modernity and sharpness. The boomerang-style tail lights are bulkier and more amorphous, the grille incorporates a funkier pattern while curves on the side dauntingly suggest – “I am French and don’t let them tell you otherwise”
Top of the range 1.6l THP petrol engine will be available this summer, developing 156 bhp and 240 Nm of torque while returning perfectly respectable 48.7 mpg. For ultimate economy though, the new 3-cylinder 1.0 or 1.2 VTi petrol bees are up for the job with 65.7 and 62.8 mpg respectively. Yet, the 1.4l e-HDI diesel trumps all the others with its economy of 83.1 mpg and 87g/km of carbon dioxide emissions. These minuscule figures are courtesy to Peugeot’s clever micro-hybrid Stop & Start System that comes with almost all diesels and the Electronic Gearbox Control (EGC).
Peugeot 208 (2012)
Weight is down by around 110kg compared to the previous 207 and it is also a bit shorter with 7cm. Obviously the 208 has gone on a diet so that its occupants can let loose a bit as there is more back seat legroom and a significantly larger boot space – “optimized architecture”, say Peugeot. Moving on to the driver’s seat we are overjoyed with pure simplicity – we have a strangely elevated dashboard which houses a rev. counter, a speedometer, a temperature gauge and a fuel gage – classic Peugeot. The central console is tidy enough and the small steering wheel looks like a steering wheel and not like a Playstation controller. It is really as simple as today’s standards allow it to be, which is good for there’s nothing to distract the driver from the act of driving a perfect, nimble and sleek super-mini. The only traces of sophistication can be found on the 7-inch touch screen which controls all the USB/Bluetooth, multimedia bits and pieces.
All there is left to verify now is the handling performance which has the tough job to honour the 208’s predecessors. This Spring someone in mainland Europe will be lucky enough to test it out while in the UK, people will have to wait until June.
Toyota has revealed the NS4 advanced plug-in hybrid concept at the 2012 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The new vehicle exemplifies Toyota’s vision for future mobility, with a focus on next generation connectivity and safety.
“In this digital age, cars are becoming another spoke in the wheel of our electronic connectivity. NS4 demonstrates Toyota’s take on the human connection to the car with technology that considers both emotional and rational relationships, person-to-car and car-to-society.”, commented Jim Lentz, president and chief executive officer of Toyota Motor Sales US (Inc.).
The NS4 boasts advanced in-car connectivity, next evolution of Toyota safety systems and Glass Technology.
The NS4 concept’s human-machine interface (HMI) is centred around a multi-touch screen with the look and feel of a smartphone. The simple, intuitive operation conveys information quickly while minimizing distractions and maximizing driver awareness. The multimedia and vehicle-controls enhancement will also direct air conditioning, audio, battery-charge and navigation functions. The HMI system is even capable of “learning” driver preferences to anticipate driver responses in specific environments and situations.
Toyota NS4 Advanced Plug-in Hybrid Concept
The NS4 features Toyota’s latest safety system developments, including next generation pre-collision system (PCS), adaptive driving beam (ADB) headlights, and blind spot monitor (BSM). PCS features lane departure and pedestrian collision avoidance technologies designed to predict collisions under certain circumstances and help avoid them. Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) headlights help to prevent vision-impairing glare to oncoming drivers and pedestrians. Using sub-millimeter wave radar, the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) detects a vehicle in the adjacent lane and visually alerts the driver using visual indicators placed in the upper dash.
Four new glass technologies are integrated into the windscreen, front and rear windows to improve driver visibility, fuel economy and electric driving mode mileage efficiency:
• Rain-resistant ‘hydrophobic’ coating – Fluorine coated glass causes rain drops to form intosemispherical shapes for improved visibility and rain drop elimination.
• ‘Anti-fog’ coating – High performance resin material with anti-fogging characteristics and increased durability.
• High ultraviolet (UV) absorbing inner-layer – Removes 99 percent of harmful UVA and UVB rays
• Anti-solar film with radio-wave transparency – Reduces the internal vehicle temperature and improves electronic device functionality
Ford has released first two pictures of the new 2013 Mondeo. The new family-sized car is quite aggressive. It features new restyled headlights with LED turn indicators, big alloys with low-profile tires, two big exhaust pipes and two-colored rear lights.
The hugely popular Kia Cee’d will make an appearance at the Geneva Motor Show 2012 with a whole new feel – a sporty, five-door hatchback with attention to detail in every aspect.
Infiniti intends to pursue the ultimate driving experience delivered from electricity. They have already proven themselves apt in that field with the Infiniti M hybrid but now they are looking towards the Geneva Motor Show 2012. There they will reveal a yet to be named sports concept that will “minimize the traditional compromise between thrilling performance and sustainable mobility”.
Lincoln have revealed their latest concept (the MKZ) on the NAIAS to give voice to their intentions for the future design path they are willing to take. The MKZ Concept showcases “elegant simplicity” and unconventional luxury.
Honda has revealed the Accord Coupe Concept today at the North American International Auto Show. The new ninth-generation 2013 model is set to go on-sale this fall. It boasts cutting edge technologies combined with bold design and nice powerful engines.
It is rare to hear from Smart (the Daimler AG microcar subsidiary) but today we have big news. Well, small actually but either way – A Smart For-us concept will premiere at the NAIAS at it is a pickup… sort of.
Aston Martin Racing, jointly with Multimatic Motorsports, intend to continue their winning streak with this year’s Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge (CTSCC). The Toronto-based Multimatic company is no stranger to CTSCC previous titles and so, racing one of the two team Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT4s will be Multimatic’s acclaimed drivers Scott Maxwell and Joe Foster. The other one will be driven by Hollywood film star Patrick Dempsey, a talented racer in his own right, partnered in the opening round of the series by Aston Martin Chief Engineer and greatly experienced Vantage GT4 racer Chris Porritt.
The new Peugeot 208 is set to hit the UK markets somewhere in June this year and it will be very green. The range of engines included have the sole purpose of saving the planet. Weight and dimensions have shrunken and “up to 25%” of the polymers used are from recycled products. A variety of 208 choices will meet the needs of picky – the vehicle comes as a 3 or 5-door hatchback, petrol or diesel with automatic transmissions, 5 or 6 speed manuals, stop and start systems for diesels and for an extra 500 quid, one gets a touch screen navigation.
Toyota has revealed the NS4 advanced plug-in hybrid concept at the 2012 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The new vehicle exemplifies Toyota’s vision for future mobility, with a focus on next generation connectivity and safety.
