Audi is unveiling the Sportback concept show car at the 2009 North American International Automobile Show. With systematic refinements to the brand’s characteristic design elements, the five-door model offers a glimpse at the Audi’s future design vocabulary. With its pronounced coupé-like silhouette and large rear hatch, the 4.95 m long (16.24 ft), 1.93 m wide (6.33 ft) and only 1.40 m high (4.59 ft) vehicle is boldly progressive for the luxury class. (more…)
Tag: Paris Motor Show
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Bright Spark To Light Up Geneva Show
It’s called the Spark, and it’s set to light up the Geneva Motor Show when it debuts there in March this year.The first picture of Chevrolet’s new global entry into the lively mini car market was unveiled by GM’s North American president Troy Clarke at the Detroit Auto Show on January 11, 2009, at the same time as the announcement that the model would also form part of the brand’s North American range. (more…)
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Venturi presents its range of electric vehicles at the Paris Motor Show
From the 4th to the 19th of October 2008, the whole Venturi’s range of electric vehicles is displayed on its 5OO sqm booth in the Hall 5/1 at the Paris Motor Show which is held in Porte de Versailles. (more…) -
Paris Motor Show: French Wallys plan British invasion
Long before it became part of Chrysler, the original Jeep was made by a company called Willys. But at Paris this year, we saw the launch of a Jeep lookalike – made by Wallys! (more…) -
CTS Sport Wagon is Cadillac’s star at Paris motor show
The new Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon dazzled everyone upon its debut at the famous Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach, California in August. With its powerful and characteristic design, Cadillac’s new flagship caught the eye of the world’s media and the many car enthusiasts that were in attendance. (more…) -
Alfa Romeo at the 2008 Paris International Motor Show
Essential style capable of conveying strong emotions, engineering that is always at the cutting edge – plus superlative road holding and driving satisfaction: these are the qualities that have always set Alfa Romeo apart in the world motoring scenario. (more…) -
BMW at the 2008 Paris Motor Show
Celebrating the world debut of the new BMW 7 Series, the first appearance of the new BMW 3 Series at a motor show, and the latest developments in the BMW EfficientDynamics automotive strategy, the world’s most successful manufacturer of premium cars is setting outstanding highlights at the 2008 Mondial de l’Automobile in Paris from 4–19 October. (more…) -
New Ford Ka Makes Global Debut At Paris Motor Show
The exciting new Ford Ka makes its global debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. It replaces the iconic original Ka, which brought new levels of style and enjoyment to the small-car market when it was launched in 1996. (more…) -
Mitsubishi Motors unveils Lancer Sportback at Paris Motor Show
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation will unveil, for the first time at an international motor show, the Lancer Sportback at the Le Mondial de l’Automobile 2008 (Paris Motor Show 2008) being held in Halls 1-8 of the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from October 2 (October 4 for the general public) through October 19. The Lancer Sportback will have its European launch this fall with a phased introduction into the various countries in the region. (more…) -
Kia Soul
Three Kia SOUL concept cars unveiled by the Kia Motors Corporation at the 78th Salon de l’Automobiles this week in Geneva, Switzerland, reveal a whole new ‘fun’ side to the Korean brand.The concept cars – SOUL Diva, SOUL Burner and SOUL Searcher – were created by Kia’s European design team led by Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer Kia Motors Europe, under the guidance of Kia’s Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer. Following Kia’s recently established tradition, the trio of concept cars are closely related to the new Kia production car which will make its World Premiere at the Paris Show in September. (more…)
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Aston Martin Vanquish S
The fastest production model ever to be built by Aston Martin made its world debut at the Paris Motor Show on September 23, 2004. With a maximum speed in excess of 200mph (320 km/h) and a 6.0 litre V12 engine developing 520 horsepower, the Vanquish S has been designed to deliver even greater performance, complemented by subtle suspension and steering changes and a number of interior and external style revisions.The Vanquish S has received subtle but effective changes to complement its elegant muscular body. The famous Aston Martin grille has a new rounded and more open appearance for better cooling, and an aerodynamic splitter improves high-speed stability.
At the rear, a redesigned boot lid featuring a new high mounted stop lamp reduces lift and improves balance and stability, helping to achieve an impressive Cd figure of 0.32.
These differences on the Vanquish S not only improve the appearance but also enhance performance. All the exterior body panels are constructed from aluminium with each individual panel hand tailored to the central structure to ensure a perfect panel fit. Every carefully detailed feature provides graphic evidence of the painstaking craftsmanship and quality, which is invested in its construction at Aston Martin’s Newport Pagnell site in Buckinghamshire.
Aston Martin Vanquish S 
Revised steering geometry provides a 20% quicker response, allowing the driver to apply a reduced input for required steering response. This enables the driver to be more precise with inputs – especially on winding roads – and more accurate feedback from the chassis.
The Sports Dynamics suspension, steering and braking package is now standard on the Vanquish S. This includes stiffer springs and dampers and shorter steering arms.
The brakes have been upgraded to incorporate larger six piston calipers and larger grooved and ventilated front discs. The rear discs are 2mm wider for improved heat dissipation. The use of floating discs ensures the driver has consistent pedal feel under heavy braking whilst a new brake pedal assembly reduces travel and enhances pedal feel.
Further development of Aston Martin’s low emissions, all alloy, quad-overhead camshaft, 48 valve, 6.0-litre V12 engine has generated an increase in power from 460 bhp to 520 bhp and torque is boosted to 425 lb ft (577 Nm).
Engine enhancements include new cylinder heads with fully machined inlet ports and combustion chambers to improve airflow, revised engine mapping and new fuel injectors.
The overall interior design is a subtle blend of traditional, classic and modern materials with Bridge of Weir leather upholstery matched to contemporary metal interior fittings and finishes. A number of detailed improvements have been made to the interior of the Vanquish S to enhance the enhance the overall appeal.
“The Vanquish S V12 is a combination of state-of-the-art aerospace technology and hand craftsmanship,” said Dr Bez. “It is the flagship model of a confident and growing company that is proud to display its heritage but is also determined to make the most technologically modern and inspirational sports cars in the world.”
Illustrating Aston Martin’s continuing commitment to customer care Vanquish S customers will be eligible for a complimentary Performance Driving Course. This comprehensive one-to-one driving experience can be taken at one of three proving grounds – Millbrook in the UK, Lommel in Belgium, or Romeo, Michigan, in North America.
With the capacity to continue to turn heads, the design of the Vanquish is already established as a modern classic. Since its launch in 2001, the Vanquish has proved to be a huge success for Aston Martin with over 1500 cars built.
Since its introduction in 2001, the Vanquish has proved to be a success, pioneering the use of advanced technologies and materials such as aluminium and carbon fibre. Furthermore, its on screen appearance in the latest James Bond film ‘Die Another Day’ has ensured the Vanquish has become instantly recognisable to many.
With the capacity to continue to turn heads, the design of the Vanquish is already established as a modern classic. Perfectly proportioned from every aspect, Ian Callum’s design confirms the promise of outstanding “Supercar” performance and the impeccable pedigree of the Vanquish as the flagship model for Aston Martin.
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VW Touareg
Volkswagen is presenting in Paris the world premiere of a new generation of the Touareg luxury class SUV. The market launch of the new version of the top-seller will take place at the end of November 2006. The Touareg, equipped with over 2,300 redesigned parts, looks different from its predecessor with a completely modified front section with crest radiator grill, distinctive headlights and much more. In addition, a substantial amount of new and sometimes unique technical developments are being employed. The Touareg will also be available as the first Volkswagen with an eight cylinder direct injection gasoline-powered engine (V8 FSI, 257 kW / 350 hp).
ABSplus
ABSplus, developed and patented by Volkswagen, is a world first: The standard equipment system shortens the braking distance of the Touareg by up to 20% on loose driving surfaces. Before now SUVs became unstable when braking hard on surfaces such as gravel or sand and steerability and stopping distance were significantly impaired. This is where ABSplus comes in: Thanks to an innovative traction control system the Touareg pushes parts of the surface material in front of the temporarily locked-up wheels. This creates a type of braking wedge. The result: Braking action is greatly increased without impacting steerability and the stopping distance is correspondingly reduced.
Front Scan
No less innovative than ABSplus is Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with a new follow-to-stop feature: in this combination the system is referred to as Front Scan. The radar-based distance control automatically slows down and accelerates the vehicle within a previously defined range of speed depending on traffic conditions. The system now employed in the Touareg slows the car down to a complete stop in emergency situations. Also new: the stopping distance control integrated into the ACC system. Ahead of certain situations it “arms” the brakes as a preventative measure.
Side Scan
Another assistant system in the new Touareg generation, being introduced for the first time in a Volkswagen, is the lane changing assistant (Side Scan). This system monitors the area next to and behind the Touareg and a control lamp in the exterior mirrors warns of a possible risk of collision when changing lanes.
ESP innovations
New features have been added to the ESP electronic stabilization program. In detail these include a now hydraulic instead of pneumatic brake assistant (optimal operational reliability), preventative brake pressure build-up when the gas pedal is released suddenly, Active Rollover Protection (ARP) to increase stability, rain brake support (windshield wiper effect for wet road surfaces), fading brake support (additional pressure build-up optimizes constant braking) and understeer control logic (improves turning behavior when understeering).
Driving dynamics package with dynamic response
The Touareg masters tough off-road use and extreme tours and yet offers the comfort of a sedan and remarkable sportiness. Previously, this dynamic could be increased in terms of the chassis via an optional sport chassis for Touareg models with steel suspension. A sport chassis – with dynamic response in this case – is now also being added to the models with pneumatic shock suspension. “Driving dynamics package with dynamic response” adds a hard spring rate to the already existing “Sport” mode of the manually and automatically controllable pneumatic shock absorption system. This increase in dynamics and safety is achieved, among other things, via reinforced stabilizers, absorbers regulated by steering wheel movement, a modified pneumatic shock absorption system and new software. Driving comfort remains just as good in normal suspension mode as with models without sport chassis.
Rollover Sensor
In the area of passive safety a new rollover sensor for sensing vehicle yaw angle and yaw speeds is also being employed. It detects whether the vehicle is getting into a rollover situation. The data from the sensor flows together with the parameters detected by the acceleration sensors built into every Volkswagen into the airbag control unit. If in a comparison of the data the risk of a rollover is determined, the side and head/thorax airbags are automatically activated to lower the risk of injury.
Dynaudio sound system
High-end in the entertainment area, too: The Touareg is the first SUV in the world that can be equipped with a sound system from Danish hi-fi specialist Dynaudio. Main features: Distortion free hi-fidelity sound, ten high-end speakers, ten-channel amplifier and 620 Watt total output.
Instruments
A new multimeter for the multifunctional display enables a detailed and now multicolor presentation of information. The display has a clear layout and now shows navigation pictograms in 3D. In addition, new features such as Front Scan can be perfectly presented on the multifunctional display.
V8 FSI
The new Touareg offers another innovation in terms of drive technology: the first eight cylinder direct injection gasoline-powered engine from Volkswagen. The Touareg’s new V8 FSI achieves 257 kW / 350 hp and generates maximum torque of 440 Nm. The other two gasoline engines generate 206 kW / 280 hp (V6 FSI) and 331 kW / 450 hp (W12). In addition, there are three direct injection diesel-powered engines for the Touareg, all combined with a particle filter (DPF) as standard equipment. The TDIs have output of 128 kW / 174 hp (TDI), 165 kW / 225 hp (V6 TDI) and 230 kW / 313 hp (V10 TDI).
Front section design
The front section of the Touareg was completely redesigned. Except for the engine hood no part remained untouched. The new Touareg is immediately recognizable as the latest generation by the typical Volkswagen crest radiator grill in chrome design. Although always individually designed for each model, it has become an unmistakable stylistic feature of the brand. The second distinctive feature of the new generation Touareg are the organically shaped headlight casings (optionally bi-xenon with cornering and turning light). Similar to the latest Volkswagens such as the Eos, the lower area features a round curvature. A single glance at the headlights and the crest radiator grill makes it evident that the front bumper has also been completely redesigned. Elegant: a chrome-plated transverse web in the outer air intakes of the bumper. Illuminating during inclement weather: the round, protectively integrated fog lights. Aerodynamic: The exterior mirrors were also redesigned and now offer and even braver face to the wind.
Rear section design
Modifications to the rear section, too: There’s a new hatchback spoiler that improves aerodynamics. The rear and brake lights were technically modified and the optional tinted glass of the rear lights was improved. The designers also redesigned the lower area of the bumper and exhaust pipes for a more dynamic look.
Side section design.
In silhouette it’s the new light alloy wheels and the aerodynamic mirrors that identify the latest generation of the Touareg. New colors are also available: “Atacama Grey Metallic”, “Mountain Grey Metallic”, “Artic Blue-Silver Metallic”, “Silver Leaf Metallic”, “Sierra Red Pearl Effect” and “Galapagos Anthracite Metallic”.
Seating system
A basic and a “comfort” seating system is available for the Touareg. The “comfort” seating system was redesigned for the latest Touareg. The partially leather (“Cricket”) and fully leather (“Nappa”) seats are now not just distinguishable by leather, but also by design. Both are also distinguished from the unchanged basic seating system. In general, the back seat of all versions were redesigned. It weighs eight kilos less and when folded down now offers a level surface between backrest and cargo floor.
