Lexus LF-Ch revealed at Frankfurt Show
Showing posts with label Auto Shows. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Auto Shows. Show all posts
Toyota Auris Hybrid Car Concept
Toyota is set to debut the Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show in two weeks. The hybrid concept represents Toyota's first deployment of their full hybrid technology in a mainstream high volume model. Full hybrid technology is decribed as an engine that can run on only the combustion engine, only the electric motor/batteries, or a combination of both. Toyota states that this is first step in rolling out Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) across the company's model range. More details to be released at the Frankfurt unveiling.
Also joining the Auris concept are the Prius Plug-in Hybrid Concept, all-new Land Cruiser European premiere, iQ for Sports and iQ Collection. The Land Cruiser goes on sale in the 4th quarter of 2009 while the iQ cars demonstrate personalization possibilities.
Source: Toyota
BMW 7-Series and X6 Active Hybrids unveiling
BMW has officially confirmed the production 7-Series and X6 ActiveHybrids will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
Although details are limited, both hybrids are expected to use a small electric motor that develops 15 kW (20 hp) and 210 Nm (155 lb-ft) of torque. The motor will be integrated in the transmission housing, and it effectively replaces drag inducing auxiliary components such as the alternator and starter. Power is expected to come from a small lithium-ion battery, which will be recharged via a Brake Energy Regeneration system (regenerative braking), that will provide more than enough energy to run the various electrical systems when the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine is deactivated.
The company has previously stated the 7-Series hybrid will achieve a 15% improvement in fuel economy, while the X6 hybrid will offer up to a 20% improvement.
Source: WorldCarfans
Porsche Panamera makes World Debut in Shanghai
Porsche presented the Panamera to the world public today, Monday April 20, at the 13th Shanghai Auto Show in China. The new four-door Panamera Gran Turismo enters the marketplace on September 12 2009, and joins the Boxster roadster, Cayman coupe, iconic 911 sports car, and Cayenne all-wheel drive in the Porsche product portfolio.
The Panamera is making its debut with a normally-aspirated 400bhp V8 petrol engine and a twin-turbocharged 500bhp V8 petrol engine, and in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive chassis configurations. A six-cylinder petrol engine and hybrid-powered derivatives will join the range later.
Klaus Berning, Executive Vice-President Sales and Marketing of Porsche AG, expressed a clear view at the unveiling of the new Porsche. ”Introducing the Panamera, we are entering a market segment completely new for our customers and we are once again consistently expanding our model portfolio.“
Through its design and looks alone, the Panamera clearly stands out from the competition at very first sight. The Panamera offers the low and sleek silhouette that is typical of a Porsche, measuring 4.97 metres (195.7”) in length but only 1.42 metres (55.9”) in height, but these dimensions cloak a generous feeling of space for four people inside.
Wolfgang Dürheimer, Executive Vice-President Research and Development of Porsche AG, added an equally clear statement: “Our engineers, technicians, and designers have invested all their know-how, years of experience, a wealth of ideas, and their full passion for sports cars in this four-seater Gran Turismo.“
The Panamera is introducing no less than five outstanding innovations in technology to be admired for the first time in the luxury performance car class – among them the first engine Start-Stop system in conjunction with automatic transmission, air suspension with additional air volume available on demand in each spring, as well as active aerodynamics with an adjustable, multi-dimensional extending rear spoiler on the Panamera Turbo.
The Panamera sets new standards in its market segment in terms of performance, driving dynamics and efficiency. As expected, the car benefits from the traditional Porsche core competencies and years of experience in motorsport, since efficient and powerful engines, lightweight technologies, and optimised aerodynamics are also crucial to success on the race track. All models in the Panamera range come with Porsche Direct Fuel Injection engines, low-friction drive systems, and optimised lightweight bodies.
The rear-wheel drive Porsche Panamera S is offered with a six-speed manual gearbox. The seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) double-clutch transmission is available as an option. The Panamera 4S and Turbo have four-wheel drive and feature the PDK gearbox as standard. The active all-wheel drive system is controlled by Porsche Traction Management (PTM) via a multi-plate clutch that adjusts the engine power distribution between the front and rear axles for increased grip and agility.
Moving to the suspension, customers can choose between steel springs or adaptive air suspension with a fully-controlled damper system. Thanks to its intelligent chassis concept, the Panamera combines the driving comfort of a luxurious grand touring saloon with the driving dynamics of a thoroughbred Porsche sports car. Depending on the preferred individual style of motoring or current traffic conditions, the driver can choose to emphasise a particularly comfortable or an especially sporting set-up conveniently at the touch of a button.
The Panamera offers a unique symbiosis of sporting performance and sheer luxury. Every model offers a full leather interior, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), Bi-Xenon headlights, rear ParkAssist, tyre pressure monitoring, automatic dimming rear view mirrors, Porsche Communication Management with touch-screen satellite navigation and audio controls, and a Bluetooth telephone module – complete with cordless handset for use by rear seat passengers.
The literal centrepiece of the Panamera interior is a centre console that extends from the fascia to the rear seats. The intention behind this striking design feature is that the new Gran Turismo offers an unprecedented feeling of space and driving pleasure from all four seats, and at the same time emphasises the personal ambience for each individual passenger. The driver’s seat and cockpit area offer optimum ergonomics, with a low seating position providing that sensation of direct contact with the road so typical of a Porsche. The passengers, in turn, all enjoy highly comfortable single seats.
The interior of the Panamera offers a uniquely luxurious and high technology ambience, and this may naturally be upgraded further on request by a wide range of optional extras and special equipment.
The Porsche Panamera Gran Turismo goes on sale in the UK and Ireland on 12 September 2009. The four door performance car will be priced from £72,266 for the Panamera S, £77,269 for the Panamera 4S and £95,298 for the top of the range Panamera Turbo. Every Panamera has the assurance of a Porsche Vehicle Tracking System (VTS), a sophisticated vehicle security package approved to Thatcham Category 5 standard, and customers will also be able to explore the potential of their new car by participating in a complimentary course at the new Porsche Driving Experience Centre, Silverstone.
Source: Porsche
2010 Range Rover Sport and Discovery 4 to be unveiled today
The new 2010 Range Rover Sport and Discovery 4 will be unveiled today (alongside the 2010 Range Rover) at the New York International Auto Show.
"The new 2010 Range Rover Sport and Discovery 4 combine world beating performance, capability and luxury with reduced CO2 emissions thanks to a stunning new engine and transmission line up. Inside, we’ve moved the game on too, with some innovative new technologies and all-new interiors."
Phil Popham, managing director
New engines redefine performance and economy
Land Rover is introducing two new engines for the 2010 model year following a joint development programme with Jaguar. The LR-TDV6 3.0-litre diesel engine alongside the LR-V8 Supercharged petrol engine set new benchmarks for performance and economy, boasting substantial increases in power and torque over their predecessors as well as lower emissions and reduced fuel consumption.
The class-leading LR-TDV6 3.0-litre betters the already impressive 2.7-litre diesel by 29 percent (power) and 36 percent (torque) respectively. At 600Nm the torque output of the diesel is thought to be the highest of any six-cylinder passenger car diesel in the world, but with nine percent improvements in economy and CO2 emissions over the 2.7-litre V6.
The LR-V8 supercharged petrol engine is no less impressive, packed with innovative technical features enabling it to match supreme performance with extreme efficiency. Power and torque is considerably improved over the existing V8 supercharged petrol engine. For example, as fitted to the Range Rover Sport the new 5.0-litre supercharged engine produces 29 percent more power and 12 percent more torque than the outgoing 4.2-litre engine, yet CO2 emissions and fuel consumption are improved by 5.6 percent and 6.2 percent respectively.
Other engines available
The brand new engines will be supplemented by a choice of well proven existing power units. In addition to the new LR-TDV6 3.0-litre, customers will still have the option of ordering the Discovery GS model with the acclaimed 2.7-litre TDV6. The Range Rover Sport will be available with the new LR-TDV6 3.0-litre, the existing 3.6-litre TDV8 or the new LR-V8 5.0-litre supercharged petrol engine.
World class transmissions offer greater refinement and economy
The Range Rover Sport (and also the Range Rover) is fitted with the super-smooth ZF HP28 6-speed automatic transmission, tuned by Land Rover engineers to combine class-leading response with rapid, refined shifting. The outstanding low-end torque characteristics of the new engines have made it possible to actuate the transmission’s lock-up clutches earlier in each gear, reducing slip through the hydraulic torque converter to improve both CO2 emissions and fuel economy.
e_Terrain Technologies boost economy and reduce CO2
Both the diesel and petrol engines were designed from the outset to deliver class-leading fuel economy and enhanced low-end torque. The parallel sequential turbo-charging system of the LR-TDV6 3.0-litre makes use of a larger, primary turbo most of the time. The smaller secondary turbo remains dormant when higher power is not required, reducing pumping losses and fuel consumption.
On the LR-TDV6 3.0-litre, a third generation common rail injection system with piezo injectors and an energy-saving fuel metering system, also make a substantial contribution to fuel economy, while a reduction in idle speed from 750rpm to 710rpm compared to the 2.7-litre diesel further reduces fuel consumption and emissions without compromising refinement.
Similarly, every detail of the highly advanced new supercharged V8 engine has been designed to return maximum efficiency. A new high pressure, spray guided direct injection system optimises combustion while a new variable camshaft timing system helps deliver exceptional low-end torque while also helping to maximise fuel efficiency at both ends of the rev range.
The LR-V8 5.0-litre is also equipped with a new, sixth generation, twin-vortex supercharger whose high-helix rotor design improves its thermodynamic efficiency by 16 percent. Faster warm-up thanks to a new, reverse flow cooling system further improves fuel economy as do the low friction design features on both engines. Like the LR-TDV6 3.0-litre, idle speed has been reduced compared to previous petrol engines, from 700 to 600rpm.
Vehicle dynamics move up a notch – on and off road
A new Adaptive dynamics system for Range Rover Sport (and Range Rover) is the world’s first production system using model-based predictive technology to continually optimise the settings of DampTronic Valve Technology™ damper units, optimising body ride and control. A refinement to the understeer control on all models helps slow the vehicle automatically if taking a bend too fast, enhancing driver control. Responding to driver steering inputs, the system will in extreme cases intervene using the brakes. A Roll Stability Control system will implement wheel-specific braking if an imminent rollover is detected. Adaptive Cruise Control is also fitted.
The Range Rover Sport and Discovery 4 also benefit from Trailer Stability Assist, a towing aid which detects trailer oscillations and intervenes using the brakes and by reducing engine torque.
Both Range Rover Sport and Discovery 4 have further improvements to the award winning Terrain Response system for 2010. Revisions to the rock crawl programme reduce roll when traversing boulders delivering a more composed ride through rocky terrain. The addition of a new 'sand launch control' prevents wheels digging in when driving away in soft sand thanks to revisions to the traction control system. The acclaimed Hill Descent Control system has also been enhanced with the addition of Gradient Release Control. This inhibits the initial rate of acceleration making descent of very steep inclines much smoother.
Design/interiors
Subtle but striking exterior changes characterise the new 2010 model year Land Rovers. Smooth, sculpted, frontal surfaces with revised bumpers incorporating anti-drag lips, create a more distinctive look while improving aerodynamics and fuel consumption. Grilles are restyled too, and headlights include both LED running light technology and High Beam Assist, which switches on the lights when ambient light levels are low, and dips headlights automatically when oncoming traffic is detected. New 19 and optional 20-inch wheels are available for the Discovery which also has larger brakes as standard.
Both the Range Rover Sport and the Discovery 4 interiors have been comprehensively restyled from the ground up, featuring new facias, doors, seats, consoles, instruments and switchgears and new steering wheels. Both cars are also now fitted with 5-inch TFT screens in the instrument cluster displaying key information, a new Portable Audio Interface with MP3 player and i-Pod connectivity, and other key technology features including a five-camera surround system for ease of parking and manoeuvring.
The new 2010 Range Rover Sport and new Discovery 4 will be on sale in the UK from September 2009.
Source: Land Rover
2010 Saab 9-3X Crossover to make North American Debut in New York
Following its world premiere last month at the Geneva Auto Show, Saab's new 9-3X crossover will be introduced for the time to the public in North America at the New York International Auto Show on April 9. Essentially a 9-3 Sport Wagon garnished with black plastic moldings and aluminum skid trays for an off-roadish look, the 9-3X will hit U.S. dealerships during the fourth quarter of the year.
In the States, it will be offered exclusively with a 2.0-liter gasoline turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 210 horsepower combined with Saab's Cross Wheel Drive (XWD) system. Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual gearbox and a six-speed automatic transmission. Prices will be announced closer to the launch date.
Source : Saab
Swinton Specialist is headline sponsor at ISTS and JTS 2009 shows
Performance, modified and import car insurance broker Swinton Specialist is proud to announce it will be a headline sponsor at two of 2009’s biggest events for UK car enthusiasts – the International Styling and Tuning Show (ISTS) and the Japanese Tuning Show (JTS).
To celebrate Swinton Specialist is offering fans the chance to win tickets to both shows in a free-to-enter email prize draw.
“We’re delighted to be involved as sponsors with both these highly regarded and well attended auto shows,” said Rob Asher, head of Swinton Specialist. “Visitors to our stand at ISTS and JTS can see the prize in our amazing ‘win-a-project-car’ competition.”
The car in question is a stunning – and freshly imported – Nissan Skyline R33 worth more than £10,000. Included in the prize is a £2,000 budget to blow on mods, plus a year’s free insurance courtesy of Swinton Specialist. Also on hand at both events will be the sexy Swinton Sirens.
Swinton Specialist has five pairs of VIP tickets and 10 pairs of standard tickets to give away for both events.
Win tickets to ISTS : ISTS is taking place at Donington Park circuit, Derbyshire, on the weekend of 11/12 April 2009. The VIP package for two is worth £60. It includes priority parking, earlier event entry, sheltered grandstand viewing near the starting line, a free programme and a host of money-off vouchers for on-the-day events.
Win tickets to JTS : JTS is taking place at Silverstone circuit, Northants, on Sunday 31 May 2009. Details of the VIP package have yet to be released.
Kia Sorento (2009): first official picture from Seoul
What’s new on Kia’s Seoul motor show stand?
The firm wheeled out star designer Peter Schreyer to help unveil the all-new Sorento. Surprisingly, the compact SUV looks uninspired. And inside it was a letdown with scratchy plastics giving it a utilitarian feel of Kias past. Schreyer’s influence was more obvious on the second new car on the Kia stand. Called the VG it’s a handsome-looking BMW 5-series sized saloon. A production version is being launched at the September 2009 Frankfurt motor show. In its white pearlescent paint it looks the part. Sadly, it’s unlikely to back that up with a rip-roaring drive as it’s based on the front-wheel drive platform of the Hyundai Grandeur ocean-going liner.
CAR highlight
The white leather interior of the VG looked great for its Huggy Bear-style opulence. But the American designed Koup was in our view the best-looking car on the stand. And it’s close to production reality, too, judging by the number of disguised prototypes running around at the firm’s Namyang R+D facility.
What were they thinking?
Eco Dynamics is simply the Kia version of Hyundai’s Blue Drive. But as Kia revealed its version after its sister company, the green tech simply smacked of chronic me too-ism.
In a nutshell
Despite a bit of a blip with the Sorento, the VG and Koup prove Kia’s design renaissance is continuing. The firm is gradually shrugging off its dull but worthy image with a range of increasingly handsome products. Next up will be hybrid power plants to fulfil the Eco Dynamics strategy.
Source : Carmagazine
Ssangyong C200 at the Seoul motor show 2009
What’s new on Ssangyong’s Seoul motor show stand?
There was palpable relief on the Ssangyong stand in Seoul as the motor show press day followed a company conference where its rejuvenation package had been outlined to worried importers. This is being led by the C200, a Nissan Qashqai-style crossover SUV that will come in both two -and four-wheel drive formats. Production of Ssangyong’s first ever monocoque car starts in November 2009 and it’ll be on sale in the UK for March 2010, promising a cheap alternative to traditional makers. The C200 was in sporty Aero and Eco versions, the latter using a diesel hybrid engine which the company is convinced represents the future of motoring.
CAR highlight
Considering SsangYong has form as long as your arm when it comes to designing pig-ugly cars, the C200 is remarkably tame. The company has also twigged that its current engines don’t cut the mustard so it’ll be powered by an all-new 2.0-litre diesel and a 1.8-litre petrol turbo.
What were they thinking?
Even on a motor show stand with a model draped over it, the Rodius remains possibly the ugliest car on the road. And while the firm’s evidently gone to an enormous effort to make its Chairman model even more Mercedes S-class-like than a Mercedes S-class, the cheap plastics and fake wood inside is a massive letdown.
In a nutshell
Ssangyong is preparing for a brave new future. Wisely it’s leaving big SUVs behind and moving into on-road focused cross-over vehicles. The C200 looks like a sensible start.
Source : Carmagazine
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