Showing posts with label NAIAS 2010. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NAIAS 2010. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Audi R8 looks really good in "Ipanema Brown"
If I was ever going for an Audi R8, my colour choice would definately be "Ipanema Brown" by Quattro GmbH!
Source: Autoblog
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
Audi E-tron Detroit Showcar: Just another E-tron concept or a preview of the upcoming R4?
E-tron is just 3.93m long (the Bluesport measures 3999mm) so it�s shorter � as well as lower and narrower � than a TT. Unlike the four-motor, four-wheel drive E-tron unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt show (earlier post), this E-tron has just two motors and rear-wheel drive. Still, the two electric units (mounted on the rear axle) combine to produce 1955lb ft � down from big brother�s 3319lb ft � and 201bhp so the E-tron is propelled to 62mph in just 5.9 seconds. Together with the smaller shape, aluminium spaceframe and carbonfibre-reinforced plastic body, the E-tron weighs just 1350kg, versus 1600kg for the original E-tron.
The lithium-ion batteries that power the E-tron are mid-mounted and tip the scales at 399kg, giving the show car a 40:60 front-to-rear weight distribution. With the car�s top speed limited to 124mph, their 45kWh capacity gives a 155-mile range."
The lithium-ion batteries that power the E-tron are mid-mounted and tip the scales at 399kg, giving the show car a 40:60 front-to-rear weight distribution. With the car�s top speed limited to 124mph, their 45kWh capacity gives a 155-mile range."
Source: CAR Magazine
Toyota unveils FT-CH concept and plans to launch 8 new hybrid versions in USA
Toyota unveiled the FT-CH dedicated hybrid concept at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The FT-CH is a concept that meets Toyota�s strategy to offer a wider variety of full hybrid choices to its customers, in addition to the introduction of plug-in hybrids (PHVs) and battery electrics (EVs) in model year 2012, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCHVs) in 2015 in global markets.
In the early 2010s, Toyota plans to sell a million hybrids per year globally, a majority of those in North America. To accomplish this, Toyota will launch eight all new hybrid models in the USA over the next few years. These will not include next generation versions of current hybrids; instead, they will be all new dedicated hybrid vehicles, or all new hybrid versions of existing petrol engine models.
Source: Toyota GB
Bentley showcases new flagship Mulsanne and Series 51 Continental GTC in Detroit
Bentley Motors, the only ultra-luxury manufacturer with a stand alone display at this year�s North American International Auto Show in Detroit, pulled the wraps off the all-new Bentley Mulsanne flagship sedan and �Series 51� designer edition of the Continental GTC convertible during the vehicles� first motor show debut in The Americas.
Flagship Bentley Mulsanne
The Bentley Mulsanne, which goes on sale in the fall of this year, will be priced at $285,000 in the United States. The Mulsanne will offer customers a degree of choice when commissioning their cars which is unmatched in the industry. The luxury Bentley flagship offers a palette of 114 paint colours, 21 carpet colours, nine wood veneers and 24 interior leather hides, all of which will be tanned using a decades-old process to ensure this future classic retains its distinctive scent.
In addition, through Bentley�s bespoke service, unique colours can be developed which will exactly match a customer�s vision and taste. With more standard leather and wood veneer than any other Bentley in the modern era, it is understandable that each Mulsanne will take nine weeks to build.
Bentley�s legendary hand-assembled V8 engine pays homage to its predecessors yet for the new Mulsanne it has been comprehensively re-engineered to employ advanced technologies that deliver unstressed, refined performance. The new Bentley V8 engine is lighter and features cylinder de-activation and variable cam phasing, a combination that can significantly reduce both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Advanced technology is exquisitely packaged within the Mulsanne�s opulent cabin. Behind its heritage-inspired dials and new glass-effect switches lay leading edge features including iPod and mp3 connectivity, Bluetooth and a SIM card reader, as well as a 3G MMI system. Those opting for NAIM�s premium audio system will be treated to the world�s most powerful system fitted to a production vehicle � a 20-channel 2,200-watt experience.
Series 51 Continental GTC
The Series 51 package, available on the Continental range�s GT, GT Speed, GTC and GTC Speed models, will be priced from $192,750 for the GT coupe model. It provides for a virtually bespoke vehicle experience due to the thousands of configurations available through Bentley�s expansive colour and trim catalogue.
Series 51 is named after the year that the first official styling department was established in Crewe by the gifted John Blatchley, who shaped the original and iconic 1950s Bentley Continentals. Every Series 51 car will feature a highly-distinctive interior colour palette and unique exterior design cues.
Bentley�s Colour and Trim team, managed by Melinda - June Jenkins, has designed some specially tailored three-tone interiors which demonstrate the full potential of leather hide colours and showcase the creative application of contrast stitching and piping. The colour combination on the Detroit show car is Imperial Blue as the main and secondary hide, Linen seat and door inserts and Saddle contrast stitching and piping.
Bentley�s designers have also selected a range of premium-quality materials for the dashboard and centre console to complement the three-tone interiors. The Dark and Bright �Engine Spin� aluminium options provide a striking contrast with darker and lighter hide colour choices and a special, limited-edition Amboyna veneer reserved for solely for Series 51.
Both the Continental GT and GTC offer a powerful road presence and the Series 51 cars further accentuate these sporting credentials with some eye-catching exterior styling. A 20� 14-spoke polished Diamond wheel with a dark centre cap provides Series 51 cars with a purposeful and stylish appearance. The cars will be distinguished by a signature �51� badge on the front wings.
To enhance and personalise the Continental GT still further, a new two-tone paint can be commissioned which complements the contrasting interior configuration. This highly distinctive colour split (with one colour running over the bonnet, roof and flowing down to the boot) is a classic design used on many sporting Bentleys of the past.
Source: Bentley Motors
Flagship Bentley Mulsanne
The Bentley Mulsanne, which goes on sale in the fall of this year, will be priced at $285,000 in the United States. The Mulsanne will offer customers a degree of choice when commissioning their cars which is unmatched in the industry. The luxury Bentley flagship offers a palette of 114 paint colours, 21 carpet colours, nine wood veneers and 24 interior leather hides, all of which will be tanned using a decades-old process to ensure this future classic retains its distinctive scent.
In addition, through Bentley�s bespoke service, unique colours can be developed which will exactly match a customer�s vision and taste. With more standard leather and wood veneer than any other Bentley in the modern era, it is understandable that each Mulsanne will take nine weeks to build.
Bentley�s legendary hand-assembled V8 engine pays homage to its predecessors yet for the new Mulsanne it has been comprehensively re-engineered to employ advanced technologies that deliver unstressed, refined performance. The new Bentley V8 engine is lighter and features cylinder de-activation and variable cam phasing, a combination that can significantly reduce both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Advanced technology is exquisitely packaged within the Mulsanne�s opulent cabin. Behind its heritage-inspired dials and new glass-effect switches lay leading edge features including iPod and mp3 connectivity, Bluetooth and a SIM card reader, as well as a 3G MMI system. Those opting for NAIM�s premium audio system will be treated to the world�s most powerful system fitted to a production vehicle � a 20-channel 2,200-watt experience.
Series 51 Continental GTC
The Series 51 package, available on the Continental range�s GT, GT Speed, GTC and GTC Speed models, will be priced from $192,750 for the GT coupe model. It provides for a virtually bespoke vehicle experience due to the thousands of configurations available through Bentley�s expansive colour and trim catalogue.
Series 51 is named after the year that the first official styling department was established in Crewe by the gifted John Blatchley, who shaped the original and iconic 1950s Bentley Continentals. Every Series 51 car will feature a highly-distinctive interior colour palette and unique exterior design cues.
Bentley�s Colour and Trim team, managed by Melinda - June Jenkins, has designed some specially tailored three-tone interiors which demonstrate the full potential of leather hide colours and showcase the creative application of contrast stitching and piping. The colour combination on the Detroit show car is Imperial Blue as the main and secondary hide, Linen seat and door inserts and Saddle contrast stitching and piping.
Bentley�s designers have also selected a range of premium-quality materials for the dashboard and centre console to complement the three-tone interiors. The Dark and Bright �Engine Spin� aluminium options provide a striking contrast with darker and lighter hide colour choices and a special, limited-edition Amboyna veneer reserved for solely for Series 51.
Both the Continental GT and GTC offer a powerful road presence and the Series 51 cars further accentuate these sporting credentials with some eye-catching exterior styling. A 20� 14-spoke polished Diamond wheel with a dark centre cap provides Series 51 cars with a purposeful and stylish appearance. The cars will be distinguished by a signature �51� badge on the front wings.
To enhance and personalise the Continental GT still further, a new two-tone paint can be commissioned which complements the contrasting interior configuration. This highly distinctive colour split (with one colour running over the bonnet, roof and flowing down to the boot) is a classic design used on many sporting Bentleys of the past.
Source: Bentley Motors
Honda CR-Z debuts in Detroit
Back in December, a number of photos from the official CR-Z brochure leaked in Japan, along with technical specification (earlier post). Now though, the all-new Honda CR-Z made its world premiere at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
According to Tom Gardner, Head of Marketing, Honda (UK), "kart-like handling and direct steering will make it great fun to drive". I hope he is right...
- World�s first 6-speed manual hybrid car
- Wide track, short wheelbase chassis for agile and responsive handling
- All-new, sporty, aerodynamic, 2+2 coupe form
- The 1.5-litre engine, combined with the power and torque of the IMA parallel hybrid system, gives an overall power output of 124 PS and 174 Nm of torque
- Emissions of 117 g/km* and fuel economy of 56.4mpg*
- Unique 3-Mode Drive System to tailor steering, throttle response and IMA assistance as the driver requires
- Flexible 2+2 seating arrangement in European and Japanese models only
- The European version of the CR-Z has daytime running lights (DTRLs) with eight LEDs that bring out the lower line of the sweeping headlights
- The European version of the CR-Z goes on sale in the UK in summer 2010, and will debut at the Geneva Auto Show 2010 in March
* EU Combined cycle
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Next generation Ford Focus unveiled
The next-generation Ford Focus makes its worldwide debut today at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The new Focus will be nearly identical in all markets, with 80 per cent parts commonality around the world.
Production will begin simultaneously in Europe and North America in late 2010, with individual market launches starting early in 2011. Initial production will be concentrated at the Saarlouis (Germany), Michigan (United States) and Chongqing (China) Assembly Plants.
The new Ford Focus has been developed by a global team, led from Ford�s European small and medium vehicle centre of excellence in Merkenich, near Cologne, Germany, with powertrain development led by a similar team at Ford�s technical centre in Dunton, England.
Production will begin simultaneously in Europe and North America in late 2010, with individual market launches starting early in 2011. Initial production will be concentrated at the Saarlouis (Germany), Michigan (United States) and Chongqing (China) Assembly Plants.
The new Ford Focus has been developed by a global team, led from Ford�s European small and medium vehicle centre of excellence in Merkenich, near Cologne, Germany, with powertrain development led by a similar team at Ford�s technical centre in Dunton, England.
The global powertrain lineup for the new Focus will include a range of Ford EcoBoost four-cylinder turbocharged direct injection (DI) engines � including the 1.6-litre unit in Europe and a choice of advanced and improved Duratorq TDCi common-rail diesel engines, all of which offer reductions in fuel consumption of between 10 and 20 per cent compared to the outgoing model.
..and some unofficial bits:
Since no detailed technical specs are available, the only comments I can make are related to the design of the car. There are some Korean influences in the exterior and to be more specific, I can see some "Ceed" elements in that nose. For sure, Ford has evolved kinetic design language, but some details, such as the rear lights, don't look neat.
In terms of the interior, there is a lot of "drama" going on and I can see also some elements from Honda's Civic. Ford is promising that the quality and feel have been improved, but only time will tell as Ford interiors are not particularly good in aging.
Overall, in this segment, I feel that the new Opel/Vauxhall Astra looks much better.
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