Volvo S60 Concept, 2009

Volvo S60 Concept, 2009

 

  

The Scandinavian inspiration
The front of the Volvo S60 Concept sports the enlarged iron mark in the trapezoidal grille. The two lamps that flank the grill emphasise the vertical stance of the front and highlight the bonnet's V-shape. The angled headlamps flow up into the strongly sculptured bonnet and combined with the lower air intake's reverse trapezoidal shape, this gives the concept car a very expressive "face".

Viewed from the side, the concept car's slim coupe roofline and window graphics are accompanied by an entirely new shoulder line, forming a gentle double wave, stretching from the headlamps all the way to the rear. Both the seven-spoke 20-inch wheels and the tread of the low-profile tyres have been specially designed, while the bronze-painted brake callipers match the "Warm Liquid Copper" livery.

The unique rear parallelogram doors offer a spectacular show when they are opened and closed. Door opening is initiated by pressing a button and the movement starts off in the traditional way. In the next phase, the forward section swings out away from the car's body and the door glides parallel with the side of the car until it reaches its end position by the rear wheel. Since the car does not have a B-pillar between the front and rear seats, this door configuration offers exceptionally generous entry and exit access.

The transparent attachment of the door mirrors illuminates and becomes part of the indicator function. The panorama roof is another ingredient that contributes to the concept car's airy Scandinavian aura.

The Viking longboats in the headlamps
In each of the headlamps, the lights create a silhouette of two miniature Viking longboats sailing side by side, one for main beam and one for dipped beam. When driving in the dark, the light is reflected from the concealed, upward-facing High Performance LED bulbs, projected ahead by the ships' filled sails.
A closer look reveals more detail. The compact cooling system for the LED bulbs has protruding cooling blocks made out of aluminum, semi-visible under the ships' hulls. This design creates the illusion of shimmering glass panels that float above a dark and mysterious Scandinavian sea.

Volvo V50, 2008

Volvo V50, 2008 

 

 

A number of distinctive design cues take the new Volvo S40 a visual step closer to the new S-range look as first shown on the all-new Volvo S80. At the same time, the V50 approaches the new V-range and the all-new V70 without compromising on its original compact and sporty attributes.
Starting with the new S40, the source of the inspiration can be seen clearly when the compact sedan is viewed from the front.

Sportier V50 grille
The new black egg-crate grille with its larger Volvo iron mark emphasises a sporty language. The new headlamps and the three sculpted lower air intakes are other details that give the new colour-coordinated soft-nose V50 front an increased impression of solidity.

Slimmer tail lamps
The lower part of the tail lamp panel on both the S40 and V50 is 30 millimetres higher than before and the lamps themselves have an entirely new graphic layout. The brake lights are now of LED type and the position marker lamps emphasise the car's shoulders.

The new bumper features integrated reflectors in the lower corners and the lower, broader design language is supplemented with the more horizontal lines of the exhaust tailpipe.

Freeing up storage space
When refining the interior, the design team transformed itself into something of a liberation movement for storage space.

Volkswagen BlueSport Concept, 2009

Volkswagen BlueSport Concept, 2009

 

 

The Maximum driving fun with minimal fuel consumption.

This is the standard by which Volkswagen is starting the new car year 2009. The BlueSport proves to be a compact and passionate car with a clear Volkswagen signature. The car offers pure dynamics with a powerful 180 PS Clean Diesel engine that is combined with the characteristic Volkswagen philosophy of efficiency.

The Volkswagen BlueSport Concept is making its appearance at the car show in Detroit with a Flex Silver exterior and orange fabric convertible top. Its styling is clear and is reduced to the essentials; the car body itself has a lean and linear structure", explains Volkswagen chief designer Walter de Silva. The interior shows finesse in details and conveys a high level of technological fascination. Immediately visible to the eye is the intuitive and easy to operate touchscreen. Perfectly adapted to the interior are the leather upholstered seats in lightweight construction with their single-piece seatbacks.

Behind the two sport seats of the 3.99 meter long Volkswagen BlueSport Concept, a 132 kW / 180 PS strong Clean Diesel (TDI) with common rail injection and downstream NOx storage catalytic converter delivers dynamic performance. A 6-speed DSG dual clutch transmission - the most economical and agile transmission system in the world - transfers power to the rear wheels. In just 6.6 seconds the sports car is moving at 100 km/h; its top speed is 226 km/h. Also having a positive impact on the car's low fuel consumption of just 4.3 l/100 km and reduced emissions are two technologies that are part of the so-called Eco mode: an automatic start-stop system and energy regeneration. Together they propel the Volkswagen BlueSport Concept to an additional fuel savings of up to 0.2 liter per 100 kilometers in city driving.

Audi A5 Cabriolet, 2010

Audi A5 Cabriolet, 2010

  

 

 
Dynamic, confident and stunning - the Audi A5 Cabriolet is emotionally evocative. The four-seater with the fabric top combines a distinctly sporty character with the fascination of open-top driving, refined comfort and a great everyday utility. Five efficient engines, an agile suspension and a wide range of high-end options make the new Audi the most attractive convertible in the mid-sized segment.

Delivery will begin in the second quarter of 2009. Prices start at 37,300 euros for the entry-level 1.8 TFSI model with 118 kW (160 hp), which will follow somewhat later.

Crowning the new model series is the Audi S5 Cabriolet. The letter "S" traditionally stands for supreme sportiness - for dynamics, performance and power, but also for amazing efficiency. Powering the S5 Cabriolet is a newly developed, supercharged three-liter V6 that pumps out 245 kW (333 hp) for superior performance.

Fascinating dynamics: Audi drive select
The perfect addition to this technology package is the Audi drive select vehicle dynamics system, which enables the driver to chose among three different engine maps controlling the characteristics of the fuel feed, the shifting points of the seven-speed S tronic or the multitronic, and the boost provided by the servotronic steering system. If the car is equipped with the MMI operating interface, a fourth, freely programmable map is available. Additional technologies available include adaptive control of the shock absorbers and variable-ratio dynamic steering.

As the dynamic open-top Audi S5 model of the new production series, the S5 Cabriolet occupies a very special position. Its three-liter TFSI - a V6 with mechanical supercharger - unfolds its 245 kW (333 hp) and 440 Nm (324.53 lb-ft) of torque with impressive results: It responds tenaciously to the throttle and delivers excellent driving performance. The quattro drivetrain, a sport suspension with 18-inch wheels and a number of special equipment details underscore the athletic character of the Audi S5 Cabriolet.

The exterior design
Open-top cars are bought with the heart - they are supposed to express the personality of their drivers: their independence, their individuality, their joie de vivre. Design is a particular important factor in this emotional decision, and Audi underscores its leadership in this area once again with the Audi A5 Cabriolet. It appeals to young, highly educated customers with a good income and sporty lifestyle.

The Audi A5 Cabriolet combines the brand's progressive styling with the fascination of an open-top car. Measuring 4.63 meters (15.19 ft) long and 1.85 meters (6.07 ft) wide, but only 1.38 meters (4.53 ft) tall, the Audi four-seater wraps the sportiest proportions in its class in classic elegance. The stretched hood, the long 2.75 meter (9.02 ft) wheelbase, the sharp lines and muscular sweep of the shoulder contour draw a distinctive silhouette. The broad track of nearly 1.60 meters (5.25 ft) front and rear, the large wheels, the distinctive front end, the expressive tail and the sculptured, curving surfaces interact to create a harmonious whole.

The styling of the front end is dominated by the single-frame grille bordered by a strip of anodized aluminum. The bars are painted Stone Gray; in the two top V6 models - the 3.2 FSI and the 3.0 TDI - these are painted a high-gloss black. Three air intakes - the center one beneath the grille - emphasize the width of the front end.

Audi A4 allroad quattro, 2010

Audi A4 allroad quattro, 2010 

The design of the Audi A4 allroad quattro recalls the Audi A4 Avant: crisp lines enclose tastefully curved surfaces and the low roof line establishes a coupé-like silhouette. Striking details re-interpret this model line's sporty elegance. The moon-gray single-frame radiator grille bears vertical chrome strips; an accentuated bumper and large air inlets underscore this vehicle's unique identity. Chrome rings encircle the fog lights. And in the option featuring xenon plus headlights, light-emitting diodes comprise the daytime running lights and taillights. Underneath the front end and tail end, the A4 allroad has a stainless-steel underbody guard.

Interior
Refined touches, uncompromising quality and flawless functionality: the interior of the Audi A4 allroad quattro embodies all the strengths for which Audi is renowned. The cockpit clearly serves the driver. Among the control unit's highlights: the standard electromechanical handbrake - which has replaced the lever on the center console with a button - and the central on-board monitor. A color display complements the concert or symphony sound system, or the MMI navigation system plus; the MMI's offset control unit is housed in the center console.

The Engines
Audi will initially offer three different engines for the Audi A4 allroad quattro: a gasoline engine and two diesel engines. All three are turbocharged direct-fuel-injection engines. They command respect due to excellent performance, impressive pulling power, smooth running, and high fuel efficiency. The engines are further bolstered by pioneering technologies arising from Audi's modular efficiency expertise. For example, all three units boast a standard on-board recuperation system, which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy during deceleration.

The Driveline
The 2.0 TDI transmits its power to a six-speed manual transmission. The 3.0 TDI and 2.0 TFSI feature the next generation of Audi's dynamic and very efficient S tronic. This innovative dual-clutch transmission switches extremely smoothly among its seven gears within a few hundredths of a second. S tronic also excels thanks to its high efficiency ratio and a broad spread of the gear ratios. The seven-speed S tronic has a fully automatic mode at the ready: the driver can shift as required, if necessary via shift paddles on the steering wheel.

The differential is in front of the clutch and immediately behind the engine. This technical stroke of genius made it possible to reposition the front axle much closer to the vehicle's front end, in turn allowing for a long wheelbase and an ideal distribution of the axle loads. The benefits include steady straight-line stability, superb ride comfort, and excellent driving dynamics.

The Audi A4 allroad quattro features quattro permanent all-wheel drive as standard equipment. Its purely mechanical center differential favors the rear, distributing power at a 40:60 ratio to the front and rear axle. If necessary, the quattro permanent all-wheel drive can route up to 65 percent to the front or as much as 85 percent toward the tail end.

Aston Martin DBS Infa Red, 2008

Aston Martin DBS Infa Red, 2008

 

 

Equally at home on a twisting mountain circuit as on the open road, the DBS is a true thoroughbred. The Aston Martin DBS is a 6.0-litre V12 powered, race-bred, two-seater shaped by the aerodynamic demands of high performance, with an exquisite interior that marries beautifully hand-finished materials with the very latest in performance technology.

A combination of elegant design, innovative manufacturing processes, race-derived materials and components and Aston Martin's unrivalled hand-build expertise makes the Aston Martin DBS a luxury sports car without equal. Every line, crease and curve conveys the enormous potential of the Aston Martin DBS, a seductive blend of refinement and raw power, provided by the hand-built V12 producing 380kW (510bhp/517PS), a top speed of 191mph (302km/h) and a 0-62mph (0-100km/h) time of 4.3 seconds.

Aston Martin DBS: Performance
The need for high-performance stability, handling ability and low kerb weight defined the DBS's form and construction. Accordingly, the Aston Martin DBS becomes the first production Aston Martin to make extensive use of ultra-light carbon-fibre body panels. High levels of performance and control are delivered by the combination of inherent light weight, near-perfect weight distribution, a supremely powerful and flexible V12 engine, and a performance-honed six-speed transmission, together with new carbon ceramic brakes and an adaptive damper controlled suspension system.

At the heart of the Aston Martin DBS is a 6.0-litre V12 engine. The DBR9 and DBRS9 race cars are powered by an enhanced version of this same V12, tuned to produce in excess of 600bhp. The shared powerplant continues the strong link between Aston Martin's road and race cars, just as the six-cylinder engine used in the DBR1 also powered the Aston Martin DB4, DB5 and DB6 in the 1950s and 60s.

As with all current Aston Martins, the engine is hand-assembled at Aston Martin's dedicated engine facility in Cologne, Germany. The classic 6.0-litre V12 features a number of power-increasing enhancements. These include a 'by-pass' engine air intake port that opens above 5500rpm to allow more air into the engine, and re-profiled air inlet ports that further improve airflow into the combustion chamber. Combined with a compression ratio of 10.9:1, the result of these enhancements is prodigious power and torque: the Aston Martin DBS delivers 380 kW (510 bhp/517 PS) at 6500 rpm. The 3.71:1 final-drive ratio ensures that the additional power is usable, enhancing in-gear acceleration in particular.

Aston Martin DBS: Control
As with the DB9 and DBR race cars, the Aston Martin DBS benefits from the inherent characteristics of the VH architecture. The VH underframe consists of pressed, extruded and cast aluminium components, bonded together to create an immensely strong underlying structure.

This structure means that weight is kept to a minimum, with the front-mid mounted engine and rear-mid mounted transaxle ensuring a near perfect weight distribution: 85% of the car's weight is positioned within its wheelbase. The Aston Martin DBS's polar moment of inertia is therefore very low, producing a car with natural agility, a strong, stable platform for the V12's high power output and an exhilarating driving experience.

To take full advantage of its extremely precise and rigid platform, the Aston Martin DBS employs a new and sophisticated Adaptive Damping System (ADS) which uses two separate valves to set the dampers to five different positions, allowing instant adjustment of the car's ride and handling characteristics. The ADS automatically alters the suspension settings to ensure the driver has high levels of control at all times, with the ability to respond instantly to different driving conditions. The dampers can be 'softer', with a corresponding improvement in ride quality, or 'firm', providing improved body control for more spirited driving.

Toyota Auris, 2010

Toyota Auris, 2010

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Launched in 2007 at the heart of the highly competitive European C-segment, the Toyota Auris has built a solid reputation for roominess, comfort, practicality and reliability combined with a secure, economical driving experience.

The application of Toyota Optimal Drive across the Toyota Auris range in 2009 has already effected a significant improvement in the model's environmental performance, lowering CO2 emissions to segmentbest levels. Even before the 2010 introduction of Hybrid Synergy Drive to the model range, the overall Toyota Auris CO2 average has been reduced from 152 g/km in 2007 to 142 g/km in 2009.

Exclusively designed for the European market, the Toyota Auris HSD introduces full hybrid technology to a core model at the heart of the Toyota line-up, the first step in the deployment of HSD (Hybrid Synergy Drive technology) across the company's entire European model range by the early 2020s. Built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK, it targets an important shift in customer perceptions of full hybrid technology.

With remarkably low 89 g/km CO2 emissions , the Toyota Auris HSD plays a significant role in further reducing Toyota's whole-fleet CO2 average which, having fallen by 16 g/km between 2008 and 2009, already stands at just 130 g/km.
The C-segment remains a core element of the volume market, representing almost 20% of total European new car sales. Toyota plans to sell 101,000 Toyota Auris models in 2010 and, in 2011 - the first full year of sales with all engine variants available - 130,000 units.

Design
The Toyota Auris 2010 combines dynamic exterior design changes with extensive interior improvements in quality, materials, ergonomics, driving comfort, and visual appeal. The Toyota Auris HSD incorporates several unique styling details to improve the car's aerodynamic performance. The interior incorporates hybrid-specific instruments, switchgear and upholstery.

Exterior design: a stronger, more confident road presence
Redesigned bumpers have increased the front and rear overhangs by 15 mm and 10 mm respectively. As a result the Toyota Auris 2010 has increased in overall length by 25 mm to 4245 mm, while the long, 2600 mm wheelbase remains unchanged.

With a new horizontal bar-type grille, more aggressive headlamp clusters, LED daytime running lights and a wider lower bumper air intake, the entire front of the Toyota Auris 2010 has been restyled to enhance the car's stable, ground-hugging stance and create a more youthful image.

The rear design has been strengthened to provide a stronger, more confident road presence. The bumper corners have been extended outwards and create a new 'catamaran' bumper profile which accentuates the Toyota Auris 2010's muscular proportions and wide track.

The latest addition to the model line-up, the Toyota Auris HSD incorporates several unique exterior design features which both improve the car's overall aerodynamic efficiency and indicate the presence of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain.

The upper grille opening has been optimised to help the air flow smoothly over the upper half of the body, and the size of the lower grille has been enlarged to reduce airflow resistance as well as improving engine cooling efficie

Housing a revised foglamp configuration, the flat, vertical surface of the bumper corner not only reinforces the Toyota Auris HSD's broad stance and driving stability, but also corrects airflow as it passes over the front wheels to minimise wheel arch turbulence.

Allied to a 5 mm lowering of vehicle ride height and a choice of purpose-made, 15" or 17" alloy wheels with integrated, aerodynamic caps and low rolling resistance tyres, a large, roof mounted rear spoiler further improves the Toyota Auris HSD's aerodynamic efficiency.

Acting in combination to smooth and control the flow of air over the car, these HSD-specific design modifications have reduced the Toyota hybrid's coefficient of drag from Cd 0.290 to 0.283, effecting reductions in both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Interior design: improvements in quality, ergonomics and visual appeal
Soft touch materials now cover the top of the driver's instrument cluster and the upper glove box, and the seat upholstery has been upgraded across the range. The height of the centre console storage box has been raised by about 50 mm, and it now functions as an armrest. A new, more comfortable steering wheel incorporates redesigned audio and Bluetooth phone control switches.

The unique, bridged centre console which brings the gear lever, handbrake and instrumentation within the closest possible reach of the driver has a new, bright metallic finish matched by the door handles. The handbrake design has been revised with a new lever release button, a tactile, ergonomic grip and lower seating in the release position.

Control panel colour and finish changes have enhanced switch layout visibility, and the illumination of the Optitron meter dials has been changed to white for improved clarity and visibility.

Toyota iQ, 2009

Toyota iQ, 2009

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Design

The objective was a new kind of city car, one that would accommodate four people within an overall length of less than three metres. The result was a landmark solution that will have a long term influence on Toyota's future vehicle development. Toyota iQ is the ultimate expression of refined, yet environmentally efficient urban mobility.
The extraordinary interior space in a car that measures just 2,985mm long, 1,500mm high and 1,680mm wide is a tribute to the determination and ingenuity of Toyota's design and engineering team.

It can carry 4 people (three adults plus a child) in comfort and safety at motorway speeds, is just the beginning of the story. Starting with a clean sheet of paper, Toyota has created an ingenious and distinctive new city car. And with its proportionally large, 2,000mm wheelbase, Toyota iQ has a compact yet muscular stance that is like no other car.
Toyota iQ's design represents the essence of Toyota's J-factor heritage, which embraces the finest elements of Japanese aesthetics, such as miniaturisation and modernism. Most importantly it brings contradictory elements into harmony, such as "small yet spacious" or "hi-tech yet human".

6  Innovations Produce a Breakthrough in Vehicle Packaging
Toyota iQ's remarkable interior volume is down to its comparatively long 2,000mm wheelbase and short overhangs - 530mm at the front and 455mm at the rear. Interior length from the rear end of the instrument panel to the hip point of the rear seats is an impressive 1,238mm. To achieve this breakthrough, six space-saving engineering innovations were developed.
Integrating the front-mounted differential in a conventional transmission layout allowed Toyota iQ to be built with an ultra-short front overhang. This reduced overall length while at the same time increasing the length of the passenger compartment. Ingeniously this not only reduces the amount of space required for the engine compartment, it also allows the large diameter front wheels to be positioned at the far corners of the vehicle.

The traditionally fuel tanks are located underneath a car's rear seats. By making the tank flat, reducing it to just 120mm in height and solving the problems of rapidly changing fuel surface levels that such a design would normally create, the tank could be relocated under the floor. Toyota iQ's fuel tank has a 32-litre capacity, giving an ample driving range. Angling the rear shock absorbers backwards allows interior rear space to be increased.
The slimness of the seatbacks frees up an extra 40mm of rear passenger room at knee height. The seats weigh up to 30 per cent less than conventional ones, contributing to overall fuel efficiency and low emissions. Using extruded pipe materials rather than high tensile sheet steel ensures the structure is rigid. The slimmer designs, with integrated headrests, save space without sacrificing comfort or safety.

Reducing the size of the heater and air conditioning unit by 20 per cent compared to the Toyota Yaris allowed the engineers to make significant space savings without compromising performance. This means the blower unit, usually found in front of the front passenger, could be integrated with the main ventilation unit in a central position. This innovation allowed the front passenger area to be moved forward, freeing up cabin space and increasing leg room.

Toyota FT-EV Concept, 2009

Toyota FT-EV Concept, 2009

 

The Toyota FT-EV concept shares its platform with the revolutionary-new Toyota iQ urban commuter vehicle. Already a huge hit in Japan, the iQ is lightweight and seats four passengers in comfort and security, while delivering exceptional mileage, sporty performance, unique refinements and a fun, youthful image.

Toyota FT-EV concept imagines an urban dweller, driving up to 50 miles between home, work and other forms of public transportation, such as high-speed rail. Although, for now, the Toyota FT-EV remains a pure concept, it represents a natural pairing of product strategies.
Though BEVs and new smaller vehicles like the iQ will be a key component of Toyota's sustainable mobility strategy, the conventional gas-electric hybrid, like the all new third-generation Prius, is considered Toyota's long-term core powertrain technology.

The first-generation lithium-ion batteries powering these PHVs will be built on an assembly line at Toyota's PEVE (Panasonic EV Energy Company, LTD) battery plant, a joint-venture production facility in which Toyota owns 60 percent equity. During its development, the new Prius was designed and engineered to package either the lithium-ion battery pack with plug-in capability, or the nickel-metal hydride battery for the conventional gas-electric system.