Saturday, April 2, 2011

Lincoln MKT Concept, 2008

Lincoln MKT Concept, 2008

 
 

Lincoln pulls the wraps off a new premium utility concept vehicle - unsurpassed in its balance of spaciousness, comfort and fuel efficiency - that shows customers a new way to tour in style.

The Lincoln MKT concept features a 3.5-liter V-6 EcoBoost engine with turbocharging and direct injection that produces the power and torque of a V-8 engine with the fuel efficiency of a V-6. EcoBoost - combined with advanced transmissions, electric power steering, weight reductions and aerodynamic improvements - is a key part of Ford Motor Company's vehicle sustainability strategy.

The company is introducing EcoBoost engines that will deliver up to 20 percent better fuel economy on half a million Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles annually in North America within the next five years. Ford will first introduce EcoBoost in the Lincoln MKS next year. The luxury sedan will feature a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6, delivering an estimated 340-horsepower and more than 340 lb.-ft. of torque on regular gas.

Premium Efficiency
The Lincoln MKT concept features an EcoBoost engine that's flex-fuel capable, providing the driver with the flexibility to switch back and forth between premium gasoline and E85 ethanol-gas blend. Burning these high-octane fuels, the MKT concept's V-6 engine delivers 415 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque - an impressive 118 horsepower per liter.

The concept's engine is mated to a six-speed transmission for greater fuel efficiency. Fuel efficiency also is helped by weight-saving, eco-friendly "upcycled" materials from SABIC Innovative Plastics.

Two upcycled plastic materials, Valox iQ and Xenoy iQ, were used in making the Lincoln MKT body panels, energy absorbers, wire bundles andglazing. The resins are made from discarded soft-drink bottles and other polyester waste, keeping them out of landfills, reducing energy consumption and shrinking the vehicle's overall carbon footprint.
Some applications of the resin help the vehicle resist heat and chemicals and also improve overall noise and vibration.

Spacious Elegance
Drivers and passengers alike will appreciate the Lincoln MKT concept's spaciousness - right down to the seats that mirror those found in first-class aircraft cabins. Four executive-sized chairs offer comfort and unprecedented leg room. As an added pleasure, second-row heated and cooled thigh supports deploy from under the seats, while footrests deploy rearward from the front seats, allowing passengers to fully recline.
The vehicle's symmetrical interior design divides the cabin thoughtfully, providing all four passengers equal access to the vehicle's appointments.

Through the use of soothing tone-on-colors, eco-friendly materials, ambient lighting and flexible storage, the MKT concept offers customers a unique combination of serenity and connectivity.
Environmentally friendly details include the plush, hand-knotted rug made from banana silk that covers the floor and complements the contrasting Creamy Pearl chromium-free leather seats.

Elsewhere in the interior, chrome accents - including a one-piece sculpted door handle featuring a baroque-influenced graphic - mirror the elegant lines on the concept's exterior.
For the center stack, designers invented and patented a solid-state lighting technology that allows them to project onto a contoured surface in 3-D. Until now, all projection was limited to flat surfaces with square or rectangular boundaries like a flat-screen television.

This new technology allowed designers to use non-traditional shapes and spaces for information displays as well as unique storage spaces in the center stack.

The expansive instrument panel and twin-level center console, finished in a reconstituted oak veneer, houses an assortment of technologies, including an instrument cluster inspired by Swarovski crystals. It uses Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) strategically positioned so light appears to emanate from the center of three circular dials and radiate to the outer edge of the dials.

The MKT concept's center console, which runs the entire length of the vehicle to create a feeling of continuity between the upper and lower portion of the cabin, contains individual air vents, audio and climate controls, and personal storage.

In addition, a flat screen deploys from a floating overhead console which also hides two small cameras, each aimed at one of rear seats to provide on-screen "conference calling."

In the rear cargo area, a smart space behind the second-row seats provides additional storage. Designers also included a power lift system that raises and lowers a series of rails behind the rear seats to allow flat-load or compartmentalized storage.

Lincoln's timeless design on a whole new package
The Lincoln MKT concept features Lincoln's signature double-wing chrome grille, encapsulating LED headlamps that wrap around into the sculptured hood, lending the luxury utility a powerful presence.

Its elegant body side chamfer runs along the shoulder, with dynamic haunches over the rear wheel arches. Inset into each front fender and traveling through the door panels are chrome Lincoln stars with spears that add visual length to the car. Meanwhile, winged, curb-clearing doors give the car a dramatic sense of direction, agility and forward movement.
A substantial C-pillar creates an aura of privacy for the rear occupants. Like limousines, the MKT cuts an interesting profile - long, low and comfortably wide. The signature roofline runs the entire length of the greenhouse and remains uninterrupted. The roof itself is glass, allowing in natural light.

The classic look provides massive storage capacity, crucial for any trip.
From the rear, the concept is instantly recognizable as a Lincoln, thanks to full-width LED taillamps stretching from side to side.
The exterior is bathed in a rich Liquid Bronze Metallic paint that compliments the chrome brightwork. The intricate 21-inch, 14-spoke interlocking chrome aluminum wheels have body color accents.

Specifications
    * Powertrain
          o Engine: 3.5-liter V-6 EcoBoost
          o Horsepower: 415 hp @ 5,750 RPM
          o Torque: 400 lb.-ft. from 2,000 to 5,000 RPM
          o Transmission: 6-speed select-shift AWD
    * Chassis
          o Length: 208.4 in
          o Wheelbase: 120.7 in
          o Width: 78.7 in
          o Height: 63.9 in
    * Track Width
          o Front: 67.1 in
          o Rear: 67.0 in
    * Suspension: Independent Rear Suspension
    * Headroom:
          o Front: 41.5 in
          o Second Row: 39.4 in
    * Legroom
          o Front: 42.0 in
          o Second Row: 44.0 in
    * Tire size: 285/35/ZR2

Friday, April 1, 2011

Ford C-MAX, 2011

Ford C-MAX, 2011

 

For the first time, Ford's MAV customers will have the choice of a 5-seat Ford C-MAX or the new 7-seat Ford Grand C-MAX, which features twin sliding doors and innovative seat design to provide outstanding space and flexibility.

The all-new Ford C-MAX range introduces a number of advanced new technologies to the compact MAV class focused on enhanced comfort, safety and sustainability, including the availability of new and powerful yet highly fuel-efficient low-CO2 Ford EcoBoost petrol engines.

The new Ford C-MAX models are also the first products to be launched from Ford's new, global C-segment vehicle platform, and are previewed at Frankfurt in pre-production form prior to their European sales launch in late 2010.
Additionally, Ford is confirming that the Ford Grand C-MAX model will also be introduced in North America in late 2011, joining the new Ford Fiesta, the Transit Connect commercial van and the next-generation Ford Focus as one of six European-designed models promised by the company under its 'One Ford' strategy.

Expressive, Dynamic Design
The new Ford C-MAX range demonstrates that compact MAVs can be stylish and desirable while still delivering outstanding space and functionality.

Bold exterior and interior designs have been created using the latest evolution of Ford's 'kinetic design' form language, building on the themes established in recent product introductions like the hugely successful Fiesta, Kuga and Mondeo ranges.

Striking 'kinetic design' elements applied to the new models include the dynamic rising belt-line, full sculptured surfaces, bold wheel lips, strong athletic shoulders supported by a prominent undercut line, and the distinctive kick-up of the window graphic at the C-pillar.
The front end design features Ford's signature trapezoidal lower grille - with a special 'piano black' finish on the Frankfurt Show vehicles - together with the eye-catching new headlamp treatment previewed by the iosis MAX concept.
 
Two Distinct Characters
The Ford C-MAX and Ford Grand C-MAX have been deliberately designed with two distinct characters, reflecting the differing priorities of the typical customers for each model.

The 5-seat Ford C-MAX departs from usual MAV thinking by adopting a sportier feel with a stylish passenger-car look. It features a coupé-like, sweeping roofline which falls off to the rear, yet still retains the traditional Ford C-MAX virtues of roominess and practicality.

Its window graphic follows the bold form of the Fiesta and Kuga, with a strong kick-up after the C-pillar. At the rear, the tailgate design has echoes of the larger S-MAX, with its sportier treatment of the rear window.

Equally dynamic in character, the 7-seat Ford Grand C-MAX presents a more functional appearance which highlights the extra space and versatility provided by the car. With a longer wheelbase, the 7-seat model features a higher roofline and thinner pillars which emphasise the generous room and visibility on offer within the cabin.

The twin sliding doors are neatly integrated, with the rail cleverly concealed by the undercut line on the shoulder of the vehicle. The large tailgate design ensures a low loading height, while the stylish intersection between the tail lamps and rear glass gives a family resemblance to the Galaxy, Ford's largest people mover.

Stylish and Modern Interior
The new Ford C-MAX interior applies the same 'kinetic design' philosophy used to shape the body, ensuring that the dynamic and modern character of the exterior is reflected in the style of the cabin.
The main design themes are an evolution of those developed for the latest Fiesta, with muscular, expressive shapes and very bold graphics which are inspired by the stunning forms seen on the iosis MAX concept car.

Key design features include the taut, wing-like section of the upper instrument panel (IP), which reaches out to the sides of the interior. A dramatic 'bull horn' shape sweeps down from the lower IP, emphasising the smooth flow from the IP into the centre console.

The cockpit - which is common to both Ford C-MAX models - provides a commanding, raised driving position with high mounted gearshift and centre console.
The central control area builds on the much acclaimed layout in the new Fiesta, with lower series models using the same ergonomic control design, while high series vehicles use next generation Sony head units with a gloss black finish.

Ingenious 7-seat Layout
The new 7-seat Ford Grand C-MAX provides spacious accommodation for up to seven passengers within compact exterior dimensions, with the extra convenience offered by sliding rear doors on both sides of the car - ideal for parents helping young children in child seats, or for easy access in narrow parking bays.

To maximise the versatility of the 7-seat layout, Ford engineers have developed an ingenious new seat folding mechanism for the three second-row seats. This mechanism allows the centre seat to fold quickly and easily under one of the two outboard seats, creating a handy walk-through space between them.

This allows passengers to access the third row without having to disturb the two outer seats, which is particularly helpful when those positions are occupied by child seats or booster cushions. Owners thus have the option of using the convenient 2+2+2 seating layout, or switching to a full seven-seater when required.

The second- and third-row seats have been cleverly engineered so that they can be folded to create a flat load floor, irrespective of how many seats remain in use. All of the folding mechanisms are designed so that they require just one hand to operate.

The 5-seat Ford C-MAX retains the popular seating arrangement from the current model with three individual 40/20/40 folding seats, and the option of the Comfort system which allows the outer seats to slide diagonally backwards and inwards to create a luxurious 2+2 layout.

Sustainable Performance
The Ford C-MAX range introduces a number of advanced new vehicle and powertrain technologies to the compact MAV class to enhance comfort, safety and sustainability.
In addition to upgraded versions of Ford's highly acclaimed TDCi diesel engines, the new Ford C-MAX line-up will also feature a choice of petrol engines, including the first application of Ford's all-new 1.6-litre 4-cylinder Ford EcoBoost engine, to be built at the company's Bridgend plant in Wales.

Ford's new global family of EcoBoost 4-cylinder engines have been developed by Ford powertrain engineers based in Europe and are being progressively introduced to the European product range starting in 2010. EcoBoost combines turbocharging and direct injection technology to deliver fuel consumption and CO2 emissions reduced by up to 20 per cent compared to conventional larger displacement petrol engines with a similar power output.
Ford EcoBoost technology will be more affordable than equivalent hybrid or diesel engine designs, and builds on existing petrol engine knowledge to provide customers with a way to improve fuel economy and emissions significantly without compromising driving performance.

C-MAX Technologies
Among the new technologies being introduced to Ford of Europe in the Ford C-MAX range are a host of features which will improve practicality and safety for family users. These innovations include semi-automatic parallel parking, blind spot detection, seat belt warning lights for rear seat passengers, power activated child locks and power operation for the rear tailgate.

New Generation of Global Ford C Cars
The Ford C-MAX is the first of a new generation of global C cars scheduled for introduction by Ford over the next several years. This series of exciting new models will include the launch globally of the all-new, next generation model of the best-selling Ford Focus from the end of 2010.

The new C car family is the result of an unprecedented global development programme, and is loaded with an impressive array of advanced vehicle technologies which will enhance safety, convenience, comfort, and driver satisfaction. Up to 2 million vehicles per year based on this platform will be sold by Ford around the world when all of the different individual models are launched.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

MG Zero Concept, 2010

MG Zero Concept, 2010




MG Zero Concept, 2010


MG TF, 2010

MG TF, 2010

 
 
 In the summer of 2009, two new MGs were being launched to join the highly successful MG TF LE500; the affordable MG TF 135 and a unique new MG that is being produced to mark the 85th Anniversary of the brand, the MG TF 85th Anniversary.

New Entry Level MG TF 135
The greatly anticipated MG TF 135 will be launched shortly and is sure to appeal to motorists who want sports car fun at a highly competitive price. Good levels of trim and equipment including a Clarion ICE system, combine with a price tag that will broaden its appeal and bring it within the budget of many more people. The TF 135 will hit showrooms shortly, offering all the fun and appeal of a convertible sports car at a highly affordable £13,511 OTR.

Unique Anniversary Car
A unique MG TF is being launched to mark the 85th Anniversary of the MG brand. The MGTF 85th Anniversary will be a great looking car with fantastic handling.
The cabin is stunning as the specialist graphics continue with monogrammed sill finishers and gear knob which complement new stylish Aubergine leather trim and a high quality ICE system.

Apart from the stunning look, the new TF 85th Anniversary model also benefits from a ride and handling package that's tuned to make this car unique to drive. Bilstein suspension, Eibach anti roll system, lower ride height, an all new anti torsion pack and a modified wheel set up on Rimstock 'Twisted Pepper' style wheels give the 85th Anniversary edition a grown up feel and very precise handling at high speeds.

The New MG Family
With the fully loaded and highly specified MG TF LE500, the extremely affordable MG TF 135 and the tightly handling MG 85th Anniversary, MG now offers a family of cars that give existing owners looking for something new, as well as prospective customers who just want to enjoy British mid engined, top down sports car driving, some real choices.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

MG TF LE500, 2008

MG TF LE500, 2008

 

The MG TF LE500, a profoundly re-engineered version of the last TF to be produced in the Midlands in 2005, boasts a host of improvements that have bought the new car up to date and equipped the new MG to regain its long held position as the best selling sports car in Britain.

With numerous technical and cosmetic innovations the MG TF LE500 comes with a new N series engine, a new interior, revamped exterior styling and updated suspension, and braking systems. Whilst maintaining the fundamental look and feel of the immensely popular TF, the LE500 has been completely re-engineered, with the assistance of the company's research, design and development department in Leamington Spa.

Building on the strengths of MG's 84 year pedigree and the popularity of the TF, the MG TF LE500 has already gained plaudits for its superior build quality, specification and finish. It is the specification of the new car that will set it apart from its rivals, as the LE package includes many of the optional extras available on former generations with a number of contemporary additions.

Exterior Styling
As you approach the car, the difference in styling is immediately obvious with a new look for the grille and bumper. The reshaping is designed to be more sympathetic to the overall look of the TF with more finesse and shape than its predecessor.

The MG TF LE500 comes in a range of six new colours with a body colour matched hard top as standard. The hard top benefits from a glass rear window which means winter motoring is much more comfortable, whilst maintaining the flexibility of enjoying the soft top in summer.

Interior
As you sit in the car the environment exudes quality. The piano black trim, leather upholstery and chrome detail give the cabin a retro feel. MG has worked hard to maintain levels of comfort and finish that will make the new MG appeal to the widest spectrum of drivers.

As you recline in the leather sports seats the wheel and controls sit easily at hand and the redesigned instruments add to the overall feel that you are sitting in an authentic British Sports car. The previously analogue instrument pack has been replaced with an electronic control pack, giving the car more functionality and a great look.
Between the seats is the unique 500 LE badging, a detail that completes a highly specified, exclusive but most of all fundamentally MG interior.

New N Series Engine
The only mid-engined sports car in its class, the LE 500 is engineered to deliver a thoroughbred British sports car driving experience. So it comes equipped with a new Variable Valve Control N series engine. This EU4 compliant 1.8 litre 135 ps power pack will push the MG LE500 from 0-60 in 8.3 seconds and give it a top speed of 127mph//205km/h.

The N series engine has a newly designed multi layered steel cylinder head gasket and an upgraded oil rail, that allows an increase in the clamping load, and an enhanced cooling system; all improvements that result in a much more robust engine.

Steering, Suspension & Brakes
The MG TF LE500 inherits the upgraded suspension of the most recent TF but benefits from a modified steering geometry, a new coil spring and damper suspension and a multi link rear axle to give the new car improved white lining and bump steer resulting in a more assured ride.

Up-graded brakes house a four pot system with vented discs that stop the car much faster, complementing the new suspension set up and emphasising the sports car handling and feel.

Handling and Feel
The re-engineering of the key driving components of the new MG TF LE500 delivers a mid-engined sports car that is the epitome of the marque's legendary passion for fun as well as a rewarding road driving experience. The handling of the car offers levels of driver involvement that not only connect you with the road but that make the new car a practical and suitable choice for year round driving. This mix is specifically aimed at customers looking to get back some of the exhilaration that has been lost from this class of affordable sports car.

Highly specified for better value
The specification of this car is a final element that will make it appeal to the value conscious consumer it is designed to woo. To select a few elements from the long list you will find; Pioneer audio setup with MP3, twin airbags, air conditioning, passive engine immobilisation with a perimetric alarm, rear parking sensors ABS brakes and speed sensitive power assisted steering.