Infiniti FX Limited Edition, 2010

Infiniti FX Limited Edition, 2010

 

 The Infiniti FX Line of performance crossovers might already be one of the rarest and best equipped cars in its class but this has not stopped customers demanding an even more exclusive version. Infiniti is responding with a very special, limited run of the FX37S and FX50S called, simply, the Infiniti FX Limited Edition.

The Infiniti FX Limited Edition will be rare indeed. Availability has been strictly limited to just 100 units across Western Europe. Based on the already dramatic looking FX37S and FX50S, the Limited Edition features striking Black Obsidian 'Scratch Guard' paintwork as standard, with equally distinctive Moonlight White pearl metallic available as an option. Unique 21 inch 'Turbine' design alloy wheels are finished in dark Graphite, as are the radiator grille, air vents and roof rails.

Exterior styling
With its breathtaking combination of sports car proportions and muscular SUV stance, the FX is an unmistakable performance luxury crossover. The Infiniti FX Limited Edition accentuates these unique design qualities with a choice of standard Black Obsidian 'Scratch Guard' paint or optional Moonlight White pearl metallic, together with dark smoked headlight surrounds that give the Infiniti FX Limited Edition a more distinctive 'face'.

Further drama comes courtesy of the Infiniti FX Limited Edition's 'Turbine' design alloys wheels, so called because the spokes of the wheels are shaped in such a way as aid the flow of cooling air to the sports brakes. Uniquely finished in dark graphite grey - together with the distinctive 'double-wave' radiator grille, air vents and roof rails - they are fitted with 265/45 R21W tyres and fill the wheel arches to perfection.

Interior environment
The Infiniti philosophy of Modern Luxury is exemplified in the Infiniti FX Limited Edition's stylish and comprehensively appointed interior. From the supple Graphite leather upholstery complete with quilted stitching, to the opulent Alcantara trimmed headlining and roof pillars and wool carpets, only the finest natural materials are used. Illuminated 'Infiniti' door entry guards are also unique to the Infiniti FX Limited Edition.

The extensive use of genuine carbon fibre across the dashboard, centre console and door panels provides an appropriately high-tech contrast to the soft-touch natural materials and provides a fitting backdrop to the Infiniti FX Limited Edition's standard Connectiviti+ infotainment system. Employing the very latest Hard Disk Drive (HDD) technology it features a fully integrated satellite navigation system with 42-country, Europewide coverage and, in a world-first collaboration with Michelin Green Guide, a database of some 22,000 addresses, which enables the location and booking of leading hotels and restaurants while on the move.

The Connectiviti+ multi-media system also includes a powerful 11-speaker Bose Premium Sound System, a 10GB direct record Music Box that can store up to 300 albums' worth of your favourite music, plus a DVD player, USB port for MP3 players and Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone connectivity.

Additional standard equipment includes electrically adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats, an electric sunroof, Infiniti's keyless entry and start system, and magnesium paddle shifts that work in conjunction with the seven-speed automatic gearbox. Also included is startling performance that sees the V8 powered Limited Edition speeding to 62mph in just 5.8 seconds with the V6 version only a second behind. Traction in all weathers is assured by intelligently controlled, all-wheel drive.

Infiniti FX technical highlights
    * Fusion of sports car and SUV
    * Choice of 320PS 3.7-litre V6 or potent 390PS 5.0-litre V8
    * Standard seven-speed automatic transmission with paddle shift
    * Intelligent All-Wheel Drive
    * Suspension with active Continuous Damping Control (CDC)
    * Class leading handling
    * Standard Rear Active Steer (RAS) on V8-engined model
    * Lightest SUV in its class
    * Advanced features including Around View Monitor
    * EuroNCAP 5 star safety rating

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Italdesign Emas Country Concept, 2010

Italdesign Emas Country Concept, 2010

  

The Emas Country interpretation portrays the Emas as an urban SUV, keeping to the length of 3550 mm but switching to a three-door architecture.
Access to the car is still easy due to generous doors measuring no less than 1350 mm in length and the ergonomic and rational position of the rear seats, that are set 120 mm further forward than in the five-door version.

In particular, the amount of passenger room rises from 4 to 5 seats by replacing the two independent rear seats with a sliding three-seater bench seat. This means that the amount of foot room for passengers in the rear can be adjusted according to requirements.

The bench seat can also be folded completely flat to increase the load volume: this boosts the luggage space from 390 to approximately 780 litres.
A few telling touches create a distinctive off-road exterior look: wheel arches, side-sill perimeter base, bumpers toughened by radial ribbing and the lower part of the tailgate are highlighted by a bronze metallic finish. The roof features a rollbar/roof-rack.

The front-end differs from the urban, five-door version due to its more aggressive look: the Proton shield is now fitted at the top of a grille surmounting a large longitudinal air intake. The two fog lights are round and sunk into the body.
The lower part of the front and rear bumpers and the side-sills are toughened by metal inserts.

A glance at the interiors
The first aspect that strikes you, even before you discover the car interiors, is the door handle: an ergonomic design that incorporates a set of secondary controls that vary from place to place.

The driver can use the handle grip to control all four power windows, door locking and unlocking, the courtesy lights, side mirror adjustment and electrical lowering of the rear head restraint to improve visibility while reversing.
The front passenger can also adjust the hi-fi system as well as his or her own window. The rear passengers can also adjust their seats from the handle grip.

Two TFT panels dominate the dashboard. They are housed side by side in the centre of the dashboard, at a concave angle.

The right-hand monitor shows the speedometer and the main car operating indicators in addition to hybrid system energy flows.
The left-hand monitor shows secondary information such as screens for the hi-fi system, telephone and internet access browser plus personalised car set-up parameters.

A third display, located beneath the central console, is a touch screen that controls all the car's main and secondary functions. The right part of this TFT screen permanently displays the climate system temperature and air flows.

The lower part of the central console, housing the ignition button and gear selector, extends towards the tunnel and can be folded down. When parking in a tight spot, forcing the driver or front passenger to leave the car from the opposite side, this central element can be lowered and the seat moved back so that they can get out on the other side without hindrance.

The central console also houses two USB ports to connect digital music players and mobile phones, plus an SD card slot for satellite navigation maps.
The central part houses a dock specially designed for the Apple iPhone. This dock is interchangeable and can house other phone and smartphone models. It can recharge the phones and connect them automatically to the car without the need to use other coupling systems.

Powered by Lotus Engineering
The drive system is a series hybrid plug-in developed by Lotus Engineering, a Proton Group company. It includes a 3 cylinder 1.2 litre internal combustion engine developing 51 horsepower (38 kW) at 3500 rpm that can run on petrol, ethanol, or methanol.
The front transverse internal combustion engine is coupled to a generator and serves exclusively to recharge the 11.5 kWh capacity lithium ion batteries.

Drive is assured by an electric motor with continuous power of 45 kW and 75 kW peak power.
The high maximum torque, 240 Nm, does not require the use of a gearbox.
Acceleration 0-100 km/h takes place in 14 seconds, top speed is 170 km/h and battery range in the hybrid configuration is 50 km. Full recharging of the battery pack takes three hours using a traditional 240-volt outlet.

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Italdesign Emas Concept, 2010

Italdesign Emas Concept, 2010

 

 

The forerunner of the Emas family is a five door hatchback with the emphasis on Comfort, because the rear seats are the same as the front seats to create four business class seats within just 3550 mm of total length.

The front-end features the Proton Shield housed in a longitudinal slot below the bonnet. This also incorporates the light clusters and is enhanced by two distinctive diamond-shaped fog lights. The engine cooling air intake, located between the fog lights, is concealed within a dark grey trapezoid motif. Its size varies according to the type of engine installed, without altering the look of the front-end.

The side is dominated by a belt line that drops down decisively toward the windscreen pillar to increase side visibility during parking manoeuvres. The side is enlivened by a sculpted shape, enhanced by a rib that runs from the front wheel arch then swoops up toward the rear.

The large wheel arches are perhaps the most distinctive and substantial aspect of the car body; the wheelbase is generous: 2590 mm for a total length of 3550 mm. The wheels are therefore located at the end of the Emas: this gives the impression of a car much bigger than it actually is.

The B pillar is painted black to create the sensation of visual continuity with the side windows, while the C pillar features a motif based on an "E", the initial letter of Emas.

Oceans of glass allow plenty of light into the interior. Only the lower part of the side windows - the part you actually need to open to pay tolls or car parks - is mobile in order to keep the window opening system simpler and lighter.

The windscreen extends along three quarters of the roof to create a sky-dome effect that dominates the view from above. Protective sun blinds are housed in the central crossmember and extend longitudinally toward both the front and rear seats.

The rear view is dominated by a generous rear window incorporating all the tail-lights, which are entirely based on LED technology. These are located beneath the glass and are invisible when the car is turned off. A subtle lip joins both light clusters and surrounds the reversing lights and direction indicators. When the tailgate is open, the lights are replicated by two supplementary tail-lights located in the lower part of the bumpers on either side of the rear air intake.

A glance at the interiors
The first aspect that strikes you, even before you discover the car interiors, is the door handle: an ergonomic design that incorporates a set of secondary controls that vary from place to place.

The driver can use the handle grip to control all four power windows, door locking and unlocking, the courtesy lights, side mirror adjustment and electrical lowering of the rear head restraint to improve visibility while reversing.

The front passenger can also adjust the hi-fi system as well as his or her own window. The rear passengers can also adjust their seats from the handle grip.

Two TFT panels dominate the dashboard. They are housed side by side in the centre of the dashboard, at a concave angle.
The right-hand monitor shows the speedometer and the main car operating indicators in addition to hybrid system energy flows.
The left-hand monitor shows secondary information such as screens for the hi-fi system, telephone and internet access browser plus personalised car set-up parameters.

A third display, located beneath the central console, is a touch screen that controls all the car's main and secondary functions. The right part of this TFT screen permanently displays the climate system temperature and air flows.

The lower part of the central console, housing the ignition button and gear selector, extends towards the tunnel and can be folded down. When parking in a tight spot, forcing the driver or front passenger to leave the car from the opposite side, this central element can be lowered and the seat moved back so that they can get out on the other side without hindrance.

The central console also houses two USB ports to connect digital music players and mobile phones, plus an SD card slot for satellite navigation maps.
The central part houses a dock specially designed for the Apple iPhone. This dock is interchangeable and can house other phone and smartphone models. It can recharge the phones and connect them automatically to the car without the need to use other coupling systems.

Powered by Lotus Engineering
The drive system is a series hybrid plug-in developed by Lotus Engineering, a Proton Group company. It includes a 3 cylinder 1.2 litre internal combustion engine developing 51 horsepower (38 kW) at 3500 rpm that can run on petrol, ethanol, or methanol.
The front transverse internal combustion engine is coupled to a generator and serves exclusively to recharge the 11.5 kWh capacity lithium ion batteries.

Drive is assured by an electric motor with continuous power of 45 kW and 75 kW peak power.
The high maximum torque, 240 Nm, does not require the use of a gearbox.
Acceleration 0-100 km/h takes place in 14 seconds, top speed is 170 km/h and battery range in the hybrid configuration is 50 km. Full recharging of the battery pack takes three hours using a traditional 240-volt outlet.

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Land Rover Discovery 4, 2010

Land Rover Discovery 4, 2010

 

 

The new, fourth generation of Land Rover's supremely versatile seven-seat vehicle gains a new name - Land Rover Discovery 4 - to go with its powerful and highly efficient new TDV6 diesel engine, fresh exterior identity and more premium cabin. The class-leading breadth of capability is extended even further with dynamic improvements for both road and off-road driving, and Land Rover has added a battery of user-friendly new technologies and features.

The power and torque are both accessible across the entire rev range, to deliver immediate throttle response and effortless cruising ability. The results include a 0-60mph time of 9.0 seconds, (0-100 km/h in 9.6 seconds), a 24 percent improvement over the 2.7-litre.
Land Rover's engineers have also transformed the on-road ride and handling for the new generation Land Rover Discovery 4, and even improved on the near-legendary off-road capabilities of its predecessor. The comprehensive changes include new suspension components, revised steering, larger brakes, improved traction control, and enhancements to the award winning Terrain ResponseTM system, which helps optimise the vehicle for virtually all on-road or off-road driving situations.

e-Terrain technologies boost economy and lower CO2 emissions
The new Discovery is packed with features aimed at reducing fuel consumption and reducing CO2 emissions. The new LR-TDV6 3.0 Sequential Turbo Diesel engine was designed from the outset to deliver class-leading fuel economy and improved low-end torque.

The parallel sequential turbocharging system of the 3.0-litre diesel makes use of its larger, primary turbo most of the time. The smaller secondary turbo remains dormant when higher power is not required, reducing pumping losses and consequently, fuel consumption. A highly efficient, third generation common rail injection system with piezo injectors and fuel metering, also makes a substantial contribution to fuel economy.

The new engine has been also been optimised for low-end torque as well as economy, making it possible to activate the lock-up clutch of the ZF HP-28 automatic transmission at lower speed. This reduces 'slip' in the hydraulic torque converter improving both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The higher torque at lower rpm also enables longer gearing for more economical cruising.

The Discovery incorporates several other energy saving features too. At standstill, the idle speed of the V6 has been reduced from 750rpm to 710rpm, giving a fuel saving without compromising refinement. An Intelligent Power Management System includes Smart Regenerative Charging, so whenever possible the alternator charges the battery when it is most economical to do so, such as when the car is coasting rather than accelerating.

Aerodynamic changes to the front end, with the revised front lower chin spoiler and new front wheel deflectors, help to reduce drag by increasing underfloor airflow.

The new air conditioning pump is driven through a clutch which disengages when the air conditioning is not in use reducing parasitic losses and delivering improvements in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

At the heart of the improvements introduced with Land Rover Discovery 4 is an exceptional and highly efficient new diesel engine. The LR-TDV6 3.0 sequential turbodiesel is based on the existing LR-TDV6 2.7-litre engine, but radically redesigned to deliver substantially higher performance, lower emissions and better fuel economy.

The 2.7-litre has won many admirers as one of the most refined diesels ever made. The new, twin turbocharger LR-TDV6 3.0 boasts substantial increases in both power - up 29 percent to 245PS - and torque, up 36 percent to 600Nm. The ability to deliver maximum torque at just 2,000rpm, combined with unparalleled throttle response, substantially enhances the Discovery's already acclaimed ability both on and off-road.

The new 3.0-litre diesel can significantly out perform its rivals by delivering 500Nm in only 500 milliseconds from idle. From the driver's perspective this means instantaneous access to 83 percent of maximum torque.

But despite this extra performance, engine emissions are dramatically reduced. When fitted with DPF, the new LR-TDV6 3.0 meets EU5 emissions requirements (not due to come into force until 2011) and with a CO2 figure of 244g/km, it undercuts the existing 2.7-litre automatic by ten percent. Fuel economy is also improved by 9 percent, delivering 30.4mpg (9.3 l/100km) on the EU Combined cycle.

The new 3.0-litre engine has been developed by a joint Jaguar Land Rover team, with base characteristics designed from the outset with the requirements of both brands in mind. High levels of torque and fast response from low revs perfectly suits both Jaguar and Land Rover DNA. The Jaguar version, the AJ-V6D Gen III S, was recently launched in the new Jaguar XF.

The LR-TDV6 engine has a deeper sump than its Jaguar sibling, to ensure the efficiency of the lubrication system is not compromised when venturing off-road. The oil scavenge system of the turbochargers has been enhanced for a similar reason, ensuring no oil collects in the turbochargers at extreme angles in off-road conditions.

For the Land Rover version, belt drives are waterproofed, as are the alternator, air conditioning compressor, power steering pump and starter motor. The engine is also tuned specifically to allow for the greater demands made on the Land Rover Discovery 4, particularly for towing and all-terrain driving.

Twin-turbos - immensely efficient, highly responsive
A key feature of the new LR-TDV6 3.0 is the unique, parallel sequential turbocharger system, the first of its type to be fitted to a V-engine anywhere in the world. Delivering high torque throughout the entire engine-rev range, improved throttle response and low CO2 emissions, the twin-turbochargers work sequentially to provide unrivalled response and best-in-class torque at low engine speeds, while also packing a huge punch at higher speeds.

Driving a turbocharger requires pressure from the exhaust, creating pumping losses in the engine and increasing fuel consumption. Under the control of the engine management system, valves isolate the secondary turbocharger both from the exhaust stream and the engine inlet tract when it is not required. A balance pipe connecting the two manifolds allows the gas from both manifolds to feed through the primary turbocharger.

The new 3.0-litre diesel can significantly out perform its rivals by delivering 500Nm in only 500 milliseconds from idle, unlike many diesels which can suffer turbo-lag at very low revs. From the driver's perspective this means instantaneous access to 84 percent of maximum torque.

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Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4 e, 2009

Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4 e, 2009

 

 

The new Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e is Land Rover's most fuel-efficient vehicle to date. Featuring a new intelligent Stop/Start system, it is the first production vehicle to incorporate technologies from the company's programme of sustainable engineering initiatives, collectively named 'e_TERRAIN TECHNOLOGIES'.

On the standard EU4 cycle, the CO2 emissions of the Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e are reduced by 8 per cent, compared with the outgoing manual diesel Land Rover Freelander 2. Moreover, in additional tests, Land Rover engineers have measured fuel savings approaching 20 per cent in heavy urban traffic.

The 8 per cent improvement equates to a CO2 emissions reduction of 15 g/km compared with the standard Freelander 2 TD4 manual (from 194 g/km to 179 g/km). In terms of fuel efficiency, consumption is reduced from 7.5 l/100 km to 6.8 l/100 km, a saving of 0.7 litres of fuel every 100 km (62 miles).

These gains, coupled with the added benefits of the gearshift indicator light, software developments and efficiencies from low-rolling-resistance tyres, make the Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e the most fuel-efficient production Land Rover ever built.
 

Added fuel economy benefits
Along with the intelligent Stop/Start system, the Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e includes a series of additional enhancements that help to deliver fuel economy and CO2 benefits.

A new gearshift indicator light in the instrument pack advises the driver when to change gear if a higher gear will allow the vehicle to operate more fuel-efficiently. This is calculated by the Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e's fully mapped engine.

Software developments to the driveline systems on the Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e generate CO2 benefits without reducing Land Rover's renowned capability.

Refined Stop/Start operation
Land Rover engineers have invested considerable effort in safeguarding levels of engine refinement. To reduce the engine shake associated with some diesel engines when stopping, the Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e features controlled throttle closing and ramps down fuel in a smooth fashion, while the alternator is also turned off during the shut-down procedure, reducing load on the engine. A software feature change and revised engine calibration further aid smooth shut-off, while engine shake on start-up is reduced by the Freelander 2's optimised engine-mounting strategy and inherent tuning.

Uncompromised durability
The increased frequency of stop-start cycles over the lifetime of the Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e will lead to increased use of the vehicle's affected components, so enhanced durability of these components was a priority for the Freelander 2's engineering team. They developed a new heavy-duty starter motor, a new ring gear, a new dual mass flywheel friction control plate and an absorption glass mat battery. These new features ensure that the Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e delivers characteristic Land Rover all-terrain performance and that the system's operation is always rapid and reliable.

Enhanced starter motor
The more frequent stop and start activity means that demands on the starter motor are forecast to increase up to threefold during the lifetime of the Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e. To accommodate the durability demands on the vehicle's 2 kW starter motor, a number of changes have been made.

The grease seals have been enhanced significantly and new hard-wearing copper contact material has been sourced and specified across the TD4_e range to enhance wear resistance within the starter solenoid.

New ring gear
An all-new ring gear is specified for all TD4_e models to cope with the increased frequency of starts. The ring gear is attached to the engine flywheel and comes into contact with the starter motor each time the engine is started. The new ring gear is manufactured from a harder grade of steel and contains over 25 per cent more carbon to improve durability.

Dual mass flywheel friction plate
Diesel-powered Freelanders with manual gearboxes have always featured a dual mass flywheel to ensure engine refinement at start, stop and low speeds. A new Polyetheretherketone friction control plate has been developed for the Land Rover Freelander TD4_e. This is able to withstand seven times the pressure of the outgoing plate, to ensure greater levels of refinement under even greater start and stop demands.

Absorption glass mat battery
New absorption glass mat technology has been developed, which offers deeper discharge and recharge characteristics and reduces battery deterioration under much heavier usage. Fine glassfibre matting has been introduced to sit pressurised between the new absorption glass mat battery plates. This aids the battery's longevity in two ways: by allowing the electrolyte to function normally under greater pressure and by providing mechanical support for the plates, reducing battery degradation.

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Land Rover Discovery 3, 2009

Land Rover Discovery 3, 2009

 

 

The 2009 Land Rover Discovery 3 made its global debut at the 78e Salon International de l'Automobile, Geneva (March 6-16, 2008). The eye-catching exterior revisions for 2009 add fresh refinement to the acclaimed exterior design - incorporating new front and rear body colour bumpers, body coloured wheel arches and revised exterior detailing.

The pure and clean exterior design has been refined with a re-profiled front bumper, (body coloured on all models), and revised rear bumper and wheel arches, which are body coloured on higher trim levels [SE and HSE -application varies by market]. The distinctive, asymmetric two-piece tailgate now comes with body coloured tailgate lift handle and the attention to detail continues with the revised coloured side vent, door handles on higher trim levels, and clear-lens side repeaters across the range.

A new 19-inch 7-spoke wheel style and three new exterior metallic paint colours - Santorini Black, Galway Green and Bournville [black with a hint of brown] - complete the exterior changes for 2009. Interior upgrades include a new "almond" trim colour and an updated Bluetooth system.

The Land Rover Discovery 3 has earned itself a reputation as the ultimate all purpose vehicle. The latest revisions add to an already class-leading package to build on the Land Rover Discovery 3's unique position as one of the most versatile vehicles in the world - on-road refinement to rival executive saloons, flexibility to surpass people carriers and class-leading all terrain capability.

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Land Rover LRX Geneva Concept, 2008

Land Rover LRX Geneva Concept, 2008

 

A striking black and silver version of Land Rover's acclaimed LRX cross-coupe concept makes its global debut at the 78e Salon International de l'Automobile, alongside the original white LRX revealed earlier to widespread acclaim (at NAIAS, Detroit, in January).
No production plans have been confirmed yet for the LRX concept, and both versions will now be used to gauge public, dealer and media response to Land Rover's cross-coupe concept, as well as its interesting new opportunities for vehicle personalisation.

BOLD EVOLUTION
The LRX concept marks a bold evolution of Land Rover design, signalling the brand's potential shift into new areas of the market, while remaining true to its core values. As the company celebrates its 60th anniversary during 2008, the three-door LRX, with its more compact size, lighter weight and sustainability-focused technologies, clearly addresses the needs of a changing world and offers the potential of 120 g/km CO2 emissions and fuel economy of 60 mpg (4.7 l/100km) on the European combined cycle.

COMPACT AND PREMIUM
LRX is described as a cross-coupé and dramatically extends the scope of what Land Rover represents. Though 149 mm (5.9 in) shorter than the Freelander 2 / LR2 and 205 mm (8.1 in) lower, LRX is conceived as a premium car, designed to appeal to new customers in the luxury and executive sector - those who want many of the benefits of a 4x4 and the presence of a larger vehicle, but in a more compact package.

The first all-new Land Rover revealed since Gerry McGovern became the company's design director, LRX is a natural extension of the Land Rover range, complementing the existing models and helping to define a new segment. Its many recognisable Land Rover design cues include bold new interpretations of the signature clamshell bonnet, the floating roof and the solid 'wheel-at-each-corner' stance.

Its compact size is one of its greatest assets, which will appeal to anyone who wants the versatile ability of an agile 4x4 with the cachet of the Land Rover name. In addition, its lower weight and the reduced aerodynamic drag resulting from the smaller frontal area would help give significant gains in fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions.

HIGHLY EFFICIENT POWERTRAIN
The white LRX is conceived as a highly fuel-efficient 2.0-litre, turbodiesel hybrid, capable of running on bio-diesel. In combination with other Land Rover technologies, this powertrain could reduce fuel consumption by as much as 30% compared with other 4x4s of comparable size, and reduce CO2 emissions to approximately 120 g/km.

LRX's improved efficiencies are the result of advanced mechanical and electrical energy-saving elements, which are combined to achieve cumulative gains in many areas.
The concept's integrated Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD) is particularly significant in Land Rover terms as it would allow LRX to use electric drive alone at lower speeds while retaining full (even improved) 4x4 ability in tough conditions. Unlike the hybrid technology used by some 4x4 rivals, Land Rover's unique solution retains mechanical drive to all four wheels.

Off-road, the ERAD would provide additional torque only when it is needed, and with maximum electrical torque from standstill, this solution offers even better low-speed control and enhanced pull-away on difficult surfaces (such as packed snow or wet grass) or when towing.

On the road, the ERAD would allow low-speed traffic creep up to 20 mph (32 km/h) on electric power alone, with the Integrated Starter-Generator (ISG) function re-starting the engine automatically when needed. The electric drive would then continue to assist the mechanical drive until the engine is running in its most efficient range, benefiting both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The ISG would also stop the engine automatically when the vehicle halts in traffic, so the engine does not idle needlessly, and restart it quickly and smoothly as required.

The electrical drive system uses power stored in a dedicated high-voltage, high-capacity, lithium-ion battery pack, independent of the normal 12-volt battery. This is charged by a regenerative braking energy system, also working through the ERAD.

EXTENDING 'BREADTH OF CAPABILITY'
The positioning of LRX could be described as moving subtly from traditional SUV to crossover, with its more car-like appearance and dynamics that are sportier and on-road biased. But while its character is underlined by excellent agility, handling and performance, LRX also promises the widest breadth of capability in the class.

The design of LRX was developed entirely in-house by Gerry McGovern's team, driven by a passion to create a car that truly represents Land Rover's future thinking. It has a very dynamic profile, with a distinctive taper to the floating roofline and a muscular shoulder running the length of the car, accentuated by the rising beltline. The glazing wraps right around LRX, with no exposed pillars, creating a bold design graphic. The architectural structure of the upper body can be glimpsed through the windows and roof - echoing some of the best contemporary buildings.

Pushing the wheels out to the four corners helps give the car its purposeful stance, and its front-end design makes a powerful and instantly recognisable statement of Land Rover's identity. The carefully sculpted corners dramatically reduce the car's visual overhangs front and rear.

There are new interpretations of Land Rover's traditional clamshell bonnet, distinctive headlamps and perforated two-bar grille. The car has jewel-like, tapering blade indicator clusters front and rear, and the wheelarches are wide but softly integrated, housing highly polished, 20-inch alloy wheels.

The fine detailing includes additional polished aluminium in the form of side-strips, side and bonnet vents, and the exterior door releases, which are concealed in the car's shoulders. Graphic details such as these appear to be 'punched out' of the smooth body surfaces rather than overlaid on them. The 'frosted' white paint colour was especially developed for LRX and its visual depth helps to highlight the car's form.

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Kia Cadensa, 2011

Kia Cadensa, 2011

The Kia Motors Corporation has taken the wraps off its new Kia Cadenza, the production version of its VG concept car - an all-new saloon car designed to deliver refinement, safety and emotional satisfaction in an 'ideal' driving package.
A stylish luxury sedan, which is to be called 'Cadenza' in markets outside of Korea, will make its overseas premiere at motor shows in the Middle East, towards the end of the year.

The Kia Cadenza name is derived from an Italian musical term used to describe an elaborate, ornamental flourish for a concerto or aria. It perfectly symbolises the dynamic saloon's striking design philosophy and premium image.

Sporty and sleek in appearance, Kia Cadenza features a bold headlamp design with attention-grabbing LED surrounds and a purposeful, athletic character line. The prominent front grille and stylish tail-lights emphasise the car's high-tech feel and are a continuing expression of Kia's dramatic design DNA.

The inside, there is a futuristic 'floating' dashboard that highlights Kia's uniquely innovative design approach.
The welcome system turns on the exterior puddle and interior lights to 'greet' the driver, while the interior mood lighting strip, which runs along the dashboard to the door trim, creates a warm atmosphere within the vehicle.

The Kia Cadenza's dynamic design and driving performance, allied with a raft of competitive passenger-friendly high-tech features, will make it a leader in the large, luxury sedan market segment. Luxury features will include a heated steering wheel for winter driving in cold countries, powered extendable seat cushions to give extra thigh support, automatic defogging of the windscreen and ventilated front seats providing cool comfort in hot countries.

Kia za is positioned above the existing Magentis model in Kia's global line-up but currently there are no plans to bring to vehicle to the UK.

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Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2011

Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2011

 

 

 

 Legendary Capability

Quadra-Lift adds up to 4.5 inches of lift span that is supported by four-corner air springs that provide a cushioned, premium ride. Quadra-Lift operates automatically, or may be controlled manually via console controls.

Go-Anywhere 4x4 Systems
Quadra Trac I delivers full-time four-wheel drive without any switches or levers to pull. The system provides smooth operation over a variety of road conditions. This light-weight single-speed case is both proven and highly efficient for enhanced fuel economy.

Quadra Trac II's two-speed transfer case uses input from a variety of sensors in order to determine tire slip at the earliest possible moment and take corrective action. The system uses Throttle Anticipate to sense quick movement in the throttle from a stop and maximizes traction before slippage occurs. When tire slippage is detected, as much as 100 percent of available torque is instantly routed to the axle with the most traction.

Quadra Drive II, with a rear Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (ELSD), delivers industry-leading tractive capability. The system instantly detects tire slip and smoothly distributes engine torque to tires with traction. In some cases, the vehicle will anticipate low traction and adjust in order to proactively limit or eliminate slip.

Jeep Trail Rated is a unique methodology used by Jeep Engineering to measure and predict off-road performance for all Jeep vehicles. Through a combination of natural and controlled field tests, Jeep Trail Rated provides a consistent measurement of off-road performance for all Jeep vehicles. Only Jeep vehicles are Trail Rated.

Right-sized Packaging
The vehicle's 114.8-inch wheelbase is 5.3 inches longer than the model it replaces and contributes to an overall vehicle length that is 1.8 inches longer than the prior model. The longer wheelbase creates more interior room and gives passengers an additional 4 inches of rear-seat knee and leg room. The vehicle also is 3 inches wider for improved handling and packaging.

Cargo volume behind the second-row provides an additional 6.8 cubic feet of room (36.3 cubic feet total) compared to the previous model. The well-appointed rear cargo area includes a storage unit with a rechargeable flashlight and new and improved grocery hooks on both sides. The spare tire compartment includes removable dual storage bins for secure storage of muddy gear or other items.

Classic Exterior Design
Every surface of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee is new and treated for aerodynamics. This improves fuel efficiency and puts more fluidity into the design while delivering a 7- percent improvement in drag compared with the current model. The all-new 2011 Grand Cherokee Cd is approximately 0.37 compared with the 2009 Cd of 0.404.

From the side, Jeep Grand Cherokee an athletic, muscular profile. Black appliqués on B-pillars give the day-light opening (DLO) an aerodynamic, modern appearance and a sleek profile.

Taillamps wrap from the rear quarter panel to the back of the vehicle and create a solid form which achieves more of an upscale appearance. The treatment complements the front-end design and resonates with the rest of the exterior.
Jeep Grand Cherokee models equipped with a HEMI V-8 engine have 3.5-inch dual chromed exhaust tips, and those with the Pentastar V-6 engine have a 3-inch single exhaust.

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Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder, 2010

Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder, 2010

 

 

Spyker Cars announced the development of a convertible Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder in March 2009 at the Geneva Auto Show, during the introduction of the production version of the Spyker C8 Aileron. The car presented at the 59th Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in is the first prototype for the open-top model, scheduled to go into production in the first half of 2010.

The Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder is a high-quality, semi-automatic canvas soft-top. The roof's operation is electric/hydraulic, secured by one central latch operated manually. Once folded, the soft-top is totally enclosed within the body of the car, allowing for an undisturbed profile. The roof retracts under an aluminium tonneau, with two buttresses upholstered in quilted Hulshof leather (matching the car's interior) and featuring the company's motto "Nulla Tenaci Invia Est Via" ("For the tenacious, no road is impassable"). The soft top has a glass rear window and is available in eight colours.

The Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder features a luggage rack, CNC-machined from solid billets of aluminium, mounted immediately behind the roll hoops, on which a wing-shaped aluminium case is strapped. The case is trimmed in the same quilted leather as the interior and buttresses.

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