Mazda RX-8, 2009

Mazda RX-8, 2009

Launched in 2003, the Mazda RX-8 hit the global market with a serious bang. The RX-8 has won more than 50 global awards since its release including 2003 RJC Car of the Year in Japan Australia's Wheels magazine's Car of the Year for 2003, 2003 International Engine of the Year, 2004 Singapore Car of the Year, the 2004 U.S. Best Sports Car and UK Car of the Year 2004. It was also named on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 2004, 2005, and 2006. All together, Mazda has sold nearly 167,000 RX-8s around the world.

STYLING INNOVATION - REFRESHED DESIGN CUES PROVIDE "HIGHQUALITY" DYNAMISM

Mazda RX-8 was designed with an athletically sculpted exterior that provides a sense of originality that's unrivaled in the marketplace today. The new Mazda RX-8 receives design enhancements that are meant to freshen the styling and give Mazda RX-8 a new look, without impairing the basic design theme. Refinements for the new Mazda RX-8 include restyled front and rear bumpers and front fascia; sporty, high quality finish front and rear headlamps; and larger exhaust pipes (now measuring 90 mm across). The new Mazda RX-8 also offers a new five-spoke wheel design featuring a symbolic and sporty design reminiscent of the rotary engine, with different arrangements for each wheel size.

Taut muscular lines give Mazda RX-8 the liberating look of an athlete in motion. The muscular styling maintains classic sports car proportions while adding a Zoom-Zoom edge that is unmistakably Mazda.

The RX-8's unique "freestyle" four-door design is proof that a true sports car does not need to sacrifice space or convenience for performance. The advanced design of the rear-hinged rear doors provides a large door opening, allowing adult-sized passengers to easily enter and exit the vehicle. This design is also advantageous when securing a baby or a small child in the back seat. With a spacious rear seat area providing ample passenger room for four full-size adults, and enough trunk space for a weekend's worth of luggage, this sports car proves its versatility.

The Mazda RX-8's exterior styling presents a genuine sports car form, while the interior boasts a comfortable and intelligently designed cabin. Minor enhancements were made for the new Mazda RX-8 to provide a simple and functional interior design that supports driving pleasure. The center IP shape was redesigned to give a feeling of dynamic movement, a variable red-zone was added to the tachometer that will rise as the engine comes to operating temperature and a new steering wheel and redesigned front and rear seats are also added.

The rotary design element is incorporated through the interior of the Mazda RX-8 in creative ways, appearing in the seats. The stylish cabin also evokes a sense of luxury and high-end quality. Mazda's design team examined every aspect and component of the interior and has created an elegant, driver-centric atmosphere. Through the use of advanced ergonomic research, Mazda engineers determined that improper seating posture is a major cause of driver fatigue and built in optimum support in the front seats to help offset discomfort. In addition, the color of the Mazda RX-8's instrument cluster was developed to reduce eye fatigue and strain.

PERFORMANCE INNOVATION - MORE SPORTS CAR DRIVING PLEASURE

Through-and-through, the Mazda RX-8 is a pure sports car that gives the driver an exciting and dynamic experience. For the new Mazda RX-8, engineers improved body rigidity through the addition of structural reinforcements, by adding a trapezoidal strut tower bar and enhancing the local rigidity of the front suspension tower areas. Also, the rear suspension geometry has been reconfigured for better handling performance and driveshaft rigidity is improved, lowering NVH levels and improving performance.

In addition, the differential gear ratio on manual transmission-equipped cars is lowered from 4.444 to 4.777 for improved off-the-line performance. While minimal, these performance changes give Mazda RX-8 increased acceleration and performance, as well as even greater responsiveness to the accelerator pedal - always a rotary-engine and Mazda RX-8 hallmark.

To achieve this sophisticated dynamic, Mazda utilizes the advanced RENESIS (Rotary Engine genesis - or rebirth of the rotary engine) engine. The Mazda RX-8 remains the only mass-produced rotary-powered passenger car in the world. While exhibiting unusually high power output for a naturally aspirated engine, RENESIS outstrips comparable reciprocating engines in terms of acceleration, the feeling of power in reserve and quick response.

By turning a triangular rotor in a cocoon-shaped combustion chamber, the Mazda RX-8's rotary engine efficiently performs the four processes of intake, compression, combustion and exhaust. The RENESIS engine is remarkably smooth and high revving — all the way to 9,000 rpm (7,500 rpm on Sport A/T-equipped models) — and offers a smaller engine footprint than traditional internal combustion engines (some 60 percent smaller and lighter than a comparably powered V-6, and 40 percent smaller and lighter than a four-cylinder). In fact, the packaging and styling that define the Mazda RX-8 would not have been possible had Mazda engineers chosen a conventional piston engine.

Improving upon 40 years of rotary designs, the RENESIS engine features side intake and exhaust ports with nearly 30 percent more intake port and twice as much exhaust port than its predecessors. The efficiencies gained through shortening intake/exhaust overlapping period and using the larger intake and exhaust ports in delivering world-class performance.

The Mazda RX-8's normally aspirated 1.3-liter engine might appear diminutive to the untrained eye when compared to large-displacement V-8s or heavyweight V-10s or V-12s. However, through the incredible efficiencies of a rotary powerplant, an advanced three-stage intake system and an electronic throttle, the RENESIS engine delivers smooth, linear power on a grand scale.

The Mazda RX-8 uses an aluminum double-wishbone front suspension, reducing unsprung weight over the use of steel components. By mounting the upper and lower arms on a highly rigid sub-frame, the long arms ensure linear alignment changes throughout the jounce and rebound of the front wheels. All corners are fitted with mono-tube gas-filled shock absorbers designed with large-diameter internal pistons and valving, which offer excellent road feedback and a smooth ride.

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Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept, 2009

Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept, 2009

 

 

The Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept is an answer to the world of automobiles and individual mobility moving towards energy efficiency, environmental compatibility and uncompromised safety - along with dynamic attributes and driving fun. In its efforts to offer pure driving enjoyment, while meeting its ecological and social responsibilities, Mazda has been focusing on weight reduction as a core base technology. For 20 years, reducing weight has been a tradition with the Mazda MX-5. It provided the inspiration for the radical design of Mazda's latest show car and its radical interpretation of the cult roadster.

Exterior Design
The Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept was to strengthen these bonds even further. By doing this without a windshield, the retractable top and its frame, designers achieved an important step in this direction. As the Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept, the allweather production roadster has mutated into a driving machine that lets sports car enthusiasts enjoy the natural surroundings unfiltered and tangible. Not only does the wind blow unimpeded during driving, pilot and co-pilot can also experience the sounds, smells and temperature changes of their immediate surroundings. And finally, the show car's intense bond between the driver and the technology of the vehicle gives it a unique closeness that can only be found in stronger form in the cockpit of a race car.

The Mazda designers created special roll-over bars, not only because they are very sporty-looking, but also to contribute to aerodynamic efficiency. These also make it clear that roll-over protection is important in this concept. And they prevent wind turbulence around the heads of the passengers, from whom the law would require the wearing of helmets while driving.

By removing equipment not vital to driving, and by replacing vital things with components that support the unique concept of the vehicle, designers sharpened the character of the Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept.

Cause there is no windshield, for instance, there is obviously no need for wipers. The roadster show car's completely open design makes the need for outer door handles, side windows and their openers unnecessary. A single, filigree aluminium, wide-angle mirror gives a good view of the road behind. It's placed inside an extension of the bonnet. Front and rear lights are the same as those of the production model with additional LED lamps at the front, and brake lights at the back of each roll-over bar, which contribute to the roadster's sporty look.

The lack of a windshield required an extension of the original aluminium bonnet into the cabin. The attached sheet here is made of lightweight carbon fibre and provides a hood for the dashboard frame.

This also changed the proportions of the body's design, making the front of the car longer and the passengers seem like they are sitting further back towards the rear-drive axle, all of which is enhanced by the massive roll-over bars and their aerodynamic cladding. The Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept translates the dramatic proportions of historical race cars into a very modern form.

Interior Design
The purity in design of the exterior also characterizes the interior design, which does not have aesthetics as ultimate goal, but was conceived to contribute to reducing vehicle weight. Driver and passenger of the Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept are greeted by racing bucket seats made of ultra-lightweight carbon fibre. They are slide adjustable and upholstered with the same saddle coloured leather as the armrests, the steering wheel, and the lightweight aluminium shift lever and hand brake. Colour-coordinated four-point seatbelts hold the driver and passenger firmly in their seats.

The bonnet extension into the passenger cell provides a canopy for the dashboard, which makes the dashboard look smaller than the production Mazda MX-5. Made of lightweight plastic reinforced with fibreglass, it contains the same instruments as the production Mazda MX-5. These are held in place by a dashboard frame made of lightweight carbon fibre. Like a purebred race car, the Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept has an ignition button in the centre of the dashboard, along with two emergency kill buttons for immediate fuel and electricity cut-off.

Supplying air and climate control to the open passenger compartment is only possible in limited form, so the show car has no air conditioning and no fans. Air-flow is increased when the roadster accelerates, and only small air vents are needed. The interior is made without any trim. Sound insulation mats and rugs do not meet the requirements of a purist roadster like this and are not used at all.

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Mazda MX-5, 2009

Mazda MX-5, 2009

The Exterior Design: A Fusion of New Mazda Elements and an Unmistakable MX-5 Look
The front grille has been enlarged and changed from an oval shape to the five-point grille that forms part of the well-known Mazda family face. Combined with tautly styled headlights and lowing fog- lamp bezels, the new grille creates a reined and athletic expression.
The five points of the grille are slightly rounded the new shape of the front bumper, with corners that extend downwards, enhances the dynamic look and improves the aerodynamics.
The rear bumper has a new design that makes the rear look wider, sportier, and more integrated into the body. The rear combination lamps inherit the traditional MX-5 elliptical motif, and protrude further outboard for greater aerodynamic efficiency.

The Roadster Coupe's more Upscale Identity
The Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe, which features a groundbreaking powered roof system, also incorporates several design changes that further emphasize its more upscale identity and distinguish it from the soft-top version.
    * Front grille: Whereas the soft-top version has a in-type grille, the Roadster Coupe has a mesh grille that is framed by a chrome ring.
    * Headlamp inner bezels: The headlamp inner bezels are painted silver on the soft-top version, but have a chrome finish on the Roadster Coupe.
    * Fog-lamp inner bezels: The fog lamp inner bezels are black on the soft-top version, but are painted silver on the Roadster Coupe.
    * Outer door handles: The outer door handles are body-coloured on the soft-top version, but have a chrome finish on the Roadster Coupe.
    * High-mounted stop lamp: The high-mounted stop lamp has a red lens on the soft-top version, but a clear lens on the Roadster Coupe.

The New Wheel Designs
The MX-5 is available with 16-inch and 17-inch aluminium wheels. The 16-inch wheels have five sets of twin spokes for a lightweight look. The 17-inch wheels have 10 twisted spokes for a stronger impression of power and dynamism.

The Interior Design: Higher Than Ever Quality and Driver- Friendliness
The interior design delivers the Mazda MX-5's traditional combination of comfortable snugness below shoulder level and openness above shoulder level. It also reflects customer feedback in the form of enhanced quality and driver-friendly features.
The decorative surfaces on the instrument panel have been changed from glossy piano black to dark silver, which has a subtler, higher- quality look befitting a sports car. The meters have new graphics for higher legibility. The climate-control dials on the centre stack have each been given a silver-coloured ring for a higher-quality look. A protrusion has been eliminated from the outer surface of each door pocket to create more leg space. And the door and centre-console armrests have each been given a soft pad for a better feel.
Recaro seats designed exclusively for the MX-5 are available in certain regions. They are upholstered in leather and perforated Alcantara for a sporty look, and they combine excellent support with easy ingress and egress.

Evolved Jinba Ittai for Enhanced Fun-To-Drive
The Jinba Ittai feeling on which Mazda has always focused with the Mazda MX-5 defines the kind of spontaneous car-and-driver interaction that anyone can experience whether they're driving the MX-5 in town, on twisty roads, or on an open highway. With the latest facelift, Mazda engineers evolved the attributes in the "driving", "cornering", "braking", and "listening" categories in the fishbone chart to realize performance that lets drivers enjoy the feeling of oneness with the car to an even greater degree.

A 500 rpm Higher Rev Limit Maximizes Engine Potential for Greater Enjoyment
The powertrain has been enhanced to enable the driver to enjoy the full potential of the engine's performance (a key "fun to drive" aspect of the MX-5). Specifically, the speed at which the engine delivers maximum power has been raised from 6,700 rpm to 7,000 rpm (2.0-litre M/T version) and the rev limit has been raised from 7,000 rpm to 7,500 rpm (all 2.0-litre versions). Without these enhancements, the engine feels smooth and linear right up to the rev limit, even with the throttle wide open. With them, however, the driver can really experience the sensation of extracting every single horsepower out of the engine (the enhancements described here apply to the 2.0-litre grades with a manual transmission). The crucial 500 rpm increase in the rev limit is enabled by greater precision in the engine, namely: a forged crankshaft (this ensures the required rigidity at high engine speeds), fully floating pistons and newly designed valve springs.

A Sportier Engine Sound that Responds More Crisply to Accelerator Inputs
The engine sound (a key element in the "listening" category of the MX-5 fishbone chart) is a big part of the sports car experience. With the latest facelift, Mazda engineers made the Mazda MX-5 engine sound even better without causing aural discomfort for people outside the car. Notably, they increased the rigidity of the plastic surge tank in the intake manifold. The optimized surge tank combines with the new forged crankshaft to realize a clearer engine sound throughout the rev range. In vehicles with the six-speed manual transmission, the engineers also adopted a newly developed device called an Induction Sound Enhancer (ISE). This amplifies the pulses that occur when an accelerator input opens the throttle valve to increase air low into the engine, thereby delivering a more exciting sound to the cockpit. The intake sound created by the ISE feels synchronized with the driver's accelerator inputs, so the driver enjoys a crisp, thrilling engine sound even when using the accelerator pedal gently to adjust the revs for a downshift.

The Newly Evolved and Reined Transmissions
With the six-speed manual transmission, the meshing surfaces of the 1st-4th triple-cone synchronizers are now carbon coated, and the 3rd-4th synchronizer diameter has been increased. These improvements enable smoother shifts up to the engine's heightened rev limit of 7,500 rpm.
A six-speed Activematic automatic transmission that's newly available with the MX-5 for Europe incorporates two new control technologies. One is Direct Activematic (DAM), which allows the driver to quickly change gears using paddles on the steering wheel while still driving in the "D" range. It was developed to enable quick downshifts for three common situations: decelerating using engine braking on a downhill road; accelerating after decelerating into a corner; and overtaking another vehicle. (The driver does not need to select the "M" range before shifting down.) Since Direct Activematic enables engine braking and acceleration more quickly and easily, it makes driving easier and more fun. The other new technology is Active Adaptive Shift (AAS), by means of which the transmission control system evaluates the driving situation from factors such as the road's gradient and twistiness and the accelerator and brake inputs. When the system recognizes enthusiastic driving, it actively promotes upshifts and downshifts to realize a linear and sporty response that matches the driver's intentions.

An Athletic Design that Heightens Aerodynamic Performance
To improve handling stability, quietness, and high-speed fuel economy, the MX-5 development team drew on Mazda's expertise in incorporating aerodynamic improvements into styling that's faithful to a design theme. The main aerodynamic improvements are as follows:
    * air guides that protrude downward from the left and right corners of the front bumper
    * specification vehicles, except some specific markets)
    * protruding rear combination lamps
    * wider front tyre deflectors
The  Quieter Ride in the Roadster Coupe
Given the Roadster Coupe's more upscale positioning, the development team produced a quieter ride by reducing wheel resonance and adding damping and sound-insulating materials, such as urethane filling in the front suspension crossmember and damping material in the front part of the roof. Thanks to these improvements, road noise in the cockpit on a coarse road surface with the roof closed is 2.1dB lower than before. Quietness is further promoted in the Roadster Coupe and soft-top version by stiffer door modules and by newly added reinforcements on the No. 2 crossmember.

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Jaguar XJ, 2010

Jaguar XJ, 2010

 

 

Sleek, sporting and sophisticated, the all-new Jaguar XJ brings a daring new spirit to automotive luxury. It offers a seductive mix of striking design, breathtaking performance and engineering without compromise.

The new Jaguar XJ is the epitome of fluid, contemporary automotive style. The elongated teardrop shape of the side windows establishes the car's silhouette and lies at the heart of its flowing design. And the new Jaguar XJ doesn't just look streamlined: it shares a drag coefficient of 0.29 with the Jaguar XF saloon, making them the most aerodynamic Jaguars ever.

A coupé profile cloaks a cabin that offers comparable levels of space to saloons with a more conventional style. There is generous accommodation for five occupants, while long-wheelbase models provide rear-seat passengers with even greater levels of comfort thanks to an additional 125mm of rear legroom.

The exquisitely designed interior has a strong sporting character throughout. A panoramic glass roof, standard on all models, dramatically enhances the sense of light and space inside the new Jaguar XJ. And in keeping with its status as the ultimate four-door Jaguar, the XJ introduces a new generation of interior technologies, pioneering the use of display and infotainment systems such as the innovative Virtual Instrument dials and optional 1200W Bowers & Wilkins premium surround sound system.

At the heart of the all-new Jaguar XJ's construction is a next-generation application of Jaguar's unique lightweight vehicle architecture. Primarily aluminium, but also using magnesium and composite alloys, this allows Jaguar to produce a significantly lighter and stiffer body - the lightest in its class. The new structure - which retains the same aerospace-based riveting and bonding processes - has been refined using these advanced materials to deliver improved strength, enhanced refinement and superior safety performance.

The new Jaguar XJ offers the choice of four powerful and refined engines, which use the latest powertrain technology to deliver an outstanding combination of performance and class-leading efficiency. The supremely powerful supercharged 510PS 5.0-litre AJ-V8 Gen III will head the line-up, with a 0-60mph time of 4.7 secs (0-100kph in 4.9 secs); 470PS supercharged and 385PS naturally aspirated petrol V8s are also available, dependent on market.

A no-compromise diesel alternative is provided by the formidable 275PS 3.0-litre AJ-V6D Gen III. With twin sequential turbochargers, this is an engine that delivers on every aspect of the Jaguar driving experience, marrying tremendous drive (0-60mph in 6.0 secs, 0-100kph in 6.4 secs) with impressive fuel economy and CO2 emissions (40.1mpg and 184g/km of CO2).

The all-new Jaguar XJ delivers a driving experience that is just as memorable as the car's appearance. Benefitting from technologies pioneered on the exciting new Jaguar XFR and Jaguar XKR models, including continuously variable damping (Adaptive Dynamics), electronically controlled rear differential (Active Differential Control) and a quick ratio power-steering system, the new Jaguar XJ combines responsive, sporting dynamics with the refined, supple ride expected from a luxury Jaguar.

With its unique lightweight aluminium body structure and new, advanced powertrains, the all-new Jaguar XJ already has a head start when it comes to sustainable performance. The aluminium body uses more than 50 percent recycled material, with a plan to increase this to 75 percent. Body panels made from recycled material use only 5 percent of the energy required for new aluminium, equating to a potential saving of three tonnes of CO2 per vehicle.

THE CONCEPT
The all-new Jaguar XJ's distinctive lines mark the next bold evolution of Jaguar's new design language. The striking elongated teardrop shape of the side window graphic establishes the car's streamlined profile, and is balanced by a dramatic lower swage line emanating from the front wheels that reinforces the vehicle's forward stance. The new Jaguar XJ's sleek lines are complemented by a taut waistline, which further accentuates the impression of length and elegance and creates a natural tension as it fades from the front arch into the middle section of the car before reappearing as a strong haunch towards the rear.

Bold, confident face
The face of the XJ is confident, with a wide front track and short overhangs contributing to the finely judged proportions. The nose of the car follows Jaguar's new design language, with a bold and assertive treatment: the powerful mesh grille and slim xenon headlamps creating a strong road presence.

The strong, muscular lower half of the car is contrasted with the slim and graceful quality of the roofline, which takes inspiration from the original 1968 XJ saloon. The wrap-around rear screen reduces the visual weight of the pillars, and gives the impression of an exotic 'floating' roof.

And the new Jaguar XJ doesn't just look sleek and streamlined: it is, alongside the XF, the most aerodynamic Jaguar ever. The car has a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.29, and, equally importantly, outstanding high-speed stability.

A key factor in achieving this highly efficient aerodynamic performance was the extensive use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to refine the shape long before the car ever saw a wind tunnel. Taking the process pioneered on the XF programme to a new level of sophistication, more than 400 detailed CFD studies were performed during the initial design phase.

Every area of the new Jaguar XJ - from the outer skin to the composite undertray to the fine grille meshes of the cooling system - was optimised using this process. Key areas included the profile of the rear decklid, which was engineered to ensure that the airflow was controlled without the need for a spoiler. As well as reduced drag and impressively low wind noise, the overall shape achieves aerodynamic loads that are carefully balanced between front and rear axles to ensure optimum handling balance and high-speed stability.

Dramatic LED lights
The rear end is notable for its pure, sculpted shape, with a conscious absence of unnecessary ornamentation. The sheet metal of the rear panel retains its pure form, with a single leaping Jaguar motif making a strong, confident statement. The LED light clusters wrap stylishly over the rear wings, and feature three dramatic red, vertical strips.

Architectural interior design
The overriding impression from the interior is a sense of personal space, a feeling enhanced by the clean, simple form of the leather-wrapped instrument panel sitting low across the vehicle. At the sides of the cabin, a bold architectural wood veneer sweeps forward from the doors to meet at the front of the car, emphasising the new Jaguar XJ's powerful, dynamic character. This linear, modern use of wood helps to create a truly welcoming environment.

The panoramic glass roof has been from the outset an integral part of the design concept of the all-new Jaguar XJ. It enables a lower, more streamlined roofline, and also dramatically enhances the feeling of light and space within the car. The roof's opening mechanism slides the glass upwards and outwards, so that headroom is never compromised. A dark tint and reflective coating prevent the interior from overheating under strong sunlight, while twin electric blinds provide another level of privacy and sun screening.

THE TECHNOLOGY
In keeping with its position as the ultimate Jaguar saloon, the all-new Jaguar XJ pioneers the use of advanced new technologies, driver displays and infotainment systems that set an exciting new benchmark within its segment.

As the driver is greeted by the signature Jaguar 'handshake' - the circular knurled aluminium rotary control of the JaguarDrive Selector™ rising into the driver's palm - stylish 3D animations materialise in the virtual instrument cluster and on the central Touch-screen, giving an immediate signal that the new Jaguar XJ takes a revolutionary approach to the way information is displayed in the vehicle.

Sophisticated virtual instrumentation
There is no physical instrument cluster display in the all-new Jaguar XJ. Instead, a 12.3-inch high-definition screen, which uses sophisticated - and beautifully detailed - virtual instruments, provides all of the functions performed by traditional dials. Jaguar's designers have also taken advantage of the freedom provided by virtual instrumentation to help prioritise the most useful information as well as creating a real sense of theatre for the driver.

As the XJ starts, three virtual dials build before your eyes: the centre dial houses a speedometer, flanked on the right by a rev counter and on the left by an information window with fuel and temperature gauges.

To maximise clarity, the display employs a 'spotlight' effect to highlight the areas showing the most important information, such as the current speed or engine revs. When required - for example, if fuel is running low, or the driver is selecting a radio station - the rev counter fades away to be temporarily replaced by the required warning message or menu.

The prioritisation goes to another level when the driver who is looking for even more sporting performance and handling selects the XJ's Dynamic mode. In this case, the dials assume a sporting red hue and feature a bold gear position indicator which glows red as you reach the rev limiter.

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Jaguar XFR, 2010

Jaguar XFR, 2010

 

 

The enhanced exterior styling of the Jaguar XFR moves those sporting credentials on even further, to deliver the ultimate expression of Jaguar's new saloon car design language - carrying a number of visual design cues that are intrinsic to Jaguar's 'R' car philosophy. Its unique front-end design has a larger lower grille with new black-finished mesh, plus chrome outboard air intakes. The upper mesh grille retains XF's bright finish, while the bonnet carries distinctive louvres, like those on the XKR sports car.

The Jaguar XFR also features bold new sill extensions, while the rear bumper adds a unique body-coloured lower valance panel incorporating the 'R' signature of four large, bright-finished tail pipes. The new bootlid spoiler has a significant aerodynamic effect. Developed in conjunction with the new front bumper design, it further improves the Jaguar XFR's front/rear lift balance, and therefore its high-speed stability. A new exterior mirror design also offers aerodynamic improvements, plus improved functionality with its LED side repeaters.

The Jaguar XFR's sporting character is clearly apparent in the 20-inch Nevis alloy wheels. It is the only car in its class to offer this size of wheel as standard specification. Those twin-seven-spoke wheels bear the wording 'Jaguar Supercharged' embossed around their centres, and are wrapped tightly around silver-grey brake callipers, which carry the evocative 'R' logo. The R badge also appears on the right-hand side of the boot lid drop panel, to complete the XFR's external visual identity.

The new Jaguar XFR is offered with a select palette of just eight exterior colours: Ultimate Black, Indigo, Liquid Silver, Lunar Grey, Porcelain, Botanical Green, Kyanite Blue and Salsa. All except Salsa and Porcelain are metallic colours and, within the XF range, Salsa and Kyanite Blue are unique to Jaguar XFR. For each colour - as across the entire XF range - Jaguar suggests a 'Designer's Choice' of the leather trim colours that best complement each body colour and the Warm Charcoal upper facia that is standard on every Jaguar XFR.

The interior design theme is modern and individual. The cabin environment is uniquely Jaguar and in the XFR more details hint at the car's performance. A full soft grain leather interior is standard, with four colour choices - Warm Charcoal, Warm Charcoal/Red Zone, Warm Charcoal/London Tan, and Ivory. A new Dark Oak veneer is the standard finish for the Jaguar XFR's wood-trimmed areas. New 18x14-way adjustable sports seats have electrically adjustable squab bolsters for significantly improved support at higher cornering speeds. Each Jaguar XFR seat has the 'R' logo embossed on its squab and the front seats have leather seat-back map pockets.

The fascia introduces a unique, dark mesh aluminium finish, and another discreet 'R' badge on the passenger side of the instrument panel. The speedometer and tachometer have the unique sporting signature of red dial pointers, and carry the 'Supercharged' motif. And at start-up, the 'R' logo appears on the Touch-screen as part of the XFR 'driver handshake' sequence.

The most advanced Jaguar V8 engines ever
The supercharged 5.0-litre V8 that powers the new XFR is Jaguar's new flagship engine, but it is only half of the petrol engine story - a naturally-aspirated version of the all-new engine brings additional advanced technologies and performance to other models in the XF range.

Light, robust and very strong
The all-new 5.0-litre V8 petrol engines are built around a stiff, all-new, aluminium block with cast-in iron liners and cross-bolted main bearing caps to reduce noise, vibration and harshness. For the first time at Jaguar the blocks are high-pressure die-cast, providing a superior finish and greater dimensional accuracy. The engines use aluminium heads, with four valves per cylinder and strong, spheroidal-graphite cast-iron crankshafts and forged steel connecting rods. The cylinder heads for the first time are specified with a secondary (recycled) aluminium alloy, reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing the new engine.

The new 5.0-litre V8 engines are more compact than their predecessors. Overall engine length has been reduced by 24mm by relocation of the oil pump within the engine architecture. This length reduction improves engine bay packaging in support of enhanced safety cell performance while ensuring overall engine weight is virtually unchanged.

Direct injection - power with economy
One of the key features of the new petrol engines is an industry-first, centrally-mounted, multi-hole, spray-guided fuel injection system, delivering fuel at a pressure of up to 150bar directly to the cylinder. This substantially contributes to improved low-speed, dynamic response. The positioning of the injectors ensures fuel is precisely delivered to the centre of the combustion chamber, maximising air-fuel mixing, and improving combustion control. Fuel is delivered via twin, high-pressure fuel pumps that are driven via an auxiliary shaft in the all-new engine block.

The charge-cooling effects of the direct-injection fuel system have allowed the compression ratio of the naturally aspirated engine to be raised to 11.5:1, further improving the engine economy. The supercharged engine also benefits from an increase from 9.1:1 on the previous 4.2-litre version to 9.5:1.

During the engine warm-up phase, the combustion system employs multiple injection mode strategies to deliver 50 percent more heat for fast catalyst warm-up and substantially reduced emissions.

Torque-actuated Variable Camshaft Timing improves efficiency
A new type of variable camshaft timing system (VCT) introduces another new technology. The four VCT units are activated by the positive and negative torques generated by opening and closing the intake and exhaust valves, instead of by oil pressure. This has allowed the engine oil pump to be reduced in size, saving energy and reducing fuel consumption.

VCT units work independently on all four camshafts with 62 degrees of authority on the inlet cams and 50 degrees of authority on the exhaust cams. Timing is optimised by the engine control unit for torque, power and economy at every point in the engine's speed range.

The response rate of the new VCT units is up to three times faster than before, with actuation rates in excess of 150 degrees per second. This delivers a more immediate engine response to the driver's demand.

The naturally aspirated engine is also equipped with camshaft profile switching (CPS) on the inlet camshaft. Depending on the engine's running conditions and the demands of the driver, the CPS will switch between a profile that is ideal for low-speed driving, and another which gives increased valve lift for high performance.

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Jaguar XF, 2010

Jaguar XF, 2010

 

 

The new Jaguar XF is already acclaimed as a key element in the revitalization of the Jaguar brand, with its new generation of beautiful fast cars. But now the car that defines Jaguar sporting luxury is even better, with major powertrain changes and a wider range of models - including a stunning new, supercharged Jaguar XFR.

The 2010 model year Jaguar XF features all-new 5.0-liter direct-injection V8 engines. There are also significant trim and specification changes - including many new features unique to the new XFR - and the introduction of a new Portfolio derivative.

The Jaguar XF was soon recognized as a dramatic expression of a bold new Jaguar design language. It also soon became apparent that here was a car where the driving experience exceeded the expectations created by the striking appearance. Now, the new XFR takes this driving experience to new levels, shifting the balance even further towards dynamic performance while still retaining the Jaguar XF's core values as a refined and luxurious sports sedan. Power comes from an all-new 5.0-liter direct-injection supercharged V8 engine delivering 510bhp and 461lb-ft of torque. Immediately recognizable thanks to unique new 20-inch wheels, a new front end design with revised chrome air intakes, 'Supercharged' hood louvres, four polished exhaust tailpipes, an aerodynamically functional rear spoiler and side sills, the new XFR also sports discreet 'R' badging.

The attributes that marked out the Jaguar XF at launch are still very much new and in the public eye. The four-door XF has the visual excitement of a coupe, but room inside for five adults to enjoy an interior wholly contemporary in style yet uniquely Jaguar.

Simplicity and clever use of space are key to the Jaguar XF's interior design and this is unchanged in the new generation. For the driver, this is centered on the compact packaging of the JaguarDrive Selector™ transmission interface. The beautiful cast alloy Selector has already gained recognition for its part in the distinctive XF 'welcoming handshake'; a sequence in which the illuminated stop/start button pulsates like a heartbeat until pressed, when the JaguarDrive Selector™ rises into the driver's hand and the rotating fascia vents silently open.

Features such as this have already attracted more than 30,000 customers to the new Jaguar XF - and now, in many instances, they have been enhanced even further. The combination of aluminum dashboard, satin or gloss wood veneers, tailored instrument and door panels with twin-needle stitching as standard, plus Phosphor Blue halo illumination and interior mood lighting, set the Jaguar XF's cabin as far apart from its competitors as its exterior styling.

The new engines are Jaguar's most efficient ever, and they deliver power and performance at a higher level across the board. In the case of the supercharged engine, compared to the 4.2-liter V8, power has increased by a remarkable 23 percent and torque by 12 percent.

The result in the new Jaguar XFR is a 0-60mph sprint time of just 4.7 seconds (0-100kph in 4.9 seconds). More relevant in everyday driving, an excellent indicator of XFR's great flexibility is the time it takes to accelerate from 50-70mph - just 1.9 seconds.

The comparisons for the naturally aspirated engine are equally impressive. Power is increased by 29 percent and torque by 25 percent. The benchmark 0-60mph acceleration time is 5.5 seconds (0-100kph in 5.7 seconds) - some 0.8 seconds quicker than the 4.2 Jaguar XF. Better still, these improvements are achieved without hindering fuel economy and emissions performance. The new engines meet US ULEV II/Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions regulations.

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Toyota iQ3, 2010

Toyota iQ3, 2010

 

 

Toyota iQ range is extended for the first time since launch with the introduction to the line-up of a 1.33-litre engine. The highly efficient lightweight unit, already successfully deployed in Auris, Yaris and Urban Cruiser is offered exclusively in the new Toyota iQ3 model.

Benefiting from Toyota Optimal Drive technology for a class-leading combination of power, fuel economy and low emissions, it uses Dual VVT-i control of both intake and exhaust valves to deliver strong torque at low to medium engine speeds and achieve maximum efficiency.

The headline figures broadcast the exceptional customer benefits in terms of running costs. With manual transmission, Toyota iQ3 returns an official 58.9mpg in combined cycle driving, and 113g/km of CO2 - Band B for road tax (£35 annual charge) - both of which are best-in-class figures. Equipped with Toyota's new Multidrive CVT system, fuel economy is just as good, while emissions rise slightly to 120g/km, but remain within Band B.

This achievement is not at the expense of performance. The engine develops a maximum 98bhp at 6,000rpm and peak torque of 125Nm at 4,400rpm. Nought to 62mph can be achieved in 11.8 seconds (11.6 with Multidrive) and top speed is 106mph. This underlines the fact that Toyota iQ is more than just a city runabout, giving a strong, stable and enjoyable drive at motorway speeds.

Matched to a compact, lightweight six-speed manual gearbox, the engine features Toyota's Stop & Start system. This automatically cuts the engine when the car comes to a stop and the gear shift is moved to neutral; when a gear is selected, the engine restarts quickly (in just 0.4 seconds) and seamlessly, thanks to the use of a permanently engaged gear mechanism. In urban driving - Toyota iQ's natural environment - Stop & Start can yield fuel consumption savings of up to 15 per cent.

Toyota iQ3 is also available with Multidrive, Toyota's new stepless CVT (continuously variable transmission).

One of the key elements of the 1.33-litre engine is its piston design. Smaller and lighter than on the previous 1.3 unit, they are designed with a smaller contact area and use carbon ceramide, an advanced material more commonly used in Formula One engineering, to reduce friction.

Toyota iQ3 carries forward the premium specification of iQ2 but with some additional, exclusive features: the door mirrors have chrome-finished housings and the car rides on larger, 16-inch dual five-spoke alloy wheels. The choice of six paint finishes includes Decuma Grey metallic, which is also exclusive to Toyota iQ3.

The standard equipment features include automatic headlights and wipers, climate control, electric folding and heated door mirrors, Smart Entry and Start, auto-dimming rear view mirror, six-speaker sound system, front fog lights and a leather trimmed steering wheel. Nine airbags are fitted, including the world's first rear window airbag, and the active safety package includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRC).

Toyota iQ Accessory Packs and Options
Four themed accessory packs have been assembled for iQ, giving owners an easy way to give their car that something extra.
    * iStyle (£295) adds chrome surrounds to the front fog lights, chrome side sills, a chrome strip on the tailgate and aluminium scuff plates.
    * iUrban (£345) provides rear parking sensors, a reversible rubber/velour boot liner (for use when the rear seats are folded flat) and carpet mats.
    * iSports (£495) focuses on style with a neat roof spoiler, deep rear skirt and inverted delta-shape chrome exhaust tailpipe finisher.
    * iConnect (£375) keeps you in touch on the move with Bluetooth, plus the neat detachable Glovebag to store documents and small personal items.

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Toyota FT-EV II Concept, 2010

Toyota FT-EV II Concept, 2010

 

2009 Tokyo Motor Show marks the world debut of the Toyota FT-EV II Concept, a compact electric vehicle designed for short distance travel. Its design and technology look to a future society where EVs will be in common use, among a range of different means of transport that will reflect user requirements, the type of energy used and the local energy supply infrastructure.

Toyota FT-EV II Concept is a high-quality vehicle concept, designed primarily for urban driving with a body that is even more compact than that of the Toyota iQ, but still with room for four seats on board.

Drive-by-wire technology allows all the vehicle functions to be controlled using a joystick, including the accelerator, brakes and steering. Removing the throttle and brake pedals frees up legroom for the four-seat design.

The exterior features a low front cowl and an additional window below the level of the windscreen to give extra forward visibility. To improve safety through the quality of all-round vision, the rear lamp clusters are see-through LED units. To ensure easy access in tight spots, there are electric sliding doors on both sides.

Top speed is above 60mph and a full-charged battery will give a range of more than 50 miles, which is ample for most urban journeys. The ride is quiet and comfortable with smooth acceleration, thanks to Toyota-developed motor control technology, itself part of the hybrid system that sits at the heart of the company's environmental technologies.

Toyota FT-EV II Concept Dimensions
    * Length: 2,730 mm
    * Width: 1,680 mm
    * Height: 1,490 mm
    * Wheelbase: 1,900 mm

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Toyota FT-86G Sports Concept, 2010

Toyota FT-86G Sports Concept, 2010

 

 

The dramatic show car previews a rear-wheel-drive sports coupe that is destined to add appeal and excitement to the Toyota brand post 2012.

As the concept car illustrates, the production model is the spiritual successor to Toyota's sports-car heritage that features names such as Supra and MR2.
Its named is derived from the AE-86 Corolla - a small, light-weight, rear-wheel drive coupe from the 1980s that has achieved cult status.

Toyota's aim is to bring a new level of excitement to Toyota showrooms and customers, connecting with younger drivers and promoting the fun of sports-car driving.

The Toyota FT-86G is the second concept revealed by Toyota in the past year that points to a next-generation production sports coupe.

It has gained tweaks to performance and styling that make it sleeker and more aggressive than the Toyota FT-86 concept shown at 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.

The "G" suffix signifies a sports conversion that has stretched the original by 30mm, widened it by 20mm and lowered it by 30mm (4190mm × 1780mm × 1230mm).
Sharper looks come from a totally redesigned front end that incorporates a larger air intake with visible intercooler, as well as a vented bonnet.

At the rear, a large carbon-fibre wing, diffuser and oversized twin exhausts contribute to the edgier styling.

The Toyota FT-86G Sports Concept sits on low-profile Bridgestone 19-inch rubber - 245/40 at the front and 275/35 at the rear, while Recaro sports seats complete the "G" conversion of the dynamic four-seater.

The concept retains classic sports-car underpinnings with a front-mounted 2.0-litre engine - now boosted with a turbo - driving the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission.
Toyota's plan to return to the sports-car market is in response to the edict by global president Akio Toyoda for the company to re-connect with younger buyers by producing fun-to-drive models.

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