Jaguar XF, 2012

 

 

 

 Jaguar XF, 2012

The XF has won accolades and enthusiastic fans across the globe for its dynamic abilities and dramatic looks. Advances in lighting technology have allowed the new 2012 Jaguar XF model range to adopt the bold Jaguar design language introduced on the flagship XJ saloon.

Sheet metal revisions to the grille, bonnet and front wings incorporating new triangular side vents give the car a more muscular, purposeful appearance. The range-topping XFR receives its own unique, overtly assertive design to underline its performance potential while an alternative 'Aerodynamic' option is available on all other derivatives for a total of three dramatically different styling options.

The headlamps now incorporate bi-function HID xenon technology that allows them to be much slimmer and more compact while still providing outstanding beam resolution. They also incorporate LED daytime running lights arranged in a distinctive Jaguar 'J-Blade' signature pattern for instant recognition.

The tail lamps have been entirely renewed and now extend onto the central portion of the boot lid. These new units are now full-LED for stop, light and indicator functions and give the Jaguar XF a distinctive night-time rear signature. Separating them is a revised boot lid finisher with a gloss black lower edge for a cleaner appearance. The boot also features power closure on all models.

Three new paint colours and an expanded alloy wheel selection ranging from 17 to 20-inch provide the finishing touches to the revised styling.

Jaguar XF Powertrain and Dynamics
Key among the enhancements to Jaguar XF is the introduction of the 2.2-litre AJ-i4D turbodiesel engine. The unit features low-friction pistons and a water-cooled turbocharger to increase efficiency plus active engine mounts and modifications to the sump and block to reduce NVH levels. The result is not only Jaguar's most fuel-efficient engine ever, but one which offers levels of refinement on a par with the previously-fitted 2.7-litre V6 diesel and all the performance expected of a Jaguar sports saloon. Further refinement is assured on all models by the use of additional acoustic shielding and the use of computational fluid dynamics to smooth exterior airflow.

Power output is 190PS with an impressive torque figure of 450Nm to provide the muscular performance expected of a Jaguar. Reaching 60mph in 8.0 seconds, the car will go on to achieve a top speed of 140mph. Nevertheless the unit still manages 52.3mpg on the EU combined cycle - making it the most economical Jaguar ever - and emits just 149g/km of CO2 and is Euro Stage V compliant.

New 8-speed automatic
The engine is perfectly complemented by the all-new 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox. Specifically adapted by our engineers for its first-time application in a Jaguar, the transmission offers a host of benefits including both improved acceleration and economy. Gearchanges are completed in just 200 milliseconds - four times faster than the average human resting heartbeat - while driver control is enhanced by the ability to perform multiple downshifts using the paddleshift technology. The use of lightweight materials ensures the overall weight remains the same as the previous six-speed transmission, while improved pump design and gear control elements increase efficiency. Standard on all Jaguar XF diesel models, it reduces the CO2 emissions of the 3.0-litre V6 to 169g/km and improves fuel consumption to 44.8mpg.

Intelligent Stop/Start
Also making its debut with the 2.2-litre diesel engine is Jaguar's new Intelligent Stop/Start system, the first time this technology has been seen in a premium diesel saloon. This automatically shuts down the engine in just 300 milliseconds when the car comes to rest, in order to improve fuel economy and CO2 emissions by between five and seven percent.

No driver intervention is necessary, with the engine management software analysing a host of complex factors in order to decide when the engine can safely be stopped. A Tandem Solenoid Starter with a dedicated secondary battery instantly restarts the engine as soon as the driver's foot leaves the brake pedal, ensuring it is running optimally by the time the accelerator is pressed. In order to facilitate this process, the gearbox features Hydraulic Impulse Storage, which supplies oil pressure to actuate the shift elements.

For the first time, all diesel variants are also available with Jaguar's Adaptive Dynamics system, allowing the enthusiastic driver to enjoy the car's outstanding chassis control and discover the Jaguar XF's sporting soul.

The Interior
Whether experienced from the driver or passenger seat, the cabin of the Jaguar XF is a uniquely welcoming and stylish place in which to spend time, using high-end materials in a truly contemporary manner.

Continuing to feature such dramatic 'surprise and delight' elements as the Jaguar Drive Selector that rises from the centre console and air vents that rotate to their open position when the starter button is pressed, the Jaguar XF interior has also received a comprehensive update.

New seats and instruments
Revised front and rear seats incorporate a 'hoop' feature on both squab and backrest that improves not only their appearance but also the support it offers by increasing the seat's profile. New hide colour combinations, veneers and headlining choices increase the personalisation options available to buyers. All models benefit from a revision to the colour scheme on the centre console, fascia and steering wheel where the 'Tungsten' finish is replaced by a more contemporary 'Aurora' theme.

The Jaguar XF incorporates a formidable amount of technology but in true Jaguar fashion it is integrated seamlessly into the function of the car and controlled through a central seven-inch Touch-screen with a new polarising filter for better contrast viewing.

In order to reduce driver workload, additional switches have been added below the Touch-screen to instantly switch between different functions while new graphics are based on those in Jaguar's flagship XJ. The main driver instrument cluster is now a full-colour TFT unit for greater resolution and clarity.

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Lincoln MKZ Concept, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Lincoln MKZ Concept, 2012

The Lincoln MKZ Concept, revealed at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, signals a significant step in Lincoln's reinvention, providing a clear vision of its next-generation vehicles.

The Exterior
The Lincoln MKZ Concept strongly hints at the production model arriving in dealerships later in 2012, as well as Lincoln's design future.

Warm hues are evident in every aspect of the new vehicle's Cognac-colored exterior. The deep finish is achieved with a rich base coat covered in multiple layers of tinted clear-coat finishes.

By retaining key, recognizable brand design elements, the Lincoln MKZ Concept remains clearly identifiable as a Lincoln. One example is the more refined interpretation of the split-wing grille, introduced on the 1938 Lincoln-Zephyr.

The sedan's profile is dominated by a long, sleek and sweeping roofline that allows the design to break away from the traditional sedan three-box shape. The lengthening of the roofline enables a more flowing, elegant and more naturally aerodynamic appearance.

A panoramic glass roof spans uninterrupted from the windshield to the top of the backlight. Integrated into the sedan's aluminum and boron steel superstructure, the fixed-glass expanse extends to the side roof rails of the cabin, creating an airy, open interior.
LED technology enabled an extremely thin and distinctive full-width taillamp graphic. Exhaust tips are cleanly integrated into the rear fascia.

The Interior
The Lincoln MKZ Concept's four-seat interior is open, warm and inviting. "The front graphic is repeated in the dramatic sweep of the instrument panel, helping tie the interior to the exterior. These flowing forms create a comfortable and functional interior that particularly appeals to the younger, more diverse customers we are targeting," said Wolff.

Innovative interior features include push-button transmission gear selection, an open, tiered center console and liquid crystal instrumentation. The reconfigurable 10.1-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) LCD positioned ahead of the driver operates with the latest version of My Lincoln Touch as does the nearly flush-mounted center 8-inch LCD touch screen.

Responsibly harvested poplar wood, aluminum in bright and satin finishes as well as leather help create a sculptural, luxurious and comfortable interior space. Champagne-colored leather seats with dark taupe accents feature a champagne perforation pattern, so-called because the perforations on the seat backs conjure the image of champagne bubbles rising from the bottom of a glass.

Lincoln MKZ Concept: Engineering
The Lincoln MKZ Concept is a styling study that rides on an all-new midsize platform. The sedan is capable of utilizing multiple powertrain options in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations.

Like the recently introduced MKS and MKT with EcoBoost, the Lincoln MKZ Concept features Lincoln Drive Control and the sophisticated Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) adjustable suspension.

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Honda Accord Coupe, 2011

 

 

 

 

Honda Accord Coupe, 2011

 

  Honda Accord Sedan and Coupe receive significant updates including improved fuel economy, enhanced exterior and interior styling and the addition of a new leather-equipped Special Edition (SE) trim level. Available as either a sedan or a coupe in 4-cylinder and V6 variations, the Honda Accord offers a unique balance of style, performance, efficiency and value specific to each individual model.

The improvements to vehicle aerodynamics, engine friction and transmission gear ratios all contribute to fuel economy improvements. The EPA fuel-economy ratings for Honda Accord 4-cylinder sedan models equipped with an automatic transmission improve by 2 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 3 mpg on the highway, for a city/highway rating of 23/34 mpg.
The 2011 Honda Accord Sedan's exterior expresses a more upscale and powerful presence with a new style for the front grille, front bumper and rear deck lid, along with a new wheel design.

Building on the sedan's design character, the Honda Accord Coupe's unique muscular stance is enhanced with a bolder front grille design, new front bumper shape, enhanced brakelight appearance and a new wheel design for V6 models.
Striking a balance between value and luxury, the Honda Accord SE Sedan offers the additional features from the popular Honda Accord LX-P with the added luxury of leather-trimmed seating, heated seats, driver's power-lumbar support and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.

New features on certain models include steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters on the Honda Accord EX-L V6 Coupe, a USB Audio Interface on all coupe models and Honda Accord EX and EX-L Sedans, and a rear view camera on sedans equipped with the available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System. Additionally, Honda Accord EX-L V6 models receive a two-position memory system for the driver's seat. Additional interior updates on all models include new seat fabrics on models with cloth seats, an updated instrument panel design and more-refined accent points throughout the interior.

Interior styling on all models provides attainable luxury with generous standard equipment, world-class ergonomics and intuitive vehicle controls. The front seats are designed to provide generous lateral support and to complement the Honda Accord's sporty side. The fold-down, rear seatback offers cargo-carrying versatility and also includes a lockable pass-through for long items like snow skis.

The most frequently used climate-control buttons are now positioned on the left side of the control stack, closer to the driver for ease-of-use, and less-frequently used buttons are now positioned on the right side. Vehicle clock adjustment is also made easier by more prominent control lettering.
A 190-horsepower, 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine is standard in the Honda Accord EX and EX-L Sedans and Accord LX-S, EX and EX-L Coupes. The 2.4-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine in the Honda Accord LX, LX-P and SE Sedans produces 177 horsepower.

The  3.5-liter, 24-valve SOHC i-VTEC V6 engine produces 271-horsepower and takes advantage of Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology that can deactivate up to half of the cylinders while cruising to improve fuel economy. Preliminary EPA fuel-economy ratings for the 2011 Accord V6 Sedan are 19 city/30 highway mpg, an improvement of 1 mpg in highway driving.

The performance-oriented Honda Accord EX-L V6 Coupe with the 6-speed manual transmission has a unique 3.5-liter V6 VTEC engine (without VCM) that provides a performance-tuned valvetrain, intake and exhaust system to broaden the torque curve in the low- to mid-rpm range for enthusiast-level performance.
A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on 4-cylinder models and a 5-speed automatic is available. A 5-speed automatic transmission is standard on V6-powered models. A 6-speed manual transmission is available exclusively on the Honda Accord EX-L V6 Coupe.

For safety, the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) is an exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes. The ACE design utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment.

The double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension inspire confident handling performance while also providing a comfortable ride. The 2011 Honda Accord Sedan comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, or 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels depending on the model.

Three audio systems are  all with MP3/Windows Media® Audio (WMA) playback capability and an auxiliary input jack. The standard system provides a single-disc CD player, six speakers and 160 watts of power. Radio Data System (RDS) displays information broadcast by participating FM radio stations that often includes call letters, station type (searchable by genre) and programming information. Steering wheel-mounted audio controls come standard on every Accord. The Honda Accord EX Sedan and LX-S Coupe add a 6-disc in-dash changer.

A premium 270-watt audio system comes standard on Honda Accord EX Coupe and Accord EX-L Sedan models, and includes a six-disc CD changer and seven speakers including an 8-inch subwoofer. XM Radio is standard equipment on all Honda Accord EX-L models.

The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System (available on Accord EX-L) uses an 8-inch screen and an interface dial for user input. Features include the Zagat Survey guide for restaurants, nightlife, hotels and attractions. Honda Accord EX and EX-L Coupe and Accord EX-L Sedan models include Bluetooth HandsFreeLink as standard equipment for connecting wirelessly with compatible mobile phones.

The Honda Accord Coupe (4-cylinder) has 17-inch alloy wheels as standard equipment, with 18-inch alloys standard on the Honda Accord V6 Coupe. All Accords feature four-wheel disc brakes.

Currently more than 95 percent of the Accords sold in the United States are produced at Honda of America Manufacturing Inc.'s Marysville Auto Plant in Marysville, Ohio, and at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, LLC, in Lincoln, Alabama. The Marysville plant is the sole global source of the Honda Accord Coupe.

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Maserati GranCabrio Fendi, 2012

 

 Maserati GranCabrio Fendi, 2012

The Maserati GranCabrio Fendi designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi was born from the union of two iconic brands of the made in Italy, which share common values such as craftsmanship and tradition.

As a masterpiece of technology and craftsmanship, the Maserati GranCabrio Fendi introduced at the 2011 Frankfurt MotorShow.

The Maserati GranCabrio Fendi is crafted at the historical Maserati headquarters in Modena, with exclusive materials bespokely created in various colours for this project.

The three-layered body colour named Grigio Fiamma Fendi is a special dark grey with an iridescent golden finish on the surface. The wood trim Pergamena Fendi runs across the width of the dashboard, on the doors and on the top of the gear lever, all in the iconic FENDI yellow, like the brake callipers and the embroidered yellow trident on the headrests.

Adding a stronger yet elegant character to the GranCabrio is FENDI's unmistakable double F-logo, stitched on the seat, also appearing in the centre of the 19-inch Trident design alloy wheels, and the FENDI logo along the rocker panel.

Cuoio Romano, Fendi's most precious leather of its Selleria line, has been used for such details as the instrument cluster cover, for the gear lever and for the profiles of the floor mats. It also features in the Limited Edition Travel Set of luggage and accessories.

The Maserati GranCabrio Fendi represents a perfect marriage between the art of a handmade product with the ultimate technology and research of its 4.7-litre V8 engine coupled with automatic transmission, which brings out to life a unique roar, music to the ears of car connoisseurs.

Silvia Venturini Fendi's specially crafted logo seals this collaboration. A silver oval plaque with the engraving of the Maserati trident, Fendi logo and the 5-digit series number (five being an iconic number for Fendi) is located on the dashboard, in front of the passenger seat, and on both sides of the black cloth folding roof.

A special black car cover with a ton-sur-ton double F logo dresses the GranCabrio, hiding this marvellous secret from indiscreet eyes until the very last moment.

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Volvo Universe Concept, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Volvo Universe Concept, 2011

At the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show, Volvo Car Corporation visualises a masterpiece of Scandinavian Design for car buyers with exquisite tastes.
The Volvo Universe Concept is a large, luxurious sedan with a new human-centric design language that honours the beautiful lines of classic Volvo models.

The Volvo Car Corporation's long-term strategy is to be a successful, truly global company with products designed around our customers' needs and lifestyle.
Scandinavian Design is about understanding and caring about people. Volvo Car Corporation aims to be the brand that best interprets what buyers of modern luxury cars want.

The Volvo Universe Concept has been designed to spark a subconscious desire and a feeling of eternal beauty.
It moves towards the future with its coupe-like roof line and contemporary, solid rear, but it also echoes Volvo's proud heritage by borrowing design cues from classic models of the past.
 

The user-focused and pure
The interior of the Volvo Universe Concept is a comfortable, cultivated environment that is also user-focused and refreshingly uncomplicated. It is driver-orientated in the front and comfortably relaxed in the rear.

The in-command driver environment has intuitive controls and a touch-screen that approaches the hand when the driver reaches towards it - with everything operated from a seat that is inspired by ultra-comfortable chairs.

The passengers in the rear seat are embraced by pure comfort. The interior moulds into the rear seat and becomes part of the seating environment.

The dynamic feel and the dark colour scheme of the front seats fades seamlessly towards the rear until it fully transforms into a light rear seat haven of calmness. Volvo Universe Concept is full of classic forms, materials and textures, used with a twist to create a special contemporary luxury experience.

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Smart fortwo electric drive, 2010

 

 

Smart fortwo electric drive, 2010

From mid November 2009 the new smart fortwo electric drive will roll off the production line at the smart factory in Hambach, France. Unlike its predecessor, the electrically driven smart fortwo of the second generation is fitted with an innovative and highly efficient lithium-ion battery. It is housed in a space-saving position between the axles, which means that space is not compromised in any way in the intelligent two-seater vehicle. A 30 kW electric motor is fitted at the rear. 

The smart fortwo electric drive can be charged at any normal household socket. In Germany, a full battery charge costs approximately two euros and is sufficient for a range of around 115 kilometres - more than enough for city traffic. smart has made electric drive a practical alternative for zero-emission mobility in urban areas. The new smart fortwo electric drive is initially being leased to customers in Berlin and other cities in Europe and the USA who will subject the environmentally friendly trendsetter to intensive real-world testing in tough everyday conditions. From 2012 it will be available to anyone interested.

Environmental friendliness and contemporary functionality have been defining features of the smart fortwo ever since it was launched more than ten years ago. Since then its innovative concept has combined sustainable, forward-looking technologies with individual urban mobility. With a length of just over two and a half metres the extremely compact vehicle can also park perpendicular to the flow of traffic. In addition, the space-saving and environmentally friendly two-seater currently has the lowest fleet consumption and brings its occupants to their destination comfortably and safely. Its design is fresh, youthful, modern and yet sophisticated and has made it an automotive lifestyle icon which shows that mobility, responsibility to the environment and joie de vivre are compatible with one another. The smart fortwo has established a class of its own.

The smart fortwo electric drive offers innovative driving fun
The new smart fortwo electric drive from the popular brand that will roll off the production line from mid November 2009 is a logical continuation of a very ambitious goal: the production of a well-engineered, attractive city car that has no local exhaust gas emissions i.e. a zero emission vehicle. smart started emission-free driving in the tough everyday conditions of city traffic in 2007 in London. Since then 100 smart fortwo electric drives of the first generation have been in practical customer operation. The feedback from the UK capital has been very positive and confirms the high degree of maturity of this vehicle concept.

Electric drive taken into account in the very first concept
Electric drives have been part of the smart concept right from the start. The later integration of the components needed for electric drive was planned at a very early stage. For example, there is space for the battery in the underfloor between the axles where the tank is located in other smart models . The electric drive module does not limit the space available in the smart fortwo electric drive in any way; there is just as much interior and luggage compartment space as in a smart fortwo with a combustion engine.

The powerful drive
A 30 kW magneto-electric motor is installed at the rear of the new smart fortwo electric drive and reacts immediately and without delay. Powerful torque of 120 Newtonmetres is immediately available. This results in a surprising amount of power when pulling away. The smart fortwo electric drive accelerates from 0 - 60 km/h in 6.5 seconds - just as quickly as a petrol model which it initially leaves behind it. Its maximum speed has been deliberately limited to 100 km/h, a suitable speed for the city. 

The second generation smart fortwo electric drive is powered by a lithium-ion battery from Tesla Motors Inc. with capacity of 14 kWh. It is simple to charge at any fused 220 Volt socket.

A fully charged battery is sufficient for up to 115 kilometres of driving fun (NEDC). This range is more than enough for city traffic as studies have shown that cars drive an average of 30 - 40 kilometres per day in towns and cities. For this, the vehicle only needs to be charged for three hours. Plugging the car in overnight will fully recharge the battery.

Electronics optimise the battery charge status and power consumption
Special electronics ensure that all is well with the battery. The electronics also monitor the charging process and control the capacity display.The vehicle's power electronics supply the electrical system with electric current from the battery via a DC/DC converter. In addition, they also control the heating and air conditioning, for example, to minimise the strain on the battery. Clever drivers can air condition their smart fortwo electric drive in advance as long as their vehicle is being charged at home - the long-standing dream of stationary cooling becomes a reality! No other car offers this comfortable option.

The new second generation smart fortwo electric drive is based on the smart fortwo coupé/cabrio passion. As well as air conditioning with automatic temperature control all the equipment features of the popular passion equipment line are included. In addition to the battery indicator, an ammeter shows the consumption and the recuperated energy.

Very low costs
Based on German electricity prices it costs approximately two euros to drive the smart fortwo electric drive for 100 kilometres (even cheaper with off-peak electricity). This is less than the price of two litres of petrol. Electric power is much cheaper in lots of countries. The maintenance costs are considerably lower than those of a smart with a combustion engine as the battery, motor and other components of the electric drive are maintenance-free.

In addition to the low running costs, there are further cost advantages in lots of countries and cities. For example, drivers of a smart fortwo electric drive are entitled to national subsidies, tax advantages or exemption from local toll charges such as the city centre congestion charge in London.

smart fortwo electric drive in major cities in Europe and the USA

From the end of 2009 the smart fortwo electric drive will be delivered to selected leasing customers. Leases will be offered for a period of four years and 60,000 kilometres. The first vehicles are destined for the "e-mobility Berlin" project . Here, in cooperation with the energy provider RWE and with the support of the German government and the city of Berlin Daimleris creating the conditions for running battery-driven vehicles with no local emissions.This includes setting up a network of electricity charging stations that enable intelligent communication between electric vehicles and the power network so that the battery can be charged when electricity is cheapest.

Further vehicles of the new generation smart fortwo electric drive will take to the roads of Hamburg, Paris, Rome, Milan, Pisa, Madridand they will also be deployed in further projects in Europe. Some of the models will also go to cities in the USA.

The smart for two electric drive, and from 2012 it will be produced in large volumes as a normal part of the smart range and sold via the smart dealer network. This underlines the pioneering role of the car brand on the way to attractive individual mobility with zero local emissions in cities and urban population centres.

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