Bentley Continental GTC V8, 2013

 

 

  

 

 

•  Bentley Continental GTC V8, 2013

The red winged 'B' and black gloss grille provide a strong indicator that a different Bentley powerplant nestles in the engine bay of the Bentley Continental GT V8 and its convertible stablemate.

Settle into the supportive cobra-style seats, press the start button, and all is revealed. The new 4.0 litre Bentley engine comes to life with an unmistakable V8 burble: deep, sporty and ready for action.

To achieve the 40 per cent efficiency improvement targeted by Bentley's Board of Directors back in 2008, Bentley's engineering team left no detail unexamined. The reduction in displacement from 6.0 litre W12 to 4.0 litre V8 was the first starting point - but a smaller capacity engine in itself would not have delivered anything close to the ambitious power and emissions targets.

Variable displacement - deactivating cylinders when at a gentle cruising speed or light throttle - was already an area of Bentley expertise. The Bentley Mulsanne's 6.75 litre V8, though similar in format to the original Bentley V8 of 1959, features variable displacement as part of its technologically-advanced specification.

Similar technology now features on the Bentley 4.0 V8: when the engine's control microprocessor detects a light throttle opening as the driver maintains a steady cruising speed or gentle acceleration or deceleration it closes the valves in four of the eight cylinders so that they simply act as air springs.

This has two immediate benefits; the remaining four cylinders operate at a higher level of efficiency, and the engine's frictional and gas transfer losses are reduced. As soon as the driver presses the throttle harder the engine instantly switches back to full eight-cylinder operation.

Switchable hydraulic engine mounts compensate for the different resonances of V8 and V4 mode, as the mount switches to a 'soft' state during idle for improved isolation from vibration.

Seamlessly managing the transition between modes and maintaining optimum efficiency throughout the V8's operating range is a highly advanced engine management system (EMS). A 32-bit TriCore™ microprocessor performs up to 180 million instructions per second, providing an unparalleled level of precision in its control of the combustion process.

The EMS also controls the thermal management system that ensures a faster warm up for the engine and transmission, as well as the switchable oil control system, each of which has a contribution to make to the new model's overall 40 per cent efficiency gain.

Another key component of the innovative V8 powertrain is the new close-ratio 8 speed automatic transmission. Not only does it deliver faster, smoother gearshifts, it also accounts for 6 per cent of the total 40 per cent efficiency gain achieved by the new V8. Having a greater number of ratios ensures that the engine is always working at its most efficient gearing, while drag torque losses have been minimised within the transmission.

New thermal management features ensure that the V8 reaches its most efficient working temperature as swiftly as possible, minimising losses via the unwanted extra drag of cold lubricants and bearings.

A rapid warm-up valve keeps coolant inside the engine until a preset temperature has been reached. It then diverts the warm coolant to the transmission, heating it rapidly thereby reducing energy losses. Only when both major drivetrain components have reached their most efficient operating temperatures does the coolant enter the full cooling system.

In the quest for efficiency, Bentley engineers considered the design of every component to minimise energy losses without compromising power or durability. This process of 'engine optimisation' encompassed everything from oil viscosity, variable oil pressure and indirect intercooling to the use of low friction bearings. Unusually, as well as being technically demanding to achieve, the turbochargers are mounted within the 'V' of the V8, contributing to efficiency and weight reduction, a process that Bentley's engineering describe as 'hot side inside'.

Bentley's engineers have also designed the electrical system to work in a more efficient way, reducing the amount of power sapped by the alternator. Using the principle of recuperation, the alternator's output is 'topped up' by the battery at low engine speeds, then the process is reversed via energy recovery during those times when the car is decelerating.

Over a typical drive cycle this can reduce fuel consumption by 4 per cent, while the 'on demand' variable power assistance for the steering adds a further 3 per cent efficiency gain. Even the specification of the tyres had an additional 1 per cent efficiency gain to contribute, naturally without compromising the Bentley's limpet-like grip and responsive handling characteristics.

As a result of these incremental gains through the use of advanced engineering technology, the new Bentley Continental GT V8 does indeed offer a 40% improvement, compared to the W12-engined Continental GT of 2008, the date when the commitment was made.

But the greatest achievement of all is that the thunderous Bentley performance characteristics are maintained. Full throttle acceleration will catapult the Bentley Continental GT V8 or GTC V8 past sixty miles an hour in less than five seconds; performance figures only surpassed by the 6.0 litre W12 powered models.

Better still, it will do so with an intensity of aural and sensory feedback - a deep growl rising to a full throttle racer's pitch - that delivers a new form of Bentley driving exhilaration. Bentley's engineers accepted no compromises in their pursuit of efficiency - and as a result, the owners of the new Bentley Continental V8 models need make no compromises in their enjoyment of its performance.

Contemporary, sporting design character
The new Bentley Continental V8 models have all the sculpted, muscular elegance of their W12 stablemates, with their distinctive wide rear track, super formed aluminium wings, powerful haunches and low, poised stance. But a number of key differences distinguish these branches of the Continental family.

One of the most significant differences is also one of the smallest. When it appears on the Mulsanne and the 6.0 W12 Continental models the winged 'B' emblem above the radiator grille has a black enamel background.

On the Continental V8, the enamel is red. It's a distinction that dates right back to the 1920s, where the 'red label' badge appeared upon the company's smaller cars, such as the short-chassis 3 Litre, while black badges were usually reserved for larger-engined models.

Other external distinguishing features are more striking. The radiator grille of the V8 models features gloss black mesh, bordered by a fine chrome surround, in place of the W12 Continental GT's brightwork.

Underneath the grille the lower bumper also features black mesh and is divided by strakes into three distinct segments. The effect, both literally and figuratively, is a Bentley with a darker side to its character; potent, muscular and challenging.

At the rear two eye-catching 'figure eight' exhaust pipes, one each side of a dark lower rear valance, tell those in the know that this Bentley is powered by the advanced, exhilarating and efficient new 4.0 litre V8.

Both the coupe and convertible will be launched with 20-inch wheels as standard and customers will also be able to select from two 21-inch wheel designs especially created for the Continental V8 models. Both these options feature a six-spoke alloy with a strong, sporting theme and are finished in either Diamond Black (exclusive to the Continental V8) or Diamond Silver. Each Bentley 'B' emblem featured on the wheel centre caps is also finished in red.

The cockpit of the two Continental V8 models has a correspondingly sporty ambience, featuring a new veneer, Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus, for the fascia and trim. Both the coupe and convertible feature a technical finish Eliade cloth headlining, rather than the leather that is standard in their W12-engined counterparts.

Unlike the full through-console of the W12, the centre console simply separates driver and front passenger seats, underscoring the sporting, lean and weight-conscious ethos of the V8 models.

Both the coupe and convertible will be offered with a choice of four single-tone interior hide colours, seven exterior finishes and (in the case of the GTC) three hood colours.

However, owners wishing to access the full palette of 17 exterior finishes, 17 hide colours, up to seven interior duotone colour 'splits' and eight hood colours available on the Continental W12, can take this option. This also brings access to the full Bentley range of veneers and a new sporty duotone seat design.

Other optional packages include the Driving Specification, Mulliner Styling Specification, Touring Specification and Convenience Specification. Many, however, will prefer the sporting, focused simplicity of the single-colour interior with its contemporary, clean Fiddleback Eucalyptus trim and Eliade cloth headlining.

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Audi A6 L e-tron Concept, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Audi A6 L e-tron Concept, 2012

The Audi is presenting its first luxury-class e-tron concept car - a technology study known as the Audi A6 L e-tron concept at Auto China 2012 in Beijing. The plug-in hybrid has a powerful drive system that enables a driving range of 80 km (49.71 miles) on pure electric power, and it was specifically designed to fulfill Chinese needs.

The Audi A6 L e-tron concept is an important step towards future electric mobility in China for Audi. With its first e-tron technology study in the luxury class, the company is showing what a locally produced New Energy Vehicle from Audi might look like.

The basis for this study is the new A6 L, the most successful premium automobile and Audi's bestselling model in China. Audi produces this business sedan at the Changchun plant in a joint venture with FAW.

The Audi A6 L e-tron concept is precisely tailored to the requirements of Chinese customers. Plug-in hybrids that can travel long distances electrically - thereby enabling zero emissions driving in local areas - are ideal for use in rapidly growing megacities. Beyond its drive system, the Audi A6 L e-tron concept has all of the qualities that customers value in Audi cars: prestige, comfort and sporty performance.

Parallel hybrid system: intelligently combined TFSI and electric motor
The technology study is a parallel hybrid. It brings together a 2.0 TFSI that outputs 155 kW (211 hp) and an electric motor with 70 kW (95 hp) peak power. The liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery is located in a collision-protected space at the rear of the vehicle. In electric mode, the Audi A6 L e-tron concept can travel up to 80 km (49.71 miles) at a constant speed of 60 km/h (37.28 mph). At any given moment, the hybrid control module chooses the best suited operating mode with the focus on driving range.

The technology platform can be operated with only the internal combustion engine, only the electric drive, or in hybrid mode. In addition, it can recover energy during deceleration, or it can boost output power for strong acceleration by combining the two drives. The Audi A6 L e-tron concept delivers sporty performance.

Setting a course for the future: Audi's e-tron strategy
The rapid advance in urbanization and the associated need to reduce CO2 emissions are a key determining factor for new drive technologies. Audi views electric mobility as a key future technology and is working on highly efficient solutions that simultaneously offer the customer a typical Audi driving experience.

Audi has already launched electrified drive systems in volume production with full hybrid models that have highly advanced lithium-ion technology. The Q5 hybrid quattro, A6 hybrid and A8 hybrid can drive up to three kilometers (1.86 miles) on electric power. In combined mode, which uses the internal combustion engine and electric motor, customers experience sporty driving performance and significantly better fuel economy.

The next step is to implement drive systems in which electric driving is the primary focus. The term Audi e-tron refers to technologies ranging from PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) to range extenders and finally vehicles powered purely by electric batteries or fuel cells.

In its first Audi e-tron concept car, Audi already showed how this future might look. And in the case of the R8 e-tron, this vision will be realized in a short production run later this year.

Audi is using A1 e-tron and A3 e-tron test vehicles to acquire important customer feedback, which can be incorporated in later production cars. The first product will be the A3 e-tron in 2014. It will be followed by other New Energy Vehicles. In this way, e-tron will become established as a further attractive drive technology option alongside TDI and TFSI.

Elegant: the styling
The Audi A6 L e-tron concept is notable for its elegant styling. The sedan, which has a 3.01 meter (9.88 feet) wheelbase, is 5.02 meters (16.47 feet) long and 1.87 meters (6.14 feet) wide, but only 1.46 meters (4.79 feet) tall. Its long engine hood, its low, extended roof line and the sharp lines on its sides create an athletic overall look. Characteristic Audi LED headlights emphasize the car's determined expression.

The car's exterior styling shows its differences from the production car. At the front, the single-frame grille with its slender cross-bars and the nearly covered air intakes attract the eye - both features are typical of all e-tron models. Powerful 21-inch wheels in e-tron design and the special rear diffuser highlight the car's progressive character. On the body, signatures identify the prototype's technology, while under the engine hood a styling capsule covers engine components. A ribbed contour at its center symbolizes the hybrid drive.

Lightweight and strong with Audi ultra: the body
The body of the Audi A6 L e-tron concept is identical to that of the Audi A6 L. It is lightweight, rigid and safe to a maximum degree, due to application of the ultra lightweight principle. Consisting of approximately ten percent aluminum, it weighs about 15 percent less than a comparable all-steel design. Aluminum components in the load-bearing structure and exterior skin, as well as the high-tech steels used in the occupant cell, make the body significantly lighter.

Each new future Audi model will be lighter in weight than the previous model. This makes the brand a frontrunner in reversing the upward weight spiral. In designing car bodies, developers will intelligently use new combinations of materials, including carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP). For Audi, ultra lightweight construction does not solely focus on one material, rather it seeks a flexible approach that utilizes a wide variety of materials - but with one goal: to attain the best performance with the least material usage at the best places.

Furthermore, advanced materials and construction methods achieve an extremely low sound level in the interior of the Audi A6 L e-tron concept. Excellent vibration comfort is attained by fine-tuning components and by hydraulically damping axle and drive mounts.

Comfortable and sporty: the chassis
Audi's ultra lightweight construction competence is also found in the chassis, which combines a high level of comfort with sporty handling. The links are made of aluminum. The power steering, like the brake booster and the air conditioning compressor, utilizes an electromechanical drive.

At the limits of performance in driving through curves, the electronic transverse differential lock - a function of electronic stabilization control (ESC) - stabilizes the Audi A6 L e-tron concept by making small interventions at the front wheel on the outside of the curve.

Luxurious: interior and features
As in the Audi A6 L before it, the interior of the technology platform continues the elegant styling of its exterior design. Its defining element is an arc under the windshield - the wrap-around - that surrounds the driver and front passenger. The front of the instrument panel is designed in the form of a flowing wave. All of the interior details illustrate the aesthetic standard with which Audi builds its vehicles. All materials have been carefully selected and meticulously worked into the design.

The controls are intuitive. The powermeter replaces the tachometer; its pointer indicates total drive system power on a scale of zero to 100 percent. Colored segments indicate the current operating state of the Audi A6 L e-tron concept; an auxiliary instrument visualizes the charge state of the lithium-ion battery.

Meanwhile, the energy flow indicator tells the driver the current operating mode and which hybrid drive components are currently active. It can be called up from the driver information system or MMI monitor. The large screen shows a bar diagram of average fuel economy and indicates the amount of recovered energy over five-minute intervals.

The Audi A6 L e-tron concept offers a lot of space at all seating positions. It integrates all of the model line's luxury-class features. The seats offer ventilation and massage functions, the Bose surround system delivers good sound, and the deluxe automatic air conditioning system with air ionizer ensures a pleasant climate in the car. Ambient lighting adds subtle highlights to the interior illumination.

The driver assistance and safety systems also satisfy the highest standards. Audi active lane assist supports the driver in lane-keeping, while Audi side assist helps to change lanes. When it is dark, the night vision assistant highlights detected pedestrians even at a distance; the parking assistant helps in parking. The Audi pre sense system can reduce the severity of accidents and their consequences in many cases.

The car's features also include MMI navigation plus. Many functions of the large hard-drive navigation system can be controlled by touchpad character input; the touch-sensitive pad, MMI touch, recognizes 29,000 Chinese characters. A team of engineers developed these functions at the Audi Infotainment Tech Center (ITC) in Beijing, where infotainment components from Germany are adapted to suit the wishes of Chinese customers.

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LCC Lightning GT Concept, 2008

 

 

 

•  LCC Lightning GT Concept, 2008

In June 2007, The Lightning Car Company announced its intent to develop electric technology for a luxury British sports car - the Lightning GT. Today sees the unveiling of its evolutionary design. This super car with its outstanding presence & performance is set to put British sports car innovation well and truly back on the map.

Designed to accommodate the latest battery and motor technology and reflect its 100% electric power and performance, the electric Lightning prototype is being hand-built by a small team of passionate British engineers, designers and collaborators.

Whilst the rest of the automotive world engages in the hybrid, hydrogen or electric debate, the Lightning Car Company firmly believes its 100% Electric Lightning GT will help kick start the market for performance EV's. Without a significant positive shift in perception, electric motoring will remain a huge compromise in the eyes of driving enthusiasts and therefore fail to impress the masses. Our vision is shared by the world's biggest car maker, General Motors, who believes the global oil supply has peaked and a switch to electric cars is inevitable...

The design team has created a successor to the petrol Lightning GT. Combining the spirit, heritage, individuality and drama of the original car with a dynamic and contemporary design language moves it into a new era and, in doing so, embraces the new technologies and innovative architecture that reside beneath its skin. Subtle creases, positive and negative sections add a sense of strength and finesse to the dramatic surfaces of the car while retaining an understated, yet distinctive British Grand Tourer aesthetic. The Lightning's interior will also be designed to complement the unique electric driving experience.
With the build of the prototype well underway, we should see how this translates into the 'real thing' during the second half of 2008. The electric Lightning GT and Sports versions are now available to pre-order and deposits of £15,000 are being accepted.

THE ELECTRIC LIGHTNING - DESIGN FEATURES
The vehicle proportion has been retained yet exaggerated, enhancing the dramatic volumes of the car. A reduction of visual mass through the corners of the vehicle has assisted creating a more dynamic shape in keeping with the lightweight ethos of the vehicle.

The Carbon skin appears to be draped over the revised chassis architecture and wheels creating powerful arch bulges and undulations within the surfaces. These augment the sense of drama and character, enhancing the visual strength of the vehicle.
Feature creases run from front to rear of the car accelerating your eye through the surfaces generating a subtle nose forward movement while linking key functional areas.

The iconic head fairings have been retained and revised carbon panels form exit air vents. Vents in the bonnet and side surfaces hint at the performance credentials of the car while adding visual continuity, interest and cooling of the power source.
The "face" of the car has been reinterpreted to generate a stronger, more contemporary shape. The light cluster design follows the crease line forming an aggressive feature while the revised "mouth" encases feature fog lamps.

In place of the exhaust housing is a down force generating sculptured diffuser. Rear lamps are inset into a Carbon fibre graphic adding sophistication while generating a signature rear shape. The overall design appears lower, wider and more muscular than its predecessor hinting at superior aggression and performance characteristics.

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Seat Leon Cupra, 2010

 

 

• Seat Leon Cupra, 2010

With the arrival of the 2010 version of the Seat León Cupra, the range's most powerful and spectacular car now features even more impressive looks thanks to several elements introduced on the interior and the exterior, making it the perfect extension of the Seat León that is making phenomenal strides at the WTCC World Touring Car Championship.
The most obvious is the new silhouette, featuring sophisticated, innovative black honeycomb cooling vents at the front beneath the central grille. The front bumper houses two further black highlights, one at each side, with the word Cupra immediately visible on the left.

The rear features a prominent black moulding at the bottom of the bumper, a polished steel oval tailpipe and the characteristic model name in the centre of the hatch.
A side look at the Seat León Cupra reveals a lower ground clearance compared to the basic León version, making the car look and feel more like a racing unit. The spectacular 18 inch rims, eye-catching wheel arches and black encased door mirrors are all distinctive traits of the Seat model.

All the interior elements are black clad, replacing the usual light tones on other models. There is a leather steering wheel with aluminium colour inserts and the Cupra logo at the bottom and a matching gearknob. Further sporty details are the white faced instrument dials and aluminium pedals.

Special mention goes to the Seat Leon Cupra Seats, with their true racing bucket styling, featuring integrated headrests and the "Cupra" badge displayed on the backrests. These Seats offer tremendous side support when dealing with corners and driving comfort. An attractive new option is now available in black leather upholstery with white cross-stitching.

The same as on the previous version, the new Seat León Cupra 2009 is equipped with the powerful 240 hp 2.0 TSI engine, which provides brilliant performance and delivers exceptional fuel consumption figures. Top speed is clocked at 247 km/h, 0 to 100 km/h acceleration takes only 6.4 seconds, and it covers a standing kilometre in only 26.4 seconds. At the same time, average combined fuel consumption is listed at 8.3 litres for every 100 km.

The new Seat León Cupra features such standard equipment as the XDS system, ABS and TCS, ESP with EBA emergency braking, low tyre pressure warning, driver and passenger airbag, side airbag and head airbag, climate control, cornering foglights, trip computer, cruise control, sports suspension and CD radio + MP3 + 8 speakers + Aux-in, among others.

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Mazda CX-5, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

•  Mazda CX-5, 2013

Mazda is unveiling the all-new Mazda CX-5 compact crossover SUV at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The CX-5 is the first vehicle of a new Mazda generation that will adopt the full range of Mazda's breakthrough SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and new design theme, 'KODO - Soul of Motion', which was showcased by the Mazda SHINARI and Mazda MINAGI concept cars.

The new Mazda CX-5 will be introduced progressively to global markets beginning early in 2012. Developed around SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY - including all-new Mazda petrol and diesel engines, manual and automatic transmissions, body and chassis - the CX-5 delivers precise response and a high-quality, rewarding ride matched to outstanding environmental and safety performance.

The CX-5 is the first of a new generation of Mazda vehicles that will evolve the company's hallmark fun-to-drive character by providing a new level of driving pleasure.

Aiming for the Best of all Worlds - Making a crossover SUV with enduring appeal
CX-5 Programme Manager, Hideaki Tanaka, says: "We aimed to develop a vehicle with a long-term appeal that would delight owners and make them proud for years to come. I think that these were the most important values we had to embody in the CX-5. We wanted to deliver the best of all worlds in order to suit the various lifestyles and life stages of our customers, and satisfy their high expectations over the long term. Specifically, we focused on providing pleasure through the CX-5's appearance, ist precise handling, its insightful functionality, and its long-term appeal. By aiming to achieve the ideal in each area, we pursued the innovation of driving pleasure."

Innovation for a "Purer" Sense of Driving Pleasure - Concentrating on the most essential elements and enhancing what feels good

The Mazda CX-5 development team focused on form, performance, function and texture, investigated all points of contact between the driver and the vehicle, and examined how to make them more pleasing. Then they prioritized ergonomic design and concentrated on the most essential elements in order to provide a "purer" sense of driving pleasure.

Design - Form that conveys a strong sense of vitality and agility
Following the Mazda MINAGI concept car that was unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the CX-5 becomes the first production model to feature Mazda's new design theme, 'KODO - Soul of Motion'. Chief Designer, Masashi Nakayama says: "With the CX-5, our focus was on expressing a strong sense of vitality and agility. We looked at videos of cheetahs; their agile footwork and how they use their entire body as a spring to accelerate rapidly and change the direction instantly. They emanate great energy throughout their entire body. Inspired by their efficient yet beautiful movements, we aimed to push the SUV appearance to new levels with KODO design language."

The exterior design features bold styling that simultaneously expresses SUV-like solidity and functionality with Mazda's characteristic sense of vitality and agility. Inside, Mazda created a driver-oriented cabin with solid styling that reflects the Mazda CX-5's strength and high rigidity.

KODO: SOUL OF MOTION
Over the years Mazda has often explored the idea of 'motion' to inspire its unique vehicle designs. The new generation of Mazda cars, beginning with the CX-5 compact crossover SUV, is influenced by nature's power and beauty.

They have been evolved by taking the instantaneous movement of animals or humans as inspiration. This instantaneous movement is the ultimate form of motion, filled with vitality and emotion; it is the essence of Mazda's new design language 'KODO - Soul of Motion'.

The new design language was first introduced in 2010 with the SHINARI concept, a 4-door sports coupe created by the design team led by Ikuo Maeda, General Manager Design Division of Mazda Corporation. The Shinari incorporates all design elements of the KODO theme and was followed by the MINAGI concept car, a compact crossover SUV that was the forerunner of today's Mazda CX-5, the first mass production vehicle that fully applies KODO design.

Exterior

•     Front view: a new Mazda family face centred on a new 'signature wing' expresses strength and depth.
•     Rear view: The contrast of prominent rear fenders and taut rear end conveys toughness and grace that underline its athletic form.
•     Side view: The prominent front fenders and sculptured body sides accentuate a sense of power which suggests powerful muscles.
•     The exterior design contributes to excellent aerodynamics (Target Cd of 0.33) and a quite cabin.

Interior

•     The driver's side, especially the meter hood, has a deep, longitudinally stretched design that resembles a cockpit and produces a sense of forward momentum. The detailed, high-quality meter design raises the driver's anticipation for the ride ahead.
•     On the passenger side, the instrument panel looks ample and solid, with a horizontal design that generates a sense of security.
•     New soft materials are adopted for the instrument panel and door trim that are most often seen and touched.
•     Parts that are used most often, like the steering wheels spokes and inner door handles, have a satin chrome finish, which enhances the high-quality, genuine feel of the interior.

Functionality
The development team thoroughly researched what features are needed to deliver comfort and convenience, and focused on providing flexibility that drivers and passengers can enjoy with ease. The development team realized a comfortable and user-friendly interior with noticeably efficient use of space and intelligent functionality. Additionally, the human-machine interface (HMI) presents information in an intuitive and easy-to-understand way that can be read in an instant, in order to minimize the driver's eye movement and create a cockpit environment that aids driver concentration.

Spacious, practical and smart
The 2,700 mm wheelbase, one of the segment's longest, enabled streamlined styling and a comfortable cabin.

Class-leading rear seat legroom of 997 mm. Spacious rear seats in which adult passengers can ride in comfort with ample knee space.
500 litres of useable luggage space (including a sub trunk) is maximized by removing protrusions and dead space.

Smart, easy-to-use KARAKURI functionality. The world's first 40:20:40 split independent rear seats with a remote fold-down function. The rear centre seat creates a large flat luggage space when folded down. The tonneau cover automatically lifts up and down as the rear liftgate is opened and closed.

As well as comfortably accommodating two adults, the 40:20:40 split rear seats enable long objects to be loaded by folding the centre seat down flat, even with two child seats installed on both sides. The rear seats can be folded down remotely by a simple flick of levers located at the back of the luggage area.

Provides generous storage capacity demanded of an SUV, including a large open space in the centre console that can hold all sorts of items, and front and rear door pockets large enough to take a 1-litre bottle.

Advanced Human Machine Interface (HMI) with high connectivity and intuitive operation
A 5.8-inch colour touch screen monitor is positioned in the centre at the top of the dashboard, and shows data related to the infotainment system — including audio, phone connection — and contains the new navigation system.

Mazda CX-5's new HMI system improves safety by minimizing the driver's eye movement away from the road. The menu controls for the steering-wheel-mounted switches are arranged according to function, a centre display touch screen, and a HMI commander are positioned on the centre console. With the vehicle stopped, the driver might operate it by touch screen. During driving, the driver can operate the menu more safely and easily with the HMI commander. This layout also enables some functions, especially navigation, to be operated intuitively from the passenger seat.

Its new integrated navigation system is based on the latest TomTom® technology, one of Europe's most popular provider of navigation system. For an affordable price, customers can enjoy more accurate arrival-time estimates, which are calculated based on previously recorded data, and better suggestions for alternate routes to avoid traffic jams. By accessing the homepage through a personal computer at home, customers can also download new roads that are not listed on maps. For an extra fee, TomTom® Live Services are also available depending on country). These provides more accurate real-time traffic information, weather forecasts, fuel prices and other constantly updated information.

For high connectivity, customers can connect their mobile MP3 players or mobile phones via USB or Bluetooth® connection to the HMI system. Searching for your favourite song is made easy as title, album and artist will be displayed on the touch screen.

The best way to listen to your favourite music in the Mazda CX-5 is on a BOSE® surround-sound system - with a new-generation energy-efficient amplifier and subwoofer.

Dynamic Performance
Regarding dynamic performance, the ultimate goal of the Mazda CX-5 development team was to make the vehicle move precisely according to the driver's wishes. To attain precise response, engineers concentrated on transferring the high performance levels of SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY to the driver and used what is called a PDCA cycle to comprehensively analyze the driving process:

•     Plan: the driver forms a vision of what he wants to do
•     Do: the driver communicates his intention to the vehicle
•     Check: the driver receives feedback from the vehicle confirming that its motion perfectly matches his intention
•     Action: the driver proceeds to the next action

First, the development team focused on creating a cockpit environment to communicate the driver's intention to the vehicle. To enable linear operation, they optimized every point of contact between car and driver including driving position, pedals, steering wheel, seat hold, and field-of-view. Next, they examined the quality of feedback coming from the car. The test drivers judged this quality by asking, "Did I control the car as I wanted?" and "Do I need to change the way the car responds?" In order to boost the quality of vehicle feedback, the team worked on making the feedback match the driver's expectations by making it highly predictable. Their objective here is to enable the driver to input his intention with a single action, removing the need for any corrective inputs and creating conditions where the driver and vehicle are perfectly synchronized. In addition to this, the team added an overall development target to create ideal conditions in which the driver's input and vehicle feedback were in complete harmony over the full range of motions from going, turning and stopping.

The superb ride quality of the Mazda CX-5, and its precise response, can be felt the instant the steering wheel and pedals are operated, and this feeling intensifies the more one drives it.

All-new Mazda SKYACTIV Chassis & Body
The Mazda CX-5 has newly-developed strut suspension in the front and a multi-link layout in the rear. The geometry of the suspension links and the bush characteristics are optimized to ensure light, linear steering response at mid-to-low speeds and excellent high-speed stability. The rear dampers also have a forward-tilting layout, increasing comfort even on rough road surfaces.

A newly-developed electric power assist steering system offers highly precise control according to vehicle speed. At mid-to-low speeds, it provides natural feedback and linear feeling from small to large angle inputs. At high speeds, it gives firm, confidence-inspiring feedback.

The brakes deliver easily-controllable, precise and assured braking performance from low to high speeds.

The lightweight yet rigid SKYACTIV-BODY framework is optimized for handling stability, low NVH and excellent collision safety performance. It supports the Mazda CX-5's rewarding and high-quality, responsive ride.

Care was taken with NVH to ensure the driver hears necessary audio feedback while actively eliminating intrusive noises. Noises were initially separated into road noise and engine noise. For each, the unpleasant low-frequency, mid-frequency and high-frequency noises were individually identified and efficiently eradicated, resulting in a quiet cabin environment.

To achieve smooth airflow under the vehicle and suppress eddies forming behind it, the air is directed upwards using a new underfloor design. The development team effectively reduced underfloor air resistance and optimized the aerodynamic shape of the upper body argeting an outstanding Cd of 0.33.

All-new Mazda SKYACTIV Powertrains
The SKYACTIV-G 2.0 petrol engine models have the world highest compression ratio of 14.0:1, and their 4-2-1 exhaust system prevents knocking and provides abundant torque from low engine speeds, enabling acceleration that precisely matches the driver's intention. Models with this engine achieve outstanding fuel economy, precise response, and a high-quality, linear and rewarding ride:

•     FWD: Maximum torque of 210 NM at 4,000 rpm and maximum power of 121 kW/ 165 PS at 6,000 rpm
•     AWD: Maximum torque of 208 NM at 4,000 rpm and maximum power of 118 kW/ 160 PS at 6,000 rpm

The SKYACTIV-D 2.2 diesel engine models have the world's lowest compression ratio for a diesel engine of 14.0:1, and a highly efficient two-stage turbocharger that delivers spirited and linear acceleration and exhilarating driving dynamics that surpass conventional diesel-engine vehicles. They also achieve outstanding fuel economy for a compact SUV with extremely clean emissions that clear Euro6 without the need of any NOx after-treatment systems. Two variants of the engine are:

•     A High Power version developing maximum torque of 420 Nm at 2,000 rpm and maximum power of 129 kW / 175 PS at 4,500 rpm.
•     A Standard Power version produces maximum torque of 380 Nm at 1,800-2,600 rpm and maximum power of 110 kW / 150 PS at 4,500 rpm.

All Mazda CX-5 models come with a choice of two new transmissions:

•     The six-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic transmission provides linear acceleration and a direct shift feel similar to a dual clutch transmission.
•     The six-speed SKYACTIV-MT manual transmission, with ist compact architecture and enhanced gear structure, delivers the light and crisp shift feel known from the MX-5. Both support fuel efficiency and the high-quality ride feel of the CX-5.

Environmental and Safety Performance
The Mazda CX-5 uses the full array of SKYACTIV Technologies to achieve outstanding fuel economy and emissions performance without sacrificing its fun-to-drive character. In terms of safety, Mazda's fundamental approach is to "inspire peace-of-mind and confidence in order to enhance driving pleasure." Based on this approach, Mazda engineers worked to advance the vehicle's core performance attributes of "driving, turning and stopping" as well as visibility and operability. Thanks to the lightweight and highly-rigid SKYACTIV-BODY, the CX-5 provides excellent collision performance that will attain top ratings in crash tests around the world.

Environmental Performance
The SKYACTIV-G 2.0 petrol engine with FWD, 6-speed manual transmission and i-stop system targets a mere 6.0 litres of fuel per 100 km (combined) with CO2 emission of 139 g/km.

The SKYACTIV-D 2.2 diesel engine with FWD, 6-speed manual transmission and i-stop system targets just 4.5 litres per 100 km (combined) with CO2 emission of just 119 g/km.

The SKYACTIV-D engine meets Euro Stage 6 emission standards without adopting an expensive NOx after-treatment system.

The SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic transmission with its new lock-up clutch, achieves lock-up in almost all driving conditions. This reduces transmission slip significantly and contributes to fuel efficiency. It is available for both petrol and diesel engines.

Mazda's idling-stop system, i-stop, is available for the CX-5 with both SKYACTIV-G and -D. It has previously been used only with petrol engine models. With a newly-developed, more advanced control system, the new i-stop shuts off the engine more frequently, helping to further improve real-world fuel economy.

Single-nanotechnology in the catalyst improves exhaust gas after-treatment performance and reduces the amount of precious metals required.

The Mazda CX-5 is one of the lightest and most aerodynamic vehicle in its class, which contributes to its outstanding fuel economy and low CO2 emissions.

Safety Performance
The base of the A-pillars has been optimized to ensure excellent forward visibility on winding roads and at junctions. The side mirrors are mounted on the doors themselves to create a gap between the mirrors and A-pillars through which drivers can check their surroundings.

A host of new, cutting-edge features are available to support the driver's own safety checks and hazard awareness :

Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) is standard for mid and high grade (first in the compact SUV segment) and uses a new radar sensor system to help prevent or reduce impact of front crash accidents at low speed (up to 30 km/h) by automatically braking the vehicle.

Upgraded Rear Vehicle Monitoring System (RVM) that detects cars approaching from behind or driving in the blind spot and warns the driver (now from 30 km/h onwards instead of 60 km/h to support city driving safety).

Lane Departure Warning minimizes the risk of leaving the driving lane unintentionally by employing a camera to detect and judge the position of white lines to then warn the driver of a possible lane departure.

High-Beam Control (HBC) automatically changes between low and high beam during night driving in order to avoid blinding upcoming vehicles.

The lightweight, highly-rigid SKYACTIV-BODY provides excellent collision performance and is conceived to attain top ratings in crash tests around the world.

A multi-load path structure and a front end with a cross-shaped cross-section increases crash energy absorption, further improving safety performance in frontal, side and rear-end collisions.

The anti-whiplash design of the front seats helps to reduce neck injury in the event of a rear-end collision.

There are two impact beams in the front doors. The upper beam has a round cross-section, and the lower beam has a double-ridged cross-section. The lower rear beam also has a double-ridged cross-section, helping to improve strength.

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