Citroen DS4, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

•  Citroen DS4, 2012

Citroën has released first details for the new Citroën DS4, a unique and attractive blend of creativity, dynamism, exclusivity and versatility. DS4 is the second model in Citroën's distinctively-styled DS line.

The Citroën DS4 brings an alluring mixture of premium design codes and a bold approach to automotive styling, with an emphasis on driving pleasure and advanced vehicle architecture. DS4 is a model with a multitude of talents, effortlessly responding to a broad range of owner needs, while enhancing the appeal and vitality of the motoring experience.

Citroën DS4 combines sophistication and refinement with a dynamic coupé-like body, creating exceptional versatility and day-to-day practicality within a compact design - 4.27m (l), 1.81m (w) & 1.53m (h).

Citroën DS4 delivers a new "at-the-wheel" experience with unrivalled driving sensations and outstanding agile on-road handling. With its slightly raised stance and taut lines, Citroën DS4 is a unique and eye-catching addition to the segment.

Finely crafted to convey a prestigious presence both inside and out, Citroën DS4 offers meticulous detailing from carefully applied chrome touches to premium cabin materials - such as the finest quality leather seats. A large panoramic windscreen, offering enhanced occupant visibility, illuminates the driver-focused cockpit, creating a bright and welcoming environment.

Combining coupé style with 2+2 door practicality, Citroën DS4 offers three full-sized rear seats, accessed by rear doors with hidden handles that are seamlessly integrated into the body's flowing lines. Citroën DS4 also benefits from a capacious 370-litre boot and a host of clever storage solutions.

Citroën DS4 comes with a choice of five refined and efficient engines - two HDi diesels and three petrol powerplants.

All engines deliver a combination of powerful performance - including a new to Citroën 200hp petrol unit - and ecologically sensitive motoring. Citroën's new e-HDi drivetrains for example deliver improved fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions.
Citroën DS4 will be revealed at the 2010 Paris Motor Show and is expected to go on sale later in 2011.

UNIQUE STYLING
An example of truly creative design, Citroën DS4 boldly blends a mix of the most desirable styling references to create an exciting new automotive proposition. Marc Pinson, DS4's chief stylist, comments, "Reinterpreting cues opened up new possibilities, bringing practical and surprising solutions to automotive mobility".

Compact and muscular, the DS signature on the bonnet is complemented by a striking LED light signature around the front fog lights. The LEDs are illuminated both day and night. The eye-catching profile, featuring a chrome-finished waistline surrounding dark tinted windows, is enhanced by muscular wheel arches - that emphasise the large wheels (up to 19") - and is crowned by a tautly drawn roofline with a spoiler for added vitality. The lower part of the rear bumper is finished in chrome and the horizontal detailing on the rear light clusters highlights their innovative boomerang design.

TAILORED INTERIOR
As with its prestigious exterior, Citroën DS4's cabin exudes power, dynamism and refinement. The driving position is enveloping, with chrome-surround dials focused directly towards the driver's eye-line. The characterful, sculptured dashboard also uses high quality materials for a superior tactile feel.

DS4's cabin is dominated by the large panoramic windscreen that extends backwards into the roofline. Offering up to 45° of upward vision, the panoramic glazed area combines with Citroën DS4's slightly raised stance, to provide optimised visibility for the driver, with a bright yet intimate, airy cabin environment for passengers.

Allowing owners to personalise the interior, DS4 is available with a choice of five leather combinations, including two-tone options. Range-topping models are also equipped with high quality leather on the dashboard and door panels - complete with a 'Bracelet' design on the seats, evoking the links of a watch strap.

For an added touch of luxury, there is chrome detailing on the air vent surrounds, instrument cluster, gear lever and parts of the central console. Aluminium pedals, embossed leather door handles and ambient lighting are further evidence of Citroën DS4's attention to premium detail.

NATURALLY DYNAMIC & AGILE
With its high-set, taut and agile stance, Citroën DS4 is tuned for dynamic performance, appealing to drivers looking for an involving motoring experience. "We really wanted drivers to feel like they have the road at the tips of their fingers", says Jérémie Maestracci, DS4's project manager.

On the road, Citroën DS4 exercises exemplary control, giving occupants a reassuring sense of safety in all circumstances. Fitted with a MacPherson type suspension assembly at the front, a flexible transverse beam at the rear and hydraulic steering with an electric pump unit, the platform is a tried and tested solution tailored for the distinctive set-up of the car.

Depending on trim level, DS4 is fitted with large-diameter (340mm) ventilated disc brakes and, as standard, with dedicated braking control systems, including ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA). Ensuring optimal vehicle control in the most demanding driving situations, Citroën DS4 also features intelligent traction control with ESP.

DS4 will be launched with a choice of five refined and highly efficient Euro 5 engines. The two HDi diesels - an HDi 110 (also available as an e-HDi version) and an HDi 160 - are both fitted with Citroën's Diesel Particulate Filter System. The three petrol powerplants - VTi 120, THP 155 and the new THP 200 - were co-developed with BMW. The new THP 200 - based on the 1.6-litre engine - delivers flexible power delivery and performance thanks to its power output (147kW), plentiful torque (275Nm at 1,700rpm) - with low CO2 emissions of just 149g/km. All engines are available with manual or EGS six-speed gearboxes.

Special attention has been given to the car's internal acoustics, retaining the refined atmosphere on-board by minimising engine vibration, wind and road noise. This has been achieved by specifying a laminated panoramic windscreen with damping film, fitting additional sound absorbent material around the engine compartment and enhanced sealing barriers on the body and doors.

EXPERTLY EFFICIENT
Citroën DS4 was designed from the start to have a reduced environmental footprint - especially evident in its construction - by using top-quality components, an ecologically focused manufacturing process and the use of 'green materials' - around 15% of the 200kg of plastic used in DS4 vehicle is derived from 'green materials.'

Citroën DS4 can be specified with Citroen's micro-hybrid e-HDi technology, which is available from launch on versions powered by the HDi 110 engine.

The e HDi system comprises of:

•     an economical HDi Euro 5 diesel power plant
•     a new generation Stop & Start system, which instantly cuts out the engine when the car comes to a halt (red lights, traffic jams).
•     a second-generation reversible alternator and an e-booster function that restarts the engine instantly (0.4 seconds)
•     an electronically controlled alternator that recovers energy during braking;
•     an Electronic Gearbox System (EGS) with optimised gear changes.

All required features such as the radio, air-conditioning and steering functions remain in operation when the engine is stopped by the system. This innovative technology can reduce the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by as much as 15% in built-up urban environments.

DAY-TO-DAY PLEASURE
Citroën DS4's compact exterior belies a spacious and luxuriously comfortable cabin, which can be easily accessed by the car's 2+2 door layout. To make it easier to access the rear seats - often seen as a weak point for some sporty models - DS4 features seamlessly integrated rear doors with handles hidden in the door frames.

Thanks to its optimised design, the front doors of Citroën DS4 have been made narrower and lighter, making them easier to open and close, promoting easy access at the front.

Another asset in terms of versatility and roominess is DS4's 370-litre (VDA) boot, which is similar in volume to that of many conventional saloons.

Citroën DS4 also has numerous storage compartments for extra travelling comfort, including a large, well lit glove box; door pockets big enough for 1.5-litre bottles; and even a drawer under the front passenger seat. The intelligent architecture of the high-level central console (available on models fitted with EGS) also provides spacious storage areas. The largest of these - which is cooled, illuminated and protected by a sliding cover - can hold up to four 50-cl bottles and houses a connectivity area with an audio-jack, a USB port and a 12-volt socket. The large compartment located under the front armrest also features an additional power source.

CRÉATIVE TECHNOLOGIE ON-BOARD
Beyond its distinctive styling and dynamic performance, Citroën DS4's cabin overflows with 'Créative Technologie', providing equipment, functionality and innovative features for first-class travelling comfort and ultimate user convenience. Features available include an advanced audio system with processing software for effective soundscaping, delivering high quality, authentic sound evenly throughout the cabin. For ultimate driving luxury, massaging front seats are available with electric lumbar adjustment in the front passenger's and driver's seat backs.

Another example of the tailored DS4 experience, drivers can select their own on-board ambience from four ranges of polyphonic sounds - Classic, Crystal Symphony, Jungle Fantasy & Urban Rythmik - for alerts and reminders; select from three air-conditioning flow levels - soft, average & intense; and choose from an array of colours for the instrument panel - spanning from white to blue.

Drivers can access all key driving and comfort controls - which are clearly visible and even backlit for night-time use - without taking their hands off the wheel.

For complete peace-of-mind, Citroën DS4 is also equipped with a range of safety-enhancing technologies:

•     The Citroën eTouch Assistance System automatically or manually makes emergency or assistance calls, using a built-in SIM card, for rapid intervention in the event of an accident or if the car is immobilised.
•     Front fog lamps with static cornering lights provide an extra beam that increases visibility when turning - by up to 75° to the left and right of the vehicle. The lights automatically illuminate when the driver indicates or turns the wheel to an angle of more than 60°.
•     A blind-spot monitoring system - based on the same technology as reversing parking sensors - the four ultrasound sensors alert the driver if a vehicle is in their blind spot ( an area stretching to around 5m behind the rear bumper and 3.5m from each side of the car). The driver is alerted by means of a pictogram displayed in the wing mirrors.
•     Programmable cruise control with speed limiter also allows drivers to pre-set cruising and top speeds for added safety and convenience on the open road.

FIRST-CLASS SERVICE
When launched, DS4 will be available with first-class customer service. Citroën FreeDrive, first introduced with DS3, is a distinctive package for Citroën DS4 owners, providingcomplete peace-of-mind with an extensive range of services that can be personalised to meet the specific needs of the customer. FreeDrive contracts can be tailored to cover:

•     scheduled and annual servicing
•     periodic maintenance
•     replacement of wear and tear items
•     Citroën Assistance (Roadside/At Home/Recovery/Onward Travel/European Cover)
•     replacement vehicle during regular servicing, MOT Testing
•     valet cleaning during servicing.

FreeDrive also offers optional tyre replacement cover, a 'Pick-up' service from the customer's home or workplace, or a 'Pick-up & Delivery' service.

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Citroen DS3 R3, 2011

 

 

• Citroen DS3 R3, 2011

In addition to Citroën Racing's official participation in WRC, where it has won five FIA World Championship Constructors' titles, Citroën Racing has always offered products designed for customers. The champion team has now furthered this rich tradition with Citroën DS3 R3, a model set to make its rallying debut at the end of 2010. Versatile, high performance and yet affordably-priced, Citroën DS3 R3 is set to become the new leader in its category.

Based on the FIA's new Group R3T regulations, Citroën DS3 R3 features the same structural design and appearance as the production model, with the production steel body shell reinforced by a welded, multi-point roll cage, improving the resilience of the chassis and safety for the driver pairing.

Under the bonnet lies a four-cylinder 1.6-litre THP (high pressure turbo) engine, which has been developed using the PSA production engine. Specific racing parts (air box, camshaft, pistons, connecting rods, exhaust and turbo systems, electronic unit, etc.) have been deployed to boost the car's power to 210bhp. In addition to its overall power, special attention has been given to increasing the engine's torque to improve traction, one of the key factors in delivering efficient driving performance. With 350Nm, the Citroën DS3 R3 engine offers unrivalled flexibility on the road.

Citroën DS3 R3 has benefitted from the extensive expertise acquired by Citroën Racing through its involvement in the World Rally Championship. As with the C4 WRC, the six-speed gearbox features semi-automatic sequential control, enabling gear changes to be made twice as quickly as with a manual gearbox, whilst also improving the reliability of the car's powertrain.

The suspension system uses the very latest technologies and has been designed for all road surfaces, from rough gravel to smooth tarmac. A wide variety of setup options are available, allowing Citroën DS3 R3 to be adapted to all driving styles. Citroën Racing recommends the use of BFGoodrich tyres.

Built using production-derived components and specific racing parts, Citroën DS3 R3 is available at an affordable price and will be marketed by Citroën Racing in kit and ready-to-race versions.

CHASSIS: CITROËN RACING, EXPERTS WHEN IT COMES TO SAFETY
Citroën Racing has deployed its extensive expertise in passive safety and chassis rigidity on Citroën DS3 R3. The standard monocoque chassis is lighter because it does not have the supports used on the production model. It has been re-welded and fitted with a multi-point roll cage made of over 45 metres of steel tubing. The industrially designed roll cage is pre-assembled outside the car, which means the welding is of a higher quality. Various details of the chassis design, such as the harness cross-member and the door crossbars, help to improve safety for the driver pairing. The monocoque chassis is delivered with all the brackets and mountings required to assemble the car, which reduces the construction time and cost.

In order to improve weight distribution, the battery and automatic fire extinguisher are positioned behind the seats. A steel skidplate protects the underside of the engine and also helps to lower the car's centre of gravity. The flexible, FIA-homologated fuel tank remains in its original position.

GROUND LINK SYSTEMS: ADAPTABLE AND HIGH-PERFORMANCE SUSPENSION
Citroën DS3 R3's efficiency on all road surfaces stems from the quality of its suspension system, designed to make full use of the Group R regulations. At the front, the production sub-frame has been altered so that tubular wishbones can be fitted. The axle is both lighter and stronger than on the production model. Developed in conjunction with BOS, the shock absorbers boast several innovative features:

•     The aluminium struts are lubricated in an oil bath, which improves the consistency and lifespan of the suspension.
•     The lower, frontally-offset anchor point helps increase the travel and the guiding length of the shock absorber.

In order to adapt its road handling to all driving styles, Citroën DS3 R3 offers a variety of setup options: three track shock absorbers (low and high-speed compression and rebound, adjustable hydraulic bump stop), camber and toe (front and rear), track width and castor (front).

At the rear, the production cross-member has been reinforced and altered to make it easier to fit the anti-roll bar. The removable rear wheel hubs allow the camber and toe settings to be adjusted independently.

The braking system features a 'pedal box' assembly with two master cylinders. The discs are held in place by four-calliper pistons at the front and two-calliper pistons at the rear. The handbrake is hydraulic.

ENGINE: A 1.6-LITRE HIGH-PRESSURE TURBO WITH INCREDIBLE TORQUE
For the first time ever, Citroën Racing has produced a customer-racing product fitted with a turbocharged engine. The experience acquired by the brand in WRC for almost ten years has been put to good use in its design. The 1.6-litre THP (high pressure turbo) engine is very closely related to the production model used throughout the PSA Group. Fitted with a regulation-compliant 29mm turbo flange, it develops 210bhp of power and generates a torque of 350Nm (with commercially available fuel). This second value improves traction and delivers excellent versatility at all engine speeds.

In accordance with the regulations, many parts have been taken or derived from the production model. For example, the intake and exhaust manifolds, turbocharger, injectors and injection pumps are identical to those used on production models. The air filter, camshaft, pistons, connecting rods and engine flywheel are, however, specific racing parts. To avoid oil surges during long corners and to increase ground clearance, the oil sump has been altered and fitted with a composite partition. The exhaust and turbocharger system is also specific; the catalytic converter is similar to the one used on C4 WRC. Citroën DS3 R3's engine ECU also includes a data acquisition system that is able to check a large number of parameters.

GEARBOX: A MAJOR FIRST WITH SEMI-AUTOMATIC CONTROL
One of the main innovations on Citroën DS3 R3 concerns its gearbox. For the first time, a customer-racing product has been fitted with a semi-automatic gearbox, which reduces the time spent changing gears and increases reliability. The electronic management system only authorises gear changes when the engine parameters allow it. Once again, the expertise developed by Citroën Racing in WRC enabled this cutting-edge technology to be adapted to Citroën DS3 R3.

Inside the cabin, the composite fibre steering wheel-mounted paddles are just as ergonomic as on C4 WRC: the driver flicks the paddle backwards to move up the gears and flicks it forwards to move down the gears. The clutch pedal is still present, but is only used to drive off. During subsequent gear changes, the clutch is automatically controlled.

Under the bonnet, the specific elements of the semi-automatic control (solenoid valves, actuators and pressure unit) have all been taken from the production model and adapted to the six-speed gearbox. The housing for the twin-disc clutch has been cast in aluminium, whilst the gearing casing has been cut from the block.

DEVELOPMENT: OVER 10,000KM OF TESTING
After twelve months spent in Citroën Racing's design office, Citroën DS3 R3 made its first outing at the end of August 2009. To check the sturdiness of the various components, initial testing was carried out on 'rough gravel' test tracks, typical of the road surfaces seen in Mediterranean rallies. Development testing continued on tarmac, the ideal surface to test performance, and on flowing gravel roads. In total, Citroën DS3 R3 covered over 10,000km in development testing, split evenly among the different types of road surfaces.

Several drivers took part in the tests. They all had varying levels of experience, different preferences and driving styles, which meant that the engineers could accumulate data that will benefit future Citroën DS3 R3 owners. All of the drivers agreed that the car was easy to drive and highlighted three strengths: the torque of the 1.6-litre engine, the semi-automatic gearbox and the suspension. Citroën DS3 R3 offers impressive performance levels and looks set to become the new leader in its category in rallying.

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GMC Yukon Hybrid, 2008

 

 GMC Yukon Hybrid, 2008

The 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid, featuring the world's first two-mode hybrid propulsion system in an SUV, will offer consumers a 25-percent improvement in overall fuel economy when it arrives at dealerships toward the end of next year.

By utilizing innovative hybrid technology and Active Fuel Management™ cylinder deactivation technology, the Yukon Hybrid will deliver a spectacular combination of fuel efficiency and power, while maintaining the capabilities of a full-size SUV.

The GMC Yukon Hybrid is powered by an aluminum small-block Vortec V-8 engine that maintains important performance attributes of full-size trucks, such as towing at 6,000 pounds. To offset the added weight from the hybrid propulsion system, GM redesigned certain vehicle components to optimize aerodynamics. These design changes include a new hood, front and rear fascias and a sleek GMC grille.

While traditional full hybrid systems offer only one electric mode that is utilized during low-speed driving, GM is teaming up with DaimlerChrysler and BMW Group to co-develop the two-mode hybrid system, which is a patented fuel-saving technology with one mode for city driving and one mode for highway driving.

The first mode of the system is for low speed and light loads. In this mode, the hybrid system can operate with electric power only, engine power only and any combination of engine and electric power. When the first mode operates as electric only, fuel consumption is reduced in heavy stop-and-go traffic by shutting off the engine for extended periods of time and moving exclusively under electric power at low speeds.

The second mode is primarily used at highway speeds. In addition to electric assist, the second mode integrates sophisticated electronic controls, such as Active Fuel Management, cam phasing and late-intake valve closure, to allow even more efficient engine operation with electric motors less than half the size of a traditional "one-mode" hybrid system. Full eight-cylinder engine power is provided when conditions demand it, such as passing, towing or climbing a steep grade.

The two-mode system also leverages a four-speed automatic transmission and electronic controls in an integrated, powerful and compact system that can be used with gas and diesel engines, front- and rear-wheel-drive configurations and cars, trucks and SUVs.

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Audi R8 GT Spyder, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

•  Audi R8 GT Spyder, 2012

Even lighter, even more powerful, even more captivating: The Audi R8 GT Spyder delivers breathtaking performance. The open-top flagship version of the high-performance sports car develops 412 kW (560 hp) and - thanks to Audi ultra - has trimmed a full 85 kilograms (187.39 lb) from an already low weight. The Audi R8 GT Spyder accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 317 km/h (196.97 mph).

One year ago, Audi unveiled the R8 GT in coupe form as the new flagship model of the R8 model line. It wasn't long before all 333 units in the limited series were sold out. Now the open-top version of the high-performance sports car is being launched, with production again capped at 333 units. Each car sports a tag with its individual number on the gear lever knob.

The Audi ultra lightweight technology is the key to the Audi R8 GT Spyder's weight of just 1,640 kilograms (3,615.58 lb). That's 85 kilograms (187.39 lb) less than its technical basis, the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro. The Audi Space Frame (ASF) body, consisting of cast nodes, extruded sections and aluminum panels, accounts for just 214 kilograms (471.79 lb) of the total weight. The body is assembled predominantly by hand in the R8 workshop at the Neckarsulm plant. Final assembly of the car takes place in the same way.

The engine frame is made of ultra-light magnesium; the long cover over the soft-top compartment and the large side panels at the rear are made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP). CFRP is also used for the modified front spoiler, the fixed rear spoiler and the new rear bumper. Together, these components provide a weight saving of 5.5 kilograms (12.13 lb).

Visual modifications accentuate the styling of the Audi R8 GT Spyder. These include add-on parts in contrasting titanium gray, a front splitter with a dual lip, flics at the sides of the front bumper, red GT badges, round exhaust tailpipes, an enlarged diffuser and dark LED tail lights in a clear-glass design. Audi offers an optional windshield frame in matt CFRP.

Audi engineers also trimmed weight from the technical components in the area of the transmission, wheels and brakes. In the interior, the bucket seats alone, with their chassis of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP), saved 31.5 kilograms (69.45 lb) of weight.

In classic Audi fashion, the Audi R8 GT Spyder features a lightweight fabric soft top that is extremely quiet and fully suitable for highway cruising. Its electrohydraulic drive brings it up or down in 19 seconds, even at speeds up to 50 km/h (31.07 mph). The extendible glass rear window is nestled in the bulkhead, separate from the soft top. Integrated in the bulkhead is a rollover protection system comprising two pretensioned plates.

Prodigious power: the drivetrain
The performance offered by the new top-of-the-line model in the R8 family is formidable. The 5.2-liter V10 with an aluminum crankcase draws its fuel from an FSI direct injection system. Dry-sump lubrication ensures a reliable supply of oil even under maximum lateral or straight-line acceleration.

With its modified electronic management, the long-stroke engine produces 540 Nm (398.28 lb-ft) of torque at 6,500 rpm, and its peak output is 412 kW (560 hp). Each unit of horsepower has only 2.93 kilograms (6.46 lb) to move.

The Audi R8 GT Spyder catapults from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 317 km/h (196.97 mph). In every situation, the engine impresses with its thrust and bite - and that unmistakable sound of an Audi ten-cylinder.

The Audi R8 GT Spyder comes standard with an automated six-speed R tronic transmission with two fully automatic modes. In the additional manual mode, the driver can shift gears using the paddles on the steering wheel or by flicking the joystick. At high load and revs, gear changes take only one-tenth of a second. The launch control program manages the starting sprint with high engine speed and precision-control of the tire slip.

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive has a strong rear-wheel bias, granted by the axle load distribution. If the situation calls for it, the system sends additional torque to the front axle. In tandem with the limited slip differential at the rear, it provides an added measure of traction, stability and cornering speed, giving it a strong lead over the rear-wheel-drive competition.

The suspension, too, is unrivaled in its performance. Aluminum double wishbones locate the wheels, and the rack-and-pinion power steering provides intimate contact with the road. Taut tuning lowers the body by approximately 10 millimeters (0.39 in). The open high-performance sports car has 19-inch wheels, with 235/35 tires up front and 295/30 tires at the rear. The large, lightweight carbon-fiber ceramic brake discs decelerate the car with supreme ease. The ESP stabilization program has a sport mode and can also be deactivated entirely.

Pure comfort: the interior and equipment
Great attention to detail is evident in the materials and workmanship inside the car. The salient aspect of the controls is their logically structured design. The open two-seater offers a roomy interior, and its front end can accommodate up to 100 liters (3.53 cu. ft) of cargo. The rear bulkhead houses three storage compartments.

The interior is black and can be adorned with stitching in a choice of titanium gray or crimson for added refinement. Alcantara upholstery comes standard - on the sport steering wheel and windshield frame, too.

Audi also offers leather in Fine Nappa quality. Numerous details - including white dials and R8 GT logos - provide classy accents. The distinctive R8 "monoposto," a large arch encircling the driver's cockpit, is made of matt CFRP.

Audi ultra requires no sacrifice on the part of Audi R8 GT Spyder owners. The standard equipment includes LED headlights, LED tail lights, an automatic air conditioning system, the navigation system plus, an alarm system and the driver information system with a built-in laptimer.

Audi also offers a sophisticated sound system from Bang & Olufsen and a Bluetooth interface including a seatbelt microphone for carrying on a phone conversation conveniently. Options specific to the R8 GT include bucket seats with a carbon-fiber composite chassis, matt CFRP applications and embroidered logos on the seat upholstery.

The Audi R8 GT Spyder will have a base price in Germany of 207,800 euros.

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Alfa Romeo 4C Concept, 2011

 

 

 

 

•  Alfa Romeo 4C Concept, 2012

The Alfa Romeo 4C Concept made its debut at the 81st Geneva International Motor Show. This compact "supercar" which represents the true essence of a sports car, according to the brand's values: performance, Italian style and technical excellence aimed at maximum driving pleasure in total safety.

The new concept presents the classic formula of the two-seater, rear-wheel drive coupé with its engine at the centre, a length of approximately 4 metres and a wheelbase of less than 2.4 metres: dimensions which serve both to emphasise the compact size of the car and to accentuate its agility. Distinguished by its graceful and clean external lines, the same principles are also applied to the inside, with the Concept's specific on-board design maintaining features and devices which directly reflect the car's sporting spirit.

On the Alfa Romeo 4C Concept technology and materials derived from the 8C Competizione find a home - carbon, aluminium, rear-wheel drive - and technology derived from Alfa Romeo models currently on sale: the 1750 turbo petrol engine with direct injection, the "Alfa TCT" twin dry clutch transmission and the Alfa DNA dynamic control selector.

Quite simply, this vehicle screams Alfa. Its sports car soul creates a unique driving sensation, both on the road and when racing, where its velocity and transverse acceleration become even more demanding.

Born from the experience acquired through the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione and 8C Spider models, the new concept car shares its rear-wheel drive with the exclusive supercars as well as its philosophy based on achieving maximum driving pleasure and the proverbial Alfa Romeo road handling. This is an objective which the 8C Competizione and the 8C Spider pursue mainly through their increased power, while the Alfa Romeo 4C Concept follows the route of limited weight, made possible by extensive use of carbon, which also plays a structural role and guarantees exceptional agility with a weight/power ratio which is lower than 4 kg/HP. The chassis supports a body crafted completely from carbon, inside which there is space for the driver and passenger, while the rear frame structure and the crash boxes use aluminium extensively. The final result is a significant reduction in weight, limited to less than 850 kg, as well as the optimisation of the vehicle's centre of gravity, which gives the advantage of increased agility and drivability on the most challenging roads.

The name "4C Concept" is suggestive of the sports driving pleasure which only the spectacular "4 cylinder" 1750 Turbo Petrol engine which offers over 200 HP can bring. Already featured on a number of models in production, for example the Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde, the engine boasts cutting-edge technical solutions such as direct injection, dual continuous variable valve timing, turbocharger and the revolutionary scavenging control system which eliminates turbo lag.

Located centrally in the rear of the vehicle, the engine in the Alfa Romeo 4C Concept ensures performance which matches or exceeds that of a 3 litre engine whilst still delivering the moderate fuel consumption which is typical of a compact, 4 cylinder engine. Coupled with the new automatic "Alfa TCT" twin dry clutch transmission, launched only a few months ago on the MiTo and which will soon be available on the Giulietta, the powerful 1750 Turbo petrol engine allows the Alfa Romeo 4C Concept to reach a top speed of over 250 km/h and to accelerate from 0 to 100km in under 5 seconds. The vehicle integrates its Alfa DNA technology perfectly, a true philosophy which brings together all of the on-board technology, making it enjoyable and customisable for the driver and further accentuating the "competitive" nature of the Concept compared to other vehicles currently on sale.

The Alfa Romeo 4C Concept has an extremely sophisticated suspension layout (high quadrilateral at the front, MacPherson at the rear) to ensure maximum agility and road handling. This solution, along with the rear-wheel drive and the extraordinary weight/power ratio, ensures Alfa Romeo driving pleasure, enhanced even further by the weight distribution (40% on the front axle and 60% on the rear axle). The Concept takes up the Brand's sporting tradition, taking us back to its origins, when agility and the weight/power ratio were the keys to a successful racing vehicle, and combining these aspects with the Alfa Romeos which take to the road every day.

The car is not simply an exercise in style created for the Motor Show; it will be on sale in 2012 and is set to reinforce Alfa Romeo's global growth.

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Kia Soul, 2012

 

 

 

• Kia Soul, 2012

The Kia Motors America (KMA) celebrates the world premiers of the all-new 2012 Kia Rio sub-compact sedan and the comprehensively upgraded 2012 Kia Soul at the 2011 New York International Auto Show.

The product that began Kia Motors' design-led transformation returns to New York with a fresh and updated look, more power, and the same funky demeanor that consumers all around the world have come to love from this compact crossover. The hugely successful Kia Soul is fine-tuned for 2012 with a significant number of technology and powertrain enhancements to deliver more power and improved fuel efficiency.

More Power, Less Fuel
The 2012 Kia Soul will amplify the fun-to-drive factor with significant horsepower increases, new six-speed transmissions and the ability to deliver up to 34 miles per gallon on the highway. A new 1.6-litre GDI engine produces 135HP (100kW), an 11 percent increase from the previous engine). For buyers looking for a greater boost in power, a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine is available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission - advanced technology that is rare in this segment.

The engine, which produces 160HP (119kW), a 13 percent increase from the previous engine, and 143 pound-feet (194Nm) of torque, is standard on the three Kia Soul models.

Kia calculates that fuel economy for the 1.6-litre is an impressive 28/34 mpg city/highway (8.4-6.9L/100km), 10 percent more efficient than the previous engine, while the 2.0-litre offers a fuel-sipping 27/33 mpg (8.7-7.1L/100km) for both the automatic and manual transmissions.

More Style & Refinement
In addition to the 2012 Soul's performance upgrades, the new model also introduces a number of significant design improvements. On the outside, Kia Soul is freshened with new projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, a redesigned hood and new front and rear bumpers. New and modern LED rear light clusters enhance the Kia Soul's unique design, while the overall shape of the vehicle has been finessed to give Soul a smoother and more streamlined silhouette.

Spacious, State-of-the-Art Interior
Kia Soul envelopes its passengers within a more high-tech, futuristic cabin for 2012, featuring a generous blend of technologies at tremendous overall value. Soul was a recipient of the Ward's AutoWorld "Grooviest Interior" award for 2010, and passengers in the 2012 model will find genuine comfort in the roomy cabin.

New for 2012, an Infinity premium audio system is available on Soul+ models and standard on Soul! and Soul sport models for a more robust listening experience. Also new for 2012 is the UVO powered by Microsoft® in-car hands-free communication and infotainment system. A Premium Package is also available with heated front seats, leather seat trim, automatic climate control, and a navigation system among its upscale comforts.

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