Jaguar XF Sportbrake, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

•  Jaguar XF Sportbrake, 2013

The Jaguar XF Sportbrake takes Jaguar's globally acclaimed sporting saloon and extends its versatility and practicality while retaining the model's core values of dramatic, muscular elegance, a dynamic driving experience and contemporary luxury.

"The XF epitomises the Jaguar sporting dynamic with its combination of innovative, seductive design and performance. In the XF Sportbrake this is complemented by a no-compromise approach to practicality and versatility." Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar Cars

The Jaguar XF Sportbrake builds on the extensive refresh received by the XF saloon for the 2012 model year which saw it adopt a more assertive appearance in line with the flagship XJ model - including striking new lightblade headlamp technology.

The Jaguar XF Sportbrake is entirely new from the B-pillar backwards, endowing it with a very different aesthetic, exemplified by the tautly-drawn elegance of the side-window line and highlighted by its polished finish. The conjunction of flowing rear window graphic, rising waist and estate roofline lends the XF Sportbrake a dynamic, broad-shouldered stance.

The design-led approach that created the Jaguar XF Sportbrake's exterior has been achieved in tandem with the goal of maximising practicality. The extended roofline affords rear-seat passengers an additional 48mm of headroom and the seats offer both a 60:40 split fold function and integral ski hatch. Remote-fold levers inside the load-space opening allow the seats to be stowed flat quickly and easily, creating a cargo volume of up to 1675 litres.

Befitting the Jaguar XF Sportbrake's perfect balance between usability and beauty, it is powered exclusively by Jaguar's range of powerful, refined and efficient diesel engines, driving the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The 2.2-litre engine is fitted with Jaguar's Intelligent Stop-Start system, making it the company's most efficient powertrain to date, while the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 is available in two states of tune, with 275PS in the range-topping Diesel S.

DESIGN
Launched in 2008, the XF introduced a coupe-like profile to the sporting saloon template and received plaudits worldwide for its seductive combination of dynamics, performance, quality, design and luxury.

Substantially redesigned both inside and out for the 2012 model year, the saloon is now joined by the Jaguar XF Sportbrake which builds on the model's undoubted performance credentials and provides an additional level of practicality.

The Jaguar design philosophy is based on the smooth, uninterrupted flow of lines that lead the eye along and around the vehicle and this is readily apparent in the Jaguar XF Sportbrake which, despite sharing an identical wheelbase with the saloon, is imbued with even greater presence.

The first of these elegantly simple feature lines begins in the propeller-inspired blades fitted to the side air intakes, leading the eye into the lower wing crease and then along the sills of the car and around the rear bumper. The second feature line runs up from the outer edge of the same intakes, defining the edges of the front wings before wrapping the entire way around the car, creating the XF Sportbrake's muscular shoulder line.

Sharing the same new lightblade headlamp technology as the saloon, the Jaguar XF Sportbrake also adopts the new, more upright grille and purposeful bonnet, giving it an enhanced 'rear-view mirror' recognition factor. The lights themselves feature bi-function HID xenon technology and LED daytime-running lights arranged in a distinctive Jaguar 'J-Blade' pattern.

From the leading edges of the grille, strong feature lines rise over the bonnet, then seamlessly into the A-pillars and over the roof, defining the load area before flowing down to form the slope of the tailgate and rear bumper. The roofline itself is echoed by polished roof rails (when specified) that add both functionality as well as a strong feature element. The signature Jaguar side window graphic is here seen in its most elegant and elongated form, stretched backwards to the rear windscreen like a taut bowstring and highlighted with a brightly polished finish.

The clever conjunction of the side window graphic tapering down to meet the rising shoulder line not only emphasises the Jaguar XF Sportbrake's strong haunches but also helps the rear roofline appear to taper elegantly towards the tail. This impression of fluidity is heightened by the use of gloss black finishers on the rear pillars, providing a wraparound effect in conjunction with the tinted rear screen, an aesthetic inspired by the superstructures of luxury yachts. The rear lamps feature LED technology for brake, light and indicator functions and, by their width and the manner in which they sandwich the chrome signature blade, emphasise the solid rear stance of the Jaguar XF Sportbrake.

The Jaguar XF Sportbrake is  available with two optional exterior design packages that serve to further strengthen the assertiveness of its appearance. The Aero Pack (standard on the 'S' model) adds a deeper front bumper, side sills and rear valance plus a rear spoiler enhancement - a tailgate spoiler being standard on all models. The Black Pack replaces the exterior bright finishes with gloss black and pairs them with similarly finished alloy wheels to create new colour combinations that are subtly distinctive and eye-catching.

THE INTERIOR
As with the exterior, the cabin of the XF has been upgraded to ensure it retains that essential Jaguar appeal, creating a sense of sporting luxury by using the finest combinations of premium quality, crafted materials, complemented by the use of intuitive technology.

A centrally-mounted touch-screen offers control of the navigation system and a range of other functions, while the switchgear features new soft-touch matt black paint and a soft phosphor blue illumination theme throughout. The metallicAurorafinish to the majority of the brightwork complements new aluminium and veneer accents. More sculpted, heavily bolstered front seats introduced for the 2012 model year hint at the dynamic potential of the car and feature a 'racetrack' design device that creates a sporting bucket seat aesthetic.

For the Jaguar XF Sportbrake, entirely new rear seats, which allow generous seating for five, are comprehensively redesigned and feature an integral ski hatch and a 60:40 split. Rear passengers also enjoy an additional 48mm of headroom.

Remote-fold levers situated just inside the tailgate allow the rear seats to be folded down with just one touch to provide an uninterrupted load surface that is 1970mm in length. The practicality of the Jaguar XF Sportbrake's load-space is further enhanced by its width which allows, for instance, sideways stowage of golf clubs. The tailgate features soft-close power latching and can be specified with a fully powered open and close function.

The load-space displays Jaguar's typical attention to detail as it is trimmed in materials identical in quality to the Jaguar XF Sportbrake's cabin. The central portion of the load-space floor can be lifted to reveal an extra, hidden storage compartment and can also fold and lock into position to quickly and easily divide up the bay.

The practicality of the load-space is extended through the inclusion of a floor rail system, which allows the quick fitment and release, for example, of optional nets and retaining bars to compartmentalise the space. A wide range of accessories engineered for the Jaguar XF Sportbrake will allow owners to extend its versatility still further by organising or extending its carrying capacity.

A towbar can also be specified - when not needed the tow-hitch can be removed quickly, stored in a dedicated stowage space inside the boot, and replaced with a rear valance cover to disguise its mounting point. When fitted with the towbar, the Jaguar XF Sportbrake's Trailer Sway Mitigation system is activated. This uses the car's Anti-Lock Braking and stability control systems to reduce the risk of 'snaking' when towing.

DYNAMICS
The Jaguar XF Sportbrake firmly emphasises both the practical and sporting sides of its character through its powertrain choices. Exclusively fitted with Jaguar's range of four-cylinder 2.2-litre and V6 3.0-litre diesel engines, the XF Sportbrake offers an exemplary combination of refinement, fuel economy, low emissions, plentiful power and refinement.

The 2.2-litre four-cylinder engine is offered in combination with an eight-speed gearbox and Jaguar's Intelligent Stop-Start system, enabling the Jaguar XF Sportbrake to offer the performance and driver appeal expected of a Jaguar with reduced emissions and improved fuel consumption. When the car comes to a halt a range of parameters are automatically assessed and, if suitable, the engine is stopped. A Twin Solenoid Starter then restarts the engine in less time than it takes the driver's foot to move from the brake to the accelerator. The system also offers 'change of mind' functionality, enabling the engine to quickly restart even during its rundown phase to allow the driver to, for example, exploit a gap in traffic at a junction.

Jaguar's 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine is offered in two states of tune in the Jaguar XF Sportbrake, both mated to the same eight-speed gearbox that in all models offers driver control via steering wheel-mounted paddles. The range-topping 'S' model offers 275PS (202kW) and 600Nm (442lb/ft) of torque, fulfilling all the requirements of an enthusiastic driver.

Every derivative of the Jaguar XF Sportbrake is fitted as standard with self-levelling air suspension at the rear to replace the coil springs fitted to the saloon. This system has been developed and tuned by Jaguar's chassis engineers to offer the same linear responses and ensure the XF Sportbrake offers identical dynamic attributes in terms of ride and handling as the saloon while keeping the car level even when fully laden.

Additionally, all Jaguar XF Sportbrake models are available with the Jaguar Adaptive Dynamics system which continuously monitors the suspension and, courtesy of active dampers, can alter damping rates up to 500 times a second to ensure optimal stability and handling with no loss of comfort. The system also allows the driver - at the touch of a button - to alter suspension and throttle response parameters to increase the level of involvement.

The intuitive use of driving technology is also evident in the XF Sportbrake via safety features including Adaptive Front Lighting, which deflects headlamp beam into corners, while intelligent high beam functionality automatically switches between low and high beam when appropriate. Adaptive Cruise Control enables the XF Sportbrake to monitor vehicles around it, automatically braking should a slower vehicle be ahead, then resuming set speed once the road is clear. Operating in conjunction with Adaptive Cruise Control is an Intelligent Emergency Brake system which, in the event of detecting the necessity for a severe stop, applies maximum optimal braking force.

JAGUAR XF SPORTBRAKE DIMENSIONS

•     Length: 4966 mm
•     Width (inc. mirrors): 2077 mm
•     Width (exc. mirrors): 1877 mm
•     Wheelbase: 2909 mm
•     Front track: 1559 mm
•     Rear track: 1605 mm
•     Load-space maximum length: 1970 mm
•     Load-space minimum width: 1064 mm
•     Load-space maximum volume: 1675 litres
•     Load-space volume behind rear seats, under tonneau: 550 litres
•     Permitted trailer load, braked: 1850kg

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Infiniti M35h GT, 2013

 

 

•  Infiniti M35h GT, 2013

The choice for the world's fastest-accelerating hybrid saloon has just got easier. A new Infiniti M35h GT version of the record-breaking Infiniti V6 saloon delivers all the performance and low emissions for which the M35h is known - but at a considerably more attractive starting position. The additional model at £41,101 costs £3,970 less than the Infiniti M35h GT Premium which until now was the sole version available.

The Infiniti M35h GT arrives in Infiniti Centres from July 2012, and in common with every new M the line-up benefits from a highly competitive new price structure as well as several enhancements, including a soft-closing boot function.

The additional entry model ensures Infiniti's "no compromise" hybrid approach reaches as large a market as possible. A recent reduction in CO2 emissions further cuts running costs with both versions of the M35h falling below the important 160g/km tax threshold.

Previously the navigation system was available only as part of a package with 16-speaker Bose surround sound. But, in response to customer wishes, a new separate option of Connectiviti+, Infiniti's navigation/entertainment system, has been introduced on GT and S models at a highly competitive £1800 - a price that also includes one of the most sophisticated climate control systems available, Forest Air.

The option, if taken, will add to the famously generous specification expected from any Infiniti product. On an 'M' these include such items as semi-aniline leather seat facings, heated and ventilated front seats, bi-Xenon headlights with Adaptive Front-Lighting System (AFS), alloy wheels and White Ash wood trim finished with real silver powder.

As before, M30d S, M30d S Premium and M37 S Premium add a sporting focus with larger alloy wheels, 4-Wheel Active Steering, and sports suspension, brakes and seats, along with black lacquer trim in the cabin.

Well established in the range, Infiniti's top-selling 'Premium' models are equipped with Infiniti's complete suite of safety and convenience technologies including Blind Spot InterventionTM, Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Prevention (LDP).

The overall quality of the Infiniti M has also been recognised within the American J.D. Power Initial Quality Study. The Infiniti M came top of the Midsize Premium Car segment ahead of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

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Honda CR-Z, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

•  Honda CR-Z, 2012

The 2012 Honda CR-Z debuts with one available feature change - a new black seat fabric becomes an option on cars with the Crystal Black Pearl exterior color, replacing the standard silver mesh sport seats. The 2012 CR-Z starts at $19,545, plus a destination and handling charge of $770.

The Honda CR-Z is in two models - the well-equipped CR-Z and the feature-rich CR-Z EX. A six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is available. Standard features on the CR-Z include Vehicle Stability Assist, an AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry, cruise control, and more.

The Honda CR-Z EX adds High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlights with Auto-On/Off, fog lights, a 360-Watt AM/FM/CD Premium Audio System with seven speakers including subwoofer, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and more. The CR-Z EX with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition.

Technological Sophistication Inside and Out
The exterior's "one-motion" wedge form begins at its low-slung hood to form a broad forward stance. A side profile with a deeply inset beltline adds a dynamic element, while the short wheelbase and large, wide front grille accent the vehicle's athletic look. Exterior colors include Crystal Black Pearl, Milano Red Pearl, North Shore Blue Metallic (exclusive to CR-Z), Premium White Pearl and Storm Silver Metallic.

A high-tech appearance and intuitive controls define the interior. Instrument panel meters illuminate with a three-dimensional blue color theme resulting in a multi-layered appearance. Set against textured black materials and aluminum-style trim accents, the upper portion of the dashboard extends toward the driver to provide a wraparound cockpit environment. Premium sport-oriented seats are designed to provide firm lateral support along with everyday driving comfort. A mid-ship console behind the front seats optimizes cargo space, and a hard-shell separator can be closed to create additional hidden storage.

The Honda CR-Z features a six-speaker, 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with an auxiliary input jack for connection to a portable audio player, and all models include a USB audio interface for connecting an iPod or other compatible audio device. Other audio features include speed-sensitive volume control and CD/MP3 text readout. The radio data system shows supplemental programming information from participating radio stations while also offering search-by-genre capability (not available on the CR-Z EX with navigation).

The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System is available on the CR-Z EX model and features a 6.5-inch display. The navigation system database includes more than 7-million points of interest and integrates the audio system. The voice recognition feature is capable of inputting numbers, street names and cities, in addition to more than 600 commands. Data storage is via a single DVD that contains information for the entire United States.

The Performance and Efficiency
The Honda CR-Z hybrid powertrain is a unique variation of Honda's original IMA technology , which originally debuted on the 2000 Honda Insight, the first hybrid vehicle available for sale in North America. The system utilizes a four-cylinder, 16-valve, single-overhead cam engine with "intelligent" Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC) that receives additional power from the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system's DC brushless electric motor. The system delivers a combined peak output of 122 horsepower at 6000 RPM and 128 lb-ft. of torque at 1000 to 1750 RPM (123 lb-ft. at 1000 to 2000 on CVT-equipped models).

The 10-kilowatt electric motor assists in acceleration and also acts as a generator during braking or coasting to capture kinetic energy that recharges the 100-volt IMA nickel-metal hydride battery pack. The gasoline engine can automatically turn off during vehicle stops to improve efficiency. When starting on steep inclines from a stop with the manual transmission, hill start assist temporarily prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards during the moment between releasing the brake, depressing the throttle and releasing the clutch.

EPA-estimated fuel economy is 35/39/37 city/highway/combined mpg on CVT-equipped models and 31/37/34 city/highway/combined mpg on manual models. The CR-Z is rated as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) in states that adhere to California Air Resource Board (CARB) ZEV standards (EPA Tier 2, Bin 2 in all states).

Three-Mode Drive System
Activated via three backlit buttons to the left of the steering wheel, the three-mode drive system allows the driver to select between individual modes of performance for Sport, Normal and Economy driving styles:

• Sport mode enhances engine throttle responsiveness, electric power steering effort and the electric motor power assist.
• Normal mode standardizes steering, engine response, motor assist and air conditioning settings.
• Econ mode can increase the potential for enhanced fuel efficiency by optimizing throttle angle for smooth acceleration, lower engine rpm and limiting power and torque by approximately 4 percent (except at wide-open throttle). It can also reduce the air conditioning's overall load on the engine and modify the cruise control to operate more efficiently.

Safety by Design
The Honda CR-Z demonstrates a commitment to safety in its design and construction. The Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure helps protect vehicle occupants in a frontal collision. Additional safety technologies include: standard dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; standard front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); side-curtain airbags, active head restraints; an anti-lock braking system (ABS); a tire pressure monitoring system; and a pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle.

Sport-Tuned Chassis
The front MacPherson strut and rear H-shaped torsion beam suspension are tuned to provide a sporty driving experience. All models are equipped with 16x6-inch aluminum wheels with 195/55R16 86V tires, while accessory 17x7 alloy wheels with 205/45R17 84V tires are available. The standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD) uses ventilated front discs and solid rear discs. The low vehicle height and placement of the battery and other hybrid components beneath the rear cargo area further contribute to a low center of gravity and responsive, sporty handling. Electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering enhances steering performance and improves efficiency.

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Kia Soul, 2012

 

 

 

• Kia Soul, 2012

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 Auto World "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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Pagani Huayra, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

•  Pagani Huayra, 2012

The eternity of the element air. Gentle and refined, yet the strength of the wind it is able to erode even the toughest of materials giving birth to distinctive shapes known in nature. Elegant and muscular the Pagani Huayra merges the past, present and future in a timeless interpretation of automotive art.

The styling of the car was perfected over the course of 5 years to find each line's beginning and end. During this study, eight scale models were created, as well as two 1:1 models, each an evolution of the previous in a never ending quest to perfect the form and refining the substance.

The bi-xenon headlamps are just one of the many precious gifts from the Zonda R, and LED daytime running lights are seamlessly integrated in the elliptical shape of the design. The rear bumper integrates with the diffuser and is dominated by an elliptical frame that surrounds the four central exhaust outlets, now becoming a characteristic Pagani element.

Backbone
The new central monocoque on the Pagani Huayra is an entirely new design made from carbontitanium. However, with the gull wing doors cutting deep into the roof, much research was focused on achieving the highest levels of rigidity through the application of new advanced composite materials and technologies first tested on the Zonda R. The fuel tank is located integrally in the best protected area of the monocoque, behind the driver, reinforced by safety cell made of different composite and ballistic materials. The front and rear CrMo subframes offer an exceptional rigidity-to-weight ratio to allowing the suspensions to work at their best while incorporating an advanced energy absorbing crash structure, ready to protect the occupants in the unlikely event of an impact.

The never ending quest for weight reduction resulted also into the combination of structural and non-structural or aesthetical elements. An example is the integration of all ventilation air ducts into the monocoque's structure, making the use of additional parts and ducts unnecessary.

The result of this attention to detail is a vehicle weighing 1.350 kg making the Pagani Huayra the lightest sportscar in its class.

Heart
Mercedes-AMG provides the heart for the Pagani Huayra. The 60 degree 12 cylinder turbocharged engine with a displacement of 5980 cm3 has been developed not just to meet the strictest technical and quality requirements, but also to give the car its many faces.

The calm and harmony of driving one of the world's most refined GT car is interrupted when the driver calls upon the Pagani Huayra to unleash its 700 horsepower and 1000 Nm of torque. The turbos have been studied to offer immediate response to the slightest throttle input, giving the driver full control over the engine at any rpm and preventing unwanted delays in the delivery of power.

The engine's systems have been designed and tested to stand up to the most adverse conditions of temperature and performance. The Pagani Huayra has been subjected to the highs of Death Valley and the lows of the Arctic Circle. The two lateral radiators are positioned in the front to guarantee the best cooling efficiency of the intercoolers placed over the cylinder heads. Dry sump lubrication ensures an optimal oil feed to the engine even when the car is subjected to the most extreme lateral accelerations. It also regulates the oil flow so that only the necessary amount of lubricant is actually pumped into the engine from the external oil tank, reducing the friction caused by an excessive volume of lubricant inside the engine sump. An oil/water heat exchanger reduces warm-up times by heating the engine lubricant during cold start and keeps engine coolant and lubricant levels at steady operational temperatures. Extensive weight saving programs led to ingenious yet simple solutions. In order to reduce hoses and connections as much as possible is built directly to the engine. The intercooler covers serve as expansion tanks to the low temperature circuit and the engine coolant circuit. The vertical fins contribute to the cooling of the tanks.

The M158 engine is homologated to meet the strictest environmental regulations, EU5 and LEV2. Despite the increase of power compared to the other Mercedes-AMG V12 engines developed for Pagani, CO2 emissions as well as the fuel consumption have been reduced, to make the Pagani Huayra class leading amongst 12 cylinder sports cars with values that are respective of much smaller vehicles in the market. The two stage fuel supply system features two microprocessor controlled pumps feeding fuel to the engine with the second pump only activated when necessary, thus reducing the energy required to run the fuel pumps and eliminates the waste of excessive fuel being transported and heated in the fuel lines. This efficiency combined with a large 85 liter fuel tank ensure Pagani Huayra's grand touring ability.

As an homage to the decennial tradition of Mercedes-AMG in building world class sports car engines, the M158 displays the historic AMG emblem on the intake manifold alongside the name of the technician that assembled the engine by hand at the Mercedes-AMG headquarters in Affalterbach, Germany.

The Titanium exhaust system has been engineered by MHG-Fahrzeugtechnik and is a direct application of race proven technologies on a high performance road car and the complete exhaust weighs less than 10 kg. Hydroformed junctions are used to reduce backpressure and guarantee a free flow of the exhaust gasses. Titanium guarantees a low weight in the muffler area while Inconel guarantees reliability on the parts of the exhaust more exposed to high temperatures. Careful attention has been paid to the tuning of its sound, which has led to a harmonic rumble at idle speeds with a hint of the power that lies hidden at low speed and a deep thunderous growl of motor and air, reminiscent of an airplane, at high speeds.

Feet
The power and prodigious torque generated by Pagani Huayra's V12 are transferred to the wheels through a transverse sequential seven speed gearbox and a dual plate clutch and the complete gearbox weighs only 96 kg. Keeping the weight of the rear overhang as low as possible has been a priority as we aim for a neutral behavior at the limit. A further benefit of this layout is a better behavior of the car during a rear impact. A dual clutch system was evaluated but ultimately not selected as it would have increased the weight by approximately 70kg, thus negating any minor improvement in shift-time.

Xtrac already supplied the gearbox for the Zonda R and so it was the natural choice for the development of a new high performance gearbox. Xtrac's expertise in motorsports was obvious throughout the design and material selection processes that resulted in the strongest and lightest gearbox possible suitable for road use, with a synchromesh box that offers comfort levels a race car gearbox will never be able to offer.

The suspension geometry has been designed to further enhance the sure-footed nature already present in the Zonda on the longer wheelbase Pagani Huayra. The individual suspension made with forged AvionAl double A-arms have been tested extensively on the Zonda R programme. Incorporated into the wheel hub assemblies are cooling ducts that connect directly to the support brackets, thus extending the reliability and lifespan of the bearings. Pushrod operated adjustable Öhlins shock absorbers keep everything under control and have been optimized for the dynamic requirements of the vehicle.

Skin
The aerodynamic concept of the Pagani Huayra is that of a wing. The vehicle can modify the properties of this wing by varying the front ride height, which can be adjusted dynamically, and by adjusting the 4 control flaps on each of the four corners of the car. The goal is to have a neutral vehicle behavior under all conditions and control body roll via aerodynamic means. The behavior of the flaps is managed by a dedicated control unit that is fed information from the ABS and ECU, which pass information about the car's speed, yaw rate, lateral acceleration, steering angle and throttle position.

The system improves aerodynamic efficiency in a variety of driving conditions, where a low drag coefficient is not the determining factor. During braking, for example, the rear flaps and the front suspension are raised to counteract the weight transfer and balance the weight distribution between front and rear axles, allowing a better use of the rear brake force.

Another vital design tenant for the Huayra project was to ensure clean airflow over the body of the car. The shape of the two engine air intakes behind the occupants shoulders are a tribute to the supersonic aircraft of the late 1950s and 1960s, but also allow the motor breath without disrupting the flow. The intake for the gearbox radiator is located between the engine bay window and the carbon clamshell of the rear bonnet, which provides an excellent airflow to the radiator without having a substantial impact on aerodynamic drag. This decision also led to the omission of a rear wing, replaced by the movable flaps.

The flow of air through the car was also carefully studied. The radiators are angled to contribute downforce and provide the best flow for hot air to be extracted. Air from the central radiator is extracted by vents on the front bonnet and trough the front wheelhouses. Air from the side radiators is channeled to ducts cooling the brake discs and wheel hubs. This air blows onto the brakes at a temperature of approximately 50°C warming the brakes up when cold and improving the first bite significantly. Lateral air outlets behind the front wheels generate a negative pressure inside the wheelhouse providing efficient extraction to lower the drag coefficient and generate downforce on the front.

In addition to the downforce generated by the flaps and body, two high negative pressure areas were designed into the shape of the underbody and the diffuser at the rear, thus enhancing the aerodynamic stability and guaranteeing the Pagani Huayra downforce under all circumstances.

Man-machine
As soon as the doors are closed the Pagani Huayra transports the occupants to a new dimension; a world that pleases and surprises the senses. Having everything at arm's length is not close enough for a vehicle with the capabilities of the Pagani Huayra. Consequently, the driver will find all primary functions directly on the steering wheel. The gearshift paddles are mounted directly to the steering wheel so the driver never needs to take his hands off the steering wheel. The seats provide both the comfort to make long trips enjoyable as well as the lateral support required when the g-forces build up on extreme driving.

A Pagani is able to present drivers with state of the art solutions while still drawing on the rich history that precedes it. The ever present emphasis is on a living breathing being rather than a digital one. This can be seen in everything from the leather latches to the toggle switches, but this ethos finds its purest expression in the mechanical aluminum gearlever assembly, a monument to the art of the manual gearshift; progress that does not deny the past. The aluminum dashboard takes inspiration from the most complex swiss watch designs and includes a central Multi-Function Display displaying performance relevant information when SPORT mode is engaged and a trip computer when the COMFORT mode is activated. The aluminum center console is machined from one solid block of aluminum and features a clarinet style array of mechanical switches controlling the HVAC system. The high definition central touchscreen is the heart of the vehicle infotainment system, controlling audio functions, satellite navigation, secondary vehicle functions and Bluetooth phone.

On the road
To this date five prototypes have been built which have been conducting road tests for the past 4 years. Currently, over half a million kilometers have been covered by our prototypes and before entering the US market we will have reached one million test kilometers.

Each prototype has been assigned to a specific development task. At Mercedes-AMG one is used to develop drivability, and another is used for emission development. One car is operated constantly by Bosch Engineering for the application of ABS and advanced stability and performance enhancement systems. Still another vehicle is used for gearbox testing, and general vehicle dynamics development.

Safety
The car complies to the strictest European and American standards in term of safety and pollution regulations. Several studies were conducted to determine the most frequent types of crashes involving high performance cars. The results of these studies have let us to develop specific safety measures not required by law but to guarantee an enhanced protection for the occupants. Several cars have been used to perform these tests.

Legend
Ancient legends of the Aymara tell us of Huayra Tata, god of wind, who commands the breezes, winds, and blizzards that invade the mountains, cliffs and hills of the Andean highlands. It is told that Huayra Tata resides deep in the high peaks and valleys, abandoning them only to demonstrate his power to his wife, Pachamama, goddess of mother earth. With his power Huayra Tata was able to lift the waters from lake Titicaca and rain them down on the fertile Pachamama. When Huayra Tata sleeps, the waters and rivers lay quiet. But the calm before the storm is about to be interrupted...

Pagani Huayra Technical Specifications
    Engine: Mercedes-AMG M158 V12 twin-Turbo
    Displacement: 5980 cc
    Power: >700 CV
    Torque: >1.000 Nm
    Gearbox: transverse sequential seven speed gearbox; AMT robotyzed system with driving programs
    Dimensions
        Length: 4605mm
        Height: 1169mm
        Body width: 2036mm
        Body width (with mirrors): 2356mm
    Dry weight: 1.350 kg
    Weight distribution
        Front: 44%
        Rear: 56%

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