Toyota Aygo, 2013

 

 

 

• Toyota Aygo, 2013

Launched in 2005 at the heart of the growing A-segment, the Toyota Aygo offered Europeans a radical new alternative for stylish urban mobility.

Rejecting the commonly held stereotype that compact could only mean pragmatic and economical, the Aygo's revolutionary design re-defined perceptions of what small could be.

Extensively revised at the end of 2008, the Toyota Aygo quickly established a solid reputation in the A-segment for space-efficient packaging, reliability and value for money, with over 580,000 units sold to date.

Designed and built in Europe, the new Aygo continues to set the highest standards for interior roominess and driving enjoyment in the compact car segment.

A stronger Toyota design execution, a revised interior with new colour schemes, enhanced infotainment connectivity, improvements to ride comfort and cabin quietness, and the addition of paddle shift control to MultiMode transmission versions.

A new, ECO version of the Toyota Aygo is available, offering improved fuel efficiency and generating CO2 emissions of just 99 g/km.

The Toyota Aygo offers customers outstandingly low ownership costs. It achieves excellent insurance classifications in Germany (15) and the UK (3E), which reflect its very reasonable repair costs. It also features a remarkably low cumulative maintenance time of just 5.1 hours after 100,000 km.

For added peace of mind, Toyota offers every new Aygo with a 3 year (or 100,000 km - whichever comes first) pan-European warranty. The Aygo also comes with 12 years corrosion cover.

Driven by rising fuel prices and increasingly stringent environmental legislation, current downsizing trends suggest that the highly competitive and ever more fragmented A-segment is one of the few areas of the automotive market expected to grow in the coming years.

In 2011, Toyota sold more than 85,000 Aygos. The new Aygo will be on sale throughout Europe from early spring 2012.

MORE DYNAMIC EXTERIOR DESIGN
The new Toyota Aygo offers A-segment customers the ideal combination of interior roominess and driving enjoyment in the most compact possible package.

At 3,430 mm, the new Aygo is just 15 mm longer than its predecessor. Yet short front and rear overhangs, a long, 2,340 mm wheelbase and a broad overall width of 1,615 mm create a surprisingly spacious, practical interior, whilst giving the Aygo the stable stance, agile handling and small, 4.73 m turning circle essential to urban manoeuvrability.

While maintaining the friendliness and sense of fun inherent in the current model's styling, the new Toyota Aygo features a stronger, more dynamic front design. It combines improved aerodynamics and engine cooling with Toyota's new, Under Priority frontal design language.

The distinctive new face of the next generation Toyota family, Under Priority places the design emphasis on an enlarged lower grille to focus attention on the bottom half of the car for a distinctive, more assertive appearance.

Housing this large, trapezoidal, radiator air intake, the front bumper has been widened and the new, integral foglamps positioned at the bumper extremities, giving the new Aygo a wide stance and a strong road presence.

Set within the lower extremities of the grille, optional LED daytime running lamps complete the new, Under Priority frontal signature of the new Aygo.

The new front bumper design also enhances the aerodynamic performance of the new Aygo. The position of the integral front spoiler has been moved forwards by 70 mm and all openings, as well as the front wheel arch periphery, have been shaped to smooth the flow of air into and around the front of the vehicle, improving fuel efficiency.

Above a more slender form of the familiar, friendly upper grille, a new bonnet design has been shaped to create greater volume in the middle section, strengthening the new Toyota Aygo's road presence.

Privacy glass is available for the rear glazing of both 3- and 5-door versions of the new Aygo, and a new 14" steel wheel cap design is available in addition to the existing 14" 5- and 6-spoke alloys. A choice of eight exterior colours includes two new to the Aygo model range; Vibrant Metallic Orange and Bronze Mica.

UPGRADED SENSORIAL QUALITY
Combining a sense of fun with more mature finishes of a higher perceived quality, both upper and lower sections of the dashboard are now finished in Dark Grey, bringing a greater feeling of integration to the new Toyota Aygo interior.

A newly designed steering wheel is finished in leather and is now available with manual paddle shift controls for the optional MultiMode Transmission (MMT). Both MMT and new manual gear knobs are also available in leather.

The trim rings of the speedometer, tachometer and air vents are now available in a choice of Grey, Orange or Black, and the front door speaker features a new grille with a choice of Silver or Orange trim ring.

New Aygo is available with a choice of two audio systems. A 35 Watt AM/FM/CD system features a choice of two or four speakers and an AM/FM/CD unit which incorporates Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone connectivity, a multi-language display and a USB port for the connection of portable music players such as the iPod.

Further improving the practicality and convenience of the new Aygo, the opening angle of the rear parcel shelf has been increased to improve access to the loadspace.

A special, Vibrant Metallic Orange launch edition of the new Toyota Aygo features body-coloured trim rings for the speedometer, air vents and for both the optional tachometer and door speakers.

IMPROVED EFFICIENCY AND RIDE COMFORT
Due to price sensitivity and low average mileage, petrol currently dominates the A-segment, accounting for 85% of the sales mix.

The new Aygo is equipped with Toyota's remarkable, 3-cylinder, 1.0 litre VVT-i petrol engine. Combining light weight and compact design with the power and torque delivery essential to urban driving, the Euro V compliant engine returns highly competitive fuel consumption figures and generates low, tax-efficient CO2 emissions.

A marvel of miniaturisation, the all-aluminium, 3-cylinder, 1.0 litre petrol unit led the trend for powertrain downsizing. To this day, it remains a reference for compact, efficient engineering. At only 67 kg it is one of the lightest units in its class and has won successive Engine of the Year awards in the sub-1.0 litre category.

Toyota engineers have worked continuously to improve the performance and fuel efficiency of the engine, whilst lowering emissions with every successive upgrade. This latest version of the 998 cc unit benefits from a revised combustion chamber shape which increases the compression ratio from 10.5 to 11.0:1, improving combustion efficiency. Iridium-tipped spark plugs have also been adopted for their greater durability.

Mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, the 3-cylinder VVT-i engine generates 50 kW/ 68 DIN hp at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 93 Nm at 3,600 rpm. Fuel consumption has been lowered to 4.4 l/100 km, and CO2 emissions are just 102 g/km.

A new, ECO version of the Aygo is available for the first time. It is equipped with a longer 3rd gear ratio and fitted with low RRC (Rolling Resistance Coefficient) tyres, which reduce rolling resistance by 14%. This improves fuel efficiency without impairing ride comfort, manoeuvrability or braking performance. Fuel consumption is reduced to 4.3 l/100 km and CO2 is lowered to just 99gr/km.

Available as an option on the new Toyota Aygo, MultiMode is an automated manual transmission with a fully automatic shift mode and no clutch pedal. It uses computer control to manage the engine, clutch and transaxle for quick, precise shifting.

Selecting E (Economy), M (Manual) or R (Reverse) allows the car to 'creep' in the manner of a conventional automatic. In E mode, the car makes automatic gear shifts that will maximise fuel economy. Selecting M mode allows the driver to manually change gear via either the gear lever itself or -for the first time on Aygo- with steering wheel-mounted paddle shift switches.

When equipped with MultiMode Transmission, the 1.0 VVT-i Aygo returns fuel consumption of 4.5 l/100km and generates CO2 emissions of only 104 g/km.

With a lightweight body shell (over 50% of which is fabricated in high tensile steel) and short front and rear overhangs, the new Toyota Aygo has been engineered to excel in the urban environment.

Speed-sensitive, fuel-efficient, Electric Power Steering (EPS) equips the new Aygo with a very tight, 4.73 metre turning circle, offering customers the ideal combination of agility and manoeuvrability.

Providing a perfect balance of ride comfort, stability and go-cart-like handling enjoyment, the new Aygo uses a proven, MacPherson strut front suspension system, and an inverted-V profile torsion beam to the rear, which brings considerable advantages in weight and torsional stiffness.

The damping force of both front and rear shock absorbers has been adjusted to promote even greater ride comfort without compromising the car's dynamic abilities and engaging handling.

Building on the comprehensive Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) improvements introduced in the current car, the new Toyota Aygo benefits from a revised clutch pre-damper system to reduce noise and vibration from the drive line.

The addition of a high density bonnet insulator -located to provide an air space between the bonnet panels- reduces the transmission of noise from the engine bay, further improving cabin quietness.

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Tramontana R, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

•  Tramontana R, 2009

The super sports car manufacturer set in the Costa Brava, unveils its latest version, the Tramontana R. The new model is the result of a logical evolution of the previous one.
Thanks to the hard work of the whole technicians team of a.d. Tramontana, a more purist new version is being introduced. The car has been designed in order to increase the sensations experimented by the driver. These feelings give the driver the information needed to push such an extreme car to its limits.

Although the first version was already very competitive in terms of technology, the team raised new challenges to achieve.
The Tramontana R, unlike other super sports cars with radical versions, keeps the comfort as a value and provides versatility, as well as the possibility to drive the car in conventional roads. So much so that gives a surprising performance not only in the track but also outside of it.

The Tramontana team has reduced the weight of the car to 92 kg. despite the fact that the first version had already been done with the lightest materials. Remind that the chassis and the bodywork are completely made in carbon fibre.
    * Previous dry weight: 1.360 Kg
    * New dry weight: 1.268 Kg
    * Weight distribution:
          o 42% front, 58% rear
          o 50% right, 50% left

Another important challenge has been to give more pure personality to the car; the new chassis reduces the wheelbase in 50 mm and notably improves the handling of the car as well as the aerodynamic performance. All these improvements have allowed to optimize the cornering speed, specially in the track.
    * New downforce: 240 Kg (300Km/h)
    * Downforce distribution front axle: 95 kg aprox.
    * Downforce distribution rear axle: 145 kg aprox.

If you have followed the evolution of the company from its origins, you have surely noticed its constant progression. With the Tramontana R they have shown his technical capacity once more. The future is to reassert itself as a one of the best and most exclusive manufacturers in the small world of super sports cars.

Technical Specifications
    * BRAKING
          o 100-0 km/h: 32,6 m (2,45 s)
          o 200-0 km/h: 124,3 m (4,91 s)

    * ENGINE
          o Torque increase up to 1.100 Nm.

    * DYNAMICS
          o New chassis with a wheelbase distance of 3.050 mm: (50 mm shorter).
          o Monocoque rigidity torsion: 40.000 Nm/º.
          o New frontal geometry.
          o New electric power steering.
          o Lateral G forces: 1,22 g. (with standard tyres)

    * AERODYNAMICS
          o Front: New spoiler
          o Lateral: New shark gills
          o Rear: New rear wing
          o Down Force: 240 Kg at 300 km/h

    * TRACTION CONTROL
          o New scaled levels (3 + off)

    * INTERIOR
          o New TFT digital screens.

    * FINISHING
          o Carbon fiber finishing bodywork.

    * PERFORMANCE
          o 0-100 km/h: 3,6 s
          o 0-200 km/h: 10,15 s
          o Top Speed: 325 km/h (limited)

    * PRICE
          o Basic: 385.000 € (without taxes)

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Daihatsu Sirion, 2007

 

 

 

•  Daihatsu Sirion, 2007

The new Daihatsu Sirion is a totally differently proportioned car to its predecessor and more closely matches the Nissan Micra for length, width and height but with passenger space rivalling the considerably longer Honda Jazz.

For example its front and rear tracks - at 1,460 and 1,465 mm - are 65 and 60 mm wider than before. The Sirion's length of 3,600 mm is actually 95 mm shorter and even 20 mm less than the Ford Ka.

However, the wheelbase of 2,430 mm is 85 mm longer than the old model and the 1,665 mm width is 70 mm more and even 5 mm greater than the Toyota Yaris, Nissan Micra and Fiat Punto. Height grows by 100 mm to 1,550 mm - 10 mm greater than the Micra.

Especially short front and rear overhangs, a higher seating position and a gently tapering roofline provide surprising space yet cleverly mask the height.

The car looks especially wide and squat - helped by the strong swage lines over the wheelarches flowing into a protruding rear bumper. The overall effect is of a confident, well-balanced design exuding quality and solidity.

An especially impressive drag coefficient of 0.31 Cd confirms the new Daihatsu Sirion's efficiency and aids fuel economy and top speed while reducing wind noise.

As Yoshihiro Fujibayashi, Studio Leader, Styling Division, Daihatsu Motor Co, Ltd said: "We tried to give the car sculpture-like dimensions and a sense of quality. Look at the handsome, chiselled face around the headlamps, the animated and dynamic side view and the rear combination lamps integrated into the bodylines.

Impressive Interior Space
The new Daihatsu Sirion has occupant legroom and headroom from the next-size-up. Its interior width of 1,400 mm is 70 mm greater than before and 10 mm more than the Toyota Yaris.

A 590 mm seat height allows easy entry and exit aided by wide-opening doors. The rear doors, for example, open to 80 degrees.

The interior length of 1,830 mm is 20 mm more than the Yaris while the interior height is also greater than the Toyota.

Luggage space is also impressive. With both rear seats up it measures 225 litres (VDA) compared to 205 litres for the Yaris. However, with the seats folded, this rises to 630 litres - 80 litres more than the Toyota.

World-Class Engines
The new Daihatsu Sirion boasts two of the world's most efficient 1.0 and 1.3 litre petrol engines, combining strong driveability with ultra-low fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.

Both offer punchy throttle response at town speeds, reducing the need for constant gear-changes, yet are especially sweet-spinning on the motorway, allowing the keener owner to exploit their eagerness to rev during brisker driving. Both are also Euro4-compliant.

All-New One Litre
The three cylinder, twin-overhead camshaft 1.0 litre is all-new and is bigger than before with a 998 cc capacity (was 989 cc), and a slightly smaller 71 mm bore and longer 84 mm stroke (was 72 x 81 mm).

This gives greater low-speed torque or pulling power, while the Dynamic Variable Valve Timing (DVVT) allows a wider spread of high-end power and low-speed flexibility.

The new 12-valve 1.0 litre's maximum power of 69.3 PS at 6,000 rpm is exceptionally high for its size, while the 69.3 lb.ft torque is also impressive - especially at an accessible 3,600 rpm. The compression ratio is 10.5:1.

Featuring compact combustion chambers and an offset crankshaft, this engine employs resin-coated pistons and low-tension piston rings for reduced internal friction.

Both head, block and even oil-pan are made from lightweight but rigid aluminium, contributing to low vibration and quietness.

Unrivalled Performance, Economy And Emissions
No rival can match the new Daihatsu Sirion 1.0 litre's performance, fuel economy and low emissions.

The top speed is a remarkable 99.4 mph with a 0-60 mph time of 13.5 seconds. Fuel consumption is an outstanding 46.3/64.2 and 56.5 mpg on the Urban/Extra Urban and Combined Cycles.

An exceptionally low CO2 emissions of 118 g/km means the car qualifies for a Road Fund Licence charge of only £75 for 12 months plus £38 first registration fee (AA band up to 120 g/km). This places it in a category largely dominated by hybrids - and the smaller Daihatsu Charade, of course.

Thoroughly Revised 1.3 Litre
The new Sirion's four-cylinder 1.3 litre engine has been thoroughly revised to provide stronger low-speed torque and a more useable power delivery in day-to-day driving.

Still featuring Dynamic Variable Valve Timing (DVVT) and twin overhead camshafts, this basic engine is also supplied to Toyota by Daihatsu for use in its Yaris supermini.

In the new Sirion's application, power is 87 PS (was 102 PS) but at 6,000 rpm instead of 7,000 rpm. Torque is the same 88.5 lb.ft but at a much more useable 3,200 rpm instead of 4,400 rpm as in the previous model.

With a compression ratio of 10.3:1, this compact, light, all-alloy engine has bore and stroke dimensions of 72 x 79.7 mm and - like the 1.0 litre - employs durable chains for its camshaft drive.

Top speed for the manual is 106 mph with the four-speed automatic only slightly slower at 102 mph. The former has a 10.9 second 0-60 mph time while the automatic takes 12.6 seconds.

Fuel economy is outstanding for both at 37.7/58.9 and 48.7 mpg on the Urban/Extra Urban and Combined Cycles for the manual and 32.8/54.3 and 44.1 mpg for the automatic. CO2 emissions are among the lowest in the Daihatsu Sirion's class at 137 and 151 g/km respectively.

World's First Self-Regenerating Catalyst
The new Daihatsu Sirion 1.3 litre features the world's first self-regenerating catalyst. This effectively extends the life of the catalytic converter, reducing maintenance costs.

It also is kinder to the environment as it keeps the catalyst 'healthier' over a higher mileage meaning the already low 137 g/km CO2 emissions do not increase as the engine becomes older.

This revolutionary technology works by providing a self-regenerating capability in the particles of the precious metal which normally degrades.

Using nanotechnology, the intelligent catalyst incorporates metallic ions of palladium, the most heat-sensitive of the metals used in a catalytic converter.

According to temperature and available oxygen, the particles turn in and out of a crystalline state therefore regenerating and prolonging the 'cat's' ability to clean exhaust gasses.

European-Tuned Chassis
The new Sirion's suspension has been thoroughly proven on a variety of European roads and tuned for suppleness and stability.

The front employs MacPherson struts and coil springs while the rear uses the equally popular and well-proven semi-independent torsion bar system with separate coil springs. With almost vertically-mounted shock-absorbers, this reduces the transmission of road noise and makes the damping more effective.

Unusually for a small car, anti-roll bars are fitted to both the front and rear suspension, while the front suspension stroke is especially long to improve ride comfort. The front also uses ball-joints for its anti-roll bar which also enhances ride and handling.

Special features at the rear include a lengthened suspension stroke and more rigid bearings to improve stability.

To optimise fuel economy the new Daihatsu Sirion uses an electric motor for its standard power steering. This is more efficient than the conventional power-sapping hydraulic system.

However, many electric power steering set-ups are criticised for their lack of feel so Daihatsu's chassis engineers have ensured the new Sirion avoids this failing.

The result of their meticulous fine-tuning is a chassis which is absorbent, well-damped and provides reassuringly progressive body roll during brisk cornering.

Straight-line stability is especially strong and the steering self-centres well, avoiding the vagueness and lane-wander of some electric systems.

Class-Beating Turning Circle
Despite having one of the widest tracks and bodies in its sector, the new Daihatsu Sirion boasts a class-beating turning circle.

Coupled with excellent visibility and a seating position higher than the norm, parking is made that much easier - aided by rear parking sensors on SE models.

In fact, with a kerb-to-kerb turning circle of 9.4 metres, the Daihatsu Sirion is 0.4 metres tighter than the Ford Fiesta or Toyota Yaris, 0.6 metres better than the Vauxhall Corsa and a massive 0.9 metres more agile than the Renault Clio.

Top Level Safety Package

Every aspect of safety has been studied for the new Sirion with the aim of achieving 4-stars in the Euro NCAP tests.

The body was subjected to the world's most rigorous crash tests including full-on frontal and side-impact collision tests at 55 km/h, a rear impact at 50 km/h and a frontal offset collision test at 64 km/h.

In addition, the new Daihatsu Sirion was deliberately crashed against much larger cars to ensure its compatibility in 'real-life' accidents.

All main frame members are straight, joint rigidity is optimised and suspension mounts reinforced. High-tensile steel is used where needed and bonnet and bumpers are designed to lessen injury to pedestrians.

The door pillars and roof sides have special ribs which reduce possible head injury while both the brake pedal and steering wheel have been designed to avoid intruding during a frontal impact.

Standard on all models are driver, passenger and - unusually at this price - side airbags, while the front seatbelts have pretensioners and force-limiters.

The three rear seatbelts all boast three-point location plus ISOFIX for the outer belts. This gives better location for child safety seats. There are a total of five height-adjustable head-restraints.

The new Sirion's anti-lock ventilated front disc and rear drum brakes (ABS) are aided by Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). This optimises braking force according to the weight distribution of passengers and luggage.

Unbeatable Equipment Levels
There is no such thing as a 'basic' entry-level Daihatsu Sirion despite prices starting at £6,995 OTR. Every model has unbeatable equipment levels.

For example, standard for all - including the Sirion 1.0 S - is air-conditioning, a radio/CD player, ABS with EBD, power steering, four electric windows, front and side airbags and remote central-locking.

The Daihatsu Sirion 1.3 S adds, for example, rear speakers, electric door mirrors, driver's seat height adjustment, chrome interior door handles and a front passenger seat back pocket.

Extra equipment for the Sirion 1.0 SE includes alloy wheels and rear parking sensors while the Daihatsu Sirion 1.3 SE adds a pod-like rev-counter, colour-keyed exterior door handles and black window surround.

The Daihatsu Sirion also boasts highly competitive insurance groups of 4D for the 1.0 S, 5D for the 1.0 SE and 6D for the 1.3 - both helping reduce running costs.

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Nissan Murano, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

•  Nissan Murano, 2012

Nissan Murano, the premium crossover, is more luxurious than ever. Updates to the interior, revisions to the tail-lights, a new design of alloy wheel and changes to the instrumentation enhance even further the already high levels of comfort and style found in Nissan's flagship model.

The majority of the changes take place inside the well-appointed cabin. More sophisticated white lighting (replacing the orange used previously) and revised lettering feature on the instrument dials. At the same time, the centre stack surround is now better integrated into the cabin by being finished in the same colour as the rest of the dashboard.

Perhaps the most obvious change, though, is to the leather seat facing and the leather on the door panels which now use pleated stitching rather than the ruched effect seen previously. In the rear compartment, the optional DVD screen previously mounted in the roof has been replaced by two individual screens integrated into the rear of the front seats headrest.

External changes include new tail-lights which have a strong visual link to the lamps found on Qashqai and which feature a clear arrowhead lens outside the red lens section. Two new metallic body colours - Pearl White and Graphite Blue - contrast with a new five V-spoke design of 18-inch alloy. The stylish five twin-spoke design on the 20-inch wheel remains unchanged.

Models destined for the Russian market gain the latest infotainment system, which has already been adopted in Europe, while high-grade models also benefit from a heated steering wheel. So popular is Nissan Murano in Russia that the country has three model grades on offer, while the majority of Western Europe countries concentrate on the most luxurious version only.

Nissan Murano is the third string to Nissan's Crossover bow, providing a range-topping model above Juke and Qashqai. Popular in a number of European markets - and especially in Russia - sales were boosted by the arrival in 2010 of a diesel version for the first time. Coinciding with a subtle facelift that boosted its premium feel, the diesel opened the model to many more buyers.

The 2.5-litre dCi engine, which was specifically engineered for Europe with significant input from engineers at Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE), has won praise for its power and refinement. Coupled to a six-speed automatic gearbox with Adaptive Shift Control, the four-cylinder unit offers the perfect balance of performance and efficiency, with 190PS and 450Nm at just 2,000 rpm on offer. CO2 emissions are 210g/km while combined cycle fuel economy is an impressive 10.6 l/100kms.

The diesel version accounts for about 90 per cent of Nissan Murano sales in Western Europe, with the remainder taken by the smooth and powerful 3.5-litre V6 engine, with 256PS and 334Nm.

Refined and comfortable, Nissan Murano is noted for its high levels of equipment. For the vast majority of markets this means 20-inch alloy wheels, power tailgate and colour rear and kerbside cameras all fitted as standard. Murano also features Nissan Connect Premium satellite navigation system with 7-inch touch screen, HDD 9.3 Gb music server, iPod, Bluetooth and aux connectivity combined with premium 11 speaker BOSE system and the option of a rear seat DVD entertainment system.

The list also includes Scratch Shield paint, rear privacy glass, bi-xenon headlamps, cruise control and Nissan Murano's signature electrically folding rear seats, which can be raised or lowered easily and conveniently from the luggage area.

And naturally, Murano benefits from Nissan's All-Mode 4x4-i intelligent four-wheel-drive system promising surefooted handling and grip under even the trickiest of conditions.

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Mindset E-Motion Concept, 2008

• Mindset E-Motion Concept, 2008

The drivable prototype of mindset e-motion concept have been revealed. The prototype of the high-performance electric car was assembled by the French Heuliez Group.

The mindset e-motion drives locally emission-free for more than 100 km and reaches, due to an optional range extender which pro-duces electric energy by means of a combustion engine, a range of over 800km which is comparable to the range of conven-tional cars. The mindset e-motion distinguishes itself due to an out-standing appearance, low consumption and, additionally,
exceptional user-friendliness.
A Spaceframe consisting of welded aluminium profiles provides the supporting elements. Attached to this Spaceframe there are fibre-enforced plastic components which make up the external panelling. The safety passenger cabin is part of the Spaceframe and consists of an extremely rigid construction around the entire occupant room. Furthermore, the safety of the passengers is increased by reinforcing profiles in the doors and across the vehicle, as well as by front airbags.

The standard make is a purely electric operated vehicle with space for two plus two persons or a generous, individually configurable rear compartment. In order to charge the battery, the vehicle can simply be plugged into a normal power socket.

The mindset e-motion concept provides nearly unlimited options. These include, for example, a range extender to increase the road coverage which can also be left in the garage if not needed, solar panels, an individually configurable interior space with extra niches or attachments required for specific purposes e.g. for golf bags, clothes, shopping, dogs etc.

Technical Specifications

    * Power train
          o Engine: High-performance electric motor
          o Maximum power output: 70 kW
          o Max. torque: 220 Nm
          o Gear box: Single speed
          o Battery technology: Lithium-Ion
          o Battery capacity: 20 kWh

    * Range Extender
          o Engine: Otto engine
          o Power output: 17 kW
          o Cubic capacity: 250 cm3
          o Fuel delivery: Electronic fuel injection
          o Fuel grade: Unleaded 95
          o Emission control: Three-way catalytic converter

    * Performance
          o CO2 emission with Range Extender: 79 g/km
          o Top speed: 140 km/h (electronically limited)
          o Acceleration 0-100 km/h: ~ 7 s
          o Range in electric mode: 100-200 km
          o Range with Range extender: >800 km
          o Charging time: 1-5h

    * Dimensions
          o Length: 4260 mm
          o Width: 1730 mm
          o Height: 1380 mm
          o Track: 1545 mm
          o Wheelbase: 2780 mm
          o Turning radius: 11 m
          o Unloaded weight: 800 kg
          o Cargo volume: 750 l
          o Seats available: 2+2

    * Suspension
          o Layout: Front wheel drive
          o Wheels: 4,5 J x 22
          o Tyres: 155/60 R 22
          o Front suspension: McPherson
          o Rear suspension: Multi-link suspension

    * Brake system
          o Brakes: 4 disc brake, ABS/Traction Control System ESP
          o Electric: Braking energy recuperation

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Honda Ridgeline Sport, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

•  Honda Ridgeline Sport, 2012

Honda's four-door, five-passenger pickup receives styling upgrades and improved highway fuel economy for 2012, along with a new Honda Ridgeline Sport model that provides high-value features targeted at the entry four-wheel-drive truck segment.

The 2012 Ridgeline is now in four models, including the Ridgeline RT, new Ridgeline Sport, Ridgeline RTS and Ridgeline RTL. Upgrades on all models for 2012 include a refreshed grille design, aerodynamic improvements, friction reduction measures in the engine and a new EPA fuel rating of 15/21/17 city/highway/combined mpg, up 1 mpg in the highway rating.

The new Honda Ridgeline Sport model adds the following features to the Ridgeline RT: exclusive black 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels (+1 inch from RT steel wheels); exclusive black honeycomb grille with black surround; leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls; auxiliary audio input jack; fog lights; rear privacy glass; all weather floor mats and black headlight and brake light housings.

The Ridgeline represents an exclusive and innovative approach in the half-ton pickup truck segment by prioritizing its construction and features based on the capabilities that many recreational truck buyers typically need and use. The Ridgeline is built with a closed-box, unitized body structure for a unique combination of capability, interior spaciousness and comfortable ride performance from its independent front and rear suspension. It also delivers a wide range of conventional pickup capabilities with a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds and a half-ton payload rating, all while offering unique features like a large In-Bed Trunk®.

Functionally Innovative Exterior
The unit-body architecture is designed for vastly superior rigidity compared to traditional body-on-frame designs and provides the foundation for the Ridgeline's spacious interior cabin and bed, safety performance and class-leading ride and handling performance. The Ridgeline's modern and athletic design incorporates a solid, one-piece appearance with no separation between the bed and the cab. Large side mirrors compliment rear vision while towing. The windshield wipers have a heated wiper zone to enhance wiper performance in cold, winter driving conditions and minimize ice scraping.

A 5-foot-long composite cargo bed with eight tie-down locations provides a payload rating of 1,100 pounds. Four cargo area lights illuminate both the bed and the in-bed trunk. A dual-action tailgate opens down for traditional access to the cargo area or to the side for ease-of-access to the 8.5 cubic-foot In-Bed Trunk®. The Ridgeline is available with a wide variety of accessories and can conveniently accommodate motorcycles and ATVs. The cargo area measures 49.5 inches wide between the wheel wells, 20.7 inches deep and 60.0 inches long (79.0 inches with the load-supporting tailgate in the down position).

Roomy and Comfortable Interior
The interior takes advantage of Honda's unit-body packaging efficiency to deliver full-size interior space dimensions while maintaining a garage-friendly, mid-size exterior footprint. The driving position provides ergonomically comfortable access to large and easy-to-use controls.

Ridgeline's large multi-function console features a sliding armrest and sliding lower tray - each with a hidden storage area. Other console storage areas accommodate items both large and small like mobile phones, beverages, compact discs and portable digital music players.

The 60/40 lift-up rear seats feature a storage area underneath large enough to accommodate a golf bag. Plus, the rear seating area can quickly convert for cargo duty by lifting the seats up to create enough room for a full-size mountain bike with the front tire removed. The rear seat incorporates three LATCH positions for compatible child safety seats.

Strong, Versatile Performance
Ridgeline's all-aluminum, 60-degree, SOHC 3.5-liter VTEC engine produces 250 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 247 lb-ft. of torque at 4,300 rpm. Variable valve timing enhances low rpm torque while extending high rpm horsepower for a broad power band. The 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission features Grade Logic Control to help maintain the most appropriate gear when going uphill or downhill to avoid gear "hunting." The fully automatic Variable Torque Management® 4-wheel drive system (VTM-4) provides confident operation in rain, snow, ice, sand and mud, while also improving on-road and towing performance by distributing torque to all four wheels as needed. The system operates predominately in front-wheel-drive during dry-pavement cruising conditions and continuously proportions torque to the rear wheels during acceleration and low traction situations. VTM-4 lock button located on the instrument panel allows the driver to temporarily hold engagement of both rear wheels to aid traction while in gears "1" and "2" at speeds of up to 18 mph.

Standard equipment for towing includes an integrated tow hitch, transmission and oil coolers, heavy duty brakes, dual radiator fans and a wiring harness for a seven-pin trailer hook up (pre-wiring only on RT and Sport).

Chassis Specifications
Fully independent, a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link with trailing arm rear suspension provide a smooth ride and responsive handling. A heavy-duty braking system includes 12.6-inch front and 13.1-inch rear 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. The Ridgeline RT has 17x7.5-inch steel wheels and P245/65 R17 all-season tires, while the Ridgeline RTS upgrades to 17x7.5-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Honda Ridgeline Sport and Ridgeline RTL models are uniquely equipped with 18x7.5-inch aluminum alloy wheels and all-season P245/60 R18 tires.

Committed to Safety
All Ridgelines are equipped with these standard safety features: advanced dual-state, multiple-threshold driver's and front passenger's SRS airbags; front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); two-row side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; front-seat active head restraints; a tire pressure monitoring system; and daytime running lights. Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), commonly referred to as electronic stability control, can apply braking force to a wheel with low traction and direct driving force to the wheel with more traction.

Standard and Available Features
Standard features on the Ridgeline RT include: integrated trailer hitch; pre-wiring for seven-pin trailer wiring; trip computer with instantaneous and average fuel economy; air conditioning; tilt steering wheel; power windows and door locks; power sliding rear window; cruise control; keyless entry; automatic heated wiper zone; six-speaker, 100-watt audio system with CD player and MP3/WMA playback capability; and 60/40 split lift-up rear seat with under-seat storage.

The new Honda Ridgeline Sport model adds the following features to the Ridgeline RT: exclusive black 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels (+1 inch from RT steel wheels); exclusive black honeycomb grille with black surround; leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls; auxiliary audio input jack; fog lights; rear privacy glass; all weather floor mats and black headlight and brake light housings.

The Ridgeline RTS adds the following to the RT: exclusive 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, a seven-pin trailer wiring connector, body-color painted door handles, painted inner grille surfaces, a seven-speaker 160-watt audio system with subwoofer, six-disc in-dash CD system, steering wheel-mounted controls, an auxiliary audio input jack; dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver's seat with lumbar support, privacy glass and all-weather floor mats.

Exclusive Ridgeline RTL features include leather-trimmed interior with heated front seats, exclusive 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, fog lights, moonroof, 115-volt power outlet, XM Radio, HomeLink remote system, carpeted floor mats and a compass in the rearview mirror.

The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition and Zagat Survey restaurant information is available on RTL models. It includes XM Radio, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, a multi-information display and a back-up camera display. The navigation system includes a compass, thus eliminating the compass in the rearview mirror.

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