Seat Leon, 2013

 

 

 

•  Seat Leon, 2013

SEAT is entering a new era: The new Leon is a simply stunning car - with its unique, emotional design, with its dynamic sporting character, with its compelling package of innovative technologies and with its refined quality and premium elegance.

The third generation of the SEAT Leon is an all-new car developed from the ground up. Its predecessors stood for driving fun and outstanding functionality - a tradition that the new SEAT Leon will most certainly continue. Like its predecessor, the new SEAT Leon is also built at the Martorell factory near Barcelona in Spain. Since the premiere of the first-generation Leon in 1999, SEAT has sold 1.2 million vehicles from this highly successful range.

The new SEAT Leon is a strong and emotional personality - it is the most beautiful way to drive a functional car. The five-door is packed full of high-end technologies - in its infotainment, its assistance systems, its running gear and its drive. The engines combine effortless performance with exemplary efficiency.

Every single power unit, all of them state-of-the-art TDI and TSI engines, are the best in their class in fuel consumption and emissions. The highlight is the Leon 1.6 TDI with start/stop system - its average fuel consumption is just 3.8 litres per 100 kilometres, equating to 99 grams of CO2 per kilometre.

The inclusion of optional full-LED headlamps is a truly pioneering move by SEAT. Setting the pace by example, the new Leon makes this technology available in the compact segment for the very first time. The full-LED headlamps combine sleek design with outstanding illumination. Light-emitting diodes consume very little energy and are extremely long lasting. The colour temperature of 5,500 Kelvin places their light very close to daylight thus placing less strain on the eyes.

The new SEAT Leon also offers a compelling level of functionality. Within its compact dimensions it offers more usable interior space than the previous model, while the premium materials and perfect workmanship put the Leon at the forefront of the competitive field. The modern touchscreen infotainment systems mean that it is already well prepared to face the future.

It low kerb weight is one of the SEAT Leon's greatest strengths; compared with the previous model, it has been reduced by up to 90 kilograms. In its base version, the new Leon weighs in at just 1,113 kilograms.

The Design - simply stunning
The new SEAT Leon is a highly emotional automobile that cuts a fine figure from the very first glance. Inspired by the IBE, IBL and IBX concept vehicles, the new SEAT Leon brings more excitement to the road. The all-new car looks simply stunning from every angle, with an enormously appealing, sporty aesthetic.

The new Leon marks the careful development of the SEAT design identity; the execution of clear lines and taut surfaces displays vitality and precision. Even the tiniest detail expresses the high standards and the quality applied to the design and development of the new SEAT Leon - standards met by very few vehicle manufacturers. Clear, minimalistic design and precision build quality are among SEAT's core values. These are also clear for all to see in the new SEAT logo. The new Leon is the first SEAT to bear the brand's new logo; on the front end, wheels, rear end and steering wheel.

The new SEAT Leon is extremely well proportioned. The visual weight of the passenger cell has been shifted slightly over the rear wheels, with a very smooth transition from the front wing to the passenger cell. All of the surfaces have a strong sculptural appeal that reinforces the effects of light and shade and adds to the three-dimensional effect.

Viewed from the side, the surfaces of the new SEAT Leon are honed and precisely modelled. The characteristic, interrupted "Línea Dinámica" stretches rearwards over the wheel arches - straining under tension like a well-trained muscle. Characteristic for the Leon are the trapezoidal C-pillar and the short third window reaching up towards the rear.

The rear end of the new SEAT Leon is modelled crisply and features a large, new SEAT logo that serves to open the rear hatch. The slightly wedge-shaped rear lights underscore the breadth of the car and are also available as an option using LED technology (standard in FR trim). The Leon FR further emphasises its sporty character with a distinctive diffuser insert and two large, chromed end pipes.

At 4.24 metres, the new SEAT Leon is around five centimetres shorter than its predecessor, yet the wheelbase has grown by almost six centimetres. This improves its overall proportions and posture on the road, allowing short overhangs as well as enhancing the car's stance on its wheels. Despite its shorter length, its clever packaging means that interior space - both in the cabin and in the trunk are improved.

Typical of the new SEAT design language is the angular line of the lights, which are perfectly integrated into the Leon's sculptural form. For the first time in the compact class, full-LED lights are available. The LED headlamps illuminate the road ahead with a light that exerts virtually no strain on the eyes, while intelligent sensors avoid dazzling oncoming traffic. The new high-end headlamps are maintenance free and lend the Leon's face an unmistakable look, especially due to their distinctive LED daytime running lights.

The Interior - premium, spacious and flexible
The sporty and athletic design of the SEAT Leon's exterior continues into the interior. The select materials have an exceptionally premium look and feel - everything is clear, light and uncluttered. Because the wheelbase is 58 millimetres longer than that of the previous model, the new SEAT Leon offers even more space for driver, passengers and luggage.

Some versions of the new SEAT Leon are equipped with premium ambient lighting. In the FR version, LEDs mounted in the door panel enhance the contours of the interior design, adding even more style and elegance to the cabin. As well as providing occupants with improved orientation, the ambient lighting also creates an even more pleasant feeling of space.

The Cockpit
From the outset of the project, SEAT's designers and engineers paid particularly close attention to the expectations of customers in the Leon's segment. Recognising that the promise of the Leon's exterior design had to be continued inside, the design and, in particular, the choice of materials and the overall fit and finish of the interior were considered high priorities.

The overall ambience that greets the driver and front seat passenger is of a simple, harmonious design that is uncomplicated and minimalist.

The key feature is the broad centre console, arranged with a clear orientation towards the driver. The instrument panel is elegant, with its two-tone design making it seem almost to float. Fine details highlight the very high level of workmanship in the new SEAT Leon - such as the large air vents, the easy-to-understand air conditioning controls and the three-dimensional trim elements. All surfaces have a soft-touch finish for a satisfying tactile experience. In some versions, the premium feel is further enhanced through fine chrome and leather applications.

All the switches, buttons and controls in the new SEAT Leon are located exactly where the driver would expect them to be. The large instrument dials are easy to read and the driver information system is standard equipment in many versions. Multi-function controls are available for the finely executed steering wheel, which sports the new SEAT logo at its centre.

The display for the on-board computer is located between the two analogue instrument dials, directly in the driver's line of sight and provides information on average fuel consumption, range and speed. Depending on the model version, it also shows data from the navigation system, the driver assistance systems and a mobile phone connected via Bluetooth.

All information and entertainment systems have been designed and developed completely from scratch. The new SEAT Leon introduces the first touchscreen generation to incorporate a proximity sensor (5.8-inch screen).

Storage
In designing the new SEAT Leon, functionality and flexibility were both given a high priority. There are no less than a dozen stowage facilities and five closed storage bins in the doors and centre console, as well as in front of and between the front seats. It is always easy to find a place for those small things that are a necessary part of everyday life.

The front stowage compartment in the centre console offers plenty of space for quick and easy stowage of keys, mobile phone and other everyday items. This is also the place to find the optional points for connecting multimedia devices (via aux-in, USB, SD and an iPod cable) to the vehicle network.

Front seats
The newly developed seats are low-slung and sporty. Height adjustability comes as standard and they are extremely comfortable for people of all statures. They provide the best possible grip during dynamic driving and are very comfortable over long distances. These characteristics were achieved by ergonomic shaping of the foam contours, as well as further improvements to the spring and damping characteristics of the cold-foam cushions. A large selection of premium fabrics, leather and Alcantara provide upholstery to suit every individual preference.

Weight was saved during the development of the standard-fit driver and passenger side airbags, which are now installed without plastic housings. Instead, the folded airbags are now integrated into the seat backs. The weight saving of 25 percent is paired with a significant improvement in protection.

Reference (for fleet customers) and Style grades come with optional lumbar support for the driver. Driver seat height adjustment is standard on all trims, and passenger seat height adjustment is optional in Reference and standard in Style. All these additional long-distance comfort features are standard equipment for the FR.

The second-row seats and luggage compartment
In the rear of the new SEAT Leon, too, shoulder, knee and head room are extremely generous. The comfortable rear bench is equipped with three head restraints. In the interests of the very youngest passengers, standard equipment includes Isofix and Top Tether anchors for child seats. Thanks to systematic lightweight design, the rear bench back rest is approximately 15 percent lighter than in the previous model - without any sacrifice in comfort.

The luggage compartment of the new SEAT Leon has a capacity of 380 litres, which is exactly 39 litres more than in the previous model.

The rear bench back rest is extremely straightforward to fold forward - and comes with a 60:40 split as of the Reference line. Once folded forward, the load floor is almost completely flat and measures 1,558 millimetres in length.

The Bodyshell - lightweight and solid
Its low kerb weight is one of the great strength of the new SEAT Leon; compared with the preceding model, it is down by 90 kilograms. In its base version, the new Leon weighs just 1,113 kilograms.

High-strength and ultra-high-strength steels
A bodyshell that offers optimum safety and the best possible comfort has to be solid. An intelligent structure guarantees that the vehicle remains lightweight and efficient. Lightweight solidity - SEAT set itself this challenge and equipped the new Leon with an utterly state-of-the-art body-in-white. With an eye on optimum value for money, costly materials like magnesium and carbon fibre were avoided - instead, the bodyshell features a high proportion of high-strength and ultra-high-strength steels. The hot-formed hi-tech steels alone reduce weight by 18 kilograms, while ensuring increased passenger cell stiffness.

The excellent bodyshell stiffness lays the groundwork for the high production quality, for the precise handling and for the quiet passenger cabin, virtually undisturbed by unpleasant frequencies. Thanks to careful insulation, the interior of the new SEAT Leon is as quiet as that of a car from the next class up. Its aerodynamic refinements include the underbody cladding and the airflow through the engine bay.

In total, the body-in-white of the new Leon is lighter by 25 kilograms. Systematic lightweight design extends across every one of the vehicle's sub-assemblies - many parts in the engines, running gear and interior also contribute to weight reduction.

The Drive - powerful and efficient
SEAT sends the new Leon into battle with powerful and fuel-efficient TDI and TSI power units ranging from 1.2 to 2.0 litres displacement. All engines feature direct injection with turbocharging and have been optimised for low internal friction and rapid warm-up. Sporty power and ground-breaking efficiency are what set the new engine generation in the SEAT Leon apart. Compared with their respective predecessors, fuel consumption is down by up to 22 percent.

For the first time, all engines offered at market launch are available with a start/stop system - the 1.6 TDI with 77 kW (105 PS), the 2.0 TDI with 110 kW (150 PS) and the 1.4 TSI with both 90 kW (122 PS) and 103kW (140PS).

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Rolls-Royce Wraith, 2014

 

 

 

•  Rolls-Royce Wraith, 2014

When Rolls-Royce Motor Cars came to update its Phantom family of models, the words of company co-founder Sir Henry Royce informed everything that designers, engineers and craftspeople set out to achieve: Take the best that exists and make it better.

The historic cri de coeur came to represent the significant improvements made to the marque's pinnacle cars when launched in 2012, and continues to resontate strongly from the design studios to the assembly hall at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood today.

But that was only part of Royce's famous quote. Take the best that exists and make it better: when it does not exist design it.

These words informed the development of Rolls-Royce Wraith: nothing like it existed in the Rolls-Royce portfolio, nor the wider automotive world.

The expression of when it does not exist, design it is steeped in Rolls-Royce heritage. It can be seen in the pioneering spirit and vehicles that defined the company in the early 20th century. Adventures that took place on land, sea and in the air, that once led Rolls-Royce to three consecutive world speed records.

And of course there was the company's founding forefather, the Honourable Charles Rolls, a man whose appetite for adventure drove him to success in motor racing, ballooning and aviation. He became the first man in history to cross the English Channel and return without stopping in a powered aircraft, an achievement that earned him the highest praise of King George V.

Rolls-Royce Wraith echoes the spirit of these historic endeavours, pushing the boundaries of design and engineering, challenging perceptions and delivering the most dynamic, involving driving experience in the marque's 109 year history. It didn't exist, so Rolls-Royce designed it.

Power, style, drama
In its design, Rolls-Royce Wraith presents a masterpiece of elegant simplicity, exuding poise and the promise of dynamism. There is a sense that this car is ready to move with purpose on its driver's command.

Grace and beauty define the exterior presentation. The swept lines of the fastback, a style whose origins can be found in 1930s automotive design, most clearly signal its purposeful character, one which hints gently at the noir.

Performance complements the drama of exterior styling. A shorter wheelbase, wider rear track, 624 bhp / 465kW derived from the twin turbo V12 and a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds (0-62, 4.6 seconds) give expression to the car's dynamic looks.

But Wraith is no GT bruiser; it is every inch a refined and luxurious Rolls-Royce, a car where the sense of arrival and joy of the journey are as important as the canvas upon which it is drawn.

Effortless performance, luxurious interior
Wraith debuts the most intelligent drive train ever to feature in a Rolls-Royce, including the application of ground-breaking technologies like Satellite Aided Transmission (SAT). This processes GPS data to predict the driver's next move and automatically select the right gear for the road ahead. Unnecessary gear changes are thus avoided, augmenting the famous Rolls-Royce trait of waftability and ensuring Wraith is constantly poised to deliver on its dynamic promise. Following a sweeping bend, for example, the optimum gear is always pre-selected for effortless acceleration.

Complementing Satellite Aided Transmission, Rolls-Royce Wraith's further dynamic enhancements include a more direct steering response to aid precision in corners, as well as more dynamic spring and damper settings.

Step inside Wraith's coach doors and there is the feeling of going aboard a luxury yacht. It is a serene space for four occupants, who will be cocooned in a striking and contemporary interior furnished in beautiful materials, surrounded by tactile Phantom-grade leathers.

Design details like the expansive Canadel Panelling and blood orange needle tips for speedometer and power reserve gauge hint further at agility, speed and performance. Look upwards however, and Rolls-Royce presents something more traditional - at least for the 21st century. Starlight headliner - offered for the first time beyond the Phantom range - features thousands of tiny fibre optic lamps hand-woven by craftspeople into the roof lining.

It remains one of the company's most endearing and popular features.
The Honourable Charles Rolls
Wraith is a model that draws parallels with the story of founding forefather Honourable Charles Rolls. For like the pioneering Rolls, this car pushes boundaries, taking Rolls-Royce further than it has gone before, challenging then delivering on the promise of pace and adventure.

In a similar vein, this car also embraces the very finest things in life, the elegance and refinement enjoyed by a new generation of confident gentlemen and women. It will establish a reputation as the ultimate gentleman's gran turismo - the car Charles Rolls would have chosen to drive from Paris to Madrid were he alive today. Or from New York to Washington. Or from Shanghai to Beijing. Or from...

DESIGN
Like a world-class athlete poised at the starting blocks, Wraith presents a picture of anticipation and quickens the pulse when viewed for the first time. Without overstatement there is drama and an immediate sense of refined power expressed by its bold fastback design. Wraith exudes effortless style and beauty... derived through elegant simplicity. A high waistline combined with low roof line and raked cabin accelerate the eye rearwards, while tension in its surfaces suggests a car set to move - quickly if necessary.

Unique in character
In terms of sheer presence Wraith is clearly cut from the same luxurious cloth as today's Phantom and Ghost models. Yet it displays cues that can be traced through past generations; effortless poise with accentuated rear overhang, elegant coach doors and, of course, the Spirit of Ecstasy adorning the grille.

But this is a very different model to those of the last century - and stands alone among Rolls-Royce models today. A wider rear track, longer bonnet, raked glass house and deeply recessed pantheon grille, unite in presenting a truly focused car, a Rolls-Royce with its own unique character.

The consummate gentleman's gran turismo, Wraith stands as a contemporary homage to the era of effortless spacious coupés and grand tourers. A time where pioneers and adventurers became legends and their masterful machines objects of desire.

The expression of power
The traditional pantheon grille design has further evolved with Wraith. The cue here is that of a more functionally derived air intake, not unlike that of a jet turbine, giving greater expression to the car's dynamic promise. The grille itself is recessed by 45mm compared with Rolls-Royce Ghost. The surround has also been lengthened by 40mm while the bumper has been designed to incorporate the number plate surround with a focused lower air dam.

Recessed and finished in black, the lower valance mesh helps create depth to echo that of the grille. Chrome blades plant the car, complementing horizontal lines that accelerate the sense of flow around the exterior.

Gentle evolution is also a theme of the 102-year-old Spirit of Ecstasy figurine. Positioned further forward on the grille and angled by five degrees, her eager position draws the eye up and along the bonnet, helping define the development of three harmonious lines: the waftability line, waist line and roof line.

Beauty in profile
In side view, it is the fastback that most clearly sets this latest Rolls-Royce design apart from its thoroughbred stable mates. There is a dramatic combination of linear tension and expressive line that bestows Wraith with such an elegant yet uniquely powerful character.

Developing from the masculine frontal architecture, the linear formality of the waist line gently dips to the rear providing a sense of stability and effortless poise. This combines with the expressive gesture of the window graphic that sweeps downwards to the coach door swage line and gives expression to that essential Rolls-Royce trait of waftability.

Frameless coach doors and the absence of a b-pillar further augment elegance and drama. Perfectly sized to complement long front wings, these are the epitome of effortless entry and egress, but also impart a sense of theatre and occasion that are so important to Rolls-Royce customers. Doors open to reveal an exquisite interior and are closed from inside at the touch of a button.

With all four windows down, the side opening adds length and a sense of waftable debonair to Wraith's character. The elegant chrome side finisher frames this graphic beautifully and pulls the eye seamlessly down onto the rear wheel. For further open view touring enjoyment, a fixed glass roof can also be specified, complete with leather sun blind.

In Rolls-Royce Wraith's design, every detail has been considered; stainless steel door handles for example conceal barrel locks maintaining clean exterior panels. Three new wheels have also been designed to fit like a tailored shoe. Confident yet understated, these include a standard 20" seven spoke design along with optional 21" seven spoke part polished and 21" five-spoke part-polished, bi-colour choices.

Architecture in two-tone
The wide rear track reinforces the promise of Wraith's athletic prowess and powerful intent. Prominent rear shoulders with powerful wheel arches nestle the tapered glasshouse, so beautifully accentuated by the raked rear screen. These design elements present the perfect three dimensional canvas for a two-tone paint scheme that further enhances the unique, architectural design qualities of Wraith and hints at a nautical theme.

The fastback
The origins of fastback design lie in the streamlined design era of the 1930s. Initially popular in America, the word fastback soon came to define the spirit of adventure and dynamism that epitomised early and mid 20th century European sporting and GT cars.

Rather than take inspiration from any one car, Wraith simply evokes the alluring pedigree of some of the most iconic designs from this influential era.

Creating a visible distinction between a sporting GT and a true Rolls-Royce was very much key to the success of Wraith's modern design statement. Whilst the striking silhouette of the long fastback hints at a sporting dynamic, Wraith is clearly a consummate gentleman's gran turismo. The perfect balance has been struck between the visual language of the fastback's heyday and a thoroughly contemporary Rolls-Royce motor car. Traditional high-seating position and Rolls-Royce proportions remain, leaving the beholder in no doubt that it is true to the marque's DNA.

Wraith presents the perfect marriage of glamour and refinement, as well as an underlying, brooding sense that power and drama lie beneath. One can imagine that this Rolls-Royce in particular would perfectly match the inimitable lifestyle of adventure and speed enjoyed by Rolls-Royce's founding forefather the Honourable Charles Rolls.

Luxurious interior
Rolls-Royce Wraith's coach doors open to present an inviting, harmonious interior space - one with every possible comfort, delivered in a thoroughly modern way.

The eye is immediately drawn to the contemporary panelling that elegantly adorns the inside of the doors and sweeps round the entire lower space. Finished in either wood or leather, the effect draws the eye quickly around the cabin, similar in dynamic effect to the clean fastback style of the exterior.

Canadel Panelling
Wraith's mellow interior is the perfect space to present the debut of a very special new wood treatment , Canadel Panelling, a beautiful open grain wood. Tactile and with a light satin finish that retains the material's natural texture, this crafted wood contributes to the cabin's warm, contemporary ambiance, evoking the interior feel of a fine, super-luxury yacht.

In this wood configuration, the car stands as a testament to the skills of craftspeople in the wood shop at the home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England. Every detail has been carefully considered; the veneer gently curved to hug the contours of the doors, delighting the eye as well as increasing space for occupants. In orientation the grain is angled at 55 degrees increasing dynamic flow through the interior. Echoing the wood craftsmanship of its pinnacle stable mate Phantom, Canadel Panelling is bookmatched throughout, creating a perfect mirror image through the centre console and featuring a contemporary chevron pattern that runs through the centre of the car, adding to the sense of cutting edge dynamic.

Dynamism... and delicacy
The dynamic theme is reinforced when viewed from the driver's seat. Black chrome dials are framed by a black horseshoe sweep. Blood orange tips to gauge indicators pay homage to the marque's aviation heritage whilst the steering-wheel is thicker rimmed to build dynamic intent.

Detailed with a delicate subtlety, the interior complements Wraith's dramatic exterior aesthetic. Four individual seats cosset driver and occupants ensuring the most involving Rolls-Royce driving experience ever, whilst never compromising on pinnacle standards of comfort and contemporary elegance. Touches like the chrome bullet tips to recessed piping on the seat panels further enhances the sense of a vehicle tailored for performance.

The finest Phantom-grade natural grain leather adds to the luxury, its tactility unequalled in the motor industry. Detailing to armrests and panniers reinforce the opulence, inspired in their design by fine saddle-making.

Light from darkness
The Rolls-Royce principle of effortlessness has informed designers' thinking throughout. Perfectly appointed storage compartments for two iPads add convenience for rear seat passengers, whilst automatic door closing buttons located behind the a-pillar aid those in the front.

Warm and serene, Wraith's interior lighting bathes occupants in gentle light. Beyond this, additional ambient lighting comes on request - courtesy of reading lights above c-pillars and waterfall roof lights that deliver increased but unobtrusive illumination with a hint of Art Deco influence.

One of the marque's most popular Bespoke features is now available to complete the glamour that befits this stunning new Rolls-Royce interior. Starlight Headliner presents a starry night sky within the cabin, an effect that is achieved with 1,340 individual fibre optic lights hand-woven into the leather roof-lining by craftspeople in the Rolls-Royce Leathershop.

ENGINEERING
One hundred years ago Rolls-Royce entered the gruelling 1913 Alpine trial with four 75hp cars. It won six awards, including the Archduke Leopold Cup.

Under the stewardship of founding forefather Sir Henry Royce, engineering credentials that had been established through events like the London to Edinburgh top gear trial in 1911, were further reinforced by this astonishing achievement. A series of Alpine Eagle cars were subsequently produced by the company.

But 1913 also represented another dynamic milestone for the company, one which the Honourable Charles Rolls would have cherished, had he not tragically perished in an aircraft accident two years earlier.

For in that year, Don Carlos de Salamanca took to the wheel of a Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost and won the first ever Spanish Grand Prix. The victory built on racing success such as the 1906 Isle of Man Tourist Trophy, where Rolls himself had triumphed in a Light Twenty.

After 190 miles of competing, the grand prix winner emerged relaxed and serene, a picture that continues to define the Rolls-Royce driving experience today. The power that underpins any modern Rolls-Royce is always delivered effortlessly, never brutally.

Rolls-Royce engineers were acutely aware that the most powerful Rolls-Royce in history would have to deliver dynamism and agility, without any hint of compromise to the famous magic carpet ride. Wraith stands as a testament to their skills, the ultimate gran turismo, and a car that remains true to values of quality, luxury and excellence in engineering.

Drivetrain
Wraith is the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever to have played host to the famous Spirit of Ecstasy figurine. It develops 624 bhp, from a 6.6 litre twin-turbo V12, an engine that features direct petrol injection to maximise efficiency and reduce emissions. Should they wish to take advantage of the extraordianary power at their disposal, drivers may choose to be propelled from rest to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds (0-62 mph, 4.6 seconds) and on to an electronically governed top speed of 155 mph.

Power is transmitted - effortlessly - thanks to an eight speed, automatic ZF transmission. The combination of powerful engine and sophisticated transmission leads to immediate power delivery with 800 Nm of torque available to the driver from 1,500 rpm.

The sense of scale is illustrated deftly by the power reserve gauge on the fascia. This reveals how much power is available should it be needed - or simply desired - by the driver at any time during a journey.

Rolls-Royce Wraith also features the ability to multi-shift down gears. When the accelerator is pushed rapidly, the car knows that the driver is seeking to maximise acceleration and it moves directly to an appropriate lower gear.

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Renault Espace, 2013

 

 

 

•  Renault Espace, 2013

Twenty-eight years after the launch of the original, New Renault Espace continues the model's success story which has seen sales exceed 1.2 million units.

New Renault Espace features Renault's new styling identity which reasserts the model's personality by ensuring an even more dynamic stance. As is the case with all the brand's new vehicles, the Renault logo is more prominent, more upright and stands out even more clearly against a broad black grille bar which is itself picked out by chrome strips.

Other details which accentuate New Espace's more dynamic, status-enhancing looks include new 'Hurlingham' wheel trims and new 'Monterey' and 'Dark Eptius' alloy wheels.

The elegantly-appointed cabin of the Initiale Paris version has been embellished with visible stitching for the model's hallmark dashboard. The sensation of comfort and wellbeing for all occupants is further emphasised by the leather and Alcantara® upholsteries.

Even greater respect for the environment: CO2 emissions reduced by 20g/km (equivalent to a fuel consumption saving of 0.8 litres/100km) for the diesel version, and by 6g/km (0.3 litres/100km) in the case of the petrol version.

Coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox, the 130hp, 150hp and 175hp versions of the 2.0 dCi engine (M9R) emit just 150g of CO2/km (a saving of 20g/km), equivalent to fuel consumption of 5.7 litres/100km (down 0.8 litres/100km). The state 'eco-surtax' applicable in France has come down accordingly by €550.

Mated to automatic transmission, the same engines emit 169g of CO2/km (a saving of 20g/km), equivalent to fuel consumption of 6.4 litres/100km (down 0.8 litres/100km). Here again, the 'eco-surtax' applied by the French state has been reduced by €550.

The 175hp version with manual gearbox delivers the segment's lowest CO2 emissions for its power output.

With the 2.0 dCi engine under the bonnet, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have come down by 1.7 litres/100km and 27g/km respectively over a period of six years since this powerplant became available for Espace in 2006.

In the case of the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine (F4Rt), CO2 emissions have fallen to 198g/km (a saving of 6g/km), equivalent to fuel consumption of 8.5 litres/100km (down 0.3 litres/100km).

These results were achieved by the engineers' work on:

•     Evolutions to the diesel engines: introduction of ESM technology (braking and deceleration energy recovery), a variable displacement oil pump, advanced cooling management and cold loop EGR (exhaust gas recirculation).
•     Chassis and running gear improvements: a three-percent improvement in CdA thanks to revised underbody shielding, plus new low rolling resistance tyres and electro-hydraulic power steering.

The MPV's pioneer continues to be perfected
All the strengths that have helped forge Renault Espace's success have been carried over to the latest version, including vast cabin space and a modular layout, as well as a level of comfort and visibility that all occupants will appreciate.

New Renault Espace continues to propose the large seven-seat MPV segment's most occupant-friendly cabin, including seven real seats and a brightly lit interior thanks to a large opening sunroof.

New Renault Espace's upholstery features an innovative textile which repels water- and oil-based liquids. Renault is the first carmaker to propose Teflon® Automotive High Protection textile which protects individual fibres without affecting their appearance, comfort or feel. This innovation is particularly ideal for family vehicles since it prevents stains from becoming incrusted and facilitates the cleaning of upholsteries to ensure they maintain their 'new' feel durably.

To facilitate manoeuvring and parking, New Renault Espace is available with a reversing camera. The driver benefits from precise indications thanks to a graphic overlay of the vehicle's volumes on the colour image displayed on the screen of the navigation system's screen which is positioned centrally and high up on the dashboard.

Available for Espace, irrespective of equipment level, is a DVD player complete with two seven-inch screens built into the back of the front head rests. This multimedia feature will delight children and is a factory-fitment in order to ensure an irreproachable quality finish and less risk of theft.

New Renault Espace's equipment list continues with a range of technologies designed to take the stress out of motoring and make life easier for occupants. Standard features for all versions include connected Carminat TomTom Live® navigation system, a hands-free card, an electronic parking brake and comprehensive connectivity (Bluetooth® audio streaming, AUX and USB sockets).

Last but not least, New Renault Espace's cabin layout is as modular as ever thanks to seat rails which enable the seats to be positioned exactly according to the needs of the moment. New Renault Espace's interior can be rearranged at will to guarantee the highest level of comfort for up to seven occupants.

New Renault Espace, which is manufactured at Renault's Sandouville factory (France), comes with the guarantee of Renault's design, build and dynamic quality, as well as carefully selected materials to maintain the model's status as a modern incarnation of French-made, high-end luxury.

RENAULT ESPACE: THE SUCCESS STORY OF A PIONEER
In the course of a career which has so far spanned 28 years, Renault Espace has won over an extremely high number of loyal customers, with sales of the model exceeding 1.2 million units in Europe.

At the time of its launch in 1984, Renault Espace established the revolutionary MPV concept which was the fruit of cooperation between Renault and Matra.

1984 - Espace 1: Espace was revealed to the media in April before going on sale the following July. Its modular layout took the automotive world by surprise, since it was possible to remove the five rear seats altogether or even create a cosy 'lounge' feel by swivelling the front seats to face rearwards. The model epitomised Renault's 'Les Voitures à Vivre' ('cars for living') slogan.

1991 - Espace II: the second-generation Espace was even more dynamic and its lines were softer. The extremely slim windscreen pillars were concealed by the side windows, while the mirrors were a fluid extension of the bodywork. The car was even more user-friendly thanks to the introduction of rails to fix the rear seats. The combination of a V6 powerplant and automatic transmission underpinned Espace high-end status.

1996 - Espace III: the third generation of the model saw an increase in Espace's overall dimensions. An extended version, Grand Espace (27cm longer), was introduced in January 1998. Espace III marked the end of the collaboration between Renault and Matra with regard to this model.

2002 - Espace IV: the latest-generation version is made entirely by Renault at the firm's Sandouville plant, in northern France. It is built on the same platform as Laguna 2 and Vel Satis. Its assertive personality is expressed by tauter, more modern lines which confirm its high-end status in the large MPV segment. The most prominent innovation was the fact that its bodywork is now made from steel and no longer from composite materials. Another innovation was the moving of the climate control unit from the engine bay to beneath the cabin floor.

2012 - The story continues… Invented 28 years ago, Espace continues to be stand out as a model ahead of its time thanks to a succession of detail changes which have merely served to confirm its original DNA.

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Qoros 3 Sedan, 2014

 

 

 

 

•  Qoros 3 Sedan, 2014

At its global debut at the 83rd Geneva International Motor Show in 2013, new automotive brand, Qoros, gives a world premiere to its first series production car, the Qoros 3 Sedan.

The elegant compact (C-segment) car will be launched in China in the second half of 2013, with first sales in Europe starting later in the year. The vehicle is entering a pre-production development phase after two summers and two winters of extensive testing at key locations around the world.

The styling of the Qoros 3 Sedan draws heavily on contemporary German-influenced automotive design and introduces a distinctive brand identity. A unique, advanced eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, developed in-house by Qoros, will be fitted as standard across the Qoros 3 Sedan range.

The compact Qoros 3 Sedan offers class-leading interior space for maximum passenger comfort. A primary objective from the earliest stages of the vehicle engineering programme was to achieve high scores in both Chinese and European crash assessments. Qoros employs modern safety technology and has put the Qoros 3 Sedan through a rigorous testing regime in helping it meet this objective.

Two efficient four-cylinder 1.6-litre gasoline engines will be available at the launch of the Qoros 3 Sedan in China, both of which feature VVT (variable valve timing), and which will challenge for class-leadership in China in terms of performance and efficiency.

The naturally-aspirated unit delivers an output of 93 kW (126 bhp) and 155 Nm maximum torque. The turbocharged version offers 115 kW (156 bhp) and 210 Nm maximum torque. Both engines are combined with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, with an optional six-speed dual clutch transmission available for both. A stop-start system will also be available.

Elegant design with class-leading interior space
The styling of the Qoros 3 Sedan was undertaken from a clean sheet by the Qoros design teams in Munich and Shanghai under the direction of Executive Director of Design, Gert Volker Hildebrand. It establishes the design direction for the entire Qoros model family and draws on contemporary German-influenced automotive design to exhibit a timeless, desirable elegance.

Driven by the theme 'Creating Future History', Gert Hildebrand's team set out to ensure that every model in the Qoros family is instantly recognisable as a Qoros. Key elements introduced with the Qoros 3 Sedan include an athletic, elegant profile, short overhangs, a coupé-like silhouette and a roof which flows smoothly into the strong rear quarters.

The Qoros engineering team established from the earliest stages of the development programme that the compact platform's design should incorporate a long wheelbase and generous proportions. At 4,615 mm long, 1,839 mm wide and 1,445 mm high, the sedan's athletic, elegant styling also presents a solid, well-planted profile. It features horizontal styling themes along and across the body that highlight its length and width.

The Qoros 3 Sedan has one of the longest wheelbases in the compact segment, at 2,690 mm. A striking contour edge running continuously from the headlamps to the door handles and on to the rear light clusters emphasises the seamless, cleanly sculptured bodysides. In conjunction with the striking accentuation strip in matt aluminium that runs above the side sill between the wheel arches, this contour edge visually stretches the silhouette even further.

At the front, the contours of the bonnet form a dynamic curve, and the front section is designed to meet the highest standards of crash safety and pedestrian protection.

The rear doors feature a 'hockey-stick' rear window line that extends into the C-pillar to allow easier access for occupants into the rear seats. Subtly flared wheel arches reflect the overall elegant styling theme without overtly interrupting the bodyside's lateral flow.

Wheel sizes start at 16 inches, compared to the 15-inch entry-level wheel size for most compact segment cars, and the Qoros 3 Sedan can be specified with wheels up to 18 inches, highlighting the car's unusually wide track, once again conveying solidity. Several alloy wheel design and size combinations will be available at launch. The bespoke-designed triple-split eight-spoke alloy wheel, with gloss black inner and matt silver outer surfaces are highly distinctive and are destined to become a hallmark Qoros feature.

Unmistakable "brand face"
The Qoros 3 Sedan introduces a characteristic "brand face", refined in its proportions and surface finishes, that will become familiar on future models in the Qoros family.

The top of the dual-section radiator grille is at the same height as the headlamp units and creates a striking contrast with the overall horizontal orientation of the car's face. The radiator grille forms an equal-sided trapezoid with a wide chrome bar as its upper edge and a second chrome bar at the bottom edge of the lower air intake. The grille itself has also been carefully designed with a mesh of matt black 'clouds' to hide the radiator fans behind - another neat styling finish.

The Qoros logo - also developed under the direction of Gert Volker Hildebrand - proudly occupies a central point within the upper contour line of the radiator grille. The horizontally stretched Q incorporates the full 'Qoros' brand name in uppercase letters in a tactile three-dimensional chrome and gloss-black arrangement.

The front and rear lamp clusters were another defining feature on which Gert Hildebrand's team paid painstaking attention to detail. The distinctive daytime running lights are horizontally positioned LED bars at the upper edge of the headlamp modules. The same applies to the three horizontal LED light bars in the wide rear lamp clusters that dominate the rear quarter flanks.

The Interior: class-leading space
The Qoros 3 Sedan offers its five passengers remarkably generous interior space for a compact segment car, and is again dominated by a horizontally-oriented design theme that emphasises the length and width of the cabin. The elegance of the exterior continues inside. The steering wheel, which features a flat lower edge, sits in front of a 'floating' instrument panel and centre console that maximises the feeling of interior spaciousness.

The combination of thin red LED light strips along each edge of the central console and discreet red LED lighting in the door handles create a warm, welcoming interior ambience. This, as well as the instrument cluster displays that illuminate immediately when any one of the car doors is opened, emphasises the feeling of passenger cabin quality.

A high-resolution TFT display at the centre of the instrument cluster provides crucial information to the driver, including vehicle range and next-turn directions from the navigation system.

The Qoros 3 Sedan boasts a luggage compartment of 450 litres. The 60:40 split rear seatbacks fold down individually to optimise cargo carrying flexibility and incorporate a ski-hatch allowing the car to accommodate long items.

As well as a 2.8-litre glovebox (which will be air conditioned on top specification models), there are nine further storage compartments, including in the front centre console, front arm rest, as well as wide door pockets in all four doors, and rigid front seatback pockets for rear seat passengers. There are bottle holders in the front door pockets, two large cupholders in the front centre console, and two cupholders in the rear centre armrest.

Advanced touchscreen infotainment system as standard across the range
The Qoros 3 Sedan is fitted as standard with an innovative eight-inch capacitive touchscreen infotainment system that represents an automotive industry first and occupies a prominent position in the central console.

The advanced software, technology and graphics were designed and developed in-house to safely manage information displays for minimal driver distraction and to optimise ease-of-use while on the move. The intelligent and powerful package was created specifically with the young, aspirational, 'always-connected' target Qoros customer firmly in mind.

The innovative user-interface is based on the finger 'swipe' concept of modern smartphones and is unique in responding to multi-touch gestures. Replacing the array of switches and buttons that blights many modern car interiors, the capacitive touchscreen enables users to manage entertainment, navigation, 'Cloud' networking connectivity and vehicle settings with intuitive finger 'swipe' inputs (full functionality will be model dependent).

The system's user-interface is highly intuitive and is designed to fully exploit touchscreen technology. For example, an incoming phone call can be answered with a simple swipe anywhere on the screen towards the driver, or can be rejected and forwarded to voicemail with a swipe away. Audio balance (right-left) and fade (front-rear) settings for the speakers are shown on the touchscreen as a single focus point on an overhead view of the vehicle and can be adapted by moving the point with a finger.

Selected versions of the system allows drivers to book dealer service appointments, features an automatic emergency services alert in the event of an accident, and supports usage-based car insurance services. The state-of-the-art navigation system includes best-in-class traffic information and an advanced points-of-interest search. Integrated networking - enabled through 'Cloud' connectivity - enables drivers to share their driving experiences, points-of-interest, favourite trips and photos via social media channels.

Mobile phones on the most popular operating systems (Apple iOS, Android and Windows Phone) and external music players can be integrated via Bluetooth, USB and AUX-IN connections.

Powerful engines with optional dual clutch transmission
Two engines developed in collaboration with leading powertrain engineering specialist, AVL, will be available for the launch of the Qoros 3 Sedan in China. Both are four-cylinder 1.6-litre units featuring variable valve control technology to optimise performance and efficiency.

The naturally-aspirated version delivers 93 kW (126 bhp) and 155 Nm maximum torque at 3,900 rpm. With this engine, the Qoros 3 Sedan accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 11.0 seconds (provisional target, not yet verified).

With the turbocharged engine, which offers 115kW (156 bhp) and 210 Nm maximum torque at 2,500 rpm, acceleration from zero to 100 km/h is achieved in a brisk 9.0 seconds (provisional target, not yet verified).

Both power units are combined with a six-speed manual transmission as standard. A six-speed dual clutch transmission is available as an option for both engines, offering the driver automated gear selection as well as a manual shift mode.

Depending on model and market, the Qoros 3 Sedan will be fitted with an automatic start-stop system for increased efficiency, and manual models will also feature an optimal gearshift point display.

Other engine families are under development with the support of AVL. These will include a three-cylinder 1.2-litre turbocharged gasoline engine with 97 kW (130 bhp), and a brand new four-cylinder 1.6-litre turbocharged gasoline engine with 136 kW (160 bhp), both featuring GDI (gasoline direct injection) and VVT (variable valve timing).

These will be mated to a six-speed manual transmission as standard, with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission available as an option, which will offer the driver automated gear selection as well as a manual shift mode.

The 1.2-litre and all-new 1.6-litre powertrain units will meet the EU6 emissions standard which comes into effect in Europe in 2014, and will be highly competitive in the compact segment in terms of power, torque, fuel economy and emissions.

Ride and handling developed to European standards
The vehicle dynamics of the Qoros 3 Sedan have been tailored to European customer expectations. The sedan features McPherson struts at the front and twist-beam suspension at the rear to provide an ideal balance of responsive handling and a compliant ride. Rack-and-pinion steering with electronic power assistance delivers precise direction changes.

Stopping power is provided by 320mm disc brakes at the front and 285mm disc brakes at the rear. Braking performance and stability is enhanced by anti-lock braking (ABS) and electronic stability control systems developed in conjunction with TRW specifically for the Qoros 3 Sedan.

Qoros' first production model has undergone an extensive development and testing regime under the direction of Klaus Schmidt, Executive Director of Vehicle Engineering, formerly head of the technology and driving dynamics department at BMW's M-Sport division.

Solid body structure and high safety standards
The highly sophisticated safety technology of the Qoros 3 Sedan is engineered to achieve top scores in European and Chinese new-car independent crash tests. Its body architecture is based on the very latest insights in the field of accident safety and occupant protection. A precise arrangement of impact-bearing structures and generously-sized deformation zones ensure that the passenger cell is protected from the most diverse types of collision events.

Furthermore, there is an extensive package of safety features for occupant protection:
    Highly effective load-limiting safety belts with dual pre-tensioners to ensure the effective restraint of front seat occupants
    Optimised seat structures, providing robust occupant restraint in frontal impact and good whiplash protection in the event of a rear impact
    Suite of front airbags, seat-mounted side airbags and roof-mounted curtain airbags which deploy to cover the front and rear window apertures
    Seat belt reminder functions for all seating positions

Comprehensive equipment as standard
The Qoros 3 Sedan meets the needs and expectations of modern motorists who demand generous features and infotainment, and who also prefer options to individually configure their vehicle.

The Qoros 3 Sedan offers three specification levels.
Six exterior paint finishes (solid Crystal White and solid Midnight Black, and metallic Macadamia Brown, Starlight Black, Diamond Silver and Shimmer Grey) and two interior colours (Lava Black and Sand Dune Beige) will be available for the Qoros 3 Sedan at launch in China. The interior upholstery can be specified in fabric, a fabric-leatherette combination, or in full leather.

Depending on the specification level, the Qoros 3 Sedan features interior décor finishes in various high-grade materials, as well as 16-, 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels in various designs.

Standard features on all versions of the Qoros 3 Sedan include the innovative touchscreen infotainment system, air conditioning, remote control central locking, all-round electric windows, electric exterior mirrors, and a four-speaker, 100-watt audio system. These can be supplemented by options that include a rear view camera with parking distance control, xenon headlamps, cruise control, electrically adjustable front seats, an automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror, and an upgraded six-speaker audio system. An extensive accessories list offers further customisation options.

All-new production facility for quality, efficiency and sustainability
The Qoros 3 Sedan will be produced in an all-new manufacturing facility in Changshu. Construction of the facility - occupying 250,000 square metres adjacent to the company's headquarters - is nearly complete, and it will include a bodyshop, assembly line and paintshop.

The factory - and its production processes - exceeds legal requirements in both China and Europe in terms of the recyclability of end-of-life vehicles, components and materials.

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Porsche 911 Carrera S, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

•  Porsche 911 Carrera S, 2013

Porsche is proud to present the new Porsche 911 Carrera, a completely new generation of the iconic coupe that has been acclaimed as one of the world's benchmark sports cars since its launch in 1963.

Tradition meets modernity
True to the 911 tradition, the distinctive Porsche design language exudes power and elegance. The unmistakable silhouette still catches the eye while incorporating new, exciting contours and precisely designed details; a 100mm longer wheelbase for improved stability and greater interior space; front and rear overhangs are shorter, maintaining the compact footprint that has been a longstanding 911 attribute; the sporting stance is emphasised by the lower roof line and a wider front track increases on-road presence further still while raising the renowned chassis dynamics.

The rear-mounted, flat six cylinder engine is an equally symbolic component of the 911 identity; and behind the rear axle of the new car lies an uprated range of powerful, efficient and evocative 'boxer' engines. The Porsche 911 Carrera is powered by a new 3.4-litre engine developing 350 hp, and the Carrera S features a 400 hp version of the familiar 3.8-litre. These new engines offer performance improvements for both models. The 3.4-litre Carrera with PDK accelerates from 0-62mph in 4.6 sec, 0.1 sec quicker than the prior model. Pressing the Sport Plus button on the optional Sport Chrono Pack cuts that to 4.4 sec. The 3.8-litre Carrera S with PDK can accelerate from 0- 62 mph in 4.3 sec (Sport Plus 4.1 sec), 0.2sec quicker than its predecessor.

All-new lightweight body
Principle among the innovative steps forwards is the all-new, lightweight body, featuring intelligent aluminium-steel composite construction. It is responsible for a significant proportion of the vehicle weight reduction of up to 45 kg. The body structure also delivers significantly greater rigidity, and aerodynamic optimisation - including a wider, variably extending rear spoiler - has reduced the lift generated by the new 911 Carrera while retaining an impressive overall drag factor.

Innovative chassis technology
That the new 911 offers better acceleration in a straight line goes without saying, but it also offers top performance at an unprecedented level across the entire dynamic repertoire. In addition to the longer wheelbase, the greater agility, precision and driving stability are based, among other things, on the wider front track, a new rear axle and new electro-mechanical power steering.

Depending on the model, there are other standard or optional active control systems available as well that further enhance the driving dynamics. That is especially true for the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) active roll stabilisation system, available for the first time on the Porsche 911 Carrera S. The system reduces body roll when cornering, with the result that the tyres are always in the optimal position relative to the road surface and thus able to transmit higher lateral forces. Consequently, maximum cornering speeds are increased, and even faster lap times on racing circuits are possible.

Exterior design
The familiar athletic appearance of the 911 is given further dynamism with a 100mm longer wheelbase, reduced height, and up to 20-inch diameter alloy wheels. At the same time, the typically compact exterior dimensions have been retained. Seen from the front, the eye is drawn to the trademark wide-arched wings, emphasising the wider front track and making the new 911 Carrera models adopt a particularly sporting stance on the road. The redesigned exterior mirrors are now mounted on the upper edge of the door and not as before on the mirror triangle. Not only is this aerodynamically advantageous, it also emphasises the new design line and visual impression of width.

Interior design
To complement the modern exterior, the Porsche designers created an interior style which takes its cue from that of the Porsche Carrera GT. The driver is now even more closely integrated with the cockpit thanks to the centre console rising up to the front with the high-mounted shift lever - or PDK gear selector - located close to the steering wheel in typical motorsport fashion. Classic Porsche style elements are also to be found inside, just as they are on the outside. For example, the instrument cluster with five round instruments, with the central dial naturally the rev counter. On the right is a new, high resolution multi-function screen, just one of the comfort features added to meet evolving customer demands.

Porsche Intelligent Performance
Setting the standard in its class, as it has for generations, the new Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera S raise the performance and efficiency standard to new levels. Fuel consumption and emissions of all versions are up to 16 per cent lower compared with its predecessors. Among other things, this is achieved by systems and functions such as auto start/stop, thermal management, electrical system recuperation, the world's first seven-speed manual transmission and - in conjunction with the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) - a 'coasting' function that decouples the engine for enhanced fuel efficiency when the throttle is closed.

The new electro-mechanical power steering system offers not only the typical precision and feedback expected of a Porsche, but also helps to increase efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. For example, the Porsche 911 Carrera with the new 350 hp (257 kW) 3.4-litre direct injection engine and optional PDK returns 34.4mpg Combined based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) - 6mpg less than its predecessor. Also, at 194 g/km CO2, it is the first Porsche sports car to sit below 200 g/km CO2. In the case of the Carrera S, with its 400 hp 3.8-litre direct injection engine, economy when paired with the optional PDK is increased by 14 per cent, or 5 mpg, to 32.4mpg Combined despite 15 hp more power. That equates to CO2 emissions of 205 g/km.

Evidently, it has therefore been possible in the new 911 Carrera to extend yet further the span of apparently contradictory attributes such as performance and efficiency, sportiness and everyday usability that has always typified the Porsche 911. It could be said that the new 911 Carrera is thus more of a 911 than ever.

In the UK from December 2011
The new Porsche 911 Carrera celebrates its world premiere at the 2011 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show and the new 911 models will be in UK Porsche Centres from December 17 2011.

The Porsche 911 Carrera is priced from £71,449 and the Porsche 911 Carrera S is priced from £81,242. Standard equipment on all models is leather interior, sports seats, automatic climate control, Bi-Xenon headlights, 7-inch colour touch-screen Porsche Communication Management with satellite navigation, a universal audio interface offering MP3 connectivity, Porsche Stability Management (PSM) and a three year warranty.

The Carrera S adds 20-inch alloy wheels, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with rear limited slip differential, in addition to the power advantage of the larger 3.8-litre engine.

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Pininfarina Cambiano, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

•  Pininfarina Cambiano, 2012

It is a new approach to luxury in the car, according to Pininfarina's school of thought. The Cambiano is launched, a concept car that is elegant and sporty, refined and comfortable. An enticing combination of pure, cutting edge design and uncompromising engineering that respects the environment in both in the engine and in the choice of materials.

The Cambiano is an expression of Pininfarina today, embodying all the company's skills in terms of style, planning and research in the field of sustainable mobility. It is no coincidence that its chosen name is that of the town where Pininfarina has its headquarters. In 2012 the company celebrates a dual anniversary: the 30th anniversary of the Style Centre, which was set up in Cambiano in 1982 as "Pininfarina Studi e Ricerche", and the 10th anniversary of the Engineering Centre, which was inaugurated there in 2002, adding contract engineering to its activities of styling and niche design/production, and concentrating cutting edge technological tools and a team of outstanding specialists in one place.

The luxury sports saloon embodies the innovative archetypes of Pininfarina design in full. Another example was a milestone in the company's history, the Florida II, a concept car of 1957 which the founder Pinin Farina conceived and built for his own personal use, a saloon-coupé with an architecture and line that influenced global production for many years. In a way, it was Pininfarina's first real concept car.

Today, in 2012, the Cambiano redefines and reinterprets the ideas that are the basic tenets of Pininfarina design: harmonious proportions, taut lines and fluid surfaces, and a simple element that extends all along the side to underline its dynamism. The result is a very strong visual impact, emphasised by an extremely pure, aerodynamic shape based on essential and purely functional stylistic elements.

The Cambiano breaks with the general trend of design that is overloaded with elements, and confidently embraces the return of pure form as the absolute value, in the best "tradition" of Italian Style, reflecting the deepest essence of Pininfarina Design.

The Cambiano reveals its true character at first glance, starting from the unconventional layout of the doors: on the driver's side the car is a sports coupe with a single door, but on the passenger side there are two doors that open from the centre with no central pillar. This simplifies access and makes the most of the spacious, luminous passenger compartment.

The Cambiano is an expression of the car as a global project, and there is total consistency between every detail of the exterior and interior design, and between the colours, materials and the use of technology. Elegance and formal harmony blend in the association of complementary values: balance and contrast, the relation between full and empty, between solid and transparent. Formal purity and simplicity become elements of iconic design.

The proportions of the Cambiano convey dynamism and fluidity, thanks to the low tapered front and the light, fleeting rear-mounted cabin. The body of the car is one of simple, solid volumes, with large taut but sensual surfaces, enhanced by the innovative golden grey colour and iridescent blue reflections specifically developed for this project by Standox. The metal inserts in the sides are a new take on decorative mouldings and they continue all along the side glazing, incorporating the lighting and opening functions of the doors. The large honeycomb roof is ethereal and transparent and completes the body of the car, imparting a sense of solidity and of elegant refinement.

The front, with its clean, essential design, returns to a motif that is typical of Pininfarina: headlights incorporated into the grille and protruding wheel arches. The grille also incorporates a dynamic opening that is an air inlet for the turbo. The LED front headlights are simple "blocks" of pure, crystalline light. The tail lights and side indicators are almost intangible: only the light exists, appearing as if by magic on the surface of the bodywork. In the purest spirit of Pininfarina, the essentiality of the form becomes a very elegant expression of pure function.

The light is an integral part of the Cambiano design concept, inside and out. The relationship with natural light is simplified by the panoramic roof, which is translucent in some areas and transparent in others. With a carbon honeycomb structure mounted between the outside glass and a polycarbonate inner lining, the roof enhances visibility in the car - heightening the sense of luminosity and space inside.

The light is not only a natural element, but also emphasises the sensory experience of the passenger compartment thanks to a refined and functional lighting system, which exploits light channels inserted into the ceiling, the doors and the floor. The Cambiano is the first car to incorporate into the passenger compartment a contemporary video-art projection, created specifically by the Spanish artist Javier Fernandez with a very personal language of manipulated, overlapping images. The work is projected onto the ceiling where it can be enjoyed by rear seat passengers during the drive. Contemporary art, a preeminent feature of luxury, is thus incorporated into the concept of the car, leaving behind its elite aura and becoming accessible.

The complementarity between apparently contrasting elements is also expressed in the interior. Natural materials contrast with sophisticated details, and the physicality of pure matter with the immateriality of the most advanced forms of communication, which simplify the interaction between the driver and the car and his surroundings. It is a fascinating mixture of luxury craftsmanship and innovation: exclusive materials and outstanding manual work combined with the use of advanced technologies and innovative concepts.

Elegant and modern design converges in the interior with comfort, ergonomics and environmental sustainability, maintaining the same stylistic approach of the exterior. Fluid, sensual surfaces, a light, essential environment, with clearly defined functional zones: interactive controls and surfaces turned towards the driver, a more comfortable and tactile area for the other passengers. A fine, light facia, light but enveloping front seats suspended between the consoles and the sill, in a delicate balance between solid and hollow designed to create tension. The asymmetrical access to the passenger compartment determines the leaf structure of the two rear seats, which are almost suspended in the car, where occupants enjoy an environment that is made more comfortable and refined by the generous legroom. The interior is upholstered with Foglizzo leather, personalised in certain points with a special diamond point punched patter. The leather used on the Cambiano was chosen from the Pininfarina Leather Collection for Foglizzo, a collection of personalised natural and imitation leathers developed by the two Turin companies. The uprights and door panels are upholstered with polylactic acid, a plastic derived from sugar substances, treacle and milk serum, a solution that reduces the use of petroleum.

Like the entire lower part of the passenger compartment, the perfectly flat floor is made of recycled wood. This is the strongest and most typical element of the interior of the Cambiano, the fusion of matter and transformation, technological research and respect of cultural and environmental values. A choice dictated by the discovery of a wonderful material, which is both poor and noble: the wood of the "briccole", the poles of European oak used to indicate the navigation channels and moorings inside the Venice lagoon.

Riva1920, a historical Italian producer of solid wood furniture that has been working with Pininfarina Extra for over ten years, had the brilliant idea of recuperating the wood of these 12 metre poles, thousands of which are replaced every year. The wood is marked by the lagoon water and by marine microorganisms, which come alive again, creating a new manufact that is destined to last. Following the same principle, Riva1920 has created all the wooden elements for the interior of the Cambiano, using numerical control milling machine followed by manual final polishing and oiling. The result is surprising and evocative. The material is about to embark on its third lease of life, and it reveals its unique texture and the wear and tear of passing time: the holes made by the marine molluscs are still visible on the surface. Not only. This complex, delicate technological craftsmanship makes the interior of the Cambiano something unique that expresses an outstanding level of creativity and experience, thanks to this eco-friendly re-use of a natural, discarded material with the enormous evocative force of the huge cultural, emotional and artistic dimension attributed to Venice all over the world.

The atmosphere of extreme refinement in the car is underlined by another precious detail in the instrumentation: the timepiece manufactured in Limited Edition by the Swiss watchmaker Bovet 1822. This "Cambiano" Chronograph designed by Pininfarina can be removed from the dashboard and worn as a wristwatch, or used as a sports timer and even a table clock, due to its convertible concept.

The instrumentation of the driving position is divided into three priority zones according to use: the car's functions and performance, navigation and comfort, multimedia and connections. The main display shows the power delivered by the 4 electric motors backed up by the turbine, the battery charge and the fuel gauge, the total range and the range with all-electric operation, the driving mode (Ecocity, Snow/Ice, Efficiency, Sport, Drifting), and the speedometer. The driver monitors the navigator, the warning messages and the multimedia functions on the secondary display. The "swap" control transfers the navigator and other functions to the central display and vice versa. And a touch pad gives access to the interactive instrumentation and climate control. The driver controls the lights and the gear selector on the steering wheel, while the "Start" control and a device holder are on the centre tunnel.

The attention paid to detail is evident from the work carried out on the tyres. For the Cambiano Pininfarina specifically developed with Fate, Argentina's largest tyre production and exporting company, the first tyre for top of the range cars, Concept Tyre, from Eximia by Pininfarina. Fate's experts engineers contributed with precise studies and creative capability, making possible a further step in design, technology and security. Concept Tyre, from Eximia by Pininfarina, synthesizes the last progresses in the search of perfection: environmental care, superior constructive quality, and an advanced esthetic model.

Cambiano: new architecture, a generous range and maximum attention to environmental sustainability

The Cambiano also sets new parameters for eco-sustainability in the high performance luxury car segment, its strong points include electric drive which guarantees zero emissions in the urban cycle and a range with all-electric operation that is higher than any offered on the market today. And how could it be otherwise on a concept car from Pininfarina, whose genes have always included sustainable mobility, now one of the pillars of the company's industrial plan?

Pininfarina was concentrating on aerodynamics and alternative sources of energy as early as the 1970s: for example, with prototypes like the CNR Energetica 1 or Ecos, the first electric car developed by Pininfarina. In the 1990s Pininfarina offered new solutions with the Ethos, a family of 3 cars with an aluminium chassis, a body of recyclable resin, and an innovative combustion engine with low emissions, culminating in 1995 with the Ethos 3EV, another zero emissions car. More recently Pininfarina engineers turned their attention to research into hybrid vehicles with the Eta Beta and Metrocubo projects, the focussing on safety in 2004 with the Nido. In 2008 the Sintesi proposed a futuristic concept cap supplied by 4 fuel cells (one per wheel). Which brings us to the present: the BlueCar in 2008, the Nido EV in 2010 and the Hybus in 2011, a project to convert buses currently equipped with Euro 0-1-2 engines into buses with serial hybrid power packs.

The consolidated technological expertise and the ability to manage cutting-edge projects with great flexibility and innovation are expressed in the Cambiano. The perfect integration of the styling and engineering activities has produced an extended range plug-in electric car that combines top performance and roominess with the comfort of a luxury car and total respect of the environment. The type of engine chosen and the position of the battery pack in the rear of the car (under the luggage compartment) have created a vehicle architecture with a perfectly flat floor, that is regular and low, guaranteeing excellent access, liveability on board and a lower centre of gravity.

The drive system is based on four electric motors, one for each wheel, and the respective deceleration unit. The four motors, which are produced by Magneti Marelli, are mounted on the front and rear frames and each delivers a continuous supply of 60 kW with peaks of 150 kW for a total of 600 kW maximum power output, with torque of 640 Nm. Each motor is controlled separately and electronically to guarantee various functions, including energy regeneration when decelerating and braking, traction control with the option of continuously varying the torque split between the wheels independently (Vectoring Stability Program) and anti-lock braking assistance. The traction control strategies make the vehicle even more enjoyable to drive, guaranteeing outstanding performance and maximum safety over all types of routes.

The drive system incorporates an APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) to charge the batteries and, when necessary, to supply energy directly to the motors: this is a 50 kW Bladon Jets micro turbine which normally runs on diesel but which can be calibrated to be compatible with various types of fuel. In addition to this advantage, the turbine is smaller than those of piston engines with a similar power delivery, it weighs just 40 kg, and generates low polluting emissions. The micro turbine chosen for the Cambiano has technical features that make it particularly quiet and vibration-free, enhancing comfort for passengers. This type of extended range electric drive is thus amply in line with EURO 6 legislation, and is already compatible with possible evolutions (EURO 7 ready).

The battery pack developed by FAAM is installed between the seats and the rear axle, where it is protected from possible collisions and easily replaced during servicing. The battery is of the high power, high energy density lithium ion type, has a capacity of 50 kW/h, a peak power delivery of 500 kW, and can be recharged in 6 hours using a 6 Kw/h grid and in 52 minutes with the APU. Combined with the micro turbine, it guarantees a range of 205 km in the urban cycle in all-electric mode, and a total range in the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) mixed cycle of over 800 km in extended range mode, higher than that of luxury sports cars with conventional drive systems. The battery is the fruit of FAAM's experience in the development of lithium batteries. FAAM's research into lithium ion cells will make it possible in the short term to achieve specific energy density values that are more than double those of lithium ion batteries currently on the market. This, associated with a larger specific power reserve, will make it the ideal solution for future electric cars. This result has been made possible by the improvement in the specific capacity of the electrodes: current anodic and cathodic materials are replaced by materials with a higher specific capacity, cells with high potential cathodes based on lithium nickel manganese oxide, LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4, with a spinel structure.

The composition of the pack is simplified by the small size of each cell, which allows for a certain amount of flexibility and adaption when installed on the vehicle. The battery case was designed to respect current crash test standards and it complies with ISO 26262 vehicle safety regulations. The battery is liquid cooled and protected by an insulating casing that guarantees that it will function in all use conditions, with a temperature range of da -20° C to +60° C. Battery functioning is monitored by a BMS (Battery Management System) unit, which verifies that the individual cells operate within the established normal functioning range. In the event of a malfunction, the battery is immediately isolated from the rest of the vehicle.

The Cambiano's generous range was achieved by the innovative drive system, by focussing attention on aerodynamic efficiency, obtained in the Pininfarina Wind Tunnel, and by a significant weight reduction: the Cambiano weighs 1695 kg empty, an excellent result if we consider the size of the car. The chassis is light, resistant and modular, comprising a carbon fibre cell for occupants and two aluminium modules, one at the front and one at the rear, which act as crumple cells, absorbing impact and supporting all the mechanical parts. This engineering solution allows the same modules to be used for an entire family of derived vehicles. The central cell can be built with materials and dimensions that will allow it to adapt to the various requirements of cost, manufacturing volumes and furnishings of the cabin of a future derived vehicle The front and rear structural modules will also adapt effectively to different wheelbases and tracks.

Where the energy management system is concerned, the objective is to minimise consumption and polluting emissions into the atmosphere, keeping turbine operating times to a minimum. This is triggered automatically when the battery charge falls below 20% of maximum capacity and turns off automatically when the speed is below 50 km/h (like restricted traffic areas in city centres). When necessary, the driver can activate or deactivate the turbine manually. On the road, the need to generate energy with the micro turbine will depend on how the vehicle is used, on the type of route (urban, rural, out of town) and on traffic. This information can be obtained by GPS navigator. The turbine can be controlled ready to generate a certain calculated quantity of energy, trying to keep its ignition and operating times to a minimum.

The Cambiano also delivers road-holding at physical limits in all road conditions and types of use. The driver can choose his preferred driving mode using a selector lever. For example, the Ecocity mode zeros local emissions, activates exclusively electric drive and excludes the turbine. In Snow/Ice mode, the load sensors on the four suspension units calculate the available friction coefficient: this automatically limits performance. Efficiency mode regulates the acceleration and top speed to maximise the range, but does not penalise enjoyment excessively. The Sport mode makes driving more exciting, accelerating from 0 to 100 in 4.2 sec, and limits the continuous top speed to 250 km/h. And finally, with Drifting mode, the individual control of the electric motors artificially sets the behaviour of the limited slip differentials. It is also possible to adjust the front/rear drive split so that the vehicle can be driven in rally mode, underlining the entertainment of driving on snow-covered or dirt roads.

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