Koenigsegg One-1, 2014

 

 

Koenigsegg One-1, 2014

Koenigsegg is creating six uniquely developed and designed production cars - the One:1 program. This is one of the most exclusive production car program ever envisaged.

The hp to kg curb weight ratio is an astonishing 1:1. This is the "dream" equation previously thought impossible. On top of this the One:1 is the first homologated production car in the world with one Megawatt of power, thereby making it the world´s first series produced Megacar. These are the reason for naming the car One:1.

The 2014 One:1 truly raises the bar of performance. The One:1 features new and unique solutions to enhance track perfomance without compromising top speed or everyday usability, with a stunning visual appearance to go with it.

Examples of features; unique track optimized aero winglets, extended venturi tunnels and side splitters, Le-Mans inspired active wing configuration and optimized active undertrim air management. Large air vents for improved cooling, roof air scoop to support the 1 Megawatt of power. 8250 RPM rev limit, complimented with Custom made Michelin Cup Tires, upgrade rear triplex suspension with carbon bevel springs and active shockabsorbers and ride hight, combined with upgraded revolutionary Koenigsegg Aircore carbon fiber wheels.

Koenigsegg was the first extreme car manufacturer to take steps toward green technology with the release of the biofuel CCXR in 2007. The One:1, a sibling of the highly competitive Agera R, follows in the footsteps of the CCXR as it also runs on E85 biofuel, Racefuel or normal Petrol.

In order to give the One:1 maximum flexibility when it comes to power delivery, Koenigsegg has implemented its patented variable turbo geometry technology in the One:1 Program. This technology gives improved response and more low end torque than otherwise possible. As an example the One:1 engine has over 1000 Nm of torque between 3000 to 7500 rpm.

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Kia Ceed GT, 2014

 

 

 Kia Ceed GT, 2014

The all-new high-performance Kia pro_cee'd GT and cee'd GT are the brand's most performance-focused production cars ever. Both models feature a new turbocharged engine, unique exterior and interior design enhancements, and a suspension system that entertains the enthusiastic driver.

The two new GT models are powered by a new version of Kia's 1.6-litre GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine equipped with a twin-scroll turbocharger and strengthened internal components. Power and torque outputs are dramatically increased (compared with the non-turbo engine), with maximum power up 51% to 204 ps, and torque up 61% to 265 Nm.

Fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, the front-wheel drive GT models can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 230 km/h. Thanks to maximum engine torque being developed from just 1,750 rpm, in-gear acceleration is highly responsive with 60-100 km/h in fourth gear in 5.4 seconds, 80-120 km/h in fifth gear in 7.3 seconds and 80-120 km/h in sixth gear in 8.8 seconds.

Distinctive design
Designed in Europe under the direction of President and Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, both GT models feature new front grille and lamp clusters, deeper bumpers, jewel-like four-point LED daytime running lights, new fog lights, dual-exhaust pipes, larger 18-inch alloy wheels, eye-catching red brake calipers and a range of special paint finishes.

The GT models inside are equipped with Recaro sports seats, alloy pedals, bespoke surface materials and a seven-inch, racing-car inspired TFT instrument cluster to create an engaging, performance-oriented ambience for the driver and passengers. For the first time on a Kia, the instrument cluster can be customised by the driver with a choice of two layouts - 'analogue' mode, showing a traditional speedometer and trip information, and 'GT' mode, which shows the vehicle's speed in large, yellow figures and gauges displaying engine torque and turbo-boost.

Handling perfected on road and track
The GT powertrain and chassis were originally engineered in Korea and then developed during extensive road and track testing in Europe. With ride and handling fine-tuned for European roads, the test programme included 160,000 km on German autobahns at an average speed of 150 km/h.

The GT models also undertook 480 laps of the 21 km Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit for durability testing. The Kia pro_cee'd GT and cee'd GT share the same unique 7-Year, 150,000 km warranty as the rest of the Kia model line-up in and are the only performance vehicles in the world with such comprehensive cover for motorists.

Subsequent developments to the suspension system ensure that the high performance credentials of the GT models are matched by exceptional dynamic characteristics, while retaining the outstanding ride quality of the pro_cee'd and cee'd. This means both cars reward the enthusiastic driver while also being well suited for everyday driving.

Across both models, front damper stiffness has been increased by 30% in rebound and 10% in compression, while at the rear the increases are 50% in rebound and 200% in compression. Spring rates have also been stiffened by 10% at the front and rear, the rear anti-roll bar has increased in thickness from 18 mm to 19 mm, and the front suspension benefits from stiffer bushings. These changes allowed Kia engineers to reduce understeer and body roll in order to improve the cars' handling characteristics.

Subtle re-tuning of the ABS system, together with the fitting of wider 225/40 R18 Michelin tyres, also make the Kia pro_cee'd GT and cee'd GT the fastest stopping variants of the popular cee'd range, braking from 100-to-0 km/h in 36.4 metres.

The engine sound has also been addressed by Kia engineers, with intake and exhaust systems specifically tuned to give GT models a sportier engine and exhaust note. Under hard acceleration between 1,000 and 4,000 rpm, a sportier exhaust tone has been increased by 10dB over the base model, achieved by improving the flow of air through the main muffler and reducing the air intake path.

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Jeep Cherokee EU-Version, 2014

 

 

 Jeep Cherokee EU-Version, 2014

The Jeep Cherokee is the mid-size Sport Utility Vehicle of the Jeep brand. In its fourth generation, the Cherokee has evolved into a completely new vehicle delivering to customers a fresh interpretation of the "Go anywhere, do anything" attitude of the legendary American brand. The new Jeep Cherokee powered by the efficient 2.0-liter Multijet II turbo diesel engine in combination with the new nine-speed automatic transmission is making its début at the 2014 Geneva International Motor Show.

The new Jeep Cherokee raises the bar in its segment and features a new sleek and athletic design, enhanced on-road driving dynamics and handling, legendary Jeep 4x4 capability, premium interior craftsmanship, innovative technology, new levels of efficiency, entertainment and comfort and 'five-star' safety and security features that recently allowed the vehicle to earn the 'best in class' designation from Euro NCAP in the Small Off-road 4X4 category.

Engineered to excel on any and all terrains, the new Jeep Cherokee expresses the synthesis between stylistic innovation and family tradition, legendary 4x4 capability and technology: features that are fully embodied in the new Limited model and in its alter ego, the 'off-road' specialist Trailhawk.

The new generation Jeep Cherokee is now available in both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations, offering a choice of three new and sophisticated Jeep four-wheel-drive systems in order to ensure benchmark off-road capabilities under all driving conditions. The new Jeep Cherokee is also the first mid-size SUV to feature rear-axle disconnect, resulting in reduced energy loss when 4x4 capability isn't needed and ensuring improved fuel efficiency. The rear-axle disconnect, seamlessly switches between two- and four-wheel drive for full-time torque management without requiring input from the driver.

The new Jeep Cherokee will be introduced in Jeep dealerships throughout Europe beginning the second quarter of 2014, in the Longitude, Limited and Trailhawk trim levels. The engine offer comprises the efficient 2.0-liter Multijet II turbo diesel delivering 170 horsepower. This engine will be matched with the new nine-speed automatic gearbox, which is used for the first time in the mid-size SUV segment. A 140 horsepower version of the 2.0-liter engine will also be available in combination with a six-speed manual transmission. The European lineup also includes the 3.2-liter V-6 Pentastar petrol engine paired to the new nine-speed automatic transmission. In Russia and the Middle East, a Sports trim level is available in the new Cherokee range and the new automatic gearbox is offered in combination with the 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir I-4.

DESIGN
The new Jeep Cherokee boasts a cutting-edge, revolutionary design and features world-class craftsmanship and exclusive technological contents. Sleek and athletic exterior lines project the Jeep design into the future and convey efficiency and aerodynamics without compromising the brand's stylistic heritage.

Jeep designers were inspired to create a vehicle that remains true to the brand while moving it into the next era with a shape that is as efficient as the vehicle and ages gracefully without losing the DNA that makes it a Jeep. Fluid, sleek exterior lines highlight the efficient, wind-splitting upper body of the Cherokee. The rugged, protective lower body conveys the legendary capability that is characteristic of every Jeep.

The new Jeep Cherokee has a powerful stance, an aggressive wheel-to-body proportion and a commanding road presence. The approach and departure angles contribute to the best-in-class capability.

A key element in the front of the new Jeep Cherokee is the 'waterfall' hood with the iconic peaked, seven-slotted grille which includes a crisp, horizontal snap - a feature found in many classic Jeep vehicles. The hood is clearly defined and separated from the front fenders in a modern interpretation of the brand's design heritage. Advanced LED lighting technology is used throughout the new Jeep Cherokee. Daytime running lamps (DRL) and available Xenon headlights (standard on Limited in selected markets only), enhance the unique proportions of the front.

The sides feature the signature Jeep trapezoidal wheel arches. The rear is highlighted by the contemporary full LED tail lamps, which are an integral part of the rear backlight graphic, making the vehicle look stronger yet harmonious. This shape is the connection between the upper and lower rear as an interlocking graphic statement that brings a unique presence specific to this new Cherokee. The rear fascia also carries Jeep Cherokee-specific rear fog lamps and reflex.

The new Cherokee rides on 17-inch (Longitude and Trailhawk) or 18-inch tires (Limited) providing drivers with confident traction in snow and wet conditions.

Lastly, Jeep Cherokee offers customers the possibility to enjoy an open-air driving experience thanks to the new CommandView dual-pane power sunroof that is available as an option on all trim levels. CommandView extends from the windshield to the rear of the vehicle, allowing for perfect views both on- and off-road.

All-new, premium interior
The Jeep brand's recent Grand Cherokee introduction set the foundation for a new direction in interiors that the new Cherokee builds upon. The interior is modern, welcoming and comfortable. It features a sophisticated, refined design, hand-sculpted forms, signature Jeep styling cues, high-quality materials, precision craftsmanship and attention to detail. The cabin is designed to offer the driver ultimate comfort with useful, easy-to-operate technology and clever storage.

Also in the development of the Cherokee's all-new interior, Jeep designers took inspiration from the brand's heritage. The signature trapezoidal plan view feature line is classic Jeep, reminiscent of the trapezoidal wheel arches on the exterior. The center stack bezel is inspired by the outline of the front grille of the 1940s Willys Jeep and continues the design language of its larger sibling, the Grand Cherokee.

Premium materials abound wherever the customer touches the vehicle - the door uppers, the center armrest and the upper instrument panel. Throughout the cabin, customers will find interior trim that is soft to the touch and pleasing to the eye. A vinyl-wrapped, stitched instrument panel brow is standard on all models and the stitching carries over to the center console armrest and front door armrests.

The new Jeep Cherokee is available with three interior trim choices inspired from exotic locations and landscapes around the world, such as Morocco, Grand Canyon and the Italian Mount Vesuvio.

Seats are ergonomically designed to support the contour of the body, and are available with a 'memory' adjustable mechanism and heated/ventilated features for the front seats. They are trimmed with premium cloth (Longitude), quality Nappa leather (Limited and Trailhawk) or a combination of cloth and Nappa leather (Trailhawk).The 60/40 split second-row seats adjust fore and aft for increased passenger comfort and cargo flexibility.

Exclusive features such as the available heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel and wireless charging pad, complete the interior of the new Jeep Cherokee and will delight drivers and passengers alike.

Functionality is a main characteristic of the new Jeep Cherokee interior, where plenty of thoughtful, clever storage features can be found. A refined, covered, top bin is located above the center stack on top of the instrument panel for secured storage of small items. The front-passenger seat folds flat and offers hidden, in-seat storage by flipping up the passenger seat cushion.

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Jaguar F-Type V6 S, 2014

 

 

 Jaguar F-Type V6 S, 2014

The new Jaguar F-Type represents a return to the company's heart: a two-seat, convertible sports car focused on performance, agility and driver involvement. The F-Type is a continuation of a sporting bloodline that stretches back more than 75 years and encompasses some of the most beautiful, thrilling and desirable sports cars ever built. Joining the XK convertible and coupe models, the new F-Type provides Jaguar with a broader line of sports and GT models.

The 2014 Jaguar F-Type combines low vehicle weight (starting at 3,521 pounds), high power (340hp, 380hp and 495hp versions) and superb aerodynamics to achieve a pure sports car experience, yet with Jaguar elegance and luxury.

A true two-seat sports car, the all-new Jaguar F-Type is equipped with a modern, lightweight soft top that, when lowered, serves as its own tonneau cover. This not only provides a weight savings, but also improves packaging and contributes to the car's low center of gravity for greater agility. The top can be fully raised or lowered in just 12 seconds at speeds of up to 30 mph. Its multi-layer construction includes a Thinsulate® lining for optimal thermal and sound-insulating properties.

The Exterior Design
Jaguar cars have always defined sinuous, muscular elegance, and the F-Type continues - and advances - this tradition with new, assertive design language. Two "heartlines" define, in just two bold strokes, both the profile and top-down view of the Jaguar F-Type. The main "heartline" theme begins in the blade dissecting the shark-like gills on either side of the grille. This first heartline runs up and forms the sharp top crease of the fender line, which provides sight lines that aid the driver in cornering maneuvers. It leads the eye along the top of the front fender, which is emphasized by the headlamp design, and then into the door and toward the rear of the car where it gracefully disappears.

The sweeping line is mirrored by the feature line that runs back from the side vent. Along with "lightcatcher" surface detailing above the sill, the line instills a sense of speed to the car. The lightcatcher surface detailing also allows the door surface to wrap around the side of the car, creating a fuselage effect.

The second "heartline" swells out to form the muscular rear haunch before sweeping dramatically around the rear of the car. The clean, sleek lines of the tail are made possible in part by the inclusion of an active rear spoiler that deploys at speed to reduce aerodynamic lift. The spoiler rises when the F-Type reaches 60 mph and then lowers to fit flush when the speed drops below 40 mph. Further discreet aerodynamic aids include a front splitter and a sculpted rear valance.

The headlights run vertically rather than horizontally, which leads the eye naturally up and along the fender crease. Technology has facilitated the design language of the Jaguar F-Type; the compact xenon unit requires just one projector, while the J-Blade LED running lights further emphasize the design of the heartline running through the lamp.

The grille leans slightly forward to create a suggestion of motion when the car is stationary. The lower edge of the clamshell hood forms the top of the side vent. The mesh in the grille and side vents is a hexagonal design that gives greater form and depth.

The hidden, automatically deploying door handles support the design purity. The handles remain flush with the door panel until activated by either unlocking the car with the key fob or touching a touch-sensitive area of the handle. Their automatic deployment provides a mechanical "handshake," inviting the driver and passenger to enter. Once the car is moving, the handles retract to leave an uninterrupted aerodynamic surface.

Full LED rear lamps create a new Jaguar sports car signature by reinterpreting classic cues from the past. By wrapping the lights around to the trailing edge of the rear wheel arch, the car's powerful rear-wheel drive stance is emphasized. Reflecting the way the front grille leans forward, the tail tucks inward, reinforcing the impression that the car is poised to leap forward.

Differing exhaust and tailpipe designs distinguish the V6 and V8 variants of the F-Type. The V6 models feature twin center outlets in a nod to the classic Jaguar E-Type introduced in 1961. The boldest exhaust finishers ever fitted to a Jaguar, these are stamped from a single piece of stainless steel, creating an unbroken gleaming surface. The V8 S model exclusively features four outboard-mounted exhaust outlets, with twin outlets on each side.

Further detail differentiation between the three variants is found in the exterior trim. The Jaguar F-Type V6 model is marked by satin black trim elements in the grilles, vents, front splitter and rear valance, while the two 'S' models receive gloss-black finishes in these areas. The V6 model features standard 18-inch alloy wheels, with 19-inch and 20-inch wheels standard for the S and V8 S, respectively, and available as options for the V6. The V8 S also receives additional aerodynamic features, including front vanes beneath the shark gills and flat side sill extensions to manage airflow.

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Italdesign Parcour Concept, 2013

 

 

 Italdesign Parcour Concept, 2013

The Italdesign Giugiaro celebrates 45 years in business at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show by presenting a world première of the Parcour, a type of GT car that did not exist until now; based on the original concept of a Sport Utility Vehicle and, considering its astounding versatility, designed for extensive use on all types of terrain.

The conceptual reference for this type of car could be no other than an original sporting discipline, recent yet already popular and practised across the world. Parcour draws its inspiration from the discipline "invented" by David Belle in France in the 1980s which became famous across the world in recent years thanks to trends in media such as video games, action movies (just think of the opening sequence of 007 Casino Royale) and naturally the Internet, all media used by the younger generations, the ideal reference target for the Parcour.

With a practical control device fitted in the dashboard, the driver can in fact literally adapt the car to its surroundings, choosing from four different settings, one designed for comfortable driving, one for off-road driving, one for winter conditions and, lastly, one for high-speed driving on a race track. The electronic system is triggered to modify the ride, the height above the ground and the engine setup.

Parcour is a two-seater car with four-wheel drive, fitted with a 550 HP Lamborghini V10 5.2-litre mid rear engine capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds.

The Exterior
The result is the Parcour, a mid-engine sports car with minimum overhangs and broad ramp angles that's ideal for all-track driving".

The new setup is also apparent in the styling, with an exterior design that metabolises the specific features of an SUV, of a Crossover, of a Gran Turismo and those of a mid-engine sports car, combining them in an architecture that is at the same time robust, slimline and light-weight despite the generously sized tyres, produced especially by Vredestein. The latter, fitted on 22" rims, set the style of the car, raising it considerably from the ground (from 210 to 330 mm depending on the selected setting) while the surfaces were designed to reflect elegance, dynamism and sports appeal, while keeping in careful consideration all the aerodynamic requirements.

Designed by Aerodynamics
The style of the exterior was achieved by starting off with a scrupulous analysis of the technical and aerodynamic requirements as well as on-board comfort, naturally.

There are two distinguishing traits of this aluminium and carbon fibre car, coated in the classic Giugiaro Red: the A pillar is detached from the windscreen and also acts as a deflector. In addition to having an architectural role, it conveys the air onto the roof and sides of the car.

The rear pillar on the other hand is designed to direct the air over the bonnet and towards the rear retractable spoiler. This ensures both stability during driving as well as cooling of the powerful 550 HP V10 engine.

This particular setup makes for a very slimline and light-weight car, in the ¾ front view. From the side, the soft silhouette of the body and the octagonal cross-section of the generous wheel arches stand out. The inspiration was drawn once again from the world of SUVs: this optical solution, unlike a more classic-shaped wheel arch, makes it possible to achieve the right proportion between wheel and body at all times, irrespective of the height above the ground, with an electronically- adjustable range of 120 mm.

The passenger compartment is inspired by urban style and is extremely enveloping, almost sticking to the occupants; the driver and passenger are therefore very close together and also to the windows, so that a reduced surface area is used for windows, windscreen and rear window without compromising visibility from the inside.

The exoticism of the Parcour is represented by the two doors, made entirely of carbon fibre. They are butterfly doors, like those fitted on endurance cars: the doors swivel open upwards and inwards; thanks to this solution, getting into the car is more convenient, since the door structure includes a portion of the roof. The cameras replacing the door mirrors are fitted on the upper frame of the doors, where they cross with the A pillar. A third camera, which replaces the rear view mirror, is installed above the bonnet.

In the plan view and the 3/4 view, the two long carbon slits along the entire length of the car stand out. This is an aesthetic trick which helps lighten the optical perception of a two-metre wide car, separating the sides from the body of the car, also via a colour contrast between the red body and the black carbon.

The technical approach to the style of the Parcour also guided the design of the front bonnet and rear boot.

The front view emphasises the three large air intakes which form the grille. Each duct conveys the air required to cool down the three large radiators. The minimised overhang, which is unusual for a mid- engine car, affords a very wide ramp angle, which is ideal for the all-track nature of this vehicle. A small boot was obtained underneath the bonnet at the front, enclosed between the two vertical carbon air intakes.

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