McLaren 650S, 2015

 

 

 McLaren 650S, 2015

McLaren Automotive will return to the 2014 Geneva Motor Show with its fastest, most engaging, best equipped and most beautiful series-production supercar yet.

The McLaren 650S joins the range as an additional model alongside the 12C and sold-out McLaren P1, and learns from both models as well as 50 years of competing in the highest levels of motorsport. Available as a fixed-head coupé or as a Spider, with a retractable folding hard top, the McLaren 650S promises to redefine the high performance supercar segment, and has been designed and developed to provide the ultimate in driver engagement on the road and on the race track.

The 650S badge designation refers to the power output-650PS (641 bhp), of the unique British-built McLaren M838T twin turbo V8 engine. 'S' stands for 'Sport', underlining the focus and developments made to handling, transmission, drivability and engagement. Performance figures will be confirmed ahead of the Geneva Show but will improve on the already rapid 12C which continues on sale.

The design is inspired by the McLaren P1, previewing a new family design language. The front bumper gives the McLaren 650S a dramatic, yet clean appearance and sits below new LED headlamps which reflect a similar look to the McLaren P1. The more integrated front splitter contributes to increased levels of downforce, giving a greater level of steering feeling and confidence to the driver on turn-in, while also adding to the agility and the car's handling balance. Unique door blades behind the front wheels direct air from the trailing edges of the front splitter, further benefiting front-end grip and vehicle balance.

The aerodynamic performance of the McLaren 650S is as efficient as the 12C, boasting the same drag coefficient figure, yet the air is being worked harder and more efficiently as it flows over, and through, the functional bodywork. At 150 mph, downforce levels are increased by 24 percent.

The latest addition to the McLaren range accelerates to 100km/h (62mph) from rest in just 3.0 seconds, and can reach 200km/h (124mph) in just 8.4 seconds. The standing quarter mile (400m) takes 10.5 seconds, and top speed is 333 km/h (207 mph). This performance puts the latest model from McLaren a full second quicker than the iconic McLaren F1 road car to 200 km/h, and 0.6 sec faster over the standing quarter mile, underlining its performance focus. This represents a sprint time to 200 km/h more than half a second quicker than the rapid 12C.

The ‘no compromise’ McLaren 650S also performs efficiently, returning 24.2 mpg (11.7 l/100 km) on the EU combined cycle, and a CO2 figure of 275 g/km making it one of the most efficient models in class. This is testament to the drive by McLaren for continued improvement and class-leading efficiency.

'As always with McLaren, the new design is there for good engineering reasons,' says McLaren Automotive CEO Mike Flewitt. 'The newly designed front bumper improves downforce and steering turn-in. The high speed handling balance is now even better. The LED lights use less power and last longer.

Unique side intakes behind the dihedral doors feed large, efficiently packaged, radiators which help provide the cooling requirements of the mid-mounted, compact engine. A new design five-spoke lightweight forged '650S' alloy wheel is unique to the model, and are fitted with Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres to offer optimised roadholding, handling and driver feedback - the bespoke 'MC1' branded tyres have been developed alongside the McLaren 650S by McLaren technology partner Pirelli, and offer strong performance in normal road conditions and on track.

The McLaren 650S builds on experience from success on the track, and groundbreaking technologies fitted to other McLaren models. Active aerodynamics, which feature on both the 12C and McLaren P1, have been further developed and honed to ensure the ultimate performance and ability for the McLaren 650S. The McLaren Airbrake, originally fitted to the 12C and 12C Spider and designed to offer optimised levels of downforce on the rear of the car, now operates with a greater level of functionality providing increased stability. The newly developed system means the Airbrake deploys whenever the car senses extra downforce is advisable - rather than simply under braking or when manually operated in 'Aero' mode. Below the Airbrake, a distinctive rear three-piece bumper, similar to the GT3 racing version of the 12C, compliments the aerodynamic shaping of the McLaren 650S.

The pioneering ProActive Chassis Control (PCC) suspension system, developed by McLaren, has been further enhanced for the McLaren 650S. A feature of the system is the ability to adjust the ride and handling modes - Normal / Sport / Track - in isolation from the drivetrain, which gives complete freedom in terms of ride and handling. These settings, for both powertrain and suspension, have been recalibrated to improve driver engagement. The updates are especially noticeable in Sport mode.

The McLaren 650S is designed to be the best and most engaging driver's car in its class, yet it is not a stripped out road racer. Ride comfort and refinement are to executive saloon standards. The McLaren 650S models are equipped with IRIS satellite navigation with Bluetooth telephony, DAB digital radio (SIRIUS satellite radio in North America), wireless tethering, audio streaming and voice control as standard, while also offering enhanced levels of optional specification than previously offered. Options include fixed-back carbon racing seats, based on the lightweight design found in the McLaren P1, an electric steering column adjustment assisting ingress and egress, a rear parking camera and extended carbon fibre throughout the interior.

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Mazda Hazumi Concept, 2014

 

 

 Mazda Hazumi Concept, 2014

One look at Mazda's new generation models - the Mazda CX-5, Mazda6 and Mazda3 confirm that the KODO design is defined by a dynamic, living expression of motion. In the Mazda Hazumi the essence of KODO has been captured in a compact body without losing an ounce of impact. A newly developed 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine promises outstanding fuel economy without compromising powerful, linear performance. In addition to enhancing safety fundamentals such as driving position and field of view, Hazumi adopts Mazda's cutting-edge range of i-ACTIVSENSE safety features. Meanwhile, MZD Connect offers drivers the fun and convenience of smartphone connectivity in a format that is safe and appropriate for in-vehicle use. Refusing to bow to the conventions of the subcompact class and refusing to compromise in any of the four key areas of Mazda's vehicle engineering, the Mazda Hazumi points the way for Mazda's next-generation subcompact.

The concept's name is a good fit both for the look of the car and its target market. Hazumi is a Japanese word meaning to "bound" or "spring up" and was chosen to convey an image of a small but vigorous animal, bursting with energy. It also describes potential B-segment buyers: young, dynamic, vibrant and ambitious.

The Hazumi is yet another example of KODO's vast potential and how well it adapts to different vehicles of different sizes. "Whereas with longer models such as the SHINARI we use long and free lines of motion stretching from front to back to express KODO, with Hazumi we've created a form which suggests explosive motion," says Hazumi chief designer Ryo Yanagisawa. "It's like an animal poised to pounce.

Every muscle is held tense as it gathers energy for the chase. Despite being small, KODO gives the car a presence that can't be ignored, and a shape that has driving pleasure written all over it."

Exterior design
The KODO design seeks to capture the fleeting tension, beauty and power of living creatures in motion. By packing the powerful and dynamic movements of KODO into a compact five-door hatchback, Mazda has given the Hazumi distinctive exterior styling and an athletic physique made for the road. This is KODO in its most highly concentrated form yet.

Drawing the compact cabin as far to the rear as possible places the centre of gravity near the rear wheels. It creates a wedge shaped body starting from the low and pronounced nose and rising toward the rear to impart a strong sense of forward motion. The sharp, chiseled silhouette is a clear departure from mainstream subcompact design where "one-motion form" styles prevail. The short overhangs and powerful fenders that bulge over the imposingly large wheels underline the car's strong and athletic stance.

But it is not all about looks. As with all its new-generation products, Mazda has put a big focus on aerodynamics, optimising the airflow over the upper body and creating a turbulence-rectifying under-floor structure. Tuned specifically for the compactness of the car, these elements deliver superb aerodynamics.

Front
The headlamps and grille are positioned low to the ground as possible, giving the front face a sharp look reminiscent of a cheetah on the prowl. Yet the car somehow manages to be cute at the same time, ensuring onlookers will soon feel a sense of affection. The LED guiding rings add depth and solidity to the headlamps, evoking the strong-willed eyes of an untamed animal. Another KODO trademark, the aluminium signature wing, underscores the grille before cutting through the headlamps, imparting a deeply sculptured facial expression.

Side
With its short overhangs and pillars that look ready to pierce the centre of the front and rear tires, the Hazumi displays the athletic silhouette of a sports car when viewed from the side. A long line starts from the bonnet, crests over the front wheel and runs all the way to the rear, while an overlapping line peaks over the rear wheel, emulating a rhythm of flexing muscles and adding to the strong sense of forward motion. The surface textures of the body are rich with tension, accentuating the car's big-boned physique.

Rear
The firmly planted rear wheels support the high hipline and, together with the steeply inclined back window, create a strong sense of forward motion. The distinctive oblong rear combination lamps convey speed while possessing the piercing vitality of the headlamps.

Wheels
The aluminium wheels feature a dynamic design expressing a powerful force radiating from the centre of each wheel. The contrast between the radiant sheen produced by the aluminium milling process and the dark metallic paint give a taut, three-dimensional feel.

Interior design
The interior of the Hazumi imparts the same dynamic sense of speed as the SHINARI, MINAGI and TAKERI concept cars that preceded it, maintaining superb functionality as an interface between car and driver. The high-quality feel of the interior exceeds the standards of the segment, but also gives a light and youthful impression that befits a subcompact model.

Cabin layout
Speed is at the essence of the interior shapes, which spread out from above the instrument cluster to the door trim and centre console. The effect, similar to the exterior, is a dynamic sense of forward motion. The passenger space begins immediately with an instrument panel shaped like the wing of an airplane, creating a comfortable feeling of openness. The centre console is suspended like a bridge, enhancing the feeling of space and creating more room in the foot wells.

The instrument cluster is designed around the driver's centre axis. It features a single, centrally-positioned gauge with displays spreading like wings on either side. The layout of the centre display, Active Driving Display, and commander control, is based on Mazda's unique human machine interface (HMI) concept called the Heads-Up Cockpit. It is designed to help drivers deal with large amounts of information while keeping their eyes on the road ahead and maintaining a safe and stable body position.

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Maserati Alfieri Concept, 2014

 

 

 Maserati Alfieri Concept, 2014

Maserati unveiled the Alfieri, a 2+2 concept car to celebrate the brand's centenary at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. The Alfieri is an exciting but realistic and 100% functional prototype that says much about the design DNA of future Maseratis; it could well be a door to the future of the Trident Marque.

The striking new concept bears the name of Alfieri, the most prominent of the Maserati brothers and the engineering genius who founded "Officine Alfieri Maserati" in Bologna a century ago. The Alfieri was created at the Maserati Centro Stile in Turin by a group of talented young designers, under the direction of Marco Tencone overseen by Lorenzo Ramaciotti.

The Design
The Alfieri is being unveiled at just the right time to re-establish Maserati's orientation in terms of design and production. If the new Quattroporte and Ghibli gave the impression that Maserati was becoming oriented towards sporty, premium four door saloons, the Alfieri concept is a reminder that the brand has a remarkable racing heritage and a unique tradition in exotic GT cars.

As with all concept cars, there is a strong desire to turn the Alfieri into reality. It was conceived, designed and created in an approach aimed at 100% realism.
The development process kicked off last summer When the designers were asked to start from a blank sheet to create a concept for Maserati's centenary. Among various proposals, the sketches that would lead to what is now the Alfieri emerged.

One of the most fascinating cars of all time, the Maserati A6 GCS-53 designed by Pininfarina in 1954, proved a valuable source of inspiration for the designers. Far more than a rare racing machine for gentlemen drivers, the A6 GCS-53 was a masterpiece of design. It was also the last car that, at that time, the Carrozzeria Pinin Farina designed on a Maserati model before making a comeback in the first decade of the 21st century with the Quattroporte and the GranTurismo.

The A6 GCS-53 was an iconic piece of automotive technology and simply breath-taking for its proportions and design features: a diminutive cabin positioned almost over the rear wheels, a seemingly endless bonnet and long, sinuous wings stretching nearly to the rear wheels.

The Alfieri is obviously much more than a futuristic interpretation of the A6 GCS-53. Maserati has a diversified design history that encourages designers to look forward rather than back: "We wanted the Alfieri to test future design paths", Ramaciotti explains. "The car is very aggressive yet subtle in style, forceful but understated."

The acronym A6 GCS stood for Alfieri 6 cylinder, Ghisa, Corsa, Sport, epithets that characterise its long bonnet and rear-set 2 seat cabin.

While the inverted A pillars of the A6 GCS-53 were not adopted in the new Alfieri, their optical effect has been recreated by a sculptured line that starts from the bonnet and fades to the upper part of the doors, making the windscreen look larger.

The long, low nose is a stylistic evolution from contemporary Maserati models. The grille is divided vertically into two concave sections that seem to float in the air. The led DRLs are connected by a clear decorative line with a stylistic element in the centre. The aggressive headlights incorporate bi-xenon-LED bulbs and are rendered distinctive by a characteristic brow. The same decorative element is repeated on the twin exhaust tail pipes.

The tail lights are three dimensional with red external elements and white elements in the centre. Their shape harmoniously follows the rear shoulder of the car and complements the air ducts underneath to create an impressive, racing style rear view.

The Alfieri's designers have developed a streamlined, uncluttered form where the only decorative elements - the restyled triple air ducts on the wheel arches - are finely integrated. This eye-catching silhouette almost entices you to caress it.

The wheels have been specially designed for the Alfieri concept. Forged from single aluminium elements, the 21" diameter rear and 20" front wheels feature integrated decorative spokes that are reminiscent of the classic spoke wheels of the 1950s.

Though form is the dominant element, colour and detail play a complementary role. A liquid metal colour called "Steel Flair" has been chosen for this Maserati 100th anniversary concept. This choice of finish gives the Alfieri's elegant shape a refined, technical and contemporary look, as if a metallic veil has been draped over a naked body.

The decorative spokes of the forged wheels, brake callipers, grille, iconic triple air ducts, rear diffuser and the provocative brow of the exhaust tail pipes are all finished in Maserati Blue. In the same blue is the Alfieri signature, replicated from an old official Maserati document and sculpted on the rear of the car, in the number plate recess. The front bumper spoiler and rear diffuser are in carbon fibre with aluminium inserts.

Minimalist interior
In the 2+2 seat cabin, the design team have created a study in simplicity and minimalism. The suspended dashboard is conceptually inspired by that of the Maserati 5000 GT. The dashboard boasts a clean, organic, two-tone design built around a central TFT screen.

The instrument panel has a classic layout with two binnacle dials with two smaller ones in between. The edge of each is embellished with a small "Officine Maserati" label.

Rather than analogue binnacle dials, the instrument panel features TFT displays inspired by modern photographic camera menus in the way they indicate km/h and engine rpm. Instead of a rotating indicator, the numbers themselves rotate around the clocks. Current speed and RPM are highlighted by a magnifying glass effect.

There is even a touch of racing spirit inside the Alfieri. The floor is finished in a material that imitates oxidised steel, a material commonly found on racing cars of the 1950s.

Luna white and dark Basalt blue are the dominant colours inside the airy Alfieri cockpit. Aniline leather with a natural look and feel covers the seats, dashboard and central console. Copper subtly highlights the main lines that characterise the car and brings a retro feeling to an otherwise futuristic environment.

The interior has a classic 2+2 layout with an open space luggage compartment. The rear seat backrests have a unique, elongated design. Well visible from the outside, they add a sense of speed to the interior. The rear seats tilt forwards through 90 degrees and also serve as luggage bulkheads.

The seat profile inserts, gearbox lever and oval clock on the central console are milled from single piece aluminium billets, hand finished and anodised in a natural copper colour. All other aluminium components, including the pedals, gearbox paddles and steering wheel spokes are also hand finished and anodised in a palladium colour.

The passenger seats, though inspired by the racing bucket seats of the '50s, look futuristic and have a modern structure with semi-integrated headrests and an arched profile that serves as main structural element.

The three-spoke steering wheel and the deep central crown form a three dimensional sculpture that seems to have been crafted in the workshop of an Italian artisan. Like the remainder of the Alfieri's interior, it too is 100% handmade.

The oval clock with red-blue back plate incorporates two sub-dials and is obviously inspired by a classic chronograph.

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