Audi A1 quattro, 2013

 

 

 

 

•  Audi A1 quattro, 2013

Audi is crowning its successful A1 model series with an exclusive top-of-the-line model. The dynamic Audi A1 quattro, limited to just 333 units, moves to the head of the compact class. Its two-liter, turbocharged engine produces 188 kW (256 hp) and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque, which is delivered to all four wheels. The Audi A1 quattro sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.7 seconds and has a top speed of 245 km/h (152.24 mph).

The Audi A1 quattro is powered by the 2.0 TFSI engine. The 1,984 cc, four-cylinder engine combines gasoline direct injection with turbocharging in the classic Audi manner. Among its highlights are the adjustable intake cam shaft and the two balance shafts, which ensure smooth operation. Maximum torque of 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) is continuously available between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm, and peak power (188 kW/256 hp) is developed at 6,000 rpm.

Every detail of the sporty, sonorous four-cylinder engine has been optimized for high performance and low fuel consumption. Common rail injection, a turbocharger with intercooler and a regulated oil pump are just a few examples. The Audi A1 quattro is expected to consume on average less than 8.5 liters of fuel per 100 km (27.67 US mpg). Yet it performs like a top-notch sports car: The standard sprint takes just 5.7 seconds, and top speed is 245 km/h (152.24 mph).

The 2.0 TFSI delivers its power to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system via a precisely shifting six-speed transmission, bringing Vorsprung durch Technik to the small-car class. The heart of this system is an electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch whose package of plates rotates in an oil bath.

During normal driving, the clutch sends most of the engine's power to the front wheels. If traction decreases there, the clutch can transfer torque steplessly to the rear axle in just a few milliseconds by forcing the packages of plates together by a defined amount. A pressure reservoir helps the electric pump to develop the oil pressure. If a wheel on one of the axles should slip, it is braked by the electronic differential lock (EDL).

The placement of the multi-plate clutch at the rear axle provides for a harmonious distribution of the axle loads, and the chassis of the Audi A1 quattro has been adapted to the dynamics of the drivetrain. It is much more tautly tuned than that of the production model. The front suspension is a McPherson construction; a four-link axle is used at the rear. The sensitive and efficient electrohydraulic power steering has a sporty, direct 14.8:1 steering ratio.

The Audi A1 quattro rolls on 8.0 J x 18 cast alloy wheels. They are Glacier White, feature an exclusive turbine design and are fitted with 225/35-series tires. The internally vented front brake discs measure 312 millimeters (12.28 in) in diameter and are gripped by black calipers. The ESP stabilization program includes a sport mode and can be switched off entirely for a trip to the race track, for example.

One look is all it takes to see that the Audi A1 quattro is a very special vehicle. It is available only in Glacier White metallic, and its roof is painted high-gloss black. The front bumper is muscular, the frame and grate of the single-frame grille are high-gloss black. The curved bars in the headlights - the wings - are red. The grille, the roof arch and the rear hatch sport quattro badges.

The rear windows are tinted; the roof flows into a large, two-color wing. The color black accentuates the rear hatch and the diffuser. The LED rear lights are tinted; the rear bumper sports a distinctive look. The exhaust system terminates in two polished dual tailpipes on the left and the right, each measuring 100 millimeters (3.94 in) in diameter. The Audi A1 quattro is 3,987 millimeters (13.08 ft) long, 1,740 millimeters (5.71 ft) wide and 1,416 millimeters (4.65 ft) tall, making it somewhat longer than the model on which it is based. Luggage capacity is 210 liters (7.42 cu ft); folding down the rear seats increases this to 860 liters (30.37 cu ft).

Cool, sporty black dominates the interior of the Audi A1 quattro. The seats and the armrests on the doors are covered in Silk Nappa leather with contrasting red seams. The S sport seats up front have pronounced bolsters, integrated head restraints and a quattro badge on the backrest covers. The seats feature multi-way adjustment. The lower section of the center console shines in high-gloss black; the footrest and the pedal caps are made of brushed stainless steel. Red seams frame the floor mats, and the door sill trims bear A1 quattro badges.

The instrument cluster has a number of eye-catching features, including white needles, a red tachometer, the quattro logo and the color display for the driver information system. The multifunction sport steering wheel is flattened at the bottom, wrapped in leather with contrasting red stitching and sports the car's serial number. The shift lever knob is made of aluminum. Many control elements have an aluminum-look finish.

The Audi A1 quattro  available from the second half of 2012 and supplied to customers with a full range of equipment. It includes many features taken directly from the luxury class, including xenon plus headlights, high-beam assistant, adaptive brake lights, LED interior lighting package, light and rain sensor, automatically dimming interior mirror, rear parking system, automatic air conditioning, alarm system, storage package, convenience key and cruise control.

The infotainment equipment likewise leaves nothing to be desired. It includes a CD changer, a digital radio tuner, the Audi music interface and MMI navigation plus. The Bose sound system drives 14 speakers with 465 watts of power; the woofers in the doors are indirectly lit with light guide LEDs. Audi connect uses the Bluetooth online car phone to connect to the Internet and deliver special web services, including Google Earth, to the car. Passengers can also connect their mobile devices to the integrated WLAN hotspot.

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Aston Martin CC100 Speedster Concept, 2013

 

 

 

•  Aston Martin CC100 Speedster Concept, 2013

The Aston Martin is celebrating its centenary in world-class style with the debut of the exceptional Aston Martin CC100 Speedster Concept.

Created as a stunning celebration of the great British brand's 100 years of sports car excellence the one-off CC100 looks both to the past and the DBR1 - Aston Martin's greatest sporting triumph on the track - and to the future with its teasing glimpses of potential future design direction.

The 6.0-litre V12-powered concept car made its world debut by completing a lap of the famous Nordschleife at Germany's ADAC Zurich 24 Hours of Nürburgring race. It is lapping the circuit together with the 1000km race-winning 1959 DBR1 with British racing legend Sir Stirling Moss at the wheel. It is the most tangible expression yet of the brand's year-long 2013 centenary celebrations.

Viewed by tens of thousands of lucky spectators in Germany, the radical speedster is being driven today by Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez. He said: "CC100 is the epitome of everything that is great about Aston Martin. It represents our fantastic sporting heritage, our exceptional design capability, our superb engineering know-how and, above all, our adventurous spirit!

Designed and constructed in fewer than six months at Aston Martin's global headquarters in Gaydon, working with key supplier Multimatic Inc, under the leadership of Special Projects and Motorsport Director David King, the finished look of the two-seater CC100 is the work of Design Director Marek Reichman working alongside the brand's Chief Exterior Designer Miles Nurnberger.

Measuring almost four and a half metres nose to tail, and more than two metres wide (including mirrors) the Speedster Concept body is a classic example of the almost infinitely flexible nature of Aston Martin's trademark Vertical Horizontal engineering philosophy.

With a body and interior crafted from carbon fibre, tooled and provided by low volume specialists Multimatic, the Aston Martin CC100 utilises the latest generation AM11 naturally aspirated V12 gasoline engine mated to a six-speed hydraulically actuated automated sequential manual transmission. Controlled via steering column-mounted paddle shifts the lightweight 'box delivers truly sporting changes perfectly suited to the Speedster's track-focused nature.

The drivetrain power the Aston Martin CC100 from rest to 62 mph in a little over four seconds, while the top speed is limited to 180 mph.

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Alfa Romeo Disco Volante Touring, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

•  Alfa Romeo Disco Volante Touring, 2013

The introduction of the full-scale styling model in 2012, Touring Superleggera is proud to present the first production model of the iconic Disco Volante at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. As from now, the Disco Volante available to the discerning customer.

After the striking successes in the recent Geneva shows, the Disco Volante is another testimony of Touring's capability as a creator and manufacturer of bespoke-designed cars coach built in very limited runs to world class quality standards.

In just under a year's time, the Disco Volante has developed from a prototype to a production model; ready to be enjoyed by a clientele appreciating its unique combination of craftsmanship, quality, innovative design and automotive history. Among them will be collectors, sporting drivers and design aficionados.

The Disco Volante is a two-seater Gran Turismo. It is based on the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione coupé with its front-central mounted 4.7 litre V8 engine and a transaxle rear drive with unmodified specifications. Each unit, of which the construction requires 4,000 hours of manual work, built only on demand.

The History
The lightweight and ultra-aerodynamic Alfa Romeo C52 'Disco Volante' was considered a design icon almost right from the start, when it saw the light of day in 1952. The briefing at Carrozzeria Touring in that year mentioned the need for a shape that was 'insensitive to wind'. The unique basic design was even registered as 'design patent'. Using Alfa Romeo 1900 C elements, the car received a new tubular chassis, and a lightweight, striking and efficient aluminium body.

Initially aimed at sports car racing, the C52 Disco Volante is one of the best examples to illustrate the credo of Touring's founder Felice Bianchi Anderloni "Il peso è il nemico, la resistenza dell'aria è l'ostacolo" (weight is the enemy, air resistance the obstacle).

The Exterior Design
The present Disco Volante celebrates the myth of the 1952 style icon. The new design briefing required to blend ingredients as innovation, emotion and aerodynamic properties into a timeless and essential shape. Keywords are: bold, innovative, refreshing, daring.

Many elements were changed in this stage, like a slightly higher bonnet needed for the engine bay ventilation. Still, the original proportions were retained, so these changes hardly noticed. The final result is even more dramatic and impressive than the styling study that was presented in 2012.

The Interior Design
In consistency with the car's design philosophy the interior has a 'science fiction' feel to it. Part of this 'spaceship' atmosphere was created by elements like the red LED interior light profiles. Also, aeronautics has been the inspiration for parts like the dashboard, instruments and seat adjustment lever.

As for the upholstery, leather hides were bespoke manufactured to reproduce the exterior colour shade. These are matched with black Alcantara™.

Of course, personalisation of the interior design to meet customer's preferences is part of the offer, in line with Touring's personal commissioning philosophy.

Rolling Chassis
The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione chassis was chosen for its light and rigid structure and its outstanding dynamic properties. Therefore it forms the perfect basis for the coach-built bodywork of the Disco Volante, integrally conserving the rolling chassis and drive train.

The Alfa Romeo 8C's steel space-frame and other structural elements were retained to guarantee torsion stiffness, high performance and the quality standard. The frame members and the central carbon cell remained unchanged. Elements of the underpinning and the body, such as the engine bay and firewall, the windscreen and cowl, the a-pillar and the locks and hinges have been retained too, just as the dashboard and instruments, the pedals and the steering wheel.

Parts like doorframes, the roof frame and the c-pillar have been modified to match with the new shape.

The layout of a front-central mounted engine, a transaxle transmission and rear-wheel drive offers an optimal weight distribution of 49-51% between the front and rear axles. To ensure excellent handling the front and rear double-wishbone suspension scheme is combined with hub carriers of forged aluminium and additional trailing arms for the rear suspension.

The lightweight and compact 4.7 litre V8 engine delivers 450HP and 480Nm peak torque. It is coupled with a six-speed sequential transaxle gearbox with electronic control and paddle-shift gear selection. Together with a limited-slip differential and a state-of-the-art braking system with large diameter, ventilated discs a precise, dynamic and proactive drive is ensured.

The Disco Volante can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4,2 seconds and has a top speed of about 290 km/h (181 mph).

Engineering
All new and modified components of the Disco Volante have been CAD designed. In this process, which covers feasibility, safety, homologation, aerodynamics and structural analysis, the most advanced IT tools and simulation techniques have been used.

Since torsion stiffness and noise reduction are of critical importance, special attention has been paid to the under-body structure and its elements, like the tubular frames supporting the rear wings and bumper, and the roll bar joining the c-pillars. Other complex design issues were the tailgate hinges, the 3d-cambered door window, and the front wheel covers.

The Disco Volante was then submitted to a CFD aerodynamic study to enhance the airflow and ensure optimal downforce in the rear section. After that, FEM calculations were run to assess resistance and rigidity of all parts subject to homologation.

Manufacturing Process
Touring Superleggera is synonymous with the manufacture of lightweight bodywork. The weight advantage of aluminium is one of the assets of Touring Superleggera's construction methods. Nowadays however, the craft of hand-beating aluminium panels is combined with the use of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). For the Disco Volante, Touring decided to use this combination of aluminium and CFRP. This has been the result of a study conducted to define optimal use of materials for the bodywork in terms of weight, resistance, precision, finish and quality, and ease of repair in case of damage.

The CFRP is used for specific components like the front bumper and grille, the bonnet, the skirts, the boot lid and the integrated rear-window frame. The bonnet and the boot lid are sandwich-built with Nomex filler in-between to obtain a better stiffness/weight ratio and to dampen vibration and noise.

The aluminium panels are hand-beaten using an epoxy mould. Since the inner frames of most parts of the bodywork are made of CFRP, this requires gluing of aluminium on carbon fibre. This technique adds to the rigidity as the glue has structural properties.

The body panels are pre-assembled on a laser measurement platform using a jig. This ensures that the strict tolerance required is respected. After adjustment, the panels are either welded or glued. The body-in-white is then used to preassemble and fit all trim components, brightware and moulding.

To ensure constant and repeatable quality, the entire production process is documented and digitally logged. Like in series production, there is a quantified manufacturing cycle and a Bill of Materials. Tolerances, measurements and other quality standards are quantified.

Quality Assurance
The quality control process includes static as well as dynamic test runs before the car is signed off. The static-test protocol requires compliance to high standards in interstice and surface alignment, paint and coating quality, interior trim and assembly.

A functionality test is run in a climatic chamber. The dynamic test takes place on the proving ground. Beside routine checks on absence of creak, rattle and other noise, it concentrates on handling, braking and all other functionalities. It includes high-speed runs, cornering and other handling tests on several types of surfaces.

Type Approval
The Disco Volante has received EU type-approval under the EU-Directive 2007/46 EC for small series.

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Acura MDX, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

•  Acura MDX, 2014

Acura unveiled the all-new 2014 MDX luxury SUV at the 2013 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). Built on a completely new platform, the seven-passenger MDX offers improved ride comfort, a more versatile and luxurious cabin, increased fuel efficiency and enhanced dynamic performance. The MDX will also be offered for the first time in a more affordable and even more fuel-efficient two-wheel-drive configuration.

Powertrain
The 2014 Acura MDX is powered by an all-new direct-injected 24-valve 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™), producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb.-ft. of torque. The MDX's engine architecture is shared with two racecars that recently finished First and Second in the LMP2 class at the 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS). Employing a 6-speed automatic transmission with Sport Mode and Sequential SportShift Paddle Shifters, the new Acura MDX will be offered in both Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™) and two-wheel-drive drivetrain variants, both featuring Acura's new Agile Handling Assist technology.

Matched to the highly efficient Earth Dreams Technology engine and the SH-AWD drivetrain, the 2014 MDX has an EPA fuel economy rating of 18/27/21 mpg (city/highway/combined), while the new front-wheel-drive model is EPA rated at 20/28/23 mpg (city/highway/combined).

While achieving even higher fuel economy ratings, the MDX remains a true driver's SUV with enhanced dynamic performance, including quicker acceleration, more responsive braking and even more precise steering feel. Tuned and tested on the grueling Nürburgring racing circuit in Germany, the lighter and more dynamic new 2014 MDX with SH-AWD bests the previous model's lap time by eight seconds.

To satisfy the preferences of multiple drivers in any family, the 2014 MDX features an all-new Integrated Dynamic System (IDS) with three modes: Sport, Normal and Comfort. IDS adjusts steering effort, throttle response, SH-AWD and active sound to suit the tastes of the driver. The Acura MDX's new Amplitude Reactive Dampers, MacPherson strut front suspension and new multi-link rear suspension enable its more nimble and responsive handling and improved ride quality. 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels and 245/60-18 tires come standard on the MDX. Technology and Advance grades are equipped with 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels and 245/55-19 tires.

Body and Styling
The 2014 MDX body applies more than 55 percent advanced lightweight materials - including high strength steel, aluminum and magnesium - resulting in a vehicle that is both more rigid and lightweight, with total vehicle weight reduced 275 pounds from the previous model. Measuring 193.6 inches in overall length, 77.2 inches in overall width (excluding door mirrors), 67.6 inches in overall height, and riding on a 111-inch wheelbase (up 2.75 inches from the previous model), the new MDX boasts an "Executive Aero Sculpture" exterior design that lends it a sleek, tailored and sophisticated appearance. The aerodynamic body design - refined by engineers in a new wind tunnel at the company's Ohio R&D center - helps the MDX achieve a more than 17 percent improvement in aerodynamic efficiency, making it one of the most aerodynamic and fuel-efficient luxury SUVs on the road.

The 2014 Acura MDX also takes a big step up in luxury comfort and quiet. The MDX's dynamically tuned platform, more airtight body and triple path isolated dampers, along with the use of new sound-deadening materials, such as acoustic glass and expanding body sealers, and Active Noise Control technology, make this the quietest and most composed MDX yet.

The Interior
Equally adept at carrying clients and kids, the new MDX boasts a luxurious and versatile interior. The revised body dimensions and new, more compact multi-link rear suspension, combined with innovative new technologies on the second-row seats, significantly improve third-row access and all-around passenger comfort. Third-row ingress and egress is significantly improved by a two-inch lower step-in height and three-inch wider entryway, and by the introduction of a new One-Touch Walk-In feature. With a single press of the illuminated One-Touch Walk-In button, the second-row seats automatically fold and slide to their forward-most position. The second-row seats now feature a four-position recline and a new Extended Slide capability that provides six inches of total fore-aft seat adjustment for optimal balance between second- and third-row legroom. Rear cargo capacity is also improved and includes a new underfloor storage area.

Up front, there is a 10-way power adjustable and heated driver's seat and an 8-way power and heated passenger seat. The Acura MDX also addresses a major shortcoming of many luxury SUVs - available front-seat storage space - with a spacious new center console that can accommodate a purse, laptop case, or a pair of iPads®. The MDX's luxury quotient is further boosted by its upgraded interior appointments, including premium leather-trimmed interior, silver plated accents, LED overhead and cabin accent lighting, along with new optional luxury features, such as Smart Entry, second-row sunshades, remote engine start, and auto-linked air conditioning and climate-controlled seats.

The Acura Signature Technology
In addition, the 2014 Acura MDX harnesses a range of Acura signature technologies, including Acura Jewel Eye™ LED headlights, more powerful Acura/ELS Studio premium audio system, and the next-generation AcuraLink™ connectivity system with AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™, featuring freeway traffic and surface street conditions (free for the first three years). In addition to the traffic services, the AcuraLink™ cloud-based connected car system offers an assortment of media, convenience, information and security features via an embedded cellular system and compatible web-enabled smartphones.

Both the AcuraLink™ and Acura/ELS Studio system take advantage of a 7-inch color On Demand Multi-Use Display™ (ODMD) touchscreen with haptic feedback and an 8-inch Color Information Display. The addition of the ODMD, along with other interior changes, allowed engineers to reduce the number of hard buttons in the center stack from 41 to just nine. The available Entertainment package adds a DVD Rear Entertainment system with a 9-inch full VGA screen for the rear seats, while the Advance package replaces the 9-inch monitor with an ultra-wide, 16.2-inch full VGA screen with HDMI compatibility for devices such as a game console.

The 2014 MDX offers a host of innovative driver assistive and visibility technologies, including a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera and available Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow, Blind Spot Information (BSI), and Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS).

Safety
The third-generation Acura MDX is expected to achieve top-level safety ratings, including a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score from NHTSA and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including the highest possible rating of GOOD in the Institute's new small-offset frontal collision test.

The new MDX is equipped with a broad array of advanced safety technologies, including the next generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ II (ACE™ II) body structure, 4-wheel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control, and airbags (front, front side, driver's knee and side curtain with rollover sensor), as well as the available Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) systems.

The 2014 Acura MDX is scheduled to go on sale at U.S. Acura dealers nationwide in the summer of 2013 and will be available in four grades - the well-equipped MDX, the robust Acura MDX with Technology package, the rear-passenger-friendly MDX with Technology and Entertainment packages, and the top-of-the-line MDX with Advance and Entertainment packages. The 2014 MDX was designed and developed in the U.S. and will be built at the Lincoln, Alabama plant using domestic and globally sourced parts.

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Volvo S60, 2014

 

 

•  Volvo S60, 2014

The new dynamic Volvo S60 design, with its purposeful, dynamic appearance, accentuates the car's sporting nature.

Inside, there are upgrades such as new upholstery colours, new wood inlays, a new headliner, and the silk metal frames around the air vents and light controls.

And under the skin, at the heart of the dynamic driving experience, is a wide choice of chassis settings, designed around the customer's personal requirements. The Volvo S60 buyer has a choice of four chassis types - Touring, Dynamic, Four-C (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept) and Lower Sport Chassis, previously only available on the R-Design version.

Sensus Connected Touch - connectivity on a new level
Sensus is the name Volvo uses for all its HMI (Human Machine Interface) functionality and the all-new Sensus Connected Touch is the latest addition.

It enables connectivity and Internet in the car and turns the 7-inch display into a state-of-the-art infrared, beam-scanned touch screen that can be used even when wearing gloves - a world first in cars and handy in winter!

Connection is made either via a car-mounted 3G/4G dongle or the driver's mobile phone.
The user has access to full Internet browsing (except when driving), Internet streaming of music, Internet radio (TuneIn and Orange Live Radio) with thousands of channels from all over the world, on-line (Google) Map and Search, Embedded Connected 3D navigation with online traffic info and dangerous zone warnings, Free Parking locator, weather information, a number of native and web applications, App Store for new functions and updates as well as a Volvo service locator.

It is also possible to share a WiFi network with everyone in the car.

Adaptive Digital Display
The Adaptive Digital Display, which debuted in the all-new V40, is now available in the new S60, V60 and XC60. This active TFT (Thin Film Transistor) crystal display takes the interaction between car and driver to a new dimension, always displaying the most important information in any given situation.

The driver can choose between three graphic themes:

• The Elegance theme is the base mode with a traditional and calm aura.
• The Eco theme features green background illumination, designed to create an environmentally inspired look. An Eco meter is displayed on the left. The current and accumulated fuel consumption figures are displayed - and the driver is rewarded with a green E light when eco-driving is optimal.
• The Performance theme has red background illumination, creating a sporty atmosphere. In the centre, a rev counter scale replaces the speedometer displayed in the Elegance and Eco versions. Vehicle speed is shown digitally in the centre of the display. The right display includes a power meter - a gauge that informs the driver how much power is available and how much power is being used at any given moment in time.

The V60 Plug-in Hybrid also comes with an additional Hybrid Theme with blue illumination. It includes hybrid and battery information that supports energy-efficient use of the ingenious driveline.

Lower fuel consumption
Volvo Car Group continues to push the boundaries of fuel efficiency and CO2 actions across the model and engine range.

The fuel consumption of the 115 hp, four-cylinder D2 diesel in the new Volvo S60 with a manual gearbox has been improved to a class-leading 4.0 l/100 km (EU Combined, preliminary figures), translating into CO2 emissions of only 106 g/km. The corresponding figures with the automatic gearbox are 4.1 l/100 km and 107 g/km (preliminary figures).

Its estate cousin, the new Volvo V60 D2, also has class-leading fuel consumption at 4.1 l/100 km (109 g/km) with the manual and 4.2 l/100 km (110 g/km) with the automatic gearbox (preliminary figures).

The automatic D3 (136 hp) and D4 (163 hp) versions of the new Volvo S60 and V60 now come with CO2 emissions of 129 g/km (4.9 l/100 km).

The new Volvo XC60 has also been improved, with both the D5 (215 hp) and the D4 (163 hp) versions with a manual gearbox and All Wheel Drive, delivering a combined fuel consumption of 5.3 l/100 km (139 g/km).

There are improvements with petrol power too, with the S60 with the 1.6-litre GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) engine T4 (180 hp) or T3 (150 hp) and automatic gearbox now offering fuel consumption at 6.8 l/100 km (159 g/km). The corresponding figure for the V60 T4 and T3 is 7.2 l/100 km (167 g/km).

Paddle shifters
The three-spoke steering wheels can now be accompanied with paddle shifters for cars specified with automatic transmission. They turn the automatic box into a manual with the benefit of shifting gear with both hands on the wheel. The paddle shifters give the enthusiastic driver an additional edge, particularly when powering round twisty roads. And for the added comfort of drivers in Sweden and other cold countries, the steering wheel can also be specified with heating for increased comfort on cold winter days.

Permanent high beam with groundbreaking technology

The new Active High Beam Control makes journeys in the dark safer and more comfortable.

The technology eliminates the need to switch between low and high beam. Instead, Active High Beam Control makes it possible keep the headlights on full beam continuously.

When another car approaches from the opposite direction, the system helps to prevent dazzling of the oncoming driver by shading out only as much of the beam as necessary. This is done by an ingenious projector module mechanism integrated into the headlamp.

The same benefit applies to drivers in preceding cars.

Cornering Light for better visibility
Another innovative option for driving in the dark is the low-speed Cornering Light feature. As an extension of the current Active Bending Light system, it lights up the area the driver is steering towards for safer manoeuvring - for instance, when turning into a small road or driving through a narrow gateway at night.

Heated windscreen
Cars equipped with a rain sensor can now benefit from an electrically heated windscreen for rapid de-icing on cold winter days.

The S60, V60 and XC60 are also available with outer rear view mirrors with auto dim. Using chromatic glass, the mirrors automatically dim to avoid glare from other traffic, just like the inner rear view mirror.

IntelliSafe systems supporting the driver
IntelliSafe is Volvo's blanket name for all active safety systems, and Volvo's world-first City Safety technology plays an important part. Fitted as standard, this advanced safety system works at speeds of up to 50 km/h. All models can also get Pedestrian Detection with full auto brake, which watches out for people walking into the car's path.

The S60, V60 and XC60 can also be specified with the enhanced Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), which is now radar-based. The technology can also monitor and alert the driver to rapidly approaching vehicles up to 70 m behind the car, while still informing the driver about vehicles in the blind spots on both sides of the car.

Cross Traffic Alert uses the radar sensors at the rear end of the car to alert the driver to crossing traffic from the sides when reversing out of a parking space. This is especially helpful in tight and crowded areas where the side view may be restricted.

Road Sign Information supports the driver by displaying road signs on the instrument display.
"As the leader in automotive safety, we have reduced the risk of being involved in an accident or being injured in one of our latest car models by abound 50 per cent since the year 2000. By continuously introducing new preventive and protective systems, we keep moving towards our safety vision that nobody should die or suffer serious injuries in a new Volvo car by the year 2020," says Thomas Broberg, Senior Safety Advisor at Volvo Car Group.

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