Friday, April 12, 2013

Mercedes-Benz E300 Blue TEC Hybrid, 2013

 
 
 
  •  Mercedes-Benz E300 Blue TEC Hybrid, 2013

The Mercedes-Benz E300 Blue TEC HYBRID combines the excellent fuel economy of the 4-cylinder diesel engine over long distances (motorway, inter-urban) with the advantages of an efficient hybrid in city and stop & go traffic. It therefore exhibits impressive efficiency with no compromises: thanks to the compact hybrid concept there are no restrictions in terms of spaciousness, comfort and safety.

In the Mercedes-Benz E300 Blue TEC HYBRID, Mercedes-Benz has combined the 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine developing 150 kW (204 hp) with a powerful hybrid module. Its 20 kW electric motor, positioned between the internal combustion engine and the 7-speed automatic transmission, assists the diesel engine when the car is accelerating (boost effect) and, in alternator mode, is used for the recuperation of braking energy, although it is also suitable for driving under electric power alone. Based on the modular hybrid principle developed by Mercedes-Benz, this diesel hybrid is starting a new era in hybrid drive systems. The fuel consumption of the E300 Blue TEC HYBRID is 4.2 litres per 100 kilometres (CO2: 109 g/km).

In combination with 7G-TRONIC, a wet start-up clutch and the lithium-ion battery, the intelligent modular hybrid system requires little installation space and weighs around 100 kg. As in all Mercedes-Benz hybrid models, the hybrid components have all the features of the extensive "7-stage safety concept".

In time for the market launch the Mercedes-Benz E300 Blue TEC HYBRID receive an environmental certificate according to ISO standard TR 14062. The certification by the neutral examiners at "TÜV Süd" attests to the brand's commitment to comprehensive environmental protection, which is enshrined in the operating guidelines for the entire Daimler group. In this process the company takes the environmental effects of a vehicle into account throughout its lifecycle - from development and production to use and eventual disposal.

In Germany the Saloon version of the Mercedes-Benz E300 Blue TEC HYBRID costs € 51,794.75, the Estate version € 55,007.75 (both incl. 19% VAT).

The philosophy: enhanced efficiency without compromising on comfort or utility
The Mercedes-Benz E300 Blue TEC HYBRID forms part of the brand's downsizing strategy, which involves making conventional models perform far more efficiently than previously - without sacrificing driveability or comfort. Here the company's engineers have their sights set on fuel consumption figures in everyday traffic, rather than on standard or NEDC combined consumption. The familiar "Real Life Safety" philosophy, which focuses on safety benefits under real-life conditions rather than standardised crash-test results, is augmented by "Real Life Efficiency".

The Mercedes-Benz E300 Blue TEC HYBRID is based on the E250 CDI, yet has a higher output and approx. 15 percent lower fuel consumption.

On the road therefore, the Mercedes-Benz E300 Blue TEC HYBRID is comparable to the E300 CDI (170 kW/540 Nm), yet it boasts around 35 percent lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. In terms of vehicle weight too, the Mercedes-Benz E300 Blue TEC HYBRID is on a par with the E300 CDI.

At the same time, hybridisation enhances ride comfort: the car starts and moves off in virtual silence, while the hybrid module also dampens any internal combustion engine vibrations. What's more, full climate control is available even in start/stop mode.

Sailing along the motorway
Mercedes-Benz hybrid technology offers a wealth of extra functions that enhance both comfort and efficiency, as well as helping to deliver a special driving experience underpinned by accomplished sportiness:
  • When the car is stationary - ECO start/stop: the internal combustion engine can be switched off when coasting on the overrun at speeds up to 160 km/h, since ancillaries such as the steering, brakes and refrigerant compressor operate electrically. It is restarted quickly, smoothly and virtually silently.
  • Manoeuvring: in most cases the car uses electric power alone for manoeuvring and parking.
  • Accelerating: electrical power alone is used for moving off and driving under low load. Acceleration from standstill is particularly powerful, since the electric motor's full torque of up to 250 Nm is immediately available.
  • Boost function: the electric motor supports the combustion engine during acceleration, e.g. when overtaking.
  • Cruising: when the car is being driven at a constant speed, the engine control unit shifts the operating points towards exceptionally low specific fuel consumption levels.
  • Sailing: "sailing", as it has come to be known, is possible at speeds below 160 km/h. The combustion engine shuts down and the desired speed is maintained by the electric-motor alone until the battery needs recharging.
  • Kinetic energy recuperation when coasting or braking: when the car is coasting (decelerating on the overrun), the electric motor acts as a generator. When the brake pedal is depressed, the generator output is initially increased proportionally for greater deceleration. Only when increased brake pressure is applied are the wheel brakes also operated.
  • Information: an additional economy effect arises after a relatively short period of time, as drivers come to apply the above-stated functions in an increasingly more purposeful and effective manner. They are supported here by the display concept in the hybrid models - the central display provides information on the current energy flow and the charge status of the battery.

The hybrid module: a compact and intelligently integrated powerhouse
The hybrid drive unit is a further development of the module from the S400 HYBRID and is based on the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission. Distinguishing features include omission of the hydraulic torque converter and the addition of a wet clutch of the kind also found in the high-performance AMG models. Consequently, the electric motor can be integrated in the transmission unit in such a way that it takes up only marginally more space than the 7G-TRONIC (+65 mm). The omission of the converter allows all-electric motoring as well as "sailing", thus significantly boosting the potential to reduce fuel consumption.

The compact electric motor, which is installed in space-saving configuration in the clutch housing between engine and transmission, is a 3-phase AC internal rotor magneto motor which generates a maximum output of 20 kW and peak torque of 250 Nm at an operating voltage of 120 volts.

The components: perfectly integrated into the vehicle
The hybrid drive's electrical energy is provided by the high-voltage lithium-ion battery specially developed for use in vehicles. Its key characteristics include an output of 19 kW and an energy content of 0.8 kWh, allowing the E-Class to run on electric power alone at up to 35 km/h and for up to one kilometre. Its space-saving installation in the engine compartment in place of the conventional starter battery means that the generous interior dimensions and the luggage compartment capacity remain unchanged. In addition to serving as an energy accumulator for the electric motor, the lithium-ion battery is also connected via the voltage converter to the 12V on-board electrical system, which supplies power to standard power-consuming devices such as the headlamps and the comfort features.

Sophisticated packaging means that numerous hybrid-specific components such as the high-performance electronics in the engine compartment can be directly incorporated with the internal combustion engine, thus neatly rounding off the modularity concept: the hybrid models can be produced on the same assembly line as their conventional counterparts without needing to be diverted elsewhere. Another plus point of the overall concept is the scalability and compatibility with other vehicles and engines.

Safety: on a par with previous models
Integration of the hybrid systems without any body modifications has the practical benefit of not restricting spaciousness in any way, as well as ensuring that all hybrid models boast exactly the same high level of safety as their counterparts with an internal combustion engine - a very important aspect for Mercedes-Benz. Accident behaviour has been successfully tested in crash simulations and tests.
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Thursday, April 11, 2013

Maserati Quattroporte, 2013

 
 
 
 
 
  • Maserati Quattroporte, 2013

The flagship Maserati Quattroporte is larger, lighter, more luxurious and more practical than the globally acclaimed car it replaces. With a 307km/h (191 mph) top speed, it's also as fast as most two-door supercars.

The sixth-generation Maserati Quattroporte delivers a leap forward that not only sets the high-technology tone for Maserati's upcoming new-model onslaught, but also remains faithful to Maserati's long history in luxury sports saloons.

The powerful engine and the large cabin at the core of the Maserati Quattroporte's design, dominated by a long, powerful nose and a concave Trident grille, provide a clear link to both the outgoing Quattroporte and the GranTurismo.

Even with all of its new technology, the new Quattroporte remains true to Maserati's roots. Its V8 twin turbo makes it not only the fastest four-door Maserati ever built, but also the most powerful and the most fuel efficient.

The direct-injection engine family will boast a 3.8-litre V8 and a 3.0-litre V6, both of which are all new, twin turbo charged, designed by Maserati Powertrain and assembled by Ferrari at Maranello.

The 3.8-litre V8 engine provides Maserati's new performance benchmark, reaching 100km/h in just 4.7 seconds and achieving a 307km/h (191 mph) top speed. It is 20km/h faster than the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S and delivers up to 200Nm more torque as well. The V6 twin turbo doesn't lack in performance, either, reaching 285km/h (177 mph).

With an eight-speed automatic transmission and both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations (V6 only, AWD not available in RHD markets), it is also the most secure all-weather performance car in Maserati's history.
 
The all-new architecture retains the Maserati Quattroporte's traditionally exquisite handling thanks to its 50:50 weight distribution, a double-wishbone front suspension and a state-of-the-art five-link rear suspension. It can now deliver the added security and all-weather assurance of all-wheel drive as well.

It also delivers new standards in quality in every area from design, development, fabrication and process controls. It is produced in a new plant that combines Maserati's traditions of craftsmanship with cutting-edge technologies that are able to guarantee outstanding quality by controlling even the tiniest details.

Traditional hand crafted detailing continues in the Quattroporte's cabin, now more spacious and featuring both four and five-seat layouts.

Cabin luxury leaps forward technically too, with features like the Maserati Touch Control screen, adjustable pedals (left hand drive only), reversing camera and the optional 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, as well as WLAN-based WiFi and compatibility with most modern mobile phone systems.

With the original Quattroporte in 1963, Maserati invented the concept of the luxury sports saloon and the new Quattroporte continues to be the benchmark for high quality engineering, supercar performance and comfort.

EXTERIOR DESIGN
Maserati has been considered a master of sports saloon design from the day the original 1963 Quattroporte became the first automobile to blend speed and luxury with four doors.

A powerful engine and a large cabin are at the core of the Maserati Quattroporte's design, dominated by a long, impressive nose with its short overhang.

"The design of the Quattroporte is inspired by Maserati's core stylistic principles: harmony of proportions, dynamic lines and Italian elegance," Head of Maserati Centro Stile, Marco Tencone explains.

"Every new model is a step into the future, but for a brand with the strong heritage of Maserati it is fundamental to bring on the most distinctive features as a signature: the contour of the air intake in the front, the three small outlets on the front wings and the strong triangular C pillar bearing the logo".

But the Maserati Quattroporte body design isn't just about looks; it has delivered a 12% improvement in drag (Cx), down to 0.31, and an enormous 24% reduction in lift. These figures reduce fuel consumption and increase high-speed stability.

A large part of the Quattroporte's aerodynamic work is out of sight, beneath the car. It has a flat floor that contains several aerodynamic features with the scope of optimising performance by lowering drag coefficient and keeping the proper cooling of all systems (engines, brakes, and transmission) at speeds over 300 km/h.

ENGINES
At the heart of the new Quattroporte is an entirely new engine grid, which follows recent Maserati tradition as it is designed in-house by Maserati Powertrain and manufactured under contract by Ferrari at Maranello.

V8 TWIN TURBO ENGINE AND PERFORMANCE
The flagship 3.8-litre V8 engine is a perfect representation of Maserati's performance tradition combined with a 20% reduction in emissions.

It is almost a litre smaller in capacity than the 4.7-litre V8 in the Quattroporte Sport GT S, yet this is more than countered through twin turbo charging and direct fuel injection to deliver 18% more power and 39% more torque.

The engine produces 390kW (530 hp) of power at 6800rpm and accompanies this with 650Nm of torque from 2000rpm to 4000rpm.

This maximum normal torque figure can be overboosted to 710 Nm from 2250rpm to 3500rpm.

These figures represent the highest specific power output in the class, with 139hp/l, and the best specific torque as well, with 171Nm per litre.

It also has a considerably more powerful engine than the finely balanced 4.7-litre engine in the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S, with a full 59kW (80hp) more power and an astonishing 200Nm more torque (on the overboosted output). The torque peak also arrives at less than half the engine speed of the Sport GT S's V8, too, peaking at 2000rpm versus 4750rpm.

In addition, its combination of a lighter body design and a stronger engine give the Quattroporte the best power-to-weight ratio in class, with just 3.6kg for each horsepower.

These engine figures help the Quattroporte reach 100km/h in just 4.7 seconds, which is 0.3 seconds faster than the previous Sport GT S, making the new Quattroporte the fastest accelerating four-door car in Maserati's history. This also makes it 0.6 seconds faster to 100km/h than the outgoing Maserati Quattroporte S and almost a second faster than the 4.2-litre Quattroporte.

Another ground-breaking figure is the Quattroporte's top speed, comfortably breaking through the 300km/h barrier to reach 307km/h (191 mph). Again, this makes it the fastest four-door Maserati in history and second amongst all Maserati production cars behind the mighty V12-powered MC12.

However, the new engine is not just about big performance numbers or high torque. Maserati engines have always been known for their incredible throttle response and that unique Maserati sound - and this engine is no different.

The new engine generation's smaller capacity does help with the Quattroporte's handling too, but Maserati's engineers concentrated mainly on delivering the brand's traditional crisp pickup and low rotational inertia.

The most technically advanced engine ever fitted to a Maserati, the 3799cc V8, uses a pair of low-inertia, twin-scroll parallel turbos to increase its output.

Its architecture retains the over-square, free-revving nature of the outgoing V8, with a bore of 86.5mm and a stroke length of 80.8mm, and it has a slightly lower compression ratio of 9.5:1.

It has been specifically designed to deliver exceptional performance at all engine speeds, combined with lower consumption and emissions. The engine diagrams show that the V8 engine's torque is very high, even at speeds as low as 1500 rpm.

It uses high-tumble cylinder heads with four cam phasers, (doubling the number of the naturally aspirated V8), in a concept refined by Maserati Powertrain for optimal combustion control to deliver high performance and low consumption.

With hydraulically adjusted roller finger followers and two continuous cam phasers for each cylinder head, it can advance or retard the inlet and exhaust valve timing independently in real time and it also reduces friction losses compared to old valvetrain systems.

Another characteristic feature of the new Maserati engine family is the 200 bar direct fuel-injection system. This very high pressure, coupled with seven holes laser drilled oriented holes injectors and multiple injection, helps atomising the fuel directly in the combustion chamber, thus improving the fuel-air mixture and the combustion process at any engine speed.

The new V8 engine is boosted by two small parallel twin-scroll turbines, (one for each bank of four cylinders), which provide the high performance expected of a Maserati engine while reducing inertia. Maserati Powertrain focused on integrating the turbine housing into the exhaust manifold for a compact, light-weight solution.

Each turbocharger is fed by its own air-to-air intercooler. The Quattroporte has two intercoolers, each mounted low and wide of the main radiators to catch a constant supply of fresh, cool air.

The engine also uses a state-of-the-art ECU, with integral high-speed processors, which handle an array of shifting functions in real time.

Maserati Powertrain has also switched to on-demand ancillaries, with a variable displacement oil pump that works under electrical control for improved consumption and performance.

It also uses an innovative, computer-controlled alternator, which monitors the vehicle's electricity consumption and manages the alternator's workload to suit.

The engine also operates in both Normal and Sport modes, along with Manual versions of either mode, operated by elongated shift paddles fixed to the steering column.

The new Quattroporte also introduces the I.C.E. (Increased Control and Efficiency) strategy, a function aimed at reducing consumption, emissions and noise.

It is a user-select strategy and delivers a softer throttle pedal response for smooth driving, cancels the turbocharger's overboost function and keeps the exhaust's Sport flaps closed until 5000rpm. It also adjusts the gearshifts to make them softer and slower and reduces torque at each gear's take-up point.

Besides delivering the Maserati Quattroporte's peak fuel efficiency figure, the I.C.E. mode is also very useful for driving on low-grip surfaces.

V6 TWIN TURBO ENGINE AND PERFORMANCE
The Quattroporte's all-new V6 twin turbo engine is a close relation of the V8, sharing most of its core components.

With 301kW (410hp) of power at 5500rpm, it still provides a tremendously powerful driving experience, especially with 550Nm of flat torque between 1500rpm and 5000rpm. In Normal mode the torque is smoothed at 500Nm in the lower rpm range, reaching the 550Nm threshold at 5000rpm to guarantee the 301KW of maximum power.

The engine shares the V8's bore and combustion chamber design, the same valves control technology (i.e. roller finger followers and four cam phasers), the same twin turbocharging approach and direct injection-ignition system. The engine auxiliaries are identical (alternator, starter motor and power steering pump) or very similar (variable displacement oil pump).

Nonetheless it has a character of its own, revving to a lower 6500rpm maximum speed and delivering its torque level of 500rpm sooner than the V8.

While its specific power output is slightly lower than that of the V8, at 137hp per litre, its specific torque is actually higher than the larger-engined car's standard specific torque, at 183Nm per litre.
It is also a lighter car, with 1860kg in its rear-wheel drive configuration (+70kg in all-wheel drive).

In rear-wheel drive mode, it accelerates to 100km/h in 5.1 seconds, while the all-wheel drive V6 twin turbo manages the sprint in 4.9 seconds.
Both cars are still as fast as people would expect from the Maserati brand, with the rear-wheel drive's 285km/h (177mph) top speed matching the outgoing Sport GT S and the all-wheel drive V6 twin turbo reaching 284km/h (176mph).

The rear and all-wheel drive models are also very similar in their fuel consumption, with both cars posting 10.5 l/100km on the combined cycle, with the rear-wheel drive car claiming 244 grams of CO2/km and the all-wheel drive 246 grams.

EXHAUST SYSTEM
In the best Maserati tradition, the sound and performance of the Quattroporte's exhaust system is controlled by pneumatic valves in the pipes of each bank in order to maintain the classic and rich sound characteristic of the brand.

In the default Normal mode, the bypass valves are closed up to 4,200 rpm to give a comfortable and discreet engine sound.

In Sport mode, not only does the car adjust a variety of handling parameters, but the exhaust valves are opened, giving the shortest possible high-energy route for the exhaust gases. This gives the Quattroporte its maximum engine performance and the unique Maserati engine sound.

Beneath the rear bumper, the V8 version finishes its exhaust system with trapezoidal tips with two double pipes in polished steel.

DRIVETRAIN
All versions of the new Maserati Quattroporte are fitted with the ZF AT8-HP70 eight-speed automatic transmission.

Pre-engineered for both rear and all-wheel drive configurations, the transmission delivers increased comfort, faster gearshifting, reduced fuel consumption and reduced NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) values compared to the six-speed automatic in the outgoing Quattroporte.

By delivering two over-driven gears, the transmission alone delivers relevant fuel economy benefit and also weighs 4kg less than the outgoing six-speed transmission.

Befitting Maserati tradition, it features five dedicated shift modes: Auto Normal, Auto Sport, Manual Normal, Manual Sport and the I.C.E. mode (Increased Control Efficiency).

Auto Normal is the Quattroporte's default setting and performs its gear changes with fluid shifts at low engine speeds to emphasise the car's comfort and minimise fuel consumption.

The Auto Sport mode sees the transmission switch character to change gears with greater alacrity at higher engine speeds and deliver a distinct gear engagement to enhance the powertrain's sporting feel.

In both of these modes, the car recognises a variety of conditions, such as whether the car is travelling up or down hill or is braking hard or driving through a corner, and selects the best gear and the best gear-shift style accordingly.

The transmission can also be controlled manually by selecting the M button on the transmission tunnel.

In Manual Normal mode, the driver can change gear with either the elongated gearshift paddles attached to the steering column or by using the transmission lever. The driver is in charge of the gear selection, though the system will intervene and change to a lower gear if the engine revs drop too low, or change to a higher gear if the engine revs climb too high.

In Manual Sport mode, however, the gearshifts are at their fastest and crispest, giving the driver full control of the powertrain. The system will not intervene, even if the driver strikes the engine's rev limiter. It will only intervene if the engine's revs drop too low to be effective in a given gear.

The I.C.E. (Increased Control Efficiency) mode is designed for remarkable fuel economy, relaxed driving and extremely low grip conditions. The transmission changes gear as softly as possible, both going up through the gears and returning back down.

All gearshift modes can be selected via buttons on the left of the gear knob.

The Maserati Quattroporte also utilises a mechanical limited-slip differential. The asymmetric locking feature offers 35 % lock-up under power and 45 % under release.

The rear differential is driven via a two-piece, 80mm diameter steel propshaft (hollowed for weight saving) with two constant velocity joints and one head rubber coupling, for comfort improvement. The propshaft runs through a cross member-mounted rubber bearing for higher comfort in respect to vibrations and harshness levels.

The completely brand new AWD transmission is compact, efficient and light weight. The all-wheel drive system is capable of switching the powertrain torque from full rear, to split axles, rear and front, almost instantly (150ms). The smart logic of the system provides the vehicle with the optimum torque split, thus guaranteeing maximum stability in all driving conditions.

From the Quattroporte AWD you can expect maximum performance and enjoy maximum traction torque and safety: the system is able to work in team with the ESP for maximum safety even on the most slippery of surfaces, but at the same time is able to operate independently, preserving driving efficacy and sportiness within limits of safety.

The sensors in the car's body and the AWD CPUs will monitor all vehicle functioning parameters, reacting to each event specifically. The driver can monitor these functions by looking at the display where the front-rear torque split is visible. When the vehicle is running at sustained high speed, the CPU sets all the torque to the rear axle for maximum efficiency and transmission longevity, but then it is always ready to react to ensure optimum safety.

In addition, the AWD system is mechanically designed to deliver the lowest level of operating noise, and maximum performance.

CHASSIS
The chassis of the new Quattroporte has been designed to meet the performance and comfort demands of Maserati buyers, as well as all foreseeable safety regulations.

With the longest wheelbase in its class, the Quattroporte's architecture lends itself both to extreme interior comfort and an exciting handling platform.

Based around a rigid and extremely secure steel safety cell, it uses an array of different steel and aluminium alloys, each designed to maximise strength, minimise weight and retain the sports saloon's perfect weight distribution.

The front of the chassis is based around an aluminium sub frame and a reinforced cross-strut to deliver outstanding rigidity.

The choice of aluminium for the bulk of the Maserati Quattroporte's body panels guarantees the maximum occupant safety with the lowest possible weight. Accordingly, all four doors, the bonnet, the front wings and the boot lid are all made from aluminium.

Along with the freedom it allowed Maserati's designers, the choice of aluminium has also had a positive impact on reducing the Quattroporte's weight, thus lowering its fuel consumption and emissions.

Other diverse materials are also used in the Quattroporte's body, including ultra-light weight magnesium, which is used in the dashboard's cross strut.

AERODYNAMICS
The modifications to the Quattroporte body design aren't just about looks, but have also allowed for a 12% improvement in drag (Cx), now down to 0.31, and an enormous 24% reduction in lift. These figures reduce fuel consumption and increase high-speed stability.

The Quattroporte has gone through extensive aerodynamic work, most of which is out of sight, beneath the car. It has a flat floor that contains several aerodynamic features, including a NACA duct to help cool the differential without increasing drag and flaps on the rear suspension arms to channel airflows.

SUSPENSION
Double wishbone suspension layouts are a race-bred tradition at Maserati and the new Maserati Quattroporte continues with this heritage, also incorporating some new technology for greater driving precision.

The front suspension uses high-mounted, all-aluminium double wishbones to guarantee light and precise handling characteristics.

Aluminium is the dominant metal of the front suspension system with the shock towers, the upper and lower control arms and uprights all made from forged aluminium, while the springs are made of steel. All of these match up to constantly adaptive Skyhook dampers and an anti-roll bar.

The quadrilateral architecture of the system has enabled Maserati's handling team to deliver steering that is precise, communicative and comfortable.

The rear suspension employs a five-bar multi-link system, with four aluminium suspension arms, and has been developed to achieve the apparently conflicting goals of exceptional comfort and extreme sports performance.

The suspension package also uses anti-roll bars and steel springs damped by a faster and more accurate development of the Skyhook adaptive damping system. All four Skyhook dampers can be electronically controlled independently of one another.

One of the standout features of the new Quattroporte, the default Skyhook mode prioritises comfort and then becomes more sporting and athletic if the driver presses the suspension button. This extra stiffness transforms the Quattroporte's handling and was developed in both extreme test scenarios and on the race track. Essentially, it drastically reduces both lateral and longitudinal load transfers and minimises body roll to bring out the sportiest side of the Quattroporte's character.

The computer system in charge of the Skyhook dampers monitors an enormous array of parameters, including speed and lateral and longitudinal acceleration, individual wheel movements, body movement and damper dynamics.

Adjusting also to suit the suspension mode chosen by the driver, the system delivers the perfect damping mode for each wheel almost instantly.

WHEELS AND TYRES
Featuring 20-inch rims as standard equipment, the new Quattroporte is also available with either smaller 19-inch rims or larger 21-inch rims.

The 19" and 20" alloys are crafted from flow-forming technology which reduces the core thickness of the wheels and optimises light weight, without sacrificing stiffness and strength.

The 21" rim is a forged alloy wheel, which also emphasises light weight and weighs no more than the 20" rim.

All the Maserati Quattroporte's rims have been designed and engineered to enhance the visual design of the body and to lower the unsprung masses to improve grip and handling.

The 19" wheels, with 245/45 front tyres and 275/40 rear tyres, are geared towards reduced fuel consumption combined with low road noise and long, comfortable journeys.

The 20" wheels, with 245/40 front tyres and 285/35 rear tyres, are the perfect compromise between sportiness and comfort, while the 21" wheels, with a 245/35 front and 285/30 rear tyre combination, are focused on sports handling.

All three wheel sizes are available with Pirelli, Dunlop and Continental tyres. The 19" and 20" wheels can also be fitted with winter tyres.

Additionally, the Quattroporte continuously monitors its tyre pressure with a sensor mounted inside the rim, as part of the valve. The pressure can be read off the display on the dashboard. If a tyre punctures or its pressure changes, the system notifies the driver with visual and acoustic warnings.

DIMENSIONS
The new Quattroporte has grown to set size benchmarks in its class in almost every dimension. It is bigger in every significant dimension than its predecessor including delivering 105mm more rear legroom and 80 litres more luggage capacity than the outgoing Maserati Quattroporte.

Most importantly, these increases have not created a similar rise in mass, with the Quattroporte weighing almost 100 kg less than the flagship predecessor, (1900kg in V8 form).

Another vital factor is weight distribution and consequently the Quattroporte retains perfect balance with 50:50 front-to-rear weight. This is despite the forward repositioning of the fuel tank to create greater luggage space and the addition of all-wheel drive, bigger radiators and two intercoolers beneath the bonnet.

BRAKES
Maserati has continued its long lasting partnership with Brembo on the new Maserati Quattroporte and all models feature fixed-caliper braking technology.

The V8-powered models feature 380mm x 34mm ventilated and cross-drilled brake discs inside the front wheels. These brake discs continue to use the technology pioneered by Maserati, which allows the weight of the cast-iron braking surface area to be offset with an alloy hat to minimise unsprung mass. As with the V6 models, the V8's front discs are slowed by six-piston fixed alloy Brembo calipers.

The rear end of the Quattroporte V8 uses 350mm x 28mm ventilated and cross-drilled brake discs, with four-piston fixed alloy Brembo calipers.

These brakes, with an enlarged swept area and highly efficient cooling, are designed for consistent performance in sports driving situations. They are also bigger in order to respond to the demands created by the extremely high performance potential of the new Quattroporte.

The brakes on the V6 twin turbo Quattroporte models are only marginally smaller than the V8 twin turbo's brakes - 360mm x 32mm ventilated and cross-drilled brake discs, with six-piston fixed alloy Brembo calipers on the front axle and carrying over the V8 twin turbo's rear braking hardware.

However, high-performance stopping power is only one measure of overall braking performance. The collaboration with Brembo has also concentrated on evolving the acoustic comfort of the Maserati Quattroporte's braking systems.

The Quattroporte also uses an electronic parking brake, which operates on all four wheels. The ergonomically placed button on the gear lever bezel activates the brake when the car is at rest.

It can also act as a safety device when driving. In this case the system communicates with the stability control ECU and decelerates the car at 0.5g in full safety until released.

The brakes also operate as part of the Quattroporte's automatic hill starting system. The on-board sensors detect the vehicle's tilt when parked facing uphill, then lock the brakes for a few seconds; this gives the driver's foot time to move from the brake to the accelerator pedal without the vehicle rolling back.

BRAKE CALIPERS
Besides their strength and effectiveness, Maserati brake calipers have also always added a significant stylistic effect.
This continues with the new Quattroporte, with the front and rear brake calipers available in the standard classic black with the Maserati name in white.
These are also available in red, blue, silver and polished aluminium.

STEERING
The Maserati Quattroporte uses an all-new aluminium steering box, developed specifically for the new front-suspension geometry.

This has allowed Maserati's suspension engineers to deliver ultimate precision combined with the steering sensitivity needed for turning into corners at speed.

Its reduced steering ratio delivers an agility that is rare for this class of luxury saloon and while it is comfortable in all situations, the steering feel is geared towards driving enjoyment.

Avoiding electro-hydraulic steering systems, the Quattroporte employs a servo-powered hydraulic system that prevents artificial assistance when the driver turns the wheel quickly. The power assistance has also been reduced compared to the previous Maserati Quattroporte; the intention being to deliver more feedback to the driver for consistency at high speed, yet maintaining easy manoeuvring at low speed.

MASERATI STABILITY PROGRAMME
Maserati drivers have long known the benefits of the Maserati Stability Programme (MSP) and the system has evolved and improved in the new Quattroporte.

Developed in the most extreme of test circumstances, the MSP uses a wide array of sensors to detect any need to intervene on the driver's behalf.

MSP adds a layer of security on top of the new Quattroporte's inherent chassis stability which helps drivers enjoy anxiety-free handling under all driving conditions.

MSP constantly measures the Quattroporte's handling and grip and combines a host of safety and performance systems to maintain the car's ideal handling stance.

The MSP most common areas of intervention are the engine and the brakes. If skidding is detected, the MSP reduces the engine's torque output and can actuate the brakes with minute, finely varied inputs to restore the car's stability within milliseconds.

The other key systems that make up the MSP:
  • ABS - stops the wheels locking up under brakes, thereby maintaining steering control at all times.
  • EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution) - distributes braking force between the front and rear axles to prevent rear-wheel lock up.
  • ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) - stops the driven wheels from spinning in low-grip situations.
  • MSR - prevents the driven wheels from locking up when down-shifting on low-grip surfaces. It does this by measuring the speed of the driven wheels against the speed of the free wheels and accelerating the driven wheels slightly if needed.
  • BAS (Brake Apply Sensor) - uses a variety of sensors to recognise panic or emergency braking situations and increases the pressure in the braking circuit.
  • Hill Holder - automatically connects to the braking system to prevent roll back when the car moves away from rest on hills.
Read More

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

KTM X-Bow R, 2011

 
 
 
  •  KTM X-Bow R, 2011

The KTM X-Bow R has been completely revised and even if the new developments of the KTM X-Bow R are not obvious at first glance from its outward appearance, a lot of things have been changed around the carbon monocoque. The engineers did not restrict themselves to improvements to the engine. In fact there have been improvements in all other relevant components to ensure that an optimal performance can be achieved. And that is because the customers had clearly expressed their wishes that the super sports car that many of them want to take to the racing circuit weekend after weekend, should be even more extreme, even faster and even more powerful.

In 2011 the product range of the super sports car with the carbon monocoque includes the KTM X-Bow R, the most powerful version yet developed. The "R" is the result of concentrated further development of this spectacular lightweight sports car. In the rear of the "R" is a 300 hp 2.0 Liter TFSI engine from Audi with a maximum torque of 400 Nm and this ensures an unbelievable driving experience both on and off the racing circuit, because naturally the KTM X-Bow R is homologated for use on the road.

At the German premium carmaker Audi, KTM chose one of the most efficient and powerful engines with a 2.0 litre displacement. This is all about an engine block that was used by the Ingolstadt-based company for a long time in the S3 model and which generated up to 265 hp. there. It was later also used in the TT-S with 272 hp. For use in the KTM X-Bow R, the reinforced block has a bigger turbo, an altered fuel injection system and the engine electronics have been additionally updated by Bosch Engineering Group (BEG). This means that the performance not only increases to 300 hp but also the torque: to be exact 400 Nm are set free at 3,300 revs and results in a very smooth torque curve which provides impressive drive in all situations.

The was how the KTM X-Bow evolved into the 'R' but it was far from complete. For the engineers, the additional power meant that the entire periphery - from the engine mounting to the suspension had to be reviewed. And that is why, in addition to the engine, very many other parts of the vehicle were either changed or completely newly constructed.

The stay of the torque support arm has been completely changed
60 hp more - a good 25 percent - caused far more extreme forces that meet and must be absorbed on the engine mounting points on the aluminium rear frame. It was the aim of the development not simply to meet the additional burden but to strengthen the rear beyond that of the 240 hp model. The solution was to reposition the torque support arm. Up to date this had been attached to the rear frame, now it sits directly on the carbon monocoque. With this, the torsional stiffness is significantly increased, especially when accelerating out of corners and the KTM X-Bow R handles even better on the road as its "little brothers" the X-Bow Street and Clubsport.

The entire drive train unit has been lowered by 19 millimeters
By relocating the torque arm and its connection, the developers then faced another demand. The entire engine unit should be lowered to lower also the center of gravity. The initial target could be even exceeded thanks to clever construction so that the drive unit now sits lower in the rear frame by a massive 19 mm. The main effect: the vehicle's already impressively low center of gravity has been moved even further down towards the road surface so that the central center of gravity of the vehicle is lower by 15 mm. As a direct consequence even higher cornering speeds and greater lateral acceleration of more than 1.5 g is possible and the handling of the KTM X-Bow R is significantly improved.

The suspension has been significantly revised
25 percent more power, higher cornering speeds, greater G-loads. All this has resulted in a significant additional burden on the chassis, which in combination with the tires represents the final link in a long chain for achieving optimal contact with the road. The push rod suspension on the front axle, which comes directly from the Formula racing sport, but also the suspension on the rear axle has been revised. The first step was trying to reduce the friction on the wishbones of the X-Bow. For this purpose special Teflon washers have been used to reduce the friction and play, which at the same time improving the precision and the response of the suspension In addition to this the engineers devoted time to the springs and shock absorbers: stiffer springs in the front and rear suspension and new damping characteristics meant that the KTM X-Bow R is characterized by an additional increase in the handling, even more extremely exact and delicate than up to this stage of the development.

The price of the KTM X-Bow R is € 58,795 (excluding national taxes and import duties).

The standard equipment (extract)
  •     Carbon fiber racing monocoque with crash box in visible carbon fiber
  •     Audi 2.0 TFSI engine with direct fuel injection and 220 kW (300 hp)
  •     Mechanical limited slip differential
  •     Smooth surface racing underbody with a rear diffuser in aluminium composite
  •     Individually adjustable pedals
  •     Adjustable and removable multi functional steering wheel
  •     Sports suspension, adjustable in rebound and compression damping
  •     Keyless go system
  •     Painted rims
  •     4-point safety belt
  •     Special paint work in "R" design
Read More

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Kia Ceed SW, 2013

 
 
 
 
  •  Kia Ceed SW, 2013

Three months after the arrival of the stylish all-new Kia cee'd hatchback a second model joins the family - the Kia cee'd Sportswagon. Replacing the former Kia Ceed SW, it introduces a new model name which perfectly captures the new car's character: adventurous, sporty, modern and technologically advanced, but with even more of the practicality and value which made its predecessor a major success in the UK fleet and business market.

The Kia cee'd Sportswagon was revealed alongside the cee'd hatchback at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, and matches it throughout for style, quality, technology, equipment and safety. Like its predecessor, it was designed and engineered at Kia's Frankfurt design studios and technical centre, and is made at the company's Žilina plant in Slovakia. The cee'd Sportswagon is exclusively for European markets.

The Kia Ceed SW has been one of Kia's leading models in the fleet market, and this year it is outselling the hatchback among business users. With more daring styling and advanced technology features, the cee'd Sportswagon is expected to have even more widespread appeal among user-choosers.

With the fleet market so dominant, the cee'd Sportswagon will be sold exclusively in the UK with advanced and highly efficient turbodiesel engines. With their high torque outputs and low operating and running costs, they are ideally suited to the heavy loads and high mileages often inflicted on estate cars by business operators.

The entry-level 89bhp 1.4 CRDi engine develops 220Nm of torque from just 1500rpm, while the 126bhp 1.6 CRDi raises the torque output to 260Nm from only 1900rpm. Both transmissions, including the automatic offered with the 1.6-litre engine, are six-speed units, while manual-gearbox models are fitted with Kia's Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG) fuel-saving, emissions-reducing engine stop/start technology.

As a result the 1.4-litre Kia cee'd Sportswagon is capable of 67.3mpg and has CO2 emissions as low as 109g/km, which means a Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) taxation rate of 15 per cent in 2012-13. Manual 1.6-litre versions, with CO2 emissions of 116g/km, fall into the 17 per cent BIK band, and are almost as sparing in their use of fuel, with official combined economy of 64.2mpg. With prices starting at £16,895 and rising to £24,795, and low maintenance and insurance costs, the new Kia cee'd Sportswagon will be an inexpensive car to run for business motorists and fleet operators, as well as private consumers.

Practical matters
On a practical level the new Kia cee'd Sportswagon will also appeal to those looking for a stylish and capacious estate car with the smallest possible footprint. At just over 4.5 metres long the Kia cee'd Sportswagon is more compact than its major European rivals, and just 15mm longer than the cee'd SW. Yet it offers greater luggage capacity than the majority of the competition - 528 litres up to the load cover with all seats upright and 1642 litres up to the roof with the 60:40 split rear seats folded flat.

Ease of loading has also been taken into consideration. The boot floor is flush with the tailgate opening and 60:40 split rear seat bases and backrests fold to ensure a completely flat load deck. Every version of the Kia cee'd Sportswagon has an under-floor storage compartment and side load areas, a retractable luggage cover, load-securing net hooks, a boot light and a 12-volt boot-mounted power socket.

Higher-specification models also have sliding aluminium luggage area rails and straps plus a high-level luggage barrier net to secure objects and prevent them from falling into the passenger compartment. Roof rails are standard on every model so that extra cargo can be carried outside the car. The cee'd Sportswagon has a payload of up to 500kg and can tow a braked trailer of 1500kg (manual versions).

Putting the 'sports' into Sportswagon
To ensure that the cee'd Sportswagon has the lean, lithe silhouette that its name suggests, it is not only a fraction longer than the previous cee'd SW but also 10mm narrower and 40mm lower, while still managing to offer full five-seater family space. Unusually for an estate car in its class, it has different rear doors to the cee'd hatchback so that the stylish upward sweep of the lower window graphic can continue all the way to the rear of the car without making the cabin dark or claustrophobic for passengers travelling in the back.

As with the new cee'd hatchback, the wheelbase - one of the longest in class at 2650mm - is unchanged, but the track widths have increased by 17mm at the front and 27mm at the rear to give the car a sportier stance and, along with revised suspension geometry, greater high-speed stability and cornering prowess. The cee'd Sportswagon remains unusual in its class in having fully independent front and rear suspension, with inherent advantages for ride and handling. These have been honed even further in the new car.

The Kia cee'd Sportswagon has a more sporty and premium look and feel than its predecessor, emphasised by its radically different proportions. It has a more cab-forward design and a rakish, coupé-like roofline which gives it a sportier stance and greater presence. Even the Kia badge is new - simpler, sleeker and more modern, with 'Kia' script in a raised section. At the front it is now mounted on the bonnet rather than in the radiator grille - another premium-class upgrade.

No stone has been left unturned in the quest to ensure the cee'd Sportswagon is more than a match for its European rivals. Every detail of the previous model came under scrutiny. If something needed to be changed, it was. One seemingly insignificant detail is the fuel-filler flap. In the Far East and America buyers like a separate release lever inside the car, while Europeans prefer it to be linked to the central locking system so that it can be opened with just a push - so that's what you will find.

European quality, safety and technology
The improvements in quality in the cee'd Sportswagon are actual as well as perceived. The tight shutlines would not look out of place on a premium-price luxury car, while most versions have an elegant chrome window surround. The entry-level model has a chromed grille surround, while all other versions have a graphite chrome surround with a black high-gloss mesh grille.

First impressions are matched when stepping into the cabin. Soft-touch surfaces, high-quality materials and lidded storage areas, subtle red ambient lighting, tactile door grab handles and precise panel gaps combine to give the interior of the cee'd Sportswagon a solid, mature, made-from-a-mould feel. This is emphasised by the improved refinement of the latest car. Torsional body strength has been increased by 51 per cent over the previous model. The windscreen is now bonded in rather than mounted in a seal, thus shutting out more exterior noise and adding to body rigidity. There is more filling in the pillar areas, new-style weather strips around the door frames, restyled door mirrors and thicker front door glass. All play a part in adding to refinement. Even the sealing strips on the door sills have been modified to make it more difficult for noise to enter the cabin.

The stiffer bodyshell is the result of a comprehensive package of reinforcements in critical areas with the aim of making the new Kia cee'd Sportswagon not just among the most efficient in its class, but also the safest. In total, 57 per cent of the new body is made from high-tensile steel, with ultra-high-tensile steel in the B-pillar structures.

There is an i-type subframe with a more rigid front apron, dashboard and side members. Horizontal and centre tunnel supports have been added in the dash area. The A-pillars, inner door rail and upper and lower body structures have been reinforced. New transverse cross-members link the front and rear suspension mounts, while the angle of the front side crash members has been decreased for better deformation. And there is a ring-type support around the rear roof rail and tailgate opening. The cee'd Sportswagon also provides better pedestrian protection in the event of a collision, and is easier and cheaper to repair after a low-speed (9mph or lower) accident.

The extensive standard active and passive safety equipment of the previous generation cee'd SW - including Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and six airbags - has been supplemented with new features in the Sportswagon. All versions have Emergency Stop Signalling (ESS), which causes the rear brake lamps to flash in an emergency stop to alert following drivers. Depending on model, static and active cornering lights, a colour reversing camera, a Parallel Park Assist System (PPAS) which automatically steers the car into kerbside spaces and a Lane Departure Warning System are also available.

Driver and passenger comfort have also been substantially upgraded. Most models now have a Flex Steer function within the standard Motor Driven Power Steering with three settings - Comfort, Normal and Sport - so that the level of assistance can be increased when parking and decreased to make the car more stable at highway speeds.

An electronic parking brake, a heated steering wheel, automatic lights and wipers, larger vents to deliver more air to the rear footwells, dual-zone automatic air conditioning with soft and fast air-flow modes, 10-way adjustable driver's memory seat and electric lumbar support are all new features for Kia's mid-sized estate car.

The audio systems have been upgraded and are now fully integrated into the dash for a higher-quality appearance, and feature improved functionality. They incorporate Bluetooth with voice recognition in 10 languages and music streaming, iPod connectivity through the original iPod cable and 600Mb of MP3 memory within the head unit. The high-grade Audio plus Navigation system now has a 20 per cent more powerful control unit and permits voice recognition in 13 languages, full UK postcode entry when setting navigation instructions, Traffic Messaging Channel information and full phone number download from the owner's mobile telephone.

The Kia cee'd Sportswagon in the UK
The cee'd Sportswagon is available in four trim grades - named '1', '2', '3' and '4' in the now-customary Kia UK fashion - with the option of a '4 Tech' version of the cee'd Sportswagon '4'.

All models from the '1' feature a comprehensive list of standard equipment, including luggage area under-floor tray and side tray, a retractable and removable load cover, a boot light and a rear 12-volt power socket and roof rails. Also standard are electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment and a height-adjustable driver's seat, air conditioning, steering wheel-mounted controls, front electric windows with auto up and down function, daytime running lights, remote central locking, cooled glovebox, flat-folding 60:40 split rear seats, ambient front lighting, an iPod-compatible audio system with radio and CD player, USB port and Bluetooth connectivity, ESC and VSM, HAC (Hill-start Assist Control), six airbags, speed-sensitive auto door locking and alloy wheels on all 1.6-litre versions.

cee'd Sportswagon '2' adds cornering lights, LED daytime running lights and rear combination lamps, electrically folding and heated door mirrors with LED indicators and kerbside lights, leather trim on the steering wheel, gearshifter and handbrake, greater use of chrome highlights, a rear centre armrest, all-round electric windows, luggage net, cruise control with speed limiter, reversing sensors and the Flex Steer function.

cee'd Sportswagon '3' has in addition privacy glass, automatic headlights with a 'follow-me-home' function, rain-sensing front wipers with de-icing elements, a height-adjustable front passenger's seat, electric lumbar support on both front seats, black and silver seat cloth, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, dual-zone automatic air conditioning with two-step air-flow control and a seven-inch touchscreen satellite navigation with European mapping, UK postcode entry with built-in colour reversing camera.

cee'd Sportswagon '4' introduces the luggage area rail and partition system and barrier net, larger (17-inch) alloys, exterior illumination on the front door handles, black leather seats with contrasting grey inserts and three-stage heating, a heated steering wheel and electronic parking brake, an engine stop/start button and smart entry system, rear air ventilation, a premium centre console with sliding cover and a speed and multi-function LCD high-definition colour display, while the cee'd '4 Tech' is distinguished by its panoramic sunroof, 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with memory, Parallel Park Assist System including front parking sensors, Lane Departure Warning System and Xenon adaptive front lighting system with automatic levelling.

As with every Kia, the new cee'd Sportswagon comes with a fully transferable seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty.

The KIA cee'd SPORTSWAGON: BUSINESS CLASS
The Kia Ceed SW has been one of Kia's leading models in the fleet market, and this year it is outselling the hatchback four-to-one among business users. With more daring styling and advanced technology features, the new cee'd Sportswagon is expected to have even more widespread appeal among user-choosers.

The success of Kia's compact estate car in the business market has been built not just on price but also on its value-for-money specification, and this is even more evident with the more highly equipped cee'd Sportswagon.

Even the entry-level cee'd Sportswagon '1' leaves nothing to be desired. Highlights of the standard specification include electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment and a height-adjustable driver's seat, air conditioning, steering wheel-mounted controls, Bluetooth, an iPod-compatible audio system and alloy wheels on all 1.6-litre versions.

Further up the range, cornering lights, cruise control with speed limiter, reversing sensors, Flex Steer, automatic headlights and front wipers, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, a seven-inch touchscreen satellite navigation system, leather seats, a speed and multi-function LCD full colour display, a panoramic sunroof, 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with memory, a Parallel Parking Assist System, Lane Departure Warning and Xenon adaptive front lighting are fitted, depending on model.

And as with every Kia, the new cee'd Sportswagon comes with a seven-year, 100,000-mile fully transferable warranty.

With the fleet market so dominant, the cee'd Sportswagon will be sold exclusively in the UK with advanced and highly efficient turbodiesel engines. With their high torque outputs and low operating and running costs they are ideally suited to the heavy loads and high mileages often inflicted on estate cars by business operators. The 1.4-litre CRDi turbodiesel engine is new to Kia's compact estate model, while the 1.6-litre CRDi turbodiesel develops 5Nm more than that in the previous Kia Ceed SW.

Six-speed gearboxes become standard across the range. Manual-gearbox models are fitted with Kia's Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG) fuel-saving stop/start technology, which means improved fuel economy, lower CO2 emissions and a Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) taxation of 15 per cent for the 1.4 CRDi and 17 per cent for the manual 1.6 CRDi in 2012-13.

With prices starting at £16,895 and rising to £24,795, fuel economy of well over 60mpg for all manual models and low maintenance and insurance costs, the new Kia cee'd Sportswagon will be an inexpensive car to run for business motorists, fleet operators and retail customers.

Servicing
Routine servicing is needed only once a year or every 20,000 miles for both petrol and diesel versions.

Care-3 - Kia's servicing package for retail customers - is available for the cee'd Sportswagon and offers a fixed cost and inflation-proof servicing for the first three or five years. All work will be carried out by trained product technicians, using genuine Kia replacement parts and specified oils.

The Care-3 package is just £299 including VAT, which covers the first three services, while the Care-3 Plus package is £549 including VAT which covers the first five services.

Both packages are transferable should the vehicle be sold, and if a vehicle with a Care-3 package is sold on the new next owner may upgrade to the five-year service package. The cost of the vehicle's first MoT test fee can be included for an additional £30.

EUROPEAN BY DESIGN
The cee'd family is fundamental to Kia's policy of creating specific cars in and for the markets where they are sold, and the Kia Ceed SW and new cee'd Sportswagon perfectly illustrate that. While there is little or no appetite for estate cars in the Korean domestic market, Kia recognises their importance in Europe, and planned one right from the start of the design stage for the first cee'd family.

The cee'd range is designed and engineered at Kia's Frankfurt design studios and technical centre, and is made at the company's Žilina plant in Slovakia. It is sold exclusively in European markets. From the outset, it was therefore imperative that it was seen as European - not just in styling and ride and handling, or through the availability of state-of-the-art diesel engines, but also in the hundreds of small details which separate European preferences from those in other parts of the world.

Haptics - how things feel and move - and ergonomics, the placement of controls and inter-relation between them, were of paramount importance and played a large part in the design. Europeans like handwheel-type seat adjusters because they offer a fine degree of backrest angle variation, for instance, and they prefer the indicator stalk on the left of the steering column rather than the right. The cee'd designers took note of this. In Europe, quality is also as much about how things feel and look as it is about durability, so the designers also addressed these issues.

For the new cee'd range there is an even finer amount of small detail to ensure the car is in many ways more European than its European competitors. No stone has been left unturned. Every detail of the previous model came under scrutiny. If something needed to be changed, it was. One seemingly insignificant detail is the fuel-filler flap. In the Far East and America buyers like a separate release lever inside the car, while Europeans prefer it to be linked to the central locking system so that it can be opened with just a push - so that's what you will find.

In cold, hard figures, the cee'd Sportswagon is 15mm longer, 10mm narrower and - partly as a result of a 10mm reduction in ride height - 40mm lower than its predecessor. The wheelbase, one of the longest in class at 2650mm, is unchanged, but the track widths have increased by 17mm at the front and 27mm at the rear to give the car a sportier stance and, along with the revised suspension geometry, greater high-speed stability and cornering prowess.

At just over 4.5 metres long the cee'd Sportswagon is more compact than all its major European rivals, yet it offers greater luggage capacity than any of them - 528 litres up to the load cover with all seats upright and 1642 litres up to the roof with the 60:40 split rear seats folded flat. This is 10 per cent more than at least one leading European estate car.

Ease of loading has also been taken into consideration. The boot floor is flush with the tailgate opening and the 60:40 split rear seat bases and backrests fold to ensure a completely flat load deck. Every version of the cee'd Sportswagon has an under-floor storage compartment and side load areas, a retractable luggage cover, load-securing net hooks, a boot light and a 12-volt boot-mounted power socket.

Higher-specification models also have sliding aluminium luggage area rails and straps plus a luggage barrier net to secure objects and prevent them from moving around in the rear. Roof rails are standard on every model so that extra cargo can be carried outside the car. The cee'd Sportswagon has a payload of up to 500kg and can tow a braked trailer of 1,500kg (manual versions).

The most obvious change between the Kia Ceed SW and the cee'd Sportswagon is found in their proportions. The new model has a more cab-forward design and a rakish, coupé-like roofline which gives it a sportier stance and greater presence, without impinging on the original car's outstanding passenger space. Unusually for an estate car in its class, it has different rear doors to the cee'd hatchback so that the stylish upward sweep of the lower window graphic can continue all the way to the rear of the car without making the cabin dark or claustrophobic for passengers travelling in the back.

Kia's Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer says: 'We wanted to build on the strengths that have already made the first-generation model such a success, but with added emotion and character and improved proportions and stance.'

The athletic appearance of the new cee'd Sportswagon is emphasised by its significantly wider front and rear tracks and heightened by the availability of wheels of up to 17-inches in diameter, tightly encased by the stylish bodywork. With its steeply angled A-pillars, low belt line and emphatic glasshouse, the cee'd Sportswagon has something of a coupé-like profile, while the front is dominated by the latest interpretation of the Kia 'tiger-nose' grille flanked by wrap-around lamp clusters housing signature LED daytime running lights on the majority of models.

Even the Kia badge is new - simpler, sleeker and more modern, with 'Kia' script in a raised section. At the front it is now mounted on the bonnet rather than the radiator grille - another small, premium-class upgrade.

The aerodynamics have been improved so that the cee'd Sportswagon cuts through the air more efficiently at speed. The co-efficient of drag is 0.30. Even a tiny improvement in Cd brings measurable benefits in fuel economy. Kia aerodynamicists spent more than 100 hours in the wind tunnel at the company's research and development centre at Namyang, in Korea, to effect an improvement in the car's Cd.

Improvements in quality are actual as well as perceived. The tight shutlines would not look out of place on premium car, while most versions have an elegant chromed window surround. The entry-level model has a chromed grille surround, while all other versions have a graphite chrome surround with a black high-gloss mesh grille.

First impressions are matched when stepping into the cabin. The classy new key fob with metallised inserts is merely a foretaste of what is to come. Soft-touch surfaces, high-quality materials, damped sun visors and lidded storage areas, red ambient lighting, tactile door grab handles and precise panel gaps combine to give the interior of the new cee'd a solid, mature, made-from-a-mould feel. Even the operation of the tailgate has come in for scrutiny, and now features improved self-closing force.

The elevation in quality is emphasised by the improved refinement of the latest car. Torsional body strength has been increased by 51 per cent over the previous model, aided by a windscreen which is now bonded in rather than mounted in a seal, thus shutting out more exterior noise. There are new-style weather strips around the door frames, more filling in the pillar areas, restyled door mirrors and thicker front door glass. Even the sealing strips on the door sills have been modified to make it more difficult for noise to enter the cabin.

The driver-centric dashboard layout features intuitive controls clearly grouped, with superb attention to detail. Kia's familiar three-dial sporty instrument layout is enhanced by a speed and multi-function LCD full colour display on the '4' and '4 Tech' versions, while trim level '3' and above have the Audio and Navigation system with seven-inch touchscreen and built-in reversing camera.

There are newly shaped seats offering greater side support, with 10-way power-adjustment and memory on the driver's side in the '4 Tech'. Fin-style door grab handles, an asymmetric centre console surround framing a deep storage area, bright chrome highlights in the majority of models, soft-touch surfaces and padded door trims and storage boxes all attest to the attention to detail and enhanced quality of the cee'd Sportswagon.

In the UK the car is available with a choice of seven exterior colours, depending on version. The interior of cee'd Sportswagon '1' is trimmed in black 'Abstract' cloth, cee'd Sportswagon '2' is in black and silver 'Oval' cloth and cee'd Sportswagon '3' has either black or stone cloth - dependent on exterior colour, with a contrasting Mesh design and faux leather inserts. cee'd Sportswagon '4' and '4 Tech' have black leather upholstery with grey inserts.

RANGE FINDER
The new cee'd Sportswagon is available in four trim grades - named '1', '2', '3' and '4' in the now-customary Kia UK fashion - with the option of a '4 Tech' version of cee'd Sportswagon '4'.

All models from the '1' feature a comprehensive list of standard equipment, including luggage area under-floor tray and side tray, a retractable and removable load cover, a boot light and a rear 12-volt power socket. Also standard are electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment and a height-adjustable driver's seat, air conditioning, steering wheel-mounted controls, front electric windows, projection headlights, daytime running lights, remote central locking, a cooled glovebox, a flat-folding 60:40 split rear seat, ambient front lighting, an iPod-compatible audio system with radio and CD player, USB port and Bluetooth connectivity, ESP and VSM, HAC (Hill-start Assist Control), six airbags, speed-sensitive auto door locking and alloy wheels on all 1.6-litre versions.

cee'd Sportswagon '2' adds cornering lights, LED daytime running lights and rear combination lamps, electrically folding and heated door mirrors, leather trim on the steering wheel, luggage net, gearshifter and handbrake, greater use of chrome highlights, a rear centre armrest, all-round electric windows, cruise control with speed limiter, reversing sensors and the Flex Steer function.

cee'd Sportswagon '3' has in addition privacy glass, automatic headlights with a 'follow-me-home' function, rain-sensing front wipers with de-icing elements, a height-adjustable front passenger's seat, electric lumbar support on both front seats, dual-zone automatic air conditioning with two-step air-flow control and a seven-inch touchscreen satellite navigation with European mapping, full UK postcode entry and built-in colour reversing camera system.

cee'd Sportswagon '4' introduces the luggage area rail and partition system and barrier net, larger (17-inch) alloys, exterior illumination on the front door handles, black leather seats with contrasting grey inserts and three-stage heating, a heated steering wheel and electronic parking brake, an engine stop/start button and smart entry system, rear air ventilation, a premium centre console with sliding cover and a speed and multi-function LCD full colour display, while the cee'd '4 Tech' is distinguished by its panoramic sunroof, 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with memory, Parallel Parking Assist System including front parking sensors, Lane Departure Warning System and Xenon adaptive front lighting with automatic levelling.

THE TECHNICAL STORY
From the outset the entire cee'd range has been roundly praised for its smooth and torquey engines, European driving dynamics - aided by the comparative rarity in the C-segment of independent multi-link rear suspension where most rivals have a simple twist beam - and refined driving manners. But Kia is not a company to rest on its laurels. Every single aspect of the powertrains, running gear and noise suppression measures has come under scrutiny to see if it could be made better. The result is a comprehensive package of changes that has made the performance, economy, driveability, ride and handling and NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) of the cee'd Sportswagon better than that of its predecessor.

With the fleet market so important to sales of Kia's compact estate car, the cee'd Sportswagon will be sold exclusively in the UK with advanced and highly efficient turbodiesel engines. With their high torque outputs and low operating and running costs they are ideally suited to the heavy loads and high mileages often inflicted on estate cars by business operators.

Completely revised suspension and steering geometry and tuning have preserved the outstanding handling of the Kia Ceed SW while adding greater finesse to the ride of the Sportswagon. A variable-assistance Flex Steer system is standard on the majority of models, allowing greater personalisation and a set-up to suit any owner, whether the car is being driven in crowded town streets or on fast highways. There has been a major step forward in NVH, too, thanks to a minutely detailed inspection of all areas of the car. The outcome of all this is that the cee'd Sportswagon is more enjoyable to drive and quieter to ride in and has a more mature, more premium feel.

The engines
Two engines - 1.4- and 1.6-litre turbodiesels from the European-designed and European-made U2 range - are available in the new cee'd Sportswagon. Both are 16-valve double overhead camshaft units with a cast-iron block and bedplate and an aluminium oil pan. The 1.4-litre unit has a wastegate turbocharger while the 1.6 features a variable geometry turbocharger which adjusts the flow of exhaust gases by altering the angle of the turbo vanes according to engine requirements to raise performance while reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The 1.6 also has variable swirl control. This increases swirl at low-to-mid loads to reduce emissions and decreases it at high loads to maximise power.

Both now deliver better low-speed performance. An improved electronic control unit reduces noise and emissions by optimising the amount of fuel injected and the injection time. Up to five injections per cycle at a maximum pressure of 1600 bar are possible. A plastic oil filter housing and intake manifold help to improve refinement

All manual versions of the cee'd Sportswagon have Kia's Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG) engine stop/start system to cut fuel consumption and CO2 emissions to zero when at rest in traffic.

The 1.4-litre (1,396cc) CRDi engine develops 89bhp at 4000rpm and 220Nm of torque between 1,500 and 2,750rpm. This is sufficient to ensure sprightly performance with excellent driveability through a six-speed manual gearbox. The 0-60mph dash takes 13.4 seconds and the top speed is 106mph. Yet with fuel economy of 67.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 109g/km, retail buyers pay only £20 in Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) in year two, with nothing to pay in the first year, while business users enjoy a 15 per cent Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) taxation rating.

The 1.6-litre U2 engine is available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox. In manual form with ISG, CO2 emissions are 116g/km. That means a BIK rate of 17 per cent. Fuel economy is 64.2mpg. It delivers excellent performance even when fully laden, with 0-60mph acceleration in only 10.8 seconds on the way to a top speed of 120mph. For buyers who prefer the convenience of an automatic gearbox, Kia offers the 1.6 CRDi with a six-speed torque converter transmission in place of the four-speed unit which was available with the Kia Ceed SW. This brings down CO2 emissions from 154g/km to 149g/km and raises fuel economy by almost 2mpg to 50.4mpg. The diesel automatic version of the new cee'd Sportswagon can accelerate from 0-60mph in 11.7 seconds and has a top speed of 115mph.

EcoDynamics and ISG
All versions of the new cee'd Sportswagon feature Kia's EcoDynamics fuel-saving, CO2-reducing technologies, while manual models have ISG, Kia's engine stop/start system. A gearshift indicator on manual models advises the driver of the most efficient change-up points. Kia has also developed a kick-down switch for the accelerator to prevent unintentional full use. A small resistance felt through the accelerator pedal at full load helps drivers to avoid excessive fuel consumption, without impairing responsiveness when maximum power is needed. Other innovative technologies as part of the EcoDynamics package include a power-saving alternator management system, Motor Driven Power Steering and low rolling resistance tyres - fitted to the 15" wheels - which are 14 per cent more efficient than standard tyres.

ISG consists of crankshaft position, battery and vacuum sensors plus neutral, on-off and clutch switches that feed into an electronic control unit. This operates the ISG starter, intelligent alternator and cluster. The air conditioning units and bonnet switch also feed into the ISG ECU.

The crankshaft position sensor measures the crank angle during engine run-out and monitors it while the vehicle is stopped, ensuring the starter is activated for as short a time as possible by optimising cranking and combustion. The battery sensor monitors the battery condition and temperature, while the clutch and neutral switches recognise when the driver wishes to continue driving and ensures the engine is started. There is a brake booster pressure sensor to make sure the engine continues to operate if brake boost falls too low.

A new heavy-duty maintenance-free AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery delivers the power necessary to run the system, and intelligent alternator management reduces drain on the battery while accelerating and recharges the battery when coasting and braking.

All the driver has to do is stop, put the car into neutral and lift his or her foot off the clutch. After a brief pause, the engine cuts out. It restarts as soon as the driver pushes the clutch. The system has been engineered not to stop the engine during warm-up from a cold start or if the air conditioning system is working hard. Drivers can also manually turn off the ISG system through a switch on the dashboard.

Transmissions
Six-speed gearboxes are standard with every version of the new cee'd Sportswagon. The six-speed manual gearboxes familiar from other models in the Kia range feature detailed modifications to improve shift quality.

The 1.6-litre U2 turbodiesel engine is available with six-speed torque converter automatic with improved shifting and functionality. It replaces the four-speed gearbox in the Kia Ceed SW. This ensures considerably stronger performance and driveability with more relaxed cruising and improvements in both fuel economy and emissions.

This innovative and intelligent transmission is the most compact six-speed unit in the world, helped by a unique flat torque converter which alone saves 12mm in packaging. The number of moving parts has also been kept to a minimum. All of this helps to ensure weight is kept to a minimum.

It features three planetary gearsets and four pinion differentials. A cleverly designed hydraulic pressure control unit allows the solenoid valves to be individually calibrated at the assembly plant in Korea, ensuring ultra-fast, smooth and precise gearchanges. It also incorporates Neutral Control, which shifts from D (Drive) to N (Neutral) after the car has been stationary for a few seconds to save fuel.

Drive selection is performed via a sophisticated new straight-type lever with a smart rubber gaiter in place of the open stepped gate with the Kia Ceed SW. All the driver has to do is push a button at the side of the selector and it glides into the required spot. It is not only easier to use than the previous selector, but adds an extra premium look and feel to the cabin.
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