Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Lexus IS, 2014

Lexus IS, 2014Lexus IS, 2014
 Lexus IS, 2014Lexus IS, 2014
 Lexus IS, 2014
Lexus IS, 2014

The all-new Lexus IS model range made its European debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.
Driving performance is considered the single most important element of sport sedan ownership by D-premium segment customers. In conjunction with a dramatic new design featuring the Lexus spindle grille, the new IS has been engineered to provide outstanding dynamic capabilities and driving experience.

The new Lexus IS showcases an all-new interior that combines all the refinement and quality expected of any Lexus, with a more sporting, focused driver's environment, a significant improvement in rear seat space for best-in-class roominess, and a larger, more convenient luggage compartment.

A Resolute Look
The dramatic design, sleek surfacing and tight, sporting proportions of the all-new IS perfectly reflect the significant advances made to the dynamic capabilities and driving performance of the Lexus premium compact sedan.

At 4,665 mm overall, the new Lexus IS is 80 mm longer and 10 mm wider than its predecessor. The front overhang has increased by just 10 mm, and the wheelbase has been extended by 70 mm to 2,800 mm.

The new generation GS, ES and LS models, the all-new IS features the sophisticated dynamism of the Lexus spindle grille frontal design, awarding the compact sedan a combination of aggressive elegance, a more powerful road presence and a stronger brand identity.

The new, powerfully articulated headlamp is underscored by Lexus trademark L-shaped LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) located independently below the cluster, giving the new IS a unique, highly distinctive visual signature.

In profile, the strong horizontal beltline creates the impression of larger rear tyres and a lowered centre of gravity. The mass of the cabin itself appears to be concentrated rearwards, visually applying weight to the rear tyres to enhance the perception of traction. A rising crease line flowing from the lower body, through the rear wheel arch and into the rear lamp clusters adds further dynamism to the sweeping elegance of the sedan's sporting profile.

The clean, elegant, coupe-like lines of the new IS are further enhanced by a rear wheel arch hemming treatment which gives the tyre greater prominence by allowing it to be placed 5 mm further outboard and closer to the wheel arch, and a laser-brazed roof structure which joins the roof and side members without the need for an unsightly roof drip moulding.

The Interior Design
The clean, horizontal theme of the new Lexus IS interior design is bisected by the strong upward sweep of the centre console, creating a snug, focused, ergonomically ideal environment from within which the driver can fully exploit the new Lexus compact sedan's superb driving dynamics.

The newly designed, quilted driver's seat offers greater comfort and better lateral support. The seat hip point has been lowered by 20 mm. The new, LFA-inspired, 3-spoke, 370 mm diameter steering wheel features a new paddle shift switch shape for easier, more accurate operation, and improved ergonomics to the wheel-mounted switchgear.

The angle of the wheel has been lowered 3 degrees, and steering reach adjustment has been increased by 23 mm, creating a more sporting driving position.

With 50 mm of its 70 mm longer wheelbase dedicated to increased rear seat space and 20 mm dedicated to increased luggage capacity, the new, 10 mm wider IS offers rear seat occupants significantly increased levels of comfort. The combination of extended wheelbase and a thinner front seat design generates an 85 mm increase in knee room for the new, 60:40 split/folding seats. And a 20 mm increase in the gap between the B pillar and the front corner of the seat improves accessibility.

Throughout the interior, high quality materials and finishes convey contemporary, premium look and feel, with a level of craftsmanship and attention to detail for which Lexus is globally renowned. Soft touch finishes abound, including knee pads either side of the centre console for increased driver and front passenger comfort.

The new IS follows the GS and LS in adopting a Drive Mode Select system, with meter illumination and multi-information display design changing from blue to red in sports driving modes, along with the switching of the hybrid system indicator to a tachometer in the IS 300h.

Dual-zone Air Conditioning with Electrostatic Switches
The new IS features a dual-zone air conditioning system with touch-sensitive, electrostatic switches to control the air conditioning temperature. Sliding a finger up or down the bar shaped switch allows for temperature adjustment in 0.5 degree increments. Temperature can also be adjusted by simply pressing the top or bottom half of the switch or the arrow markings.

Advanced Multimedia Systems
Two types of multimedia system are available for use in conjunction with the high-resolution 7" full colour display, Lexus Display Audio (LDA) and Electro Multi Vision Navigation (EMVN).

The EMVN system is operated via a second generation Lexus Remote Touch Interface (RTI) multi-function control device, which has been enhanced for increased user-friendliness and ease of operation.

iPod functionality and interface quality has been enhanced; via USB port connectivity, the iPod menu can now be driven from the vehicle's steering wheel control switches, and album cover art displayed on the 7" multimedia screen.

Premium Sound System
The new Lexus IS is fitted with a sound system representing the next generation of realism and clarity in Lexus sound. It features a fully digital, Class-D, 6 or 8 channel amplifier capable of creating virtually distortion-free sound with minimal voltage losses. The natural sound dynamics and rich harmonies generated by the high definition amplification are faithfully reproduced by an enhanced, 6 or 8-speaker layout which features a new, 55 mm wide-range tweeter.

Mark Levinson Premium Surround System
Available with the new IS's EMVN system, the Mark Levinson Premium Surround System creates sound based on the concepts of Effortless Dynamics and Effortless Transient Response, which combine natural dynamics with high response and tracking performance to offer sound quality equivalent to that of a live, concert hall performance.

Using the same technologies as those found in top-end home audio systems, it features a 12 channel fully digital Class-D amplifier generating a total output of 835 Watts through 15 Green Edge TM high-efficiency loudspeakers. A new Auto Volume system automatically adjusts system volume for each song being played to ensure consistent volume levels and full audibility for even the quietest passages of music.

Developing twice the volume for the same power consumption, Green Edge TM power-saving technology has been incorporated into each of the 15 speakers. Green Edge TM technology covers a wider frequency band than conventional systems, giving an enhanced dynamic range.


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Monday, March 24, 2014

BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo, 2014

 
 
 
 
 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo, 2014

The BMW 5-Series Sedan currently rolling off the assembly line is the sixth-generation model. An impressively harmonious balance between sporting flair and elegance has been a defining feature of the four-door variant since it first made the leap from the drawing board to the road and went on to become the most popular executive car in one market after the next. Entering the fray in 1991 and now in its fourth generation, the BMW 5-Series Touring blends hallmark BMW dynamics and all-embracing comfort with a variable-usage cargo area designed to meet the requirements of a wide range of activities. And the BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo, unveiled in 2009, has seen BMW introduce drivers to an all-new type of car. Its extravagant design represents the expression of sports performance, luxurious long-distance comfort and versatility.

Global market leader: BMW 5-Series defends its leading position in the world's car markets

The quality and popularity of the BMW 5-Series are reflected in the host of prizes and distinctions awarded to the members of the model family around the world. In early 2013 the BMW 5-Series secured class victory - for the third year in succession - in the readers' survey "The Best Cars" conducted by the German motoring magazine "auto, motor und sport". This success came not long after the BMW 520d EfficientDynamics Edition with BMW BluePerformance technology had been voted "Car of the Future" and awarded the ADAC automobile association's "Yellow Angel". The BMW 5-Series as a whole had been named "Germany's favourite car" in the same competition in 2011.

Design and body: Timeless elegance, cutting-edge functionality and made-to-measure luxury

Instantly captivating and enduringly compelling, the aesthetic qualities of the BMW 5-Series models have secured sales success around the globe and a wealth of awards and distinctions. "We haven't completely redesigned the BMW 5-Series, we've just given its character a slightly sharper sporting edge," says exterior designer Won Kyu Kang, describing the modifications made to the BMW 5-Series Sedan and BMW 5-Series Touring.

The BMW 5-Series Sedan and BMW 5-Series Touring: sporting contours for the front end, xenon headlights as standard

Sporting elegance is the standout characteristic of the BMW 5-Series Sedan and BMW 5-Series Touring. Their design is defined by the hallmark BMW proportions created by a long bonnet, long wheelbase, short overhangs and set-back passenger compartment. At the front end, additional contour lines for the BMW kidney grille surround and the restructured lower air intake accentuate the car's sporting appearance. All the variants of the new BMW 5-Series model family are fitted with xenon headlights as standard.

Joining the LED fog lamps on the options list are Adaptive LED Headlights. Here, both the dipped and main beams are generated by LED units positioned on horizontal ribs in the centre of the two light rings, which are levelled off at the bottom. Sweeping chrome inserts with engraved BMW lettering add the finishing touches to the distinctive and extremely high-class appearance of the Adaptive LED Headlights. The side indicators are now integrated into the exterior mirrors on all new BMW 5-Series models. And the Sedan and Touring have newly structured rear lights with particularly thin and strikingly contoured LED light strips. These lights and an additional crease in the rear apron emphasize the wide track of both models.

New BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo: powerful presence at the front, dynamic elegance at the rear

The BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo combines signature BMW proportions with an innovative body concept. The elegantly stretched coupé roof line, four doors with frameless windows and a high-opening tailgate exude sporting intent, luxurious long-distance comfort and extensive variability. Carefully targeted modifications to the car's design shine an even brighter spotlight on its unmistakable character, which meets the highest standards across an extremely wide spectrum.

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