Subaru VIZIV-2 Concept, 2014

 

 

 

 Subaru VIZIV-2 Concept, 2014

The VIZIV-2 is a next generation crossover concept inspired by the phrase 'Vision for Innovation' and has been created to show how advanced technology can further improve the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Subaru driving experience, while indicating at a possible future design direction for Subaru's production vehicles.

The 4.4-metre long VIZIV-2 concept has been designed asthe ideal vehicle to support urban families with active lifestyles, powered by a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel 'DIT' (Direct-Injection Turbo) Boxer engine, plus three electric motors.

The Design
With its large stretched 'C' shaped headlamps and prominent round LED fog lights, the VIZIV-2 presents the image of an active crossover with a solid body form, polished surfaces and an impression of rigidity that expresses Subaru's legendary safety and security.

The core hexagonal shape of the body is present in the front grille and is repeated at the rear where the combination lamps are styled to make the car appear wider. In profile, the powerful flanks pose in a dynamic stance, coupled with robust bumpers that feature Subaru's characteristic cladding and vectoring lamps to highlight the car's stability and Subaru's AWD system. The concept car is finished in Magnetite Silver Metallic.

The inside, VIZIV-2 features a cabin which inspires a dynamic, enjoyable driving experience. The interior space encapsulates function, safety and enjoyment with an authenticity that is uniquely Subaru. Viewed from the driver's seat, the instrument cluster design stresses drivability and ease-of-use, showing the operating status for EyeSight, Subaru's advanced driver assistance system, and the vehicle's multi-directional sensing systems.

The Powertrain
Building on more than 40 years' experience of its hallmark AWD technology, Subaru's new independent rear motor-driven Symmetrical AWD system developed for VIZIV-2 points to a future generation of Subaru AWD technology.

While the diesel engine and front electric motor power the front wheels, at the rear two independent motors allow the same or different levels of torque to be applied to the left and right rear wheels, depending on driving conditions. A third motor powers the front wheels, with power provided by a lithium-ion battery pack. Completing the plug-in hybrid powertrain, the four-cylinder 1.6-litre DIT diesel engine is coupled with a Lineartronic (CVT) automatic transmission.

Besides helping acceleration and performance in all conditions, this ground-breaking AWD system employs torque vectoring to improve stability and agility - minimising understeer by reducing power to the inside wheel and increasing power to the outside wheel. It ensures ease and confidence on the road and provides a new level of driving enjoyment, while increasing the active safety performance typical of every AWD Subaru model.

This unique system automatically selects the best time to use each power unit according to its strengths and the driving conditions, achieving greater fuel efficiency and maximum stability and safety. The generous torque generated by the diesel engine and the electric motors ensures strong, linear acceleration and responsive performance in the best traditions of a Subaru.

During low-speed or city driving, the front and rear motors supply much of the vehicle's propulsion, while the diesel engine and high-efficiency Lineartronic take over at higher speeds. The VIZIV-2's auto start/stop system and its multiple charging methods - engine power generation, regenerative braking and plug-in charging - further improve efficiency.

The VIZIV-2 features a new variation of Subaru's SI-DRIVE driving control system, Hybrid SI-DRIVE, which allows the driver to select different profiles for the engine and transmission. To the original system's 'Intelligent' and 'Sports' modes, this adds an 'Eco-Cruise' mode which works in conjunction with the EyeSight driver assist system. Travel conditions, monitored by the EyeSight's stereo camera, are continuously assessed and the data is used to fine-tune the engine and motor outputs in order to reduce fuel consumption and minimise emissions, while ensuring a safe and rewarding driving experience.

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SsangYong Korando, 2014

 

 

 

SsangYong Korando, 2014

SsangYong Korando gets a makeover inside and out, and enhanced driving refinement for 2014. Externally, the front receives an all-new treatment - a slimmed down, black mesh radiator grille, more contemporary headlights and a wider, low level air intake are the principal enhancements. The new headlight units now comprise projection lamps and LED daytime running lights for increased visibility and safety, surrounded by a stylish black and aluminium bezel. Further illumination is provided on the ELX4 model with neat round fog lamps set discreetly within the lower bumper.

At the rear, the design changes are focused on enhanced style with detail improvements such as the rear light cluster, which now includes LED lights for improved visibility.

There are new designs for both the 16-inch and 17-inch wheels, and three new exterior colours - Sunrise red, Cosmic blue and Carbonic grey as well as Space black, Grand white and Silent silver.

The interior of the car has also been given a significant re-design, and now combines an attractive and comfortable ambiance for the driver and passengers alike. There is a completely redesigned dashboard featuring soft-touch materials for a greater sense of luxury, complemented by natural matt wood grain insets, and abundant storage space that includes enlarged cup holders, a mobile phone tray and flip-down sunglasses tray.

The new SsangYong Korando is powered by a modern yet well-proven 2.0-litre Euro 5 engine. The top of the range ELX4 automatic is matched with the powerful, smooth and efficient 175ps e-XDi200 diesel engine with a maximum power output of 175ps/4000rpm and peak torque of 360Nm/2,000-3,000rpm. Models featuring manual transmission get the 149ps e-XDi200 engine which delivers the same maximum power and peak torque as the automatic, and is perfect for lively driving as well as for going off-road and towing.

SsangYong Korando offers two transmissions: a 6-speed manual with high fuel efficiency and smooth gear shifting, and a 6-speed automatic with optimum gear ratios for smooth, comfortable driving.

The great advances in reducing NVH (noise, vibration & harshness) have been made to this new car, with particular attention focused on its engine mountings. Stronger, reinforced mounting brackets are used which effectively reduce engine noise levels by up to 9.3%. SsangYong Korando is fitted with Macpherson struts to the front and multi-link suspension to the rear to provide excellent ride comfort, and the three point mountings to the rear axle effectively minimise noise and vibration. New rubber bushes have been fitted to the car's reinforced sub frames, further helping to minimise intrusive vibration and noise from the road surface and engine.

3 of the 4 new models come with four wheel drive, and unlike its competitors a very high percentage of customers choose their SsangYong Korando with 4x4, an intelligent and advanced all-wheel drive (AWD) system based on SsangYong's highly regarded four wheel drive technology and years of experience. The torque-on-demand system senses the road surface and driving conditions and distributes the power to the wheels that need it most.

Under normal driving conditions, 100 per cent of the engine's torque is delivered to the front wheels so that the car runs with optimised fuel efficiency. On icy or slippery roads or when driving on wet off-road conditions, power is distributed to both the front and rear wheels to ensure a safe, stable and dependable drive. The technology also works perfectly to give a smooth and safe departure when driving away from a standstill on a steep slope, while a lock mode distributes power equally between the front and rear wheels at speeds below 25mph to optimise traction.

With a ground clearance of 180mm, an approach angle of 22.8 degrees, 28.2 degree departure angle and a ramp angle of 18.5 degrees, the new Korando is as at home off-road as it is on the road, and a highly capable off-roader.

In conjunction with the standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with emergency brake assist and four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), the four-wheel drive system provides the best possible grip and control whatever the conditions. Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Active Roll-over Protection (ARP) also feature.

The new SsangYong Korando offers the practicality and convenience of an SUV and the creature comforts of a saloon car. Its generous proportions and wide interior space make this the perfect vehicle for both everyday use and leisure activities. In the rear, there's sufficient shoulder room for three adults to travel in complete comfort. The seat back - which splits 60:40 - can be reclined up to 17.5 degrees, while the flat floor and generous legroom make it ideal for long journeys. Lift the tailgate and you'll find one of the largest load areas in this SUV sector (486 litres with the seats up and 1,312 litres when folded). The rear seats fold completely flat, while there's also an under-floor tray for storing valuables out of sight.

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Seat Leon Cupra, 2014

 Seat Leon Cupra, 2014

Fascinating dynamics, state-of-the-art technology, stunning design matched with compelling efficiency and perfect everyday usability - the new Seat Leon Cupra embodies the SEAT brand values in the best possible way. With up to 206 kW / 280 PS, the new Cupra is not only the clear top model in the very successful Leon family, it is also the brand's most powerful series-production car. And the fastest - the drive and the chassis of the Leon Cupra guarantee precision driving fun of the highest order. With its extensive equipment and excellent quality, the new Cupra offers exceptionally good value-for-money. Right from the start, the Leon Cupra will be offered as a five-door and as the Leon SC Cupra Sport Coupé with three doors.

A concentrated package of hi-tech guarantees the enormous performance of the new Cupra. At the top is the all-new 2.0 TSI engine with dual injection and variable camshaft timing. Depending on the version, it delivers an output of 195 kW / 265 PS or 206 kW / 280 PS. The DCC dynamic chassis control, the front differential lock, the progressive steering, the Cupra Drive Profile and the standard-fit full-LED headlamps are further examples of its state-of-the-art technologies.

With the new Seat Leon Cupra, a success story is moving onto the next level. The first generation was launched in 1996 with the Ibiza, since when the dynamic Cupra models have developed to become the icons of the SEAT brand. Now Cupra comes as a 3-door Leon for the first time.

The Drive-top performance
Cupra stands for power, performance, dynamics - and the new Leon Cupra fulfils all these promises perfectly. The Cupra 280 with optional DSG transmission, the brand's top model catapults from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds, and in 5.8 seconds with the manual gearbox (Leon SC). The regulated top speed of 250 km/h is a matter of course. The maximum torque of 350 Newton metres across the wide range of 1,750 to 5,300 rpm guarantees impressive pulling power in every situation. And the Cupra with 195 kW / 265 PS and a maximum torque of 350 Newton metres is no more than a fraction slower. Its acceleration time stands at 5.9 seconds with manual transmission and 5.8 seconds with DSG (Leon SC).

The Hi-tech engine components
As a true sports engine, the 2.0 TSI reacts spontaneously to every movement of the gas pedal and is deliciously high revving - paired with a rich and refined sound that is aided and modulated by a sound actuator. The all-new power unit with its exceptionally responsive turbocharger is packed full with hi-tech and groundbreaking features - in the dual-injection system, the gasoline direct injection is complemented under partial load by manifold injection. Its optimum set-up reduces fuel consumption and particulate emissions. Cylinder fill is always in the optimum range - the camshafts are adjustable, with the valve lift system regulating opening on the exhaust side. The exhaust manifold is integrated into the cylinder head and is part of the intelligent thermal management system. A new kind of coating on the aluminium pistons and the bearings keeps friction to a minimum. The Cupra efficiency package also includes the start/stop system and brake energy regeneration.

The Chassis - hi-tech for precision and dynamics
Cupra has always been synonymous with outstanding dynamics, precise agility and amazing sporting character. The new Leon Cupra, however, manages to set the bar a good deal higher - in every dimension. With the DCC dynamic chassis control, front-axle differential lock and progressive steering all fitted as standard, the new Leon Cupra achieves considerably faster laps on the track than its already impressive predecessor. At the same time, it is significantly more relaxed to drive, with a surprisingly refined level of comfort even on long motorway journeys. Safe and reliable deceleration comes courtesy of the Cupra-specific, high-performance brake system, recognisable by its red callipers.

The DCC dynamic chassis control
The key fundamentals of the dynamics are low weight and a stiff structure. The systematic lightweight design of the new Leon family is also evident on the Cupra. Despite considerably improved equipment, the new generation weighs 55 kilograms less than its comparable predecessor. The new generation of the DCC dynamic chassis control developed specifically for the Cupra is even more sensitive and responsive, adapting the chassis characteristics to the prevailing conditions in a matter of milliseconds. The same applies to the driver's preferences - the Cupra Drive Profile permits extensive individualisation of the ride.

The Front-axle differential lock
The new front-axle differential lock significantly improves the traction and handling of this front-wheel drive car. The system uses a multi-plate package that is hydraulically actuated and electronically controlled. The maximum locking force is 1,600 Newton metres and, in extreme cases, 100 percent of the drive can be sent to one wheel. The differential lock is integrated into all the handling systems like ESP and EDS. It improves not only the traction, but also eliminates torque steer. Furthermore, its sensitive control has no negative impact on steering feel.

The Progressive steering
Also included as standard equipment, the progressive steering improves the agile handling of the new Leon Cupra. The driver experiences a precise and relaxed steering feel, less steering movement is required, reducing the number of grip changes, especially in cornering or parking manoeuvres. The steering in the new Leon Cupra works with a progressive ratio through variable toothing on the rack.

The ESP handling system has been further developed specifically for the Cupra and enables a very sporty driving style with full retention of safety functionality. For extremely dynamic use, such as on a race track, it can also be deactivated in two stages - the first stage deactivates the traction control and puts the ESP into sport mode, permitting greater yaw angles. The second stage deactivates the ESP completely.

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