Lincoln Navigator, 2015

 

 

 Lincoln Navigator, 2015

The Lincoln Motor Company introduced the new 2015 Navigator, offering a fresh interpretation of a classic vehicle that has long defined the full-size luxury sport utility segment.

At the 2014 Chicago Auto Show, the public will get its first look at a new Lincoln Navigator that takes on a changed presence for the 2015 model year. Exterior design changes are accentuated by the reintroduction of Lincoln's iconic split-wing grille. Interior enhancements include luxurious leather and additional customer-focused technologies. The more refined appearance complements enhanced power and hauling capabilities that Navigator customers demand.

The sleeker front end includes a newly designed hood, and the reimagined back end features a power up/down tailgate. On both ends, the vehicle wears jewel-like light-emitting diode (LED) lights, as well as high-intensity discharge (HID) adaptive headlamps with LED accents.

Lincoln Navigator comes standard with 20-inch, machined aluminum wheels, while Reserve Package vehicles are equipped with 22-inch, polished aluminum wheels. Reserve Package Navigators also offer optional chrome-accented running boards.

Luxuriously appointed interior
Navigator has long been synonymous with large-scale luxury. On the 2015 Navigator, the Reserve Package introduces a new level of luxury to the vehicle's interior, providing customers with:

• An updated cabin that extends ultra-luxurious leather to all three rows of seats, as well as to the armrests, center console and transmission shifter
• A hand-wrapped, leather instrument panel with contrast stitching and leather glove box door
• Premium Ziricote wood trim, a luxurious natural-grain wood new to the automotive industry, most commonly used as an accent in yachts

Lincoln Navigator comes standard with the new Lincoln steering wheel, introduced on the recently revealed MKC premium small utility. The Wollsdorf leather-wrapped, wood-trimmed wheel features a thicker grip and softer touch for a more dynamic driving experience.

Designed to seat up to eight people, Navigator offers buyers second-row options that include two captain's chairs, with or without a center console, or a fold-flat bench. Due in part to Lincoln Navigator's patented independent rear suspension, which allows for true fold-flat, PowerFold® third-row seats, extended-length and standard wheelbase models are projected to deliver segment-leading cargo volume.

Extended-length models provide 128.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row, 86.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, and 42.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row; standard wheelbase models deliver 103.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row, 54.4 cubic feet behind the second row, and 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row.

A smoother, more powerful ride
Replacing the 5.4-liter V8 that has powered Navigator for years is a more powerful and fuel-efficient 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine.

The twin turbocharged, direct injection engine is projected to deliver at least 370 horsepower and 430 lb.-ft. of torque, according to preliminary test data. Final numbers will be available closer to production. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost is also projected to deliver best-in-class towing.

Lincoln Navigator features a six-speed automatic transmission with Lincoln's SelectShift, which allows the driver to manually control gears if desired. The vehicle is available in both four-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive configurations. The available Control Trac Four-Wheel-Drive system enhances traction on slippery surfaces, helps improve handling on dry roads and enables off-road capability.

Helping make this the best-handling Lincoln Navigator ever is the addition of standard electric power-assisted steering. This allows for more consistent and precise control of the vehicle through a range of speeds while simultaneously making it easier to maneuver at low speeds, and in particular making it easier to park.

The Lincoln Drive Control option adds Lincoln's Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD), a suspension system that monitors multiple vehicle sensors and road conditions every two milliseconds and adjusts the suspension needs accordingly. CCD also provides a smoother and improved ride - best-ever for Navigator - and allows the driver to customize the ride of the vehicle by selecting one of three different control modes: Normal, Sport and Comfort.

Lincoln Navigator also offers driver-friendly Hill Start/Descent Assist. When parked on a hill with a grade of five degrees or more, the vehicle remains stationary for up to two seconds after the driver releases the brake pedal.

Technology-based luxury
Illuminated "welcome mats" beneath both front doors greet Lincoln Navigator owners when they press the "unlock" button on the key fob.

A passive entry system allows owners to enter without using a key. The system senses when the key fob is in range of the door and allows for keyless access via a door-mounted button. Inside, a push-button start allows for keyless engine ignition.

The latest SYNC with My Lincoln Touch driver connectivity system is standard. The system allows drivers to use voice-activated or touch screen controls to make phone calls, play music, use the navigation system or set cabin temperature controls. The system includes 4.2-inch LCD displays in the instrument cluster, an 8-inch touch screen in the center stack and traditional knob controls for easy operation.

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Lexus GS 300h, 2014

 

 Lexus GS 300h, 2014

The fourth generation Lexus GS first went on sale in Europe in 2012 as a three model range comprising the GS 250, the GS 350 AWD and the high-performance flagship, the full hybrid GS 450h. Adding a fourth model to the range, the Lexus GS 300h launch starts in December 2013.

Positioned at the heart of the E-Premium segment, the new GS 300h reinforce Lexus' appeal to the fleet market, representing an attractive alternative to 2.0 litre diesel engined rivals. The Lexus GS 300h is expected to account for more than 55% of all GS sales, a significant part of that percentage representing fleet customers.

With the IS 300h on the market since summer of 2013 and the new CT 200h to be launched early in 2014, the GS 300h will bring new strength to Lexus' line-up of full hybrid vehicles in three core market segments: C, D and E Premium.

Coinciding with the launch of the new Lexus GS 300h, several design, technology and safety enhancements are introduced across the entire GS model range.

The Lexus GS 300h available as an F SPORT version, featuring bespoke design elements and model-specific technologies for an even more engaging drive.

FULL HYBRID POWERTRAIN
The new front engined, rear-wheel drive Lexus GS 300h's second generation Lexus Hybrid Drive system is similar to that installed in the IS 300h. Featuring a L4 Atkinson cycle petrol engine with D-4S direct injection technology and two electric motors, it offers significant reductions in fuel consumption and CO2, NOx and particulate (PM) emissions, and a uniquely smooth and engaging driving experience.

The full hybrid drive system combines a powerful 105 kW/143 DIN hp electric motor with a 2.5 litre, four-cylinder, 16 valve, DOHC Atkinson cycle petrol engine featuring a next generation D-4S fuel injection system, Dual VVT-i and a high-efficiency Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system. The engine develops 133 kW/181 DIN hp at 6,000 rpm, and 221 Nm of torque at 4,200-5,400 rpm.

With the rear wheels driven through the hybrid system's Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT), total system power is 164 kW/223 DIN hp.

Conversely, the new Lexus full hybrid returns class-leading CO2 emissions starting from 109 g/km and an average fuel consumption of 4.7 l/100 km.

DRIVING DYNAMICS
As with every model in the GS range, the Lexus GS 300h has been designed to offer customers an engaging driving experience.

Specific airflow management combined with exceptionally narrow panel gaps and addition of numerous aerodynamic under-body elements and aero-stabilising fins award the Lexus full hybrid a drag coefficient of only Cd 0.26.

Body rigidity optimised already on the 2012 GS ensures precise response to steering inputs. Double wishbone front and multilink rear suspension systems offer improved agility, optimum steering feel and a particular focus on rear stability, further enhancing Lexus' legendary ride comfort.

The upgraded braking system of the 2012 GS range features more powerful brakes, improved pedal feel and enhanced Electronically Controlled Braking (ECB) for greater responsiveness and more refined ABS control.

In addition, the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) available on the Lexus GS 300h fine-tunes ride characteristics by independently adjusting the performance of the suspension at all four wheels in response to driver input, vehicle body motion and road surface conditions.

As with the GS 450h F SPORT, the new GS 300h F SPORT version features retuned front and rear suspension to further enhance the efficiency of the AVS system, maximising body control and steering response.

The Exterior Design
The new Lexus GS 300h shares the bold, dynamic exterior design of the rest of the GS model range, including an aggressive frontal treatment featuring the brand's trademark spindle grille design. A further development of Lexus' unique, L-finesse design philosophy, it gives the GS range the powerful, commanding road presence appropriate to a Lexus performance sedan.

A new range of F SPORT-specific exterior colours is introduced with the launch of the GS 300h - F White, Starlight Black and Midnight Blue. LED fog lamps are also now available on F SPORT models and, previously exclusive to the F SPORT grade, 19" alloy wheels are now also available on Luxury grade GS models.

The Interior Design and Comfort
The beautifully crafted GS interior represents a continuation of Lexus' interior design evolution.

An ergonomically designed, dual-zone, driver-focused cockpit combines increased driver's seat adjustment range with optimum control placement and advanced Human Machine Interface technologies, enabling customers to remain alert and comfortable over long periods of time.

A range of highly innovative technologies also enhance the quality of life on-board. They include an 'S-Flow' energy saving air-conditioning system with integrated climate management and award winning 'nanoe' technology, and a second generation Remote Touch Interface (RTI) linked to one of the world's largest 12.3" full colour on-board LED multi-information display screens.

In addition, the Lexus GS 300h may be equipped with a top-of-the-range, 17-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Audio system offering sound quality equivalent to that of a live concert hall performance.

The introduction of the GS 300h sees the GS range interior additionally enhanced by a new, boot-type shift lever design and the availability of a new, colour Head-Up Display (HUD) system.

Consistent with the entire GS range, the Lexus GS 300h offers ample space to all occupants, with a particular focus on head and leg room. The GS 300h seats provide exceptional comfort and superior holding characteristics for the widest possible range of body types. And redesigned door openings feature wider apertures for ingress and egress, especially at head height.

Allied to the interior's exceptional comfort levels, high-quality materials and finishes convey a premium look and feel, with a level of craftsmanship and attention to detail for which Lexus is globally renowned.

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Land Rover Range Rover LWB, 2014

 

 

 

 Land Rover Range Rover LWB, 2014

The Land Rover is extending customer appeal of its family of luxury SUV vehicles with the launch of a new long wheelbase Range Rover and the addition of an exclusive specification - the Range Rover Autobiography Black.

The first Range Rover long wheelbase in 20 years, this new model will cater for a growing group of consumers looking for the ultimate SUV, and an alternative to the traditional long wheelbase saloon cars in this segment. Clever packaging has increased rear legroom by 186mm for rear seat passengers and boosted recline to 17 degrees with the executive seating package to provide enhanced comfort and space.

The new Range Rover Autobiography Black represents the pinnacle of desirability to bring even higher levels of refinement to the world's finest luxury SUV. The interior has been carefully crafted and tailored to meet customer needs with subtle but distinctive exterior detailing and is appointed and finished with the highest quality leathers and materials.

Long wheelbase extends customer appeal
Land Rover is set to extend customer appeal with the reveal of a long wheelbase Range Rover at the LA Auto Show on 20th November.

An additional 186mm to rear legroom has been achieved by lengthening the bodyshell in front of the rear wheels. Clever packaging ensures the signature floating roof and distinctive Range Rover silhouette have been retained to ensure this addition to the family line-up is instantly recognisable.

With either bench or individual Executive Class rear seats, the second row executive style seats can recline to 17 degrees, a full eight degrees more than the nine degrees on the standard wheelbase. Passenger Seat Away slides the front seat forward to provide additional space and comfort. For added convenience, the long wheelbase is equipped with powered side door blinds and a panoramic sunroof as standard, as well as increased stowage. Range Rover long wheelbase models will carry a distinctive 'L' badge mounted into the exterior accents behind each front wheel arch.

The long wheelbase offered on Range Rover Vogue, Vogue SE, Autobiography and Autobiography Black models. A Range Rover Hybrid derivative will also become available later in 2014.

This is the first Range Rover long wheelbase since the Range Rover LSE which ran from 1992 to 1994.

New levels of exclusivity with Range Rover Autobiography Black
Land Rover wunveiling their most exclusive specification vehicle to date at the Dubai International Motor Show on November 5th - the Range Rover Autobiography Black, available in standard and long wheelbase derivatives.

Based on over 40 years of experience, the new Range Rover Autobiography Black has been designed and engineered by Jaguar Land Rover's 'Engineered To Order' (ETO) division to deliver an unmatched combination of all-terrain performance, luxury and design.

Subtle but distinctive exterior detailing
A number of changes to the Autobiography Black exterior give it a distinctive and subtly different character. A unique design finish has been appointed to the front grille and side vents along with distinguishable badging in black enamel and chrome. Signature rear lamps and auxiliary vents to the front add to the exclusivity of this vehicle with a chrome accent finish to the tailgate.

Two new and exclusive Autobiography Black wheel designs accompany the core Range Rover wheel choices. These are 7-spoke 21" and a 22" wheels with a high gloss polished finish, the latter of which will be available from Spring 2014.

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