Jeep Grand Cherokee EU-Version, 2014

 

 

Jeep Grand Cherokee EU-Version, 2014

Since its first market introduction in 1992, Jeep® Grand Cherokee has been delivering the values of freedom, authenticity, adventure and passion of the brand. Premium Large SUV of the Jeep lineup, Grand Cherokee represents its standard in terms of power, comfort, innovation and craftsmanship.

With the introduction of Jeep Grand Cherokee, more than two decades ago, Jeep reinvented the premium Sport-utility vehicle (SUV) segment and set a new standard within the category. Today, after nearly 5 million sales worldwide, the most awarded Large SUV ever continues to evolve and features a new exterior and interior design, new advanced technological contents and enhanced on-road and off-road manners thanks to its all-new eight-speed automatic transmission. Fitted as standard across the entire lineup, the new gearbox significantly reduces consumption and emissions while improving acceleration and securing smoother and faster gear shifting.

New exterior and interior design features characterize each single trim level of the 2014 lineup in a unique way and include new bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights (DRLs), a new design for the wheels and new interior/exterior color combinations.

New, handcrafted interiors deliver now even more refinement to the Jeep flagship thanks to the use of premium materials such as Natura Plus leather and high-quality wood. The introduction of a new three-spoke steering wheel add to the exclusive character of the cabin.

New contents are also offered in terms of infotainment, offering the new UConnect with 8.4-inch touchscreen and satellite navigation and the all-new for the brand 7" TFT customer configurable cluster display. Exclusive feature of both the top-of-the-range Summit model and the high-performance Grand Cherokee SRT model is a state-of-the-art nineteen-speaker, 825-watt Harman Kardon surround sound audio system.

Legendary Jeep capability comes courtesy of three four-wheel drive systems - Quadra-Trac II, Quadra-Drive II and SRT-exclusive Quadra-Trac -, the Jeep Quadra-Lift air suspension and the Selec-Terrain and Selec-Track traction management systems.

The new 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers the most advanced safety features, including updated Forward Collision Warning with Crash Mitigation and all-new Selec-Speed Control: both complement the vehicle's already rich array of standard active and passive safety system.

The new 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be introduced across European markets starting in July 2014 and will be available in the Laredo, Limited, Overland and SRT trim levels as well as with a more exclusive Summit top of the range model.

DESIGN
For 2014, the Jeep Grand Cherokee receives an updated style: all trim levels have been given a more premium look and are readily recognisable at a glance. On all models, the signature seven-slot grille is shorter in height, the headlights are slimmer and the lower front fascia has been slightly elevated while the fog lights have been raised and are more pronounced. All together, these changes give the front end of the Grand Cherokee a more elegant, sportier appearance while still preserving Jeep's signature features.

The main design enhancement for the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee are the new high-intensity discharge bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights (DRL), offered as standard on all trim levels. The Summit and SRT models feature adaptive HID bi-xenon headlamps with LED lighting.

The rear of the new Grand Cherokee has also received changes and boasts new, larger tail lamps with LED lighting, a larger and more aerodynamic rear spoiler, new bumpers and a re-sculpted tailgate that offers greater visibility. Lower rear fascias are now model-specific, and dual exhaust tips are now standard on Limited, Overland and Summit models.

A new design of the wheels and new interior/exterior color combinations complete the main exterior styling news found on the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and further enhance its image of quality.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo exteriors are identified by body-color side mirrors and door handles. The grille receives a chrome headlight treatment while the rear fascia features the new signature tail lamp design. Laredo also rides on standard five-spoke 18-inch aluminum wheels painted Satin Chrome.

Grand Cherokee Limited models add to the Laredo look bright door handles and a chrome trimmed dual exhaust outlet. An all-new chrome trim outlines also the lower front fascia opening and the rear bumper.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland features several body-color design cues including the lower fascia trim on the front and rear of the vehicle. The body-color trim carries over to the wheel arches and wheels surround. The lower rocker panels also receive a body color treatment. Overland models boast polished 20-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels with Mineral Gray painted pockets.

The new Grand Cherokee Summit model tops the range and receives many unique styling cues. The bi-xenon HID signature headlamps are adaptive, and swivel in conjunction with the steering wheel. This improves visibility around bends and turns and enhances safety on board Grand Cherokee. Between the lamps is a chrome finish on the upper grille's mesh pattern. The entire lower fascia is unique and features a pronounced chrome trim similar in design to the one on the Grand Cherokee SRT model. The front bumper is larger and features a slimmer opening for the projector fog lamps compared with other models. Body-color wheel arch moldings are also larger in comparison to other models and a Dark Gray lower rocker trim panel with a chrome strip runs along the top edge of the rocker. This chrome accent helps to visually lengthen the side view of the new Grand Cherokee. The rear fascia is dominated by dual rectangular exhaust outlets and Dark Gray lower body cladding. These features are unique to Summit models. Satin Clear Coat 20-inch aluminum wheels are a unique-to-Summit twin five-spoke design.

In line with its sporty character, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT model features a black, seven-slot front grille. Also the adaptive, bi-xenon headlamps feature a unique black background to distinguish SRT from other 2014 Grand Cherokee models. This black treatment contributes to further highlight the unique SRT aggressive appearance.

The SRT's front treatment is mirrored in the back for a cohesive styling appearance: here the tail lamps with signature LED lighting offer a black surround to further emphasize the SRT's performance heritage. Also new for 2014 is a more aerodynamically efficient rear spoiler integrated into the all-new, one-touch liftgate adorned with new SRT badge. Rather than relying on a manual lever, the liftgate is operated electronically with the push of a button.
Exclusive to SRT are standard 20-inch Black Vapor Chrome aluminum wheels with five-spoke design.
Aggressive 20-inch five-spoke bright polished Goliath aluminum wheels are available as optional only on the SRT trim level.

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Jaguar C-X17 Concept, 2013

 

 

 Jaguar C-X17 Concept, 2013

The new philosophy underpins the entire innovative future of the Jaguar brand. A modular and scalable vehicle architecture, engineered and developed for Jaguar, the architecture is high-strength, lightweight, extremely stiff and incorporates innovative efficiency technologies. It enables flexible high-volume production while allowing creative design freedom and competitive interior packaging, without compromising the unique character, dynamics, performance and luxury that Jaguar is famous for. This enable Jaguar to grow its product portfolio, targeting high-growth areas of the premium market.

As a sports crossover, the Jaguar C-X17 stretches the design possibilities of the segment by combining the character and driving experience of a sports car with increased presence, style and flexibility. The sports crossover concept represents the potential expansion of Jaguar's portfolio of body styles, with the associated enhancement of the brand's relevance and appeal to a wider global audience.

Jaguar's first product from the new iQ[Al] architecture  a new premium C/D segment sedan. Its global rollout will begin in 2015, and it the first aluminium monocoque product in the segment.

Power provided by engines with a wide range of capacities and output, all delivering inspirational performance and offering the latest innovations in fuel-efficient technologies without sacrificing drivability. These will include the high-output petrol and diesel engines to be built at Jaguar Land Rover's new engine manufacturing facility in the UK, as well as the powerful V6 petrol engine in the F-Type, which will provide best-in-class specific power output thanks to the lightweight architecture. These attributes will enable Jaguar to offer a wider variety of vehicles, with exhilarating performance, top speeds of over 300km/h (186mph), as well as emissions below 100g of CO2 per kilometre.

The Jaguar C-X17 concept illustrates the diversity of vehicles that could be produced using the architecture. A four-seater sports crossover concept built on the aluminium-intensive architecture, it blends sleek lines, sporting design and luxurious sophistication with enhanced flexibility and an assured driving position. In its exciting proportions, purity of form and its beautiful lines - overseen by Director of Design Ian Callum - the C-X17 is every inch a Jaguar.

The Jaguar C-X17 could offer refined on-road dynamics and sedan car-like handling, thanks to its low height, optimised centre of gravity, and use of cutting-edge dynamic technologies such as Torque Vectoring by Braking, in which the car intelligently uses its brake system to balance the distribution of engine torque to the wheels during cornering, reducing understeer and maximising grip.

At 4,718mm long and 1,649mm tall, its dimensions are clearly that of a crossover, yet in its design it shares strong family traits with Jaguar's current range. For instance, the grille is an evolution of the distinctive nose of the Jaguar XJ luxury sedan, while the sculptured haunch lines hint strongly of the award-winning design of the Jaguar F-Type sports car. A low-sitting stance and overall profile combine with 23-inch alloy wheels to give the C-X17 a sporting, aggressive presence, while the LED headlamps, J-shaped running lights and frosted-glass foglights set into the large front intakes add to the C-X17's purposeful intent. The C-X17 is painted in a lustrous Caesium Blue finish, with gloss black brightwork surrounding the windows, while the split five-spoke alloys are Dark Atlas graphite with gloss black finishers.

The interior of the Jaguar C-X17 features four individual bucket seats, which are luxuriously appointed, yet designed for a sculpted, lightweight appearance. The car's unique roof features contoured vanes that provide a distinctive 'elliptical' panoramic view to the C-X17's passengers, while retaining the roof's sleek appearance from the exterior. Two additional rear-mounted leisure seats incorporated in the boot floor swing out for recreational use. Accessories that support an active lifestyle, such as a torch and a camera, are positioned in storage compartments in the boot.

The interior of the C-X17 marries premium, authentic materials and traditional craftsmanship with modern finishing techniques. It features a combination of Jet saddle Connolly leather and Orchid Connolly leather on the instrument panel, seats, armrests, doors, floor and in the boot, with stitching on the saddle leather creating a tactile feel. A subtle layered effect is created through the use of die-cut Houndstooth-pattern leather patches on the main leather panels. Ruthenium, milled aluminium and black brushed anodised metal finishes impart a darker tonal effect to the C-X17's interior. The door finish is gloss black.

A centre tunnel running the length of the car, from the instrument panel through to the rear passenger seats, incorporates the Interactive Surface Console - an interactive multi-passenger infotainment hub with a series of touchscreens under a continuous panel of transparent acrylic glass, which in conjunction with the secure in-car wi-fi network, enables the vehicle's passengers to connect and share experiences with each other and the outside world via social media. The C-X17's premium in-car digital audio system has been specially designed for the vehicle by British specialist audio firm Meridian, and the car's centre console is configured for a Head Up Display projector.

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Hyundai HB20X, 2013

 Hyundai HB20X, 2013

The crossover version, which is based on the HB20 hatchback, features unique details in its design and performance that meet the demands of customers that have a more active lifestyle outdoors.

Hyundai Motor Brasil (HMB), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company, unveiled its latest Brazil-exclusive model, Hyundai HB20X, at the 2012 Sao Paulo International Motor Show, accelerating the company's commitment in one of the world's fastest-growing auto markets.

The front has a totally redesigned bumper with a hexagonal grille that reflects Hyundai's new family look for SUVs and latest design philosophy, Fluidic Sculpture.

The headlights have an eye-catching finish with black bezel and chrome details, giving off a sporty and sophisticated image, while the fog lamps were redesigned to give a stronger impression. The side of the Hyundai HB20X keeps the original waistline from HB20, which encompassed a robust and fluidic design.

The novelties are the side black molding that wraps the whole body and its ground clearance, valuable features for more visibility and control on bad road conditions. The roof bars offer more flexibility for carrying extra weekend luggage, while the 15-inch dark gray alloy wheels complete the sporty image of this vehicle.

The rear of the Hyundai HB20X also has a redesigned bumper, with black moldings. The stylish rear lamps, already seen on the HB20, immediately capture one's attention.

The inside, the Hyundai HB20X features the same high quality interior of the HB20, adding exclusive items such as sports pedals, chrome finishing for door handles and air conditioning controls, as well as blue double stitches for the steering wheel and seats.

HB20X offer Hyundai's GAMMA 1.6 16V FLEX with 128hp engine featuring a Continuous Variable Vavle Timing and aluminum block, the most powerful in the category. Customers can choose between manual or automatic transmissions.

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HSV Gen-F Clubsport, 2014

 

 HSV Gen-F Clubsport, 2014

The Australia's leading performance car manufacturer, HSV, released full details of its new Club Sport models.

Club Sport
The exterior styling make-over starts at the front end of the Club Sport which is now distinguished by a new, twin-nostril grille and a deep fascia, with updated Daytime Running Lamps that can now operate in unison with the headlamps.

Updated styling also extends to the wheels with all-new, 20" cast flow-form alloys (8.5" at the front and 9.5" at the rear) with a silver finish. Wrapping the wheels are Continental 5P tyres that deliver improvements in performance through better grip and ride comfort.

At the rear, a new decklid is complimented by a body-coloured lo-line spoiler and distinctive HSV LED tail lamps. The "diffuser" rear fascia - now signature across the Gen-F range - houses the bold, quad exhaust outlets.

The interior has undergone a complete make-over with new sports seats, instrument panel, clusters, gauges, centre console and appliques' delivering a premium look and feel.

From a powertrain perspective, the new Club Sport carries over the 6.2L LS3 Generation IV V8 from the E-Series 3 model which generates 317 kilowatts of power and 550 Newton-metres of torque. The powertrain is matched to a TR6060 Tremec 6-speed manual gearbox with the 6L80E 6-speed automatic transmission with Active Select available as an option.

Matched to the powertrain are HSV's new AP radical forged 4-piston brake calipers with larger ventilated discs and larger brake pads. These improvements lower unsprung mass, improve pedal feel and deliver greater stopping power via an improved strength-to-weight ratio and caliper rigidity.

One of the biggest make-overs for ClubSport is the standard fitment of a raft of new technologies:

•     Side Blind Zone Alert (with Reverse Traffic Alert)
•     Electric Park Brake
•     Electric Power Steering
•     Passive Entry/Push Button Start (with Remote Start available with the automatic transmission)
•     Automatic Park Assist
•     Front & Rear Park Assist

To assist the driver in manipulating the various electronic vehicle performance systems at his disposal, HSV has also introduced a Driver Preference Dial.

Located conveniently behind the gear shifter, the Driver Preference Dial adjusts the ClubSport's ESC, Traction Control, Launch Control (manual transmission) and Electric Power Steering according to three distinct pre-set modes - Touring, Sport and Performance. In doing so, the vehicle's handling characteristics instantly change.

Club Sport R8 & Club Sport R8 Tourer
Available in sedan and tourer variants, the two R8 models feature a long list of additional content over and above the already impressive standard fare on the ClubSport.

Power output increases to 325kW thanks, in part, to the fitment of a Hi-flow intermediate exhaust system, while the Bi-Modal muffler delivers a throatier engine note.

The driver environment benefits from the inclusion of four additional safety and convenience technologies - Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Head Up Display and Rain Sensing Wipers. Comfort gets a boost with the fitment of HSV Performance Seats wrapped in Onyx leather trim with 8-way electric adjustment for both the driver and front passenger. The ClubSport R8 also features a premium, 9- speaker Bose audio system.

HSV's Enhanced Driver Interface, with a larger screen, updated graphics and improved display resolution, also comes standard on the R8s.
A 20" cast-flow-form alloy wheel with a machined face and gloss black accents combine with unique HSV side-skirts to deliver discernible exterior styling differentiation.

R8 SV Enhanced Option
HSV has also announced the introduction of a new "SV Enhanced" option to be available exclusively on its R8 models.

The "SV" option includes a power and torque upgrade to 340kW and 570Nm, achieved through the addition of some unique componentry to the LS3 engine including a Bi-Modal Air Intake system, high-flow headers and catalytic converters, a high-flow zip tube and a high-flow Bi-Modal exhaust system.

Unique styling cues are provided in the form of a 20" SV Performance forged wheel in Satin Graphite, unique "pitch black" accents on the fender vents and mirror scalps and, for the sedan variant, a lo-line spoiler, also finished in distinctive Satin Graphite. New "R8 SV" and "340" badges adorn the decklid.

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Honda CR-V, 2013

 

 

 

Honda CR-V, 2013

Launched in late 2001, the second generation CR-V took many cues from the original, retaining all of its best features including the rugged 4x4 styling and the 'on demand' Real Time Dual Pump 4WD system. It offered improved performance and economy, achieved through the introduction of Honda's 2.0-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, while the new body structure delivered increased interior space.

A further sales boost came in 2005 with the introduction of Honda's much acclaimed i-CTDi diesel engine. Perfectly complementing the petrol engine, the high output, high torque engine significantly enhanced the CR-V's all-round appeal.

In 2007, the introduction of the third-generation CR-V marked the first CR-V to feature a vertically opening tailgate, a feature made possible by removing the spare wheel from the back door. Lower in height, shorter in length and wider than its predecessors, it offered improved on-road dynamics. A mid-life facelift in 2009 introduced the new generation i-DTEC diesel engine and saw a diesel engine combined with an automatic transmission for the first time in the CR-V.

Over five million CR-Vs have been sold across the world since its introduction in 1995 and the new, fourth generation builds on the success of its predecessors with even greater quality, practicality and refinement. The model that helped define the compact-SUV sector has been comprehensively redesigned for the European market.

For the first time in Europe, the new CR-V will be offered with a choice of both two- and four-wheel drive, while improvements to both the petrol and diesel engines have resulted in a significant reduction in CO2 emissions.

EXTERIOR DESIGN
The pursuit of the perfect balance between a car and an SUV influenced every element of the development process, including the exterior styling.

The length and height of the car have been reduced by 5 mm and 30 mm respectively compared with the current model, without reducing the interior space.

While the fourth generation model is instantly recognisable as a member of the CR-V family, it still manages to assert its own identity. The new model takes on a more aggressive and aerodynamic stance with deeper sculpting of the bodylines and a bolder nose section. The front bumper's smooth, flowing lines are joined by a horizontal three-bar grille and deep-set headlights. The lower front bumper is designed to convey SUV capability with a generous approach angle. The signature vertical rear brake lights, which have featured on every generation of Honda CR-V, remain but the fourth generation introduces a more three-dimensional style. The CR-V's large wheels and bold wheelarches further emphasise its dynamic presence and capability.

The CR-V has been designed as a global car but the European model features a number of exterior refinements developed specifically for this market. A revised front bumper emphasises its dynamic appeal, while front LED daytime running lights and rear LED lights are other stylish additions.

The position of the windscreen has been brought forward by 60 mm (measured from bottom of the windscreen) relative to the overall length of the car. As a result, the size of the engine compartment has been reduced.

The repositioning of the windscreen and the new bonnet design have provided a second benefit: the area of the nose of the car that cannot be seen from the driver's seat has been reduced to improve visibility and make the CR-V easier to manoeuvre.

A 10 mm increase in both the steering wheel and seat height adjustments has also ensured that a broader range of drivers can achieve an ideal driving position.

The synergy between form and function has played a critical role in the development of every generation of the Honda CR-V and this latest model is no exception. The expansive glass area of the windows reveals the spaciousness of the cabin.

With the rear seats folded flat, the boot capacity of the CR-V has grown by 147 litres to 1648 litres. If the space-saver spare wheel is specified, the volume increases to 1669 litres with the seats folded up, or 589 litres with the seats in place. The load length has been increased by 140 mm to 1570 mm, while the height of the load lip has been reduced by 25 mm to make it easier to load heavy or awkward items. The boot of the CR-V can now accommodate two mountain bikes or four sets of golf clubs.

INTERIOR DESIGN - QUALITY AND FUNCTIONALITY
The interior design concept for the new Honda CR-V continues the man-maximum, machine-minimum philosophy. "The first thing that we wanted to achieve with the interior design was a feeling of openness," says the Interior Designer, Takehiro Ishibashi. "I wanted to communicate the feeling you get when you stand on top of a mountain, looking down on the valley and seeing a panorama of the landscape. It's a feeling of freedom, space and timelessness."

The influence of this thinking can be seen in the fascia design. "There are a number of horizontal layers which help emphasise the feeling of space," says Nakagawa. "We call this 'lean-layered' design. By arranging the major functions in a series of layers, you create an ergonomically-efficient environment that is very intuitive." The major controls have been further grouped according to their function, with a 'driver interface zone' behind the steering wheel and an 'information interface zone' in the centre of the cabin.

The materials used within the new CR-V have been carefully chosen for the European market. "The high quality finish on the top of the fascia was inspired by the marble-like pattern you find on Japanese Kobe beef," says Ishibashi. "On the decorative strip that flows across the fascia we used a special film that creates a 3D effect. I am really proud of our attention to detail in every aspect of this vehicle."

Care has also been taken to achieve a significant reduction in the engine and road noise entering the cabin. Sound insulation material has been applied to the floorpan below the passenger compartment, while sound absorption material has been fitted to the rear door, rear wheelarches, door frames, front bulkhead and bonnet. The doors also now feature a double seal. The net result is a 3dB reduction in cabin noise compared to the current CR-V.

The high quality ambience is further enhanced by an impressive range of equipment. In the cabin attention focuses on the 5in "intelligent" Multi-Information Display (i-MID), which controls the audio, telephone and navigation systems (where fitted). Also fitted as standard are Honda's acclaimed ECON mode which helps to minimise fuel consumption and Eco Assist system which advises drivers on how their driving style is impacting on fuel economy (see Efficiency).

In order to emphasise the feeling of space inside, the door casings have been sculpted to create a concave shape. This has also allowed the occupants of the front seats to be moved closer to the sides of the car, making it easier to step in and out. As a consequence, more space has been liberated between the seats for a centre console that houses three cupholders, a storage compartment, an armrest and air vents for the rear seats.

The hip point of the rear passenger seats has been lowered by 38 mm compared to the current model, resulting in a more comfortable seating position and increased headroom. A change in the design of the rear seats has also allowed Honda's engineers to introduce easy fold-down 60/40 Split Rear Seats, which can be folded flat in one movement. At the pull of a handle, the CR-V can be transformed from a five-seater passenger car into a versatile load-lugger. "This is a feature of which I am particularly proud," says Ishibashi. "It will make a big difference to how our customers use their CR-V."

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GMC Yukon Denali, 2015

 

 

GMC Yukon Denali, 2015

The GMC announced the all-new 2015 Yukon, Yukon XL and flagship Yukon Denali models will deliver greater capability and refinement, with more power, new fold-flat rear seats and a quieter interior. And thanks to a new family of advanced EcoTec3 engines, the lineup is expected to deliver the segment's best V-8 fuel economy.

Bold styling and advanced technologies - including new safety and security technologies - support Yukon's greater capability, while a more comprehensive list of standard features and enhanced infotainment options are designed to broaden the appeal of one of the industry's most-popular full-size SUV lineups. Combined Yukon/Yukon XL and Denali sales were up 24 percent for the eight months of 2013.

Yukon and Yukon XL share design, architectural and powertrain elements, but Yukon XL has an approximately 14-inch longer wheelbase and is approximately 20 inches longer overall, providing greater legroom for third-row passengers and almost twice the cargo room behind the third-row seat.

New and enhanced product highlights of the 2015 Yukon lineup:

• Fold-flat second- and third-row seats that enhance cargo capability and convenience - including an available power-folding feature
• Approximately two inches more legroom for second-row passengers and easier entry/exit
• All-new cargo management system
• Available power rear liftgate with multiple programmable height settings
• Standard eight-inch-diagonal color touch screen radio with enhanced IntelliLink and available navigation
• Eight-inch-diagonal customizable driver display with three available user themes and available head-up display (Denali models)
• Multiple USB ports, SD slots and accessory power outlets - including a 110-volt three-prong outlet - to support electronic devices of all kinds
• Available Blu-ray/DVD rear-seat entertainment system with dual screens on Yukon XL
• Conversation mirror in the overhead console that provides a panoramic view of the rear seats
• Keyless entry and push-button start.

Bold styling, enhanced refinement
All-new exterior and interior designs advance GMC's professional grade aesthetic with elements designed to be beautiful and functional. The exteriors are sleeker and more aerodynamic, enhancing efficiency on the highway and contributing to the new Yukon's quiet ride.

Bold styling cues include highly detailed, chrome-accented grilles matched with GMC's signature C-shaped light-emitting diode lighting motif, front and rear. Projector-beam headlamps are standard on Yukon and Yukon XL. The distinctive Denali models are instantly identifiable by their signature chrome grille and unique exterior appointments, including exclusive high-intensity discharge headlamps.

Exterior features:

• New inlaid doors fit into the body side openings instead of over the top of the body, significantly reducing wind noise and contributing to improved aerodynamics
• Laminated windshield and front door glass to enhance quietness
• Lightweight aluminum hood and liftgate panels enhance efficiency through reduced overall mass
• A standard rear spoiler on the liftgate houses a relocated rear window wiper that is hidden when not in use
• New worm screw-style liftgate arms take up less interior space than the previous gooseneck arms
• Illuminated, power-retractable assist steps available on Denali
• New family of 18-, 20- and 22-inch wheels, including standard 20-inch wheels on Denali.

More capable, more comfortable
The 2015 Yukon lineup delivers greater capability and greater refinement through new and enhanced chassis and suspension systems. A fully boxed frame - composed of more than 75 percent high-strength steel - supports a quiet and controlled ride. New shear-style body mounts attached to the frame significantly improve stiffness and contribute to the Yukon's smooth ride.

Compared with previous models, the driving experience of the new SUVs is further enhanced with:

• Wider rear track that contributes to a more planted stance
• Wheels that are a half-inch wider, reducing tire flex for improved cornering performance
• New, electric variable-assist power steering system enhances fuel economy and tailors steering assist to vehicle speed
• New 9.5-inch rear axle and standard automatic locking rear differential
• Standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control, tow/haul mode, trailer sway control, auto grade braking and hill start assist
• New four-wheel-disc brake system with Duralife brake rotors that offer up to double the service life, along with brake pedal revisions that improve pedal feel for stronger-feeling, more confident braking performance
• Denali models include third-generation magnetic ride control, a real-time damping system that delivers more precise body motion control by "reading" the road every millisecond and changing damping in just five milliseconds.

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Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Special Edition, 2014

 

 

 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Special Edition, 2014

Ford revealed the 2014 F-150 SVT Raptor Special Edition, which adds unique new touches to Raptor's existing Luxury Package, including a Ruby Red Metallic exterior color and box-side graphics. Interior upgrades include Brick Red seat bolsters with black inserts and cloth honeycomb highlights, console top finish panel, and center stack and door panel appliqué accents. Raptor Special Edition is also available in Tuxedo Black Metallic. The 2014 F-150 SVT Raptor Special Edition goes on in the fall of 2013.

Raptor has found an enviable niche in full-size pickups. SVT Raptor sales are up 14 percent in 2013, with five out of the past six months seeing record sales. More than 13,000 Raptors were sold in 2012.

SVT Raptor prowess and power
Since launching as a 2010 model, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor has set the benchmark for low- and high-speed off-road performance through aggressive all-terrain tires, industry-exclusive internal triple-bypass FOX Racing Shox™ dampers, skid plates and standard Hill Descent Control.

A Raptor development imperative has been continuous improvement, so Ford expanded Raptor's footprint for 2011 with a four-door Super Crew model joining the two-door Super Cab original.

For 2012 Ford began offering a grille-mounted camera to improve driver visibility when climbing over rocks or other obstacles. The 2012 addition of a Torsen limited-slip differential to Raptor's 4WD system enables the truck to balance traction between both front wheels.

For 2013 industry-exclusive beadlock-capable wheels were added to help increase grip in low-traction conditions, along with high-intensity discharge headlamps for improved visibility. SYNC with MyFord Touch was also made available for added connectivity.

SVT Raptor is available exclusively with a 6.2-liter V8 engine producing best-in-class 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to an electronic six-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode and Select Shift Automatic functionality. The 4WD system features electronic shift-on-the-fly capability for the transfer case.

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Fiat 595 Abarth 50th Anniversary, 2014

 

 

Fiat 595 Abarth 50th Anniversary, 2014

September 1963. Turin Motor Show. Abarth presented the 595.
September 2013. Frankfurt Motor Show. Abarth presents the 595 '50th Anniversary', the most powerful Abarth 595 ever.

A history of records that is revived today in an exclusive limited edition of 299 units
In the 1960s the 595 proved an immediate success thanks to its extraordinary performance, unusual for such a small car, and became the brand's 'icon'. A history of records broken, victories and passionate people who have bolstered the legend of a car that represents the essence of the brand, expressed in four values: 'size' (it is the smallest supercar), 'shape' (Abarth is the 595 and the 595 is Abarth: all the Abarths in the collective imagination are white with a red band, like the 595), 'speed' (it is a racing car boasting record-breaking performance) and 'spirit' (it is not vintage, but rather contemporary history).

The presentation of the Special Edition also becomes an opportunity to celebrate the brand. The 595 '50th Anniversary' is the car that opens up a new era for the Abarth brand. After 1949, the year it was founded, and 2007, the year it was revived, the two-year period of 2013-2014 presents itself as a decisive step for the Abarth brand that precisely with this car once again demonstrates its outstanding ability to look to the future without betraying its past. So new horizons are opening up for the Abarth brand that from the very beginning showed itself to its public as a brand able to renew itself constantly, accepting and overcoming challenges often considered impossible.

The commemorative car will be produced in only 299 exclusive units. The livery, a modern reinterpretation of the original; the colour; the historical Abarth logos; and the original "Fiat Abarth 595" graphics, all handmade by the best customisation artists at Officine Abarth in Turin, give the car individuality and character to turn it into a "contemporary icon".

Exhilarating performance
Exclusivity that starts from performance, guaranteed by the experience of the technicians involved.

The 180 HP 1.4 T-Jet engine - combined with the "Abarth Competizione" gearbox - make the Abarth 595 '50th Anniversary' the most powerful 595 ever produced.
Performance is also guaranteed by performance tyres mounted on 17'' alloy wheels with 695 Magnesio Grey design embellished by an aggressive red liner. The setup and braking system have also been further strengthened: Brembo 305 mm floating brake discs that can be dismantled with fixed four-piston caliper and special shock absorbers that guarantee performance in total safety. And of course there is a "Record Monza" variable back-pressure "dual mode" exhaust, designed to improve engine performance and deliver an inspiring sound over 3,000 rpm. Performance is a state of mind.

Specific exteriors: a tribute to the historical 595
The style of the exteriors uses the historical features of the 595 without betraying its original spirit.

The historical logos on the car are a tribute to the original and are made with the exclusivity and attention to detail typical of Officine Abarth. The matt three-layer white paintwork, a contemporary reinterpretation of the 1963 model, and the graphics are ensured by the traditional handcrafting machining and finishing processes.

The new Abarth adopts Xenon headlights with dipped and driving light functions for improved light emission and excellent performance in all weather conditions. These devices deliver three times the light intensity and duration of standard halogen lamp headlights. The sun roof completes the tribute to the original car.

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