Volvo Estate Concept, 2014

 

 

 

Volvo Estate Concept, 2014

Volvo Car Group uses the 2014 Geneva Motor Show to reveal the third in a series of concept cars - the Concept Estate - that continues the widely-admired exterior design language revealed in the first two concepts, but for the first time reveals how the interior of Volvo's forthcoming models will both look and function.

The Volvo Concept Estate's most striking interior design feature is its simplicity. The traditional selection of buttons and controls have been replaced by one large tablet-like touch screen control panel in the centre console, bringing the interior firmly into the 21st century.

In association with Volvo's specially designed software, the touch screen the main control panel for Volvo's new in-car user experience. It replaces all buttons and controls except for a few crucial functions such as volume, play/pause, hazard warning and window heaters. It also interacts seamlessly with the digital instrument cluster in front of the driver.

Volvo is the company that redefined the Estate car by combining functionality, sturdiness and practicality with performance. The V70 and XC70 are among the most respected Estates on the market and the new Concept Estate points to how the company could capitalise on this heritage in its forthcoming models.

Volvo has been on a winning streak with its concept cars. The Concept Coupé was named 'Car of the Show' by a leading German auto magazine at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, while the Concept XC Coupé received the prestigious 'Eyes ON Design' award at the 2014 Detroit Motor Show.

Global attention on Volvo's concept cars has been intensifying as they provide the first significant clues as to how the all-new and much-anticipated XC90 SUV and subsequent cars will look. The XC90 is due to be launched later in 2014.

Learning from history
The rear of Concept Estate echoes the design of the Volvo 1800 ES from the early 1970s.

The subtle inspiration from the 1800-models is also evident on several details inside the Concept Estate, such as the two-spoke steering wheel, the instrument panel and the dials.

Beautiful and different
Applying this approach to the iconic estate car - which is the essence of versatile Volvo functionality - creates a car that is both beautiful and different.

The generous dash to axle ratio, low bonnet, sleek silhouette and the glass roof all contribute to the impression of a dynamic, yet capable three-door sports wagon. The contrast between the deep, dark brown pear colour and the bright five-spoke, 21-inch wheels contributes to the modern, cool aura.

Just like the recent Concept Coupé and the Concept XC Coupé, the face of the Volvo Concept Estate is characterised by a new topography on the bonnet and the 'floating' grille, flanked by headlights featuring new T-shaped DRL light guides. The rear light signature is another distinctive element in Volvo Cars' new design direction.

Swedish inside and out
Extrovert and colourful trends within contemporary Swedish lifestyle and design have been powerful sources of inspiration for the design team. Occupants in all four seats are embraced by orange seat belts, and the exclusive, woven wool carpets from the Swedish designer Kasthall have the same deep accent colour.

The crystal gear leaver from Orrefors/Kosta Boda also has an orange glow, while the chequered black and white wool textile on the headliner and rear sides of the front seats adds playfulness to the 'room'.

The feel of a Scandinavian living room
Refined, handcrafted details, such as an instrument panel covered by thick, naturally tanned saddle leather from Tärnsjö, inlays made of waxed, naturally aged wood and machined copper details, also emphasise the exclusive Swedish atmosphere inside Concept Estate.

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Volkswagen Beetle Dune Concept, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Volkswagen Beetle Dune Concept, 2014

The Beetle is a phenomenon, regardless of where it shows up in the world. People are always happy to see this car. Whether in wintry Detroit, sunny San Francisco or venerable Boston - the streets are more colorful with the Beetle, and life is more carefree. The same happens in Europe, in pulsing Berlin and in rocking London, as well as in Asian metropolises such as exuberant Tokyo and the eternally exotic Hong Kong, and cities in the southern hemisphere such as Sydney and Cape Town. The Beetle. As a coupé and convertible. The greater the numbers of this design icon that populate the streets, the more intense is this phenomenon of likeability. Now Volkswagen is adding a new version: with the world premiere of the Volkswagen Beetle Dune. It is has been presented at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. A Beetle with a wide, cool and rugged offroad look; a car outside of the mainstream. The Beetle Dune.

Concept car with near-production design
The Volkswagen Beetle Dune is a concept car. At least for now. But everything about this car is feasible ? practically a production vehicle. The car points the way to next summer in the midst of a Michigan winter. And until the sun thaws this state again, the Dune will show how even the cold season of the year has its fascinating side: winter sports. That is why designers buckled a pair of skis to the back of this Beetle, whose body was raised 50 mm. Like the legendary Beetle of days past and the air-cooled sports car from Porsche. Dune - its name, its raised body, large 19-inch tires and all-terrain look all call out for this, just like the VW buggies conquered beaches and dunes in times past. And so, in the summer, skis for sandboarding are attached to the trunk lid - securely latched by clever mechanisms on the rear body and roof spoiler - surfing on dunes such as those at the Sand Master Park in Florence, Oregon. New sandboarding hot spots are emerging wherever there are dunes in the world. In the Beetle Dune, Volkswagen is revisiting an idea that was born in January 2000 with the New Beetle Dune presented in Los Angeles. While the concept car shown in California was more science fiction, especially in its interior and roof structure, in the Dune of 2014 Volkswagen is looking much more realistically towards a production vehicle.

The side

The Dune concept harbors the potential for a new production version of the sportiest Beetle ever. Painted in "Arizona" - a yellow-orange metallic. This warm color itself is sure to elevate the mood. Meanwhile, the two-part wheel well extensions are offset in black. They are rugged elements with a matt finish like those used on Cross models of Volkswagen. The difference here: integrated on top of the main matt parts are what are known as "blades" - elements that are just 1.5 mm thick, as thin as a razor. They appear to hover above the rather massive wheel housings, because the shiny and matt parts do not contact one another directly. The wheel housings - each with a semi-hexagonal cut-out - widen the body by a considerable 24 mm on each side for a total width of 1,856 mm (gain of 48 mm). The Beetle Dune is 4,290 mm long (gain of 12 mm) and 1,536 mm tall (gain of 50 mm).

In keeping with its larger body width, the car's track width was increased by 29 mm to 1,607 mm in front and by 29 mm to 1,573 mm at the rear. As a result, and also because of its low wheel pitch of 33 mm (instead of 44 mm), the 19-inch wheels equipped with 255/45 tires (diameter: 723 mm) fill out the wheel housings very well. Visually, they are reminiscent of the design of the 18-inch "Twister" Beetle wheels - with their five aluminum spokes, black painted interior spaces and a polished aluminum ring. The VW logo at the center of each wheel is embedded in a 3D module painted in the car's exterior color.

The wheel well extensions transition into brushed aluminum sill trim panels, in which a chrome-plated underbody protection panel is placed. The sills are painted in high-gloss black where they join to the body up high. Above the side sills are the side trim strips that are typical of the Beetle which are designed in a stylized look of the legendary Beetle running boards here. They also feature a high-gloss black finish. The distinctive Dune logo, meanwhile, is placed in the area in front of the rear wing. The door mirror housings are vapor-coated in aluminum. The foot of the mirror that is integrated in the window triangle of the A-pillar is black.

The front section
The designers came up with a new layout for many of the front end components. In this process, the iconic basic design and bi-xenon round headlights were preserved. New, however, is the design of the even more charismatic engine hood. The middle of the hood is now somewhat higher. Bordered by precise edges, the upper parts of the large hood's recessed lateral surfaces each have a prominent engine vent. The black vent screens have a honeycomb look with fins; there is a chrome strip integrated at the middle of each of these screens which runs longitudinally.

Like the hood, the front apron, which has also been redesigned, also makes an extremely dynamic impression. Its styling features a large air intake in the middle with a black honeycomb screen (a typical design feature of the Volkswagen Cross models). The A-shaped screen widens in a downward direction, and this highlights the dominant and sporty look of the front end. The screen has a chrome-plated surround that also serves as underbody protection.

To the left and right of the central air intake and aluminum underbody protection, there are two inserts that extend towards the middle in a trapezoidal shape; their frames are painted in high-gloss black like the angular surfaces of the wheel flares. These inserts contain a highly innovative lighting design. The LED fog lights are integrated here in a semi-circular pattern. From inside, the LED rings have a matt finish, resulting in a uniform light band. At the center of the LED rings, a stylized nozzle emphasizes the three-dimensional look of the overall fog lamp module. Above the rings are three slender cross ribs and a narrow chrome strip, which - although it is only 9 mm high - serves as a LED turn signal indicator. When the driver activates the turn signal, an illuminating band of LED light is emitted from the chrome trim.

The rear section
The multifunctional rear section of the VW Beetle Dune demonstrates impressively that it is even possible to reverse the design maxim "form follows function". Those living in the northern hemisphere who do not wish to spend the entire winter in the snowy slush of the big cities can simply set out for the nearest ski area in the new Volkswagen, whether - from an American perspective - one prefers sandboarding in Florence, Oregon or the ski slopes in Aspen, Colorado. The Beetle Dune with its 155 kW / 210 PS turbocharged direct injection gasoline engine (23 mpg City / 29 mpg Highway), together with a 6-speed DSG transmission, will handle the trip to either destination perfectly.

And indeed not just a trip to Florence on the West Coast or to Aspen in the middle of the country, but to any place skis need to be transported. The skis are simply mounted to the outside of the trunk lid. To do this, the outer left and right parts of the rear spoiler's black high-gloss component are swiveled out; the skis are then placed in the spoiler, then it is closed again by swiveling the black component back in place. At the top, the skis slide into a receptacle of the specially developed roof spoiler; there they are secured with a 20 mm wide belt. The roof spoiler itself - like the entire roof surface surrounding the transparent panoramic tilt/slide sunroof - is painted in high-gloss black. Viewed from the side, the roof spoiler has the appearance of a perfectly aerodynamic wing hovering in the wind. The love for detail is also reflected in the skis of the concept car: Like the add-on parts, they are painted in shiny black; meanwhile, the Dune signature and Volkswagen logo are offset in matt black. A silhouette of the Volkswagen Beetle Dune in its exterior color clearly identifies the car to which the skis belong. By the way, even with skis mounted to the car the trunk lid can be opened easily at any time.

The lower section of the bumper is styled in a sophisticated black; the surfaces around the license plate and the wrap-around extension of the upper wheel well are painted once again in high gloss black. Designed in an offsetting matt finish, on the other hand, is the lower termination around the chrome-plated underbody protection that is designed to function as a diffuser with the exhaust tailpipes integrated on the right and left.

The interior
The Dune team also customized the entire interior both visually and technically. Two aspects stand out in particular. First, there is the dashpad painted in "Arizona" car color which does not have the legendary Beetle box on the passenger's side this time - in this car it was replaced by the no less legendary grab handle of the original Beetle which consists of the rubberized material of the interior door handles and an integrated aluminum accent in car color. The Dune signature is embossed in aluminum - a haptic and visual highlight. Second, the entire infotainment system was implemented as a digital interface with a high-resolution 7.7-inch touchscreen. An AMOLED (Active Matrix Organic LED) display is used here which renders extremely fine details. A tribute to the New Beetle Dune of 2000 is the digital display of the car's pitch and roll, which was integrated in the main instrument back then.

A user interface software highlight that was implemented in the Beetle Dune of 2014 is the "Volkswagen Sideways" app - a program that proactively integrates "Points of Interest" (POI) in the navigation system. For example, the touchscreen not only displays whether there are restaurants nearby and which ones, but also whether your friends are there. Upon request, the navigation system can guide the driver and the Dune right to it. The Sideways app also integrates information such as the weather in the POI instructions - the driver would not be guided to an outdoor swimming pool in winter weather, for example. The instrument cluster is designed with classic analog instruments: tachometer (left), speedometer (middle) and fuel gauge (right). However, the scaling is not white as in the production car, rather it is in "Arizona" color. The same applies to the scaling of the auxiliary instruments above the center console with charge pressure indicator, chronometer and engine oil temperature.

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Vauxhall Insignia, 2014

 

 

 Vauxhall Insignia, 2014

The new Vauxhall Insignia range made its world debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show before first UK deliveries start in October 2013.
Available as a five-door Hatch, four-door Saloon and Sports Tourer estate, the new range now starts at just £16,279, nearly £2,000 less than entry into the outgoing line-up. Also available are a range-topping Country Tourer and a high performance VXR version, the fastest car available in the UK for under £30,000.

There are four new engines, including: a 99g/km 140PS 2.0 CDTi offering large cost benefits to fleet and high-mileage drivers; an all-new 1.6 SIDI 170PS Turbo petrol; and a new 250PS 2.0 SIDI Turbo petrol. Existing diesel units have also benefited from refinement improvements.

An all-new infotainment system, incorporating Bluetooth-operated internet connectivity, an 8-inch touchscreen, and 3D navigation and voice control, has full smartphone compatibility and allows drivers unrivalled communications while on the move. A DMB (Digital Media Broadcast) radio is now standard across the range.

Since its launch in 2008, the Vauxhall Insignia has largely dominated the mid-size sector and launched the eye-catching design philosophy that has permeated through all subsequent new Vauxhalls. The Insignia's classic exterior lines remain for the new range, refreshed styling at the back and front of the car, but inside there are important changes to its instrument cluster and centre console design, as well as improvements to control-functionality.

The Insignia's range has been simplified, too. There are now eight trims (down from 14 in the outgoing line-up), ranging from Design to Elite, with a mixture of new models that will appeal to both retail and fleet buyers. And like all Vauxhalls, the new Insignia range will come with Lifetime Warranty, allowing first owners peace of mind for as long as they own the car, up to 100,000 miles.

Vauxhall is raising its game in the highly competitive D-segment with the launch of the new Vauxhall Insignia. 167,000 Insignias have been sold since launch in the UK illustrating its popularity with both retail and fleet buyers, as well as its appeal to buyers who had only previously considered premium cars in the D-sector.
Vauxhall's combination of more efficient engines, premium design and state-of-the-art infotainment systems will certainly prove tempting to both company car drivers and fleet decision-makers alike.
The new Vauxhall Insignia's direct competitors include the VW Passat, Ford Mondeo, Toyota Avensis and Peugeot 508. Other potential competitors include the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, and Mercedes C-Class.

DESIGN AND AERODYNAMICS
The biggest change existing Insignia customers will see when they sit in the new car is a completely re-designed centre console and instrument cluster. The centre console has been simplified and now has fewer buttons for more intuitive operation of common functions, such as air conditioning and infotainment, while the instrument cluster has new dials and a fresh, high-tech look.

Optional across the range is an 8-inch screen infotainment display (up from 5-inches in the outgoing range) and a new, upgraded instrument cluster with an 8-inch, high-resolution colour display. The cluster incorporates two outer dials showing fuel and revs, while in the centre sits a speedometer that can be displayed in analogue or digital form, or changed to show functions such as smartphone or audio use, or navigation.

The 8-inch infotainment display has touch-screen functionality, allowing drivers to access all functions and sub-menus such as radio stations, song titles, smartphone connection or 3D navigation in an intuitive and safe way. Its illuminated, touch-sensitive surface reacts immediately to finger movements, with even individual letters and numbers being accessible via this method. Up to 60 favourite menus can be stored from all functions and apps, available next year, can also be downloaded via the car's Bluetooth-connected internet.

In addition to button, touchscreen and touchpad operation, Insignia drivers can also control the infotainment system via re-designed controls on the new-look steering wheel. The advanced voice recognition function can also be operated by a single push of a button on the steering wheel.

Stylish new leather and cloth trims are available in the New Insignia range, complemented by upgraded dashboard materials and decors.

With 40 industry awards to its name - including the coveted European Car of the Year in 2009 - the outgoing Vauxhall Insignia has earned respect from media and customers alike. One of the pillars of its success has been its premium design - we called it 'sculptural artistry meets technical precision' at launch - and with the new range this has been enhanced still further.

Starting at the front of the car, the high-gloss chrome grille is wider and lower than before. The logo-bar that cradles the Griffin badge is thinner and includes winglets that link with the re-designed headlamps. On Elite models, these feature bi-xenon lamps with AFL (Advanced Forward Lighting), which is optional on all other models.

Standard headlamps are trimmed in high-gloss black with chrome-embedded accents, with the up-level AFL lights getting a 'wing-signature' daytime running light with energy-saving LEDs.

The lower front fascia inserts are designed to appear slim and wide to emphasise the upper grille size. Fog lamps are combined with wide, black inserts and chrome accents, which grow in width as they near the cabin.

In profile, the New Insignia range's Hatch and Saloon models are better defined through their unique tailgates and rear spoilers. The crease line on the C-pillar of the Hatch fades out before it reaches the spoiler's trailing edge, giving it a classic coupe silhouette. On the Saloon, the crease line continues along the edge of the spoiler to emphasise the body's length.

At the rear, the New Insignia range models appear wider and lower. The high-gloss chrome logo bar has been positioned lower on the tailgate. It extends into the tail-lights and incorporates the slim-look reversing lamps. The tail and stop functions of the two-piece tail-lights are illuminated by LEDs throughout the range.

The Sports Tourer's rear styling embodies a similar wider and lower appearance. The main visual enablers are again the stretched chrome brand bar, also framing the reverse functions, and an uninterrupted body-colored division between the tailgate glass and the longer, slimmer light units. The rear bumper moldings for all models also incorporate several black 'cut-out' inserts according to the powertrain choice, with or without visible exhaust tailpipes.

The New Vauxhall Insignia range offers a raft of technology, safety and comfort highlights. These include state-of-the-art radar and camera-based assistance systems (including adaptive cruise control and second-generation park assist), premium seats, and 'Open & Start', the keyless entry and start system, to name just a few.

Two new exterior colours - Emerald Green and Aurum Green - join the exiting 10 colour choices.

Aerodynamics
Vauxhall's new Insignia is not only the lowest CO2 emitting car in its sector but now also the most streamlined vehicle in the world in its class.

Thanks to clever changes to the body design of the new Insignia, Vauxhall's engineers have reduced the vehicle's drag coefficient to under 0.25 for the Insignia hatchback and 0.28 for the Sports Tourer. New extended underbody covers, wider front spoiler lips, tail lamp housings designed to enhance airflow separation and an integrated rear deck lid spoiler contribute to the new Vauxhall Insignia's slippery shape.

Insignia 2.0 CDTi ecoFLEX (120/140PS) models with Start/Stop also feature an additional, ultra-modern aerodynamic element: an active front air shutter. Air flowing through the front grille to cool the engine usually accounts for up to eight per cent of total vehicle air drag. To reduce this effect, a shutter in the lower front grille automatically closes to prevent air entering and causing turbulence. For cold starts, an additional advantage is a faster engine warm-up, which also helps reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Whenever the engine needs air for cooling, the shutter opens automatically.

These changes help the new Insignia eco FLEX (120/140PS) achieve class-leading CO2 emissions of 99g/km and 76.3mpg on the combined cycle.

This gives the ecoFLEX a range of up to 1175 miles, which means that an average UK driver covering 8,200 miles, would only have to refill with diesel seven times per year. Or put another way, an ecoFLEX driver could travel from London to Budapest on one tank of fuel!

ENGINES AND CHASSIS
The new Insignia range's powertrain line-up has been broadened still further with the addition of an all-new petrol engine and new derivatives of the existing 2.0 CDTi unit.

Now available with a choice of three power outputs - 120PS, 140PS and 163PS - the New Insignia range's 2.0 CDTi engine offers drivers ultra-low C02 emissions of 99g/km (76.3mpg combined) for the lower two outputs and 114g/km (65.7mpg combined) for the higher output unit (figures for Hatch models). But performance hasn't been compromised, with even the 120 and 140PS models producing up to 320 and 370Nm of torque respectively, and the 163PS model up to 380Nm.

For company car drivers, the new diesel engines offer an even more compelling argument, with both the 120 and 140PS ecoFLEX Hatch versions emitting just 99g/km of C02 and dipping in to the 14 per cent Benefit-in-Kind category for the 2013/14 Tax Year.

The Chassis
Across the New Vauxhall Insignia range, there have been improvements including dampers, roll-bars and steering, which result in improved noise and vibration behaviour and even higher levels of comfort. Completely new suspension control arms and carrier housings were built into the axle architecture to improve driving comfort. Electronic Power Steering (EPS) is standard in all but the VXR models has been reprogrammed for improved feel. Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH) levels have also been reduced for enhanced occupant comfort.

Vauxhall's Flex Ride adaptive damping chassis system, with its real-time driving style recognition, is also used in the new Insignia. This innovative chassis networks all driving dynamics systems and features electronic damper adjustment, as well as speed-dependent power steering. The driver can choose between three driving modes: Standard for driving comfort, Tour for an even softer, more comfortable drive, and Sport for a more direct, sporty driving experience.

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Toyota Corolla, 2014

 

 

 Toyota Corolla, 2014

Corolla for the World: 47 years, 154 Countries, Built in 16 Locations, Immeasurable Impact
With nearly 40 million units sold, the Toyota Corolla is the best-selling car nameplate on the planet, and this year marks its 47th year on the market. Since the Corolla first appeared in Japan in 1966, it has played a major role in the motorization of Japan, and its global popularity has had a significant impact on transportation throughout the rest of the world. The global scope of Corolla now finds it manufactured in 16 locations and sold in 154 countries. The Toyota Corolla's appeal as a global car is rooted in a product philosophy set forth by Tatsuo Hasegawa, the first Corolla's chief engineer, who sought "to develop a car that brings happiness and well-being to people around the world."

As a result of more than 40 years on the market satisfying consumer needs, this compact car has developed into a pillar supporting Toyota's famed reputation for quality, durability, and reliability. The Corolla, maybe more so than any other Toyota sold globally, has been the answer for consumers in the market for a reliable, efficient, and affordable compact vehicle.

Unexpected Exterior Design is Expressive, Chiseled
The all-new Corolla makes an immediate visual impact with a more expressive, chiseled exterior design that elaborates on the "Iconic Dynamism" theme first seen on the Corolla Furia Concept that debuted at the North American International Auto Show. The new Corolla is distinguished by its tauter, more athletic proportions that ride on a longer wheelbase (+ 3.93 inches/ +100 mm compared to current model). With the wheels pushed out toward the corners, compact overhangs, and more tapered front and rear expression, the new Corolla communicates a more dynamic compact sedan form, even at a standstill. The new sedan is 3.90 inches (99 mm) longer overall and yet presents a more compact appearance than the current model thanks to a basic shape that tapers at the front and rear of the vehicle to help emphasize the wheel arches and wheels-to-the-corner stance.

The new Corolla features an expressive front fascia with sharper, more pronounced details above a large trapezoidal grill that rests beneath a thin intake inlet below the hood.

The front view of the new Corolla reveals a continuation of the design themes seen in recent Toyota sedans such as Camry and Avalon, and it creates a sleeker, more assertive impression of a Toyota compact sedan with its more precisely sculpted surfaces.

Among the challenges presented by the new Corolla's original design concept was the need to execute more deeply rounder corners to achieve the desired sleeker image. The thick structure of conventional headlamps would hinder the appearance of deeply rounded corners. Sleek, compact LED lamp assemblies were adopted to reduce the corner mass and help accentuate the Corolla's tapered, rounded-corner, front- end design theme. In addition, the low heat generated by the LED lamp enabled the use of a lighter weight PES resin lens instead of conventional glass. Corolla is the first compact sedan to offer standard equipped LED headlamps.

Heightening the exterior design's attention to detail, the new Corolla's athletic profile reveals door handles that have been sculpted into the body to align with a character line that spans the length the door surfaces, utilizing a vertically asymmetrical door handle design. The new Corolla's C-pillar features a "faster", longer sloping angle that blends in to the rear deck more athletically. The rear view is highlighted by large, sharply-sculpted rear taillight assemblies. The new Corolla is available with a subtle rear deck-lid spoiler that accentuates the sportier nature of this new compact.

Elevated Interior Experience With a Greater Sense of Craftsmanship in its Design
The new Toyota Corolla's interior continues the "Iconic Dynamism" theme to create a stylish, highly functional, and inviting interior space with a greater sense of craftsmanship in its design, use of materials, and attention to detail. A horizontally oriented dash structure helps enhance the interior's sense of spaciousness while providing a more wide-open, intuitively functional space for interface with vehicle controls. The interior offers a premium aesthetic with its use of piano-black gloss trim highlighted by metallic ornamentation and trim that conveys an upscale yet sportier image.

Depending on interior color theme, blue, black or amber pinstriped accents are used in conjunction with the dash and door panel ornamentation to enhance the premium appeal of the interior. Ornamental stitching along the leading edge of the dash pad adds a sense of craftsmanship to the interior's upscale nature. An available decorative boot with ornamental stitching surrounding the shift lever adds a sporty, premium look.

As a result of the 3.93 inch increase in vehicle wheelbase, the new Corolla's interior package has been dramatically improved in terms of passenger comfort, gaining considerable legroom for the rear seat occupants. Compared to the outgoing model, the rear seat hip point has been moved back 2.95 inches (75 mm), and additional leg-room was gained by adopting a slim front seat back. The rear passenger floor was also made flatter by re-routing exhaust pipes beneath the vehicle to offer better middle position foot room. Rear seat comfort is also enhanced with the use of denser urethane pads and foam inserts within the seats.

The 2014 Corolla elevates the compact car's interior experience by treating occupants to a high level of cabin quietness. Environmental noise, in addition to road and engine sounds entering the cabin, are mitigated by an acoustic glass windscreen, improved floor carpet insulation, an instrument panel seal between the cowl and the windshield, a fender sound insulator, and an inner dash silencer pad.

Corolla's front seats include a longer, more supportive lower cushion and an improved bolster design, while offering a 0.59-inch (15-mm) increase in the seat's range of adjustment to help accommodate a wider range of physiques. The effort required operating the Corolla's front seat slide, reclining, and lift mechanisms has also been greatly reduced.

Corolla's standard gauge cluster offers three dials with sharp image detail and clear blue illumination, surrounded by chrome trimmed rings. Within the speedometer dial is a multi-information display that shows odometer, trip odometer, current fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, cruising distance and average vehicle speed. The S-grade meter cluster offers a high technology feel with a 3.5-inch black and white TFT display that rests between two large dials.

The new Corolla offers an expanded range of interior choices with seat fabrics that create an appealing contrast with the piano black and metallic-accent surfaces. Depending on the Corolla trim level, the seating surfaces are trimmed in premium, detailed fabric or a durable, upscale Soft Tex material.

Four Distinct Grades; High-level of Standard Equipment
The 2014 Corolla is available in four distinct grades: L, LE, S, and the new LE Eco grade. While each grade offers its own equipment level, all Corollas feature LED lowbeam headlamps with LED daytime running lights, an in-glass AM/FM antenna, color-keyed outside door handles, color-keyed outside mirrors, a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat, power door locks with automatic locking feature, power windows with driver-side one-touch up/down, air conditioning with pollen filter, standard Bluetooth connectivity and eight airbags.

Other popular features available for Corolla's trim levels include Smart Key System on front doors and trunk with Push Button Start, auto air-conditioning with pollen filter, leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic three-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters and audio controls, Multi-Information Display, Bluetooth hands-free phone voice-command controls, Soft Tex -trimmed heated front seats, and a range of audio capability that will offer navigation and Entune™ apps accessible through the head unit. Much more will be shared regarding Corolla's grade level content, capability, and price structure closer to on-sale timing in the fall.

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Subaru VIZIV-2 Concept, 2014

 

 

 

Subaru VIZIV-2 Concept, 2014

One year after unveiling the original concept, Subaru has revealed a new version of its two-door, four-seater future technology and design showcase vehicle - the Subaru VIZIV-2 Concept - at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.

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.

The 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.

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.

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.

Three of the four 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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Spyker B6 Venator Concept, 2013

 

 Spyker B6 Venator Concept, 2013

The Spyker B6 Venator Concept makes a defiantly contemporary statement whilst paying homage to its past, making it instantly recognizable as a Spyker. Highly detailed design, bespoke materials and aviation-inspired elements are a core part of the Spyker DNA. With the announcement of the Spyker B6 Venator Concept, the company once again proves its Latin axiom: "Nulla tenaci invia est via" - "For the tenacious no road is impassable." The name "Venator" is Latin as well, meaning "Hunter" - a nod back to Spyker's "Hunter" fighter aircraft of the early 20th century.

The Spyker B6 Venator Concept begin production in early 2014 for key markets including Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and India, followed by the US in autumn 2014.

The Spyker B6 Venator Concept is being shown for the first time at the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show alongside the Spyker C8 Aileron that was first introduced at the 2009 Geneva International Motor Show. The design of the Spyker C8 Aileron represented another significant step in the evolution of Spyker, shifting from propeller to turbine inspired design.

The introduction of the Spyker B6 Venator Concept marks the beginning of a new era for the brand, one that will include a significant increase in production led by a management team that has never been stronger. Last year Spyker expanded its global leadership with the appointment of John Walton as Chief Commercial Officer. Together, Muller and Walton are leading a passionate team that is supremely dedicated to creating unique and beautiful high- performance sports luxury cars.

Since the brand's rebirth in 2000, the company has lived its motto - "for the tenacious no road is impassable" - making bold moves to ensure that Spyker will continue to be a viable, no-compromise brand. The company was taken public in 2004 in order to fund product development and growth. After a few bleak years and newfound partnerships, the momentum is all in the right direction. The financial standing of Spyker N.V. is strong, thanks to the recent conversion of all shareholder debt into equity and a €10M share issue to Youngman. The result: in 2012, Spyker N.V. recorded a €125M profit, laying the foundation for brand's global resurgence that is signaled today by the introduction of the Spyker B6 Venator Concept.
 

Exterior highlights
    The trademark radiator grille's mesh is V-shaped, referencing Spyker models of the previous century. The 1903 Spyker logo harkens back to an era when Spyker built racers such as the amazing 60HP.
    The aerodynamically shaped glass aircraft canopy extends rearwards to minimize drag, optimizing performance.
    The 3D LED rear lights are akin to the iris-type after burners of a jet engine from a modern fighter aircraft.
    The brake light has been sculpted into the rear panel design to ensure smooth, flowing design lines.
    Elegantly aggressive 19" TurbofanTM wheels are shown in mirror polish finish.

Interior highlights

• Interior surroundings crafted from the finest materials are unusually open and airy for a sports car, the light and glass akin to an aeroplane cockpit. The leather is sourced from the Litano range produced by the Royal Hulshof Dutch Tanneries in Lichtenvoorde. Hulshof uses only West European first choice bull hides and a special tanning process that produces the beautifully rich colour palette.
• The red cover on the ignition switch evokes the spirit of starting an aeroplane, as does the dashboard that lights up as part of the 'pre-flight check.' The dashboard is shown with a turned aluminium fascia, similar to those seen on Spykers of the 1920s.
• Pressing the engine start button brings to life a powerful V6 engine that delivers 375+ bhp.
• The trademark exposed gear change mechanism was inspired by early aircraft controls from Spyker's aviation heritage.

Specifications

Body: All carbon fibre
Chassis: All aluminium platform
Engine

        Engine mount position: rear-mid
        Engine orientation: transverse mounted V6
Drivetrain
        Drivetrain type: RWD
        Transmission: 6-spd automatic
Dimensions
        Overall length: 4347 mm
        Wheelbase: 2500 mm
        Kerb weight: < 1400 kg

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