The new Jaguar F-TYPE SVR is the first Jaguar SVR, developed to exploit the lightweight aluminium sports car's full potential while retaining its inherent tractability and day-to-day usability. The Jaguar F-TYPE SVR is a 200mph, all-weather supercar.
More powerful, lighter, and benefiting from an enhanced chassis and driveline and active aerodynamics, the all-wheel drive F-TYPE SVR Coupé and Convertible deliver supercar performance - in all conditions - and unrivalled driver engagement and reward.
"The purity of the F-TYPE's form is something truly special, but in designing the new F-TYPE SVR we had the opportunity to create something even more dramatic. Every additional form, line or component is there for a reason, and contributes to the car's increased performance as well as its presence.
"Cutting-edge aerodynamics have always been fundamental to Jaguar design, and everything from the enlarged air intakes to the active rear wing is essential to the new F-TYPE SVR's dramatic looks and 200mph potential."
The eagerly awaited Volvo V90 was revealed today in Stockholm, Sweden. The stylish and versatile V90 is the latest in the premium car maker’s top-of-the-line 90 series, sitting alongside the award-winning XC90 SUV and the recently launched S90 premium saloon.
Building on Volvo Cars’ indisputable heritage in the estate segment, which began more than 60 years ago with the Volvo Duett, the new V90 takes the premium estate a clear step forward in terms of aesthetics, materials and finish, while living up to the ultimately practical nature of any true estate.
“We have a very strong position in the estate segment,” said Håkan Samuelsson, President and Chief Executive of Volvo Cars. “In many people’s minds we are known as the definitive estate brand. While the Volvo brand today stands for more than estates, we are proud to carry forward this rich heritage with the V90.”
The new V90 is the third car unveiled in Volvo’s top-of-the-line 90 series, all of which are built on the company’s specially designed and fully modular Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), which has opened up a range of new opportunities in terms of how Volvos can be designed, built and equipped.
“The modern premium estate is all about the intriguing combination of a luxurious experience with the functional origins of the estate silhouette. The sophisticated ambience of our new Volvo interiors is combined with a great cargo space, providing the right kind of functionality – whether through connectivity or cargo and storage solutions,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President for Design at Volvo Cars.
The new V90 delivers cutting-edge Pilot Assist semi-autonomous drive technology, the most advanced standard safety package on the market, including Large Animal Detection and Run-off Road Mitigation, and class-leading connectivity, including smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay.
Volvo Cars has also worked tirelessly on driving dynamics in the new model, to deliver a totally new and refined driving experience characterised by a sense of engaging control and predictability.
“We have a very strong offer in the V90. Our PowerPulse technology is designed to deliver a distinct performance boost to our diesel engine, while the T8 Twin Engine petrol plug-in hybrid will deliver around 410 hp and a pure electric range of around 31 miles,” said Dr Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President of Research & Development at Volvo Cars.
Based on the evolution of the Maserati saloon platform
Levante name inspired by a warm Mediterranean wind
Manufactured in the refurbished Mirafiori factory
Coupé style SUV with best in class interior space
Cx = 0.31, best in class aerodynamic coefficient
Extensive use of aluminium in chassis, body and suspension
Ideal 50:50 weight distribution
Lowest centre of gravity in SUV class
Intelligent Q4 AWD system with standard Torque Vectoring
Maserati Stability Program developed for on-road and off-road use
Double wishbone front and five-link rear suspension
Standard Air Spring Suspension with 6 ride height levels
Electronically controlled Skyhook shock absorbers
New Human Machine Interface with 8.4” Touch Screen
Sumptuous leather interior as standard
Sport and Luxury specific packages offered from launch
Standard Air Quality Sensor on all variants
Equipped with the latest evolution of the Maserati 3-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol engine, the Levante 350 hp makes it to 100 km/h in 6.0” and has a top speed of 251 km/h.
When designing the exterior of the new Scénic, Jérémie Sommer drew inspiration from the avant-garde approach that spawned the initial Scénic of 1996 and the R-Space concept car that was revealed in 2011. In the case of the fourth-generation Scénic, the aim was to start from a blank sheet of paper to deliver a fresh take on the compact MPV.
“It didn’t take us long to realise that the R-Space’s big wheels were fundamental to the overall balance of its stance and its harmonious proportions,” says Jérémie. “Following talks with engineering, the decision to run with big wheels was agreed at a very early stage.”
“Inside, two distinct ambiences coexist, namely a sporty ‘cockpit’ feel and a more open plan arrangement,” observes interior designer Maxime Pinol. “When the sliding centre console is in its foremost position and forms a single unit with the dashboard, the dominant ʻcockpit’ feel is underlined by the fact that the instruments are oriented clearly towards the driver. When the centre console is slid back, it becomes an item of ‘furniture’ that provides all occupants with stowage and connectivity, including access to four USB ports.”
In addition to the fitment of 20-inch wheels, the new Scénic’s dynamic styling was further emphasised by the design of its sides, including a raised belt-line towards the rear, prominent rear haunches and streamlined forms framed by a black sill and roof.
Along with this press release, we bring you a number of design drawings and videos which cover the design of the new Scénic, plus a joint interview featuring Laurens van den Acker, SVP, Renault Corporate Design, and Anne Asensio, Vice-President of Design Experience at Dassault Systèmes who contributed to the design of the first Scénic.
The new Grand Scénic will be unveiled on May 24.
#Dynamic #Products , #Scenic , #Static
The 2016 Geneva Motor Show in March saw Renault take the wraps off the new SCENIC, a striking, compact MPV with pioneering proportions and, in an unprecedented move, 20-inch wheels as the standard fitment across the range. It is now the turn of the new GRAND SCENIC to break cover and extend the Scénic line-up. The new GRAND SCENIC, a family vehicle par excellence, comes with either five or seven seats and features a fresh approach in term of its design, including: - Chrome or Metal Grey accessories, sculpted forms and body sides, and a distinctive belt line towards the rear which combine to produce a fluid, elegant silhouette. - For the first time in the segment, 20-inch wheels are standard, while a two-tone livery and harmonious interior trim underline the model’s modern personality. Cabin modularity and travelling comfort – which are two strengths that have helped to forge the Scénic’s reputation – have been thought through to ensure that the needs of families are met even more closely. A One Touch Folding Seat function allows the rear seats to be folded automatically to obtain a flat floor and facilitate loading. Meanwhile, the new GRAND SCENIC is 24cm longer than the new SCENIC and consequently boasts extra boot space and carrying capacity compared with its sibling: 718dm3 VDA (five-seat version) for an extra 222dm3 VDA compared with the new SCENIC. The new GRAND SCENIC comes with a comprehensive suite of driver aids too, including Active Emergency Braking (AEBS) with Pedestrian Detection as standard equipment for the first time in the segment. The list continues with technologies from the next segment up, such as MULTI-SENSE experience, a R-LINK 2 multimedia tablet complete with a large 8.7-inch display and a full-colour head-up display. Last but by no means least, the fourth generation of the model can be specified with Renault’s Hybrid Assist electrified diesel engine. The new SCENIC and new GRAND SCENIC (five or seven seats) will be available for sale before the end of the year 2016.
Volvo Cars, the first car maker to actively test child seats in crash tests as far back as the early 1960s, is launching a range of three new child seats with a focus on design, comfort and convenience.
As a pioneer in child safety, Volvo Cars’ heritage of development, testing and clear installation and usage guidelines for parents is unequalled.
“We understand that many people find child safety in cars a complex and sometimes confusing subject. We have focused for many years on communicating clear guidelines around how child seats should be used and the correct way to install them,” said Lotta Jakobsson Adjunct Professor, PhD and Senior Technical Leader, Injury Prevention at Volvo Cars Safety Centre.
Teaching adults how to install and operate a child seat is one thing, getting the child to stay in the seat is another entirely – especially when the child gets older.
“Our focus is on ensuring that young children travel in the safest manner possible, depending upon their size and age. This means rearward-facing up to the age of at least 3 or 4 years and after that with child seats or booster cushions up to 140 cm in height. The safety benefits are unquestionable, yet many parents unwittingly allow their children to sit forward-facing too early. One of the many reasons quoted for this is comfort – the child complains that there is not enough legroom, or is too warm due to the upholstery,” said Lotta Jakobsson.
Volvo Cars’ new generation of child seats is made with a more breathable and comfortable upholstery comprised of 80% wool textile which makes the seats smoother to the touch, highly durable, and better-performing in both hot and cold climates. The seats also have a slimmer design aimed to increase legroom and overall comfort.
“We believe that children will be more comfortable in our rearward-facing new seat and that this will encourage parents to keep their children rearward-facing for longer. This will have a direct impact on overall child safety and support our Vision 2020, where no one will be killed or seriously injured in a Volvo car by the year 2020,” added Lotta Jakobsson.
The new seats are designed to suit the needs of children of different ages and sizes:
Infant seat - rearward-facing (up to 13 kg or 9 months)
Child seat - rearward-facing for children from 9 months up to 6 years (least 3-4 years as recommended by Volvo)
Booster seat - forward-facing for children that have outgrown the rearward-facing seat (from 3-10 years old)
Volvo Cars continues to focus on the importance of children travelling in rearward-facing seats as long as possible.
The new seats, developed with one of the world’s leading child seat makers, Britax-Römer, and tested at Volvo Cars Safety Centre in Gothenburg, Sweden, will be available from the beginning of June in selected markets.
At "Auto China 2016" in Beijing, Mercedes-Benz is presenting the long-wheelbase version of the E-Class, measuring an extra 140 millimetres in length. Passengers in the rear of the saloon, which has been purpose-developed for China, enjoy the benefit of a considerably larger footwell area and seats with a host of comfort functions. The interior of the saloon is a picture of contemporary luxury, which has been stylishly reinterpreted for the Chinese market using high-class materials. Its striking, dynamic design exudes sensual purity and effortless superiority. The standard-fit nine-stage automatic transmission 9G-TRONIC delivers dynamic performance with high ride comfort.
Volvo Cars has unveiled a unique piece of art at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show, based on the interior of the new S90 Excellence sedan, Volvo Cars’ top-of-the-line variant of the S90.
The sculpture clearly illustrates how the Lounge Console could look in the new S90 Excellence, and Volvo Cars’ commitment to deliver a new and exciting take on progressive luxury.
“We had such positive feedback with our original Lounge Console Concept in the XC90 that we wanted to take it a step closer to reality in an S90 Excellence interior. With this interior we wanted to create a piece of art, a sculpture. We’ve taken many of the original concepts and made them come to life,” said Robin Page, Vice President Interior Design at Volvo Cars.
Starting at the rear, the Volvo Cars Design Team added the most comfortable seating and the supreme convenience of a centre control panel for features such as the heated/cooled cup holder, the sound system, massage function and the large multi-media screen. The rear armrest is home to a refrigeration unit and comes complete with two hand-cut crystal glasses from Swedish glassmaker Orrefors.
“One of the key elements is the removal of the front passenger seat. We removed this to provide unrestricted forward visibility and the sense of space and light that this brings. It has an immediate and extremely calming effect,” said Robin Page.
The Lounge Console Concept in the S90 Excellence provides three comfortable alternatives – a mobile working station that combines a fold-out work table and large screen for checking your emails or video conferencing; a pure entertainment mode where you can catch up on your latest Netflix shows and a pure relaxation mode where you can recline your seat, take a cold drink from the fridge and relax with your feet on the heated foot support.
“We do things differently at Volvo Cars – we always have. Our distinctive approach to interior design aims to deliver a luxurious and calming experience. The art of Scandinavian Design is all about enhancing the life experience, and this is what Volvo Cars does best,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President Design at Volvo Car Group.
Volvo Cars, the premium car maker, is to begin the UK’s most ambitious autonomous driving trial next year to speed up the introduction of a technology that promises to massively reduce car accidents as well as free up congested roads and save drivers valuable time.
The Swedish company, whose name is synonymous with automotive safety ever since it invented the three point seat belt in 1959, is pioneering the development of autonomous driving systems globally as part of its commitment that no one will be seriously injured or killed in a new Volvo by the year 2020.
“Autonomous driving represents a leap forward in car safety,” said Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive. “The sooner AD cars are on the roads, the sooner lives will start being saved.”
Mr Samuelsson will make his comments at a seminar sponsored by Volvo and Thatcham, the insurance industry’s research organisation, in London on May 3 entitled ‘A Future with Autonomous Driving Cars – Implications for the Insurance Industry’ at the America Conference Centre in London.
Volvo’s UK-based test will be called ‘Drive Me London’ and will differentiate itself from other AD programmes by using real families driving AD cars on public roads.
Volvo will source its data from these everyday users and use this data to develop AD cars that are suitable for real world driving conditions, rather than the more unrealistic conditions found on test tracks. Thatcham Research will be providing the technical data analysis and any professional test drivers needed as part of the trial.
Drive Me London will begin in early 2017 with a limited number of semi-autonomous driving cars and expand in 2018 to include up to 100 AD cars, making it the largest and most extensive AD testing programme on Britain’s streets.
The introduction of AD cars promises to revolutionise Britain’s roads in four main areas – safety, congestion, pollution and time saving.
Independent research has revealed that AD has the potential to reduce the number of car accidents very significantly, in some cases by up to 30 per cent. Up to 90 per cent of all accidents are presently caused by driver error or distraction, something that should largely disappear with AD cars.
“Vehicle manufacturers are predicting that highly autonomous vehicles, capable of allowing the driver to drop ‘out of the loop’ for certain sections of their journey, will be available from around 2021. Without doubt, crash frequency will also dramatically reduce. We’ve already seen this with the adoption of Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) on many new cars. Research in the US by NHTSA predicts that by 2035, as a result of autonomous and connected cars, crashes will be reduced by 80%. Additionally, if a crash unfortunately can’t be avoided, then the impact speed will also drop as a result of the system’s performance - reducing the severity of the crash,” said Peter Shaw, chief executive at Thatcham Research.
“Driverless cars will see our journeys become faster, cleaner and safer. The UK is leading the way in developing the technology needed to make this a reality thanks to our world-class research base and these types of trials will become increasingly common," Sajid Javid, UK Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills said. “Such advances in technology prove the fourth industrial revolution is just around the corner and our determination to be at the forefront is why we are attracting top names from across the globe for real-world testing.”
In terms of congestion, AD cars allow traffic to move more smoothly, reducing traffic jams and by extension cutting dangerous emissions and associated pollution. Lastly, reduced congestion saves drivers valuable time.
“There are multiple benefits to AD cars,” said Mr Samuelsson. “That is why governments globally need to put in place the legislation and infrastructure to allow AD cars onto the streets as soon as possible. The car industry cannot do it all by itself. We need governmental help.”
• Chinese debut for the Huracán LP 580-2, the Huracán LP 610-4 Spyder and for the new Huracán LP 610-4 Avio: a limited edition of 250 cars worldwide
•China is one of the world's largest markets for Lamborghini
•2015 was a record year for Lamborghini V10 models
Sant'Agata Bolognese/Beijing, 24 April 2016 – Lamborghini presents its expanded Huracán model range at the 14th Beijing International Motorshow,
Three models make their debut in China. The Lamborghini Huracán LP 580-2 is the two-wheel drive version of the V10 coupé. Specifically designed and engineered for its rear-wheel drive set-up, the Huracán LP 580-2 combines dynamic new looks with a package for enhanced Lamborghini driving emotion.
Alongside the two-wheel drive version, Lamborghini is showing the Huracán LP 610-4 Avio: produced in a run of only 250, this special edition's name, colors and materials pay tribute to the world of aviation and aeronautics.
Also displayed is the open top version of the Huracán LP 610-4, which combines the power and performance of the coupé with the emotion of open-air driving.
The Huracán Spyder stands for inspiring technology, outstanding quality and breathtaking performance. Luxurious comfort with a pure and dynamic design ensures the convertible version of the Huracán is an iconic Lamborghini in its own right.
Automobili Lamborghini's CEO, Stefano Domenicali, comments: "China is one of the world's largest markets for Lamborghini in terms of sales. Today we are delighted to present to the Chinese public the Huracán family, which achieved an historic sales record in 2015."
The Huracán LP 610-4 made 2015 the most successful year in history for deliveries of V10-engined Lamborghini models. In its first full year on the market, a total of 2,242 Huracán units were delivered to customers. In the first 18 months following its market introduction, Huracán deliveries were 70% higher than those of its predecessor, the Gallardo, in the same period after market introduction.
The Huracán LP 580-2 has been engineered and tuned for an essential driving experience: its naturally aspirated V10 5.2 l engine sending 426 kW / 580 hp to the rear axle and its dry weight is just 1,389 kg.
The Huracán LP 610-4 Avio has all the technical specifications that have made the Huracán a great success: aspirated 610 HP, 5.2 liter, V10 engine; 7-speed gearbox with double clutch; hybrid chassis in aluminum and carbon fiber; a power/weight ratio of only 2.33 kilograms per hp and breathtaking performance: 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.2 seconds and a maximum speed of over 325 km/h.
Driven by the same V10 engine, the Huracán LP 610-4 Spyder accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.4 seconds, with a top speed of 324 km/h (201 mp/h).
The most distinctive feature of the Huracán Spyder is its new soft top. The roof is available in three different colors: black, brown and red. Even with the roof up, the lines of the Spyder differ significantly from those of the coupé. The new hidden automatic pop-up safety bars do not spoil the open car's low silhouette.
The new electrohydraulic, lightweight soft top opens via a button positioned on the central tunnel in just 17 seconds up to a driving speed of 50 km/h (31 mph). Whether the soft top is up or down, the driver can also electronically open the rear window, which functions as a windshield when closed and when open, as an amplifier of the unique engine sound of the naturally aspirated V10.
All the Huracán models include new 2016 model year technical features including 'cylinder on demand' in combination with 'stop start', and a for the all-wheel drive models a new electronically controlled set-up for further improved driving behavior.
The Volvo Concept 40.1 and 40.2 are the first built around Volvo’s new Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), which has been specially created for smaller cars and which has liberated the company’s designers and engineers to explore bold and daring new directions. #Technology#Design#Volvo#Concept
