General Motors launched its next 100 years this week by unveiling the much-anticipated production version of the Chevrolet Volt - a vehicle that delivers up to 40 miles of gasoline- and emissions-free electric driving, with the extended-range capability of hundreds of additional miles.
The design of the Chevrolet Volt production car was directed by Bob Boniface and has evolved from the original concept, unveiled at the 2007 NAIS in Detroit. It is the first of several E-Flex vehicles that are planned for the future.
Aerodynamic improvements enabled GM to reach the Volt's target of driving up to 40 miles (based on EPA city cycle) without using gasoline or producing emissions. Many of the design cues from the concept vehicle remain in the production Volt, including the athletic stance, closed front grille and rear design graphics. More than 220 lithium-ion cells contained within the Volt's battery pack provide the equivalent of 150 horsepower and a top speed of 100 miles per hour. Production is scheduled to begin late 2010 for models in the United States. Pricing has not yet been announced.
Renault will unveil a hybrid-powered luxury crossover concept called the Onedelios at the French carmaker's home show next month. The six-passenger concept, which has individual bucket seats arranged in three rows of two, features interesting details influenced by aviation design.
Measuring 4805mm long, 1998mm wide and 1605mm high, the rakish concept has a low drag coefficient of just 0.29 and a lightweight carbon body. The aerodynamic design features a steeply raked windscreen - which extends down the hood - an aluminum-finish grille flanked by LED headlights and boomerang-shaped tail lamps nestled near air extractors that control air flow from the wheelarches. The polycarbonate roof glazing reduces weight and features a lattice-type design.
Butterfly-type side doors hinged to the roof provide access to the contemporary interior. Once inside, the cabin is reminiscent of the business class section of passenger jets; with six individually adjustable and reclining seats, complete with footrests. With its 2895mm wheelbase, the layout is claimed to have been designed to profit from all the available space.
Korean auto manufacturer SssangYong, best known for its wide range of SUV vehicles sold in Korea, has released a rendering of the C200 crossover expected to debut at the Paris Auto Show next month.
Heralded as a 'futuristic, compact SUV for urban environment', the C200 concept is the first monocoque-body vehicle in the company's portfolio and it will signal an ambitious beginning of the Korean off-road specialists' long term plan to enter the European market. At a glance, C200 is a refined and conservative design - for a concept - with visual weight sitting relatively low for an SUV, and a robust rocker panel surface sitting below the wheel center alluding to its sturdy stance.
Powered by a 2.0-litre 175hp engine mated to a four-wheel-drive drivetrain, the C200 concept satisfies both EURO 5 emissions and CO2 requirements. We should expect the production version to be released within a year.
Mercedes-Benz has released images of their ConceptFASCINATION study, to be shown at the Paris Motor Show next month.
In developing this design study, Mercedes-Benz has given fresh impetus to the long-established "shooting brake", a vehicle category that appears to be undergoing something of a revival recently in concept cars. The long, frameless, DLO describes a continuous arc from front to rear, uninterrupted by a B-pillar. As a result, the large load space in the rear is integrated in the vehicle body cohesively and harmoniously while also increasing the impression of length and creating a sense of lightness. The front is reminiscent of the current C-Class, although the four rhomboid headlamps hint at the new E-Class, due to be released next year.
The exquisite range of materials is inspired by the world of equestrianism: wood, aluminium and smoked glass give an exclusive look and feel to the trunk, which incorporates a refrigerated compartment and a humidor as well as offering a large load space.
Honda has started selling the third generation City in Thailand, a small notchback based on the mechanicals of the new Jazz/Fit hatchback. While the previous City was tall and had awkward proportions, the new model looks much better proportioned.
At the front, the treatment borrows heavily from the Civic and Airwave. The profile of the hood is longer than the Jazz and the A-pillar has been moved rearwards. It has conventional front doors, without the Jazz's triangular quarterlights. This entry-level Honda looks a scaled-down Civic sedan with a line that flows smoothly from the A-pillar and ending crisply in a short, high tail. There is a hint of the Jazz in the rising beltline at the rear of the City's DLO. Compared to the Jazz, it sits 55mm lower and on a 50mm longer wheelbase.
On the inside, the City has a different dashboard than the Jazz, as well as a squarer center console and conventional IP. As with the Jazz, a 118hp 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine sits under the hood. The City was developed and manufactured at Honda Automobile (Thailand) and will be assembled in the Philippines, Malaysia, India, Pakistan, China and Turkey.
Chevrolet has released two images of the new Orlando crossover concept, set for its first public unveiling at the upcoming Paris Motor Show. Based on the recently announced Cruze compact sedan, the Orlando is described as a 'seven-seat multi-purpose vehicle with versatility attributes of a sport utility, a family van and a wagon'.
The Orlando continues Chevrolet's distinctive design language, with strong, 'single-bar' front grille and robust, sculpted body surfacing. Its profile stands out in a way that looks to have an extremely wide track, giving it a sturdy stance. A distinctive two-box silhouette distinguishes the Orlando concept in a segment where sleek, one-box profiles have long been the norm.
Inside, the design is somewhat reminiscent of the recently revealed Opel/Vauxhall Insignia sedan, with a flowing two-tone IP, a steeply-raked center stack, and a similar steering wheel. According to GM, the five-door Orlando's adaptable, theater-style seating in three rows can accommodate up to seven occupants, thanks to its 2760mm wheelbase.
The concept is powered by Chevrolet's latest-generation 2.0-liter turbo diesel, developing 150hp and 320Nm of torque, an engine claimed to deliver both power and fuel-efficiency. And though Chevrolet anticipates the Orlando to be sold globally, general consensus is that the vehicle's 'home-field' will most likely be North America.
These are the first official photos of Renault's new production Mégane, set to make its public debut at the forthcoming Paris Motor Show. Incorporating styling cues suggestive of the world of sport, the new family hatchback measures 4.3m long, has a 2.64m wheelbase and a 1.55m track.
The design is underscored by sharp front-end looks which feature crown lines that sweep across the hood from the A-pillars to converge on the centrally positioned logo. The headlamp forms prolong the fluid lines of the air-intakes, reinforcing the vehicle's dynamic stance. When viewed in profile, the sloping roofline and dynamic proportions of its flanks suggest forward movement, while the steeply-raked screen and two-part light clusters continue the feature line at the rear.
The cabin exudes a sense of driving enjoyment, with an environment that makes use of fluid forms. The dashboard's fully integrated cowl gives the impression of being suspended, an aesthetic aspect enhanced by taut horizontal lines that highlight the curve of the trim. All the controls have been positioned to fall easily to hand, both close to the steering wheel and on the center console.
Mini will be adding another variant to the range, previewed by this Crossover Concept set to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show. The concept has four doors, four individual seats and is four meters in length - slightly larger than the current Mini Clubman. It also has a longer wheelbase, four wheel drive and is nearly 1.6 meters high.
The Crossover concept features two conventional doors on the passenger's side and a third for the driver. The fourth door, for the rear passenger on the driver's side, slides back along the outside of the car and swivels to one side to facilitate the loading of long items. To increase practicality, there is no B-pillar. There is also a folding roof cover that extends across the whole length of the roof as well as a transport case for the outside of the rear door.
A new three dimensional display and control console called the 'Centre Globe' adorns the IP and starts the car via a 'Keyball' device. The cabin's four seats are visually linked by a matt-polished aluminum fastening rail which extends from the dashboard through the middle of the car. This system allows for storage units and entertainment consoles to be attached and passed between the front and the rear passengers.
Honda’s new 'affordable’ hybrid has broken cover, in the form of the Insight concept set to debut at the Paris Motor Show next month.
The concept, which shares its styling cues with the Honda FCX Clarity fuel-cell vehicle unveiled at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, provides an early look at the highly-anticipated five-passenger hybrid vehicle.
Taking its name from the original two-seat gas-electric hybrid introduced in the US in December 1999, the five-passenger Insight concept has a low center of gravity and an aerodynamic design identifying its fuel efficient purpose.
The new vehicle will be produced at an expanded hybrid vehicle production line at the Suzuka factory in Japan and go on sale in the U.S. next spring, furthering the accessibility of hybrid technology to a new generation of buyers.
Following the launch of the new Insight, Honda also plans to introduce another unique sporty hybrid vehicle based on the CR-Z, first shown at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show.
Honda’s new 'affordable’ hybrid has broken cover, in the form of the Insight concept set to debut at the Paris Motor Show next month.
The concept, which shares its styling cues with the Honda FCX Clarity fuel-cell vehicle unveiled at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, provides an early look at the highly-anticipated five-passenger hybrid vehicle.
Taking its name from the original two-seat gas-electric hybrid introduced in the US in December 1999, the five-passenger Insight concept has a low center of gravity and an aerodynamic design identifying its fuel efficient purpose.
The new vehicle will be produced at an expanded hybrid vehicle production line at the Suzuka factory in Japan and go on sale in the U.S. next spring, furthering the accessibility of hybrid technology to a new generation of buyers.
Following the launch of the new Insight, Honda also plans to introduce another unique sporty hybrid vehicle based on the CR-Z, first shown at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show.
Nissan will be revealing the all-new Pixo at the Paris Auto Show. The five-door four-seater is a compact urban car built in collaboration with Suzuki Motor Corporation in Delhi, India. The car will compete in the fast growing A-segment.
Nissan will be revealing the all-new Pixo at the Paris Auto Show. The five-door four-seater is a compact urban car built in collaboration with Suzuki Motor Corporation in Delhi, India. The car will compete in the fast growing A-segment.
Measuring 3565mm long, 1470mm tall and 1600mm wide, the Pixo has a wheelbase of 2360mm. The no frills design is intended to be sufficiently compact for city driving while offering a roomy interior and generous luggage space thanks to its efficient design and packaging.
Powered by an efficient three-cylinder 1.0-litre engine, lightweight construction will benefit performance and enable very low fuel consumption and emissions. Nissan claims the Pixo will be an accessible city car providing the best 'eco-car' value in the small city car category.
The Paris Motor Show will mark the debut of an all-new car from Hyundai called the i20. Designed at Hyundai's European Design Centre in Russelsheim, Germany, the new five-door is more dynamic in appearance and has a longer wheelbase than the existing Getz, allowing for more interior space.
Following from the i10 and i30, the new car features Hyundai's trademark chrome-topped grille and teardrop headlamps at the front, while stacked rear light clusters give the rear end a distinctive look.
"The i20 was designed and engineered to meet European tastes and needs," said Kun Hee Ahn, President for Hyundai Motor Europe. "It was built on an entirely new platform and much of the ride and handling development took place on European roads, which has created a firm and agile drive."
Citroën is always touting a fresh take on vehicles, especially when it comes to those unveiled at the automaker's home show in Paris. True to form, this year the automaker will be unveiling a new concept called the Hypnos.
The crossover concept is claimed to combine the vitality of a coupé with the elegance of a sedan and the space of an SUV. The well balanced exterior design aims to rouse emotions, communicating power through its flowing and expressive lines, while also demonstrating the vehicle's new hybrid technology.
Inside, the initial appeal of the exterior design is confirmed by the cabin, which features original colors and has the ability to transfer a powerful sensory experience onto both the driver and passengers through technology that is said to be 'more human and approachable'.
With a 200bhp engine, Citroën's latest concept is claimed to combine dynamic performance with a low 4.5 l/100km fuel consumption and 120g/km of CO2 emissions.
The Hypnos will be unveiled on October 2, so check back with us then to read our Highlights and see our unique in-depth photographs of the 2008 Paris Motor Show.
Mazda has released these images of the Kiyora compact urban concept car the automaker will reveal at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. Based on an all-new platform designed to maximize weight reduction, the Kiyora is claimed to represent the harmony between driving pleasure and environmental and safety features.
Meaning 'clean and pure' in Japanese, the concept of 'Kiyora' helped the designers to imagine a city car cutting cleanly through an urban landscape, with water as the design theme. Mazda says the concept also features an interior design and new functions that support a youthful lifestyle.
The Kiyora is powered by a 4-cylinder direct injection engine featuring the company's unique Smart Idle Stop System, claimed to achieve 'excellent fuel economy and low CO2 emissions'. The improved aerodynamic performance of Nagare design also contributes to these factors.
Taking centre stage on the Toyota Avensis has a sleek design that reflects the car’s strong and dynamic character.
New Avensis is the third generation of the model to be built at the Burnaston plant in Derbyshire. Due to go on sale in January 2009 it features engines that are both more powerful and emit less CO2, a crucial factor in today’s new car market, and it retains the high quality, refinement and equipment levels that are an established Avensis hallmark. We will publish full details and pricing later in the year.
It’s all about symmetry, smoothness and economy but I’ll start with an explanation of the so-called ‘Boxer’ engine. It is also known as a horizontally opposed cylinder engine, which is a bit of a mouthful but provides something of a clue as to how it works. Whereas, in the more common layout, the pistons move up and down inside upright cylinders, in a boxer engine they are positioned sideways, working off a single crankshaft in between. The name ‘boxer, came about because of the action of each pair of pistons, moving simultaneously, mimic the punching actions of a boxer.
To see it in action is a thing of beauty as the sideways movement and synchronisation of the pistons is much smoother than in a more conventional engine and almost hypnotic. It also means that a balance shaft or counterweight on the crankshaft is not needed to counteract the weight of the reciprocating parts, making it lighter and less complicated.
So, this form of petrol engine is inherently smooth, efficient and relatively quiet but in developing the diesel version, Subaru has taken it a step further. Initially, the boxer diesel will only be used in cars bound for the European market and particularly the UK where 40 per cent of cars sold are diesels. So, it made sense to join in and gain a share in the market.
The result is a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder unit, which is lightweight, compact and strong. Furthermore, the engine and transmission are mounted low, in a line and kept within the wheelbase for more efficient working, a low centre of gravity and better dynamics on the road.
In order to make the most of the new engine, there had to be a few modifications. For instance, the 5-speed manual gearbox has higher ratios to cope with the extra torque and lower engine speeds; the front springs have been tweaked to suit and the power steering is now electric, which helps to increase the fuel economy.
Long gone are the days when diesel-engined cars were slow, lumpy, for want of a better word, and just plain smelly. This common-rail, direct injection unit has a variable nozzle turbocharger, an inter cooler, a particulate filter, catalytic converters and exhaust gas re circulation, which allows it to meet Euro4 emission standards.
Not only is Proton offering a full factory-fitted LPG conversion at no additional cost to the customer, ecoLogic owners will also benefit from 3 year/60,000 miles total vehicle warranty and 3 years RAC cover.
LPG is not a new concept and is used to run over 140,000 vehicles in the UK currently and 11 million worldwide. Humberside Police have been running LPG-converted Proton vehicles for over 10 years, and with just over 300 on their current fleet, have saved up to £300,000 on fuel costs per year. Proton ecoLogic owners won’t miss out later either, with residual values on LPG dual fuel vehicles recently found to be up to 7.4% better than their petrol equivalent (Fleet News).
It’s becoming increasingly easier to fill up on LPG, with over 1,400 refuelling sites around the UK, including motorway service stations and at major supermarkets.
Not only is the Proton ecoLogic GEN-2 more economical to run, but it has been proved to be more eco-friendly than petrol and diesel. Typically, LPG produces less carbon monoxide, particulates and nitrous oxides than other fuel sources, plus a 15-20% reduction in carbon dioxide compared to petrol. Even the production of LPG is environmentally friendly; it’s a by-product of the extraction and refining of crude oil, which also means there’s a plentiful supply in the UK.
There’s nothing complicated about dual fuel operation, the GEN-2 ecoLogic starts on petrol and then switches to LPG when it’s most efficient to do so, usually after about 20 seconds. Any very slight differences in performance will go unnoticed and the only visible addition to the interior is a switch on the centre console that shows the fuel level. There is a second filler cap next to the petrol cap, which is matched to the exact colour of the car. The LPG tank is situated in the spare wheel well, so owners lose only the smallest amount of boot space.
The Proton ecoLogic GEN-2 has a 1.6 litre engine and is available in a sporty hatchback or saloon version, priced at £10,995 and £10,795 respectively. Customers will be impressed with the high specification that comes as standard, such as reverse distance sensors, air conditioning with pollen filter, electric front and rear windows, automatic central locking and alloy wheels. Both models are available with a leather interior, an option at £1,000, but for a limited time customers can benefit from a stylish black leather interior on the GEN-2 ecoLogic hatchback absolutely free.
Cheaper fuel, reliable motoring, eco-friendly and at no additional cost. Available at Proton dealerships from September 2008, the Proton GEN-2 ecoLogic is a practical solution for the UK motorist feeling the pinch. No catch.
With more power, lower emissions and a host of big-car features, Britain’s most stylish newcomer enters the small-car market costing £155 less than the equivalent previous generation entry model. The new typical residual value increase is £1,000. This ranges from £700 for Zetec 1.4-litre TDCi to £1,175 on Titanium 1.6-litre petrol. Savings on insurance could be around £40 with three models having the same insurance group and all others are lower: the 1.6 TDCi Zetec drops from 6E to 4E.
Ford of Britain’s marketing director, Mark Ovenden, said: "All-new Fiesta is set to take Britain by storm. Already, customers are excited about the technology, style and economy they are going to get from this great new car. The package now looks more attractive with this news on residual value and competitive insurance."
Never one to rest on its laurels, SEAT will be expanding its recently-launched Ibiza line-up at the forthcoming Paris Motor Show, with the unveiling of the fire-breathing Cupra and ultra-green Ecomotive models.
Set to make their Show debuts on 2nd October 2008, the Ibiza Cupra and Ecomotive are highly significant additions to the sharp-looking new Ibiza range – at a stroke, they become respectively the meanest and greenest versions of SEAT’s supermini.The Cupra is brimming with sophisticated technology. It uses a 180 PS 1.4-litre petrol engine, featuring not only a turbocharger but also a supercharger, an approach beneficial to both power delivery and fuel efficiency. Furthermore, this compact yet potent powerplant is mated to a seven-speed DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) transmission, complete with F1-style steering wheel shift-paddles.
As expected from the Spanish brand whose ethos is ‘auto emoción’, the new Ibiza Cupra has style to match its spirit. Based on the SportCoupé (SC) three-door body shape, the Cupra boasts a bespoke look, with a new front bumper and air intakes surrounding the grille. Eye-catching 17” alloy wheels, a rear diffuser incorporating a centrally-placed trapezoid exhaust pipe, Cupra sports seats and track-inspired aluminium pedals are other visual highlights penned by Luc Donckerwolke, SEAT’s Design Director whose curriculum vitae includes the Lamborghini Gallardo and Murcielago.
The other high performance SEAT Ibiza – though in this context performance is measured in mpg rather than mph – is the next generation Ecomotive which, just like the current model, has an official carbon dioxide emissions figure of just 99 g/km. That is currently the joint lowest figure of any internal combustion engined-car available in the UK today, which means that the Ecomotive will once again qualify for free road fund licence.
Available in both 5dr and SC versions, the Ibiza Ecomotive is equipped with a clean and frugal 80 PS 1.4 TDI engine with DPF diesel particulate filter. Its notably low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are achieved through engine software modifications, as well as enhancements to the gearbox and gear ratios, the fitment of new 175/70 R14 low rolling-resistance tyres and the substitution of the spare wheel for a puncture kit.
Aerodynamic performance has also been analysed, resulting in a new closed front grille and revised rear spoiler which combine to reduce air resistance. Naturally, these changes do not affect the Ibiza’s extrovert appearance, meaning that the Ecomotive is arguably the sportiest-looking small eco-car on the market.
Both prices and specification for the new SEAT Ibiza Cupra and Ibiza Ecomotive will be announced closer to their UK arrival towards the middle of next year. In the meantime, all current Ibiza Ecomotive models are available with 0% finance (over 3 years, with 35% deposit) – a hugely attractive deal for financially and environmentally aware buyers, who will already benefit from the car’s road tax exemption and 74.mpg fuel economy.
