US researchers have presented their first findings on battery packs the size of... a grain of salt
The quest for ever smaller batteries is no news in the auto industry, now that EVs and assorted hybrids loom inevitably on the not-too-distant horizon. But courtesy of the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), a giant leap for the industry and perhaps mankind is on the way in the form of batteries smaller than a grain of salt, according to a report from Gizmag. That's what they're gunning for, anyway and why DARPA is stumping up the funds for the research work undertaken by the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA).
At a symposium in Albuquerque, New Mexico last week, UCLA engineer Jane Chang presented a work in progress in the form of an electrolyte designed to facilitate the flow of charge between electrodes in such confined spaces. The aim, she told her audience, is to achieve energy densities similar to lithium ion batteries, but with a much smaller footprint.
In fact, lithium forms a key part of her formula, which entails coating a matrix of micro-pillars with the electrolyte lithium aluminosilicate. The lithium is suspended in a substance capable of being sprayed on to these nano-wires in layers just one atom thick. Energy density is dependent on surface-to-volume ratio, so the trick lies in structuring these nano-wires in a relationship that maximises that.
While Chang and her colleagues have also come up with appropriate materials and structures for the electrodes, she says it will be a while before they present a fully functional microbattery of any kind, let alone for automotive applications. The UCLA/DARPA project represents the makings of a holy grail for battery electric vehicle development; the smaller the package, the easier it is to incorporate in a vehicle without conceding interior space or weight distribution.
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Thứ Năm, 29 tháng 3, 2012
Fiat opens up Euro markets for Chrysler
Chrysler brands enter UK, Spain, Switzerland and Poland, while Italian saviour ponders a larger slice of Pentastar pie
Fiat is making money hand over fist. The automotive giant last week reported a two million euro increase in profit, year on year, for Fiat Group Automobiles and two supercar makers -- Ferrari and Maserati.
It seems that Fiat, under the leadership of CEO Sergio Marchionne, can do no wrong currently. In addition to posting an improved profit -- at a time when some companies are struggling to post a profit at all -- the company's American property, Chrysler Group LLC is also looking forward to better prospects. As of this (third) quarter, Chrysler has launched or relaunched in four significant European markets: UK, Spain, Switzerland and Poland.
In a report published by American website Auto Remarketing Today, Marchionne is also considering taking a larger share in Chrysler -- up to 35 per cent of the value of the company. That is something that was always on the cards from the time the US government and former Chrysler management commenced negotiations with Fiat to acquire a share in the company after the American government had bailed Chrysler out of debt. Chrysler's finances are gaining ground and Marchionne has now confirmed Fiat will increase its share in Chrysler, with the transaction to be finalised by the end of next year.
Its involvement with Chrysler has laid the groundwork for Fiat to launch its tiny 500 in the US from January of next year. Irrespective of how the American consumers will greet the 500, Fiat anticipates strong global earnings for the full year, 2010. The company's forecast predicts revenue of €55 billion, €2 billion in trading profits and almost €400 million in net profit.
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Fiat is making money hand over fist. The automotive giant last week reported a two million euro increase in profit, year on year, for Fiat Group Automobiles and two supercar makers -- Ferrari and Maserati.
It seems that Fiat, under the leadership of CEO Sergio Marchionne, can do no wrong currently. In addition to posting an improved profit -- at a time when some companies are struggling to post a profit at all -- the company's American property, Chrysler Group LLC is also looking forward to better prospects. As of this (third) quarter, Chrysler has launched or relaunched in four significant European markets: UK, Spain, Switzerland and Poland.
In a report published by American website Auto Remarketing Today, Marchionne is also considering taking a larger share in Chrysler -- up to 35 per cent of the value of the company. That is something that was always on the cards from the time the US government and former Chrysler management commenced negotiations with Fiat to acquire a share in the company after the American government had bailed Chrysler out of debt. Chrysler's finances are gaining ground and Marchionne has now confirmed Fiat will increase its share in Chrysler, with the transaction to be finalised by the end of next year.
Its involvement with Chrysler has laid the groundwork for Fiat to launch its tiny 500 in the US from January of next year. Irrespective of how the American consumers will greet the 500, Fiat anticipates strong global earnings for the full year, 2010. The company's forecast predicts revenue of €55 billion, €2 billion in trading profits and almost €400 million in net profit.
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Thứ Hai, 26 tháng 3, 2012
Lambo rolls out lightweight Gallardo Spyder
Raging bull puts its weight-saving expertise to good use on the new Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante
The full extent of Lamborghini's fat-busting trickery was recently showcased on the Sesto Elemento, but the Bologna-based carmaker has now revealed a vehicle with a little more significance in the short term.
Pictured alongside is the Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante, essentially a drop-top version of the Superleggera, and therefore touted as being more agile and dynamic than the standard roadster.
Lamborghini claims it's managed to trim 65kg from the Gallardo Spyder's girth by ditching many of the standard interior and exterior parts and replacing them with carbonfibre-reinforced plastic (referred to by the acronym CFRP) components.
Carbonfibre is used in the underbody, door panels, seat shells and transmission tunnel, as well as in the retractable roof assembly, diffuser and rear spoiler.
According to the company, the Spyder Performante tips the scales at no more than 1485kg (dry weight), which Lambo claims is a new benchmark for the supercar roadster segment.
As per the Superleggera, motive power comes from a direct-injection 5.2-litre V10 that kicks out 419kW and 540Nm, enabling the roadster to bolt from 0-100 km/h in 3.9sec and achieve a v-max of 324km/h.
Befitting its high-po orientation, the Gallardo Spyder Performante sits on 19-inch alloy wheels that are 13kg lighter than the stock rims, and wrapped around these hoops are Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres. Stopping power is also uprated via 365mm brake discs at the front and 356mm discs at the rear.
The Spyder Performante is distinguishable from the stock roadster via its more aggressive bumper/spoiler assembly and bespoke rear diffuser -- and these mods are said to boost cooling and aero efficiency.
Lamborghini claims the Gallardo Spyder Performante is also cleaner-running than the standard roadster, although it hasn't revealed fuel consumption or CO2 emission figures. The company is also yet to announce details regarding pricing and availability.
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The full extent of Lamborghini's fat-busting trickery was recently showcased on the Sesto Elemento, but the Bologna-based carmaker has now revealed a vehicle with a little more significance in the short term.
Pictured alongside is the Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante, essentially a drop-top version of the Superleggera, and therefore touted as being more agile and dynamic than the standard roadster.
Lamborghini claims it's managed to trim 65kg from the Gallardo Spyder's girth by ditching many of the standard interior and exterior parts and replacing them with carbonfibre-reinforced plastic (referred to by the acronym CFRP) components.
Carbonfibre is used in the underbody, door panels, seat shells and transmission tunnel, as well as in the retractable roof assembly, diffuser and rear spoiler.
According to the company, the Spyder Performante tips the scales at no more than 1485kg (dry weight), which Lambo claims is a new benchmark for the supercar roadster segment.
As per the Superleggera, motive power comes from a direct-injection 5.2-litre V10 that kicks out 419kW and 540Nm, enabling the roadster to bolt from 0-100 km/h in 3.9sec and achieve a v-max of 324km/h.
Befitting its high-po orientation, the Gallardo Spyder Performante sits on 19-inch alloy wheels that are 13kg lighter than the stock rims, and wrapped around these hoops are Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres. Stopping power is also uprated via 365mm brake discs at the front and 356mm discs at the rear.
The Spyder Performante is distinguishable from the stock roadster via its more aggressive bumper/spoiler assembly and bespoke rear diffuser -- and these mods are said to boost cooling and aero efficiency.
Lamborghini claims the Gallardo Spyder Performante is also cleaner-running than the standard roadster, although it hasn't revealed fuel consumption or CO2 emission figures. The company is also yet to announce details regarding pricing and availability.
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Mazda offers savings on core range
2010 plated passenger and commercial vehicles see impressive price adjustment
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Mazda Australia has announced new promotional pricing across its Mazda2, Mazda3 and Mazda6 passenger range, as well as significant discounts on all BT-50 commercial utility models.
Starting at the small end, Mazda2 Neo receives a $500 discount, the city-savvy hatch now priced from just $16,490 driveaway.
Next up, Australia's best-selling small car, the Mazda3, receives a $1000 discount across the entire hatch and sedan range. The saving now sees Mazda3 priced from as little as $21,990.
Mazda6 also offers better value with buyers saving an additional $1000 across all models. As Australia's top selling imported family car, the Mazda6 is now priced from $33,990 for the Mazda6 Classic sedan with manual transmission.
Finally, Mazda's commercial utility range also sees significant discounts, the 4x2 BT-50 Single Cab Chassis DX reduced by $1000. The promotional driveaway price for this model, including an alloy tray is now $21,990.
"Mazda is the number one import brand in Australia with record sales this year," said Mazda Australia Managing Director, Doug Dickson. "These new promotional price points in our 2010 Total Stock Clearance will ensure that we finish the year on a high."
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Mazda Australia has announced new promotional pricing across its Mazda2, Mazda3 and Mazda6 passenger range, as well as significant discounts on all BT-50 commercial utility models.
Starting at the small end, Mazda2 Neo receives a $500 discount, the city-savvy hatch now priced from just $16,490 driveaway.
Next up, Australia's best-selling small car, the Mazda3, receives a $1000 discount across the entire hatch and sedan range. The saving now sees Mazda3 priced from as little as $21,990.
Mazda6 also offers better value with buyers saving an additional $1000 across all models. As Australia's top selling imported family car, the Mazda6 is now priced from $33,990 for the Mazda6 Classic sedan with manual transmission.
Finally, Mazda's commercial utility range also sees significant discounts, the 4x2 BT-50 Single Cab Chassis DX reduced by $1000. The promotional driveaway price for this model, including an alloy tray is now $21,990.
"Mazda is the number one import brand in Australia with record sales this year," said Mazda Australia Managing Director, Doug Dickson. "These new promotional price points in our 2010 Total Stock Clearance will ensure that we finish the year on a high."
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Nissan confirms light commercial offering
After 20 years Nissan Australia will again add a light commercial van to its lineup
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A light commercial van from Nissan will again be offered to local buyers. A hauler option hasn't been available from the brand since the Urvan, around 1990 but Nissan Australia is aiming to become number one importer by 2013 and plans include expansion in all gaps including the LCV market.
The NV200 van earmarked for Australia is referred to as a 'car-derived-van', using Nissan's B-platform for small vehicles including the previous (K12) Micra and current Tiida and Juke models. Modifying the compact underpinnings has allowed for goods-carrying and people-moving accommodation: length is 4400mm, height 1860mm tall and width 1690mm.
In Europe a Combi version of the NV200 is available, with three-row seating for seven passengers. Head of Corporate Communications for Nissan Australia, Jeffrey Fisher says both the peoplemover and light commercial van are under study for potential local sales.
Australians are offered only a 'standard' range of peoplemovers. Notable absences include the Mazda 5 or Premacy as it was sold here, and mini peoplemover options like the stylish Citroen C3 Picasso.
The NV200 was judged the 2010 International Van of the Year by a panel of commercial vehicle reviewers because it "sets new standards in terms of internal space in relation to the external dimensions". It is produced in Japan and Spain.
Nissan claims the NV200 has class-leading cargo space. The load bed is 2004mm long and up to 2800mm with the front passenger seat folded. Narrowest space between the wheelarches is 1220mm. Load height is also claimed as best (lowest from ground level) in its class, at 524mm. Maximum payload is 783kg.
The NV200 is currently offered in Europe with a 1.6-litre petrol engine, rated at 81kW/153Nm and using 7.4L/100km, or super-frugal, Renault-sourced 1.5-litre diesel at 63kW/200Nm and 5.2L/100km. Both engines are matched to a five-speed manual.
According to Nissan the diesel's service intervals run to 20,000km (or every 12 months) while the petrol model can stretch to 30,0000km.
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A light commercial van from Nissan will again be offered to local buyers. A hauler option hasn't been available from the brand since the Urvan, around 1990 but Nissan Australia is aiming to become number one importer by 2013 and plans include expansion in all gaps including the LCV market.
The NV200 van earmarked for Australia is referred to as a 'car-derived-van', using Nissan's B-platform for small vehicles including the previous (K12) Micra and current Tiida and Juke models. Modifying the compact underpinnings has allowed for goods-carrying and people-moving accommodation: length is 4400mm, height 1860mm tall and width 1690mm.
In Europe a Combi version of the NV200 is available, with three-row seating for seven passengers. Head of Corporate Communications for Nissan Australia, Jeffrey Fisher says both the peoplemover and light commercial van are under study for potential local sales.
Australians are offered only a 'standard' range of peoplemovers. Notable absences include the Mazda 5 or Premacy as it was sold here, and mini peoplemover options like the stylish Citroen C3 Picasso.
The NV200 was judged the 2010 International Van of the Year by a panel of commercial vehicle reviewers because it "sets new standards in terms of internal space in relation to the external dimensions". It is produced in Japan and Spain.
Nissan claims the NV200 has class-leading cargo space. The load bed is 2004mm long and up to 2800mm with the front passenger seat folded. Narrowest space between the wheelarches is 1220mm. Load height is also claimed as best (lowest from ground level) in its class, at 524mm. Maximum payload is 783kg.
The NV200 is currently offered in Europe with a 1.6-litre petrol engine, rated at 81kW/153Nm and using 7.4L/100km, or super-frugal, Renault-sourced 1.5-litre diesel at 63kW/200Nm and 5.2L/100km. Both engines are matched to a five-speed manual.
According to Nissan the diesel's service intervals run to 20,000km (or every 12 months) while the petrol model can stretch to 30,0000km.
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Thứ Bảy, 24 tháng 3, 2012
MOTORSPORT: Rally Oz takes shape but chairman in storm
Stages for relocated Rally Australia to be known soon, but the event's chairman makes headlines for other reasons; Warwick Farm remembered; an audit on NZ's V8 cost blowout; and a new push for an extra F1 Ferrari
WRC planning in top gear but Fountain ousted from day job
Australia will have a World Rally Championship round at a new NSW location next year, Coffs Harbour, and preparations are stepping up now -- but the event's chairman has been at the centre of a storm this week.
While meetings have been held with many authorities lately, property owners along the proposed route are being contacted and the stages should be finalised early in the new year, Rally Australia chairman Graham Fountain has been forced to quit his regular job.
Fountain, who for three years was the chief executive of the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport, (CAMS), yesterday quit as the chief of Melbourne's Metropolitan Fire Brigade after allegations of unfair treatment by a colleague. Fountain had only been in the MFB post since April.
Fountain became chairman of Rally Australia recently and a statement on its website says: "good governance, community engagement, public safety and logistics form part of his day-to-day priorities and he will use this experience in his Rally Australia role", see here.
Meanwhile, meetings with authorities and community officials in the Coffs Harbour area were held midweek -- led by the NSW Premier's Department and the Homebush Motor Racing Authority, whose other responsibility obviously is the Sydney Telstra 500 V8 Super car games event.
Australia's WRC round was held in and around Perth, WA, for almost 20 years but last year it was resurrected in NSW's Northern Rivers region and run amid considerable community opposition.
It was announced several months ago that Rally Australia, which now rotates on the WRC calendar with New Zealand, would move to the Coffs Harbour region and be held next year on September 8-11.
The area has previously hosted Australian Rally Championship rounds and the old international Southern Cross Rally.
Homebush Motor Racing Authority chief executive Bryan Hardman said this week stages for the 360km of competition would be held in four shires -- Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Bellingen and Nambucca.
Rally Australia operations manager Ben Raggatt said the stages should be made known in January or February. The service park will be at the Coffs Harbour airport, without any effect on flight schedules.
Hardman said 300 letters had been sent by Rally Australia to property owners near the proposed routes.
"So far all the feedback we have received has been 100 per cent positive, with no objections," he said. "Given there was a groundswell of opposition to the rally in the Northern Rivers last year we don't want to see rumour and innuendo impact on the Coffs Coast event, so we're hoping to meet with concerned environmental groups, if there are any, sooner rather than later."
He said the next major meeting planned in the area would be on January 19 to allow any specific concerns about the event to be aired.
>> Golden memories of Warwick Farm
Tomorrow (Saturday, December 18) will be the 50th anniversary of the opening of Warwick Farm in Sydney as a race car circuit.
The Farm's motorsport days ended in 1973, with the venue exclusively for horse racing and training since then.
A big "Memories of The Farm" lunch is being held today (Friday) at the Austrian Club in Frenchs Forest, remembering a golden era for the sport in Australia's major city and the circuit run by the energetic Geoff Sykes and the hard-working members of the Australian Automobile Racing Co.
Audit on NZ's huge V8 Supercar costs
An external audit is to be done in Hamilton, New Zealand, of the cost blowouts on the staging of the V8 Supercar Championship round in the provincial city the past three years.
A move to have NZ's auditor-general do the review was overruled -- the local Waikato Times newspaper reported "by other councillors who thought it might reflect badly on the city, council and former staff".
Hamilton mayor Julie Hardaker confirmed this week that the cost of the event to date had been $27.4 million -- almost three times the amount councillors said they had been told earlier.
That figure comprised $17.98 million in set-up, $2.9 million for "related costs", $5.1 million on operations and $3.5 million to "transition" the event from the failed local promoters to V8 Supercars Australia for the next seven years.
>> Ferrari plays third-car card again
Ferrari has started a fresh push for top Formula One teams to be allowed to run three cars.
The Italian manufacturer and F1 centrepiece says that would be better than having allowed new teams into the sport this year -- none of which scored a world championship points, and which recently were labeled "cripples" by F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.
Ferrari president Luca Di Montezemolo said it would be "better to have a third car with a competitive team than teams that would struggle even in GP2".
He told Autosprint the possibility of third cars for 2013 was being discussed with the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).
"It would be nice to see a third Ferrari fielded perhaps by a private American team -- I'm thinking of a team like Ganassi or Penske, with an American driver," Montezemolo said, claiming that Williams team principal Sir Frank Williams had dropped his previous opposition to the idea.
Montezemolo also wants testing allowed again during the season.
"F1 is the only sport in which there is no chance to train," he said. "It is like asking Real Madrid, Milan or Inter to play with smooth-soled boots in the rain or not to warm-up before a Champions League game."
And Montezemolo echoed FIA president -- and former Ferrari F1 chief -- Jean Todt's call for more emphasis on overtaking in new grand prix circuits.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site.
WRC planning in top gear but Fountain ousted from day job
Australia will have a World Rally Championship round at a new NSW location next year, Coffs Harbour, and preparations are stepping up now -- but the event's chairman has been at the centre of a storm this week.
While meetings have been held with many authorities lately, property owners along the proposed route are being contacted and the stages should be finalised early in the new year, Rally Australia chairman Graham Fountain has been forced to quit his regular job.
Fountain, who for three years was the chief executive of the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport, (CAMS), yesterday quit as the chief of Melbourne's Metropolitan Fire Brigade after allegations of unfair treatment by a colleague. Fountain had only been in the MFB post since April.
Fountain became chairman of Rally Australia recently and a statement on its website says: "good governance, community engagement, public safety and logistics form part of his day-to-day priorities and he will use this experience in his Rally Australia role", see here.
Meanwhile, meetings with authorities and community officials in the Coffs Harbour area were held midweek -- led by the NSW Premier's Department and the Homebush Motor Racing Authority, whose other responsibility obviously is the Sydney Telstra 500 V8 Super car games event.
Australia's WRC round was held in and around Perth, WA, for almost 20 years but last year it was resurrected in NSW's Northern Rivers region and run amid considerable community opposition.
It was announced several months ago that Rally Australia, which now rotates on the WRC calendar with New Zealand, would move to the Coffs Harbour region and be held next year on September 8-11.
The area has previously hosted Australian Rally Championship rounds and the old international Southern Cross Rally.
Homebush Motor Racing Authority chief executive Bryan Hardman said this week stages for the 360km of competition would be held in four shires -- Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Bellingen and Nambucca.
Rally Australia operations manager Ben Raggatt said the stages should be made known in January or February. The service park will be at the Coffs Harbour airport, without any effect on flight schedules.
Hardman said 300 letters had been sent by Rally Australia to property owners near the proposed routes.
"So far all the feedback we have received has been 100 per cent positive, with no objections," he said. "Given there was a groundswell of opposition to the rally in the Northern Rivers last year we don't want to see rumour and innuendo impact on the Coffs Coast event, so we're hoping to meet with concerned environmental groups, if there are any, sooner rather than later."
He said the next major meeting planned in the area would be on January 19 to allow any specific concerns about the event to be aired.
>> Golden memories of Warwick Farm
Tomorrow (Saturday, December 18) will be the 50th anniversary of the opening of Warwick Farm in Sydney as a race car circuit.
The Farm's motorsport days ended in 1973, with the venue exclusively for horse racing and training since then.
A big "Memories of The Farm" lunch is being held today (Friday) at the Austrian Club in Frenchs Forest, remembering a golden era for the sport in Australia's major city and the circuit run by the energetic Geoff Sykes and the hard-working members of the Australian Automobile Racing Co.
Audit on NZ's huge V8 Supercar costs
An external audit is to be done in Hamilton, New Zealand, of the cost blowouts on the staging of the V8 Supercar Championship round in the provincial city the past three years.
A move to have NZ's auditor-general do the review was overruled -- the local Waikato Times newspaper reported "by other councillors who thought it might reflect badly on the city, council and former staff".
Hamilton mayor Julie Hardaker confirmed this week that the cost of the event to date had been $27.4 million -- almost three times the amount councillors said they had been told earlier.
That figure comprised $17.98 million in set-up, $2.9 million for "related costs", $5.1 million on operations and $3.5 million to "transition" the event from the failed local promoters to V8 Supercars Australia for the next seven years.
>> Ferrari plays third-car card again
Ferrari has started a fresh push for top Formula One teams to be allowed to run three cars.
The Italian manufacturer and F1 centrepiece says that would be better than having allowed new teams into the sport this year -- none of which scored a world championship points, and which recently were labeled "cripples" by F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.
Ferrari president Luca Di Montezemolo said it would be "better to have a third car with a competitive team than teams that would struggle even in GP2".
He told Autosprint the possibility of third cars for 2013 was being discussed with the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).
"It would be nice to see a third Ferrari fielded perhaps by a private American team -- I'm thinking of a team like Ganassi or Penske, with an American driver," Montezemolo said, claiming that Williams team principal Sir Frank Williams had dropped his previous opposition to the idea.
Montezemolo also wants testing allowed again during the season.
"F1 is the only sport in which there is no chance to train," he said. "It is like asking Real Madrid, Milan or Inter to play with smooth-soled boots in the rain or not to warm-up before a Champions League game."
And Montezemolo echoed FIA president -- and former Ferrari F1 chief -- Jean Todt's call for more emphasis on overtaking in new grand prix circuits.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site.
Stability control for new BT-50
Mazda announces DSC availability for its upcoming workhorse range
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Mazda has today announced that Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) will be available on its new BT-50 utility range, raising the bar for commercial vehicle safety standards.
Already offered on every Mazda passenger car, the decision to fit stability control to its commercial range highlights the Japanese brand's efforts to bring the potentially lifesaving technology to its entire range.
Local testing will ensure the all-new BT-50's stability control system is calibrated for the many varied driving conditions faced on and off Australian roads, as Mazda Australia Engineering and Compliance Manager, Wayne Watson explains.
"If you consider how the All-New BT-50 is likely to be used, it becomes clear just how many situations have to be taken into account to ensure that the Dynamic Stability Control system meets the needs of each and every driver," he said
"Mazda engineers have spent months calibrating and fine tuning the Dynamic Stability Control system to ensure maximum safety and durability."
Mazda Australia Marketing Manager, Alastair Doak says the addition of stability control to the all-new BT-50 will be well received by segment buyers.
"DSC systems are much more sophisticated now. So Mazda has worked hard to ensure that we offer a new standard of active safety for ute buyers," he said
"We've already shown that the All-New BT-50 will be more comfortable than ever before. So why shouldn't there also be the expectation that the All-New BT-50 will also offer better safety than ever before?"
The all-new Mazda BT-50 will arrive in local showrooms late next year.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Mazda
Mazda has today announced that Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) will be available on its new BT-50 utility range, raising the bar for commercial vehicle safety standards.
Already offered on every Mazda passenger car, the decision to fit stability control to its commercial range highlights the Japanese brand's efforts to bring the potentially lifesaving technology to its entire range.
Local testing will ensure the all-new BT-50's stability control system is calibrated for the many varied driving conditions faced on and off Australian roads, as Mazda Australia Engineering and Compliance Manager, Wayne Watson explains.
"If you consider how the All-New BT-50 is likely to be used, it becomes clear just how many situations have to be taken into account to ensure that the Dynamic Stability Control system meets the needs of each and every driver," he said
"Mazda engineers have spent months calibrating and fine tuning the Dynamic Stability Control system to ensure maximum safety and durability."
Mazda Australia Marketing Manager, Alastair Doak says the addition of stability control to the all-new BT-50 will be well received by segment buyers.
"DSC systems are much more sophisticated now. So Mazda has worked hard to ensure that we offer a new standard of active safety for ute buyers," he said
"We've already shown that the All-New BT-50 will be more comfortable than ever before. So why shouldn't there also be the expectation that the All-New BT-50 will also offer better safety than ever before?"
The all-new Mazda BT-50 will arrive in local showrooms late next year.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
Hybrid testbed for Indian technologies
Suzuki's Indian Maruti arm is driving forward with its own green technologies
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A Delhi Commonwealth Games sponsored green car technology program could provide the building blocks for more fuel-efficient Suzuki models for both India and Australia.
Suzuki's burgeoning Indian offshoot, Maruti-Suzuki, has begun development of its own 'green' technologies after a trial of 12 SX4 hybrid sedans at this year's Delhi Commonwealth Games.
Maruti-Suzuki is based in Delhi and this year will produce over 1.0m cars across a range of models from its two plants near the Indian capital. Of around 150,000 vehicles exported by Maruti, Australia accounts for 6000 -- all Altos. Known as A-Star in India, Alto (pictured) is one of the models that could benefit from native Indian technologies in the future.
The SX4 Hybrids were built in conjunction with an unnamed German components manufacturer. Featuring a four-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol engine (based on the Alto's K Series 1000cc triple) they were part of an Indian government technology project that included both hybrid and pure electric cars and light commercials as fleet vehicle during the games.
According to Maruti's head of Research and Development, Managing Executive Officer Engineering, IV Rao, the hybrids were not built as production-ready vehicles, but rather showcased technology the carmaker is working on to incorporate into its range of locally produced vehicles.
"It is unlikely Indian consumers would be able to afford the cost of a full hybrid powertrain. If we were to apply to a small car it would double the cost... But the project generated a number of byproducts that we are exploring," Rao told the Carsales Network during a visit to Maruti's R&D headquarters in Gurgaon near Delhi this week.
"We are working on these byproducts... We are working on idle stop-start; we are working on regenerative braking; we are working on an automated manual gearbox."
According to Rao the hybrid powertrain yielded a 25 per cent improvement over the conventional 1.6-litre engined Indian market SX4. He says a proportion of Maruti's 1000-strong Indian based engineering team is already working on applying the new technologies to current and future models.
"We will draw on SMC (Suzuki Motor Corporation) experience on how to carry forward these technologies as total products... They will likely be applied to export products first [but they will have local applications]."
But he warns there is significant development time ahead of his team. For instance, senior Maruti execs confirmed the company had not filed patents on any of the systems.
Rao says fuel efficiency is the key driver of new car choice in India. He said that 2012 would see the Indian government mandate a 'corporate average' minimum fuel economy limit to help limit CO2 emissions.
In April 2010 the country, which is expected to increase from around 2.6 million new car sales per annum this year to more than 4.0m by 2015, introduced an emission standard that effectively mirrors Euro 4. Euro 5 is planned for 2015 introduction.
"Fuel economy is already a very important parameter in new car choice. Our focus is consistently on improving fuel economy," Rao explained. "But we must consider whether, for example, idle stop-start works with Indian driving patterns and traffic... [Defining] The logic that powers the stop start system is then in itself a major exercise."
Though Rao is confident Maruti will incorporate some or all of the systems in future models, he says there are no firm implementation targets.
"They are not in the product road map yet," he explained.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Suzuki
A Delhi Commonwealth Games sponsored green car technology program could provide the building blocks for more fuel-efficient Suzuki models for both India and Australia.
Suzuki's burgeoning Indian offshoot, Maruti-Suzuki, has begun development of its own 'green' technologies after a trial of 12 SX4 hybrid sedans at this year's Delhi Commonwealth Games.
Maruti-Suzuki is based in Delhi and this year will produce over 1.0m cars across a range of models from its two plants near the Indian capital. Of around 150,000 vehicles exported by Maruti, Australia accounts for 6000 -- all Altos. Known as A-Star in India, Alto (pictured) is one of the models that could benefit from native Indian technologies in the future.
The SX4 Hybrids were built in conjunction with an unnamed German components manufacturer. Featuring a four-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol engine (based on the Alto's K Series 1000cc triple) they were part of an Indian government technology project that included both hybrid and pure electric cars and light commercials as fleet vehicle during the games.
According to Maruti's head of Research and Development, Managing Executive Officer Engineering, IV Rao, the hybrids were not built as production-ready vehicles, but rather showcased technology the carmaker is working on to incorporate into its range of locally produced vehicles.
"It is unlikely Indian consumers would be able to afford the cost of a full hybrid powertrain. If we were to apply to a small car it would double the cost... But the project generated a number of byproducts that we are exploring," Rao told the Carsales Network during a visit to Maruti's R&D headquarters in Gurgaon near Delhi this week.
"We are working on these byproducts... We are working on idle stop-start; we are working on regenerative braking; we are working on an automated manual gearbox."
According to Rao the hybrid powertrain yielded a 25 per cent improvement over the conventional 1.6-litre engined Indian market SX4. He says a proportion of Maruti's 1000-strong Indian based engineering team is already working on applying the new technologies to current and future models.
"We will draw on SMC (Suzuki Motor Corporation) experience on how to carry forward these technologies as total products... They will likely be applied to export products first [but they will have local applications]."
But he warns there is significant development time ahead of his team. For instance, senior Maruti execs confirmed the company had not filed patents on any of the systems.
Rao says fuel efficiency is the key driver of new car choice in India. He said that 2012 would see the Indian government mandate a 'corporate average' minimum fuel economy limit to help limit CO2 emissions.
In April 2010 the country, which is expected to increase from around 2.6 million new car sales per annum this year to more than 4.0m by 2015, introduced an emission standard that effectively mirrors Euro 4. Euro 5 is planned for 2015 introduction.
"Fuel economy is already a very important parameter in new car choice. Our focus is consistently on improving fuel economy," Rao explained. "But we must consider whether, for example, idle stop-start works with Indian driving patterns and traffic... [Defining] The logic that powers the stop start system is then in itself a major exercise."
Though Rao is confident Maruti will incorporate some or all of the systems in future models, he says there are no firm implementation targets.
"They are not in the product road map yet," he explained.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
Next-gen baby Kia good to go
Picanto pocket hatch revived and ready for Geneva Motor Show
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Kia
Kia has released its first official photos of the next-generation Picanto hatch. Kia says the compact city car offers bolder, more mature and more self confident styling.
Completely redesigned and re-engineered, Picanto grows slightly in overall length and wheelbase and will employ styling cues now familiar elsewhere in the Kia lineup, including the wonted Schreyer grille.
"In profile, new Picanto features significant sculpting and a very prominent rising character line," explains Kia's Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer. "The result is a layering of light and shadow and this breaks up the height, giving the car games a more sure-footed stance."
Similar in proportions to the Suzuki Alto, Kia's sub-Rio sized Picanto has never been sold in Australia. But the local team says the likelihood of the pint-size city car landing in our showrooms has not yet entirely been ruled out.
"While there are no immediate plans to bring Picanto to Australia we have been, and will continue, to look at opportunities in areas in which we do not currently compete," said Kia Motors Australia COO, Tony Barlow. "The Picanto now has the advantage of being an all-new car and if it makes sense as a business case then it is certainly not off the agenda."
Currently, Picanto is available overseas exclusively in five-door guise, though Kia says it plans to offer a sportier three-door model in Europe when the new generation version goes on sale.
The new Picanto will be powered by a choice of four all-new powertrains in 1.0- and 1.2-litre displacements, all boasting class leading CO2 emissions levels. In addition to petrol engines, LPG dual-fuel and flex fuel variations will also be offered depending on market.
The next generation Picanto will be officially unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show in March when further technical specifications will be available.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Kia
Kia has released its first official photos of the next-generation Picanto hatch. Kia says the compact city car offers bolder, more mature and more self confident styling.
Completely redesigned and re-engineered, Picanto grows slightly in overall length and wheelbase and will employ styling cues now familiar elsewhere in the Kia lineup, including the wonted Schreyer grille.
"In profile, new Picanto features significant sculpting and a very prominent rising character line," explains Kia's Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer. "The result is a layering of light and shadow and this breaks up the height, giving the car games a more sure-footed stance."
Similar in proportions to the Suzuki Alto, Kia's sub-Rio sized Picanto has never been sold in Australia. But the local team says the likelihood of the pint-size city car landing in our showrooms has not yet entirely been ruled out.
"While there are no immediate plans to bring Picanto to Australia we have been, and will continue, to look at opportunities in areas in which we do not currently compete," said Kia Motors Australia COO, Tony Barlow. "The Picanto now has the advantage of being an all-new car and if it makes sense as a business case then it is certainly not off the agenda."
Currently, Picanto is available overseas exclusively in five-door guise, though Kia says it plans to offer a sportier three-door model in Europe when the new generation version goes on sale.
The new Picanto will be powered by a choice of four all-new powertrains in 1.0- and 1.2-litre displacements, all boasting class leading CO2 emissions levels. In addition to petrol engines, LPG dual-fuel and flex fuel variations will also be offered depending on market.
The next generation Picanto will be officially unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show in March when further technical specifications will be available.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
Porsche 918 Coupe possible for Detroit
Hard top track car set to surprise supercar fans at US' biggest motor show
prestige new cars » Get the best price on a new Porsche
After a four year hiatus from the Detroit Motor Show, online speculation is rife that Porsche will wow its US audience with a race-ready coupe version of the 918 Spyder Concept.
A number of sources have now stated that the track-only coupe is likely to tip the scales just shy of 1500kg and will be powered by a 373kW 3.4-litre V8 petrol engine (borrowed from Porsche's RS Spyder race cars) coupled to 162kW of electric propulsion. If the tales are true, the hard top model could be the next piece of the puzzle in the marque's hybrid racing strategy.
The news comes as Porsche continues to ready its 918 Spyder for general production, the car built after an unprecedented response to a concept first shown at the Geneva Motor Show in (March) 2010. Originally code-named XG10, the 918 Spyder's underpinnings were always designed to support multiple variants, lending credence to the hardtop buzz.
Porsche will take the wraps off its latest concept bright and early on Monday morning with a press conference scheduled for 6:30am US time.
Visit the Carsales Network again for our news coverage from this year's North American International Auto Show.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
prestige new cars » Get the best price on a new Porsche
After a four year hiatus from the Detroit Motor Show, online speculation is rife that Porsche will wow its US audience with a race-ready coupe version of the 918 Spyder Concept.
A number of sources have now stated that the track-only coupe is likely to tip the scales just shy of 1500kg and will be powered by a 373kW 3.4-litre V8 petrol engine (borrowed from Porsche's RS Spyder race cars) coupled to 162kW of electric propulsion. If the tales are true, the hard top model could be the next piece of the puzzle in the marque's hybrid racing strategy.
The news comes as Porsche continues to ready its 918 Spyder for general production, the car built after an unprecedented response to a concept first shown at the Geneva Motor Show in (March) 2010. Originally code-named XG10, the 918 Spyder's underpinnings were always designed to support multiple variants, lending credence to the hardtop buzz.
Porsche will take the wraps off its latest concept bright and early on Monday morning with a press conference scheduled for 6:30am US time.
Visit the Carsales Network again for our news coverage from this year's North American International Auto Show.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
Ferrari shafts its Australian engineer
Formula One's most famous team has blamed Aussie Chris Dyer for its failure to win last year's world title with Fernando Alonso
Australian engineer Chris Dyer has paid the price for Spanish dual Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso not winning a third title in his first season with Ferrari last year.
Dyer, who began his career at Holden Racing Team and first worked in F1 for the late Tom Walkinshaw's Arrows team before its collapse, had been Ferrari's chief engineer at F1 tracks.
Ferrari announced this week that Pat Fry, its deputy to technical director Aldo Costa and formerly of McLaren, would assume what has been Dyer's position.
It said Dyer's "role within the company will be redefined in the next few days".
Dyer was Michael Schumacher's last race engineer in Ferrari's halycon days but he has paid the price for a strategy error at last year's final grand prix in Abu Dhabi.
Ferrari called Alonso in for an early pitstop as it mirrored Australian Mark Webber's strategy and to keep him ahead of the Aussie, minimising Webber's chances of becoming world champion.
The move backfired badly for Ferrari though - and Dyer has been blamed for it.
Alonso - and Webber - found themselves trapped behind the Renault of Russian Vitaly Petrov for most of the race and unable to overtake him as Webber's young German teammate Sebastian Vettel roared to victory and the title.
Alonso, who had gone to Abu Dhabi leading the championship, finished seventh in the race and four points behind Vettel in the final standings, with Webber relegated to third in the championship a further 10 points away.
In acting against Dyer, Ferrari has bowed to the pressure of the Italian press and public, as it invariably does.
Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali said he considered quitting over the blunder but "reached the conclusion that to resign would have been an error".
Meanwhile, Ferrari is resisting the switch to 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engines as part of a "greener" and cheaper F1 from 2013.
It agreed in December to the change from the existing 2.4-litre V8s -- perhaps as a trade-off for the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) dropping the written rule forbidding team orders -- but Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has now come out strongly against the proposed engines, calling them puny.
"We won't be building any four-cylinder engines for our street cars," Montezemolo said. "A four-cylinder engine, it sounds, for the top tier of motorsport, a bit puny. Why could we not agree on a V6 turbo? We should not confuse affordable with cheap."
Montezemolo hopes other F1 engine manufacturers, particularly Mercedes, will back him in having the change scrapped.
"If there is the slightest possibility to delay the four-cylinder [regulations], I'll try. I perceive a chance, but we need unity," he said.
F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone and Austrian triple world champion Niki Lauda are concerned that the new motors will not have an appropriate engine note for F1.
"I am worried about the sound, which in F1 has been so unique ...hopefully there will be more than a faint hum," Lauda said.
Ecclestone said losing the growl for which F1 engines are known would be devastating for the sport.
"I don't care whether it's 1.6 or 1.8 litre engines - I'm worried about the sound," he said. "If we lose the sound of F1 we will be losing a great deal."
However, FIA president Jean Todt insisted the 2013 cars would be "very exciting" and "produce a great sound".
"With the new rules, the FIA wants to send a strong message about F1 - it's the pinnacle of motorsport and the smaller engine is very important for the manufacturers," said Todt, who was the Ferrari team principal during the Schumacher days.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
Australian engineer Chris Dyer has paid the price for Spanish dual Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso not winning a third title in his first season with Ferrari last year.
Dyer, who began his career at Holden Racing Team and first worked in F1 for the late Tom Walkinshaw's Arrows team before its collapse, had been Ferrari's chief engineer at F1 tracks.
Ferrari announced this week that Pat Fry, its deputy to technical director Aldo Costa and formerly of McLaren, would assume what has been Dyer's position.
It said Dyer's "role within the company will be redefined in the next few days".
Dyer was Michael Schumacher's last race engineer in Ferrari's halycon days but he has paid the price for a strategy error at last year's final grand prix in Abu Dhabi.
Ferrari called Alonso in for an early pitstop as it mirrored Australian Mark Webber's strategy and to keep him ahead of the Aussie, minimising Webber's chances of becoming world champion.
The move backfired badly for Ferrari though - and Dyer has been blamed for it.
Alonso - and Webber - found themselves trapped behind the Renault of Russian Vitaly Petrov for most of the race and unable to overtake him as Webber's young German teammate Sebastian Vettel roared to victory and the title.
Alonso, who had gone to Abu Dhabi leading the championship, finished seventh in the race and four points behind Vettel in the final standings, with Webber relegated to third in the championship a further 10 points away.
In acting against Dyer, Ferrari has bowed to the pressure of the Italian press and public, as it invariably does.
Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali said he considered quitting over the blunder but "reached the conclusion that to resign would have been an error".
Meanwhile, Ferrari is resisting the switch to 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engines as part of a "greener" and cheaper F1 from 2013.
It agreed in December to the change from the existing 2.4-litre V8s -- perhaps as a trade-off for the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) dropping the written rule forbidding team orders -- but Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has now come out strongly against the proposed engines, calling them puny.
"We won't be building any four-cylinder engines for our street cars," Montezemolo said. "A four-cylinder engine, it sounds, for the top tier of motorsport, a bit puny. Why could we not agree on a V6 turbo? We should not confuse affordable with cheap."
Montezemolo hopes other F1 engine manufacturers, particularly Mercedes, will back him in having the change scrapped.
"If there is the slightest possibility to delay the four-cylinder [regulations], I'll try. I perceive a chance, but we need unity," he said.
F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone and Austrian triple world champion Niki Lauda are concerned that the new motors will not have an appropriate engine note for F1.
"I am worried about the sound, which in F1 has been so unique ...hopefully there will be more than a faint hum," Lauda said.
Ecclestone said losing the growl for which F1 engines are known would be devastating for the sport.
"I don't care whether it's 1.6 or 1.8 litre engines - I'm worried about the sound," he said. "If we lose the sound of F1 we will be losing a great deal."
However, FIA president Jean Todt insisted the 2013 cars would be "very exciting" and "produce a great sound".
"With the new rules, the FIA wants to send a strong message about F1 - it's the pinnacle of motorsport and the smaller engine is very important for the manufacturers," said Todt, who was the Ferrari team principal during the Schumacher days.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
Thứ Sáu, 23 tháng 3, 2012
VFACTS victors
Which car companies outstripped market growth last year? New names and some not so new were among the big winners
2010 was a strong year in sales for the local automotive industry. Private and corporate buyers alike were caught up in the rush to score a new vehicle -- often at substantially lower prices than even the (already discounted) advertised figures.
Despite the bargain-savvy buyers twisting arms in dealer showrooms, the added sales don't appear to have come at the expense of profit. If anything, added sales have boosted the overall profit for some of the industry's key players, despite the discounting required to push cars out the door.
"We'll see the figures on profitability for 2010 emerge during the course of coming months," said Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) Chief Executive, Andrew McKellar (pictured) last week.
"I think the anecdotal reports that we are receiving is that the market has been more profitable in 2010... There is a sense that [senior finance directors and managers in the industry] have achieved far better outcomes in that regard."
We'll have to wait for companies to issue their financial reports for this year, but rumour is that both Ford and Holden expect to post a profit.
In the meantime, we can bring you our list of "winners" for 2010, based on sales growth alone. It works like this: the whole market expanded by 10.5 per cent overall, compared with the figure for 2009. Any car company recording sales growth exceeding 10.5 per cent has really kicked goals -- not just broken even or enjoyed moderate sales growth.
Leaving aside the low-volume superexotics, the list is arranged in descending order of growth expressed as a percentage, with the actual number of sales for the year listed alongside, in brackets.
Great Wall 250.8% (6690)
The Chinese brand has gained by being the new kid on the block. 2010 was the company's first full year on sale in Australia, so the percentages were always bound to be way out there. The SA220 has not sold significantly better than it did in 2009, but that's more than offset by the V240, which more than doubled its sales during its second year. But it's the X240 SUV that is on fire. It has accounted for nearly half all Great Wall sales for 2010, proving that Aussies love SUVs and an unknown quantity is no hurdle when the price is that good.
Isuzu Ute 43.4% (5114)
The importer is selling well above its 4000-unit forecast originally announced during the brand's launch back near the end of 2008. That's with what is generally regarded as an old product -- a new model something like 12 months or more in the future. This is a true success story, with the 4x4 D-MAX really hitting its stride last year. Sales of the offroad variants lifted from 2555 in 2009 to 4029 in 2010. With a small dealer network, that's a strong showing.
Jeep 42.5% (5975)
Of the three Chrysler brands in Australia, Jeep has gained most by being the offroad/SUV marque. In percentage terms Jeep sales have picked up as much as they have because Chrysler factories supplying the product for the Australian market are now in production again -- after a mandated shut-down for two months during the Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. This left Chrysler Australia without stock and, along with the time required to ship vehicles to Australia, there was some delay in filling local customers' orders. These problems have been overcome since and Patriot has nearly doubled its sales, to use one example. Wrangler sales are up over 40 per cent and the Cherokee is running 60 per cent better than in 2009.
Skoda 31.9% (1652)
Still not selling huge numbers, Skoda has gained ground and there are signs that the brand is establishing itself properly. Octavia remains a handy seller, 21.7 per cent improved on 2009, and the Superb has produced a fairly amazing jump in sales from 123 in 2009 to 355 in 2010 -- possibly helped by the wagon variant.
Hyundai 26.6% (80,038)
A few new models fleshed out the volume importer's sales to set a new record in 2010, but the performance of existing models was no less impressive. Key models in the Hyundai line-up built substantial sales on the previous year's numbers; including the iLoad (up 60 per cent), iMAX (up 133.6 per cent!), i30 (up 39 per cent) and Santa Fe (up 100 per cent). The i20 didn't detract from sales of the aging Getz, still 1904 units ahead of 2009. Not on sale for the full year, the ix35's 7202 sales in 2010 bode well for the future.
Volkswagen 26.4% (38,016)
Golf VI has done wonders for VW, as have Polo and Tiguan. Cumulatively, the three popular models have added 6589 units to Volkswagen's total for 2010 -- a new record for the company in the local market.
Land Rover% 25.6 (4789)
While all Land Rover models saw an overall sales increase in 2010 (even the Defender), it was the Discovery 4 and Range Rover Sport that did the real damage. The two SUVs contributed extra sales worth between 300 and 400 units each for the year.
Porsche 23.5% (1266)
In total, the German prestige brand barely made it into four figures during 2009 (1025), so an extra 241 vehicles sold in 2010 makes a major difference in percentage terms. Mostly, Porsche appears to found buyers with more discretionary capital at their disposal in 2010. The Cayenne was the only new model introduced during 2010, but sales were only marginally ahead of 2009 (562 sold) in 2010 (598). Sales principally grew from the Panamera (a low base, being introduced late in 2009) and the 911.
Kia 22.9% (23,848)
It appears that Kia can do little wrong. Only the Rondo went backwards in 2010. Practically every other model has gone from strength to strength, with the Sportage's performance being exemplary. Even though the new model was only on sale near the end of 2010, Sportage sales for the year (3073) were 1162 ahead of 2009. That was roughly a quarter of Kia's total sales upswing for the year. Other vehicles that contributed were the updated Carnival, the new Cerato hatch, Cerato Koup, the recently updated Rio and the Sorento SUV.
Suzuki 22.1% (24,789)
Yet another record set by the importer, despite Suzuki actually watching some models lose ground in 2010. Overall sales rose by nearly 4500, thanks to the Alto, the Swift and the new Kizashi. The Kizashi contributed over 1400 units and the Alto, which had its equipment remixed after launch, sold 4077 for the full year. For the latter half of 2009 that it was available, the Alto sold 814.
Nissan 18.5% (62,676)
2010 was a very good year for Nissan. The percentage increase shows it, as do the additional 9775 units sold. Dualis was the big mover, up 4277 units to 6592 for the year. Maxima was on the rise, but providing the real support for Dualis were the new Micra (up 3234 units to 8341), revised Navara 4x4 (up 2969 to 19,424) and the X-TRAIL (rising 1917 units to 9792 for the year). Some models slid, with Tiida falling ever lower.
Mercedes-Benz 17.5% (21,748)
After reworking the model mix, pricing and equipment, Benz watched its B-Class model run away in 2010, with sales well ahead of the combined A-Class and B-Class sales for 2009. E-Class sedan added nearly 500 extra sales and the M-Class SUV grew by 839 units to 2589 sales for 2010.
Proton 16.1% (1898)
Most models in the Proton range have either held steady (Gen.2), but more likely lost sales in the transition from 2009 to 2010. The one car that has helped the importer raise its total sales volumes in 2010 was the S16, which accounted for something like 47 per cent of the brand's total sales in Australia (892). Being the entry-level model in the range, the S16's sales volumes grew by nearly 188 per cent, due to the car not being on sale for the full year, 2009.
Audi 14.1% (12,900)
No other brand in the market has enjoyed the continuous sales growth with each passing year that Audi has. 2010 was yet another new record for sales in the local market. For the year, the prestige brand added 1590 vehicles to its 2010 sales tally, the A5 Sportback and the Q5 primarily compensating for other models that had lost ground during the year. The former contributed a handy 1034 extra units and the Q5 came up with an extra 784. Sales of A3, A5 (coupe/convertible) and new A8 bolstered the sales growth also, but other models all dropped back a little. The A4, which lost 310 sales, may have been 'cannibalised' by the A5 Sportback.
Lexus 11.8% (6526)
The most popular model in the Lexus range during 2010 was the IS. Whether it was the new IS 350 (228 cars sold for the year), the IS 250 C (an extra 255 sold), the IS 250 sedan (267 additional units) or even the high-spec IS F (nine more than in 2009), it was the compact range that jumped through hoops in 2010. Most other models did not hold up so well.
MINI 11.7% (2267)
In 2009 MINI sold 2030 vehicles in Australia, so the extra 237 in 2010 helped the niche-market brand outperform the market in percentage terms. Of the extra vehicles sold, 60 were Cabrios and the rest were MINI Coopers, according to VFACTS.
Holden 11.2% (132,923)
When the company is the second-most popular brand in the market, an 11.2 per cent increase in sales is not to be sneezed at. That percentage gain amounts to 13,355 additional vehicles sold in 2010. Cruze has been a real player for Holden. The small car, soon to be built here, found an extra 15,744 homes in 2010 -- more than compensating for the loss of the 6266 Astras sold in 2009. Commodore and Caprice sales remain ahead of 2009's, Barina picked up an extra 2393 sales, Barina Spark has added a further 1113 to that and Captiva 5 has pumped up the total with over 4000 more units.
Honourable mentions: Mazda (9.1% growth), Mitsubishi and Subaru (both 9.6% growth).
Read the latest Cars games ales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
2010 was a strong year in sales for the local automotive industry. Private and corporate buyers alike were caught up in the rush to score a new vehicle -- often at substantially lower prices than even the (already discounted) advertised figures.
Despite the bargain-savvy buyers twisting arms in dealer showrooms, the added sales don't appear to have come at the expense of profit. If anything, added sales have boosted the overall profit for some of the industry's key players, despite the discounting required to push cars out the door.
"We'll see the figures on profitability for 2010 emerge during the course of coming months," said Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) Chief Executive, Andrew McKellar (pictured) last week.
"I think the anecdotal reports that we are receiving is that the market has been more profitable in 2010... There is a sense that [senior finance directors and managers in the industry] have achieved far better outcomes in that regard."
We'll have to wait for companies to issue their financial reports for this year, but rumour is that both Ford and Holden expect to post a profit.
In the meantime, we can bring you our list of "winners" for 2010, based on sales growth alone. It works like this: the whole market expanded by 10.5 per cent overall, compared with the figure for 2009. Any car company recording sales growth exceeding 10.5 per cent has really kicked goals -- not just broken even or enjoyed moderate sales growth.
Leaving aside the low-volume superexotics, the list is arranged in descending order of growth expressed as a percentage, with the actual number of sales for the year listed alongside, in brackets.
Great Wall 250.8% (6690)
The Chinese brand has gained by being the new kid on the block. 2010 was the company's first full year on sale in Australia, so the percentages were always bound to be way out there. The SA220 has not sold significantly better than it did in 2009, but that's more than offset by the V240, which more than doubled its sales during its second year. But it's the X240 SUV that is on fire. It has accounted for nearly half all Great Wall sales for 2010, proving that Aussies love SUVs and an unknown quantity is no hurdle when the price is that good.
Isuzu Ute 43.4% (5114)
The importer is selling well above its 4000-unit forecast originally announced during the brand's launch back near the end of 2008. That's with what is generally regarded as an old product -- a new model something like 12 months or more in the future. This is a true success story, with the 4x4 D-MAX really hitting its stride last year. Sales of the offroad variants lifted from 2555 in 2009 to 4029 in 2010. With a small dealer network, that's a strong showing.
Jeep 42.5% (5975)
Of the three Chrysler brands in Australia, Jeep has gained most by being the offroad/SUV marque. In percentage terms Jeep sales have picked up as much as they have because Chrysler factories supplying the product for the Australian market are now in production again -- after a mandated shut-down for two months during the Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. This left Chrysler Australia without stock and, along with the time required to ship vehicles to Australia, there was some delay in filling local customers' orders. These problems have been overcome since and Patriot has nearly doubled its sales, to use one example. Wrangler sales are up over 40 per cent and the Cherokee is running 60 per cent better than in 2009.
Skoda 31.9% (1652)
Still not selling huge numbers, Skoda has gained ground and there are signs that the brand is establishing itself properly. Octavia remains a handy seller, 21.7 per cent improved on 2009, and the Superb has produced a fairly amazing jump in sales from 123 in 2009 to 355 in 2010 -- possibly helped by the wagon variant.
Hyundai 26.6% (80,038)
A few new models fleshed out the volume importer's sales to set a new record in 2010, but the performance of existing models was no less impressive. Key models in the Hyundai line-up built substantial sales on the previous year's numbers; including the iLoad (up 60 per cent), iMAX (up 133.6 per cent!), i30 (up 39 per cent) and Santa Fe (up 100 per cent). The i20 didn't detract from sales of the aging Getz, still 1904 units ahead of 2009. Not on sale for the full year, the ix35's 7202 sales in 2010 bode well for the future.
Volkswagen 26.4% (38,016)
Golf VI has done wonders for VW, as have Polo and Tiguan. Cumulatively, the three popular models have added 6589 units to Volkswagen's total for 2010 -- a new record for the company in the local market.
Land Rover% 25.6 (4789)
While all Land Rover models saw an overall sales increase in 2010 (even the Defender), it was the Discovery 4 and Range Rover Sport that did the real damage. The two SUVs contributed extra sales worth between 300 and 400 units each for the year.
Porsche 23.5% (1266)
In total, the German prestige brand barely made it into four figures during 2009 (1025), so an extra 241 vehicles sold in 2010 makes a major difference in percentage terms. Mostly, Porsche appears to found buyers with more discretionary capital at their disposal in 2010. The Cayenne was the only new model introduced during 2010, but sales were only marginally ahead of 2009 (562 sold) in 2010 (598). Sales principally grew from the Panamera (a low base, being introduced late in 2009) and the 911.
Kia 22.9% (23,848)
It appears that Kia can do little wrong. Only the Rondo went backwards in 2010. Practically every other model has gone from strength to strength, with the Sportage's performance being exemplary. Even though the new model was only on sale near the end of 2010, Sportage sales for the year (3073) were 1162 ahead of 2009. That was roughly a quarter of Kia's total sales upswing for the year. Other vehicles that contributed were the updated Carnival, the new Cerato hatch, Cerato Koup, the recently updated Rio and the Sorento SUV.
Suzuki 22.1% (24,789)
Yet another record set by the importer, despite Suzuki actually watching some models lose ground in 2010. Overall sales rose by nearly 4500, thanks to the Alto, the Swift and the new Kizashi. The Kizashi contributed over 1400 units and the Alto, which had its equipment remixed after launch, sold 4077 for the full year. For the latter half of 2009 that it was available, the Alto sold 814.
Nissan 18.5% (62,676)
2010 was a very good year for Nissan. The percentage increase shows it, as do the additional 9775 units sold. Dualis was the big mover, up 4277 units to 6592 for the year. Maxima was on the rise, but providing the real support for Dualis were the new Micra (up 3234 units to 8341), revised Navara 4x4 (up 2969 to 19,424) and the X-TRAIL (rising 1917 units to 9792 for the year). Some models slid, with Tiida falling ever lower.
Mercedes-Benz 17.5% (21,748)
After reworking the model mix, pricing and equipment, Benz watched its B-Class model run away in 2010, with sales well ahead of the combined A-Class and B-Class sales for 2009. E-Class sedan added nearly 500 extra sales and the M-Class SUV grew by 839 units to 2589 sales for 2010.
Proton 16.1% (1898)
Most models in the Proton range have either held steady (Gen.2), but more likely lost sales in the transition from 2009 to 2010. The one car that has helped the importer raise its total sales volumes in 2010 was the S16, which accounted for something like 47 per cent of the brand's total sales in Australia (892). Being the entry-level model in the range, the S16's sales volumes grew by nearly 188 per cent, due to the car not being on sale for the full year, 2009.
Audi 14.1% (12,900)
No other brand in the market has enjoyed the continuous sales growth with each passing year that Audi has. 2010 was yet another new record for sales in the local market. For the year, the prestige brand added 1590 vehicles to its 2010 sales tally, the A5 Sportback and the Q5 primarily compensating for other models that had lost ground during the year. The former contributed a handy 1034 extra units and the Q5 came up with an extra 784. Sales of A3, A5 (coupe/convertible) and new A8 bolstered the sales growth also, but other models all dropped back a little. The A4, which lost 310 sales, may have been 'cannibalised' by the A5 Sportback.
Lexus 11.8% (6526)
The most popular model in the Lexus range during 2010 was the IS. Whether it was the new IS 350 (228 cars sold for the year), the IS 250 C (an extra 255 sold), the IS 250 sedan (267 additional units) or even the high-spec IS F (nine more than in 2009), it was the compact range that jumped through hoops in 2010. Most other models did not hold up so well.
MINI 11.7% (2267)
In 2009 MINI sold 2030 vehicles in Australia, so the extra 237 in 2010 helped the niche-market brand outperform the market in percentage terms. Of the extra vehicles sold, 60 were Cabrios and the rest were MINI Coopers, according to VFACTS.
Holden 11.2% (132,923)
When the company is the second-most popular brand in the market, an 11.2 per cent increase in sales is not to be sneezed at. That percentage gain amounts to 13,355 additional vehicles sold in 2010. Cruze has been a real player for Holden. The small car, soon to be built here, found an extra 15,744 homes in 2010 -- more than compensating for the loss of the 6266 Astras sold in 2009. Commodore and Caprice sales remain ahead of 2009's, Barina picked up an extra 2393 sales, Barina Spark has added a further 1113 to that and Captiva 5 has pumped up the total with over 4000 more units.
Honourable mentions: Mazda (9.1% growth), Mitsubishi and Subaru (both 9.6% growth).
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Honda cash flows for Queensland flood victims
Importer contributes $100,000 for disaster relief
Honda has officially announced a cash donation for the Queensland Premier's Disaster Relief Fund.
The company's charitable arm, the Honda Foundation, has set aside $100,000 for the welfare of Queenslanders affected by the massive floods in the news since late last year.
"These floods have devastated communities in Queensland and will have ramifications across Australia for many months to come," said Chairman of the Honda Foundation, Lindsay Smalley. "The Honda Foundation wants to show its support to the people of Queensland during this very difficult time."
Honda was one of the first companies to respond to an earlier natural disaster, the Victorian bushfires in 2009. The company's example may trigger further donations from the automotive industry for the Queensland floods.
Honda established the Foundation in 1992 and diverts $5 from the dealer and $10 from the company for each new Honda vehicle sold. To date, the Foundation has donated $7.5 million to local charities and organisations.
Picture courtesy Nasa Earth Observatory
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Honda has officially announced a cash donation for the Queensland Premier's Disaster Relief Fund.
The company's charitable arm, the Honda Foundation, has set aside $100,000 for the welfare of Queenslanders affected by the massive floods in the news since late last year.
"These floods have devastated communities in Queensland and will have ramifications across Australia for many months to come," said Chairman of the Honda Foundation, Lindsay Smalley. "The Honda Foundation wants to show its support to the people of Queensland during this very difficult time."
Honda was one of the first companies to respond to an earlier natural disaster, the Victorian bushfires in 2009. The company's example may trigger further donations from the automotive industry for the Queensland floods.
Honda established the Foundation in 1992 and diverts $5 from the dealer and $10 from the company for each new Honda vehicle sold. To date, the Foundation has donated $7.5 million to local charities and organisations.
Picture courtesy Nasa Earth Observatory
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Shock, horror... Volvo electric car put to the test
Swedish car manufacturer to reveal crash safety of its diminutive C30 EV
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It's a point often lost in all the talk of a green future for the automotive industry -- just how safe is a zero-emissions vehicle in a collision?
What are the chances that a good, solid altercation with a tree or a powerpole will lead to hot, high-voltage lithium-ion or nickel metal hydride batteries torn loose and joining the occupants in the cabin?
And how about those emergency service crews using grinders, cutters and hydraulic rams to rescue trapped passengers? Will they find themselves on the receiving end of a massive electrical discharge?
Volvo feels that crash safety and green sensibilities don't have to be mutually exclusive. To prove this, the Swedish company will have a demolished C30 Electric on its stand at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit later this week.
"We are the first car maker in the world to show what a truly safe electric car looks like after a crash," says Stefan Jacoby, President & CEO of Volvo Cars. According to Jacoby, the C30 EV was put to death via the medium of a 64km/h frontal offset crash, the batteries and cabling remained safe.
"This is of utmost importance not only to the people riding in an electric car, but also to for example first responders. We note that not everyone that now launches or is in the process of launching electric cars are approaching the safety challenges as we are. But Volvo will never compromise on our stringent safety demands," Jacoby was quoted as saying in a press release issued today.
The Volvo chief will unveil the obliterated C30 EV at a press conference during the show, within the next couple of days. Locally, Volvo plans to introduce the C30 Electric in 2012.
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discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Volvo
It's a point often lost in all the talk of a green future for the automotive industry -- just how safe is a zero-emissions vehicle in a collision?
What are the chances that a good, solid altercation with a tree or a powerpole will lead to hot, high-voltage lithium-ion or nickel metal hydride batteries torn loose and joining the occupants in the cabin?
And how about those emergency service crews using grinders, cutters and hydraulic rams to rescue trapped passengers? Will they find themselves on the receiving end of a massive electrical discharge?
Volvo feels that crash safety and green sensibilities don't have to be mutually exclusive. To prove this, the Swedish company will have a demolished C30 Electric on its stand at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit later this week.
"We are the first car maker in the world to show what a truly safe electric car looks like after a crash," says Stefan Jacoby, President & CEO of Volvo Cars. According to Jacoby, the C30 EV was put to death via the medium of a 64km/h frontal offset crash, the batteries and cabling remained safe.
"This is of utmost importance not only to the people riding in an electric car, but also to for example first responders. We note that not everyone that now launches or is in the process of launching electric cars are approaching the safety challenges as we are. But Volvo will never compromise on our stringent safety demands," Jacoby was quoted as saying in a press release issued today.
The Volvo chief will unveil the obliterated C30 EV at a press conference during the show, within the next couple of days. Locally, Volvo plans to introduce the C30 Electric in 2012.
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Thứ Năm, 22 tháng 3, 2012
Toyota responds to iPod car entertainment glitch
What we had here was a failure to communicate -- Toyota sorts out Apple/Fujitsu-Ten compatibility issue
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Toyota has released a software fix for owners of vehicles affected by an Apple induced glitch to the entertainments system.
According to a report published by Fairfax, owners reported problems with the system using the USB connection for Apple products iPhone, iPod Touch and iPod Nano 6G -- in particular those synched with iTunes after a recent upgrade to iOS4.1.
The in-car games entertainment systems were reduced to a screen simply reading "load" when attempting to use the more advanced features of the iPod/iPhone interface. Some owners reported the freezing of the radio associated with this error.
Toyota had recently advised dealers that vehicles sold after 2009 with the audio features installed would not be compatible with the Apple devices running the operating system released in September last year.
Today Toyota announced a firmware fix for the issue, with owners of affected vehicles advised to contact their dealer to have the software installed.
It is still unclear who is at fault here. Apple produces an external API (Application Programming Interface) specifically for systems such as in-car entertainment systems to interface with. Alternatively car manufacturers could write their own. If Apple changed the API with the release of iOS 4.1 without discussing this with the developers, then the finger of blame is obvious. However, this is unlikely given Toyota (via Fujitsu Ten) supplied the fix and the sheer number of applications now developed using iOS.
Update: Toyota has made it clear that they believe the fault was introduced with the September release of Apples iOS.
Toyota Australia has advised that display audio systems supplied in some vehicles produced from March 2011 will be upgraded to improve connectivity with certain audio devices.
In September 2010, Apple™ introduced revised operating systems on certain product that affected operation of the USB interface only.
If customers have any concerns or difficulties with interfacing a compatible Apple™ product, they should contact their authorised Toyota dealer who can arrange for a recently developed firmware upgrade for existing display audio systems.
Toyota advises that, in all cases, music will continue to play back via Bluetooth™ or by using the 3.5mm mini jack.
Users who have encountered difficulty operating their compatible Apple™ product via the USB interface can easily restore operation by changing modes to radio, CD or Aux.
The automotive electronics industry is striving to provide an ‘updateable’ system, while maintaining the integrity of the original system.
This stance is seemingly backed up by the Carsales Network also receiving reports of other manufacturers of in-car entertainment systems being befuddled by post iOS4.1 USB attached Appleness. As one frustrated driver told us: "Pioneer deny anything is wrong with my unit but once I upgraded to 4.1 with certain settings I get get freezing and a reboot of the head unit".
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Toyota
Toyota has released a software fix for owners of vehicles affected by an Apple induced glitch to the entertainments system.
According to a report published by Fairfax, owners reported problems with the system using the USB connection for Apple products iPhone, iPod Touch and iPod Nano 6G -- in particular those synched with iTunes after a recent upgrade to iOS4.1.
The in-car games entertainment systems were reduced to a screen simply reading "load" when attempting to use the more advanced features of the iPod/iPhone interface. Some owners reported the freezing of the radio associated with this error.
Toyota had recently advised dealers that vehicles sold after 2009 with the audio features installed would not be compatible with the Apple devices running the operating system released in September last year.
Today Toyota announced a firmware fix for the issue, with owners of affected vehicles advised to contact their dealer to have the software installed.
It is still unclear who is at fault here. Apple produces an external API (Application Programming Interface) specifically for systems such as in-car entertainment systems to interface with. Alternatively car manufacturers could write their own. If Apple changed the API with the release of iOS 4.1 without discussing this with the developers, then the finger of blame is obvious. However, this is unlikely given Toyota (via Fujitsu Ten) supplied the fix and the sheer number of applications now developed using iOS.
Update: Toyota has made it clear that they believe the fault was introduced with the September release of Apples iOS.
Toyota Australia has advised that display audio systems supplied in some vehicles produced from March 2011 will be upgraded to improve connectivity with certain audio devices.
In September 2010, Apple™ introduced revised operating systems on certain product that affected operation of the USB interface only.
If customers have any concerns or difficulties with interfacing a compatible Apple™ product, they should contact their authorised Toyota dealer who can arrange for a recently developed firmware upgrade for existing display audio systems.
Toyota advises that, in all cases, music will continue to play back via Bluetooth™ or by using the 3.5mm mini jack.
Users who have encountered difficulty operating their compatible Apple™ product via the USB interface can easily restore operation by changing modes to radio, CD or Aux.
The automotive electronics industry is striving to provide an ‘updateable’ system, while maintaining the integrity of the original system.
This stance is seemingly backed up by the Carsales Network also receiving reports of other manufacturers of in-car entertainment systems being befuddled by post iOS4.1 USB attached Appleness. As one frustrated driver told us: "Pioneer deny anything is wrong with my unit but once I upgraded to 4.1 with certain settings I get get freezing and a reboot of the head unit".
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
MOTORSPORT: Webber gets his new wheels
The new Red Bull F1 car that Mark Webber and world champion Sebastian Vettel will race this year has been launched, and already it's the pacesetter
RB7 has Pirelli tyres, adjustable rear wing, KERS - and pace
As Red Bull Racing unveiled its new RB7 car for this year's Formula One world championship, the team's Australian driver Mark Webber said he was hungrier for success than in his best season last year and would be tackling his next challenge "head-on".
"I just missed out in the end last year so, if the package does come together again this year, and the chance of another run at the title is there, then we'll do everything in our power to take it," Webber said.
He and 23-year-old German teammate Sebastian Vettel, F1's youngest world champion, took the covers off the Renault-engined RB7 at the Ricardo Torno permanent circuit in Valencia, Spain, just 90 minutes before pre-season testing began there.
Vettel then clocked the fastest lap of the day as seven of F1's 12 teams debuted their 2011 cars and began getting to grips with tyres from new supplier Pirelli, which has replaced Bridgestone, and driver-adjustable rear wings and the return of kinetic energy recovery systems (KERS), which give a brief power boost at the push of a button.
The next three places on the timesheet were filled by 2010 cars -- the quickest of them a Mercedes-powered Force India driven by Nico Hulkenberg, the young German squeezed out of his Williams race drive and who has become Force India's reserve driver.
Ferrari's new F150 did the most laps, 97 (four more than Vettel), and was fifth fastest for the day in the hands of Spanish dual world champion Fernando Alonso.
Alonso called it "a positive day, with no mechanical problems at all".
"We keep discovering about the new rules, with the rear wing and the KERS, to get used to the system. The tyres degrade a lot and are not very consistent at the moment," he said.
The new McLaren, MP4-26, won't be seen for another 10 days.
The main talking point of the launches so far has been the exhaust system on the cars of what was the Renault factory team but which is now controlled by European investment group Genii and backed by Proton-owned Lotus.
The exhausts on what is called the Lotus Renault GP exit from the front of the sidepods rather than the rear.
Another talking point has been the team's black and gold livery -- the colour scheme Lotus ran for much of the 1970s and '80s when it was sponsored by the John Player cigarette brand -- with suggestions it may be in breach of anti-tobacco rules.
The new Mercedes MGPW02 had a hydraulics problem, allowing Nico Rosberg to do only nine laps in the morning while Michael Schumacher, now 42, had a brief run in the afternoon.
"I'm very optimistic about this ... we (Mercedes and him) are really building up to something big together," the seven-time world champion and winner of 91 GPs said ahead of the second season of his comeback.
The 20-race season, the longest in F1 history, starts in Bahrain on March 13, with the Australian GP two weeks later in Melbourne.
Webber will take over Red Bull testing duties from Vettel in the middle of the second day at Valencia tonight.
The Australian vowed that, after four wins last year -- including the Monaco and British GPs -- and finishing third in the championship, he was "going to do the best I can" this year.
"The fact that I had my best season last year does make you hungrier," he said.
"I want to start the season better than I did last year as well."
Vettel obviously is confident of retaining his drivers' title and of Red Bull repeating its constructors' championship success, although he understated it at the launch.
"I think we need to focus again and motivation is not a problem," he said.
"It is a difficult situation we are in now, probably more difficult than we were in last year, where we just said, 'OK, let's go for the title'.
"This year is a different story. We want to try to defend it but we have to develop from how good we were last year. Otherwise we do a step back and the others pass us.
"If we just approach now saying, 'OK, let's do the same as last year', we would not move forward."
Adrian Newey, the design genius who has created world title-winning cars for Williams, McLaren and Red Bull, said of the RB7's debut: "It's always a special moment when a car runs for the first time.
"The big challenge for us this year was the reintroduction of the KERS system.
"It's always a challenge to find solutions, which don't compromise the aerodynamics of the car.
"This season, with McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes all having KERS, we need to get it to work, simply for performance off the line."
Newey said a new car was "always the balance of research time versus development time - and that's both from the performance and reliability point of view".
"I was keen to get the car out for the first test this year because of the change in tyres," he said.
"I want us to learn about the Pirellis as quickly as possible and therefore give us the maximum amount of time to adapt the car if necessary.
"I think it's one of the beauties and great things about F1 that there is always the possibility that somebody else will come out with a clever idea that the rest of us haven't thought of.
"I think it's essential that should be part of F1 ... in that sense it's a period of nervousness for us, but also a period of excitement."
Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner was confident that "over the course of the season we are well equipped".
"It's a great feeling to arrive here and roll out the car with the number one on it as the reigning world champions, but now the challenge is to keep it.
"The team's been very focused on RB7 over the last few months -- Adrian didn't release his drawings any earlier than normal, so the whole design group and production team have done a remarkable job to produce this car in the shortest possible time.
"It's a long season, the longest in F1 history, and we have some great opponents, but we are very motivated and will be working hard to hold on to the two world titles.
"I'm sure it's going to be a fascinating battle."
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RB7 has Pirelli tyres, adjustable rear wing, KERS - and pace
As Red Bull Racing unveiled its new RB7 car for this year's Formula One world championship, the team's Australian driver Mark Webber said he was hungrier for success than in his best season last year and would be tackling his next challenge "head-on".
"I just missed out in the end last year so, if the package does come together again this year, and the chance of another run at the title is there, then we'll do everything in our power to take it," Webber said.
He and 23-year-old German teammate Sebastian Vettel, F1's youngest world champion, took the covers off the Renault-engined RB7 at the Ricardo Torno permanent circuit in Valencia, Spain, just 90 minutes before pre-season testing began there.
Vettel then clocked the fastest lap of the day as seven of F1's 12 teams debuted their 2011 cars and began getting to grips with tyres from new supplier Pirelli, which has replaced Bridgestone, and driver-adjustable rear wings and the return of kinetic energy recovery systems (KERS), which give a brief power boost at the push of a button.
The next three places on the timesheet were filled by 2010 cars -- the quickest of them a Mercedes-powered Force India driven by Nico Hulkenberg, the young German squeezed out of his Williams race drive and who has become Force India's reserve driver.
Ferrari's new F150 did the most laps, 97 (four more than Vettel), and was fifth fastest for the day in the hands of Spanish dual world champion Fernando Alonso.
Alonso called it "a positive day, with no mechanical problems at all".
"We keep discovering about the new rules, with the rear wing and the KERS, to get used to the system. The tyres degrade a lot and are not very consistent at the moment," he said.
The new McLaren, MP4-26, won't be seen for another 10 days.
The main talking point of the launches so far has been the exhaust system on the cars of what was the Renault factory team but which is now controlled by European investment group Genii and backed by Proton-owned Lotus.
The exhausts on what is called the Lotus Renault GP exit from the front of the sidepods rather than the rear.
Another talking point has been the team's black and gold livery -- the colour scheme Lotus ran for much of the 1970s and '80s when it was sponsored by the John Player cigarette brand -- with suggestions it may be in breach of anti-tobacco rules.
The new Mercedes MGPW02 had a hydraulics problem, allowing Nico Rosberg to do only nine laps in the morning while Michael Schumacher, now 42, had a brief run in the afternoon.
"I'm very optimistic about this ... we (Mercedes and him) are really building up to something big together," the seven-time world champion and winner of 91 GPs said ahead of the second season of his comeback.
The 20-race season, the longest in F1 history, starts in Bahrain on March 13, with the Australian GP two weeks later in Melbourne.
Webber will take over Red Bull testing duties from Vettel in the middle of the second day at Valencia tonight.
The Australian vowed that, after four wins last year -- including the Monaco and British GPs -- and finishing third in the championship, he was "going to do the best I can" this year.
"The fact that I had my best season last year does make you hungrier," he said.
"I want to start the season better than I did last year as well."
Vettel obviously is confident of retaining his drivers' title and of Red Bull repeating its constructors' championship success, although he understated it at the launch.
"I think we need to focus again and motivation is not a problem," he said.
"It is a difficult situation we are in now, probably more difficult than we were in last year, where we just said, 'OK, let's go for the title'.
"This year is a different story. We want to try to defend it but we have to develop from how good we were last year. Otherwise we do a step back and the others pass us.
"If we just approach now saying, 'OK, let's do the same as last year', we would not move forward."
Adrian Newey, the design genius who has created world title-winning cars for Williams, McLaren and Red Bull, said of the RB7's debut: "It's always a special moment when a car runs for the first time.
"The big challenge for us this year was the reintroduction of the KERS system.
"It's always a challenge to find solutions, which don't compromise the aerodynamics of the car.
"This season, with McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes all having KERS, we need to get it to work, simply for performance off the line."
Newey said a new car was "always the balance of research time versus development time - and that's both from the performance and reliability point of view".
"I was keen to get the car out for the first test this year because of the change in tyres," he said.
"I want us to learn about the Pirellis as quickly as possible and therefore give us the maximum amount of time to adapt the car if necessary.
"I think it's one of the beauties and great things about F1 that there is always the possibility that somebody else will come out with a clever idea that the rest of us haven't thought of.
"I think it's essential that should be part of F1 ... in that sense it's a period of nervousness for us, but also a period of excitement."
Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner was confident that "over the course of the season we are well equipped".
"It's a great feeling to arrive here and roll out the car with the number one on it as the reigning world champions, but now the challenge is to keep it.
"The team's been very focused on RB7 over the last few months -- Adrian didn't release his drawings any earlier than normal, so the whole design group and production team have done a remarkable job to produce this car in the shortest possible time.
"It's a long season, the longest in F1 history, and we have some great opponents, but we are very motivated and will be working hard to hold on to the two world titles.
"I'm sure it's going to be a fascinating battle."
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SPY PICS: Next generation Range Rover
The giant of the luxury 4WD fraternity is poised to grow again
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Land Rover
The high and mighty Range Rover -- the Rolls-Royce of luxury 4WDs -- is set to grow even bigger and move further upmarket.
Spy photos of an early test mule snapped in the northern winter give clear signs that the next model will be wider and longer.
Despite being cleverly disguised by the body of the current Range Rover, the test vehicle's bigger, home-made nose and tacked-on wheel arches give the game away.
The new nose is almost certainly a pointer to a range of new engines, but it also could mean that Range Rover is creating more clearance under the bonnet, to meet more stringent pedestrian-protection regulations.
Meanwhile the wider track will almost certainly lead to an even bigger cabin -- even though the current Range Rover is already massive inside.
The growth spurt will be welcome news to buyers in North America, the biggest market for Range Rover; despite its giant proportions, it only looks like a mid-size SUV next to domestic models there.
Given that China will also be high on the new Range Rover's priority list -- it is the world's biggest and fastest-growing car market -- the extra size will give the next model limousine-like levels of back seat comfort. In China, many of the new rich are chauffeur driven.
The original Range Rover pioneered the luxury 4WD segment, but today it faces competition from more than 20 rivals.
In Australia, although Range Rover sales went up 46 per cent last year after the introduction of a facelifted model -- the actual tally of 175 vehicles is still relatively modest and accounts for just two per cent of Land Rover sales locally.
For example, Porsche sold almost twice as many 911 sportscars -- and five times as many Cayenne 4WDs. The Range Rover's nearest rival in the luxury 4WD class in terms of size, the Audi Q7, notched up more than 1000 sales last year.
The next generation Range Rover will be the first all-new model in close to 14 years when it is unveiled in late 2013 as a 2014 model -- and only the fourth generation Range Rover in more than 40 years.
It will be the second Range Rover vehicle designed and engineered solely under the ownership of the Indian Tata Group, following the controversial Range Rover Evoque hatch, which is due in Australian showrooms in a fortnight.
The current generation Range Rover was introduced in 2002 having been mostly developed by German car maker BMW, which owned the brand from 1994 to 2000.
The Land Rover brand was bought by Ford in 2000 but the North American car maker sold it to Tata in 2008, which also bought Land Rover's 'sister' brand Jaguar at the same time.
-- with Carparazzi
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discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Land Rover
The high and mighty Range Rover -- the Rolls-Royce of luxury 4WDs -- is set to grow even bigger and move further upmarket.
Spy photos of an early test mule snapped in the northern winter give clear signs that the next model will be wider and longer.
Despite being cleverly disguised by the body of the current Range Rover, the test vehicle's bigger, home-made nose and tacked-on wheel arches give the game away.
The new nose is almost certainly a pointer to a range of new engines, but it also could mean that Range Rover is creating more clearance under the bonnet, to meet more stringent pedestrian-protection regulations.
Meanwhile the wider track will almost certainly lead to an even bigger cabin -- even though the current Range Rover is already massive inside.
The growth spurt will be welcome news to buyers in North America, the biggest market for Range Rover; despite its giant proportions, it only looks like a mid-size SUV next to domestic models there.
Given that China will also be high on the new Range Rover's priority list -- it is the world's biggest and fastest-growing car market -- the extra size will give the next model limousine-like levels of back seat comfort. In China, many of the new rich are chauffeur driven.
The original Range Rover pioneered the luxury 4WD segment, but today it faces competition from more than 20 rivals.
In Australia, although Range Rover sales went up 46 per cent last year after the introduction of a facelifted model -- the actual tally of 175 vehicles is still relatively modest and accounts for just two per cent of Land Rover sales locally.
For example, Porsche sold almost twice as many 911 sportscars -- and five times as many Cayenne 4WDs. The Range Rover's nearest rival in the luxury 4WD class in terms of size, the Audi Q7, notched up more than 1000 sales last year.
The next generation Range Rover will be the first all-new model in close to 14 years when it is unveiled in late 2013 as a 2014 model -- and only the fourth generation Range Rover in more than 40 years.
It will be the second Range Rover vehicle designed and engineered solely under the ownership of the Indian Tata Group, following the controversial Range Rover Evoque hatch, which is due in Australian showrooms in a fortnight.
The current generation Range Rover was introduced in 2002 having been mostly developed by German car maker BMW, which owned the brand from 1994 to 2000.
The Land Rover brand was bought by Ford in 2000 but the North American car maker sold it to Tata in 2008, which also bought Land Rover's 'sister' brand Jaguar at the same time.
-- with Carparazzi
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Thứ Bảy, 17 tháng 3, 2012
The i has it
Eclectic electric mobility as BMW prepares to spark up with new eco-friendly sub brand
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After a year or so of teasing, BMW has finally announced the new sub-brand aimed at expanding its presence and influence in future low and zero emission urban motoring.
The new sub-brand – BMW i – will initially introduce two new models onto selected markets that will provide the opportunity of feeling-out market acceptance and preferred purchasing options.
Both cars – the i3 and the i8 - already have some familiarity, one as a concept sketch in 2010 and the other as a tangible reality first seen at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show.
The BMW i3 is a pure-electric urban car using advanced technology to maximise range and performance, while the i8 stems from the Frankfurt show's adventurously styled Vision EfficientDynamics concept study and is an ultra-performance plug-in hybrid coupe with what BMW describes as "the fuel consumption and emissions of a light car."
Both aim at entirely different buyer groups but use similar technology: Known as LifeDrive, the concept uses an aluminium chassis containing the powertrain, while the body is made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) to help compensate for the extra weight of the battery pack.
While BMW is not ready to give details of the urban-focussed i3, the possibilities of the i8 coupe are spectacular: Using a combination of diesel and electric power, the Vision EfficientDynamics concept study on which it is based attracted speculation of a zero to 100km/h time of 4.8 seconds and a top speed capability of 250km/h, combined with an average fuel consumption of 3.8L/100km and CO2 readings below 100g/km.
While these figures sound close to unbelievable right now, BMW says such performance will become more common with ongoing hybrid development.
The new BMW strategies for the future are part of the company's establishment of BMW i Ventures, a new US $100 million venture capital company founded in New York.
BMW says it will be seeking partners in its drive to develop future urban systems.
The first company to join is My City Way which, as a mobile app, "Provides users with information on public transportation, parking availability, and local entertainment for over 40 cities in the US. Another 40 cities will be part of the global rollout, including Munich," says BMW sales and marketing chief Ian Robertson.
According to BMW, the i brand "Comprises vehicles and services developed since 2007 as part of project i, a BMW Group think tank exploring sustainable mobility solutions. It is the BMW Group's response to changing customer needs, including increasing demand for alternative drive trains, such as electric drive systems and hybrids."
Australia is on the agenda for BMW i, but exactly when is not certain.
"There will be a staggered global launch for BMW i," said the head of corporate communications for Australia and New Zealand, Piers Scott.
"Initially this will focus on world cities with dense populations where the options relating to selling this type of car will be explored. Less populous cities will follow," he said.
"It is not possible at this stage to give a timeframe, but BMW i will be coming to Australia."
Read the latest Cars games ales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
prestige new cars » Get the best price on a new BMW
After a year or so of teasing, BMW has finally announced the new sub-brand aimed at expanding its presence and influence in future low and zero emission urban motoring.
The new sub-brand – BMW i – will initially introduce two new models onto selected markets that will provide the opportunity of feeling-out market acceptance and preferred purchasing options.
Both cars – the i3 and the i8 - already have some familiarity, one as a concept sketch in 2010 and the other as a tangible reality first seen at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show.
The BMW i3 is a pure-electric urban car using advanced technology to maximise range and performance, while the i8 stems from the Frankfurt show's adventurously styled Vision EfficientDynamics concept study and is an ultra-performance plug-in hybrid coupe with what BMW describes as "the fuel consumption and emissions of a light car."
Both aim at entirely different buyer groups but use similar technology: Known as LifeDrive, the concept uses an aluminium chassis containing the powertrain, while the body is made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) to help compensate for the extra weight of the battery pack.
While BMW is not ready to give details of the urban-focussed i3, the possibilities of the i8 coupe are spectacular: Using a combination of diesel and electric power, the Vision EfficientDynamics concept study on which it is based attracted speculation of a zero to 100km/h time of 4.8 seconds and a top speed capability of 250km/h, combined with an average fuel consumption of 3.8L/100km and CO2 readings below 100g/km.
While these figures sound close to unbelievable right now, BMW says such performance will become more common with ongoing hybrid development.
The new BMW strategies for the future are part of the company's establishment of BMW i Ventures, a new US $100 million venture capital company founded in New York.
BMW says it will be seeking partners in its drive to develop future urban systems.
The first company to join is My City Way which, as a mobile app, "Provides users with information on public transportation, parking availability, and local entertainment for over 40 cities in the US. Another 40 cities will be part of the global rollout, including Munich," says BMW sales and marketing chief Ian Robertson.
According to BMW, the i brand "Comprises vehicles and services developed since 2007 as part of project i, a BMW Group think tank exploring sustainable mobility solutions. It is the BMW Group's response to changing customer needs, including increasing demand for alternative drive trains, such as electric drive systems and hybrids."
Australia is on the agenda for BMW i, but exactly when is not certain.
"There will be a staggered global launch for BMW i," said the head of corporate communications for Australia and New Zealand, Piers Scott.
"Initially this will focus on world cities with dense populations where the options relating to selling this type of car will be explored. Less populous cities will follow," he said.
"It is not possible at this stage to give a timeframe, but BMW i will be coming to Australia."
Read the latest Cars games ales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
Green Car Innovation Fund's final hurrah
Axed by the federal government, the Green Car Innovation Fund is still delivering substantive support for the automotive industry
The Green Car Innovation Fund continues to sponsor interesting new projects, despite the obituary written for the government scheme.
As the Carsales Network reported previously, the Green Car Innovation Fund (GCIF) has been dropped by the federal government in favour of financing the reconstruction of infrastructure damaged during the floods that afflicted Queensland and Victoria in January and February.
Yet there are still projects in the pipeline earning financial support from the government, under the auspices of the GCIF. Senator Kim Carr, the government's Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research was present on the day of the announcement for the latest such project -- EV Engineering Limited would building seven 'proof of concept' vehicles based on the VE Commodore, but retrofitted with batteries and electric drivetrain components.
The Senator announced that the GCIF would chip in a $3.5 million sum for the $26 million project. He also explained to the press and dignitaries attending that the GCIF remains committed to supporting projects yet to be announced.
"We are technologically neutral," said the Senator, by way of explaining the government's position.
"What we want to do is ensure that we have the capability within this country so that the winners pick themselves. The plan is about driving innovation across the board in a range of green technologies -- whether it be in lightweighting, whether it be in engines, whether it be in batteries, whether it be in fuel systems.
"Of course, that's very much what the Green Car Innovation Fund has been doing. We would have been allocated -- by the time we finish the program -- $500 million. That's attracted $2 billion worth of investment. And these investments have been made at a time when the automotive industry around the world was in retreat.
"[It includes] a range of other component manufacturers -- and many of which we have yet to announce. They're still in the process of [gaining] approval.
"I know there's some disappointment on this very point, but we've been forced to close the fund so that we can fund the recovery efforts for flood-affected communities up and down the east coast of Australia."
Senator Carr subsequently amplified his final remark.
"What we've seen is that people have expressed their disappointment to us. We are talking with the industry -- both domestically and internationally -- to ensure that people understand that Australia remains a very good place to invest, that the Australian government has a very firm commitment to the future prosperity of the automotive industry in Australia."
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
The Green Car Innovation Fund continues to sponsor interesting new projects, despite the obituary written for the government scheme.
As the Carsales Network reported previously, the Green Car Innovation Fund (GCIF) has been dropped by the federal government in favour of financing the reconstruction of infrastructure damaged during the floods that afflicted Queensland and Victoria in January and February.
Yet there are still projects in the pipeline earning financial support from the government, under the auspices of the GCIF. Senator Kim Carr, the government's Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research was present on the day of the announcement for the latest such project -- EV Engineering Limited would building seven 'proof of concept' vehicles based on the VE Commodore, but retrofitted with batteries and electric drivetrain components.
The Senator announced that the GCIF would chip in a $3.5 million sum for the $26 million project. He also explained to the press and dignitaries attending that the GCIF remains committed to supporting projects yet to be announced.
"We are technologically neutral," said the Senator, by way of explaining the government's position.
"What we want to do is ensure that we have the capability within this country so that the winners pick themselves. The plan is about driving innovation across the board in a range of green technologies -- whether it be in lightweighting, whether it be in engines, whether it be in batteries, whether it be in fuel systems.
"Of course, that's very much what the Green Car Innovation Fund has been doing. We would have been allocated -- by the time we finish the program -- $500 million. That's attracted $2 billion worth of investment. And these investments have been made at a time when the automotive industry around the world was in retreat.
"[It includes] a range of other component manufacturers -- and many of which we have yet to announce. They're still in the process of [gaining] approval.
"I know there's some disappointment on this very point, but we've been forced to close the fund so that we can fund the recovery efforts for flood-affected communities up and down the east coast of Australia."
Senator Carr subsequently amplified his final remark.
"What we've seen is that people have expressed their disappointment to us. We are talking with the industry -- both domestically and internationally -- to ensure that people understand that Australia remains a very good place to invest, that the Australian government has a very firm commitment to the future prosperity of the automotive industry in Australia."
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
Ford technology reaches finals of Edison Awards
This year's Edison Best New Product Awards have honoured Ford's latest in-car innovations
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Ford's push to introduce new levels of technology into its vehicle range has resulted in a suite of nominations and finalist positions in this year's Edison Best New Product Awards.
Ford's MyFord Touch, MyKey, SYNC AppLink and rear inflatable seatbelts -- each an industry-first innovation -- are finalists in three categories honoured by the Edison Awards.
MyFord Touch and SYNC AppLink are finalists in the Transportation -- In-Car Driving Aids Category. MyKey is a finalist in the Transportation -- Remote Driving Aids category.
The rear inflatable seat belt system -- available in the 2011 North American Explorer SUV -- is a finalist in the Applied Technology category.
The distinguished awards symbolise the persistence and excellence personified by Thomas Alva Edison, inspiring America's drive to remain in the forefront of innovation, creativity and ingenuity in the global economy.
"This year's awards recognise a broad array of innovations including far-reaching products, services and technologies that impact daily life," said Sarah Miller Caldicott, a great grand-niece of Thomas Edison and Edison Awards Steering Committee chair.
"The awards applaud the forward-thinking innovations for which Thomas Edison remains internationally admired," she said.
"It's exciting to see companies like Ford continuing his legacy of challenging conventional thinking."
Ford Motor Company group vice president, Global Product Development, Derrick Kuzak, said he was pleased that four Ford technologies could win Edison Awards "which are well-respected achievements".
"We see in Ford showrooms every day that our connectivity technologies such as SYNC and industry-first safety innovations such as MyKey are helping us win over more customers," Kuzak said.
MyFord Touch utilises voice commands to control many of the in-car interfaces today largely controlled by knobs. These include audio, climate control, navigation and phone systems.
Similarly SYNC AppLink is the Ford branded free software application that gives users of SYNC smartphone apps smarter and importantly safer control. In the U.S SYNC-enabled apps include the Pandora internet radio, Stitcher news radio and OpenBeak for Twitter.
The MyKey system allows parents to allay some of the fears of letting their offspring onto the roads, effectively giving parental control to aspects such as vehicle speed and audio system volume levels, cleverly the system will mute the teens' much prized car audio system if front seat occupants do not buckle seatbelts.
Rear inflatable seatbelts are pretty much what they sound like. Inflatable belts spread the impact forces of a collision across five times more of the chest than conventional seatbelts. The effect is less pressure on the chest and greater control of head and neck motion during a crash.
The ballot of nominees for the Edison Best New Product Awards is judged by 2000 members of the not-for-profit Marketing Executives Networking Group (MENG), an organisation comprising America's top marketing professionals and academics.
In a comprehensive peer-review process, the nominees are judged on marketplace innovation, marketplace success, technological innovation, market structure innovation, societal impact and design innovation.
Winners of the gold, silver and bronze awards will be announced on April 5 at the historic Capitale ballroom in New York.
On the awards night Ford Motor Company CEO, Alan Mulally, along with John Hendricks founder and chairman of Discovery Communications will receive the Edison Achievement award, both for making a significant and lasting contribution to innovation throughout their respective careers.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Ford
Ford's push to introduce new levels of technology into its vehicle range has resulted in a suite of nominations and finalist positions in this year's Edison Best New Product Awards.
Ford's MyFord Touch, MyKey, SYNC AppLink and rear inflatable seatbelts -- each an industry-first innovation -- are finalists in three categories honoured by the Edison Awards.
MyFord Touch and SYNC AppLink are finalists in the Transportation -- In-Car Driving Aids Category. MyKey is a finalist in the Transportation -- Remote Driving Aids category.
The rear inflatable seat belt system -- available in the 2011 North American Explorer SUV -- is a finalist in the Applied Technology category.
The distinguished awards symbolise the persistence and excellence personified by Thomas Alva Edison, inspiring America's drive to remain in the forefront of innovation, creativity and ingenuity in the global economy.
"This year's awards recognise a broad array of innovations including far-reaching products, services and technologies that impact daily life," said Sarah Miller Caldicott, a great grand-niece of Thomas Edison and Edison Awards Steering Committee chair.
"The awards applaud the forward-thinking innovations for which Thomas Edison remains internationally admired," she said.
"It's exciting to see companies like Ford continuing his legacy of challenging conventional thinking."
Ford Motor Company group vice president, Global Product Development, Derrick Kuzak, said he was pleased that four Ford technologies could win Edison Awards "which are well-respected achievements".
"We see in Ford showrooms every day that our connectivity technologies such as SYNC and industry-first safety innovations such as MyKey are helping us win over more customers," Kuzak said.
MyFord Touch utilises voice commands to control many of the in-car interfaces today largely controlled by knobs. These include audio, climate control, navigation and phone systems.
Similarly SYNC AppLink is the Ford branded free software application that gives users of SYNC smartphone apps smarter and importantly safer control. In the U.S SYNC-enabled apps include the Pandora internet radio, Stitcher news radio and OpenBeak for Twitter.
The MyKey system allows parents to allay some of the fears of letting their offspring onto the roads, effectively giving parental control to aspects such as vehicle speed and audio system volume levels, cleverly the system will mute the teens' much prized car audio system if front seat occupants do not buckle seatbelts.
Rear inflatable seatbelts are pretty much what they sound like. Inflatable belts spread the impact forces of a collision across five times more of the chest than conventional seatbelts. The effect is less pressure on the chest and greater control of head and neck motion during a crash.
The ballot of nominees for the Edison Best New Product Awards is judged by 2000 members of the not-for-profit Marketing Executives Networking Group (MENG), an organisation comprising America's top marketing professionals and academics.
In a comprehensive peer-review process, the nominees are judged on marketplace innovation, marketplace success, technological innovation, market structure innovation, societal impact and design innovation.
Winners of the gold, silver and bronze awards will be announced on April 5 at the historic Capitale ballroom in New York.
On the awards night Ford Motor Company CEO, Alan Mulally, along with John Hendricks founder and chairman of Discovery Communications will receive the Edison Achievement award, both for making a significant and lasting contribution to innovation throughout their respective careers.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
Thứ Sáu, 16 tháng 3, 2012
Holden to design small Opel 4WD
General Motors brands set for their first clash
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Geneva International Motor Show
The uneasy introduction of Opel in Australia may have just become a little more awkward. Holden is designing a car it could end up competing against.
Holden's design centre in Melbourne is routinely commissioned to style vehicles for other General Motors divisions around the world – including Opel. Customarily, they aren't sold in Australia.
But now it turns out that at least one vehicle they are working on could end up competing against Holden: a new small 4WD that it is designing for GM's German brand.
"In addition to the three core vehicles we will start with in Australia next year – the Corsa and Astra small cars and the Insignia mid-size car – we are also looking closely at a small SUV," said Frank Weber, vice president of Opel product planning.
When asked if Holden was designing the small 4WD for Opel, Weber said: "You know what? Holden is designing a car for us but I'm not going to tell you what it is."
Holden – via its links to the Korean styling studio once run by former Holden designers – had a role in the appearance of the previous two Captiva softroaders because of the popularity in Australia of these types of vehicles.
It is unclear if Holden will get a version of the new Opel softroader, but there is a chance both brands could clash head-on if Holden wants to continue selling the Korean-made Captiva 5 and Opel plans to eventually sell the successor to the same vehicle.
Despite some initial internal resistance, Opel is coming to Australia as its own brand from next year – competing against Holden instead of being rebadged and sold as Holdens, as they have done in the past.
"You know what? The market is more intelligent, and more global now, customers can tell when you've rebadged a car," Weber said. "You need to have a consistency of brand image and that's why it's important we go to Australia as Opel."
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Holden
Geneva International Motor Show
The uneasy introduction of Opel in Australia may have just become a little more awkward. Holden is designing a car it could end up competing against.
Holden's design centre in Melbourne is routinely commissioned to style vehicles for other General Motors divisions around the world – including Opel. Customarily, they aren't sold in Australia.
But now it turns out that at least one vehicle they are working on could end up competing against Holden: a new small 4WD that it is designing for GM's German brand.
"In addition to the three core vehicles we will start with in Australia next year – the Corsa and Astra small cars and the Insignia mid-size car – we are also looking closely at a small SUV," said Frank Weber, vice president of Opel product planning.
When asked if Holden was designing the small 4WD for Opel, Weber said: "You know what? Holden is designing a car for us but I'm not going to tell you what it is."
Holden – via its links to the Korean styling studio once run by former Holden designers – had a role in the appearance of the previous two Captiva softroaders because of the popularity in Australia of these types of vehicles.
It is unclear if Holden will get a version of the new Opel softroader, but there is a chance both brands could clash head-on if Holden wants to continue selling the Korean-made Captiva 5 and Opel plans to eventually sell the successor to the same vehicle.
Despite some initial internal resistance, Opel is coming to Australia as its own brand from next year – competing against Holden instead of being rebadged and sold as Holdens, as they have done in the past.
"You know what? The market is more intelligent, and more global now, customers can tell when you've rebadged a car," Weber said. "You need to have a consistency of brand image and that's why it's important we go to Australia as Opel."
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
Holden Cruze: How homegrown?
Just how Australian is the Australian-built Cruze unveiled at Holden's Elizabeth plant this week?
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We have to wait til release later this year before details, including pricing, of the Holden Cruze hatch are finalised but we are assured this will be a very Australian endeavour in the new small car market.
At Holden's Elizabeth plant, brand executives claimed "around 30" local suppliers were already involved with the manufacture of the sedan; including those from South Australia and Victoria.
According to Holden's managing director Mike Devereux, an estimation on 'dollars made here' amounts to "40 to 50 per cent".
"There's lots of different ways to calculate that," he suggests. "This was a fast-tracked program... Around two-and-half years, which is fairly tight."
Opportunity for further Australian input is not out of the question because the Cruze team was pressed to "lock this car down with the supply base we've got" as soon as possible.
"Then we stabilise production here [Elizabeth] and make sure we build the highest-quality Cruze we can," said Devereux.
Plans for the hatch's process includes "strategic opportunities to increase the localisation of Cruze so over time that [supplier] number will get bigger."
The Cruze lineup will include three, Euro 5-matching engine options. The new 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine -- rated at 103kW/200Nm and using 6.4L/100km when equipped with manual transmission -- is produced in Europe; the 2.0-litre turbodiesel, good for 120kW/360Nm and turning efficient consumption figures like 5.6L/100km, is VM Motori-licensed; South Korean-built and the 1.8-litre (104kW/176Nm; 7L/100km) petrol engine is also built in South Korea.
Differences between the locally built and imported Cruze include the aforementioned engine lineup, restyled front and rear end treatment, new wheel options and introduction of Watts link suspension for the 1.4 models.
"All calibrated to our conditions... There's been a lot of work here to make sure this is an Australian car," assured Devereux.
Holden will stamp all Cruze bodies in Australia.
"One of the biggest investment areas when localising a vehicle is the actual stamping facility where the body is put together. That is one of the biggest cost areas," explained Devereux.
Holden has a "great supplier and partner" for body parts made for Commodore and Cruze, and intends to "localise a lot more content going forward", he said.
Throughout March, says Devereux, Holden will ramp up production of the Cruze sedan until meeting usual capacity quota per day before the model's release later this year.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Holden
We have to wait til release later this year before details, including pricing, of the Holden Cruze hatch are finalised but we are assured this will be a very Australian endeavour in the new small car market.
At Holden's Elizabeth plant, brand executives claimed "around 30" local suppliers were already involved with the manufacture of the sedan; including those from South Australia and Victoria.
According to Holden's managing director Mike Devereux, an estimation on 'dollars made here' amounts to "40 to 50 per cent".
"There's lots of different ways to calculate that," he suggests. "This was a fast-tracked program... Around two-and-half years, which is fairly tight."
Opportunity for further Australian input is not out of the question because the Cruze team was pressed to "lock this car down with the supply base we've got" as soon as possible.
"Then we stabilise production here [Elizabeth] and make sure we build the highest-quality Cruze we can," said Devereux.
Plans for the hatch's process includes "strategic opportunities to increase the localisation of Cruze so over time that [supplier] number will get bigger."
The Cruze lineup will include three, Euro 5-matching engine options. The new 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine -- rated at 103kW/200Nm and using 6.4L/100km when equipped with manual transmission -- is produced in Europe; the 2.0-litre turbodiesel, good for 120kW/360Nm and turning efficient consumption figures like 5.6L/100km, is VM Motori-licensed; South Korean-built and the 1.8-litre (104kW/176Nm; 7L/100km) petrol engine is also built in South Korea.
Differences between the locally built and imported Cruze include the aforementioned engine lineup, restyled front and rear end treatment, new wheel options and introduction of Watts link suspension for the 1.4 models.
"All calibrated to our conditions... There's been a lot of work here to make sure this is an Australian car," assured Devereux.
Holden will stamp all Cruze bodies in Australia.
"One of the biggest investment areas when localising a vehicle is the actual stamping facility where the body is put together. That is one of the biggest cost areas," explained Devereux.
Holden has a "great supplier and partner" for body parts made for Commodore and Cruze, and intends to "localise a lot more content going forward", he said.
Throughout March, says Devereux, Holden will ramp up production of the Cruze sedan until meeting usual capacity quota per day before the model's release later this year.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
Scoop! A new 'Ferrari' for $80,000
Exclusive: Limited edition model is coming to Australia
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Fiat
Geneva International Motor Show
The famous Ferrari badge will soon be within the financial reach of more Australians than ever before.
And with a pricetag of just $80,000 it is a fraction of the cost of the cheapest Ferrari in the current line-up, the $460,000 California convertible.
But there is a slight catch: it's not quite the Ferrari you might have imagined. Rather, it is the Ferrari of small cars – a Fiat 500 with extra performance and seven Ferrari badges.
The distributor of Ferrari cars in Australia, Neville Crichton, told the Carsales Network in Geneva overnight that the Fiat 500 Abarth "Tribute Ferrari" edition will be sold locally by the middle of this year.
"We've secured an exclusive allocation and we'll have them within a few months," Crichton said. "And they'll all be red."
Just 25 of the 695 special edition models made globally will be coming Down Under and they will be individually numbered for Australia.
The Fiat 500 Tributo Ferrari edition is more than twice of the price of the Fiat 500 Abarth Esseesse hot hatch released next week.
Despite the cost, the Ferrari of small cars is almost sold out. The first allocation of Essesse editions has been allocated and the distributor already has names against most of the Tributo Ferrari models.
"There's a few Fiat collectors, Ferrari collectors and Ferrari owners among the mix," Crichton said.
Ferrari F1 drivers Fernando Alonso and Felippe Massa also have one each.
The Tribute edition was worked on by Fiat and Ferrari engineers, the company said, including a special bi-modal exhaust to give it a cracking sound.
It is powered by a turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine and comes with an automated twin-clutch transmission.
The engine has in excess of 135kW and 250Nm (up from 117kW and 230Nm of the Essesse) – enough grunt for a 0 to 100km/h time in the low seven-second bracket.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
Powered By Motoring.com.au
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Fiat
Geneva International Motor Show
The famous Ferrari badge will soon be within the financial reach of more Australians than ever before.
And with a pricetag of just $80,000 it is a fraction of the cost of the cheapest Ferrari in the current line-up, the $460,000 California convertible.
But there is a slight catch: it's not quite the Ferrari you might have imagined. Rather, it is the Ferrari of small cars – a Fiat 500 with extra performance and seven Ferrari badges.
The distributor of Ferrari cars in Australia, Neville Crichton, told the Carsales Network in Geneva overnight that the Fiat 500 Abarth "Tribute Ferrari" edition will be sold locally by the middle of this year.
"We've secured an exclusive allocation and we'll have them within a few months," Crichton said. "And they'll all be red."
Just 25 of the 695 special edition models made globally will be coming Down Under and they will be individually numbered for Australia.
The Fiat 500 Tributo Ferrari edition is more than twice of the price of the Fiat 500 Abarth Esseesse hot hatch released next week.
Despite the cost, the Ferrari of small cars is almost sold out. The first allocation of Essesse editions has been allocated and the distributor already has names against most of the Tributo Ferrari models.
"There's a few Fiat collectors, Ferrari collectors and Ferrari owners among the mix," Crichton said.
Ferrari F1 drivers Fernando Alonso and Felippe Massa also have one each.
The Tribute edition was worked on by Fiat and Ferrari engineers, the company said, including a special bi-modal exhaust to give it a cracking sound.
It is powered by a turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine and comes with an automated twin-clutch transmission.
The engine has in excess of 135kW and 250Nm (up from 117kW and 230Nm of the Essesse) – enough grunt for a 0 to 100km/h time in the low seven-second bracket.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
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US lab's solar reactor extracts fuel from water or CO2
A California research team has come up with a promising technology using solar power to extract fuel from water and carbon dioxide
ABC Radio's The Science Show has reported what could prove a valuable source of non-fossil fuels under investigation at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech).
Following up on an honourable mention in President Obama's State of the Union speech in January, The Science Show reports that a Caltech team has found promising results in the use of concentrated solar radiation to power a reactor capable of extracting the fuels from atmospheric water or CO2. Subjected to temperatures of 1500-1600 degrees C in the presence of a catalyst like cerium dioxide, water and CO2 release their oxygen into the atmosphere. In subsequent cooling, they take oxygen back in again by effectively stealing the oxygen atoms from atmospheric water or CO2. What's left behind is hydrogen, methane or syngas, a mix of hydrogen and car games bon monoxide. Any of these can be condensed into liquid fuels.
Sossina Haile, a professor of material science and chemical engineering at Caltech, began testing the reactor using heat from non-solar sources with her colleagues at their lab in Pasadena. When they were confident the reactor worked, they took it over to Zurich to hitch it up to the Paul Scherrer Institute's solar concentrator. The trial runs work 'fantastically', she told Science Show host Robyn Williams.
Building on all this promise is that none of the constituent materials is hard to come by. Haile said cerium is 'about as abundant as copper' (as Williams mentioned, cerium dioxide is used as an oxidation catalyst in self-cleaning ovens). That means there's little to hinder the manufacture of reactors. And because the energy source it produces is storable, it's possible to integrate it into a continuous supply matrix. So it surmounts one of the great bugbears of direct solar power -- the drop in supply potential when the sun's not around.
With the fundamentals in place, the next step is to start working on boosting the efficiency of the reactors. "I think that if we built better reactors we could easily get to 10 per cent, 20 per cent efficiency for converting solar energy into chemical fuels," Haile told Williams. "The other aspect where one could invest is to develop even better materials than this cerium dioxide."
To those ends, Caltech is pitching for a share of the US$122 million funding allocated to the advancement of solar technologies. "Whenever you invest in materials, exploration, development, discovery, there is no guarantee that there's going to be an answer," she said. The available funds amount to 'a drop in the bucket' of what's needed. "In my laboratory of course, if we put some portion of that to advance what we're doing specifically here it would make a tremendous difference."
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
ABC Radio's The Science Show has reported what could prove a valuable source of non-fossil fuels under investigation at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech).
Following up on an honourable mention in President Obama's State of the Union speech in January, The Science Show reports that a Caltech team has found promising results in the use of concentrated solar radiation to power a reactor capable of extracting the fuels from atmospheric water or CO2. Subjected to temperatures of 1500-1600 degrees C in the presence of a catalyst like cerium dioxide, water and CO2 release their oxygen into the atmosphere. In subsequent cooling, they take oxygen back in again by effectively stealing the oxygen atoms from atmospheric water or CO2. What's left behind is hydrogen, methane or syngas, a mix of hydrogen and car games bon monoxide. Any of these can be condensed into liquid fuels.
Sossina Haile, a professor of material science and chemical engineering at Caltech, began testing the reactor using heat from non-solar sources with her colleagues at their lab in Pasadena. When they were confident the reactor worked, they took it over to Zurich to hitch it up to the Paul Scherrer Institute's solar concentrator. The trial runs work 'fantastically', she told Science Show host Robyn Williams.
Building on all this promise is that none of the constituent materials is hard to come by. Haile said cerium is 'about as abundant as copper' (as Williams mentioned, cerium dioxide is used as an oxidation catalyst in self-cleaning ovens). That means there's little to hinder the manufacture of reactors. And because the energy source it produces is storable, it's possible to integrate it into a continuous supply matrix. So it surmounts one of the great bugbears of direct solar power -- the drop in supply potential when the sun's not around.
With the fundamentals in place, the next step is to start working on boosting the efficiency of the reactors. "I think that if we built better reactors we could easily get to 10 per cent, 20 per cent efficiency for converting solar energy into chemical fuels," Haile told Williams. "The other aspect where one could invest is to develop even better materials than this cerium dioxide."
To those ends, Caltech is pitching for a share of the US$122 million funding allocated to the advancement of solar technologies. "Whenever you invest in materials, exploration, development, discovery, there is no guarantee that there's going to be an answer," she said. The available funds amount to 'a drop in the bucket' of what's needed. "In my laboratory of course, if we put some portion of that to advance what we're doing specifically here it would make a tremendous difference."
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
New crash-testing laboratory in Adelaide
Pedestrian safety put to the test as part of expanded ANCAP regime
The University of Adelaide has announced the opening of a new facility to test the pedestrian safety of cars currently on sale.
Aimed at providing pedestrian impact data for the Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), the Vehicle Safety Laboratory is operated by the Centre for Automotive Safety Research (CASR), which is funded by the University of Adelaide.
The new laboratory has been established in accordance with "regulations, directives and protocols" from around the world and tests bull bars, energy absorbing materials and vehicle interiors. In undertaking crash reconstruction, the laboratory relies on high-speed film capture and high resolution data acquisition to assemble an accurate picture of the trauma incurred during a high-velocity impact.
"Pedestrians make up a significant proportion of all road casualties, accounting within Australia for 16.5 per cent of all road fatalities and 8.5 per cent of all serious injuries," said CASR Director Professor Mary Lydon.
"This testing will assist the design of more pedestrian friendly vehicles. It puts the spotlight on protection offered to pedestrians by different vehicle structures and means we can measure improvements and differences in safety."
On hand for the opening was ANCAP Chair, Lauchlan McIntosh, who anticipates that the new CASR facility will add value to ANCAP's crash testing regime.
"Pedestrian testing is a major part of ANCAP's crash testing process, and these new CASR facilities will provide a better amenity for the pedestrian tests, which form a part of the overall ANCAP safety rating," McIntosh said. "ANCAP has worked closely with CASR for some years now in testing and providing vehicle safety ratings, and these new premises will only strengthen our relationship."
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
The University of Adelaide has announced the opening of a new facility to test the pedestrian safety of cars currently on sale.
Aimed at providing pedestrian impact data for the Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), the Vehicle Safety Laboratory is operated by the Centre for Automotive Safety Research (CASR), which is funded by the University of Adelaide.
The new laboratory has been established in accordance with "regulations, directives and protocols" from around the world and tests bull bars, energy absorbing materials and vehicle interiors. In undertaking crash reconstruction, the laboratory relies on high-speed film capture and high resolution data acquisition to assemble an accurate picture of the trauma incurred during a high-velocity impact.
"Pedestrians make up a significant proportion of all road casualties, accounting within Australia for 16.5 per cent of all road fatalities and 8.5 per cent of all serious injuries," said CASR Director Professor Mary Lydon.
"This testing will assist the design of more pedestrian friendly vehicles. It puts the spotlight on protection offered to pedestrians by different vehicle structures and means we can measure improvements and differences in safety."
On hand for the opening was ANCAP Chair, Lauchlan McIntosh, who anticipates that the new CASR facility will add value to ANCAP's crash testing regime.
"Pedestrian testing is a major part of ANCAP's crash testing process, and these new CASR facilities will provide a better amenity for the pedestrian tests, which form a part of the overall ANCAP safety rating," McIntosh said. "ANCAP has worked closely with CASR for some years now in testing and providing vehicle safety ratings, and these new premises will only strengthen our relationship."
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
BMW's i8 a Vision to behold
Plug-in Hybrid supercar will head up the range for BMW's new 'i' brand
There are words not often seen in the same sentence. Chief among these are 'Plug-in' and 'Supercar'.
Yet BMW appears to have contrived a machine that brings together these disparate concepts -- and it's pictured right here.
Planned to be the flagship of BMW's new 'i' sub-brand and named the i8, the pre-production vehicle was caught by the master spy photographers at Carparazzi while undergoing cold-weather trials in Sweden. The i8 will be the production version of the Vision EfficientDynamics concept car unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show two years ago.
Sleek as it is, the i8 is expected to offer 2+2 seating -- not a lot of accommodation for a car that's likely to sell in Europe for around 150,000 Euros. Performance will make up for any deficit though; the blokes at Carparrazi have heard that the acceleration time to 100km/h from rest will be 4.8 seconds.
Another point of interest gleaned by the Carparazzi crew relates to the production car's internal combustion engine, a turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine rather than the diesel fitted to the concept car.
-- with Carparazzi
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There are words not often seen in the same sentence. Chief among these are 'Plug-in' and 'Supercar'.
Yet BMW appears to have contrived a machine that brings together these disparate concepts -- and it's pictured right here.
Planned to be the flagship of BMW's new 'i' sub-brand and named the i8, the pre-production vehicle was caught by the master spy photographers at Carparazzi while undergoing cold-weather trials in Sweden. The i8 will be the production version of the Vision EfficientDynamics concept car unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show two years ago.
Sleek as it is, the i8 is expected to offer 2+2 seating -- not a lot of accommodation for a car that's likely to sell in Europe for around 150,000 Euros. Performance will make up for any deficit though; the blokes at Carparrazi have heard that the acceleration time to 100km/h from rest will be 4.8 seconds.
Another point of interest gleaned by the Carparazzi crew relates to the production car's internal combustion engine, a turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine rather than the diesel fitted to the concept car.
-- with Carparazzi
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Thứ Ba, 13 tháng 3, 2012
NEW YORK AUTO SHOW: 2012 Jaguar XF makes world debut
Poised to take on the German prestige brands, Jaguar has finally taken the wraps off its face-lifted 2012 XF
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The wait, it seems, has been worth it. In New York City at the Jacob Javits convention centre, Jaguar's highly-anticipated facelifted 2012 XF model was unveiled, showing off a sophisticated new look that bears more than a passing resemblance to the highly-lauded XJ model.
Gone are the controversial headlights of the first-generation Jaguar XF, introduced in 2008, replaced with a sleeker, more contemporary front end style that chief designer Ian Callum calls "purposeful yet elegant."
The new model range is set to arrive in Australia from October and local pricing will be announced in August. In addition to the updated image the big news is the new engine offering, a 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel, outputting 140kW at 3500rpm and 450Nm at 2000rpm. The new entry-level diesel engine is paired to an eight-speed automatic ZF transmission as standard, as are the two other 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel offerings. The 283kW 5.0-litre naturally aspirated and 375kW supercharged V8 models remain coupled to six-speed cog swappers.
Jaguar's new 2.2-litre turbodiesel is paired to a stop-start system that helps it achieve a low fuel consumption figure of 5.4L/100km, while emitting just 149 grams of CO2 per kilometre. Despite its frugal nature, the engine will propel the new XF Jag from zero to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
As Jaguar Australia's Brand Manager Kevin Goult put it, the new diesel won't appeal to everyone, but it will provide the XF range with more scope to attract new motorists. "We plan to have the new 2.2-litre engine from launch in October. We'll still have a broad range of petrol and diesel, and that gives the consumer a great choice. Diesel isn't for everybody, but I think when we see the drive impressions on the 2.2-litre [diesel] engine, it will change the perception of what a diesel can achieve in a Jaguar XF."
While the new entry-level diesel engine has the potential to increase the XF sales in Australia, the vehicle's transformed design will also raise a few eyebrows.
Along with the redesigned front end, which includes new LED daytime running lights, and an updated front fascia and revised LED brake lights that extend into the centre of the boot area, the 2012 Jaguar XF features a significantly updated interior, boasting new seats, new instruments and improved equipment levels.
Fitted with alloy wheels of between 17- and 20-inches, the facelifted XF is a more striking vehicle to look at than its predecessor, and has a clear familial resemblance vis-a-vie the XJ. Moreover, the new 2012 XF is also almost a carbon copy of the original C-XF concept car that broke cover in 2007, and as Jag's design director Ian Callum explained, the original headlight design was abandoned.
"[In 2008] we did the XF, and we were working with certain technology. I won't go into great detail about it, but the head lamp ended up a certain size and when we did the concept version of the XF, C-XF -- we did that after the XF [production version] -- we realised the lamp should have been much slimmer and we would have liked it to be much slimmer and we had an opportunity with the new technology and the new facelift to do it.
"So we've got a much slimmer lamp on the front of the car games now, which is familiar in terms of the design we see on the XJ, and also on the C-XF concept car."
The 2012 Jaguar XF range will compete against mainly German products from BMW and Mercedes, the 5 Series and E-Class in particular, and Callum states that the revised model is a "strong evolution for a mid-life facelift of a car" while taking a subtle swipe at the car's rivals.
"It's a much bigger and bolder facelift than you would expect. Some of our competitors put in bit of new headlamp detail and a bumper change perhaps, and stuff that is almost only recognised by aficionados and current owners. I think this is quite a significant face lift in many ways. It's something we wanted to do in the very first stages of XF."
Stay tuned for full drive impressions of the 2012 Jaguar XF range in October.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Jaguar
The wait, it seems, has been worth it. In New York City at the Jacob Javits convention centre, Jaguar's highly-anticipated facelifted 2012 XF model was unveiled, showing off a sophisticated new look that bears more than a passing resemblance to the highly-lauded XJ model.
Gone are the controversial headlights of the first-generation Jaguar XF, introduced in 2008, replaced with a sleeker, more contemporary front end style that chief designer Ian Callum calls "purposeful yet elegant."
The new model range is set to arrive in Australia from October and local pricing will be announced in August. In addition to the updated image the big news is the new engine offering, a 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel, outputting 140kW at 3500rpm and 450Nm at 2000rpm. The new entry-level diesel engine is paired to an eight-speed automatic ZF transmission as standard, as are the two other 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel offerings. The 283kW 5.0-litre naturally aspirated and 375kW supercharged V8 models remain coupled to six-speed cog swappers.
Jaguar's new 2.2-litre turbodiesel is paired to a stop-start system that helps it achieve a low fuel consumption figure of 5.4L/100km, while emitting just 149 grams of CO2 per kilometre. Despite its frugal nature, the engine will propel the new XF Jag from zero to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
As Jaguar Australia's Brand Manager Kevin Goult put it, the new diesel won't appeal to everyone, but it will provide the XF range with more scope to attract new motorists. "We plan to have the new 2.2-litre engine from launch in October. We'll still have a broad range of petrol and diesel, and that gives the consumer a great choice. Diesel isn't for everybody, but I think when we see the drive impressions on the 2.2-litre [diesel] engine, it will change the perception of what a diesel can achieve in a Jaguar XF."
While the new entry-level diesel engine has the potential to increase the XF sales in Australia, the vehicle's transformed design will also raise a few eyebrows.
Along with the redesigned front end, which includes new LED daytime running lights, and an updated front fascia and revised LED brake lights that extend into the centre of the boot area, the 2012 Jaguar XF features a significantly updated interior, boasting new seats, new instruments and improved equipment levels.
Fitted with alloy wheels of between 17- and 20-inches, the facelifted XF is a more striking vehicle to look at than its predecessor, and has a clear familial resemblance vis-a-vie the XJ. Moreover, the new 2012 XF is also almost a carbon copy of the original C-XF concept car that broke cover in 2007, and as Jag's design director Ian Callum explained, the original headlight design was abandoned.
"[In 2008] we did the XF, and we were working with certain technology. I won't go into great detail about it, but the head lamp ended up a certain size and when we did the concept version of the XF, C-XF -- we did that after the XF [production version] -- we realised the lamp should have been much slimmer and we would have liked it to be much slimmer and we had an opportunity with the new technology and the new facelift to do it.
"So we've got a much slimmer lamp on the front of the car games now, which is familiar in terms of the design we see on the XJ, and also on the C-XF concept car."
The 2012 Jaguar XF range will compete against mainly German products from BMW and Mercedes, the 5 Series and E-Class in particular, and Callum states that the revised model is a "strong evolution for a mid-life facelift of a car" while taking a subtle swipe at the car's rivals.
"It's a much bigger and bolder facelift than you would expect. Some of our competitors put in bit of new headlamp detail and a bumper change perhaps, and stuff that is almost only recognised by aficionados and current owners. I think this is quite a significant face lift in many ways. It's something we wanted to do in the very first stages of XF."
Stay tuned for full drive impressions of the 2012 Jaguar XF range in October.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
MINI eyes local rally future
MINI Australia is preparing to get dirty
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MINI Australia is eyeing the resurrected Australian Rally Championship with a view to entering a local team as early as 2012.
The news comes on the eve of the Anglo-German brand making its World Rally Championship debut in Italy next month. Underpinned by British performance operation, Prodrive, MINI will contest a limited number of WRC rounds in 2011 with a version of its Countryman compact SUV built to new S2000 rally regs, before embarking on a full program in 2012.
The Carsales Network has confirmed the local arm of the brand is in discussions with the organizers of the Australian title.
"I wouldn't rule anything out in the future, [but] we are a quite an early stage…. We believe there's good reason to be involved [in the ARC]," MINI/BMW spokesperson, Piers Scott told the Carsales Network.
"There are no meat on the bones at moment. It's not entirely a local decision," Scott stated. He said MINI Australia could follow "the international lead of observing" for a year or so and then getting involved.
Scott said the decision to exit the one-make MINI Challenge series and circuit racing locally was not predicated on the move to rallying.
"Obviously the arrival of the WRC Countryman has opened the door [to MINI's involvement in rallying]. I would make the point that this is not a shift in focus. [The exit from] Mini Challenge came down to the economical viability of the series and the change in the [television] coverage of the series. It doesn't have any bearing on us entering into rallying [in Australia].
"There's a degree of enthusiasm globally for the brand, and now it makes good marketing sense [to enter rallying locally]," Scott stated.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new MINI
MINI Australia is eyeing the resurrected Australian Rally Championship with a view to entering a local team as early as 2012.
The news comes on the eve of the Anglo-German brand making its World Rally Championship debut in Italy next month. Underpinned by British performance operation, Prodrive, MINI will contest a limited number of WRC rounds in 2011 with a version of its Countryman compact SUV built to new S2000 rally regs, before embarking on a full program in 2012.
The Carsales Network has confirmed the local arm of the brand is in discussions with the organizers of the Australian title.
"I wouldn't rule anything out in the future, [but] we are a quite an early stage…. We believe there's good reason to be involved [in the ARC]," MINI/BMW spokesperson, Piers Scott told the Carsales Network.
"There are no meat on the bones at moment. It's not entirely a local decision," Scott stated. He said MINI Australia could follow "the international lead of observing" for a year or so and then getting involved.
Scott said the decision to exit the one-make MINI Challenge series and circuit racing locally was not predicated on the move to rallying.
"Obviously the arrival of the WRC Countryman has opened the door [to MINI's involvement in rallying]. I would make the point that this is not a shift in focus. [The exit from] Mini Challenge came down to the economical viability of the series and the change in the [television] coverage of the series. It doesn't have any bearing on us entering into rallying [in Australia].
"There's a degree of enthusiasm globally for the brand, and now it makes good marketing sense [to enter rallying locally]," Scott stated.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
NEW YORK AUTO SHOW: Subaru to split Impreza and WRX
Impreza to take the high road while WRX will maintain the fast track
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Subaru wants to make a bigger distinction between its performance WRX model and the more sedate donor Impreza.
During the launch of the new generation Impreza sedan and hatch in New York this week company executives confirmed future models will be separated by more than just engines, badging and body bits like spoilers.
But don't expect a departure from the current arrangement for a while... At least two years insiders say. Indeed, Subaru will make the most of the new Impreza's setup for both models until the model is freshened -- perhaps in 2014-15.
Highlights of the new, fourth-generation Impreza include more cabin space -- enabled by a longer wheelbase -- although external dimensions remain close to the existing version. There's also added focus on fuel efficiency.
Subaru executives admit this formula makes it harder to optimise for a performance version. They are therefore aiming to eventually offer two distinct families of its midsize sedan/hatch model.
They also admitted a decision on platform sharing (or not!) between Impreza and the WRX could not be confirmed yet. It is, however, increasingly likely they will be developed individually.
Subaru insiders were tightlipped about the details of the new WRX strategy. Not keen to be quoted they were nonetheless obviously excited by the future prospects for the iconic nameplate.
If key snippets and their body language are anything to go by, WRX fans won't be disappointed.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
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Subaru wants to make a bigger distinction between its performance WRX model and the more sedate donor Impreza.
During the launch of the new generation Impreza sedan and hatch in New York this week company executives confirmed future models will be separated by more than just engines, badging and body bits like spoilers.
But don't expect a departure from the current arrangement for a while... At least two years insiders say. Indeed, Subaru will make the most of the new Impreza's setup for both models until the model is freshened -- perhaps in 2014-15.
Highlights of the new, fourth-generation Impreza include more cabin space -- enabled by a longer wheelbase -- although external dimensions remain close to the existing version. There's also added focus on fuel efficiency.
Subaru executives admit this formula makes it harder to optimise for a performance version. They are therefore aiming to eventually offer two distinct families of its midsize sedan/hatch model.
They also admitted a decision on platform sharing (or not!) between Impreza and the WRX could not be confirmed yet. It is, however, increasingly likely they will be developed individually.
Subaru insiders were tightlipped about the details of the new WRX strategy. Not keen to be quoted they were nonetheless obviously excited by the future prospects for the iconic nameplate.
If key snippets and their body language are anything to go by, WRX fans won't be disappointed.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
Thứ Hai, 12 tháng 3, 2012
Euros playing tech catch-up?
Ford is the unlikely leader in in-car connectivity... But not for long if the Euro prestige marques have their way
Attracting a new generation of drivers, US giant Ford has been progressive in introducing tech features such as iPhone integration, Twitter and Facebook into its vehicles -- at least in the US market. Luxury brands such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz are now looking to emulate the Blue Oval's tech success.
A recent article published by US news site Bloomberg looked at the pressures on luxury vehicle manufactures to stay one step ahead of the competition in regards to in-car technologies offered. The article describes the focus of Ford, in particular, in bringing new tech to purchases of vehicles in the traditionally non-prestige market.
Ford has been active in providing award-winning tech features such as MyFord Touch, SYNC and MyKey to its range.
MyFord Touch utilises voice commands to control many of the in- car games interfaces today largely controlled by knobs. These include audio, climate control, navigation and phone systems. Similarly SYNC AppLink is the Ford-branded version of a free software application that gives users of SYNC smartphone apps smarter, and importantly, safer control when on the move. In the USA SYNC-enabled apps include the Pandora internet radio, Stitcher news radio and OpenBeak for Twitter.
The MyKey system allows parents to allay some of the fears of letting their offspring onto the roads, effectively giving parental control to aspects such as vehicle speed and audio system volume levels. Cleverly the system will mute the teens' much prized car audio system if front seat occupants do not buckle seatbelts.
While voice command and MP3 player or smart phone controls are becoming standard features in most manufacturers' new car ranges, internet access and social media, such as Twitter and Facebook is only an emerging trend.
The Carsales Network spoke to David McCarthy, Senior Manager Corporate Communications at Mercedes-Benz Australia, asking if there is indeed pressure on prestige manufacturers to stay ahead in the in-car technology race.
"Increasingly one of the challenges is to build the tech and intelligence into a product and make money," McCarthy said.
McCarthy acknowledged that consumer perception and expectations of the prestige market had altered in recent times.
"Along with the expectations of safety and engineering quality, tech has become an important feature." he said.
Plus it seems our tolerance for things to work, and work quickly has diminished. In this time-poor world, when it comes to features such as Bluetooth pairing of phones, or streaming of music from our own devices; "unless it can be done within 30 seconds it's just not good enough. " McCarthy said.
Mercedes-Benz also acknowledges pressure from the hand-held GPS Satellite Navigation Unit market, which is improving in both quality and reduced cost year by year. Furthermore, pressure comes from the entry-level end of automobile market which now sees $20K cars including features such as keyless entry and go, steering wheel controls and Bluetooth pairing. These were once found only in the prestige market.
McCarthy points to Mercedes' in-car entertainment innovations such as split screen viewing of DVD or television broadcasts now available in S-Class vehicles and filtering through the range in response to customer feedback. [Ed: this system was in fact pioneered by Jaguar Land Rover].
Elsewhere VW has just signed a deal with Microsoft to provide a similar system based around hard drive storage of large media files (such as full length movies) for in-car entertainment.
"The goal of the joint venture is to provide an infotainment software suite to enhance reuse of software for in-vehicle infotainment and to drive innovations," VW said in a statement this week.
"It is a battle between marketing versus engineering," McCarthy states. "We need to reduce weight in the cars to also reduce emissions, but at the same time increasing safety, convenience and luxury all add weight to the vehicle."
Meanwhile, over at BMW Group Australia, Piers Scott, Head of Corporate Communications was quick to point out what he describes as the key point of difference customers choose the BMW brand.
"BMW has traditionally been at the forefront of developing cutting edge in-car technologies. These fall under the brand BMW ConnectedDrive which covers three core areas -- safety, infotainment and luxury." Scott said.
"In terms of safety," Scott expanded, "unique features such as head-up display, Surround View and Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, all aid the driver to identify and avoid potential hazards as an 'active' safety feature".
"In terms of infotainment, BMW Internet is now offered in our cars, together with an 'Office' function which allows emails to be read out to the driver who can then dictate and send a reply without his or her hands leaving the wheel or eyes leaving the road." Scott said.
"In the case of luxury, the next generation of ConnectedDrive innovations have been showcased through a concept car dedicated specifically to highlight what is coming in the near-to-mid-term future from BMW. In particular it shows what will be possible in terms of car-to-car communication and the car communicating with its surroundings though an array of sensors, cameras and various other communications apparatus." Scott explained.
BMW believes it has a three-year lead on other luxury rivals in terms of software platforms and in-house technology development, Scott said.
BMW believes improvement in this area will be a strategic edge during future sales battles. The Vision ConnectedDrive made its world debut during the 2011 International Motor Show in Geneva during March. Within the 'Sheer Driving Pleasure' marketing catch-cry of BMW, the stated aim of Vison ConnetedDrive was to present: "immediately-mesmerising, intelligent solutions" utilising current and future networking technology.
From time to time BMW's description of this technology borders on mystical. Take for example the Passenger Information Display: "The passenger in a BMW Vision ConnectedDrive vehicle can also take advantage of additional functionalities provided by intelligent networking. As a co-pilot he can evaluate information or address details for the navigation system received online and forward them to the driver's instrument panel if necessary. Thus the interaction between the driver and the passenger and networking with the environment reach new levels."
And then there is the Emotional Browser: "The Emotional Browser makes an even more varied and individually-tailored choice of information possible. During the journey, this system captures and filters additional information about the environment through which the vehicle is currently travelling, in terms of people, mood or location. This personal configuration can be set at the start of the journey, but can also be adjusted on the road to be more or less detailed, to suit individual requirements."
While there is pressure rising within the automobile market, prestige manufacturers seem to be well aware of shifts in customer expectations. Nonetheless, the struggle to get everyday connectivity technology into the driving experience remains a design, marketing and engineering challenge.
A new generation of vehicle purchasers, raised on Twitter, Facebook and internet access at their finger-tips are urging manufactures to provide these facilities in-car -- and now... It's these demands that are driving innovation forward.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
Attracting a new generation of drivers, US giant Ford has been progressive in introducing tech features such as iPhone integration, Twitter and Facebook into its vehicles -- at least in the US market. Luxury brands such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz are now looking to emulate the Blue Oval's tech success.
A recent article published by US news site Bloomberg looked at the pressures on luxury vehicle manufactures to stay one step ahead of the competition in regards to in-car technologies offered. The article describes the focus of Ford, in particular, in bringing new tech to purchases of vehicles in the traditionally non-prestige market.
Ford has been active in providing award-winning tech features such as MyFord Touch, SYNC and MyKey to its range.
MyFord Touch utilises voice commands to control many of the in- car games interfaces today largely controlled by knobs. These include audio, climate control, navigation and phone systems. Similarly SYNC AppLink is the Ford-branded version of a free software application that gives users of SYNC smartphone apps smarter, and importantly, safer control when on the move. In the USA SYNC-enabled apps include the Pandora internet radio, Stitcher news radio and OpenBeak for Twitter.
The MyKey system allows parents to allay some of the fears of letting their offspring onto the roads, effectively giving parental control to aspects such as vehicle speed and audio system volume levels. Cleverly the system will mute the teens' much prized car audio system if front seat occupants do not buckle seatbelts.
While voice command and MP3 player or smart phone controls are becoming standard features in most manufacturers' new car ranges, internet access and social media, such as Twitter and Facebook is only an emerging trend.
The Carsales Network spoke to David McCarthy, Senior Manager Corporate Communications at Mercedes-Benz Australia, asking if there is indeed pressure on prestige manufacturers to stay ahead in the in-car technology race.
"Increasingly one of the challenges is to build the tech and intelligence into a product and make money," McCarthy said.
McCarthy acknowledged that consumer perception and expectations of the prestige market had altered in recent times.
"Along with the expectations of safety and engineering quality, tech has become an important feature." he said.
Plus it seems our tolerance for things to work, and work quickly has diminished. In this time-poor world, when it comes to features such as Bluetooth pairing of phones, or streaming of music from our own devices; "unless it can be done within 30 seconds it's just not good enough. " McCarthy said.
Mercedes-Benz also acknowledges pressure from the hand-held GPS Satellite Navigation Unit market, which is improving in both quality and reduced cost year by year. Furthermore, pressure comes from the entry-level end of automobile market which now sees $20K cars including features such as keyless entry and go, steering wheel controls and Bluetooth pairing. These were once found only in the prestige market.
McCarthy points to Mercedes' in-car entertainment innovations such as split screen viewing of DVD or television broadcasts now available in S-Class vehicles and filtering through the range in response to customer feedback. [Ed: this system was in fact pioneered by Jaguar Land Rover].
Elsewhere VW has just signed a deal with Microsoft to provide a similar system based around hard drive storage of large media files (such as full length movies) for in-car entertainment.
"The goal of the joint venture is to provide an infotainment software suite to enhance reuse of software for in-vehicle infotainment and to drive innovations," VW said in a statement this week.
"It is a battle between marketing versus engineering," McCarthy states. "We need to reduce weight in the cars to also reduce emissions, but at the same time increasing safety, convenience and luxury all add weight to the vehicle."
Meanwhile, over at BMW Group Australia, Piers Scott, Head of Corporate Communications was quick to point out what he describes as the key point of difference customers choose the BMW brand.
"BMW has traditionally been at the forefront of developing cutting edge in-car technologies. These fall under the brand BMW ConnectedDrive which covers three core areas -- safety, infotainment and luxury." Scott said.
"In terms of safety," Scott expanded, "unique features such as head-up display, Surround View and Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, all aid the driver to identify and avoid potential hazards as an 'active' safety feature".
"In terms of infotainment, BMW Internet is now offered in our cars, together with an 'Office' function which allows emails to be read out to the driver who can then dictate and send a reply without his or her hands leaving the wheel or eyes leaving the road." Scott said.
"In the case of luxury, the next generation of ConnectedDrive innovations have been showcased through a concept car dedicated specifically to highlight what is coming in the near-to-mid-term future from BMW. In particular it shows what will be possible in terms of car-to-car communication and the car communicating with its surroundings though an array of sensors, cameras and various other communications apparatus." Scott explained.
BMW believes it has a three-year lead on other luxury rivals in terms of software platforms and in-house technology development, Scott said.
BMW believes improvement in this area will be a strategic edge during future sales battles. The Vision ConnectedDrive made its world debut during the 2011 International Motor Show in Geneva during March. Within the 'Sheer Driving Pleasure' marketing catch-cry of BMW, the stated aim of Vison ConnetedDrive was to present: "immediately-mesmerising, intelligent solutions" utilising current and future networking technology.
From time to time BMW's description of this technology borders on mystical. Take for example the Passenger Information Display: "The passenger in a BMW Vision ConnectedDrive vehicle can also take advantage of additional functionalities provided by intelligent networking. As a co-pilot he can evaluate information or address details for the navigation system received online and forward them to the driver's instrument panel if necessary. Thus the interaction between the driver and the passenger and networking with the environment reach new levels."
And then there is the Emotional Browser: "The Emotional Browser makes an even more varied and individually-tailored choice of information possible. During the journey, this system captures and filters additional information about the environment through which the vehicle is currently travelling, in terms of people, mood or location. This personal configuration can be set at the start of the journey, but can also be adjusted on the road to be more or less detailed, to suit individual requirements."
While there is pressure rising within the automobile market, prestige manufacturers seem to be well aware of shifts in customer expectations. Nonetheless, the struggle to get everyday connectivity technology into the driving experience remains a design, marketing and engineering challenge.
A new generation of vehicle purchasers, raised on Twitter, Facebook and internet access at their finger-tips are urging manufactures to provide these facilities in-car -- and now... It's these demands that are driving innovation forward.
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SLS AMG Roadster: “Stable even without gullwings”
Mercedes-Benz releases official ‘spy shots’ of its upcoming V8-powered, fabric-topped supercar
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Merc’s gullwinged SLS AMG has already launched to rave reviews and filled up order books around the globe, and now the stage is set for the open-topped version to keep the impetus going.
Pictured alongside is the SLS AMG Roadster, which is currently undergoing final testing, with the company’s engineers said to have devoted particular attention to bodyshell rigidity, driving dynamics and NVH.
The Roadster was developed by AMG in parallel to the Coupe, and test mules have been trundled out with little more than adhesive foil over the badges (although why even the latter was necessary is open to debate).
As you can glean from the accompanying images, the ragtop carries over the long-snout/short-tail proportions of its coupe sibling, and the fabric roof appears nicely integrated with the windscreen frame and bootlid.
That said, we’ll reserve final judgement until we’ve seen it in the metal (and cloth) on September 13 at the Frankfurt motor show.
AMG development director Tobias Moers emphasises the need for chassis stiffness, saying: “Without bodyshell rigidity there are no handling dynamics, and neither can the close fit of the soft top be guaranteed.”
As the Roadster variant was already on the agenda during the conceptual phase for the SLS AMG, the lightweight and rigid aluminium spaceframe was specified at a correspondingly early stage, says Moers.
According to Mercedes, the lack of a fixed roof and gullwing doors made it necessary to design more robust side skirts, not just for crash performance, but because test drives showed that the driving dynamics could be improved even further by strengthening this area.
In addition, the cross-member that supports the dashboard has additional struts at the windshield frame and at the centre tunnel, while a structure between the soft-top and fuel tank allegedly stiffens the rear axle.
Mercedes claims these features prevent unwanted vibrations and eliminate the need for “additional weight-increasing vibration dampers often employed by competitors”.
Despite its added stiffening measures, the bodyshell of the Roadster tips the scales at only 244kg – barely more than the 241kg of the SLS AMG Coupe’s bodyshell.
Merc claims the three-layer soft-top can be raised or lowered in 11sec at speeds of up to 50km/h, and it’s stored behind the seats in a Z-formation to save space. The fabric roof is claimed to provide a low centre of gravity, and the SLS AMG Roadster has a quoted v-max of 320km/h (electronically limited).
Mercedes claims the roof (whether open or closed) generates no “flapping, booming, hissing, clattering, whistling or howling”, even at top speed. The refinement is attributed in part to the seamless, bonded-in rear window made of single-layer safety glass.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Mercedes-Benz
Merc’s gullwinged SLS AMG has already launched to rave reviews and filled up order books around the globe, and now the stage is set for the open-topped version to keep the impetus going.
Pictured alongside is the SLS AMG Roadster, which is currently undergoing final testing, with the company’s engineers said to have devoted particular attention to bodyshell rigidity, driving dynamics and NVH.
The Roadster was developed by AMG in parallel to the Coupe, and test mules have been trundled out with little more than adhesive foil over the badges (although why even the latter was necessary is open to debate).
As you can glean from the accompanying images, the ragtop carries over the long-snout/short-tail proportions of its coupe sibling, and the fabric roof appears nicely integrated with the windscreen frame and bootlid.
That said, we’ll reserve final judgement until we’ve seen it in the metal (and cloth) on September 13 at the Frankfurt motor show.
AMG development director Tobias Moers emphasises the need for chassis stiffness, saying: “Without bodyshell rigidity there are no handling dynamics, and neither can the close fit of the soft top be guaranteed.”
As the Roadster variant was already on the agenda during the conceptual phase for the SLS AMG, the lightweight and rigid aluminium spaceframe was specified at a correspondingly early stage, says Moers.
According to Mercedes, the lack of a fixed roof and gullwing doors made it necessary to design more robust side skirts, not just for crash performance, but because test drives showed that the driving dynamics could be improved even further by strengthening this area.
In addition, the cross-member that supports the dashboard has additional struts at the windshield frame and at the centre tunnel, while a structure between the soft-top and fuel tank allegedly stiffens the rear axle.
Mercedes claims these features prevent unwanted vibrations and eliminate the need for “additional weight-increasing vibration dampers often employed by competitors”.
Despite its added stiffening measures, the bodyshell of the Roadster tips the scales at only 244kg – barely more than the 241kg of the SLS AMG Coupe’s bodyshell.
Merc claims the three-layer soft-top can be raised or lowered in 11sec at speeds of up to 50km/h, and it’s stored behind the seats in a Z-formation to save space. The fabric roof is claimed to provide a low centre of gravity, and the SLS AMG Roadster has a quoted v-max of 320km/h (electronically limited).
Mercedes claims the roof (whether open or closed) generates no “flapping, booming, hissing, clattering, whistling or howling”, even at top speed. The refinement is attributed in part to the seamless, bonded-in rear window made of single-layer safety glass.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
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