TOYOTA FURIA CONCEPT TO MAKE GLOBAL DEBUT AT 2013 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

Toyota FURIA Concept - Video preview captured image

TORRANCE, Calif. : December 21, 2012 – Toyota announced today that the Furia Concept will make its world debut at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

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The Audi Q3 – a premium SUV in compact form

2011 AUDI Q3 quattro

INGOLSTADT : April 13, 2011 - The new Audi Q3 is a premium SUV in a compact form. This genuine Audi sets standards in all aspects of engineering from its body through drivetrains and chassis to its state-of-the-art assistance systems and multimedia systems. The Audi Q3 is a versatile companion for everyday life with an urbane character.

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Fourth generation Micra sets new global standard - [w/Video]

2010 Nissan Micra

GENEVA : March 2, 2010 - Carlos Ghosn, Chief Executive Officer, Nissan Motor Co. Ltd, today unveiled the company's all new Micra, the fourth generation of the iconic city car, at the 80th International Geneva Motor Show.

Boasting breakthrough packaging and small-car engineering, the all-new, fourth generation Nissan Micra (known as March in Japan) is on course to create a whole new set of industry standards. Unveiled today at the Geneva Motor Show, the Micra has consistently won praise and success for in Europe, Japan and other markets, gaining a reputation as a reliable, stylish, accessible compact car enjoyed by a wide cross-section of customers. The new Micra has been designed to build on that trend - in 160 countries.

"Combine 25 years' experience of designing compact cars for city driving... with a totally new, versatile platform and Nissan production know-how... and the result is modern, simple and destined to be a serious competitor on the world stage, " said Carlos Ghosn,, during the car's reveal.

At a glance:

• Spacious interior allied to compact exterior dimensions
• All new 3-cylinder petrol engine including supercharged and direct injection version with emissions of 95g/km to be added to the line up later
• New Continuously Variable Transmission with world-first technology
• All new Versatile platform conceived to be light weight
• New Micra to be sold in 160 countries and manufactured in four different plants

Developed and built on Nissan's all-new V-platform, which was developed under a comprehensive new production engineering process, the new Micra was designed and tested in Japan to be built in at least four overseas locations, and fine-tuned to meet the differing tastes and needs of customers in 160 countries worldwide. Breaking with traditions that focused on launching production in established markets like Europe and Japan, Nissan will base production of the new Micra at overseas manufacturing sites such as Thailand, India, Mexico and China.

"The car has to charm a global audience," comments Makoto Yamane, Associate Product Chief Designer. "Its face had to look stylish and have an air of sophistication to it. " A unique design feature of this car -- its double-layer integrated grille -- meets these requirements. But the car's classic shape was also crucial. That's why it also employs a stylized version of the distinctive arched side window line, something that is central to the Micra's heritage, identity and appeal in Europe and Japan.

Retaining its compact dimensions, the new car is slightly longer and marginally lower, while its longer wheelbase enables a ‘wheels-at-each-corner' stance, the main reason behind the Micra's roomier interior. The boomerang-shaped grooves on the roof have a clearly defined purpose too, continues Yamane. Aiming to create the same sense of exterior style inside the car, Nissan has employed a ‘connected cocoon' design featuring a dashboard design which takes on a ‘twin bubble' theme. This refers to the circular instrumentation binnacle and the similarly shaped glovebox compartment on the passenger side.

All-new Engine and CVT

In Europe, a simple engine line-up sees just two engines options - both are variations on Nissan's all-new naturally aspirated HR12 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine. Inheriting its DNA from the HR16 4-cylinder engine powering the Note and Qashqai, the new engine employs valve-timing control (VTC). Power is rated at 59kW (80ps, while torque output is 108Nm. At only 115g/km, CO₂ emissions for this version are world-class.

In addition to the new normally aspirated engine, Nissan will also offer a supercharged 1.2-litre direct injection iteration with a start-stop system fitted as standard in Europe. These technological innovations - stop-start reduces CO₂ by six per cent - combine to offer spirited performance, with outputs of 72kW (98PS) and 142Nm of torque. Emissions will be just 95g/km, an exceptional achievement for a petrol engine.

Both engine options in Europe are available with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or Nissan's all-new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The wide gear coverage enables the 1.2-litre engine to achieve the economy of a 1.0-litre as well as brisk acceleration.

Not satisified merely improving performance levels, engineers excelled in developing ride and handling characteristics which combine agility, refinement and poise. Mounted onto Nissan's new signature V-platform, the suspension has been designed to be both compact, minimizing intrusion at the rear for maximum trunk space, but not at the expense of the car's on-road dynamics. Particular attention has been paid to bump absorption, meaning that the Micra will ride serenely over challenging road surfaces, not suffer from wallow or float, and cruise effortlessly at highway speeds.

Design
Comfort, function and equipment

In contrast to its high speed capability, the car also has superb visibility and a class-topping turning radius of 4.5m and several new technologies that assist with minimizing CO₂ emissions and mileage while at the same time making parking easier.

Globally, equipment levels differ by market, but the new Micra is available with some key technological innovations which are designed to simplify day-to-day life for its owners.

The new Micra is available with reversing sensors and a new ‘parking space measurement' (PSM) device with three skill levels (amateur, normal and expert) to lessen the burden of parking in tight spaces - a unique feature in this segment, and likely to be a popular innovation in Europe where ‘touch parking' is a way of life.

It also offers an Intelligent Key, Nissan Connect, Nissan's accessible touch-screen combined audio and satellite navigation system, glass roof, automatic wipers, speed sensitive volume on the audio, a push button start-stop system in addition to a drive computer which supplies drivers with real time fuel economy information, cruising range and outside temperature. On the security side, the car is also fitted with a speed-sensitive automatic door locking system.

Safety

The incorporation of the V-platform is one major factor contributing to the car's improved impact safety. The car is designed to absorb the forces of a frontal impact, thanks to the sophisticated crumple zones, while maintaining cabin integrity due to its highly reinforced body shell. In Europe, the Micra will be fitted with ABS, dual front airbags, curtain and side airbags, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and pretensioner seatbelts as standard equipment.

Simon Thomas, Nissan's European Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing, said: "The new Micra will continue to be the benchmark city car in Europe. Its appeal will be enhanced by its unique combination of compact exterior dimensions, with roomy interior, small and efficient engines, and user-friendly technology. Its continued icon status is destined to be be reinforced in its fourth generation."

Sales of the new Micra will start in Thailand in March and European sales will begin in November this year.

2010 Nissan Micra 1.2-litre Gasoline Specification

TYPE	1.2 litre gasoline
MODEL
Body type	5 door hatchback
Seating capacity	5
ENGINE
No. of cylinders, configuration	3, in line
Valves per cylinder	4
Air intake system	Normal aspiration
Engine displacement	1198
Max. engine power kW (PS)/rpm	59 (80)/6000
Max. torque (Nm)/rpm	108/4000
Emissions Level	EU5
DRIVE TRAIN
Transmission	5-speed manual & CVT
Driven wheels	Front
CHASSIS
Suspension-front	Independent MacPherson struts, coil springs
Suspension-rear	Torsion beam axle, coil springs
Steering	Electric Power assisted rack & pinion
Braking system	Disc front, drum rear, diagonal circuit, power assisted with ABS, EBD and brake assist
DIMENSIONS (mm.)
Overall length	3,780
Overall width	1,665
Overall height	1,530
Wheelbase	2,450
Luggage capacity (VDA)	230
max. with folded seats (VDA)	540
Kerb weight (kg)	945
CO2 mass emission (Combined)	115g/km

Video : 2010 Nissan March - Driving

Images : 2010 Nissan Micra

[Source : NISSAN]

Audi A1 : Pure driving experience - Video

Dr. Horst Glaser and Markus Winkelhock

• Direct-ratio, electrohydraulic power steering
• ESP stabilization system with electronic axle differential lock
• Winkelhock: “Benchmark in the small compact class!”

INGOLSTADT : February 26, 2009 – With its agile handling and direct steering, the new Audi A1 is just a lot of fun. Dr. Horst Glaser, Head of Chassis Development at AUDI AG, tested the A1 together with DTM pilot Markus Winkelhock. The verdict was as follows:



The new Audi A1 offers a very sophisticated chassis, balanced weight distribution and a low center of gravity. “That is a guarantee for maximum driving enjoyment,” says Horst Glaser, Head of Chassis Development at AUDI AG. Because it connects the driver to the road, the steering is one of the most important components of a sporty car. The A1 therefore comes standard with electrohydraulic power steering that has a very direct 14.8:1 steering ratio and is also more efficient than a purely hydraulic system.

Another factor for the agile and safe handling of the A1 is the perfect tuning of the front axle bearings, the stabilizer bars, the springs and the dampers. The rear axle
features a torsion-beam suspension with the springs and dampers separated. “The car is very well sprung. It swallows up bumps of almost any size without any amplification of the motions,” says DTM pilot Markus Winkelhock when describing his impressions.

One new Audi technology is on board every version of the A1 – the ESP stabilization system with an innovative electronic axle differential lock. The brakes are applied slightly to the inside wheel in a curve, allowing more torque to be transferred to the wheel on the outside of the curve. The vehicle is very agile and the handling remains neutral even longer.

“After driving the Audi A1 for the first time, my opinion is clear: It’s the benchmark in the small compact class,” says Winkelhock.

Video : Audi A1 - Pure driving experience

[Source : AUDI]

Video updated! : 2011 Jaguar XKR Special Edition

Jaguar will unveil the latest evolution of its supercharged XKR coupe at the Geneva Motor Show. The new XKR Special Edition delivers a significantly raised maximum speed, 174mph (280km/h), and bold exterior styling changes that create the ultimate supercharged Jaguar.


The 2011 Model Year XKR features the acclaimed AJ-V8 Gen III R direct-injection engine, the most advanced and efficient supercharged engine Jaguar has ever produced. The new XKR Special Edition with Speed and Black Packs will be unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show on March 4th, 2010.

[Source : JAGUAR]

The all-new Volvo S60 to make its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show [w/ 72 images - 4 Videos]

2010 Volvo S60

• The all-new Volvo S60 has its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show on the 2nd of March.
• It makes its entry into one of the automotive world's toughest segments backed by an extrovert attitude never before seen in Volvo showrooms.
• The all-new S60 has been sculpted to move you - both physically and emotionally.
• It is also without a doubt the most dynamic car model Volvo has ever presented - and its Pedestrian Detection with full auto brake is a groundbreaking safety feature.

GOTHENBURG : February 9, 2010 - "The sporty design delivers a visual promise of enthusiastic driving characteristics and I can assure you that the all-new S60 truly lives up to that promise. Its driving properties are better than those of any previous Volvo. What is more, the car's innovative new technologies help you become both a better and a safer driver," says Volvo Cars President and CEO Stephen Odell.


With the all-new Volvo S60, Volvo Cars is advancing its position in one of the car world's most competitive segments: CD Premium.

"The competition is razor-sharp and the customers know exactly what they want. The emphasis is on emotional stance, sporty design and dynamic driving properties. Success in this segment means a lot for the brand's image and we are convinced that the all-new S60 will be one of the strongest contenders," says Stephen Odell.

Coupe with surprising rear doors

The all-new S60 is sportier and more dynamic than any previous Volvo. But it is still an unmistakeable representative of Scandinavian design at its best.

"The S60 has been sculpted to move you. Every single line in its design is there to transport you both physically and emotionally. Its profile radiates so much coupe feeling that the rear doors come as something of a pleasant surprise when you examine the car close-up," says Volvo Cars' Design Director Peter Horbury.

Virtually all the lines were penned to carve out the dynamic profile. The C-pillar of the all-new S60 stretches sensually all the way to the tail lamps - and the slim coupe-like roof line is accompanied by a new contour on the shoulders on either side of the lower body, creating a gentle yet powerful double wave from the headlamps at the front to the tail lamps at the rear.

The dip in the middle of the double wave visually pushes the car down. This enhances the stance and makes the car look sleeker and lower. The sculpted bonnet and the short overhangs front and rear also emphasise the sports car feel.

The most dynamic Volvo ever

The all-new S60 is exceptional also from the keen driver's perspective. It is without a doubt the most dynamic car model Volvo has ever presented.

"This project has been about pure passion for the task of driving Volvo's chassis development expertise to its very pinnacle. We've crossed into territory where we've never been before," says Stefan Sällqvist, who is in charge of developing the chassis of the all-new S60.

The sedan can be specified with a choice of two chassis. On the European market the newly developed dynamic chassis is standard, while most markets in North America and Asia will have the comfort chassis as standard with the sport variant available as an option.

The difference between the two chassis alternatives is to be found in the dampers and the front and rear subframes. Here the comfort variant has a somewhat softer setting to give a smoother ride on poorer road surfaces.

Every single detailed refined

"The spotlight was on giving the concept of comfort a whole new dimension. The dynamic chassis has an alert, quick-responding architecture that puts the focus on the driving experience, yet without diluting the impression of a comfortable ride," explains Stefan Sällqvist.

During the development process, the chassis team carved out a holistic solution featuring changes and refinements for virtually every single detail that influences a car's driving properties. This includes improved steering, stiffer springs and bushes as well as more damping than in any previous Volvo.

The software in the AWD (All Wheel Drive) system has been modified to allow the four-wheel drive variants (four-wheel drive is standard in the T6 and optional with the D5) of the all-new Volvo S60 to exploit the sporty new chassis to the limit.

All variants of the new S60 can be specified with the advanced, self-adjusting FOUR-C active chassis. The FOUR-C active chassis has been modified and refined for better control and more comfortable feel compared to previous Volvos.

First sedan with Advanced Stability Control

The dynamic new chassis in the all-new Volvo S60 is backed up by a range of electronic systems that sharpen the sporty driving experience still further.

The S60 is the first sedan model on the market with Advanced Stability Control. With a new roll angle sensor, it is possible to identify any skidding tendency at a very early stage. This means that the Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) can step in earlier and with greater precision. Advanced Stability Control is a great asset in dynamic driving involving considerable lateral forces, thus improving handling and rapid avoidance manoeuvres.

Corner Traction Control for tighter cornering

Corner Traction Control is a new feature that uses torque vectoring so the car takes curves even more smoothly. This technology is a further refinement of the DSTC system. When cornering, the car's inner driven wheel is braked at the same time as more power is transmitted to the outer driven wheel. This allows the driver to take the curve more tightly while reducing any tendency to understeer.

A highly advanced braking system is an important part of the dynamic driving properties of the all-new S60. The sedan is equipped with a number of features that interact to provide the shortest possible stopping distance in all scenarios.

Exclusive quality inside

The interior of the all-new S60 takes Volvo Cars to a new dimension in terms of exclusive quality. In addition, Volvo Cars' designers have added in excitement, contrast and playfulness to the rational simplicity of Scandinavian design tradition.

"The interior has a more extrovert attitude than before, but without losing any of its practical Scandinavian roots. The all-new S60 brings us up to a whole new level when it comes to the integral experience of colour, form, material and technology," says Peter Horbury.

Scandinavian design is often described with rational adjectives such as functionality, simplicity and clarity. When creating the all-new S60, the design team also added in a modern touch, details that generate excitement, contrast and playfulness.

The interior of the all-new S60 is lavish in terms of its driver-oriented details, but it is still a five-seater car offering comfortable space for all its occupants. The sculpted outer rear seats give the passenger in the middle welcome side support. Knee space in the rear seat has increased by 30 mm compared with the previous-generation S60. The rear seat splits 40/60 and the boot opening has been made 107 mm wider than in the previous-generation S60.

Most high-tech Volvo ever - with Pedestrian Detection

The sporty interior of the all-new S60 is also the most advanced high-tech environment ever offered to a Volvo driver.

"The interior of the all-new S60 is all about innovative design in two areas: form and technology. The design is characterised by sporty freshness down to the smallest detail. The technological aspect includes all those smart solutions that contribute to a driving experience unlike that of any other Volvo - from collision avoidance safety and comfort systems to infotainment and audio excellence of absolute world class," says Tomas Ahlborg, Project Director for the all-new S60.

Pedestrian Detection with full auto brake is a groundbreaking technological solution. It can detect pedestrians who walk into the road in front of the car, warn the driver - and automatically apply full braking power if the driver does not respond in time.

"We are truly proud of our success in making our technology so reliable that we can offer a complete system that can avoid a collision with a pedestrian by detecting, alerting and applying full braking. It's a world first, to the best of our knowledge. With this technology we have increased the braking force in our automatic braking system from fifty percent to full stopping power," says Thomas Broberg, Senior Safety Advisor at Volvo Cars.

Can avoid collision with a pedestrian at up to 35 km/h

In an emergency situation the driver first receives an audible warning combined with a flashing light in the windscreen's head-up display. At the same time, the car's brakes are pre-charged. If the driver does not react to the warning and an accident is imminent, full braking power is automatically applied.

Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake can avoid a collision with a pedestrian at speeds of up to 35 km/h if the driver does not react in time. At higher speeds, the focus is on slowing down the car as much as possible prior to the impact.

A lower speed of impact means that the risk of serious injury is significantly reduced. For instance, if speed is cut from 50 km/h to 25 km/h, Pedestrian Detection with full auto brake is expected to reduce the fatality risk by as much as 20 percent and in some cases by up to 85 percent.

City Safety standard

The all-new Volvo S60 also features City Safety as standard.

With City Safety, the car automatically brakes if the driver fails to react in time when the vehicle in front slows down or stops - or if he or she is driving too fast towards a stationary object. The system can lessen or even entirely avoid low-speed rear-end impacts at speeds up to 30 kilometres an hour.

More powerful T6 version

During its first year of production, the all-new Volvo S60 will be available with a variety of diesel and petrol engines spanning the range from an economical 115 horsepower DRIVe version to an eager high-performance turbocharged version producing 304 horsepower.

The T6 petrol engine has a displacement of 3.0 litres and has been improved still further, primarily thanks to lower internal friction. It now pumps out 304 hp and no less than 440 Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 6.5 seconds and top speed is 250 km/h.

At the same time, Volvo Cars' engine specialists have succeeded in cutting fuel consumption by about 10 percent to 10.2 l/100 km (EU Combined, preliminary figure).

The engine's power is delivered to the wheels via Volvo's second-generation six-speed automatic Geartronic transmission. New valves and lower friction mean faster gearchanges than before. AWD (All-Wheel Drive) is standard on the T6.

New direct-injected two-litre engine

The new four-cylinder 2.0 GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) engine has a displacement of two litres and produces a generous 203 hp, with 300 Nm of torque available from 1750 rpm. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 7.7 seconds with the manual gearbox and 8.2 seconds with the automatic. The top speed figures are 235 km/h (manual) and 230 km/h (automatic).

The Volvo S60 2.0T with manual gearbox uses just 7.9 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (EU Combined, preliminary figure).

New Volvo-developed turbocharging technology, direct injection and twin variable camshafts give a unique combination of low fuel consumption, low emissions and high performance across a wide rev range - all in a particularly compact format.

The turbocharger is the market's smallest in relation to the engine's maximum power output. Another new feature is that the exhaust manifold and turbocharger are made of sheet steel rather than a heavier casting. A manifold made of sheet steel is admittedly nothing particularly new but thus far it has only been used in combination with a cast turbo housing. The new fully integrated turbo system of sheet steel is a world innovation and has been patented by Volvo.

Later during the first year of production, the all-new S60 will also become available as a 2.0 GTDi variant (T5) producing 240 hp and torque of 320 Nm. Furthermore, there will be a 1.6-litre GTDi engine available in two versions: 180 hp (T4) and 150 hp (T3) with torque of 240 Nm.

All the GTDi engines will be available in combination with Volvo's automatic six-speed Powershift transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox.

Two five cylinder turbodiesels

The engine range also includes two five-cylinder turbodiesels.

The D5 high-performance engine with twin turbos produces 205 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 7.8 seconds (manual and automatic). Top speed is 235 km/h (manual) and 230 km/h (automatic).

In the most recent D5 version, which was introduced in spring 2009, the performance and driveability requirements have been met by fitting two turbochargers of different sizes, one taking over from the other and providing added power across a broader rev range. Fuel consumption is 5.9 l/100 km (EU Combined, preliminary figure) with the manual gearbox, putting this engine in the running for best in class.

In addition there is the newly developed two-litre D3 producing 163 hp and 400 Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 9.2 seconds (manual and automatic). Top speed is 220 km/h (manual) and 215 km/h (automatic).

The new five-cylinder D3 is in principle the same engine as the present 2.4D, but cylinder capacity has been reduced with a shorter stroke to optimise fuel consumption. With a manual gearbox, fuel consumption (EU Combined, preliminary figure) is now down to 5.2 l/100 km.

Both turbodiesels are available with six-speed automatic transmissions or a six-speed manual gearbox. The D5 can also be specified with all-wheel drive.

DRIVe diesel below 115 g/km

During the course of the first year of production, a DRIVe version of the all-new S60 will also be introduced, featuring a 1.6-litre diesel engine. Fuel consumption is 4.3 l/100 km (EU Combined, preliminary figure), corresponding to CO₂ emissions below 115 g/km. The engine produces 115 hp and 270 Nm of torque, and will only be available with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Engine range from start of production

Petrol engines	Displacement	Configuration	Output	Torque
T6	3.0	6-cyl in-line	304 bhp	440 Nm
2.0T	2.0	4-cyl in-line	203 bhp	300 Nm
Diesel engines	Displacement	Configuration	Output	Torque
D5	2.4	5-cyl in-line	205 bhp	420 Nm
D3	2.0	5-cyl in-line	163 bhp	400 Nm

Engines added during first year of production:

Petrol engines	Displacement	Configuration	Output	Torque
T5	2.0	4-cyl in-line	240 bhp	320 Nm
T4	1.6	4 cyl in-line	180 bhp	240 Nm
T3	1.6	4-cyl in-line	150 bhp	240 Nm
Diesel engines	Displacement	Configuration	Output	Torque
1.6 D DRIVe	1.6	4-cyl in-line	115 bhp	270 Nm

New infotainment system - and world-class sound

The all-new S60 gets an all-new infotainment system where information from the audio unit, navigation system, mobile phone and other functions is presented on a five-inch or seven-inch colour screen in the upper part of the centre console. The screen is installed high to make it easy for the driver to keep his or her eyes on the road.

"We are one of the few manufacturers to give the driver access to all infotainment functions via controls in the steering wheel," says Tomas Ahlborg,

The audio experience in the all-new S60 has been enhanced compared with previous models.

One of the first car models with MultEQ

"Our most advanced system, Premium Sound, has a class-D digital 5x130W amplifier with circuits from Sweden's Anaview, Dolby Digital in combination with Dolby Pro Logic II Surround, the award-winning MultEQ from Audyssey Laboratories and 12 loudspeakers. All this creates an audio experience of absolute world class," says Tomas Ahlborg.

The Volvo S60 is one of the first car models in the world to use Audyssey Laboratories MultEQ technology, the standard for room equalization in the home and professional theatre markets. MultEQ removes distortion caused by the car cabin's acoustics, enabling crisp, clear sound with improved soundstage for everyone in the car.

In addition to the top-of-the line Premium Sound, the all-new S60 is available with a choice of three other audio systems.

Annual target 90,000 cars

The initial annual target for the all-new Volvo S60 is 90,000 cars. The customer base is spread unusually uniformly throughout the world. Europe (including Russia), North America and the rest of the world will each account for about one-third of total sales.

The all-new S60 is built at the Volvo Cars factory in Ghent, Belgium. The first cars will be delivered to customers in early summer 2010.

"Irrespective of whether the customers are in the USA, Europe or elsewhere in the world, they all prioritise the same characteristics. Now we are giving them an entirely new S60 that has a unique appeal to even the most discerning of buyers," says Stephen Odell.

Video : 2010 Volvo S60 - City Driving

Video : 2010 Volvo S60 - Highway Driving

Video : 2010 Volvo S60 - Exterior

Video : 2010 Volvo S60 -Interior

Images : 2010 Volvo S60

[Source : VOLVO]