Honda CR-Z Concept

Honda CR-Z Concept

The 2009 Honda CR-Z Concept, is the most recent prototype of a compact, agile coupe using Honda's IMA technology. When the production version goes on sale in the UK in the summer of 2010, it will be the world's first sports hybrid car, and the first ever petrol-electric vehicle to employ a 6-speed manual transmission.

Hyundai ix35

The Hyundai ix35 development team moved away from the two-box off-roader look in favor of a sleeker, more reformed profile while aiming for a roomier cabin, extra storage capacity and fuel economy leadership.

Hyundai's new "fluidic" design language finds confident expression in the sweeping, gently curved lines of the Hyundai ix35. The hexagonal grille previewed on the Hyundai ix-onic concept at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show moves into mass production on the Hyundai ix35, a defining look that will serve to unify the family of future Hyundai products. To achieve the desired dynamic and sporty image, Hyundai ix35 gets an aggressive belt line coupled with a low-to-the-ground feel which is enhanced by the optional 225/55 R18 wheels.

The interior lines echo the dynamic flow of the sheet metal. For improved comfort, the designers have carved out extra legroom and headroom (whilst lowering the overall height of the vehicle). The feeling of spaciousness in the cabin is further enhanced by the new dual-panel panoramic sunroof, benefitting front and rear passengers. The center panel can either tilt open or can open completely by sliding up and over the rear panel.

The gauge cluster - with blue backlight - borrows Supervision technology from the Genesis sedan to display key information with crystal-clear clarity and minimal eye stress.

The Hyundai ix35 rides on a 2640mm wheelbase which is 10mm longer than the outgoing Hyundai Tucson. At 4410mm and 1820mm, it is also longer and wider than its predecessor (by 85mm and 20mm, respectively) greatly improving the interior cabin space but the overall height of 1660mm has been lowered by 20mm without affecting headroom.
Hyundai ix35

Greater travel in the front seat adjustment gives more legroom and headroom for taller drivers. The centre console box has been enlarged to 6.2 liters for more storage. In addition, the height of the rear cargo screen has been raised for extra capacity and a small storage binnacle has been added in the rear cargo area.

To further broaden its appeal, Hyundai ix35 will get the newest fuel-efficient engines and six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Western European customers will be offered a choice of two thrifty and clean-burning petrol engines: the Theta-II 2.0 rated at 166ps and 20.1kg.m of torque which emits just 178g/km (2WD MT) of CO2 and the Gamma 1.6 GDI delivering 140ps and 17kg.m of torque, available from November 2010, which delivers only 158g/km of CO2. This 1.6 GDI engine will be available with ISG stop-start technology, further reducing CO2 to just 149 g/km.

The European diesel lineup includes two all-new engines: the R 2.0 and the U-II 1.7, which will be available from November 2010. The R 2.0 will come in a choice of two outputs: high (184ps/40kg.m) and low (136ps/32kg.m) producing CO2 emissions of just 165g/km (2WD MT) and 158g/km (4WD MT), respectively. The U-II will have a rated output of 115ps with 26.0kg.m and will have class-leading CO2 emissions of just 149 g/km (2WD MT) when equipped with ISG. To achieve Euro-5 emission compliance, the R is fitted with a close-coupled diesel particulate filter plus highly efficient exhaust gas recirculation with by-pass valve.

Six-speed manuals are standard with both diesels while the R will come with the option of a six-speed automatic. Hyundai's all-new six-speed automatic transaxle helps the company meet its goals of improving fuel efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions. Shifts are silky-smooth with an option of sporty-type, manual shifting through the Shiftronic which is also new to the Hyundai ix35.

The new fuel-efficient engines and transmissions, the Hyundai ix35 features a number of other innovations which contribute to lower operational costs. Nestled between the speedometer and tachometer, the "ECO" coach is a new feature designed to promote fuel-saving driving habits. In the manual transmission version, an icon on the LCD trip-ometer screen begins to flash when the optimum gear shift point is reached. The automatic uses an "ECO" icon backlit by LEDs with either the red, white or green LED lighting up in accordance with driving behavior. Fuel savings in the range of 15 to 17 percent are attainable with the automatic "ECO" coach and 7 to 9 percent with the manual.

The multi-link rear suspension was adopted not only for its superior ride and handling characteristics but also because of its compact design which minimizes intrusion into the cabin creating extra space for passengers and cargo. Tried and true Macpherson struts are employed for the front suspension set-up.

Extensive work was done to isolate sounds and eliminate vibrations. Hyundai ix35 is discernibly quieter both at highway speeds and at engine idle. Booming noise is reduced thanks to a sub-frame dynamic damper while the rear luggage area gets extra soundproofing to isolate exhaust sounds. Road noise has been minimized by improving stiffness in the front and rear struts, rear trailing arm and the spring sheet.

The body shell structure is engineered to the very highest standards of safety: In crash safety tests conducted in-house Hyundai ix35 scores a five-star rating in Euro NCAP testing for both frontal and side impacts. The entire body shell has been made stiffer and lighter thanks to its more extensive use of ultra-high tensile strength steel.

In a panic braking situation, the emergency flash signals are automatically triggered thus reducing the risk of rear-end crashes. Active headrests are triggered by the pressure of the seat occupant's weight on the backrest, the headrests automatically moving upwards and forwards to help prevent injuries to head, neck and upper body.

The 4WD capability, Hyundai ix35's CUV credentials are strengthened with two new safety features: Hill start Assist Control and Downhill Brake Control which promote safer travel up and down steep slopes.

For safer maneuvering in reverse gear, a rear-view camera has been added, which operates in conjunction with a 3.5-inch color LCD built into the rear-view mirror. Smart-Parking Assist uses the rear-view camera to provide a graphical grid overlay to safely guide the driver into the parking spot.

Other new features:

= Push button start with smart-key proximity sensor
= Manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel
= Steering wheel-mounted audio remote control
= Air-conditioned, cooled glove box
= Low rolling resistance tires for 16" wheels

Kia Cadensa

Kia Motors Corporation has taken the wraps off its new Kia Cadenza, the production version of its VG concept car - an all-new saloon car designed to deliver refinement, safety and emotional satisfaction in an 'ideal' driving package.

A stylish luxury sedan, which is to be called 'Cadenza' in markets outside of Korea, will make its overseas premiere at motor shows in the Middle East, towards the end of the year.

The Kia Cadenza name is derived from an Italian musical term used to describe an elaborate, ornamental flourish for a concerto or aria. It perfectly symbolises the dynamic saloon's striking design philosophy and premium image.

Sporty and sleek in appearance, Kia Cadenza features a bold headlamp design with attention-grabbing LED surrounds and a purposeful, athletic character line. The prominent front grille and stylish tail-lights emphasise the car's high-tech feel and are a continuing expression of Kia's dramatic design DNA.

On the inside, there is a futuristic 'floating' dashboard that highlights Kia's uniquely innovative design approach. The welcome system turns on the exterior puddle and interior lights to 'greet' the driver, while the interior mood lighting strip, which runs along the dashboard to the door trim, creates a warm atmosphere within the vehicle.

The Kia Cadenza's dynamic design and driving performance, allied with a raft of competitive passenger-friendly high-tech features, will make it a leader in the large, luxury sedan market segment.

The Luxury features will include a heated steering wheel for winter driving in cold countries, powered extendable seat cushions to give extra thigh support, automatic defogging of the windscreen and ventilated front seats providing cool comfort in hot countries.

Soon-Nam Lee, Director of the Overseas Marketing Group, Kia Motors Corporation, said, "The new Kia Cadenza will showcase the continuing evolution in Kia's striking design language through the harmonious blend of light and lines. It will also present a new concept in luxury sedans in terms of performance and technology."

The Kia za is positioned above the existing Magentis model in Kia's global line-up but currently there are no plans to bring to vehicle to the UK.

Kia Motors (UK) Limited Managing Director Michael Cole commented: "Despite its striking appearance and high-tech engineering I do not believe this is the right time to try and extend our range into a sector of the market that is dominated by German brands. But Kia Cadenza shows clearly how Kia's design-led philosophy under Peter Schreyer is producing startling new products and it is clear from this car that our future new model programme - which starts next year with Venga and the all-new Kia Sorento - is going to continue the dramatic development of our brand in the UK."

Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept

The Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept is an answer to the world of automobiles and individual mobility moving towards energy efficiency, environmental compatibility and uncompromised safety - along with dynamic attributes and driving fun. In its efforts to offer pure driving enjoyment, while meeting its ecological and social responsibilities, Mazda has been focusing on weight reduction as a core base technology. For 20 years, reducing weight has been a tradition with the Mazda MX-5. It provided the inspiration for the radical design of Mazda's latest show car and its radical interpretation of the cult roadster.

This year Mazda celebrates the 20th anniversary of the first Mazda MX-5 roadster, which laid the cornerstone for its Zoom-Zoom brand philosophy - reason enough for Mazda designers to create a fully-drivable show car, the Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept. There are no plans to build this car, but it demonstrates how individual mobility can be maintained in a way that uses fewer natural resources.

Mazda's European R+D centre in Oberursel has created a show car that represents the essence of Mazda's fun-to-drive aspect. Based on the brand icon Mazda MX-5 Roadster, the Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept is a pure, uncompromising two-seat sports car meant to be affordable to just about anyone. The main challenge for the design team in creating this roadster was "to evolve the MX-5, developed to perfection during the last 20 years, to a higher and extreme level," says Project Lead Designer Hasip Girgin. The result of their efforts is a roadster show car with an exciting design that is especially lightweight and distilled down to the very basics of sporty driving, that still manages to provide modern safety technologies. In an increasingly digitalized world, it creates a linear, direct bond between man and machine. Its conceptual purity means even better driving dynamics and fuel efficiency, which is accomplished by keeping the vehicle below the 1000 kg threshold. As a show car for lightweight construction and driving enjoyment, the Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept is the ideal ambassador for Mazda's brand values.
Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept

Exterior Design

The Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept was to strengthen these bonds even further. By doing this without a windshield, the retractable top and its frame, designers achieved an important step in this direction. As the Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept, the allweather production roadster has mutated into a driving machine that lets sports car enthusiasts enjoy the natural surroundings unfiltered and tangible. Not only does the wind blow unimpeded during driving, pilot and co-pilot can also experience the sounds, smells and temperature changes of their immediate surroundings. And finally, the show car's intense bond between the driver and the technology of the vehicle gives it a unique closeness that can only be found in stronger form in the cockpit of a race car.

Mazda designers created special roll-over bars, not only because they are very sporty-looking, but also to contribute to aerodynamic efficiency. These also make it clear that roll-over protection is important in this concept. And they prevent wind turbulence around the heads of the passengers, from whom the law would require the wearing of helmets while driving.

By removing equipment not vital to driving, and by replacing vital things with components that support the unique concept of the vehicle, designers sharpened the character of the Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept.

Because there is no windshield, for instance, there is obviously no need for wipers. The roadster show car's completely open design makes the need for outer door handles, side windows and their openers unnecessary. A single, filigree aluminium, wide-angle mirror gives a good view of the road behind. It's placed inside an extension of the bonnet. Front and rear lights are the same as those of the production model with additional LED lamps at the front, and brake lights at the back of each roll-over bar, which contribute to the roadster's sporty look.

The lack of a windshield required an extension of the original aluminium bonnet into the cabin. The attached sheet here is made of lightweight carbon fibre and provides a hood for the dashboard frame.

This also changed the proportions of the body's design, making the front of the car longer and the passengers seem like they are sitting further back towards the rear-drive axle, all of which is enhanced by the massive roll-over bars and their aerodynamic cladding. The Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept translates the dramatic proportions of historical race cars into a very modern form.

Interior Design

The purity in design of the exterior also characterizes the interior design, which does not have aesthetics as ultimate goal, but was conceived to contribute to reducing vehicle weight. Driver and passenger of the Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept are greeted by racing bucket seats made of ultra-lightweight carbon fibre. They are slide adjustable and upholstered with the same saddle coloured leather as the armrests, the steering wheel, and the lightweight aluminium shift lever and hand brake. Colour-coordinated four-point seatbelts hold the driver and passenger firmly in their seats.

The bonnet extension into the passenger cell provides a canopy for the dashboard, which makes the dashboard look smaller than the production Mazda MX-5. Made of lightweight plastic reinforced with fibreglass, it contains the same instruments as the production Mazda MX-5. These are held in place by a dashboard frame made of lightweight carbon fibre. Like a purebred race car, the Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept has an ignition button in the centre of the dashboard, along with two emergency kill buttons for immediate fuel and electricity cut-off.

Supplying air and climate control to the open passenger compartment is only possible in limited form, so the show car has no air conditioning and no fans. Air-flow is increased when the roadster accelerates, and only small air vents are needed. The interior is made without any trim. Sound insulation mats and rugs do not meet the requirements of a purist roadster like this and are not used at all.

Made of ultra-lightweight carbon fibre is the "floating-design" centre console with iPod® adaptor and the triangular reinforcements in the trimless doors. Driver and passenger can rest their arms here while driving.

Driving Dynamics

The Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept is fully-drivable, but there are no plans to produce it in the near future. Under the bonnet is the cultivated and frugal MZR 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine paired to the production roadster's five-speed manual transmission. It develops 93 kW/126 PS of maximum power at 6,500 rpm. For an appealing engine sound, there's a Mazdaspeed cold-air intake made of polished and powder-coated aluminium and a Mazdaspeed exhaust system, both of them specific to the Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept. These systems deliver more intake air-flow, and less exhaust-gas back pressure.

The engine sound is designed to suggest an engine with much higher displacement than the concept actually has. During charge cycles, a high-resonance bubbling sound in the muffler delivers the exciting sporty sound you expect from a very powerful engine.

The show car is designed to provide improved driving dynamics as well, and uses a four-piston, fixedcalliper brake system with perforated discs that, because of their size required an increase in track of 50 mm. A specially tuned chassis with a Bilstein® B16 coil-over suspension and Eibach® stabilisers give the body of the Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept a ground clearance that is 30 mm lower than the production Mazda MX-5. Its sporty hydraulic power-assisted rack and pinion steering system is the same as that of the regular roadster. Its linear steering, coupled to a precise-shifting five-speed manual transmission with short shift travel, have contributed to the character of the world's most successful roadster for years.

Technical Specifications

* Body Type : Roadster Monocoque
* Seating capacity: 2
* External Dimensions
o Overall length: 4,020 mm
o Overall width: 1,720 mm
o Overall height (unloaded): 1,110 mm
o Wheelbase: 2,330 mm
o Track (front/rear): 1,540/1,545 mm
o Ground clearance: 106 mm
* Engine: MZR 1.8-litre petrol
* Max. power: 126 PS (93 kW) at 6,500 rpm
* Max. torque: 167 Nm at 4,500 rpm
* Transmission: 5-speed manual
* Front/rear suspension: Double wishbone/Multi-link
* Damper (front/rear): Bilstein® monotube
* Tyre size: 205/45 R17
* Brake type (front/rear): Ventilated discs/Solid discs
* Brake diameter (front/rear): 300/280 mm
* Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 8,9 s
* Fuel consumption (combined): 6,3 l/100km
* CO2 emissions (combined): 150 g/km
* Min. kerb weight (without driver): 995 kg

Nissan Altima Sedan

Nissan Altima Sedan

The popular Nissan Altima, refined interior treatments and a host of technology enhancements to its navigation and entertainment systems. Available in three distinct models - Nissan Altima Sedan, Altima Coupe and Altima Hybrid.

With nearly 3.2 million units sold worldwide, Nissan Altima provides a unique combination of exhilarating driving pleasure, distinctive and sporty design and exceptional quality and value in the mid-size sedan and coupe classes.

Nissan Altima; 175-horsepower 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder and 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine-equipped 4-door Nissan Altima Sedan and sporty 2-door Nissan Altima Coupe versions.

The Nissan Altima Hybrid powertrain mates a specialized version of Nissan's QR25 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and standard electronically controlled CVT with an advanced electric drive motor/generator. Nissan Altima Hybrid is estimated to have a hybrid system net power rating of 198 horsepower (148 kW) while maintaining low tailpipe emissions, earning Nissan Altima Hybrid an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) rating. EPA fuel economy is estimated at 35 mpg City and 33 mpg Highway. Combined with Nissan Altima's standard 20-gallon fuel tank, the Nissan Altima Hybrid has a projected driving range of over 600 miles between fill-ups.

The many changes for Altima are a restyled hood, grille and front bumper, new wheel designs, standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) on all models, revised interior fabric and finishers, new exterior colors and revised option package content. In addition, the previous Nissan Altima 3.5 SE designation has been renamed the 3.5 SR.

With the exhilaration provided by the driver-oriented cockpit and high levels of Nissan Altima performance, the "entertainment factor" of Altima's interior has been upgraded with new available premium audio packages that include a Bose® AM/FM audio system with nine speakers, 4.3-inch color display, USB port with iPod® connectivity, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, MP3/WMA CD-ROM playback, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately) and RearView Monitor.

The Nissan Altima Sedan, Coupe and Hybrid models is a next-generation Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System with 6.5-inch VGA color touch-screen display (replaces the 4.3-inch display), 9.3GB Music Box for music storage and playback, advanced map data including speed limit advisories, Zagat restaurant guide, XM NavTraffic® and XM NavWeather® (XM® subscription required, sold separately), Bluetooth® Streaming Audio, DVD player and an RCA input for auxiliary audio/video connectivity.

Toyota FT-86 Concept

The Toyota FT-86 Concept is 4,160mm long, 1,760mm wide, and 1,260mm high with a wheelbase of 2,570mm, giving it a compact feeling that is easy for the driver to handle while able to accommodate four occupants. In addition to being light and having a low center of gravity, the Toyota FT-86 Concept boasts the handling of a racing car as well as a 6-speed manual transmission and ADVICS brakes.

The stylish concept captures the heart with the "functional utility" of its highly-refined body. It is the creation of Toyota Europe Design Development known as ED2, which has established body lines that take into consideration a low center of gravity and aerodynamics. The interior is distinctive, featuring an instrument panel with a gray and white base, gauges with red neon lights and digital displays, and a navigation system. In addition, a zipper that evokes an image of interior lapping with minimal covering of a highly-refined body presents a striking display.

It's necessary to create a vehicle in which the driver plays the main role in order to have as many people as possible experience the joy of driving.

The Toyota FT-86 Concept is neither an electric vehicle nor a hybrid vehicle, but is a sports model with a gasoline engine developed to convey the essential appeal of automobiles in a new era. It is a must-see concept car that expresses TMC's desire to once again create a Toyota sports car.

The A Small FR Sports Concept Vehicle that Combines Environmental Performance and the Joy of Driving

TMC seeks to develop the ultimate earth-conscious environmentally-considerate vehicle with a focus on hybrid technologies without losing sight of the appeal of cars themselves or the joy of driving.

Over the past several years, the need has been rising for motor vehicles that take into consideration global warming and other environmental issues, while there has also been concern that there have been too few new sports cars that make the heart beat faster and that the time is right for a new generation of sports cars. In response to these needs, TMC has developed the Toyota FT-86 Concept, a sports car equipped with a 2,000cc, horizontally opposed, four-cylinder, naturally-aspirated gasoline engine that evokes the joy of driving a car and the pleasure of vehicle ownership.