Size-wise, the Volkswagen Gol is positioned between the Polo and Golf
The latest information on the four door cousin of Bugatti Veyron, Galibier is that its launch has been delayed due to slow progress. Wolfgang Durheimer, Chairman of Bentley and Bugatti has moved on toAudi and his place is taken by Wolfgang Schreiber – former Bugatti technical chief and managing director. Schreiber has now announced that the Galibier super saloon will not be making its entry into markets anytime soon as progress is slow and needs of the customer are still being evaluated.
Galibier was seen in a concept form in 2009 following which the company announced that the vehicle was due to be launched in 2013 or 2014 while prices were expected to be in the $1.4 million range. However development is still underway and the four door will take its time to be launched though it will definitely make its way into markets in the future. The Galibier is said to be a W16 engined vehicle with two stage superchargers offering 1000 bhp power while it will be capable of acceleration from 0 to 100 kmph in 3.5 seconds.
In an interview with Autocar, Schreiber stated that, "The Veyron and its derivatives are very focused on the needs of the customers", he said. "If you switch to a different type of car, it is very necessary to evaluate the needs of the customer. The launch date is still not decided yet. We are still working on the Galibier project. but I would say it is more difficult to fulfill all the requirements for Bugatti customers than Bentley customers. The four-door is absolutely necessary. The hero car, the Veyron, is alone. I think customers would be very pleased if we had a second car, so I support it very much
Virtual Realities
Sophisticated computer-generated imagery has companies turning to virtual vehicles instead of physical prototypes for sales and marketing
A “virtual parking lot” of computer-generated wireframe models by Evox Images enables the creation of interactive imagery of any car sold in the United States.
Instead, it produced a movie with technology from Autodesk using a virtual car. The use of computer-generated images by the automotive sector is not new. But the technologies are becoming so sophisticated that car companies are relying more on virtual cars to substitute for physical prototypes in marketing, allowing them to cut significantly the time it takes to begin publicizing a vehicle. The technologies give potential customers a chance to touch and interact virtually with numerous versions of a vehicle before it's built.
It used to be that the virtual models weren't convincing, but "recent advances in CGI make it more photorealistic" so it's often impossible to tell the difference between a model and the real thing, said Joanne Stansberry, who has managed computer-generated imagery at Chevrolet.
Alexander Edwards, president of the automotive division of Strategic Vision, a consulting and research company in San Diego, said: "Every car company is looking at these types of technologies" and how they'll be used in the future.
"It really is going to be an inexpensive way to better understand consumer choices and start preliminary ad campaigns," he said.
BYD are staffed by a clever bunch of people, despite their set backs in the past few months which were largely out of their control they are still on track in producing tomorrows cars. One day when the rest of the world are fighting over the left overs of hydro-carbon deposits, BYD owners will be wafting along silently in their dual mode and pure electric models, of which BYD has so far developed the F3DM, the E6 pure electric and the forth coming S6 DM SUV.
To further wet America’s appetite for sensibly priced electric vehicles, BYD will be showing off their S6 SUV in dual mode form, i.e. it can be powered by battery power or regular gasoline engine.BYD are saying that this is the world’s first AWD dual mode SUV (perhaps Lexus might argue that point). The S6DM actually has two motors, both 14bhp which power the front wheels and a 102bhp traditional gasoline engine to power the rear, both the electric motors and the gasoline engine can be utilized at the same time to get AWD traction. The S6DM will be able to travel 60km on a single charge and with a mixture of a full gas tank and full battery the S6 should be good for around 500km.
Look out for the S6DM at the Detroit Auto Show, we recently caught up with at the Guangzhou Auto Show and believe it to be one of BYD’s next big hits, assuming the pricing is kept sweet enough to tempt people over to the BYD brand.
E6 INTRODUCTION
The BYD e6 is a 5-seat, crossover all-electric vehicle with an extended wheelbase of 111.4 inches. It is the generous size and comfort of the BYD e6 that sets it apart from other electric vehicles in any current classification. In contrast to the competitors' electric vehicles, the e6 features a spacious interior cabin with substantial legroom and headroom for passengers, as well as ample luggage space in the rear. Meanwhile, the e6 boasts a powerful drive-train, adopting BYD's revolutionary new EV battery – the Iron-Phosphate or"Fe" battery.
POWER AND PERFORMANCE
The e6 will be equipped with a 75kW motor and the BYD-developed Fe battery, powering the e6 to a range of 186.4 miles on a single charge in urban conditions. This makes it one of the longest-range, pure EVs in the world. The projected top speed is 87mph. These characteristics make the e6 ideal for daily commutes, city driving and even long distance travel. In addition, during braking, deceleration and downhill coasting, the vehicle's kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy and stored in battery packs through regenerative-braking functions, further improving energy utilization to increase the e6's range.
DEFINITE SAFETY
Resistant to high temperatures, high pressures and severe impacts, BYD's internally developed Fe battery boasts excellent reliability and a 10-year warranty. The system can automatically detect leakage currents in the high voltage power supply system and damage to the battery housings. An emergency maintenance switch disconnects the high-voltage battery pack to ensure the safety of the driver and passengers in case of system failures or when the car needs to be repaired. The parking gear motor controller receives the lock/ unlock order sent by the driving motor and performs the relevant operations to ensure maximum safety while parking or starting.
CONVENIENT CHARGING
Charging the e6 is convenient and fast. It only takes 40 minutes to fully charge the e6 using the 100kW fast charging cabinet; it takes 6 hours with a standard 10kW standard charging pole (like a residential garage over-charging scenario).
ECO-FRIENDLY
The environmentally friendly e6 is a zero-direct-emission electric vehicle, which means that it emits no harmful toxic emissions, criteria pollutants or harmful greenhouse gases. BYD's new Fe battery takes the green philosophy a step further by using the only completely recyclable/disposable chemical formulations in a battery.
Very recently, we wondered what was what I was trying Audi? From that initial doubt this confirmation: it is the Audi Urban Concept, an electric vehicle is the epitome of the future of the brand.
This car, which recently saw camouflaged by the streets of Germany to the astonishment of friends and strangers, has a feature that somehow resembles the Hyundai Veloster: its asymmetry so special.
Another of its main features is that it is not a two-seater model, but setup is a 1 + 1 (seen in one of the images in this note) with the driver’s seat a little later than the passenger and slightly off to one side. The role of companion is that … that of being a mere passenger conductor without having access to almost anything. While handling the car in front of a board very brief and almost minimalist, without the least harshness.
The secret (if I may say so) of this car that Audi is developing based on two fundamental points: first we have sought absolute simplicity and … go if they have succeeded. And secondly, has sought to give the car as light as possible, demonstrating once again what the brand (as well inclined to make cars lighter) can be achieved. And if one of the objectives, one of the premises is to achieve a weight just unbelievable, then it becomes necessary to use appropriate materials for that, so Audi uses elements such as polymers reinforced with carbon fiber, to search for such desired weight reduction, but without giving up anything at all to security.
Another important thing: the Urban Concept Audi is not based on any other model of the brand, is a copy of living for himself and for the moment we do not know either if it is indeed the anticipation of a future model home. Many unknowns and only a few confirmations. In this connection, is known to have a pair of electric motors (of which no one knows your disposal) and carries lithium ion batteries. From the brand so far have not provided many details, not even said anything about their autonomy, limiting the explanation that the car will be ideal for touring city.
Another thing that is rumored is that electric motors could well be located inside the wheels, which in this car are “loose” body or rather, uncovered. The idea is not bad and does not sound outlandish.
Finally: the rebirth of an old idea, updated to the best car … simple, lightweight, simple, with wheels in the air and the driver and its absolute protagonist. That’s what Urban Concept Audi, the car you are testing the brand of the Rings.
CHASSIS AND BODY
- Frame:
- Carbon fiber monocoque with Aluminium front and rear frames
- Body:
- Carbon fiber engine bonnet; movale spoiler and side air inlets; Aluminium front bonnet, front fenders and doors; SMC rear fender and rocker cover
- Mirrors:
- External mirror electrically foldable
- Rear spoiler:
- Moveable -3 positions depending on speed and drive select mode
SUSPENSION
- Suspension:
- Front and rear horizontal monotube damper with push-rod system
TYRES AND WHEELS
- ESP:
- ESP/ ABS with different ESP characteristics managed by drive select mode
- Steering:
- Steering Gear with 3 different servortonic characteristics managed by drive select mode
- Front tyres:
- Pirelli 255/35 ZR19
- Rear tyres:
- Pirelli 335/30 ZR20
- Front wheels:
- 19’’ x 9J
- Rear wheels:
- 20’’ x 12J
- Kerb-to-kerb turning circle:
- 12,5 m (41,0 ft)
AIRBAGS
- Airbags:
- Front dual stage driver airbag and front adaptive passenger airbag; seats with side “head-thorax” airbags; passenger and driver knee airbags
BRAKES
- Brakes:
- Dual hydraulic circuit brake system with vacuum brake booster; front and rear CCB, 6-cylnder brake callipers, 4-cylinder brake callipers Ø 400x 38 mm – Ø 380 x 38 mm
ENGINE
- Type:
- V12, 60°, MPI
- Displacement:
- 6.498 cm³ (396,5 cu.in.)
- Bore and stroke:
- Ø 95 mm x 76,4 mm
- Valve gear:
- Variable valve timing electronically controlled
- Compression ratio:
- 11,8 (± 0,2) : 1
- Maximum power:
- 700 HP (515 kW) @ 8.250 RPM
- Maximum torque:
- 690 Nm (507 lbft) @ 5.500 RPM
- Emission class:
- EURO 5 – LEV 2
- Emission control system:
- Catalytic converters with lambdasensors
- Cooling system:
- Water and oil cooling system in the rear with variable air inlets
- Engine management system:
- Lamborghini Iniezione Eletronica (LIE) with Ion current analysis
- Lubrification system:
- Dry sump
DRIVETRAIN
- Type of transmission:
- 4WD with Haldex generation IV
- Gearbox:
- 7 speed ISR, shifting characteristic depending on drive select mode
- Clutch:
- Dry Double plate clutch, Ø 235 mm
- Standard:
- AMT
PERFORMANCE
- Top speed:
- 350 km/h (217 mph)
- Acceleration 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph):
- 2,9 s
DIMENSIONS
- Wheelbase:
- 2.700 mm (106,30 in)
- Overall length:
- 4.780 mm (188,19 in)
- Overall width (excluding mirrors):
- 2.030 mm (79,92 in)
- Overall width (including mirrors):
- 2.265 mm (89,17 in)
- Overall height:
- 1.136 mm (44,72 in)
- Front track:
- 1.720 mm (67,72 in)
- Rear track:
- 1.700 mm (66,93 in)
- Dry weight:
- 1.575 kg (3.472 lb)
- Weight/Power:
- 2,25 kg/HP (4,96 lb/HP)
- Weight distribution (front - rear):
- 43 % - 57 %
CAPACITIES
- Fuel tank capacity:
- 90 l (23,8 gal.)
- Engine oil capacity:
- 13 l (3,4 gal.)
- Engine coolant capacity:
- 25 l (6,6 gal.)
FUEL CONSUMPTION *
- Urban cycle consumption:
- 27,3 l/100 km
- Extra urban consumption:
- 11,3 l/100 km
- Combined consumption:
- 17,2 l/100 km
- CO2 emission:
- 398 g/km
The Lamborghini Ankonian Concept was done in my second term as part of the Lamborghini Raw Materials Project led by Prof. Dr. Othmar Wickenheiser, where all students at the school could take part in.
Following the Lamborghini tradition I named the car “Ankonian” after the bull type which is famous for his black hair (that’s why I chose black).
The concept is a mid-engined supercar that is not “green”, but yet shows environmental responsibility, and therefore is downsized.
I didn’t choose the today’s midengine supercar clichés (extreme width, cab forward, aggressive graphical elements), but a rather narrow body, cab backward classical GT silhouette, and complexity/combination of soft and angular surfaces. Instead of showing power and aggression through some wild graphical elements (for example headlights) I achieved the same through the complexity of the main body which is rather softly designed, (and has a flair of the Italian elegance), and the angular, stealthy and sharp elements which remind of shields.
Concerning the design language, I put the Reventòn style to the next level, even more aggressive and crazy, but yet elegant, and more harmonious.
The main themes behind the concept, which actually make the chosen design language even stronger, are ‘underground’ and ‘hardcore’. This is achieved by the triangular forms, for example, but mostly with the color combination of shiny black and matt dark grey.
During the design process we brought back the tradition (we did it old school)-clay modeling instead of CAD modeling. It took approx. 6 months to actually build the model and it was a great opportunity to try different possibilities concerning the surface management and the proportions. This how the design doesn’t look ‘artificial’, but mature, and due to the fact that we had constant support by Lamborghini and Audi Advanced designers, the final designs have professional touch.
Even though very crazy and on first glance complicated, all Ankonian lines and intersections work together. Due to the tension in the lines and the concave and convex surfaces there is an impression of a strong and dynamic body. The big canyons and the fact that the tail was put on a diet give it a very light appearance. In addition, the hot-rod stance gives it a push forward, and the symbolic presence of wings and the arrow-like door graphic make the car very dynamical, even when it is in standing position.
Following the Lamborghini tradition I named the car “Ankonian” after the bull type which is famous for his black hair (that’s why I chose black).
The concept is a mid-engined supercar that is not “green”, but yet shows environmental responsibility, and therefore is downsized.
Concerning the design language, I put the Reventòn style to the next level, even more aggressive and crazy, but yet elegant, and more harmonious.
During the design process we brought back the tradition (we did it old school)-clay modeling instead of CAD modeling. It took approx. 6 months to actually build the model and it was a great opportunity to try different possibilities concerning the surface management and the proportions. This how the design doesn’t look ‘artificial’, but mature, and due to the fact that we had constant support by Lamborghini and Audi Advanced designers, the final designs have professional touch.
Even though very crazy and on first glance complicated, all Ankonian lines and intersections work together. Due to the tension in the lines and the concave and convex surfaces there is an impression of a strong and dynamic body. The big canyons and the fact that the tail was put on a diet give it a very light appearance. In addition, the hot-rod stance gives it a push forward, and the symbolic presence of wings and the arrow-like door graphic make the car very dynamical, even when it is in standing position.
Toyota is launching its Fun-Vii Concept under the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show's slogan of "Mobility can change the world".
We can't help thinking that mobility has already changed the world - after all, Toyota and its competitors already produce vehicles that allow millions of people to travel from one place to another every day, which seems like fairly world-changing mobility.
Maybe it's not all about movement, though. Maybe Toyota's vision of a near future when people, cars and society are linked will bring that 19th-century invention, the car, together with the computer of the 20th century into a real 21st-century world-changer.
Flippancy aside, the Fun-Vii has some neat features. Toyota sees it as the ultimate in vehicle personalization, effectively downloading a color scheme like an app which can then be displayed across your car. You can go for simple colors or even messages, but the idea is that the body can reflect your personality.
The interior features augmented reality navigation and Toyota says the interior features are freely adjustable to "match the mood of the moment". We expect this means the three seats can be moved around into any position or shape you choose, depending on requirements.
It also implements technology already in development to let the car speak with other vehicles and its surroundings, and a network update function ensures the car's software is all kept up to date.
Most importantly of all, Toyota wants the Fun-Vii to be... well, fun. With the Toyota GT-86 due to be officially launched at Tokyo , Toyota's own slogan, "Fun to Drive, Again" seems more exciting in the context of world-changing mobility.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4h-SRXaEcQ&feature=player_detailpage
With Aston Martin’s recently acquired £304 million bond - about $440 million at the current rates - the brand is full speed ahead on supplying an all new platform for their full line of sports cars, including the DB9, Vantage and Rapide models. In fact, the new DB9 has already been caught testing for the first time, under heavy camouflage of course. The highly decorated model doesn’t exactly tell us much, but at least we’ve got an official confirmation of the car’s current development.
The first details for the 2013 Aston Martin DB9 suggest that it will get new lights like the ones found on the Rapide and Virage, a new side profile, new side skirts, a more aggressive front spoiler, and a rear trunk lid lip. The rear end also looks to be a bit wider and taller than the current DB9 and there will also be new mesh-grilled hood vents and side mirrors that stand farther away from the doors, mounted on thinner, more aerodynamic stalks. Under the hood, the new DB9 will feature the same 6.0-liter V-12 engine that delivers 510 HP and is mated to a a choice of six-speed manual or shift-by-wire six-speed automatic.
Expect the 2013 Aston Martin DB9 to make its debut sometime next year.
