Land Rover hints next-gen Defender with DC100 concept

The future of Land Rover’s iconic Defender model – a direct descendent of the original military-inspired models of 1948 – has long been in doubt, but a new concept car set to debut in less than two weeks at the Frankfurt Motor Show should clear things up.

Land Rover says that a new Defender will launch in 2015, and while the automaker hasn’t released many details, the next-generation off roader will have to be quite a bit different to meet increasingly stringent global safety and emissions regulations. Land Rover isn’t commenting on North American availability, although the British brand hasn’t officially ruled out such a possibility.

The DC100 is what Land Rover calls a “modern interpretation” of the Defender. Penned under the watch of design chief Gerry McGovern, the DC100 clearly departs from the current Defender in a number of ways – like its much larger wheels and almost vintage Ford Bronco-like side profile.

For now, Land Rover is keeping quiet on just what platform the concept car rides on and the automaker hasn’t made any hints about what’s under its hood. We’d guess it features a shortened version of the LR4 and Range Rover Sport architecture and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel. A hybrid system is also a distinct possibility since Land Rover is likely needing to show off a greener image for the Defender.

As for off road capability, the DC100 concept looks like it will rely more on a sophisticated traction control system than the big rubber and articulating solid axles of the current model. That’s a trick that has worked well for those few LR4s and Range Rovers that venture off the pavement, so it should combine well with the DC100′s approach and departure angles to make a surprisingly adept performer.

For worst case scenarios, Land Rover has chosen to include a built-in winch. [via : Leftlane]

Bmw X1 coming to the U.S. in 2013, after it gets a facelift

BMW’s X1 is much-awaited in U.S. shores but its arrival has been delayed further to this fall instead of in the spring of 2011. It has been offered in Europe for some time now and it had already gone on sale in Canada and in several countries in Asia. One of the primary reasons for the delay is the high demand in Europe. As a result, its plant in Leipzig, Germany has been operating at full capacity.

In addition, BMW is faced with the rising demand in the U.S. as the economy is recovering, according to Insideline.

Last May, BMW’s US chief Jim O’Donnell revealed that the X1 may be pushed back further and arrive only towards the end of next year. This was said to be due to the demand for the X3, which has significantly boosted BMW’s profits. Inside Line said that there may be even more delay as it’s likely to arrive together with the facelifted version, which may come in 2013.[via - 4wheelsnews]

Photo : 2011 BMW X1 sDrive20d EfficientDynamics Edition

2012 Cadillac SRX gets Auto Dry Brakes wipe rotors

The 2012 Cadillac SRX is equipped with the StabiliTrak system that helps prevent crashes. But there’s also a lesser known benefit. It removes water from brake components during wet highway driving conditions. This offers extra control in soggy conditions since Auto Dry Brakes can help enhance overall brake effectiveness during rainy conditions on the highway. Auto Dry Brakes function with the SRX RainSense automatic windshield wiper system, or when the standard windshield wipers are operating and the SRX had been continuously moving at more than 20 mph for more than four miles without using the cruise control.

The StabiliTrak hardware generates a minimal amount of hydraulic pressure, pulsing pressure to its brake calipers at intervals to wipe water from the brake rotors while the car is running. GM said that when the rotors are drier, the brake system becomes more effective and provides a “more-assured stopping feel and better brake effectiveness in wet conditions. Auto Dry Brakes apply pressure to all four of the SRX’s disc brakes at intervals of every six kilometer while the accelerator is applied.

Randy Leek, a General Motors brake development engineer, said that it’s very important that before the driver steps on the brake pedal, the brakes have to be very dry. He explained that this feature was designed to be sure that the brakes offer optimal braking performance during “inclement weather.” The 2012 SRX has a starting price of $36,060 (including $875 destination charge). It is powered by a 308hp 3.6L direct-injected V6 engine that has a driver-selectable ECO Mode for optimal fuel economy.[via : 4wheelsnews]

Photo : 2012 Cadillac SRX

2012 Honda Accord: details, specs and price

Official details as well as pricing for the 2012 Honda Accord have been released. The LX Sedan has a starting price of $21,380. The EX V-6 Sedan is priced at $27,280, the LX-S Coupe is at $22,980, while the EX-L V-6 Coupe is at $29,930. The sedan models include the 4-cylinder Accord LX, LX-P (Premium), SE, EX and EX-L, and the 6-cylinder Accord EX V-6 and EX-L V-6. The coupe models are the 4-cylinder Accord LX-S, EX, EX-L, and the 6-cylinder Accord EX V-6 and EX-L V-6.

All Accord EX-L models will get the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System. Four engine variations are offered, beginning with a 177hp, 2.4-liter, i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine in the Accord LX, LX-P and SE Sedans. What’s expected to arrive next is the 190hp 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine that comes as standard in the Accord EX and EX-L Sedan models and all 4-cylinder coupe models. The range-topping 3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC V-6 engine delivers 271hp and is offered in the Accord EX and EX-L Sedan models and the Accord EX-L Coupe.

Depending on the engine and trim level, the transmission choices may vary and could include a 5-speed manual transmission (offered on certain 4-cylinder models) and a 5-speed automatic transmission (which comes as standard on all V-6 models and selected 4-cylinder models). Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters are standard equipment on the Accord EX-L V-6 Coupe with an automatic transmission. Exclusively offered on the Accord EX-L V-6 Coupe is a 6-speed manual transmission. When compared to the 2011 model year, the 2012 Accord range doesn’t have significant changes except that a USB audio interface is now standard.[via - 4wheelsnews]

Bugatti CEO confirms firm’s four-door supercar

Bugatti is pursing plans to launch a super-luxurious, ultra-rapid saloon that may cost more than the Veyron hypercar it replaces. Bugatti, which is owned by VW, has unveiled the model dubbed Galibier to potential customers who have supported the Veyron and its versions since 2005. CEO Wolfgang Durheimer said that he has approved a proposal to produce the car. He said that he is in talks with the board so that Bugatti could build the “fastest limousine in the world” that will be powered by the largest production engine with 16 cylinders.

Durheimer said that this clearly indicates that for Bugatti to keep its fastest-cars reputation, this saloon has to have a power output at part with the Veyron’s. He said that at a minimum, all Bugattis should offer 1000hp. It implies that the Galibier will avoid hybrid or eco technologies and continue with the development of Bugatti's 16-cylinder engine.

Durheimer hinted that the Galibier may be priced higher than the Veyron's £1 million list price, saying that it will have an “extraordinary price.” Only 100 Veyrons will be built before its production run ends. At the earliest, the Galibier will go on sale at the end of 2013.[via : 4wheelsnews]

Photo : Bugatti Galibier 16C

Land Rover hints next-gen Defender with DC100 concept

The future of Land Rover’s iconic Defender model – a direct descendent of the original military-inspired models of 1948 – has long been in doubt, but a new concept car set to debut in less than two weeks at the Frankfurt Motor Show should clear things up.

Land Rover says that a new Defender will launch in 2015, and while the automaker hasn’t released many details, the next-generation off roader will have to be quite a bit different to meet increasingly stringent global safety and emissions regulations. Land Rover isn’t commenting on North American availability, although the British brand hasn’t officially ruled out such a possibility.

The DC100 is what Land Rover calls a “modern interpretation” of the Defender. Penned under the watch of design chief Gerry McGovern, the DC100 clearly departs from the current Defender in a number of ways – like its much larger wheels and almost vintage Ford Bronco-like side profile.

For now, Land Rover is keeping quiet on just what platform the concept car rides on and the automaker hasn’t made any hints about what’s under its hood. We’d guess it features a shortened version of the LR4 and Range Rover Sport architecture and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel. A hybrid system is also a distinct possibility since Land Rover is likely needing to show off a greener image for the Defender.

As for off road capability, the DC100 concept looks like it will rely more on a sophisticated traction control system than the big rubber and articulating solid axles of the current model. That’s a trick that has worked well for those few LR4s and Range Rovers that venture off the pavement, so it should combine well with the DC100′s approach and departure angles to make a surprisingly adept performer.

For worst case scenarios, Land Rover has chosen to include a built-in winch. [via : Leftlane]

Bmw X1 coming to the U.S. in 2013, after it gets a facelift

BMW’s X1 is much-awaited in U.S. shores but its arrival has been delayed further to this fall instead of in the spring of 2011. It has been offered in Europe for some time now and it had already gone on sale in Canada and in several countries in Asia. One of the primary reasons for the delay is the high demand in Europe. As a result, its plant in Leipzig, Germany has been operating at full capacity.

In addition, BMW is faced with the rising demand in the U.S. as the economy is recovering, according to Insideline.

Last May, BMW’s US chief Jim O’Donnell revealed that the X1 may be pushed back further and arrive only towards the end of next year. This was said to be due to the demand for the X3, which has significantly boosted BMW’s profits. Inside Line said that there may be even more delay as it’s likely to arrive together with the facelifted version, which may come in 2013.[via - 4wheelsnews]

Photo : 2011 BMW X1 sDrive20d EfficientDynamics Edition

2012 Cadillac SRX gets Auto Dry Brakes wipe rotors

The 2012 Cadillac SRX is equipped with the StabiliTrak system that helps prevent crashes. But there’s also a lesser known benefit. It removes water from brake components during wet highway driving conditions. This offers extra control in soggy conditions since Auto Dry Brakes can help enhance overall brake effectiveness during rainy conditions on the highway. Auto Dry Brakes function with the SRX RainSense automatic windshield wiper system, or when the standard windshield wipers are operating and the SRX had been continuously moving at more than 20 mph for more than four miles without using the cruise control.

The StabiliTrak hardware generates a minimal amount of hydraulic pressure, pulsing pressure to its brake calipers at intervals to wipe water from the brake rotors while the car is running. GM said that when the rotors are drier, the brake system becomes more effective and provides a “more-assured stopping feel and better brake effectiveness in wet conditions. Auto Dry Brakes apply pressure to all four of the SRX’s disc brakes at intervals of every six kilometer while the accelerator is applied.

Randy Leek, a General Motors brake development engineer, said that it’s very important that before the driver steps on the brake pedal, the brakes have to be very dry. He explained that this feature was designed to be sure that the brakes offer optimal braking performance during “inclement weather.” The 2012 SRX has a starting price of $36,060 (including $875 destination charge). It is powered by a 308hp 3.6L direct-injected V6 engine that has a driver-selectable ECO Mode for optimal fuel economy.[via : 4wheelsnews]

Photo : 2012 Cadillac SRX

2012 Honda Accord: details, specs and price

Official details as well as pricing for the 2012 Honda Accord have been released. The LX Sedan has a starting price of $21,380. The EX V-6 Sedan is priced at $27,280, the LX-S Coupe is at $22,980, while the EX-L V-6 Coupe is at $29,930. The sedan models include the 4-cylinder Accord LX, LX-P (Premium), SE, EX and EX-L, and the 6-cylinder Accord EX V-6 and EX-L V-6. The coupe models are the 4-cylinder Accord LX-S, EX, EX-L, and the 6-cylinder Accord EX V-6 and EX-L V-6.

All Accord EX-L models will get the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System. Four engine variations are offered, beginning with a 177hp, 2.4-liter, i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine in the Accord LX, LX-P and SE Sedans. What’s expected to arrive next is the 190hp 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine that comes as standard in the Accord EX and EX-L Sedan models and all 4-cylinder coupe models. The range-topping 3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC V-6 engine delivers 271hp and is offered in the Accord EX and EX-L Sedan models and the Accord EX-L Coupe.

Depending on the engine and trim level, the transmission choices may vary and could include a 5-speed manual transmission (offered on certain 4-cylinder models) and a 5-speed automatic transmission (which comes as standard on all V-6 models and selected 4-cylinder models). Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters are standard equipment on the Accord EX-L V-6 Coupe with an automatic transmission. Exclusively offered on the Accord EX-L V-6 Coupe is a 6-speed manual transmission. When compared to the 2011 model year, the 2012 Accord range doesn’t have significant changes except that a USB audio interface is now standard.[via - 4wheelsnews]

Bugatti CEO confirms firm’s four-door supercar

Bugatti is pursing plans to launch a super-luxurious, ultra-rapid saloon that may cost more than the Veyron hypercar it replaces. Bugatti, which is owned by VW, has unveiled the model dubbed Galibier to potential customers who have supported the Veyron and its versions since 2005. CEO Wolfgang Durheimer said that he has approved a proposal to produce the car. He said that he is in talks with the board so that Bugatti could build the “fastest limousine in the world” that will be powered by the largest production engine with 16 cylinders.

Durheimer said that this clearly indicates that for Bugatti to keep its fastest-cars reputation, this saloon has to have a power output at part with the Veyron’s. He said that at a minimum, all Bugattis should offer 1000hp. It implies that the Galibier will avoid hybrid or eco technologies and continue with the development of Bugatti's 16-cylinder engine.

Durheimer hinted that the Galibier may be priced higher than the Veyron's £1 million list price, saying that it will have an “extraordinary price.” Only 100 Veyrons will be built before its production run ends. At the earliest, the Galibier will go on sale at the end of 2013.[via : 4wheelsnews]

Photo : Bugatti Galibier 16C

Vw interested to invest in wind farms in the North Sea

Talks are ongoing between Volkswagen AG and German renewable energy developer Windreich AG about a plan for the automaker to invest in one of its wind farms in the North Sea. Willi Balz, Windreich's CEO, confirmed that there are talks but he declined to give details about the project. Approval has been given by the German authorities for three Windreich projects, such as the 42-turbine Deutsche Bucht farm, which has a potential capacity of up to 252 megawatts if 6-megawatt turbines are utilized.

Balz said that among those competing to supply the turbines for Deutsche Bucht are Areva Wind, a German unit of the French nuclear reactor maker Areva SA, and a second manufacturer that he declined to name. It’s likely that construction will begin in 2013.

An Aug. 25 report from the Financial Times Deutschland newspaper cited company officials who reportedly revealed that Volkswagen plans to invest about 1 billion euros ($1.4 billion) in wind, solar and hydro projects within the next two years. This report further stated that Volkswagen has been meeting with four developers, including Windreich, about potential investments. Volkswagen spokesman Christoph Adomat said that company wants to raise usage of renewable sources to become an "economic and ecologic" leader in the global car sector.[via : 4wheelsnews]

Subaru XV: new picture revealed

This Subaru XV image hints at the styling of the final production version of Subaru's new crossover vehicle, which will be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in the middle of this month.

A concept version of the crossover appeared at the Shanghai motor show earlier this year, and Subaru has promised that the final car is faithful to that early version.


The teaser picture appears to reflect this, although it does indicate that the car has a reworked rear venturi area compared to the concept. What is not shown in the image is whether the full-length panoramic roof of the concept vehicle has made it through to production.

The XV is 4450mm long, 1780mm wide and 1570mm high, with a wheelbase of 2635mm. By contrast the Impreza, with which it shares a platform, is 4415mm long, 1740mm wide and 1475mm high, with a 15mm-shorter wheelbase.

Subaru’s trademark symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and the dynamic chassis control will be featured in the new model, which will be launched in the UK in the early part of next year. A 1.6-litre petrol will be offered, as well as a 2.0-litre diesel.

The company will also display an enhanced model of the BRZ coupe, called BRZ Prologue, at Frankfurt.[via - Autocar]

Bmw X3 gets the five-star rating at the Euro NCAP crash tests

It took the new BMX X3 just a few months to become a success at the vehicle markets around the world. BMW is attributing its achievements to its segment-leading dynamic flexibility and handling. Moreover, its commendable position on the safety aspect has now been substantiated by the leading crash test program in Europe. Specifically, the model has obtained the five-star rating -- the highest grade -- in the latest crash test by Euro NCAP.

Thanks to the comprehensive array of standard safety features as well as effective occupant protection in different collision types, this second-generation sports activity vehicle earned its high marks during the test for new vehicles. With the high Euro NCAP crash test rating, the safety concept made for the BMW X models is undeniably of high caliber. The new BMW X3 features a very stable body structure. During a collision, the forces put forth on the vehicle are deflected along precisely defined load paths.

These forces are also absorbed by big deformation zones. As a result, the passenger cell executes its role as a survival space even in serious collisions. Among the standard safety equipment in this new vehicle are the side, front and curtain head airbags that protect anyone in the vehicle from injury. Belt force limiters and belt latch tensioners for the front seats are also available as standard, as well as the ISOFIX systems in the rear for attaching child seats. The vehicle also features an option to deactivate the front passenger airbag. The central safety electronics controls the restraint systems, taking into account the type and severity of an accident in order to set off the most effective protective procedures in each situation.[via - 4wheelsnews]

Photo : 2012 Bmw X3

2012 Vw Beetle going to China

Starting this October, the third generation VW Beetle will go on sale in the U.S. It will then arrive next in other markets throughout the world. VW said that the new 2012 Beetle will be exported to China, where it expects to achieve record sales. VW executives don’t believe that the latest Beetle could ever come close to what the first version, which came out in the 1960s, had achieved. However, VW hopes that this entry level vehicle will boost the demand for the other models in the lineup.

VV anticipates that the model will help in giving the brand more presence in China and in gaining momentum in the rivalry with General Motors. Other automakers have decided to follow VW’s strategy. For instance, Fiat is working on the 500 series similar to VW’s approach.

The Detroit Bureau reported that the 2012 Beetle will be offered in “posh" cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Hong Kong beginning later this year or early next year. It’s notable that more than 22 million Beetles have been sold across the globe but it had never before been marketed in China. A VW official said that in China, the Beetle will be marketed as a unique car with an uncommon personality and a distinctive fashion sense. The Beetle had been in production in Mexico for many decades and had been exported to both sides of the US. This means that the facility’s options will be expanded with the move to China.[via - 4wheelsnews]



Photo : 2012 Vw Beetle

Frankfurt preview : Ford Evos concept

 

In less than two weeks at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Ford will take the wraps off of a new four-door, four-seat fastback concept car with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that will serve as a centerpiece for both its future design and technology.

The Evos concept car signals a new design direction for Ford.

 Watch the other video

“We wanted the Ford Evos Concept to give a clear message about where Ford design is heading,” said J Mays, Ford’s design chief. “Our exciting new design DNA has been developed and refined by an intensive effort by all of our talented global design team.”

Penned in both the United States and Europe, the Evos is a fastback coupe-like car with four gullwing-style doors. While we wouldn’t look for those unique portals to make production, it’s safe to say that the more aggressive front fascia with its angled, almost Aston Martin-esque front grille will serve as inspiration for future Ford products.

Evos is about the length of a C-segment compact car, but it’s wider than typical in order to give it a more sport-oriented stance.

Inside, Evos boasts a driver-oriented cabin with limited switchgear. Instead, the car features a high-tech, cloud-based system of displays that actively grab information to both present it to the driver and to modify the vehicle for various conditions. For example, Ford says that Evos will automatically change steering and suspension response in accordance to varying weather conditions it might discern from cloud-based information sources.

Ford says it thinks of the Evos as a personal assistant, not a vehicular smartphone. The automaker says it is considering new systems that will help better integrate its infotainment devices – like those powered by its Microsoft Sync system – into the driving experience. For example, it says that the Evos could be programmed to automatically close a garage door or turn off lights when it senses it is leaving a user’s house.

“The cloud-connected vision shows the enormous potential of tailoring the driving experience to suit the exact personal tastes and moods of the driver,” said Paul Mascarenas, the company’s global research and innovation chief. “From recommending a great driving road from friends on your social networks or resetting your alarm clock to let you sleep in when a morning meeting gets cancelled.”

Powering this concept is a lithium ion plug-in hybrid powertrain that Ford says offers the same performance and fuel economy as the Ford C-MAX Energi the automaker will introduce here next year. [via : Leftlane]

Vw interested to invest in wind farms in the North Sea

Talks are ongoing between Volkswagen AG and German renewable energy developer Windreich AG about a plan for the automaker to invest in one of its wind farms in the North Sea. Willi Balz, Windreich's CEO, confirmed that there are talks but he declined to give details about the project. Approval has been given by the German authorities for three Windreich projects, such as the 42-turbine Deutsche Bucht farm, which has a potential capacity of up to 252 megawatts if 6-megawatt turbines are utilized.

Balz said that among those competing to supply the turbines for Deutsche Bucht are Areva Wind, a German unit of the French nuclear reactor maker Areva SA, and a second manufacturer that he declined to name. It’s likely that construction will begin in 2013.

An Aug. 25 report from the Financial Times Deutschland newspaper cited company officials who reportedly revealed that Volkswagen plans to invest about 1 billion euros ($1.4 billion) in wind, solar and hydro projects within the next two years. This report further stated that Volkswagen has been meeting with four developers, including Windreich, about potential investments. Volkswagen spokesman Christoph Adomat said that company wants to raise usage of renewable sources to become an "economic and ecologic" leader in the global car sector.[via : 4wheelsnews]

Subaru XV: new picture revealed

This Subaru XV image hints at the styling of the final production version of Subaru's new crossover vehicle, which will be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in the middle of this month.

A concept version of the crossover appeared at the Shanghai motor show earlier this year, and Subaru has promised that the final car is faithful to that early version.


The teaser picture appears to reflect this, although it does indicate that the car has a reworked rear venturi area compared to the concept. What is not shown in the image is whether the full-length panoramic roof of the concept vehicle has made it through to production.

The XV is 4450mm long, 1780mm wide and 1570mm high, with a wheelbase of 2635mm. By contrast the Impreza, with which it shares a platform, is 4415mm long, 1740mm wide and 1475mm high, with a 15mm-shorter wheelbase.

Subaru’s trademark symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and the dynamic chassis control will be featured in the new model, which will be launched in the UK in the early part of next year. A 1.6-litre petrol will be offered, as well as a 2.0-litre diesel.

The company will also display an enhanced model of the BRZ coupe, called BRZ Prologue, at Frankfurt.[via - Autocar]

Bmw X3 gets the five-star rating at the Euro NCAP crash tests

It took the new BMX X3 just a few months to become a success at the vehicle markets around the world. BMW is attributing its achievements to its segment-leading dynamic flexibility and handling. Moreover, its commendable position on the safety aspect has now been substantiated by the leading crash test program in Europe. Specifically, the model has obtained the five-star rating -- the highest grade -- in the latest crash test by Euro NCAP.

Thanks to the comprehensive array of standard safety features as well as effective occupant protection in different collision types, this second-generation sports activity vehicle earned its high marks during the test for new vehicles. With the high Euro NCAP crash test rating, the safety concept made for the BMW X models is undeniably of high caliber. The new BMW X3 features a very stable body structure. During a collision, the forces put forth on the vehicle are deflected along precisely defined load paths.

These forces are also absorbed by big deformation zones. As a result, the passenger cell executes its role as a survival space even in serious collisions. Among the standard safety equipment in this new vehicle are the side, front and curtain head airbags that protect anyone in the vehicle from injury. Belt force limiters and belt latch tensioners for the front seats are also available as standard, as well as the ISOFIX systems in the rear for attaching child seats. The vehicle also features an option to deactivate the front passenger airbag. The central safety electronics controls the restraint systems, taking into account the type and severity of an accident in order to set off the most effective protective procedures in each situation.[via - 4wheelsnews]

Photo : 2012 Bmw X3

2012 Vw Beetle going to China

Starting this October, the third generation VW Beetle will go on sale in the U.S. It will then arrive next in other markets throughout the world. VW said that the new 2012 Beetle will be exported to China, where it expects to achieve record sales. VW executives don’t believe that the latest Beetle could ever come close to what the first version, which came out in the 1960s, had achieved. However, VW hopes that this entry level vehicle will boost the demand for the other models in the lineup.

VV anticipates that the model will help in giving the brand more presence in China and in gaining momentum in the rivalry with General Motors. Other automakers have decided to follow VW’s strategy. For instance, Fiat is working on the 500 series similar to VW’s approach.

The Detroit Bureau reported that the 2012 Beetle will be offered in “posh" cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Hong Kong beginning later this year or early next year. It’s notable that more than 22 million Beetles have been sold across the globe but it had never before been marketed in China. A VW official said that in China, the Beetle will be marketed as a unique car with an uncommon personality and a distinctive fashion sense. The Beetle had been in production in Mexico for many decades and had been exported to both sides of the US. This means that the facility’s options will be expanded with the move to China.[via - 4wheelsnews]



Photo : 2012 Vw Beetle

Frankfurt preview : Ford Evos concept

 

In less than two weeks at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Ford will take the wraps off of a new four-door, four-seat fastback concept car with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that will serve as a centerpiece for both its future design and technology.

The Evos concept car signals a new design direction for Ford.

 Watch the other video

“We wanted the Ford Evos Concept to give a clear message about where Ford design is heading,” said J Mays, Ford’s design chief. “Our exciting new design DNA has been developed and refined by an intensive effort by all of our talented global design team.”

Penned in both the United States and Europe, the Evos is a fastback coupe-like car with four gullwing-style doors. While we wouldn’t look for those unique portals to make production, it’s safe to say that the more aggressive front fascia with its angled, almost Aston Martin-esque front grille will serve as inspiration for future Ford products.

Evos is about the length of a C-segment compact car, but it’s wider than typical in order to give it a more sport-oriented stance.

Inside, Evos boasts a driver-oriented cabin with limited switchgear. Instead, the car features a high-tech, cloud-based system of displays that actively grab information to both present it to the driver and to modify the vehicle for various conditions. For example, Ford says that Evos will automatically change steering and suspension response in accordance to varying weather conditions it might discern from cloud-based information sources.

Ford says it thinks of the Evos as a personal assistant, not a vehicular smartphone. The automaker says it is considering new systems that will help better integrate its infotainment devices – like those powered by its Microsoft Sync system – into the driving experience. For example, it says that the Evos could be programmed to automatically close a garage door or turn off lights when it senses it is leaving a user’s house.

“The cloud-connected vision shows the enormous potential of tailoring the driving experience to suit the exact personal tastes and moods of the driver,” said Paul Mascarenas, the company’s global research and innovation chief. “From recommending a great driving road from friends on your social networks or resetting your alarm clock to let you sleep in when a morning meeting gets cancelled.”

Powering this concept is a lithium ion plug-in hybrid powertrain that Ford says offers the same performance and fuel economy as the Ford C-MAX Energi the automaker will introduce here next year. [via : Leftlane]