Source: CarBuzz.com
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Showing posts with label 2012 Geneva. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2012 Geneva. Show all posts
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Disco Volante 2012 Touring
Touring Superleggera at the 2012 Geneva motor show
For the third year in a row, the international Geneva Motor Show is the stage for a world premiere presentation by Touring Superleggera.
In 2010, the Bentley Flying Star anticipated a trend by redefining a contemporary ‘shooting brake'. The following year, the Gumpert Tornante represented a thrilling fusion between speed and style - the ultimate interpretation of a fast Gran Turismo.
This year, the Milan based design and coachbuilding company celebrates a true icon and masterpiece from its rich heritage. Just as 60 years ago, when the C52 ‘Disco Volante' prototype saw the light, Touring Superleggera is triggered by the potential of one of the finest Alfa Romeo sports chassis to design the innovative, breathtaking body of the Disco Volante 2012.
The commercial success of the Bentley Continental Flying Star is emphasized this year by an elegant Crystal Blue unit. Built at the highest quality standards and certified by Bentley Motors, the limited series model keeps drawing international attention, two years after its introduction.
The Touring programme at the Geneva show is a testimony of advanced automotive design and custom coachbuilding. The company is one of the rare firms offering the whole in-house productive cycle from the first sketch, all the way through surface engineering and structural analysis, style models and prototypes, to turn-key, low-volume production of special bodywork.
The 2012 range proves that special coach building can live on well into the 21st century, if enough investment and attention is paid to respecting the strict engineering and quality requirements of today's automotive industry.
Disco Volante 2012 Touring
The Disco Volante 2012, designed as a two-seater coupé with front-central engine and transaxle drivetrain, is presented in Geneva in the form of a full scale style model. The car will be produced as a very limited series for discerning customers: collectors, sporting drivers and design aficionados with appreciation for a tailor-made car based on individual passion and taste.
There exist very few models that rouse fascination like the Alfa Romeo C52 'Disco Volante'. The briefing at Carrozzeria Touring in 1952 mentioned the need for a shape that was ‘insensitive to wind'. The unique basic design, featuring an oval cross section, evolved in different versions, and was even registered as ‘design patent'.
Using Alfa Romeo 1900 C elements, the car received a new aluminium crankcase, a new tubular chassis, and a very light, striking and efficient aluminium body.
Initially aimed at races in the Sport category, the C52 Disco Volante soon reached the status of design icon. It is one of the most important models in the history of Touring, so innovative that it influenced the automotive design for decades. It also is one of the best examples to illustrate the credo of Touring's founder Felice Bianchi Anderloni "Il peso è il nemico, la resistenza dell'aria è l'ostacolo" (weight is the enemy, air resistance the obstacle).
So significant is the Disco Volante in the history of automobile design, that Alfa Romeo has chosen this Touring design to celebrate its own 100th anniversary with a bronze sculpture now exhibited in Milan.
Design
The Disco Volante 2012 design briefing required to blend ingredients as innovation, emotion and aerodynamic properties into a timeless and essential shape. The design language is that of a sports berlinetta by Touring, in this case extrovert, clearly pronounced, and tempting.
The integrated front bonnet and wings result in a dramatic monolithic frontal area, while the pronounced muscular rear end treatment leaves no doubts about the car's intentions. The overall teardrop shape reflects classic volumes with respect for aerodynamic values. Hints to the past can be found in subtle details, when aesthetical solutions were judged to be congruent with the new design. These include the pronounced waist line underlined by the aluminium profile, the partly covered front wheels, and the prolonged lines of the rear section ending with round shaped tail lights.
The final result is a rear-oriented design, with an extended rear overhang, a retracted greenhouse, and a limited front overhang. It combines power and elegance, integrating a balance between potent and fluid lines and the use of refined proportions in the best Touring tradition.
Rolling Chassis
The hard points of the Disco Volante 2012 are dictated by the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione chassis, chosen for its light and rigid structure and the outstanding dynamic properties. It forms the perfect basis to receive the totally new, coach built bodywork conserving integrally the rolling chassis and drivetrain.
The front-central engine, transaxle transmission and rear wheel drive layout offers an optimal weight distribution of 49-51% between the front and rear axles.
The steel space-frame is engineered for weight reduction and improved torsional stiffness. Further feature for top class handling is the front and rear double-wishbone suspension scheme combined with hub carriers of forged aluminium, and additional trailing arms for the rear suspension.
The light and compact V8 engine with 4.7 litre displacement delivers 450 PS and 470Nm peak torque. It is coupled to a 6-speed sequential transaxle gearbox with electronic control and paddle-shift gear selection. A limited slip differential and a state-of-the-art brake system with large diameter, ventilated discs complete the package to endorse precise, dynamic and proactive drive.
The Disco Volante 2012 is a tribute to the best Italian sports car philosophy: refined mechanics dressed with light and exciting bodywork.
Manufacturing Process
Prior to any construction phase at Touring, every new component is CAD designed and documented. The meticulous engineering programme covers feasibility, safety, homologation, aerodynamics and structural analysis. In this process, the most advanced IT tools and simulation techniques are used. Special attention is paid to the underbody structure, a critical factor for quality, torsional stiffness and noise reduction. Touring has preserved and developed the use of hand-beaten aluminium panels. Today, this traditional way of shaping body parts responds not only to the design requirements, but also to the strictest precision standard.
The weight advantage of aluminium is one of the assets of Touring Superleggera's construction methods. However, carbon fibre is used for specific components such as bumpers and a number of substructures for further weight saving and strength gains. The entire manufacturing process is fully documented and digitally logged, to guarantee consistent quality levels and accurate reproduction.
3-dimensional reference and measurement tools are used to ensure the highest precision in the assembly stage. Many key detail components and ornaments are entirely manufactured by hand.
The original 8C interior is basically maintained, but modified and upgraded according to the personal preferences and taste of the customer - as an exponent of Touring's automotive tailoring philosophy.
Each unit requires more than 4,000 hours of highly skilled artisan and engineer work to be completed.
The delivery time for a Disco Volante 2012 is eight months after the reception of the donor vehicle.
TECHNICAL DATA
Dimensions
Length mm 4,613
Width mm 2,020
Height mm 1,335
Wheelbase mm 2,696
Track front/back mm 1,591/1,589
Boot volume l ca. 200
Fuel tank capacity l 88
Engine
Cylinders / type - 8 / V 90°
Cubic capacity cm³ 4,691
Nominal output kW/CV@ rpm 335.6/450@7,000
Max torque Nm@rpm 470@ 4750
Emission standard Euro 5
Driveline
6-speed, electroactuated sequential gearbox with paddle-shift control and automatic mode.
Limited slip differential.
Wheels
Tires Pirelli PZero Rosso, front 265/35 ZR20,
rear 285/35 ZR20
Wheel type Aluminium forged wheels
Performance
Top speed (est.) kph 292
Acceleration (est.) 0-100kph 4.2 sec.
All information is dated March 2012 and could be changed until production start.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Nissan Invitation Concept + Press release
NISSAN'S INVITATION TO ALL
Dynamic new concept bursting with technical innovation introduces the company's next generation mainstream B-segment contender
INVITATION concept underlines Nissan's commitment to compact car segment
An inspiration for Nissan's forthcoming new offering in the segment in Europe, to join Micra and Juke
Concept combines dynamic design, packaging and well balanced performance to appeal to sophisticated European consumers
Technology includes advanced safety features as well as strong fuel economy and low emissions
GENEVA, Switzerland (6 March 2012)- Nissan has revealed the first details of a head-turning hatchback concept which previews the company's next generation compact car, a mainstream B-segment contender to be sold alongside the Micra city car and innovative JUKE B-segment crossover.
Called INVITATION, the dynamic concept shows some of the innovation and excitement promised for the new model, which is due to be launched in Europe from 2013.
Design dynamism
INVITATION is an energetic design, bringing fresh style, innovation and excitement to the mainstream market. The clean fluidity of the silhouette hints at its dynamic potential and showcases class-leading aerodynamics for enhanced efficiency.
The side of the car is dominated by a distinctive character line, namely the ‘Squash Line', which adds a powerful dynamism to its profile with distinctive sculpted front and rear design giving INVITATION a confident stance.
Inside, a refreshingly open cabin combines practicality and modernity with impressive levels of quality and purposeful technology features.
François Bancon, Deputy Division General Manager of Product Strategy and Product Planning Division, said: "The name we have given to this concept is self-explanatory... the key benefit of this compact car is to be inviting.
"It is inviting thanks to its sensuous exterior design and generous and comfortable interior space, cleverly packaged within compact overall dimensions. It is Nissan's invitation to buyers in the compact hatchback segment."
Class-leading performance and efficiency
Combining advanced engine technology, Nissan's acclaimed lightweight platform and an aerodynamically efficient body mean INVITATION achieves class-leading levels of fuel efficiency and emissions. Nissan is aiming for an ultra-low CO2 emission target of under 100g/km for the best model and with all versions eligible to wear Nissan's PURE DRIVE badge.
At the same time, responsive agile handling will ensure that when it comes to driving dynamics, INVITATION will compete with the top performers in the segment.
Like the new Micra, INVITATION uses Nissan's new light-weight V-platform, which has been engineered to deliver optimum rigidity for excellent handling characteristics coupled with a refined ride, but at the lowest possible weight for enhanced performance, strong fuel efficiency and low emissions.
The suspension layout sees an independent front end by MacPherson struts with coil springs and a compact torsion beam rear axle designed to minimise intrusion into the luggage area. Both suspension systems are mounted on sub frames to help isolate road noise, vibration and harshness. INVITATION's has overall dimensions of 4150mm in length, 1740 mm in width and it's 1470mm tall
Advanced safety technology
But INVITATION is more than just a great looking car that's fun and frugal to drive. The concept packs some of the most advanced technology ever seen in the B-segment, all of which is designed to help drivers to be safe..
Among the features is Nissan's advanced Around View Monitor (AVM) safety technology - seen for the first time on a B segment car - which makes reversing and parallel parking as stress-free as possible. In addition, INVITATION also incorporates Nissan Safety Shield Technologies, which interact with the driving environment keeping the driver aware of what is happening around the car.
Conclusion
INVITATION's combination of energetic exterior style, thoughtful interior, advanced safety features and class-leading emissions, fuel economy and dynamic performance demonstrates Nissan's commitment to offering innovation and excitement to all car buyers, no matter what type of car they are looking to buy.
Paul Willcox, Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing in Europe, said: "Nissan has always been a key player in the B-segment and INVITATION shows the depth of our commitment to the small car market. The production version of INVITATION will offer buyers a superb combination of advanced technology, driving excitement and practicality in a compact package."
Pininfarina Cambiano Concept
Cambiano - a luxury electric sports saloonA perfect combination of design, art and technology that embodies Italian style and respect of the environment
It is a new approach to luxury in the car, according to Pininfarina's school of thought. The Cambiano is launched today, a concept car that is elegant and sporty, refined and comfortable. An enticing combination of pure, cutting edge design and uncompromising engineering that respects the environment in both in the engine and in the choice of materials.The Cambiano is an expression of Pininfarina today, embodying all the company's skills in terms of style, planning and research in the field of sustainable mobility. It is no coincidence that its chosen name is that of the town where Pininfarina has its headquarters. In 2012 the company celebrates a dual anniversary: the 30th anniversary of the Style Centre, which was set up in Cambiano in 1982 as "Pininfarina Studi e Ricerche", and the 10th anniversary of the Engineering Centre, which was inaugurated there in 2002, adding contract engineering to its activities of styling and niche design/production, and concentrating cutting edge technological tools and a team of outstanding specialists in one place.
The luxury sports saloon embodies the innovative archetypes of Pininfarina design in full. Another example was a milestone in the company's history, the Florida II, a concept car of 1957 which the founder Pinin Farina conceived and built for his own personal use, a saloon-coupé with an architecture and line that influenced global production for many years. In a way, it was Pininfarina's first real concept car.
Today, in 2012, the Cambiano redefines and reinterprets the ideas that are the basic tenets of Pininfarina design: harmonious proportions, taut lines and fluid surfaces, and a simple element that extends all along the side to underline its dynamism. The result is a very strong visual impact, emphasised by an extremely pure, aerodynamic shape based on essential and purely functional stylistic elements.
The Cambiano breaks with the general trend of design that is overloaded with elements, and confidently embraces the return of pure form as the absolute value, in the best "tradition" of Italian Style, reflecting the deepest essence of Pininfarina Design.
The Cambiano reveals its true character at first glance, starting from the unconventional layout of the doors: on the driver's side the car is a sports coupe with a single door, but on the passenger side there are two doors that open from the centre with no central pillar. This simplifies access and makes the most of the spacious, luminous passenger compartment.
The Cambiano is an expression of the car as a global project, and there is total consistency between every detail of the exterior and interior design, and between the colours, materials and the use of technology. Elegance and formal harmony blend in the association of complementary values: balance and contrast, the relation between full and empty, between solid and transparent. Formal purity and simplicity become elements of iconic design.
The proportions of the Cambiano convey dynamism and fluidity, thanks to the low tapered front and the light, fleeting rear-mounted cabin. The body of the car is one of simple, solid volumes, with large taut but sensual surfaces, enhanced by the innovative golden grey colour and iridescent blue reflections specifically developed for this project by Standox (r). The metal inserts in the sides are a new take on decorative mouldings and they continue all along the side glazing, incorporating the lighting and opening functions of the doors. The large honeycomb roof is ethereal and transparent and completes the body of the car, imparting a sense of solidity and of elegant refinement.
The front, with its clean, essential design, returns to a motif that is typical of Pininfarina: headlights incorporated into the grille and protruding wheel arches. The grille also incorporates a dynamic opening that is an air inlet for the turbo. The LED front headlights are simple "blocks" of pure, crystalline light. The tail lights and side indicators are almost intangible: only the light exists, appearing as if by magic on the surface of the bodywork. In the purest spirit of Pininfarina, the essentiality of the form becomes a very elegant expression of pure function.The light is an integral part of the Cambiano design concept, inside and out. The relationship with natural light is simplified by the panoramic roof, which is translucent in some areas and transparent in others. With a carbon honeycomb structure mounted between the outside glass and a polycarbonate inner lining, the roof enhances visibility in the car - heightening the sense of luminosity and space inside.
The light is not only a natural element, but also emphasises the sensory experience of the passenger compartment thanks to a refined and functional lighting system, which exploits light channels inserted into the ceiling, the doors and the floor. The Cambiano is the first car to incorporate into the passenger compartment a contemporary video-art projection, created specifically by the Spanish artist Javier Fernandez with a very personal language of manipulated, overlapping images. The work is projected onto the ceiling where it can be enjoyed by rear seat passengers during the drive. Contemporary art, a pre-eminent feature of luxury, is thus incorporated into the concept of the car, leaving behind its elite aura and becoming accessible.
The complementarity between apparently contrasting elements is also expressed in the interior. Natural materials contrast with sophisticated details, and the physicality of pure matter with the immateriality of the most advanced forms of communication, which simplify the interaction between the driver and the car and his surroundings. It is a fascinating mixture of luxury craftsmanship and innovation: exclusive materials and outstanding manual work combined with the use of advanced technologies and innovative concepts.
Elegant and modern design converges in the interior with comfort, ergonomics and environmental sustainability, maintaining the same stylistic approach of the exterior. Fluid, sensual surfaces, a light, essential environment, with clearly defined functional zones: interactive controls and surfaces turned towards the driver, a more comfortable and tactile area for the other passengers. A fine, light facia, light but enveloping front seats suspended between the consoles and the sill, in a delicate balance between solid and hollow designed to create tension. The asymmetrical access to the passenger compartment determines the leaf structure of the two rear seats, which are almost suspended in the car, where occupants enjoy an environment that is made more comfortable and refined by the generous legroom. The interior is upholstered with Foglizzo leather, personalised in certain points with a special diamond point punched patter. The leather used on the Cambiano was chosen from the Pininfarina Leather Collection for Foglizzo, a collection of personalised natural and imitation leathers developed by the two Turin companies. The uprights and door panels are upholstered with polylactic acid, a plastic derived from sugar substances, treacle and milk serum, a solution that reduces the use of petroleum.
Like the entire lower part of the passenger compartment, the perfectly flat floor is made of recycled wood. This is the strongest and most typical element of the interior of the Cambiano, the fusion of matter and transformation, technological research and respect of cultural and environmental values. A choice dictated by the discovery of a wonderful material, which is both poor and noble: the wood of the "briccole", the poles of European oak used to indicate the navigation channels and moorings inside the Venice lagoon. Riva1920, a historical Italian producer of solid wood furniture that has been working with Pininfarina Extra for over ten years, had the brilliant idea of recuperating the wood of these 12 metre poles, thousands of which are replaced every year. The wood is marked by the lagoon water and by marine microorganisms, which come alive again, creating a new manufact that is destined to last. Following the same principle, Riva1920 has created all the wooden elements for the interior of the Cambiano, using numerical control milling machine followed by manual final polishing and oiling. The result is surprising and evocative. The material is about to embark on its third lease of life, and it reveals its unique texture and the wear and tear of passing time: the holes made by the marine molluscs are still visible on the surface. Not only. This complex, delicate technological craftsmanship makes the interior of the Cambiano something unique that expresses an outstanding level of creativity and experience, thanks to this eco-friendly re-use of a natural, discarded material with the enormous evocative force of the huge cultural, emotional and artistic dimension attributed to Venice all over the world.
The atmosphere of extreme refinement in the car is underlined by another precious detail in the instrumentation: the timepiece manufactured in Limited Edition by the Swiss watchmaker Bovet 1822. This "Cambiano" Chronograph designed by Pininfarina can be removed from the dashboard and worn as a wristwatch, or used as a sports timer and even a table clock, due to its convertible concept.
The instrumentation of the driving position is divided into three priority zones according to use: the car's functions and performance, navigation and comfort, multimedia and connections. The main display shows the power delivered by the 4 electric motors backed up by the turbine, the battery charge and the fuel gauge, the total range and the range with all-electric operation, the driving mode (Ecocity, Snow/Ice, Efficiency, Sport, Drifting), and the speedometer. The driver monitors the navigator, the warning messages and the multimedia functions on the secondary display. The "swap" control transfers the navigator and other functions to the central display and vice versa. And a touch pad gives access to the interactive instrumentation and climate control. The driver controls the lights and the gear selector on the steering wheel, while the "Start" control and a device holder are on the centre tunnel.
The attention paid to detail is evident from the work carried out on the tyres. For the Cambiano Pininfarina specifically developed with Fate, Argentina's largest tyre production and exporting company, the first tyre for top of the range cars, Concept Tyre, from Eximia by Pininfarina. Fate's experts engineers contributed with precise studies and creative capability, making possible a further step in design, technology and security.Concept Tyre, from Eximia by Pininfarina, synthesizes the last progresses in the search of perfection: environmental care, superior constructive quality, and an advanced esthetic model.
CAMBIANO: new architecture, a generous range and maximum attention to environmental sustainability
The Cambiano also sets new parameters for eco-sustainability in the high performance luxury car segment, its strong points include electric drive which guarantees zero emissions in the urban cycle and a range with all-electric operation that is higher than any offered on the market today. And how could it be otherwise on a concept car from Pininfarina, whose genes have always included sustainable mobility, now one of the pillars of the company's industrial plan?
Pininfarina was concentrating on aerodynamics and alternative sources of energy as early as the 1970s: for example, with prototypes like the CNR Energetica 1 or Ecos, the first electric car developed by Pininfarina. In the 1990s Pininfarina offered new solutions with the Ethos, a family of 3 cars with an aluminium chassis, a body of recyclable resin, and an innovative combustion engine with low emissions, culminating in 1995 with the Ethos 3EV, another zero emissions car. More recently Pininfarina engineers turned their attention to research into hybrid vehicles with the Eta Beta and Metrocubo projects, the focussing on safety in 2004 with the Nido. In 2008 the Sintesi proposed a futuristic concept cap supplied by 4 fuel cells (one per wheel). Which brings us to the present: the BlueCar in 2008, the Nido EV in 2010 and the Hybus in 2011, a project to convert buses currently equipped with Euro 0-1-2 engines into buses with serial hybrid power packs.
This consolidated technological expertise and the ability to manage cutting-edge projects with great flexibility and innovation are expressed in the Cambiano. The perfect integration of the styling and engineering activities has produced an extended range plug-in electric car that combines top performance and roominess with the comfort of a luxury car and total respect of the environment. The type of engine chosen and the position of the battery pack in the rear of the car (under the luggage compartment) have created a vehicle architecture with a perfectly flat floor, that is regular and low, guaranteeing excellent access, liveability on board and a lower centre of gravity.
The drive system is based on four electric motors, one for each wheel, and the respective deceleration unit. The four motors, which are produced by Magneti Marelli, are mounted on the front and rear frames and each delivers a continuous supply of 60 kW with peaks of 150 kW for a total of 600 kW maximum power output, with torque of 640 Nm. Each motor is controlled separately and electronically to guarantee various functions, including energy regeneration when decelerating and braking, traction control with the option of continuously varying the torque split between the wheels independently (Vectoring Stability Program) and anti-lock braking assistance. The traction control strategies make the vehicle even more enjoyable to drive, guaranteeing outstanding performance and maximum safety over all types of routes.
The drive system incorporates an APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) to charge the batteries and, when necessary, to supply energy directly to the motors: this is a 50 kW Bladon Jets micro turbine which normally runs on diesel but which can be calibrated to be compatible with various types of fuel. In addition to this advantage, the turbine is smaller than those of piston engines with a similar power delivery, it weighs just 40 kg, and generates low polluting emissions. The micro turbine chosen for the Cambiano has technical features that make it particularly quiet and vibration-free, enhancing comfort for passengers. This type of extended range electric drive is thus amply in line with EURO 6 legislation, and is already compatible with possible evolutions (EURO 7 ready).
The battery pack developed by FAAM is installed between the seats and the rear axle, where it is protected from possible collisions and easily replaced during servicing. The battery is of the high power, high energy density lithium ion type, has a capacity of 50 kW/h, a peak power delivery of 500 kW, and can be recharged in 6 hours using a 6 Kw/h grid and in 52 minutes with the APU. Combined with the micro turbine, it guarantees a range of 205 km in the urban cycle in all-electric mode, and a total range in the NEDC(New European Driving Cycle) mixed cycle of over 800 km in extended range mode, higher than that of luxury sports cars with conventional drive systems. The battery is the fruit of FAAM's experience in the development of lithium batteries. FAAM's research into lithium ion cells will make it possible in the short term to achieve specific energy density values that are more than double those of lithium ion batteries currently on the market. This, associated with a larger specific power reserve, will make it the ideal solution for future electric cars. This result has been made possible by the improvement in the specific capacity of the electrodes: current anodic and cathodic materials are replaced by materials with a higher specific capacity, cells with high potential cathodes based on lithium nickel manganese oxide, LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4, with a spinel structure.
The composition of the pack is simplified by the small size of each cell, which allows for a certain amount of flexibility and adaption when installed on the vehicle. The battery case was designed to respect current crash test standards and it complies with ISO 26262 vehicle safety regulations. The battery is liquid cooled and protected by an insulating casing that guarantees that it will function in all use conditions, with a temperature range of da -20° C to +60° C. Battery functioning is monitored by a BMS (Battery Management System) unit, which verifies that the individual cells operate within the established normal functioning range. In the event of a malfunction, the battery is immediately isolated from the rest of the vehicle.
The CAMBIANO's generous range was achieved by the innovative drive system, by focussing attention on aerodynamic efficiency, obtained in the Pininfarina Wind Tunnel, and by a significant weight reduction: the Cambiano weighs 1695 kg empty, an excellent result if we consider the size of the car. The chassis is light, resistant and modular, comprising a carbon fibre cell for occupants and two aluminium modules, one at the front and one at the rear, which act as crumple cells, absorbing impact and supporting all the mechanical parts. This engineering solution allows the same modules to be used for an entire family of derived vehicles. The central cell can be built with materials and dimensions that will allow it to adapt to the various requirements of cost, manufacturing volumes and furnishings of the cabin of a future derived vehicle. The front and rear structural modules will also adapt effectively to different wheelbases and tracks.
Where the energy management system is concerned, the objective is to minimise consumption and polluting emissions into the atmosphere, keeping turbine operating times to a minimum. This is triggered automatically when the battery charge falls below 20% of maximum capacity and turns off automatically when the speed is below 50 km/h (like restricted traffic areas in city centres). When necessary, the driver can activate or de- activate the turbine manually. On the road, the need to generate energy with the micro turbine will depend on how the vehicle is used, on the type of route (urban, rural, out of town) and on traffic. This information can be obtained by GPS navigator. The turbine can be controlled ready to generate a certain calculated quantity of energy, trying to keep its ignition and operating times to a minimum.
The Cambiano also delivers road-holding at physical limits in all road conditions and types of use. The driver can choose his preferred driving mode using a selector lever. For example, the Ecocity mode zeros local emissions, activates exclusively electric drive and excludes the turbine. In Snow/Ice mode, the load sensors on the four suspension units calculate the available friction coefficient: this automatically limits performance. Efficiency mode regulates the acceleration and top speed to maximise the range, but does not penalise enjoyment excessively. The Sport mode makes driving more exciting, accelerating from 0 to 100 in 4.2 sec, and limits the continuous top speed to 250 km/h. And finally, with Drifting mode, the individual control of the electric motors artificially sets the behaviour of the limited slip differentials. It is also possible to adjust the front/rear drive split so that the vehicle can be driven in rally mode, underlining the entertainment of driving on snow-covered or dirt roads.
PARTNERS
APP TECH - Rims
BLADON JETS - Turbine studies
BOVET - Watch
FAAM - Batteries
FATE - Concept Tyre, from Eximia by Pininfarina: vanguard asymmetrical tread band; ultra-low profile;
dimensions: front axis 245/35 R 21, back axis 265/35 R21; Green System technology: low rolling resistance,
to contribute with the environment.
FERNANDEZ JAVIER - Videoart
FOGLIZZO - Leather upholstery (Foglizzo Nabuk PN 5/N Griffir, Foglizzo Classic Lord Leather LD011 and
Foglizzo Leather PN 11 Lily White)
GF AGIECHARMILLES - Laser etchings on aluminium mouldings and plexiglass components
IEE - Internal instrumentation (Human Machine Interface)
MAGNETI MARELLI - Electric motors/Inverters/Control electronics
RIVA 1920 - Wooden interior parts
RÖHM ITALIA - Plexiglas®
STANDOX-DUPONT - Paints
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Hyundai i-oniq Concept
Concept model is an electric sports hatchback with range-extender
Demonstrates next evolution of Hyundai’s fluidic sculpture design language
Hyundai has unveiled its latest European concept car, named i-oniq, at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, showcasing new technology and design which present an impression of the company’s future thinking.
The 4,4 meters long i-oniq is an electric sports hatchback with a range-extending petrol engine. Intended to convey the latest thinking from Hyundai’s designers and engineers, the i-oniq evolves the company’s fluidic sculpture form language and represents bold ‘New Possibilities’ with its futuristic powertrain.
Exterior design: inspiration and evolution
The i-oniq concept car, designed and developed at Hyundai’s European R&D centre in Germany, is an evolution of the company’s signature design language, fluidic sculpture.
Hyundai designers chose dynamic proportions to create i-oniq’s aesthetic and functional body shape. Its design combines gentle feature lines and muscular surface treatment, conveying premium and athletic qualities evident in both the exterior and interior of the car.
Thomas Bürkle, Chief Designer at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre, commented, “Two arched curves are the key theme behind i-oniq, creating a strong and playful contrast between sharp character lines and soft but muscular features. The profile lines of the front fender run from front to back, emphasising i-oniq’s coupé appearance, while offering maximum visibility to occupants.”
Further design elements, such as the ‘penthouse roof’ and LED headlights, emphasise the advanced technology encased within i-oniq.
The roof is a unique design solution that ensures great space for rear passengers and contributes to the overall dynamic appearance. The car’s doors open up to the side: innovative, weight-optimized door and seat kinematics make entering the car’s front and rear seats a simple manoeuvre.
The headlights emphasise the advanced technology of i-oniq. A uniquely-shaped polished aluminium frame houses the day-time running light and forms a unique signature light element.
Futuristic interior and complete connectivity
Fittingly for a sporty hatchback, the cabin layout is driver-oriented, with the dashboard and centre-console geometry based around the driver. The user-interface components reflect contemporary and future consumer electronics technology such as movement control mounted on the steering wheel, floating instrument cluster with multi-layered projection, and a large background display for navigation, entertainment and other information.
The rear cabin area has been designed as a ‘cosy lounge area’ to ensure maximum occupant comfort, creating a positive contrast to the sports-orientated front area. Use of luxurious interior materials, as well as futuristic interface components, further expresses the evolution of fluidic sculpture within the car.
Electric vehicle with extended range powertrain
The i-oniq is powered by an innovative 1,0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine generating a maximum of 45 kW (61 ps). This unit is mated to an 80 kW (109 ps) lithium-ion electric motor which is powered by a 55 kW generator, via a single ratio gearbox.
In electric-only mode, i-oniq can travel 120 km (74 miles) and up to 700 km (435 miles) with the assistance on the petrol engine, emitting only 45 g/km of CO2emissions. The concept can reach a top speed of 145 km/h.
Specifications
Engine
1,0-litre, 3-cylinder gasoline engine (45 kW)
Motor
80 kW
Power output
80 kW (109 ps)
Wheelbase
2.650 mm
Overall length
4.432 mm
Overall width
1.916 mm
Overall height
1.400 mm
Tires
Dunlop
CO2
45 g/km
Steering wheel
Touch sensor with motion-control system
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