“People expect Jaguar to be innovators – that is when Jaguar is at its best,” said Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar Brand Director. “The C-X75 received an incredible reception as a concept car. We’ve been building on that momentum and there is a clear business case for this exclusive halo model. No other vehicle will better signify Jaguar’s renewed confidence and excellence in technological innovation than this.”

Project C-X75 will be the ultimate expression of Jaguar design and engineering innovation. This high-performance hybrid supercar will stay true to the initial concept design study that made its debut at the 2010 Paris motor show, while fulfilling requirements that allow it to be homologated for road use.

“We were always determined that the Jaguar C-X75 would be as striking on the road as it was in concept form,” said Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar Cars. “This will be the finest looking and most innovative Jaguar ever produced. Even in the world of supercars, we can still produce the most beautiful.”

In an unprecedented move, Jaguar C-X75 will be developed in association with Williams F1 who will provide their engineering expertise in areas including aerodynamics, carbon composite manufacture and hybrid technologies. This association will be at the leading edge of British automotive engineering and innovation.

“Confirmation of this project today signposts Jaguar Land Rover’s continued determination to embrace new technologies,” said Jaguar Land Rover CEO, Dr. Ralf Speth. “A supercar like the C-X75 is the logical choice to showcase cutting-edge design, intelligent use of new environmental technologies and motorsport-inspired performance.”

It also marks a new milestone in both companies’ histories as Jaguar Land Rover and Williams collaborate for the first time to produce one of the world’s highest performance and environmentally sustainable supercars. The production of Jaguar C-X75 will create more than one hundred highly-skilled jobs in the UK.

A direct technology transfer between elite motorsport and road-going production cars is key to C-X75′s success. The supercar’s chassis will be made of carbon-fiber to create an incredibly lightweight, yet rigidly strong structure.

Aiding the transition from concept to production vehicle is the choice of powertrain. Jaguar continues to develop the use of the micro-turbine technology that was showcased in the original concept C-X75. Jaguar’s parent company Tata has taken a significant stake in Bladon Jets, and will develop this very advanced technology as a medium-term aspiration that will play a part in Jaguar vehicles of the future.

To bring Project C-X75 to showroom reality within the timescales of a conventional model program, an equally innovative powertrain had to be developed. The road-going supercar will use a state-of-the-art, small-capacity, highly-boosted internal combustion engine with one powerful electric motor at each axle.

“The engine’s compact size allows it to be mounted low in the car for optimum weight distribution and to retain the concept’s stunning silhouette. This will make the Jaguar C-X75 a bona fide hybrid supercar capable of silent electric running with an extensive EV range in excess of 50km,” explained Bob Joyce, Group Engineering Director, Jaguar Land Rover.

When C-X75′s motors and combustion engine combine, it will be one of the fastest production cars in the world, with a sub-three second 0-60mph time and a top speed in excess of 200mph. Crucially, this performance will be generated alongside incredibly low emissions, with a target of less than 99g/km CO2, thanks to Project C-X75′s lightweight construction and cutting-edge powertrain technology.

Williams F1 has been at the forefront of motorsport engineering for three decades. The project engagement on Jaguar C-X75 is testament to the team’s ambitions and will bring together two leading lights of the UK motoring industry.

“Our new association with Jaguar Land Rover provides us with an exciting opportunity to work with one of the motoring world’s most famous and iconic brands,” said Sir Frank Williams, Chairman of Williams F1. “Williams has always considered itself an engineering company and so this project will allow us to combine our technical expertise to create something truly exceptional.”

Jaguar C-X75 will redefine the customer experience, and will set new standards in sales and after-sales services that will be recreated across the range in the future. Only 250 examples will be built, each costing between 700,000 – 900,000 British pounds depending on market and local taxes.

“Never before has the company launched such an ambitious, world-beating vehicle program,” said Carl-Peter Forster, CEO Tata Motors. “This is the Jaguar of the future. The opportunity for innovation like this in the UK is part of the reason Tata Motors invested in Jaguar, and it’s fantastic that products like the C-X75 can become reality.”

Two new Soul Special Edition(1) concepts hint at future urban passenger vehicle variations

Success of first auto racing season in the U.S. inspires the Forte Koup Type R Concept

Arriving at the gateway to the 2010-2011 auto show season, Kia Motors America (KMA) is ready to roll at the 2010 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas with a diverse and attention-grabbing lineup of concept and production-intent vehicles to further showcase Kia’s eye-catching new generation of vehicles.  Additionally, following the success last year of its first road racing season in the U.S., including six top 10 finishes, KMA confirmed its plans to campaign the Kia Forte Koup in the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge in 2011, and unveiled the performance-inspired Kia Koup Type R Concept, built by Kinetic Motorsports.  Amid the activity and DJ-spun tunes at KMA’s SEMA Show display (#10803), show goers also are privy to a sneak preview of two all-new Soul Special Edition concept vehicles developed with production intent, while KMA also has teamed with fashion and lifestyle magazine Antenna for the second consecutive year to create “The Duel,” two custom Sportage CUVs that demonstrate the playful and professional aspects of the vehicle with a closet full of style options.

“Customization makes up the fabric of the SEMA Show and Kia’s design-led brand transformation has paved the way for us to showcase clever, design-inspired vehicles that are production capable,” said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing & communications, KMA.  ”Two more limited edition Soul vehicle concepts will artfully express the personalization options and fun available to consumers and tuners in the near future while our first year at the race track served as the inspiration for the exciting Koup Type R Concept.”

Soul White Tiger Concept

Building on the success and consumer interest in the four special edition Souls introduced over the past year, the Soul White Tiger Concept is a precursor to one of two all-new Soul special edition models planned for 2011.  A combination of value, safety and technology with plentiful standard equipment, the 2011 Soul White Tiger takes design cues from this year’s Asian Lunar year animal – the Tiger – and dramatically combines an all-white exterior with one-of-a-kind tiger-themed graphics and a contrasting jet black leather interior.

Soul White Tiger Concept builds off of the Soul+ (plus) model with fog lamps, body colored bumpers, sport spoiler, black fender vents, rear bumper cat claw appliqué, alloy fuel door and features white-finish 18-inch alloy wheels to complete its expressive look.  On the inside, the Soul White Tiger will captivate its passengers with its push-button start, black leather seating surfaces and heated front seats. A leather-wrapped steering wheel/shift knob and sport-styled floor mats with contrasting stitching and illuminated scuff plates add to the Soul White Tiger’s aggressive personality.  The Soul White Tiger will be arriving in Kia retail showrooms in the coming weeks.

Soul Hamstar Concept

After three million views online and the launch of their own “Hamstar™” apparel line, the hip and music-loving hamsters from Kia’s award-winning Soul ad campaign are making their presence known at SEMA with a Molten Red Soul concept vehicle featuring custom Hamstar artwork and interior appointments. The Hamstar Soul Concept stands out from the crowd with its custom red and black color scheme, highlighted by a “star” graphic with the signature Hamstar script logo on the hood and off-black matte finish stripes on the urban passenger vehicle’s sides that are reminiscent of vintage warm-up pants.  The exterior is dressed with black gloss and polished aluminum sport wheels for extra attitude and the all black interior includes red/black sport cloth seat materials with black chenille stars affixed to the back side of the front headrests. Special Hamstar sport floor mats and a rubberized Hamstar badge create an additional surprise design element.

A true game-changer for the Kia brand, the Soul was the first vehicle launched under KMA’s ongoing design-led transformation and kicked off the most aggressive new vehicle launch cycle in the automotive industry, which continues through 2011. The 2010 Soul has earned a trophy case full of prestigious awards and accolades since its launch, including earning a 2009 and 2010 “Top Safety Pick” from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), being a recipient of the “Best Family Cars for 2010″ designation by Edmunds.com and Parents Magazine, recognized as “Best Hatchback of 2010″ by Cars.com, achieving 2009 “Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000″ status from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, being named to the 2010 Ward’s AutoWorld “Interior of the Year” list, and being named one of the “Most Exciting Cars of 2010″ by TIME.com.

Forte Koup Type R Concept

Inspired by the excitement and competition Kia experienced in its inaugural season of racing in the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge, and with an eye on future production vehicle applications, the Kia Forte Koup Type R Concept confidently showcases the performance possibilities Kia’s first two-door coupe provides.  Developed by Kinetic Motorsports, who built and campaigns Kia’s Forte Koup race cars, the Type R features dramatically enhanced exterior panels that exaggerate the existing body lines, including the front fenders, rocker panels and rear quarter panels.  The Forte Koup Type R rolls on BBS RG 18-inch forged aluminum alloy wheels and racing-inspired tires and suspension components.  Inside, the Forte Koup Type R’s modified interior offers ergonomic improvements for the driver, while custom seat/door treatments and safety restraints reflect its sporty nature.  A short throw shift kit with Kinetic gear shift knob and carbon inlay complements the dampened composite fiber disc clutch to enhance the driving experience.

Kia Forte Hybrid Concept

Proving that a compact hybrid sedan can be anything but boring, the Kia Forte Hybrid Concept demonstrates styling options for those looking for an alternative to a mundane hybrid ride. Created by Kinetic Motorsports, the Hybrid Concept combines a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine fueled by liquefied petroleum gas (propane) and lithium polymer battery with accentuated design characteristics, including body panel enhancements and a lowered stance, to create a one-of-a-kind personality for the environmentally-friendly sedan. The Kia Forte Hybrid Concept is accentuated by cast aluminum alloy wheels and low-rolling resistance tires for improved fuel economy and reduced road noise. On the inside, interior panel treatments feature custom enhancements, while a 1200 watt Infinity®(2) audio system will entertain passengers.

“The Duel” Custom Kia Sportages by Antenna Magazine

Proving the 2011 Kia Sportage compact CUV can be both all business and all pleasure, KMA has again teamed with fashion and lifestyle magazine, Antenna, showcasing two custom Sportage concepts, created by Antenna, in “The Duel.”  One of the customized Sportages is aimed at the recreational enthusiast and the other toward the on-the-go professional with cool gadgets, technologies, features and materials to fully appeal to all sides of the everyday male.

The matte red “Play” Sportage concept presents the fun, active side of the everyday male with a vehicle perfectly designed to pursue his personal interests.  With new 20-inch MRR HR4 wheels, a custom Yakima® roof rack outfitted with a red and black Cannondale® QuikFX Bike with unique bike pedals and seat, drivers are able to stay active even at a moment’s notice.  An iPod Touch®(3) was molded into the center console for easy access to today’s latest news and music, while the cargo area was transformed into a tailgater’s dream with a custom-painted locker, motorized stainless steel barbeque grill and 22-inch LCD television.

For the tech-savvy professional on-the-go, the metallic blue “Work” Sportage concept is the perfect vehicle for business.  With a full closet and dressing station fitted nicely within Sportage’s spacious cargo area, the professional male has the option of up to two suits, five shirts and five belts for any work situation(4).

Design-Led Transformation and Product Line

Kia Motors is in the midst of a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand’s continued gains in U.S. market share.  Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technology such as the soon-to-come UVO powered by Microsoft(5) in-car hands-free entertainment system. The launches of the 2011 Sorento CUV, the first vehicle to be assembled* at Kia’s first U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia, the dynamic 2011 Sportage compact CUV, sophisticated 2011 Optima midsize sedan and versatile Forte 5-door hatchback further enhance the lineup.

Kia’s model year 2011 vehicle line includes the Sorento CUV, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio sub-compact sedan, Rio5 sub-compact hatchback and Sedona minivan.

(1) Special Edition Soul vehicles will have limited availability while supplies last.  Vehicles will not be available in all regions.  See dealers for details.

(2) Infinity is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Incorporated.

(3) iPod Touch® is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc.

(4) The specially designed Sportages customized by Antenna are not available as depicted at any Kia dealers. Use caution when customizing any vehicles because safety risks may be created and the vehicle warranty may be voided.

(5) Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

“The C-X75 is a tribute to the people who shaped the iconic Jaguars that are revered to this day. By making it an innovative test-bed for the technologies of tomorrow, it also ensures that our reputation for engineering excellence will continue for another 75 years and beyond.”

Mike O’Driscoll, Managing Director, Jaguar Cars

75 Years of Jaguar Design

The C-X75 hints at an exciting evolution of Jaguar’s design language while paying homage to some of its most admired cars of years gone by. Advanced design features such as a ground-breaking propulsion system and active aerodynamics allow for an elegantly simple fuselage section that remains stable at very high speeds.

The C-X75 is finished in Jetstream Silver, its designers staying true to the long-held Jaguar design philosophy of natural, flowing lines and simple, elegant forms. Where inspiration from the past was found is in the innovative engineering and functional design elements of cars like the 1950s C-Type and D-Type racers and unique 1966 XJ13 Le Mans prototype — a car described by Callum as “arguably the most beautiful Jaguar ever made.”

Shorter and lower than the current crop of supercars, its exterior design is about pure performance with a simple central fuselage surrounded by prominent wheel arches. Thanks to the packaging efficiencies provided by the absence of a conventional piston engine, the car’s designers had maximum freedom in placing the mechanical components and creating the most elegant engineering package available.

“The C-X75 is everything a Jaguar should be. It possesses remarkable poise and grace yet at the same time has the excitement and potency of a true supercar. You could argue this is as close to a pure art form as a concept car can get and we believe it is a worthy homage to 75 years of iconic Jaguar design.”

Ian Callum, Design Director, Jaguar Cars

Propulsion system

The 205mph (330km/h) four-wheel drive supercar is capable of running in purely electric (zero tailpipe emissions) mode for 68 miles (109km) on a six-hour domestic plug-in charge. The innovative, lightweight micro gas-turbines are also capable of very quickly and efficiently recharging the Lithium-ion batteries, giving the car a theoretical range of 560 miles (900km).

This remarkable range-extension system is a result of Jaguar’s research engineers adopting a clean-sheet approach to the question of powering the supercars of the future. The C-X75 turns to the very latest evolution of a pioneering British technology: the gas turbine.

Developed in partnership with Bladon Jets, the miniaturized turbine blade — the first viable axial-flow micro-turbine — increases the compression and efficiency of micro gas-turbines to the point at which they can be viewed as a realistic power source. Each of the micro gas-turbines weighs just 35kg and produces 94 bhp (70kW) of power at a constant 80,000rpm.

Power and control

The energy created by the turbines and stored in the batteries is transmitted to the road using four independent electric motors. Using individual motors has benefits in terms of weight-saving and distribution, packaging and efficiency. Each motor weighs just 50kg but produces 195bhp (145kW) of power and an astonishing combined total torque output of 1,180lb ft (1,600Nm).

Because each wheel is driven by its own electric motor, the C-X75 is four-wheel drive — with all the traction, grip and safety benefits that entails — without the weight disadvantages of a purely mechanical set-up. Inherent in this drivetrain is the ability to independently vector torque to each wheel across the full speed range. This offers potential benefits in terms of stability and control, creating an infinitely and instantaneously adjustable traction and stability control system.

Driver-focused cabin

With the seats fixed, the steering wheel, controls, main binnacle and pedal box all adjust towards the driver. The seats are attached to the bulkhead as in a single-seater racing car, and air to feed the turbines passes smoothly around them via channels in the structure of the body.

A new interface for the driver has also been created for the C-X75 using high-resolution TFT screens. Building on Jaguar’s 10-year expertise in touchscreen technology, the Jaguar Co-Pilot display in the centre console supports the driver in extracting the full potential of the C-X75 by seamlessly managing information.

The main driver information screen is housed within the instrument binnacle. Needles float on the periphery of the twin cowls and sweep round the outer edge to display the status and rpm of the two turbines. The design team combined designs from instrumentation in the new XJ saloon with those from fighter aircraft to create virtual 3D ‘gimbals’ around which the gauges wrap and rotate to provide status updates.

75 years of innovation

“Performance through innovation has always been a Jaguar trademark. From the beginning, cars such as the C-Type and D-Type pioneered aluminum construction, aerodynamic design, racing monocoques and disc brakes. The C-X75 demonstrates that Jaguar is still leading the field automotive design and technology. And will always continue to build beautiful, fast cars.”

Ralf Speth, Chief Executive Officer, Jaguar Land Rover

Advanced aluminum lightweight construction

Jaguar’s expertise in the use of aluminum stretches back more than 50 years to the first XK120s, through the lightweight E-Types, the XK and all-new 2010 XJ. It was with this latter creation that Jaguar fully realized the lightweight metal’s benefits to performance, agility, economy and sustainability in a luxury car.

The C-X75 naturally follows the same construction techniques with an extruded and bonded aerospace-inspired aluminum chassis clad in panels of the same material. Not only does this save weight, crucial in a car with an extreme performance envelope, but aluminum is one of the most easily recyclable metals available, boosting the C-X75′s sustainability as well as its speed.

Active Aerodynamics

Aerodynamics have always played a large part in Jaguar design with the late designer Malcolm Sayer elevating it into an art form in cars such as the XJ13, the prototype from which the C-X75 draws inspiration.

Jaguar has increased the design’s aerodynamic efficiency dramatically by opening the front grille and brake cooling vents only when necessary. At the rear corners of the car vertical control surfaces automatically engage at higher speeds to direct airflow aft of the rear wheels for increased stability and efficiency.

The carbon-fiber rear diffuser, a crucial element in guiding airflow under the car and creating downforce includes an active aerofoil, which is lowered automatically as speed increases. Vanes in the exhaust ports then alter the directional flow of the gases to further increase the effectiveness of the Venturi tunnel.

With eye-catching showcase in 2009 Shanghai Auto Show as a concept car only, Geely Intelligence (IG) this time is identified as a pioneering in-research model of Geely’s alternative vehicles. It is face lifted from former single door and 3+1 seat layout to double seagull-wing doors and 2+2 seat layout now, while remains its hybrid power and cost design.

Geely brings two electric vehicles this time — EK-1 and EK-2.EK-1 is lead-acid battery powered reaching 80km/h top speed and 80km range, and EK-2 is lithium iron phosphate battery powered with max. speed of 150km and range of 180km and can recharge 80% of battery capacity in 18mins.

In development of alternative power system, instead of restricting in one specific R&D direction, Geely diversified its development rating on different subjects during various time spans. According to related officer from Geely, currently, when various many factors are involved, in practical fleet, alternative fuel power is still but an option for the whole global auto industry, at least not such unified as the internal-combustion engine powered by petroleum. Considering this, on alternative fuel power solutions, Geely set its development mode of multiple propulsions ready to answer calls from both market needs and tomorrow challenges. Apart from battery electric vehicles, Geely showcase 1 vehicle model with GSC (Geely Intelligent Stop-Go System) and 2 models of GPEC (Geely Plug-in Electric Hybrid Vehicle) .

For plug-in hybrid electric power, a relatively mature alternative energy power technology, Geely has finished its application design in serial and parallel forms and ready for mass production. Geely’s EC7 is applied with GPECs(Geely Serial Plug-in Electric) with iron phosphate battery + 1.0 L engine, 60 km range when solely by battery, launch recently; EC8 is applied GPEC (Geely Plug-in Electric Hybrid Vehicle, parallel), good at fuel economy and dynamic performance, fitted with 2.4L engine to challenge international premium alternative energy vehicle.

Kia Ray features aerodynamic design, innovative technology and plug-in hybrid capabilities

Kia Ray utilizes roof top “cool-glazing” solar glass and a has a range of up to 746 miles

Kia Motors America (KMA) unveiled the Ray Plug-in Hybrid concept during a press conference at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, advancing momentum of Kia Motors’ global alternative fuel and powertrain research program, and its sub-brand coined “EcoDynamics,” to develop innovative fuel-stretching and emissions-cutting technologies. The most efficient Kia vehicles with significant fuel consumption and emission reductions developed under the EcoDynamics sub-brand will be identified with the EcoDynamics badge. Recently, the EcoDynamics sub-brand took a major step forward with the introduction of the Kia Borrego Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) followed by the Forte LPI Hybrid, the gasoline Kia cee’d Hybrid and the twin-turbo diesel Kia Sorento Hybrid.

As the world looks for more efficient vehicle designs that combine sophisticated and sleek lines with functionality and fuel economy, the Kia Ray concept is a bold new collaboration between design and engineering and inventively showcases a futuristic four-seat compact sedan based on the Kia Forte platform and demonstrates a prospective plug-in hybrid vehicle configuration from Kia. Designed with lightweight and recycled materials, as well as hexagonal roof-top solar cells embedded in the glass roof panel that power extra lighting or climate control systems, the Kia Ray is the fifth vehicle from the Irvine Calif.-based Kia Design Center America (KDCA) to be revealed in the last year. The latest design from KDCA follows award-winning Kia vehicles Soul, Forte, Forte Koup and the all-new 2011 Sorento CUV.

“It is important to imagine what people will want in the future from a green perspective early in the design process, because people want to reduce their carbon footprint without driving carbon copies,” said Peter Schreyer, chief design officer, Kia Motors Corporation. “Being green doesn’t have to be an obvious statement anymore and the Kia Ray exemplifies a viable blend of modern, eco-minded features for today’s environmentally conscious consumers.”

The stylish, aerodynamic Ray combines design and engineering for maximum efficiency, incorporating clean, flush surfaces minimizing any unneeded edges, a flowing profile and pronounced rear shoulder ending in a slightly high deck lid for reduced drag, touch-screen controls, drive-by-wire steering, “cool-glazing” solar glass and a lithium-polymer battery — all possible indicators of future technology from Kia. As a plug-in hybrid, Ray is designed to reach driving distances of more than 50 miles using its electric motor on a single charge, and has a fuel economy rating of more than 202 miles per gallon, and has a total range of 746 miles.

As part of Kia Motors’ EcoDynamics sub-brand, the Ray concept demonstrates a unique vision for eye-catching vehicles with the goal of reducing environmental footprints. Kia models will carry the EcoDynamics badge as they are progressively introduced, and are designed to deliver significant environmental benefits, these vehicles also will retain a sporty design, fun-to-drive performance and a strong appeal for the young-at-heart.

Striking Aircraft-Inspired Exterior Design

EcoDynamics is the overarching design philosophy applied to make the Kia Ray concept efficiently functional and striking in appearance. A lowered mono-volume shape and a strong, curvaceous silhouette gives the Kia Ray concept better aerodynamic properties than taller profile hybrid vehicles. Strong and lightweight materials are used to support the EcoDynamics philosophy starting with a tabbed LED Kia badge covered with a single piece of glass that extends over the hood and another piece of glass that extends from the cowl of the windshield to the rear header to offer occupants a spacious, airy feeling. An illuminated battery charge indicator display is hood-mounted, furthering the Kia Ray concept’s futuristic design. A tapering greenhouse cabin and a longer “tail” improve aerodynamics while reduction of drag is attained through a one-piece, smooth-as-glass, integrated underbody panel, narrow tire width and flush wheel design. Front driving lamps slide back to create openings for better air intake when the gasoline engine is being used and a sliding U-shaped deck-lid extends from the rear of the vehicle at higher speeds for improved coefficient of drag. In lieu of side-view mirrors and door handles, motion-detector cameras are mounted flush with the body for safe lane changing procedures and opening of doors. The result is an airframe on wheels. The front door opening features a forward cutout design for the feet allowing ease of entry. The rear door lines are very purposeful with rear-hinged coach doors, yet stylish because their height and shape improves ingress and egress.

The Ray employs new “cool car” technology, including nano-laminate films and cool-glazing materials applied to the concept to dramatically reduce solar heat and demonstrate how keeping the interior cool will reduce air conditioning loads and greenhouse emissions. When the vehicle is parked in the sun, the solar cells provide a trickle charge that helps operate a cooling fan to reduce interior temperatures.

Light and Airy Interior

Using the natural element of air as the design focus to convey feelings of pure, lightweight, breathable and refreshing, Ray’s interior is comprised of eco-friendly recycled materials in cool white tones to offer the passengers a sense of purity while also reflecting the heat of the sun, keeping the temperature down and reducing the use of air conditioner energy. Front and rear seats, mounted on side sills, create a floating effect with hollowed out elastomeric materials to support body weight, also made of lightweight composite materials.

Fresh and sustainable materials like wool flooring unite to create a simple yet sophisticated and comfortable cabin, with a lightweight touch screen instrument layout featuring touch screen push-button start and gear shift toggle. The center stack features the all-new Kia UVO powered by Microsoft® advanced infotainment system, which provides users with friendly voice- and touch-activated controls for simple management of music files and hands-free mobile phone operation.

Adding to the list of green technology features, Ray also employs the all-new GreenEdge(TM) system by Infinity® Audio, complete with loudspeakers that reduce power consumption and dissipation through lower self heating temperatures with increased acoustic performance, a better synergy between amplifier, speaker and vehicle. The amplifier used also reduces the idle power consumption by 50 percent of current Infinity speakers and employs a lower dissipation design for significant savings in overall weight.

With a focus to reduce overall weight through materials and design, the hexagon/honeycomb shape can be found throughout the cabin, used as a repeated design element while tying the interior theme together. Used also in the door inserts and seats, this lightweight and breathable mesh serves to reduce overall curb weight as well as being a unique design element. Other materials found in the cabin are soft to the touch with a matte finish, including white leather, offering a more luxurious feel while making the interior more inviting and tranquil. The 100-percent earthy mocha wool felt floors add a touch of warmth and also are environmentally friendly by coming from a renewable resource. Adding further to Ray’s green characteristics, the floor mats are incorporated into the design of the floor, greatly reducing the amount of material used.

Hybrid Architecture

The Ray Concept is designed to be powered by an all-aluminum 153-horsepower Gasoline Direct Injected (GDI) 1.4-liter engine mated to a permanently-engaged fixed ratio Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), used in combination with a 78kw electric motor. Depending on driving conditions, power is sent to the wheels from the gasoline engine, the electric motor, or both together. The Ray concept is front-wheel drive with a four-wheel independent suspension.

Furthering EcoDynamics innovation, the Ray concept’s advanced system is equipped with an engine-power saving alternator management system and a toggle gear-shift up/down indicator to encourage economical driving. Custom-designed low-rolling resistance with a hexagon pattern, narrow 20-inch (195/50R20) tires also improve Ray’s efficiency.

Source: Kia Motors America

The calendar is produced by Automotive Engineering International magazine, which is published by SAE International.

The calendar features outstanding, high-quality photographs and detailed technical information on 13 ultra-modern concept cars created by the industry’s leading automakers. The 13×15-inch, spiral-bound calendar includes a bonus month – January 2011.

“This is the ultimate calendar for all car enthusiasts,” said Kevin Jost, editorial director for SAE International. “The cars we selected are the ones that caused a buzz in the industry. They are definitely the cream of the crop.”

The featured cars are:
January: Lexus LF-Ch – Created to gauge the interest of young urbanites and consumer values in a compact luxury vehicle, it debuted at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.
February: Volkswagen L1 – A fuel-saving beast, the two-cylinder, diesel-powered “technology carrier” utilizes an electric motor to assist with acceleration, making it capable of getting 189 mpg.
March: Chevrolet Corvette Stingray – The classic American sports car is featured on the cover of our calendar and is March’s poster car. The 50th Anniversary edition debuted at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show and stars as Sideswipe in the motion picture, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.
April: Lincoln Concept C – The Concept C has the interior roominess of the classic 1961 Lincoln Continental, but at half its ancestor’s length. The interior trim is made of recycled driftwood and uses an avatar named “Eva” as a human-machine interface.
May: Hyundai HSC-1 – Completed on the eve of the 2009 Seoul International Motor Show, the Hyundai designers were told to “break the boundaries and be daringly creative” in creating the HSC-1. They were.
June: Honda Skydeck – Unveiled for the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, the futuristic Skydeck is the next generation of the minivan, a “multi-purpose 6-seater.”
July: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics – The 2+2 sports car combines the performance of a BMW M vehicle with the economy and emissions of a small car. A three-cylinder diesel, a hybrid synchronous motor on the front wheels, and a full hybrid rear system provide 356 horsepower.
August: Citroen Revolte – This plug-in hybrid city car debuted at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. The sporty Revolte measures a city friendly 12-feet-4-inches long and 4-feet-4-inches high.
September: Mercedes-Benz Concept BlueZERO – The Concept BlueZERO, which was on display at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, is a harbinger for
Mercedes-Benz’ small-car future in which multiple vehicles are based on a single, flexible architecture.
October: Mopar Jeep Lower Forty – Mopar, Chrysler’s in-house aftermarket parts operation, took the Jeep Wrangler platform to a new extreme. The Jeep sports 40 x 13.5-inch tires on 20-inch forged aluminum wheels.
November: Infiniti Essence – This stylish concept was unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show to celebrate Infiniti’s 20th anniversary. The front-engine, two-seat coupe is fitted with twin turbochargers and direct injection to boost 434 horsepower.
December: Audi e-tron – The e-tron electric concept from the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show has an Audi Superframe aluminum alloy chassis and
carbon fiber reinforced composite body – a combination that will be used in an Audi production vehicle.
January 2011: Renault Dacia Duster – This image-building crossover combines elements of a sporty coupe with multi-purpose functionality, with traditionally opening front doors and rear-hinged rear doors.

Source: SAE International, www.sae.org

The Nissan V2G was announced as the winner of the Los Angeles Auto Show’s 2009 Design Challenge. This year’s theme, Youthmobile 2030, asked automotive design studios to envision what a new generation of drivers – raised with cell phones, online communities and webcams – will demand from their vehicles in the year 2030.

The Nissan V2G (Vehicle to Grid), was chosen for its holistic approach in answering the future’s design questions. With the consensus that the future will be much more integrated, the V2G offered a great vehicle design that took environmental aspects into consideration.

“The scope of this year’s concepts and designs – from the initial sketches to the final presentations – were very impressive,” said Chuck Pelly, director of Design Los Angeles and partner in The Design Academy, Inc. “In the end, it came down to which team had the most inventive and solution-oriented design. Nissan’s designers showed passion and were able to create the ultimate Youthmobile for 2030 with their V2G design.”

Entries were judged by multi-discipline design professionals who selected the winner based on its originality of creative concept, integration of futuristic design elements and level of adaptation to the needs of the youth consumer in 2030. All of the Youthmobile 2030 entries delivered a great variety of answers to the question posed by this year’s Design Challenge. However, the Nissan’s V2G design was most distinguished with its combination of story and design.

The design studios for Audi, GM, Honda, Mazda, Nissan and Toyota reached 21 years into the future and designed their interpretation of the Youthmobile 2030. Designs ranged from vehicles that incorporate human DNA allowing changes in the shape, color and materials to vehicles that link into a mass transit system where drivers not only share the commute but trade music and compare class schedules.

The Design Challenge has become a highly anticipated competition where auto manufacturers’ Southern California design studios battle against each other to flex their creativity. Designers enjoy participating in the challenge because it is a strong venue to showcase their talents and further explore new ideas in automotive design.

Design Challenge

The Design Challenge is part of the Design Los Angeles automobile designers’ conference that is held every year during the Los Angeles Auto Show press days, Dec. 2 and 3, 2009. For the last six years a new Design Challenge theme is chosen and the major Southern California Automotive Design Studios battle against each other to showcase their talents and further explore new ideas in automotive design. The Design Los Angeles Conference also gives designers access to design industry leaders and provides the opportunity to address common industry issues.

Source: LA Auto Show

As timeless as hanging out at the mall, automobiles have played an important role in young people’s social lives, have acted as a means of self-expression and more importantly a necessary tool for interacting with friends. Today, communication technology is changing how we connect and perhaps even the role the car plays in young people’s lives.

Southern California design studios will envision what a new generation of drivers, raised with cell phones, online communities and webcams will demand from their vehicles in the year 2030.

The design studios for Audi, GM, Honda, Mazda, Nissan and Toyota reached 21 years into the future and designed their interpretation of Youthmobile 2030. Designs range from vehicles that incorporate human DNA allowing changes in the shape, color and materials to vehicles that link into a mass transit system where drivers not only share the commute but trade music and compare class schedules.

Entries will be judged by Tom Matano, Director of Industrial Design at San Francisco’s Academy of Art University; Imre Molner, Dean of Detroit’s College for Creative Studies; Stewart Reed, Chair, Transportation Design, Pasadena’s Art Center College of Design and Jason Hill, Principal of Eleven, LLC and Designer of the Aptera electric and plug-in hybrid/electric vehicle.

“Automotive designers have always been fascinated with the next generation of drivers and this year’s Design Challenge has provided them with the opportunity to use their creative talents to revisit the concept of ‘the car’ with new eyes, using the hottest technologies to both explore and fulfill the needs of young people,” said Chuck Pelly, director of Design Los Angeles and partner in The Design Academy, Inc.

Entries in this year’s Youthmobile 2030 Design Challenge include:

Volkswagen/Audi of America Design Center California – The Audi eOra and eSpira are an accessible representation of freedom and coming of age. Like a downhill skier, the eOra carves the roadscape with precision by constantly adapting to the driver’s movements and intentions. Using next generation vehicle control logic, the eSpira takes even the smallest body movements and gestures of the driver into consideration and synchronizes them with the vehicle to result in unmatched agility and responsiveness.

General Motors Advanced Design – The Car Hero turns driving into gaming and challenges the driver’s skills against the car’s autonomous system. Once you enter your destination into the navi app on your smart phone, you can play against the vehicle to “win” complete control over the system and gain access to increasingly outrageous driving scenarios.

Honda Research and Development, North America – Using insight gained from the human genome, the Honda Helix redefines individuality and how a driver connects to his or her vehicle over time. The Helix incorporates human DNA with adaptive polymers that allow changes in the car’s shape, color and materials. Tri-axis movement allows adaptation and reaction to specific environments and traffic patterns.

Mazda R & D of North America – The Mazda Souga is the epitome of personal branding. Young entrepreneurs can create their own vehicles on VMazda, a virtual reality Web site that acts as a design playground. With the help of a virtual design mentor, each car is guaranteed to be affordable, eco-friendly and purely driver-focused.

Nissan Design America - The V2G is Nissan’s eco-neutral commuter car for 2030. Its combination of dynamic styling and quality construction creates a top-of-the-line electric machine that can be modified to fit the needs and desires of its owner.

Toyota’s Calty Design Research – The Toyota LINK is a customizable, mass transit vehicle for students that seamlessly links onto a transportation social network. “LINK SKINZ” can be downloaded to digitally transform the vehicle’s shape into a personalized exterior design while “LINK SPHERES,” wheels made of an electro-conductive material, convert friction into energy that recharges the batteries.

The Design Challenge is part of the Design Los Angeles automobile designers’ conference that is held every year during the Los Angeles Auto Show press days, Dec. 2 & 3, 2009. For the last six years a new Design Challenge theme is chosen and the major Southern California Automotive Design Studios battle against each other to showcase their talents and further explore new ideas in automotive design. The Design Los Angeles Conference also gives designers access to design industry leaders and provides the opportunity to address common industry issues.

Source: Los Angeles Auto Show

Subaru Performance Tuning (SPT®), Subaru of America’s in house performance division, built a custom Impreza WRX® STI® and Legacy® VIP concept especially for the 2009 SEMA Show. The WRX STI by SPT demonstrates what a WRX STI owner can build at home using just the SPT catalog as a source for bolt-on parts. The WRX STI by SPT offers more power along with even sharper handling response, making it the ideal machine for high style street performance or track driving.

The Legacy VIP is a one-of-a-kind vehicle inspired by the VIP rides found on the streets of Tokyo, Los Angeles and New York. It uniquely blends parts from SPT and the Japanese domestic market (JDM) with custom features for the “full VIP treatment.” VIP is a style known for a clean, yet heavily reworked, luxury theme with an emphasis on impossibly low ride height and huge, aggressively styled wheels.

Those connected to this scene don’t say “V-I-P” but rather call it “bippu” in a nod to its Japanese roots. “Traditional” VIP rides are based on rear-wheel drive vehicles; the Subaru Legacy VIP breaks the mold by applying the look to an all-wheel drive sedan with an extra dose of East Coast flair.

The third vehicle announced for Subaru’s SEMA display is also one-of-a-kind: A special SPT delivery van that promises to deliver go-fast parts very slowly. That’s because it only has 25 horsepower.

The 1969 micro van (emphasis on “micro”) was one of the first models sold by Subaru of America. Its two-cylinder, two-stroke engine musters 25.3 lb.-ft. of torque. Less than 10 feet long and barely more than four feet wide, the Subaru micro van could be used to deliver SPT parts inside Subaru’s headquarters campus. Nearly as impressive as its 66-MPG economy is the patience needed to drive it for 66 miles.

2010 Subaru WRX STI by SPT

The drivetrain in the WRX STI by SPT is essentially stock, which means a 2.5 liter DOHC, 16 valve, turbocharged and intercooled 4-cylinder Subaru Boxer® engine with Dual Active Valve Control System. Backed by a 6-speed close ratio manual transmission, it gets power to the road via Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD), limited slip helical front differential and TORSEN® rear differential.

The engine remains stock, including 14.7 PSI max. boost. An SPT exhaust system boosts horsepower to 315 hp @ 6,000 RPM (up from the stock 305), while peak torque remains stock at 290 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 RPM. There is also an SPT turbo heat shield. For that extra dose of style under the hood, the car features an SPT billet oil cap v2.0 and SPT billet battery hold down v2.0; an STI front lip spoiler and SPT exhaust finishers complete the look.

The stock WRX STI is already a master of the curves; the WRX STI by SPT ups the handling ante with readily available accessories: 19 x 8.5-in. Prodrive® GT2 wheels are finished in Glitter Gold and wear Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 245/35R19 performance tires. Suspension is tweaked with STI performance springs, an SPT strut tower brace and an SPT lower chassis brace.

Interior appointments and electronics are geared to what the average enthusiast can afford and use. So, you won’t find half a dozen 10-inch LCDs scattered around the interior. An SPT boost gauge, a media hub digital music integration system and an auto-dimming mirror with transflective display and HomeLink® transmitter, are all available from the SPT catalog. Final touches include an STI shift knob and all-weather floor mats (because Subaru drivers aren’t afraid of the weather.)

Subaru Legacy 2.5GT VIP

The 2010 Legacy is all-new, built on a new platform that increases room and comfort while preserving the agility and fun-to-drive spirit of the previous model. Its new midsize roominess and comfort make Legacy an ideal candidate for the VIP (“bippu”) treatment. This transformation, however, is not for the faint of heart.

The 2010 Legacy 2.5GT starts out strong enough; its new 265-hp turbocharged/intercooled is teamed exclusively to a new 6-speed manual transmission for 2010 along with the Continuous Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (viscous coupling locking center differential). So, the Legacy can go on when the snowflakes fall. The stock torque curve (258 lb.-ft. at 2,000-5,200 RPM) makes city VIP-ing smooth and easy in this Legacy.

The turbo Boxer is dressed up with a custom full engine bay cover, SPT billet oil cap v2.0 and SPT billet battery hold-down v2.0. To go “bippu” is to go low, starting with the profile. The stock Subaru intercooler, which inhales through a hood scoop, is replaced by a Mishimoto front mount intercooler with custom piping, to allow a smooth hood.

To ride low, the Legacy VIP gets air suspension system from Universal Air®. The MC3 Enterprises Trinidad wheels were custom machine for this vehicle and measure 20 x 10-inch in front (30 offset) with a 3-inch lip; the 20 x 10-inch rear wheels have a 12 offset and 4-inch lip. The 235/30R20 Falken FK452 tires are “stretched a bit.”

Subaru sourced a number of body parts from the Japanese domestic market (JDM) Legacy, including: hood, bumper faces, sport grille, front and rear under spoilers, HID headlights and fog lights. The power folding signal mirrors with chrome caps and the vent shades likewise come from the JDM Legacy parts supply. Roof and decklid lip spoilers were added to keep the lines of the car clean.

Custom touches start with the rolled and flared fenders and add a chrome trunk garnish and door handles, along with puddle lights. The body is sprayed in Shinjuku Black Plum. The Legacy VIP interior is almost fully custom, featuring diamond stitch seats and door trim finished in Togarashi Red. An interior illumination kit and illuminated sill plates add a VIP glow.

SPT catalog parts include an auto-dimming mirror with transflective display and HomeLink transmitter and an STI Duracon shift knob.

The rear seat passengers enjoy the full VIP treatment, starting with bucket seats and a motorized compartment for valuables. Onboard entertainment is offered through a JVC KD-AVX77 touch screen head unit up front and twin rear seat multifunction displays in the rear. A custom carputer integrates the added subsystems. A pair of JBL amps (GT5-A604 4-channel and GT5-A3001 sub amp) powers six JBL speakers and two JBL 10-inch subs.

1969 Subaru SPT Parts Delivery Van

The Subaru SPT Parts Delivery Van is a fully restored 1969 Subaru 360 van and features prominent SPT livery. The restoration was undertaken by Subaru of Las Vegas and will be displayed in their showrooms after the show.

– Engine: 356 cc, 2-cylinder, 2-stroke, air-cooled
– Horsepower/torque: 25 @ 5,500 RPM / 25.3 lb.-ft. @ 4,500 RPM
– Length: 117.9 inches
– Width: 51.0 inches
– Height: 53.0 inches
– Curb weight: approx. 950 lbs.
– Fuel economy: 66 miles per gallon
– Smile factor: priceless

Source: Subaru of America, Inc.

Peter Lake, executive vice president, Sales and Business Development said: “There is more to fuel efficiency than just powertrain. While 60 to 70 percent of the fuel’s energy input to the vehicle is lost in the powertrain and driveline, the remaining 30 to 40 percent offers great opportunities for improved energy use. This includes driving habits – which can have a major impact on fuel consumption. We could think about the concept of a ‘Green Button’ within the vehicle, which automatically ensures that the driver is travelling in the most fuel efficient mode.

“Several of TRW’s current systems could be used to manage improvements in fuel efficiency and emissions levels. Working on the theory that a driver could select a ‘fuel efficient mode,’ systems would respond to optimize both safety and fuel efficient driving patterns. It has also been demonstrated that driver assist systems can help to improve traffic flow and reduce traffic congestion – a potentially significant contribution to reducing harmful emissions.”

For example, the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) would maintain a safe driving distance while optimizing acceleration and deceleration rates with fluctuations in traffic flow to achieve maximum fuel efficiency. (1) Research carried out on vehicles equipped with ACC technology over a five-month period revealed that fuel consumption was reduced by three percent.

In addition, map and positioning data could communicate with the ACC system to manage power and acceleration based on information regarding the grade of upcoming hills or sharpness of bends. Intelligent camera systems can read traffic signs and communication devices can receive signals from road infrastructure to anticipate speed reductions or traffic signals to begin deceleration and optimize energy recovery during stopping. As another example, TRW’s video-based Lane Guide System would ensure the most efficient road trajectory to eliminate wasteful friction caused by additional steering maneuvers.

TRW fuel efficient technologies include:

Chassis
Slip Control Boost (SCB) and ESC-R: TRW’s regenerative braking systems (ESC-R and SCB) provide full stability control and work seamlessly
within a hybrid system to provide brake blending between the friction brake system and the deceleration provided by the electric motor. Regenerative braking is used in full hybrid powertrains to recover brake energy to help recharge the batteries rather than dissipating the energy through heat in the friction brakes. Regenerative braking can provide up to 7 percent fuel efficiency benefits, and TRW’s systems are key enablers to implement full hybrid powertrain systems that can provide over 30 percent fuel efficiency benefits.

With TRW Electrically Assisted Steering systems, energy for the steering assist is provided via an electric motor rather than via a hydraulic pump driven by the vehicle’s engine. Therefore, energy consumption of the power steering system is about 75 percent to 85 percent lower than a conventional hydraulic steering system, thereby reducing overall fuel consumption by up to 4 percent. In addition, by decoupling the steering system from the internal combustion engine, EAS systems are a critical enabler to start-stop systems, hybrid electric vehicles, and electric vehicles that cannot rely on engine power to provide steering assist at all times.

Driving Behaviour
Radar sensors: TRW’s 24 GHz and 77 GHz radar sensors offer ACC functionality, which ensure consistent driving behavior and result in a positive impact on fuel consumption.

GPS: TRW systems can be linked with GPS information indicating upcoming curves / inclines and ensure the correct gear is chosen.

Video sensors: TRW’s video sensors offer lane guide functionality, which allows the driver to steer in the most direct route within the lane – using less energy from the steering system. Traffic sign recognition capabilities can also optimize driving patterns.

TPMS: TRW offers direct and indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems – informing the driver when tires are under inflated to improve rolling resistance and reduce fuel consumption by up to 2 percent.

Climate Control
TRW’s Efficient Comfort Control system minimizes energy draw on vehicle powertrains, while maintaining occupant comfort through advanced HVAC control algorithms, contributing up to 5 percent fuel efficiency gains.

(1) Roads to the Future: ‘The Assisted Driver’ by the Ministry of Transport, The Netherlands

Source: TRW Automotive Holdings Corp.