Volvo Concept Truck 2020

Swedish manufacturer Volvo Trucks recently unveiled the Volvo Concept Truck 2020 design concept, The Volvo Concept Truck 2020 displays a long distance vehicle, which can be combined in length, equipped with autopilot. The Volvo Concept Truck 2020 will be able to drive non-stop in nose-to-tail convoys that run at 90 km/h (56 mph) while the cars communicate with each other via a wireless connection.

Moving on to driver’s comfort, the driver’s seat looks more like a modern office chair with a thin ventilated mesh backrest. Behind the driver seat you will find a futon sofa which can be turned into a wide comfortable bed. The luxury experience is further complemented by the customizable lighting that can be changed as per in-cab tasks or resting. The driver may also control the privacy screening and blackout electronically.

Outside, the concept truck features LED headlamps and turn indicators that are integrated into the front of the vehicle. The rear-view mirrors have been replaced by cameras, while images are projected onto the inside of the windscreen.

The Concept Truck 2020 has rear-view cameras that project an image onto the inside of the windscreen and helps the driver to orientate better, LED headlamps and indicators, and collision protection panels on the truck's nose.




Press Release

TRUCKS OF THE FUTURE; CLOSER TO REALITY THAN YOU THINK

Progress is getting ever faster. In just ten years' time trucks are going to be a lot different to those of today. At least that is according to Rikard Orell, Design Director at Volvo Truck Corporation and one of the brains behind Concept Truck 2020, the Volvo Truck Corporation's bold vision for the future.

Long distance haulage for the future: long combinations, controlled by autopilot, driven non-stop in nose-to-tail convoys on green super-motorways linking the continents.

This is the vision of the future that generated the ideas behind the Volvo Concept Truck 2020 design concept. But will it really look like this in just ten years?

"That is the whole point," says Rikard Orell Design Director at Volvo Trucks. "Progress is getting ever faster. Because of this our vision for the future is not that far away. Much of the technology in the Volvo Concept Truck 2020 is already available; other technology needs to be developed. One needs to dare to stride firmly into the debate, demonstrating what one can and will do. Just tinkering at the edges runs the risk of progress slipping away."

Safer and more efficient commercial transport

As road transport expands it must also become safer and more efficient. Volvo's design concept contains ideas about how that can be achieved. Some of these ideas can be integrated into production today, while others are there to arouse interest and start a discussion.

One of the more startling ideas is to link vehicles together wirelessly into long road-trains that rush across the continents at 90 km/h (56 mph).

"This will be possible when the transport sector's vision of green corridors becomes reality," says Rikard Orell. "Here heavy goods vehicles are separated from other traffic, driving in their own lanes, rather like a railway, but without the rails."

There are many advantages. Road safety increases, transport services require less space and wear and tear on the roads decreases. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions drop thanks to reduced drag when a truck is in the slipstream of the vehicle in front. In addition the driver can rest behind the wheel while the truck effectively drives itself. If this is counted as idle time, transport times can be cut, deliveries will be made more quickly and drivers can get back to their friends and families earlier.

Spacious and airy driver environment

The driver is at the centre of Volvo's world. It goes without saying that a design concept from Volvo Trucks contains a great many ideas about the development of the driver environment. In the Volvo Concept Truck 2020 the driver's environment is spacious, airy and free of disruption.

"We have replaced the traditional dashboard with a thin film panel on which information is tailored to suit the driver," says Rikard Orell. "The panel is operated like a touchpad, just like an iPhone. We have saved a lot of space that way."

Another space-saving idea is the sleek driver's seat with its thin, ventilated mesh backrest, more like a modern office chair than a traditional driver's seat. Behind the driver is a futon sofa which folds out into a wide, comfortable bed in the evening.

The lighting in the cab is divided into zones customised for the driver's various in-cab tasks, or for resting. Around the driver are large areas of glass providing good visibility out of the vehicle and even into it. This benefits eye contact between the driver and other road users preventing accidents. Privacy screening and blackout in the evening are also controlled electronically.

Aerodynamic collision protection

The design team also aimed for a sleek look for the exterior, reducing the perception of the vehicle's size. The LED headlamps and indicators are integrated into the front of the vehicle. The rear-view mirrors have been replaced by cameras that project their images onto the inside of the windscreen.

The lower section of the front of the vehicle features integrated collision protection projecting forwards about half a metre. This ‘nose' is gentler on oncoming cars in the event of a head-on collision and has also been shown to improve the aerodynamics of the vehicle.

As Rikard Orell points out, "Because the nose is a safety function, our starting point has been that it does not count as part of the maximum permitted vehicle length, just as rear-view mirrors today are outside the maximum permitted width."

Some things you just do not change. The ‘Globetrotter' sign on the roof is still there, but has been redesigned so that it harmonises with the lines of the vehicle and reduces drag. The driver can also change the text on the sign from the instrument panel.

The rear end is the next stage

So work on the external design focuses largely on aerodynamics, but by how much is it really possible to reduce drag on a truck ?

"We have come so far with the front of the vehicle that further changes to the basic shape provide only marginal improvements," says Rikard Orell. "However, a lot will happen when we start work on the design of the rear end of the vehicle. There is a great deal of untapped aerodynamic potential there."

2011 Citroen C4 【Video】

Citroen unveiled today the first details on the new generation C4 that will make its world debut at the Paris Auto Show.

With its sculpted lines and high quality finish, New C4 cuts a distinctive profile, striking an impression of strength, stability and balanced proportions. Defined and flowing surfaces, such as the purposeful front end and rear spoiler, hint at the model’s optimised aerodynamics. The tasteful addition of chrome detailing combines with the dynamic headlight styling and sculpted alloy wheels to give the new model a premium presence.

The 2011 Citroen C4 is 4.33 meters in long, 1.79 meters wide and 1.49 meters, features a stylish exterior and interior and uses high-quality materials in combination with the latest technologies.

Inside the cabin, Citroen has added a new steering wheel, more chrome, and an improved center stack. There will be a high-tech instrument cluster, an eTouch system which monitors fuel consumption and driving habits, massaging front seats and a blind spot monitoring system.

Under the hood, we can expect the usual turbocharged petrols and HDi diesels. More importantly, Citroen will launch a C4 Hybrid with a 1.6-liter e-HDi diesel engine. While details are limited, the hybrid will feature regenerative braking, an engine stop/start system, and low-rolling resistance tires. Emissions are expected to be 109 g/km, but those numbers could fall to 99 g/km in more eco-friendly variants.

The company announces the 2011 Citroen C4 will be eqquiped with the new micro-hybrid e-HDi powertrains that feature the Stop & Start system and emit around 109g/km of CO2.

The 2011 Citroen C4 price has not been announced yet, but the company says it will premiere it at the Paris Motor Show in September. The new model will be launched early next year.








Press Release

THE NEW CITROËN C4: FIRST DETAILS REVEALED

Citroën has released first details of the brand new C4. Designed to exceed the highest expectations, the New Citroën C4 boasts a real positive energy - with exceptional levels of quality, style, interior space and occupant comfort, as well as responsive handling and impressive environmental credentials.

As with the New C5 in 2008 and New C3 earlier this year, the New Citroën C4 once again demonstrates the expertise of the brand in creating stylish and innovative vehicles with relevant technological advances.

With its sculpted lines and high quality finish, New C4 cuts a distinctive profile, striking an impression of strength, stability and balanced proportions. Defined and flowing surfaces, such as the purposeful front end and rear spoiler, hint at the model’s optimised aerodynamics. The tasteful addition of chrome detailing combines with the dynamic headlight styling and sculpted alloy wheels to give the new model a premium presence.

Promising precise control and accomplished handling, New C4’s driver focused cabin environment combines with impressive acoustic comfort and soundproofing to deliver a true impression of on-road confidence.

New C4 features compact exterior dimensions and generous internal volumes that make it spacious and thoroughly versatile. At just 4.33m long, 1.79m wide and 1.49m high, New C4 is just 5cm longer, 2cm wider and 3cm taller than the current model. The 408-litre boot is the biggest in its class, with practical square dimensions and a lower sill that makes loading even easier.

In addition to optimised accessibility and practicality, the New C4 offers a genuine feeling of well-being on-board
- with spacious, comfortable seating and impressive occupant headroom. Personal comfort in the New C4 can be tailored to suit individual requirements with users able to adjust the colour of the driver’s instrument display, select their own ‘polyphonic’ sound alerts, finely adjust the intensity of the air-conditioning and even immerse themselves in the rich surround-sound of the new audio system. Some models even come with a new massage function on the front seats.

Strand Craft 122 Super Yacht superyacht with supercar garage

Strand Craft is preparing to unveil the extravagant 122, a high performance streamlined 38 meter Open super yacht.

This creation, which exists only in renderings at the moment, would feature a built-in garage in the stern, which naturally would be filled with a bespoke supercar of its very own. Not much is known about the supposed supercar, other than the fact that it would be powered by an 880-horsepower V12 engine and have a top speed of over 230 miles per hour.

Dubbed the “Strand Craft 122,” the superyacht features an amazing Art Deco interior that the users can personalize according to their individual preferences. Capable of producing over 14.000 horsepower, the Strand Craft 122 can well surpass speeds over 50 knots.

The Strand Craft 122 holds an impressive Art Deco interior that can be personalised to any discerning taste. The interior features four large, double staterooms; reception and salon areas alongside comfortable crew cabins. The Strand Craft 122 will be fully equipped with state-of-the-art-performance and comfort enhancing technology such as 52” LED TV’s and Bang and Olufson sound systems in all of the rooms.

Source: Strand Craft

New details for Gordon Murray's T.27 City Car

Gordon Murray has long been considered one of the most innovative engineers and designers in the automotive world. The latest project from the mind that created the McLaren F1 supercar is the new T.27 electric city car. The T.27 is the battery powered variant of the T.25, a model that will debut shortly with a gas engine. Both models use the same basic architecture, and like the seminal supercar, they feature a three seat layout. That's largely where the similarities end, however.

Essentially an electric version of the T.25, the T.27 features a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery and a small electric motor with 25 kW (34 hp / 34 PS) and 875 Nm (645 lb-ft) of torque. This allows the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than 15 seconds, before topping out at 105 km/h (65 mph). While it's not fast, the 680 Kg (1,500 lb) T.27 will have a range of 129-161 kilometers (80-100 miles). More importantly, "projected emissions, using a UK energy mix, are 48g/km CO2 for the combined cycle and 28g/km CO2 for the urban cycle alone, with zero emissions at the point of use.  Full lifecycle CO2 damage will be 42% less than the average UK car," according to the press release.

T.27 has a length of 2.50m, width of 1.30m and height of 1.60m, and it offers s wheelbase of 1.78m. The car’s turning circle is 6.0 meters and the weight including the battery is 680Kg.





Press Release

Gordon Murray Design announce the Specification and Performance Targets for the T.27 City Car, a pure electric drive vehicle designed to fully optimise packaging, weight and performance. The announcement marks an exciting leap forward in efficiency for electric vehicles and working closely with their powertrain partner, Zytek Automotive, a brand new, innovative, lightweight and fully integrated electric motor, control system and battery will be designed to ensure that maximum efficiency is achieved.

Projected emissions, using a UK energy mix, are 48g/km CO2 for the combined cycle and 28g/km CO2 for the urban cycle alone, with zero emissions at the point of use. Full lifecycle CO2 damage will be 42% less than the average UK car.

Vehicle Specification

eMotor:	25kW	Height:	1.60m
Battery Type:	Li-ion	Weight:	680Kg (incl. battery)
Battery Spec.	12kWh	Wheel Base:	1.78m
Length:	2.50m	Turning Circle:	6.0m
Width:	1.30m

Performance Targets

Top Speed:	105kph
0-100kph:	Less than 15 seconds
Range:	80 – 100 miles

The T.27 vehicle concept closely follows the layout and geometry of Gordon Murray Design’s innovative T.25 city car, an MPV with 6 possible internal layouts.

The efficiency in cost, weight and performance comes in part from the ‘clean sheet of paper’ approach, part from the full integration of the powertrain and also from the low energy manufacturing system developed by Gordon Murray Design called iStream®.

iStream® massively reduces the capital investment required to produce the vehicle and also the energy required for manufacture plus the flexibility of the iStream® process would also allow the petrol powered T.25 and the T.27 to be manufactured at the same plant.

The 16 month programme started in November 2009 with a running prototype scheduled for completion in April 2011 and is supported with a 50% investment from the Technology Strategy Board. The next phase in the programme will include a push to secure partners and funding for UK manufacture. A UK partner or consortium to produce the city cars in the UK would keep the technology at home and could create 6,000 jobs.

Professor Gordon Murray, CEO of Gordon Murray Design said:

“The Technology Strategy Board have been incredibly supportive of the T.27 programme and together we are working to keep this in the United Kingdom. It is a great opportunity to work with Zytek Automotive and our other partners on this very exciting programme. We always strive to lead the way in automotive design and our current goal is to maximise efficiency of electric vehicles.”

Bill Gibson, Chairman of Zytek Automotive said:

Zytek’s new innovative powertrain, developed from our substantial experience of EV and hybrid vehicle production programmes, will substantially reduce the weight and cost of the electric engine, whilst delivering the quality, refinement and driving experience that T.27 customers will demand.”

Iain Gray, Chief Executive of the Technology Strategy Board said:

"This is another example of the UK positioning itself to benefit from the economic opportunities offered by the emerging low-carbon vehicles market.It’s great that the T.27, a fantastic example of smart engineering and sustainable design, is at the forefront of this. We are also glad that we were able to support a project that enabled Gordon Murray Design and Zytek Automotive and the other partners to work together to be truly innovative.”

Project Kahn Freelander RS200

Project Kahn is one of the world’s most prestigious tuners in the world and they always pick expensive and luxurious cars to upgrade. But their latest project is for the Land Rover Freelamder, which is neither luxe or expensive! But as usual they’ve done a great job in improving the looks inside and out.

The package includes a matte black signature bonnet stripe, silver door handles, door mirror caps, front bumper vents, body colored style vents, side sill, front grille surround and smoked side repeaters. The exterior is rounded off with Kahn 20" RS wheels and tires

Coming to the interior its essentially a combination of black and white colors. Black leather of the finest quality is stitched with contrasting white stitching. The RS200 logo adds a touch of style to the interiors. The white contrast stitch also abounds on the steering wheel. However, some shades of red comes into the picture in the speedometer and rev counters that is essentially red and white.

The complete RS200 is priced at a very reasonable £29,995 which includes £10,000 worth of Project Kahn accessories.
Project Kahn will shortly be announcing another addition to the RS series.





Press Release

Following on from the hugely successful Project Kahn Range Rover Sport RS600 and the Project Kahn RS300 powered by Cosworth, it was an inevitable progression that the prestige automotive design house, Project Kahn would eventually place their signature stamp on the Land Rover Freelander.

The Freelander as the junior member of the 4×4’s most aristocrat family; Land Rover, continues to be the nations favourite SUV with its combination of car-like dynamics and smart styling explaining their popularity.

Taking inspiration from the Project Kahn Range Rover Sport RS600, the Freelander RS200 has received an extensive makeover from the king of aesthetic conversions Afzal Kahn.

The Freelander RS200 modifications include features which are unrivalled in today’s market, including to the exterior; Kahn 20” RS wheels and tyres, matt black signature bonnet stripe, silver door handles, door mirror caps, front bumper vents, body coloured style vents, side sill, front grille surround and smoked side repeater’s.

Climb aboard the RS200 and you’ll find modifications including black leather interior with contrasting white stitching complete with RS200 logo’s, steering wheel with white contrast stitching and Kahn red and white speedo and rev counter’s.

Of course as with all Project Kahn cars, the RS200 accessories are available as standalone pieces. Afzal Kahn; the CEO of Project Kahn comments: “Customising your existing car, is a great alternative, cost effective way for owners to upgrade”.

The complete RS200 is priced at a very reasonable £29,995 which includes £10,000 worth of Project Kahn accessories.

Project Kahn will shortly be announcing another addition to the RS series, news of which we will bring you shortly.

Updates: NOVITEC Ferrari 612 Scaglietti

Novitec Rosso has announced new accessories, wheels and an ECU upgrade for the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti.

The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti has received a tuning kit from Novitec Rosso, with the package targeting both the performance and the aesthetics areas of the Italian Grand Tourer. The Scaglietti’s 5.8 liter V12 powerplant, which originally developed 540 hp at 7,250 rpm and 588 Nm at 5,250 rpm, now delivers 565 hp at 7,290 rpm and 609 Nm of torque at 5,300 rpm.

Starting with the exterior the NOVITEC Ferrari 612 Scaglietti comes with a set of 20/21 inch size wheels wrapped in ultra-high-performance tires, black taillights and 90 mm stainless tailpipes that offers a deeper exhaust note.

It’s value referring to which a “black lamps” ascent is accessible which comes with 4 turn taillights, reflectors and side markers. On the inside, Novitec Rosso will ascent the interior in a bespoke conform for the client. Steering circle customization is accessible from density to color.




Press Release

Arrivederci 612 Scaglietti!

NOVITEC ROSSO Refines the Ferrari 2+2-Seater

2+2-seaters have a long and illustrious tradition at Ferrari. The 612 Scaglietti seamlessly continued this tremendous success story since its debut in the fall of 2003. To make this extraordinary automobile even more exclusive and to add an even higher level of customization NOVITEC ROSSO now offers new accessories such as a custom-tailored tire/wheel combination with diameters of 20 and 21 inches, a power increase to 565 hp / 416 kW, a stainless-steel sport exhaust system, new taillight design and upgrades for the interior.

Wheels make a car and for a Ferrari the best is just good enough. The NOVITEC ROSSO suspension specialists have developed custom versions of the three-piece NF3 alloy wheels for the Italian sports car.

The new wheels feature a striking design with five double spokes and polished outer flanges. Contrary to the 19-inch production wheels, the 612 Scaglietti in NOVITEC ROSSO trim sports a combination of size 9Jx20 wheels in front and size 12.5Jx21 rims on the rear axle.

This measure benefits not only the driving dynamics of the car but also and foremost the coupe's appearance. The staggered wheels further emphasize the wedge-shaped design of the two-door car.

In the P Zero tire technology partner Pirelli offers the perfect ultra-high-performance tires for this tire/wheel combination that makes optimal use of the available space in the wheel wells Tires in size 275/30 ZR 20 on the front axle provide enormous grip during fast cornering and hard braking. Tires in size 355/25 R 21 on the rear axle allow even higher cornering speeds and provide maximum traction.

The exclusive look can be further upgraded with black NOVITEC ROSSO lamps. The complete package comprises the four round taillights, the reflectors and the side markers.

Further cornerstones of the NOVITEC ROSSO program for the 612 Scaglietti are a power increase and an even sportier exhaust note. The inner workings of the V12 engine with a displacement of 5,748 cm³ remain untouched. The power increase to 565 hp / 416 kW at 7,290 rpm is the product of a newly calibrated engine management system and the NOVITEC ROSSO stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system.

The tuning gives the V12 engine an even crisper response and lets it rev up even faster. Simultaneously peak torque grows to 609 Nm at 5,300 rpm. A top speed of more than 325 km/h and a sprint time for 0 - 100 km/h of just 3.9 seconds make the 2+2-seater an even more dominant sports car.

The NOVITEC ROSSO sport exhaust system is an integral part of the power increase and produces a truly delightful exhaust note. The NOVITEC ROSSO exhaust is easily distinguished by its four 90-mm tailpipes cut at an angle.

NOVITEC ROSSO upgrades the four-seat interior according to customers' personal preferences. The ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel comes in any color imaginable. But that's not all: Customers can also freely choose the steering wheel's material as well as the thickness of the rim. The rim is flattened at the bottom for easier entering and exiting of the vehicle.

Every NOVITEC ROSSO interior is characterized by its masterful precision finish and its striking colors. But NOVITEC ROSSO realizes not only Ferrari owners' personal material and color selections, it also custom-tailors the seat to each customer's body measurements. Special requests such as for seats with even more lateral support or a lowered seat position for especially tall drivers round out the interior customization program.