Home / 2010 / October (Page 6)

• Volvo XC90 2011 SUV

  This information has crept up by traders, but now, we have confirmed that Volvo is introducing a new option for those who want a sjusitsbil: D3 XC90 FWD (front wheel drive). The model is also the cheapest option for those who need seven seats, in Momentum-performance D3 2WD will cost from 428 000 SEK. Femsitsmodellen the XC90 was based, moreover, the last model year change.

  The two-wheel drive performance of the XC90 has previously been available in some markets, including the United States where four-wheel drive is not always something that customers want or need. With the new 2.0-liter diesel fifth grade D3 you get 163 hp and 400 Nm at 1250 rpm. Fuel consumption in this version is – with six-speed manual transmission – 8.2 l/100 km. Six-speed automatic is optional.

  We have already had offers from some merchants which offer the new XC90 FWD D3 in the R-Design version for 431 900 crowns. When will the special details that 19-inch wheels, sport steering wheel, aluminum parts, different grille, active xenon headlights, rain sensor, parking assistance, and more.

  New is also the D5 with 200 hp four-wheel drive and both of those starts being produced in Hisingen in week 46. Then we will hear from several quarters that the V8 model, the XC90 will be deleted, but something quite officially informed of this, we have received.

   

• Land Rover Range Rover Evoque 2011

  New Range Rover Evoque not roll out at dealers until next summer, but now the car is ready to show to the audience and it is understood at the Paris Motor Show in early October. Now we can also see for the first time detailed images of both interior and exterior design as well as get more factual information about Evoque.

  The easiest way to describe Evoque is that this is the smallest, lightest and most fuel-efficient model Range Rover was built. It’s like comparing 43 centimeters shorter than the Range Rover Sport and 187 millimeters lower. The total length is 435 centimeters, about seven inches longer than a VW Golf that is. Weight-wise models start at 1600 kg and which has been achieved by, inter alia, have 18 percent high strength steel in the chassis. Hood and roof are made of aluminum, front fenders and tailgate in plastic and using the limits of suspension of magnesium.

  Evoque is also a Range Rover which unusually can be ordered with only two-wheel drive. The reason is of course to attract the customers who do not believe they need four-wheel drive and really want to come down in consumption. Economical diesel option to drive down CO2 emissions over 130g/km, promises Range Rover. All-wheel drive is delivered by Haldex.

  Three model versions will be offered: Pure (for the minimalist-oriented), Prestige (“we like luxury”) and Dynamic (sporty). No one model has wheels smaller than 19 inches and there are obviously a plethora of flashy option for those who want to make their Evoque more personal. Among all these details, we note such a heavy use of LEDs, LEDs, to illuminate the interior and even the car exterior. During the side-mirrors are LED lights that will highlight the car’s profile in the dark part of the day. Although marker lights, turn signals and brake lights are LED lights.

  All engines are four-cylinder and turbocharged. Si4 is at 2.0 liters, giving 240 hp, which Range Rover claims is “six-cylinder performance with fuel consumption as a four.” In addition, fourth grade 40 kg lighter than Land Rover’s 3.2-liter straight six. 2.2-liter diesel is available in two versions with either 150 or 190 hp. Diesel is substantially revised from previous and Range Rover says that 60 percent of the components are new, not least to meet the new emission standards.

  An upcoming ed4 version of the diesel engine will provide a CO2 emissions of “below 130 g / km ‘, but also the powerful 190 hp SD4 with a manual six-speed box should provide no more than 149 g / km. An optional six-speed automatic transmission. For the low consumption also contributes brake regeneration via a generator and electric power steering.

   

• Volvo S/V60 R-Design 2011 Sedan Car

  Volvo’s new S60 and V60 models have been praised for exceptional driving dynamics, but now both come with optional R-Design that turns to “the real connoisseurs,” according to Magnus Jonsson, product manager for Volvo Cars.

  With R-Design Volvo has taken a holistic approach to the new S60 and V60, which means that the design and chassis processed in parallel to one complete offering.

  - The cars are specially designed for those buyers who want an individual stamp on his car. With R-Design, we also attract a younger audience, “says Magnus Jonsson.

  - The R-Design chassis, we have sharpened governance, resilience and the solid overall impression is further compared with the dynamic chassis of the S60 and V60, “says Stefan Sällqvist, head of vehicle dynamics at Volvo Cars.

  - The challenge has been to highlight the dynamics without making chassis rat. With the stiff chassis setting even a smooth asphalt felt bumpy. We are looking for a distinctive, but still soft feel.

  The chassis team has added a strut brace that connects the front strut towers – a classic way of stiffening the body structure.
  - The car gets a more solid feel, which in turn contributes to the steering feels more responsive and directly connected to the road, “explains Stefan Sällqvist.

  Bak may be the S60 and V60 R-Design dampers monotube type. Unlike the twin-tube dampers used previously monotube solution compression and rebound damping in the same valve. This provides a shorter,
  faster oil flow, which means that the damper will react faster.

  The springs in both front and rear have been shortened by 15 mm to give the car more attitude. Spring stiffness is also 15 percent higher compared with the chassis of the S60 and V60 and the bushes where the dampers are fitted to the body is 20 percent stiffer. The front tieblade-bush, that is mounting in the rear, is a 400-percent stiffer than before to counter the wheels jump and shake.

  Corner Traction Control is another innovation that uses the “torque vectoring” in order to provide smoother cornering. The technology is an advanced form of traction control DSTC. When cornering, braking the car’s inner wheel so that more power is transferred to the outer wheel. This provides a tighter cornering with reduced tendency to understeer.

  In stabilitetssysstemet DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control) includes several features that improve driving and safety characteristics:

  # Advanced Stability Control. With a new roll angle sensor, it is possible to detect any tendency to skid at a very early stage. This means that the traction control system can make rapid intervention with more precision.
  Advanced Stability Control provides a significant improvement in the handling and evasive maneuvers for dynamic driving with large side forces.

  # Engine Drag Control. Prevents the wheels lose grip during engine braking on slippery surfaces.

  # DSTC system also has a sport mode, which allows the driver to drive more actively. By that disconnecting the spin regulation becomes more than the car driven.

  Volvo S60 and V60 R-Design, a series of specially developed design details both inside and outside. External models have a newly designed front end with a barbecue in piano black. The package also includes color-matched body panels, details of special matte finish and a sexkantsmönster that goes back to both ends. Twin tailpipes and unique five-spoke 18-inch wheels also contributes to the sporty overall impression. Introduction Color is Passion Red and Volvo S60 and V60 R-DESIGN is available in seven more paint colors.

  Inside sits the driver and front passenger sport seats with back support from the S60 and V60 are combined with a new seat cushion with more pronounced lateral support than ever before.

  - The pad conforms to the body, but still feels solid, thanks to a combination of two layers with different hardness. This means that drivers of different sizes have the same pronounced lateral support, “explains Magnus Jonsson.

  The special leather / textile upholstery available in two-tone “off-black/cheramic lite” or in an all black version. The interior also includes sports pedals and special design of the steering wheel and gear selector.

  New Volvo S60 and V60 R-design is introduced in autumn 2010. The main markets are in the UK, USA (only S60 R-Design) and Central Europe.

  - R-Design has already helped to increase both our sales and rejuvenate our customer base. We believe that the S60 and V60 R-design will give the development a real boost, “says Magnus Jonsson.

   

• Hybrid Car: Lotus Elite V8 in 620 hp

  As a bomb hit the images into our inbox from Lotus and we have now finally have a first indication of how the new elite will be out. The new super sports car will not be ready for dealers until spring 2014 but the Lotus chose to now show off a concept car at the Paris motor show.

  According to Lotus itself, this is the ultimate sports car with space and comfort. The pictures do not reveal too much but we think we catch a glimpse of a nice large back seat, Lotus, type “2 2″. Unlike most models from Lotus, Elite a front-mounted engine, but it will reportedly be long abandoned. Anyone who knows his Lotus-history also know that this will be the third front-engine model called Elite.

  Lotus has developed the engine itself? Well, we do not know, but earlier rumors pointed towards a particular manufacturer in Munich and since the motor volume down to 5.0 liters and speed stop strikes at 8,500 rpm, we become a bit confused. The peak power 620 hp indicates overcharging but in this case would be no need to rev up to 8,500 rpm. We simply do not know, but you readers may have more information?

  According to our English colleagues in Autocar, who tend to be well informed, it is likely that Lotus may V8 and hybrid powertrain from the Lexus / Toyota, which is an old partner in this area. Autocar also assume that the motor is overloaded, but Lotus has not decided to turbo or supercharger yet. The car will also use a so-called KERS system that Lotus developed and it can store braking energy, as in, for example during acceleration can shoot in with extra force.

  With 620 hp and a declared weight of 1650 kg to 0-100 kph in 3.5 to 3.7 seconds and top speed down to 315 km / h. As an option, it should also be a transmission with built-in electric motors and with the hybrid operation, CO2 emissions could be limited to 215 g / km.

  Facts material is as yet quite limited but the more we find out when the Paris Motor Show opens to the media September 29. Of course, auto motor & sport on the spot with a story team and we also send web-TV from Paris.

   

• Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale Sport Car

  Maserati says that the inspiration for the new model – which, of course, be unveiled soon at the Paris motor show – up close. The device class “Trofeo Maserati GranTurismo MC” with their racing cars and also the similar race car for the GT4 class, which showed the direction for the new model GranTurismo MC Stradale.

  Race versions pumps out of the 450 hp out of their V8s and that is exactly the same level as Maserati settles on with the new model GranTurismo MC Stradale. It should reasonably lead you to something plastered on the 4.7-liter engine of the GranTurismo S – yielding 440 hp – but we have no details on this before the Paris Motor Show opens.

  GranTurismo MC Stradale will also be stripped down in weight and strict two-seater. Aerodynamically, the model has improved and now provides more downward pressure, but higher air resistance. Top speed is set to “over 300 km / h,” but here is the Maserati a bit reticent. The cars will in all cases begin delivered during the first quarter of next year.

  In April, Mr CEO Sergio Marchionne for his five-year plan in which various models of Ferrari and Maserati to develop (more on this link). Some new models from Maserati, we can not expect in a few years but 2014 will be the alternate to the Quattroporte. It is also clear that you work with a new “entry level” model that will compete in the same segment such as the Audi A7 (A7) and BMW M5.