Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Toyota Corolla, 2010

Toyota Corolla, 2010

 
 

The Toyota Corolla, the 10th generation of the world's best-selling car, will benefit from a model range update throughout Europe from May 2010. Toyota Corolla 2010 will offer customers revised, more sophisticated exterior styling and further enhanced, higher quality interior design.
    * Sophisticated design, improved quality, advanced technology
    * More dynamic exterior design
    * Enhanced perceived interior quality
    * Advanced Technology
    * All engines feature Toyota Optimal Drive

Toyota Corolla 2010 - sophisticated design, improved quality, advanced technology
Toyota Corolla's distinctive, evolutionary design has become an icon of Toyota's core values of superior quality, style, driving pleasure and innovation. It offers European customers maximum interior space, a high quality passenger environment and impressive comfort levels.

With 62,000 units sold in 2009, the Toyota Corolla remains the world's best-selling C-segment sedan.
Toyota Corolla 2010 reinforces the superior quality, style and innovation of Toyota's best-selling sedan. It features a new, more sophisticated design, a higher quality interior and advanced, user-friendly equipment.
The up-dated Toyota Corolla 2010 will further enhance the Toyota sedan's reputation for offering outstanding value for money in the C-sedan segment. It will remain the company's core model in Eastern Europe, maintaining its best-selling status throughout the region.

More dynamic exterior design
The exterior of the Toyota Corolla has been revised to create a more advanced, sophisticated and dynamic image, reinforcing the Toyota sedan's premium quality status within the C-segment.

A new front features a redesigned bumper, radiator grille and lower grille. This emphasises the car's low centre of gravity and driving stability. The new headlamps further strengthen the Toyota Corolla's bold, resolute appearance.
To the rear, comprehensive changes to the license plate garnish, combination lamps, bumper and low-level reflectors have been incorporated. This creates an impression of increased width, emphasising the Toyota Corolla's broad rear stance.

Toyota Corolla 2010 also benefits from the enhanced product appeal of new, power retractable door mirrors with integral turn indicators and a new, sportier 16" wheel cap and alloy wheel design. A range of eight available body colours now includes new Red and Blue metallic finishes.

Enhanced perceived interior quality
The Toyota Corolla 2010's interior has been improved, strengthening the Toyota sedan's reputation for superior quality, style and innovation.
A new, flat bottomed steering wheel, finished in leather on higher grade models, features a thicker, more comfortable grip cross-section.

The combination meter design features a colour change from amber to white, and the instrument panel and door handle trim are now finished in a more sophisticated, high-brightness silver coating. The same high quality finish is also available on the centre console and door switch surrounds.
A wireless trunk opening function has been added, giving customers the additional convenience of remote operation via a button on the ignition key.

Two interior colour schemes are available - dark grey and light grey. Both interior designs feature a highly functional yet sophisticated dark grey finish to the upper dashboard area. Improved Mid and High grade seat fabric and a newly available, Alcantara upholstery further underline the superior quality of the Toyota Corolla 2010.

Toyota Camry, 2010

Toyota Camry, 2010
 
 
 
 

The Toyota Camry has an upgraded standard powertrain for 2010. For sporty performance, SE grade get additional tuning and gets 179 horsepower, 21 more horsepower than the previous four-cylinder engine. The new engine can be combined with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift. A powerful 3.5-liter V6 delivering 268 horsepower is also available.

The Exterior changes to the gas model Toyota Camry include a newly designed grille and front bumper, an enlarged lower intake, larger projector headlamps and restyled tail lamps. The Toyota Camry and LE grades feature restyled standard wheel covers.
The Toyota Camry Hybrid exterior enhancements will include a unique hybrid grille, a distinct front bumper, a wider lower intake, restyled fog lights and 16-inch alloy wheels.

The Toyota Camry Hybrid, equipped with Toyota's industry-leading Hybrid Synergy Drive, certified as an Advanced Technology The Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) is just one of a handful of cars that meets this strict standard, producing over 70 percent less smog-forming emissions than the average new car.

The Inside,
The Toyota Camry and LE grades are available with an optional audio system equipped with a new USB port for auxiliary music sources, Bluetooth®, integrated satellite radio, single-CD, and MP3 and streaming music capability. Previously an option, all Toyota Camry gas models will now be equipped with Vehicle Stability Control with traction control. Auto up/down power windows with jam protection on all four doors is standard equipment. Toyota Camry Hybrid adds a newly designed meter cluster and Fraichir, a combination of silk protein and synthetic fiber, cloth seating surfaces that are gentle to the skin.

Monday, May 16, 2011

VW CrossPolo, 2011

VW CrossPolo, 2011

 
 

The next generation of the Volkswagen CrossPolo is ready for new adventures. The clever compact in rugged all-terrain look is celebrating its world premiere at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. After the Volkswagen Polo base version presented in 2009 and the Polo BlueMotion (debut in 2010) with its superior and possibly record-breaking fuel efficiency, as well as the VW Polo GTI also debuting in Geneva, the Volkswagen CrossPolo completes the series as a fourth model. With its refreshingly cheeky design, unique world of colours and features, and a higher ride height (15 millimetre gain), the five-door is very appealing as one of the most unconventional vehicles in its class.

This all-rounder is powered by extremely fuel-efficient engines with a power range from 51 kW / 70 PS to 77 kW / 105 PS. Buyers can choose from three petrol and three common rail TDI engines. Three of the six engines can be ordered with a 7-speed DSG, like the one used on vehicles such as the Polo GTI.

Fun and Cross: From special edition to production model
The new Volkswagen CrossPolo continues in the tradition of its successful predecessors: the Polo Fun and the first generation VW CrossPolo derived from it. Originally, a production run of only 5,000 units was planned for the special edition Polo Fun, but great demand exploded all forecasts. The consequence: the step was taken from special edition to production model and to the Cross version.
Volkswagen CrossPolo

Exterior: Tough qualities and lifestyle character
The rugged-sporty character of the Volkswagen CrossPolo - always produced as a five-door - are reflected in many of its details. Especially striking: the individually styled front apron - in anthracite colour - with integrated front fog lights and large air inlet at the centre. It gets a black honeycomb insert bordered by fine chrome trim. Towards its lower edge, the bumper finishes with a section in light silver with the visual appearance of underbody protection. Taken from classic Polo styling are the upper radiator grille with its chrome inlay and the VW logo integrated here; the same applies to the dual headlights with standard daytime running lights.

The side profile of the Volkswagen CrossPolo also shows very tough qualities. Here sporty black wheelarch extensions and coordinated body sills set the styling. The latter continue visually into the lower door area. In off-road driving and in the jungle of metropolitan parking spaces, these rugged plastic guards protect the car from damage. Fitting the character of the VW CrossPolo are the 17-inch alloy wheels ("Budapest" style) in 5-spoke design with size 215/40 tyres.

Another unmistakable characteristic of the Volkswagen CrossPolo: the silver anodized roof rails. They are a traditional feature on this model, and are certainly not just decorative. They can be used to mount roof boxes and carrier systems with a weight of up to 75 kilograms. Colour coordinated with the roof railing, like on the previous model: the door mirrors that are always painted in silver. At the rear, the Volkswagen CrossPolo continues the rugged all-terrain look in the bumper, whose lower section is also designed in a black, rugged plastic. At its centre, a separate section painted in silver catches the eye that is styled to look like a diffuser.

Six exterior colours accentuate the powerful style of the VW CrossPolo; offered exclusively on the new Volkswagen are the colours "Magma Orange" and "Terra Beige Metallic". Across the board, the upper areas of the bumpers and handles (door, tailgate) are painted in body colour, while the cover trim of the B and C pillars and the window frames are treated in a high-gloss black.

Interior: Exciting and versatile
The high-end interior of the Volkswagen CrossPolo is a fitting match for the all-terrain look of the exterior. Here it is primarily the two-tone fabrics of the sport seats, the rear bench and the door trim that create a friendly and youthful ambiance. Up to four different colour trims are available, depending on the exterior colour. While the outer areas of the seats are always in anthracite, customers can choose from the colours "Hot Orange", "Orange", "Latte Macchiato" and "Grey" for the inner seat panels and middle sections of the door trim panels. On seat contact surfaces for the back and legs the fabrics ("Dimension" pattern) all have a black webbed structure, making them more durable. The "CrossPolo" signature is embroidered into the backrests of the front seats.

Throughout the cockpit materials are friendly to the touch. Take the steering wheel: It has a fine perforated leather cover; the steering wheel spokes are produced from a brushed chrome application. The seams of the steering wheel cover and the leather-trimmed parking brake handle are given the colour of the interior trim. The VW CrossPolo's high level of quality is highlighted by the instrument panel, finished in "Slush" technology with its soft surface texture that is pleasant to the touch.

The Volkswagen CrossPolo has an ample array of standard equipment. In the interior, specific standard features include height-adjustable sport seats, an asymmetrically split rear bench and backrest, pockets on the backs of the front seats and sliding drawers under them, leather-trimmed steering wheel, centre armrest in front (with storage compartment), pedal caps in aluminium look and chrome on various switches and components. The latter include the door handles, surrounds for the window lift switches and air vents. Also standard: electric adjustable and heated door mirrors, electric window lifts all around, illuminated make-up mirrors in the sun visors, multi-function display (MFA) including tyre pressure monitoring (tyre pressure monitoring system, TPMS) and central locking with RF remote control.

Estate car qualities: Cargo space increases up to 952 litres
The new CrossPolo also shows off its versatile talents when it comes to space and efficient space utilisation. As mentioned, the rear bench can be folded with a standard 60:40 split. When it is completely folded, the car's cargo capacity increases from 280 to 952 litres. The dual cargo floor - adjustable to two height levels - creates a continuously level loading surface. Four tie-down eyes simplify secure fastening of the cargo to be transported, while two hooks in the side trim panels keep bags from tipping over.

Engine variety: Three petrol, three diesel and one 7-speed DSG
The six engines of the Volkswagen CrossPolo have power levels between 51 kW / 70 PS and 77 kW / 105 PS. The entry level among the petrol engines is represented by the 70-PS version with a 1.2 litre displacement. Following at the next level is a 1.4-litre engine with 63 kW / 85 PS. The top petrol engine is the new 1.2 TSI with the mentioned 105 PS. This turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine accelerates the Volkswagen CrossPolo to 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds, reaches a respectable top speed of 188 km/h, yet has a combined fuel consumption of just 5.5 litres of fuel (equivalent to 128 g/km CO2). The highlight here: The Volkswagen not only attains these values in conjunction with the standard 6-speed gearbox, but also with the optional 7-speed DSG, an automatic. Also deliverable as an optional DSG version is the VW CrossPolo with 85 PS.

Among the quietest engines of their kind are the three common rail, direct-injection turbodiesels (TDI) fitted with a particulate filter. All engines have 1.6 litre displacement and are available at the power levels 55 kW / 75 PS, 66 kW / 90 PS and 77 kW / 105 PS. All three variants need just 4.3 litres of diesel per 100 km in combined mode and emit just 113 grams CO2 per kilometre. The 90-PS version can also be combined with the direct shift gearbox as an option; in this case, combined fuel consumption is 4.6 l/100 km. All Volkswagen CrossPolo engines meet the limits of the Euro-5 emissions standard.

Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line, 2010

Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line, 2010

 

R-Line equipment is already offered on seven Volkswagen models. Now the Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line has got a sportier touch. Orders are now being taken for the four-door coupé with R-Line package.

On its exterior, 17-inch (optional 18-inch) R-Line "Mallory" alloy wheels with 235/45 tyres lend a sporty touch to the Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line. The front spoiler and side skirts, each painted in body colour, were also re-styled. In addition, R-Line logos embellish the front side sections; the rear lights are smoked.

Inside the Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line, standard features include details like four customised tread plates in aluminium (with R-Line Logo in front) and a three-spoke leather-trimmed steering wheel with multifunction keys. The R-Line package has front fog lights and the Park Pilot system. The Passat R-Line leaves few wishes unfulfilled; even the base version of the Volkswagen Passat CC includes comfort and convenience features like sport seats and a climate control system.

The R-Line package is available with all Volkswagen Passat CC engines. Prices start at 2,200 Euros for the Passat CC 2.0 TDI (140 PS / 103 kW) with a 6-speed gearbox. Counting versions already introduced on the Golf, Scirocco, Touran, Tiguan, Passat, Passat Variant and Touareg, a total of eight models with R-Line equipment are now on the market.

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EV, 2009

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EV, 2009

 

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EV is a Range-extended Electric Vehicle that provides a glimpse into the future of a "Go Anywhere, Do Anything" vehicle with renowned Jeep Wrangler capability.

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EV prototype is a two-wheel drive Wrangler. However, Chrysler's ENVI organization is exploring four-wheel-drive, in-wheel electric motors to demonstrate the full reach of the Company's advanced electric-drive technologies. When this technology is developed by ENVI, the instant high torque of the electric-drive motor and the ability to precisely control each wheel independently will result in off-road capability ideally suited for the Jeep brand, without compromising on-road capability.

The Wrangler Unlimited EV also uses an ENVI Range-extended Electric Vehicle powertrain, consisting of an electric motor, an advanced lithium-ion battery system, and a small gasoline engine with an integrated electric generator to produce additional energy to power the electric-drive system when needed. The electric motor produces 200 kW (268 horsepower) and 400 N•m (295 lb.-ft.) of torque. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EV has a range of 400 miles, including 40 miles of zero fuel-consumption, zero-emissions, all-electric operation.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Opel Insignia OPC, 2010

Opel Insignia OPC, 2010

 

The high performance version of the Opel Insignia, Car of the Year 2009, was unveiled on May 7, 2009, when the Opel Insignia OPC premiered at the 2009 Barcelona Motor Show, ten years after the launch of the first OPC model (Opel Performance Center).

The heart of the Opel Insignia OPC is its 2.8 V6 Turbo engine. Derived from the powerful gasoline engine already available on the top-of-the-line Insignia, this version reaches an output of 239 kW/325 hp. The increase in power was obtained by a special engine development and by reworking the exhaust, significantly reducing the counter pressure. And because sound is so important in the appreciation of an engine, the acoustic specialists worked on the exhaust of the V6 by adopting specific center and rear mufflers.

The Opel Insignia OPC is available with a six-speed manual gearbox. The strong torque of 400 Nm ensures abundant pulling power even at lower engine speeds. With this engine performance, the Opel Insignia OPC reaches a top speed of 250 km/h (restricted) and sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in six seconds.

The already very well performing Insignia chassis was further fine tuned for the OPC variant which ride height has been reduced by 10 mm compared to the Insignia (AWD Sport version). The newly developed mechatronic chassis also receives a new front axle. The front suspension architecture of the Opel Insignia OPC retains a so called McPherson strut, however the engineers at the Opel Performance Center came up with an evolution called HiPerStrut (for high performance strut). Benefits are an improved steering feel, reduced steering disturbances due to the high torque and an enhanced feeling in the handling for the driver.

The Opel Insignia OPC also comes with the adaptive FlexRide suspension which not only adapts to driving situation and driving style but also to the driver's preferences. While on the Insignia the system offers the choice between a standard adaptive setting, a more comfortable mode and a sport mode, the OPC is definitely addressing those enjoying a sportier ride. OPC drivers can choose between three different sport modes: the standard mode as the high comfort setting, a special Sport mode and the OPC mode, for optimal performance.

For the first time also in the OPC portfolio, the Adaptive 4x4 system and its electronic rear limited slip differential (eLSD) are standard. The four-wheel drive management unit has been recalibrated to adapt torque distribution to the sporty philosophy of the OPC. Taking the higher performances of the OPC into consideration, significant development efforts were put into further improving the brake system. Connoisseurs will immediately spot the Brembo calipers and the perforated 355 mm disc on the front axle.

Distinctive looks are a clear statement on dynamic ambitions
The top-of-the-line body style dressed in an elegant sports outfit is inspired by the GTC concept car which starred in 2007, but still remains true to the Insignia's design philosophy of sculptural artistry meets German precision.

Compared to less powerful versions of the Insignia, the OPC shows a spectacular new front end with two large vertical intakes and a specific rear bumper with dual integrated exhausts. The 19-inch wheels (tires: 245/40) are standard and give the car the stance it deserves. New 20-inch lightweight forged wheels (with 255/35 tires) are available as an option.

The dynamic sportiness of the exterior is also mirrored in the cockpit. When opening the door, the OPC is immediately impressive, from unique Recaro seats to a flat-bottomed sporty steering wheel and specific gear knob. The OPC also presents distinctive instrument graphics.

Opel Flextreme GT-E Concept, 2010

Opel Flextreme GT-E Concept, 2010

 
 

Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept makes its debut at the 80th Geneva Motor Show (March 4 - 14, 2010), it will boost the company's credentials as a leader in green technologies, offering expressive design with efficient environmental performance - and engineered with German precision.

In Opel's strategy for achieving more independence from fossil fuels, electricity plays a key role. The 4.7-meter long Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept illustrates how extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) technology can be plugged into large or mid-size vehicles, as well as compact cars such as the upcoming Opel Ampera.

Opel calls this strategy e-mobility unlimited: adapting the highly efficient E-REV drive system - which removes the limitations of battery-only power - to vehicles across all market segments. To enjoy zero CO2 driving emissions Opel-style, the Flextreme GT/E concept shows that size doesn't matter.

The purposeful design also enables the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept to achieve a projected drag co-efficient of just 0.22, which helps it reach a 200 km/h-plus top speed as well as conserve energy and extend its driving range. Stand-out visual features include a low and wide stance, wing-shaped lights front and rear, a distinctive nose and grille, floating C-pillars and muscular, sculptured bodywork.

Exterior design: expressing efficiency with emotion
The low, coupé-like proportions of the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept explore the potential for evolving Opel's new design language - sculptural artistry meets German precision - within an envelope optimized for aerodynamic efficiency.

The clean, frontal styling features a low hood line and an extended nose section, which is clasped by wing-shaped, signature LED headlamps. These are deeply carved into the front fenders and across the hood line. The new trapezoidal grille execution is slim but bold. The prominent wing-shaped chrome bar carries a large Opel emblem, which doubles as a socket for charging the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept's battery pack.

The upper section of the grille is used to admit cooling air, the lower portion being covered by a translucent panel. The absence of additional air intakes allows a low frontal area for aerodynamic efficiency and also enables the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept to meet future pedestrian protection requirements.

The sculpted hood, with an Opel signature central crease line, features narrow longitudinal vents on either side to draw air out of the engine compartment. The muscular fenders and wheel-arches sweep back into the side-body.

In profile, the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept is distinguished by innovative, stubbed C-pillars. This floating design allows the glasshouse to be extended rearwards under the arching roofline, emphasizing the flowing lines of the side body. The car's dynamic character is further underlined by a fresh expression of Opel's signature blade motif, now a swooping swage line from the base of the C-pillar into the lower front fender.

Access to the cabin is enhanced by the adoption of rear-hinged rear doors, an evolution of the Opel FlexDoors concept from the new generation Meriva monocab. To preserve the clean exterior looks, all door handles are replaced by light sensors. These trigger the doors open when covered by the driver's or passenger's hand. To reduce air turbulence, exterior front door mirrors are also absent, replaced by small camera pods in the base of the A-pillars.

At the rear, a strong shoulder line embraces sculpted wheel-arches that further emphasize the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept's wide, ground-hugging stance. The coupé look is completed by a steeply raked tailgate, carrying wing-shaped LED light units which echo the form of the front headlamps. Like that of the Insignia Sports Tourer, the tailgate has a wraparound design for improved trunk access. Its deep glass screen is slightly convex to improve airflow.

The translucency of the fixed glass panel in the center of the roof is adaptive, allowing sunlight to warm the interior in the cold of winter, but darkening for coolness in summer. A duct at the rear edge of the roof is for additional cooling of the battery and electronic components.

Managing airflow and saving weight
Integral to the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept's expressive looks is the efficiency of the design execution. The small frontal area, low roof height (1308 mm) and a flat, enclosed underbody all enable the car to cleave the air with a minimum of disturbance.

A series of measures optimize airflow management. The 21-inch alloy wheels are relatively narrow, to reduce wind resistance, and fitted with 195/45, low rolling resistance tires. Clear, flush-mounted trim inserts also minimize air turbulence.

The minimal front intake improves airflow around the nose of the car and the underbody sweeps up, venturi-like, at the rear to further reduce drag.

The Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept also explores the potential for active shape shifting. At speeds above 50 km/h, a vertical panel extends along the body from the air extraction slot behind each rear wheel-arch. These 350 mm-long side spoilers guide high-speed airflow around the rear corners of the car, further reducing the amount of turbulence.

Mass reduction measures for the body include the use of lightweight, carbon composite outer panels, polycarbonate window glazing and aluminum alloy structural components. Compared to conventional materials, these offer a 40 percent weight saving which further contributes to reduced energy consumption and an increased driving range.