Hyundai Genus Concept

Genius?

Hyundai unveils the Genus, a Coupe-wagon crossover concept. Considering the fact that the Sonata model is not selling, the Genus may very well be heading for production

A month after Carsoop previewed the first sketch of Hyundai’s new concept, the Korean company released more information on there crossover prototype. Designed by the company’s European Design Centre, located in Rüsselsheim near Frankfurt, the Genus defines a new premium vehicle.

With this concept, Hyundai is taking a preview on future European customer demand in the D-segment, combining the sporting dynamism of a coupe with the versatility of a traditional wagon.

For those who question a product like this, have in mind that the D medium sedan category in Europe is loosing pace every day, with consumers either buying an upgrade sedan like the BMW 3 Series or the Audi A4 either a medium SUV or a Crossover, leaving only leftovers for models like the Sonata sedan.

PRESS RELEASE: HYUNDAI GENUS CONCEPT

Capability

The Rüsselsheim design team developed the Genus as a D-segment vehicle that is appealing to many target groups. Thus, with its multi-use concept the Genus can be used for work, extensive shopping tours, family holidays as well as for numerous free time activities.

A long wheelbase, reduced front and rear overhangs and a wide stance enable increased interior comfort and loading capacity without compromising the fundamental proportions inherent to a coupe.

For maximum versatility, the floor features an integral hatch which can be lifted to reveal a retractable bench seat. The bench extends out to rest over the trunk sill and together with a sliding deck that is concealed in the bumper, it forms a multi-use outside seating area. The sliding deck can also be used separately for transportation of bicycles and other sports equipment.

Due to an inset B-pillar, the side windows form a continuous line. They are fully retractable and together with a large panoramic glass roof enable multisensorial experiences normally associated with coupes and cabriolets.

The medium-size wagon is powered by a 2.2 litre Common-Rail Diesel engine (CRDi) and equipped with a 5-gear automatic transmission for a dynamic, yet comfortable and economic ride. The 4WD underlines the sporty character of the Genus.

Exterior Design

The formal language of the purist concept has been defined by the free-flowing form of a wave. Expressive front and rear blend in a harmonious fusion through a constantly evolving extruded body, painted in metallic champagne.

The face is defined by a hexagonal mouth taking up the whole front like the air intake of a fighter plane, where all surfaces start around it and develop into the body side. The jewel-like swept-back headlamps are similar to birds’ eyes that sit on the flanked side of the truncated triangular shaped front end.

Strongly looking A-pillars are firmly routed in the sculpted bonnet producing a flight of an arrow section, which shoots towards the front grille.

The flowing silhouette of the car has a sleek cab forward configuration with a tapering roofline dropping dramatically away at the rear. Uninterrupted negative shoulders connect the slanted narrow greenhouse onto the tall body, giving it almost coupe-like attributes.

The interplay of the shoulder line between the front and rear lamp is reminiscent of a silk cloth draped over the string of a bow which is fixed under tension at both ends.

The panoramic side glass is chopped by the clamshell tailgate. The shut lines of the tailgate orbit around the rear glass producing a ring structure, which doubles as the D-pillar. This element, which intersects the rounded tail, is held in place by the tear drop shaped rear lamps.

Interior Design

The interior’s visual forms mimic the continuous flowing nature of sand dunes. Vast surfaces seemingly sculpted by gently flowing wind, generate tension and dynamism whist retaining a sensitive fluidity. The focal point of the interior is the elegantly contoured instrument panel combined with the floating frame of the foldable centre stack that conceals the blue illuminated menu-screen.

Vast swathes of natural aubergine leather and contemporary silk-like reflective textile drape over the primary surfaces, which contrast with light beige leather inserts. The free flowing sculpted form is complimented by intricate anodised metallic details such as the longitude air vents or instrument surround.

The Genus’ interior represents the concept of a versatile living space, a cocooning environment with a high beltline in which to feel safe and protected. In being surrounded by the rhythm of curved flowing volumes creating a sensory spirit, passengers will experience a relaxing environment.

The cosseting wave inspired form of the seats provides an exciting invitation for occupants. Seeking to encapsulate passengers, an integrated supporting shell flows in a serene wavelike form, which is repeated in a perforated graphic on the seat upholstery. The shell embraces the seats and forms a visual alliance from the centre console to the integrated armrest.

The wrap-around roll-bar with an integrated almond-shaped roof light separates the front from the rear passenger compartment. The individual rear seats slide forward and build a visual unit with the sliding two-layer trunk floor, providing a flexible wrap-around cargo space.

Genus Specifications

Configuration

4WD, 2+2 coupe-wagon

Wheelbase

2,850 mm

Overall length

4,750 mm

Overall height

1,565 mm

Overall width

1,870 mm

Wheels

20 inch aluminium

Engine

2.2 litre CRDi

Transmission

5 gear automatic transmission

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Lotus APX Concept

Family Guy
A future 5door crossover model by Lotus? Well, not exactly as the APX (Aluminium Performance Crossover) is the first example of a complete vehicle built on the innovative Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA)


The APX is a 7-seater (in reality a 5 + 2 with the two rear seats being occasional) four-wheel drive "Crossover" vehicle with a front mounted 300 hp supercharged V6 petrol engine. Weighing in at just 1570 kg and with a power to weight ratio of 191 hp per tonne, the APX has sportscar like performance of 5.4 seconds to 100 km/h (5.0 seconds to 60 mph) before reaching a top speed of 245 km/h (152 mph).

These performance figures are as good as the highest performing 4x4 "Crossover" vehicles from other brands with up to 195 hp per tonne. Crucially though, whereas those vehicles need higher output engines to compensate for heavy weight, APX does not. Combined fuel consumption for APX is estimated to be 8.7 litres / 100 km (or 32 mpg) .


APX is manufactured predominantly from aluminium in the form of high-pressure die-cast corner nodes, stampings and extrusions. It uses advanced assembly techniques, including adhesive bonding, self-piercing rivets and flow-drill screws for construction - joining techniques that Lotus calls Riv-Bonding.

APX is not just a Lotus Engineering concept, but a feasible prototype close to production; it is not a concept indicating a strategic direction of Lotus Cars; it is, however, a brilliant demonstration of VVA and the skills of the team from Lotus Engineering into what is regarded as the future of niche vehicle manufacture. APX is production feasible as all the components can be made cost effectively and in high niche volume (up to around 30,000 per year).

The Engine - 300 hp, 3-litre V6: Like the vehicle, the engine is not just a Lotus Engineering concept, but a feasible prototype close to production, however it is not a concept indicating a strategic powertrain direction of Lotus Cars.

Simon Wood, Director of Lotus Engineering explains the rationale behind building APX: "the first production car from Lotus to use the Versatile Vehicle Architecture will be the new mid engine "super sportscar", which will go into production in 2009. Lotus Cars customers eagerly await this vehicle that will be a class-leading and phenomenally high performing car.

The supercharged V6 is part of a family of normally aspirated and supercharged high performance engines which includes 2.2 litre and 3.0 litre normally aspirated derivatives. All of these engines are at the prototype stage and are production feasible, but are not currently planned for production. It uses a Rootes-type supercharger with a compact air - to - water Laminova - type charge cooler with separate parallel coolant system using its own water pump and heat exchangers allowing a charge temperature reduction of approximately 50 degrees Celcius.

Performance of the engine is maximum power of 224 kW (300 hp, 304 PS) at 6250 rpm and a torque of 360 Nm at 4500 rpm. 80% of peak torque is between 1500 rpm and maximum revs of 6500 rpm. Like all products from Lotus, it follows the adage of "performance through light weight", in that the engine weighs just 171 kg (fully dressed, dry weight). This gives a phenomenal specific output of around 1.31 kW/kg (1.7 hp/kg). Specific performance is 74.6 kW / litre (100 hp / litre, 101.3 PS / litre).

Example VVA families

The following represents illustrative VVA families that could be achieved:

Family A

Front engine 4WD crossover 15,000 / year Mid engine RWD supercar 5,000 Front engine RWD coupe 10,000 Front engine RWD saloon 20,000

Family B

Front engine FWD coupe 10,000

Front engine 4WD SUV 25,000

Family C

Mid engine RWD coupe 5,000

Front engine FWD saloon 25,000

Front engine 4WD crossover 30,000 - i.e. APX by Lotus Engineering

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Porsche 911 GT3 2007

Call 911

415 hp and 0 to 100 km/h in just 4,3 sec for Porsche’s new “race track” inspired edition of the 911

In addition to the 911 Turbo, Porsche, is presenting another new automobile at the Geneva Motor Show. The new 911 GT3 will be unveiled to the world public for the very first time on February 28, 2006.

In the 911 model range, the abbreviation GT3 stands for pure, unadulterated driving pleasure. With its uncompromising dynamics, this model impresses not only in normal day-to-day driving but also on the racetrack. The 305-kW (415-bhp) 3.6-liter flat-six engine produces a specific output of 84.7 Kilowatts (115.3 bhp) per liter of displacement. This performance places the new-generation GT3 in its displacement class at the pinnacle of road-legal production sports cars with naturally aspirated engines.

The six-cylinder engine reaches its nominal output at 7,600 rpm. At 8,400 rpm, the engine speed limit again lies 200 revolutions higher than for the previous model. This makes it a world leader in its engine-size class. In addition to this high engine speed concept, the optimized airflow rate considerably improves performance. This is made possible by the variable intake system with a throttle valve enlarged from 76 to 82 millimeters, the optimized cylinder heads and an exhaust system with low backpressure.

The driver has a revised six-speed transmission at his disposal. It impresses with its very short gearlever travel and, thanks to the lower ratios of gears 2 to 6, ideally complements the racy engine.

New for the GT3 is a change-up display, which lights up on the rev counter shortly before the relevant engine speed is reached. It provides an additional signal at the best time to change gear. The measured values prove just how well the engine and gearbox are harmonized: the GT3 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds, and reaches 160 km/h from a standing start in 8.7 seconds. Its top speed is 310 km/h (193 mph).

The new 911 GT3 boasts an active chassis for the first time. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) offers two sporty chassis in one: the basic configuration is largely similar to that of the previous model and is suitable for driving on alternating road surfaces. In sport mode, the system switches to harder damping, thereby enabling even better dynamism on the racetrack.

For the best-possible transmission of engine power to the road, the GT3 is equipped with a comprehensive traction package, which includes not only the standard-equipment 19-inch sports tires but also a mechanical limited slip differential. In addition, the new electronic Traction Control – adapted from the Carrera GT high-performance sports car – ensures safe traction under any driving conditions. It features traction-slip and drag-torque control functions, and can be switched off completely if required.

The basic Euro price for the 911 GT3 is 93,000 Euros. In Germany, it will be offered including sales tax and country-specific requirements for 108,083 Euros. In the USA, the new GT3 will be available in dealerships from August 2006 for 106,000 Dollars (excluding tax).

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Fiat Panda MultiEco Concept

Eco friendly

Fiats concept car represents the most advanced frontier achievable in terms of emissions and consumption, synergically combining technologies that already exist or are ready for industrialisation.

The Panda MultiEco is equipped with a dual-fuel (methane and petrol) FIRE engine combined with a BAS (Belt-driven Alternator-Starter) device and a Dualogic robotised gearbox.

The first device, which is at once an electric generator and starter motor, makes for easier starting and more efficient electricity generation. The innovative Manual Transmission Automated gearbox on the other hand makes for optimal management of gear changes and outstanding mechanical efficiency.

The automated transmission paves the way for ‘intelligent’ management of the on/off state of the engine. By controlling the clutch, the system disengages the internal combustion engine from the transmission whenever drive is not required and the engine can be turned off. It is restarted, immediately and silently, by a reversible electric motor, known as BAS (Belt-driven Alternator-Starter) which replaces the alternator on the belt circuit and performs the dual role of starter motor and electric generator.

What is more, in addition to its exclusive built-in propulsion system, the Panda MultiEco incorporates interesting improvements in the fields of aerodynamics (Cd of 0.295) and weight reduction. Suffice it to say that the show-car weighs 92 kg less than the methane version that will soon go into production, thanks to the use of a number of components made with thermoplastic materials, the adoption of ‘stripped’ seats, etc.

The innovative lay-out of the methane cylinder storage system is unique for a city car, thanks to the Panda’s modular floorpan (the CNG cylinders are positioned under the floorpan, one longitudinally in the central tunnel, and the other, with a capacity of 50 litres, transversally under the rear floor), guaranteeing a methane range of over 350 km without detracting from the roominess of the car or the luggage compartment in any way.

CO2 emissions are 42% lower than those of the petrol version in the urban cycle and 32% lower in the NEDC cycle, reaching a value of 90 g/km in this case. In terms of emissions, this result is added to the benefits of methane propulsion, which is the only solution realistically possible today that could help to significantly raise the quality of exhaust emissions.

The other advantages for customers are lower consumption and the lower cost of methane, which therefore means a substantial reduction in the relative cost per kilometre (-63%).

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Honda Civic Type R Concept

Rated R

Exclusive preview of Honda’s new 3door 200 hp Civic Type R Concept

Making its worldwide debut at the 76th Geneva Motor Show, Honda’s new Civic Type R Concept is not just another prototype, as it strongly hints at what the production car will look like when it reaches the European market towards the end of the year.

Based on the the new Civic 3-door which will appear too in Europe later this year, the Civic Type R Concept adopts the bold styling of the widely acclaimed 5-door hatchback version. The additional spoilers, the newly styled bumpers with bigger air vents and the huge alloys give the prototype the needed street-race look that anyone expects from a car of this category. Power comes from Honda's 200 PS 2.0-litre, DOHC i-VTEC unit, the same high-rev engine as used in the out-going model. It’s got the looks and its sure got the power, lets all pray that will be as exciting to drive at as it is to look at. The production version, like its predecessor, will be assembled at Honda's plant in Swindon, England

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Audi A6 Allroad 2007

Avanti maestro

Second generation of Audi’s A6 Avant based crossover model revealed

A FEW days before its official unveiling in the Geneva Motor Show, Auto Cars 2011 got its hands on these first –official images of Audi’s second generation A6 Allroad model that got there way in the internet.

Based on the Detroit prototype, the new A6 Allroad retains the crossover concept of its predecessor. The A6 Allroad will be available with two diesel engines, 2.7 TDI & 3.0 TDI and two petrol, the new 3.6 FSI V6 & the 4.2 FSI V8. Sales will start in the forthcoming summer

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Ford Focus Coupe Cabriolet

Opening time

Ford lifts the roof of its Pininfarina designed Focus Coupe Cabriolet model which will be available latter this summer

TWO years after the debut of the Vignale Concept at the 2004 Paris Motor Show, Ford finally presented the production version of its open top model named Focus Coupe-Cabriolet.

"We were delighted with the reaction to the Focus Vignale Concept and were determined to progress it to volume production," said Gunnar Herrmann, Vehicle Line Director for the Ford Focus. "We also wanted to keep the production model as true to the beautiful concept car as we could, while making it convenient and affordable for everyday use."

Designed and jointly developed by Italian specialist, Pininfarina, Fords four seater Coupe-Cabriolet uses a two piece folding electric hardtop offering a substantial luggage compartment with more than 500 litres of useable space.

Unlike most of its competitors like the Renault Megane CC and The Peugeot 307 CC, the Focus Coupe Cabriolet seems to look good judging by the pictures, even with its top up, thanks to the gently arched coupe roof and especially, the well-proportioned bootlid area. Inside, the emphasis is on refinement, and elegance with the use of premium quality materials. That is the only difference between Focus hatchback and the Coupe Cabriolet interiors. The preview model is trimmed with an attractive two-tone interior, with the upper instrument panel coloured in the new, dark-elegant 'Iris' and contrasting to the trim and the luxurious leather seats in light 'Camel'.

"The initial design intent of the Vignale Concept remained almost untouched during its transition to the production Focus Coupé-Cabriolet," said Chris Bird, Director Design, Ford of Europe. "The new Focus also provided us with a great starting point from which the design team could create a really distinctive dual-personality vehicle."

Ford's new Coupé-Cabriolet model will be offered with a choice of three powertrains: two petrol engines, the 100 PS 1.6-litre Duratec and the 145 PS 2.0-litre Duratec, and the latest generation 136 PS 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel.

The new Ford Focus Coupé-Cabriolet will go on sale across Europe from later this summer. It is estimated that approximately 20,000 vehicles will be produced per year.

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Saab Aero-X Concept

The Net

Official photos of Saab’s coupe model concept, Aero-X, leak in the net

Two days after Carscoop showed the first picture of the Swedish concept, a pack of new images of the Aero-X Concept leaked in the net.. As I mentioned before, the Aero-X concept which will make its debut in the Geneva Show, promises to give us glimpse of the Swedish firm long awaited coupe model. I really like the styling as it is dynamic and distinct while at the same time, it shouts out loud that it is a Saab. Although unconfirmed till now, it is said that the Aero-X Concept will wear a V6 turbo engine that produces 400 hp.



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Lamborghini Murcielago LP640

Wild thing

The ultimate road-going version of the Murcielago with a 640 hp 6.5 V12 engine

A week before its official unveiling at the Geneva motor show, Lambiorghini gives us an exclusive preview of its latest jewel, the all new Murcielago LP640.

Unlike the Miura Concept, the LP640 is a road going production model which will bear the title of the fastest production Lamborghini ever built. In the heart of the beast lays a 6.5-litre V12. The increased bore and longer stroke have boosted the displacement of the classic 60° V-engine from 6.2 litres to 6.5 litres (6,496 cm3). Thus the already extraordinary 580 hp engine power has now been elevated to an impressive peak of 640 hp (471 kW) at 8,000 min-1. The 12-cylinder engine reaches a maximum torque of 660 Nm at 6,000 min-1. The Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 complies with every European and North American law governing exhaust fumes.

Coupled to a new six-speed gearbox, which can also be ordered with Lambo's e-gear sequential paddle shift, the LP640 neads a mearly 3,4 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph). Thats 0.4 seconds quicker than the “normal” 6.2 V12 Murcielago. Although the Italians –or Germans shall we say, have yet announce a top speed, the word is that the LP640 will exceed 340 kmh or 210mph.

Helping it to achieve this colossal speed and remain stable are plenty of aerodynamic changes for the LP. Reshaped front and rear bumpers direct air more efficiently, while the exhaust is now incorporated into the rear diffuser to help cancel out aerodynamic lift at high speeds. Lamborghini has also created a larger air intake on the left side to feed the oil cooler.

For those wishing to show off the LP's 6.5-litre V12, a glass engine cover can be ordered.Under the steel and carbon fibre skin, revised suspension copes with the increased performance, while ceramic brakes are an option to help bring things to a halt more swiftly and efficiently.

There's also a four-wheel-drive system that normally splits 70% of the torque to the back, but can allocate up to 100% to each end depending on where the grip is running out., the LP640 wears new 18-inch Hermera alloy wheels running on 335/30 tyres at the rear. Finaly. inside, there are reshaped seats for improved comfort and greater headroom, plus a revised instrument panel. Lamborghini will announce prices of the new LP640 in Geneva with the first vehicles being available in spring 2006.

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