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Thursday, July 15, 2010

SsangYong Rodius, 2004

The SsangYong Rodius is a large MPV/SUV by the Korean automaker SsangYong Motor Company.
The car was designed by Ken Greenley, former head of the automotive design course at the Royal College of Art in London.

The engines are the Mercedes-Benz licenced 3.2 L 6-cylinder petrol engine ( 162 kW (217 hp) & 309 N·m (228 ft·lbf) ) and the 2.7 L 5-cylinder common rail diesel engine ( 121 kW (162 hp) & 342 N·m (252 ft·lbf) ).

Subaru Impreza 5-Door, 2008

Fuji Heavy Industries Inc. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, announced the unveiling of its all new Subaru Impreza (U.S. specifications) at the New York International Auto Show, which will be held from April 6 through 15. (Press days : April 4 and 5) The third-generation Impreza will hit the market around the world starting this summer.

Developed around the product concept of new, more refined designs for comfort, the latest Impreza incorporates sophisticated styling and rich interior design, roominess and space, and outstanding comfort and utility, while offering a pleasant and safe ride enhanced by Subaru Symmetrical AWD (All-Wheel drive) with the Horizontally-Opposed engine.

Advanced core mechanism
The new Impreza showcases a redesigned chassis, body construction and drivetrain, as well as substantially improved overall performance, under the theme "Only Subaru can deliver such attractive performance and values."1 It also provides a pleasant ride with ease of handling and integrates performance with advanced safety and environmental considerations.

FHI recently set forth a new theme for Subaru cars that stipulates Subaru's goal: Subaru offers a comfortable, pleasant drive for the driver and passengers; provides peace of mind and reliability; and extends convenience, utility and functionality.

Chassis
The newly designed double-wishbone rear suspension effectively absorbs shocks from road surfaces, ensuring high levels of ride comfort and agile handling.
The lower center of gravity, enabled by the Boxer engine, has been enhanced by mounting the engine slightly lower in the chassis, thereby further improving stability.
Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), available on a wider grade range of the Impreza lineup, increases active safety.

Body construction
Additional use of high tension steel and reinforced joints has greatly improved rigidity.
Streamlined body construction, while ensuring safety, makes weight reduction possible, which in turn improves fuel economy and maneuverability.

Engines and transmissions
The 2.5-liter Boxer engine features ideal power output characteristics under a practical range of driving speeds through improved mid- to low-end torque. The engine has also been modified to improve emissions and fuel efficiency.
The 2.5-liter SOHC normally aspirated engine adopts a new intake port and other design changes that make improved low-end torque and fuel efficiency possible. Improved emissions were realized by a new catalyst system that optimizes catalyst efficiency.
Incorporating a newly designed intake manifold, intercooler and turbocharger, the 2.5-liter DOHC turbocharged engine delivers improved mid to low-end torque and fuel efficiency.
Transmissions, both manual and automatic, were modified for faster, more responsive shifting and better maneuverability.

Safety
Advancing the Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame Body Structure with front and rear crumple zones, the new Impreza has realized high levels of safety and crash worthiness.
All models are equipped with dual SRS airbags, side SRS airbags, and curtain airbags.
A collapsible safety pedal is available on all models to reduce the risk to feet in accidents.

Refined styling and elegant interior design
The new Impreza combines sporty styling with ample interior space and integrates functionality with elegance.

Exterior design
Refined styling is highlighted by a perfectly proportioned body, well calculated panel curves that reflect light and shadow in harmony, and quality details.

Sweeping character lines on both sides express a sense of speed and individuality.
A sporty image is underscored by projecting front fenders and rear quarters.
Projector lamps, used in the headlights, give a dynamic three-dimensional appearance.

5-door model
A clean and elegant line flows continuously from the front grille, up the A-pillar, across the roof down to the rear gate.
An aerodynamic rear spoiler, standard on all models, heightens the car's sporty image.

4-door model
The rear overhang is 165 mm longer than on the 5-door model, which gives the car a more elegant sedan look.

Interior design
Spacious and open interior provides comfort and improves visibility.
Aluminum-look insets in the center panels and door trim add a sporty feel and airiness.
The navigation screen, as well as the vehicle information and audio displays are placed at the top of the dashboard for improved visibility and functionality.
High-grade, double-stitched seat fabrics provide a feeling of quality.

Packaging and utility
The new Impreza rides on a 95-mm-longer wheelbase than its predecessor, which enables expanded interior space.
The all-new double-wishbone rear suspension makes room for a wider and deeper luggage compartment, enhancing the utility of the car.
On the 5-door model, the rear seats feature a 60/40 split folding mechanism that allows various seating arrangements and increases cargo capacity. The wide and flat load floor can accommodate two Tour-size golf bags, or five carry-on bags.
The 4-door model provides a larger trunk that can accommodate three Tour-size golf bags. The rear seats feature standard 60/40 split backs, giving pass-through access to the trunk.
Larger door openings, which are enabled through new sash construction, afford improved ingress and egress, and the rear doors open 75 degrees to allow for better rear seat access.
The door panels house molded recesses that can hold 720-mL PET bottles

Subaru Forester, 2008

The new Forester has realized ideal proportions that provide ample interior space and offer improved utility without substantially enlarging the body size.

Compared to the previous model, the new Forester is 110 mm taller (excluding the roof rail) and 45 mm wider, and its wheelbase has been expanded by 90 mm, increasing interior space and improving riding comfort. On the other hand, the overall distance between the ends of the right and left door mirrors has been shortened by 10 mm through mirror position and design changes. Also, the minimum turning radius was made shorter by 0.1 meter for zippy handling.

Off-road capability is further improved by optimization of approach and departure angles, coupled with a generous 225-mm ground clearance.

The double-wishbone rear suspension makes room for a deeper and wider luggage compartment. This enhances the utility of this car that already features cargo area tie-down hooks and a DC12V/120W power outlet, as well as a push button switch for folding down the rear seatbacks.

Larger door openings, which are enabled through new sash construction, afford improved ingress and egress, and the rear doors open 75 degrees to allow for better rear seat access.
Through the enhancement of body rigidity, less road noise reaches the interior of the car. All door openings are sealed with double-layered weather stripping placed along the door trim for the optimal pressure to tightly seal the doors and ensure a quieter ride.

The multi-functional center console provides a spacious compartment that can accommodate an A4-size notebook PC and a purse of equivalent size. It also incorporates a removable tray that can be used to hold portable media players and cell phones. The console compartment has a sliding lid that is cushioned on top to serve as an armrest.

A retractable rear tray with a cup holder is installed between the rear seats, further elevating rear passenger comfort. (Available on the 2.0XS and 2.0XT)

Exterior design
Streamlined, yet sculpted styling evokes images of powerful, well defined muscles carved out of stone.
Sharply defined character lines running from the sides of headlights to the tail lights, combined with boxed front fenders and projected rear quarter panels, accentuate a more pronounced SUV profile.

The center of the redesigned front grill is metallic gray in color, making a sharp yet elegant contrast to its chrome-plated contours.
Headlamps are chrome-plated on the inside to project the light outward evenly. Rear lights are clustered and designed to highlight a luminous and translucent look in the rear styling.

17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with distinctively sculptured spokes emphasize the vehicle's commanding presence and high quality. 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels also feature sharp lines of spokes, expressing high quality and smartness.

Interior design
Decorative insets with a brushed aluminum-look flow from the center panel of the dashboard to the door trim, adding spaciousness and airiness in the interior and stressing sportiness in the cockpit. Rich and refined interior design is accentuated by the center panel, which combines wood and metal finishes, as well as by the door trim, embellished with metal-finish panels for window and door switches.

The vehicle information display, which constantly shows outside temperature, average mileage and time on the digital clock, as well as a navigation screen and audio display, are placed nearer the top of the dashboard for improved visibility and functionality.

The front seat cushions employ highly resilient urethane materials that effectively absorb vibration during a drive. In addition, newly developed seatback springs firmly support the driver's hips and back to maintain the optimal driving position.

Drivetrain
An expanded ground clearance further improves the off-road capability of the vehicle. The raising of the clearance does not alter the low center of gravity that is attained by mounting the engine low in the vehicle, thereby securing outstanding vehicle stability.

4-speed AT models are equipped with the Sportshift gear selection. By optimizing the final gear ratio and torque convertor characteristics, as well as through reducing friction among part assemblies, driving performance and fuel economy has been improved. The N Control System on AT models automatically shifts the transmission back to neutral from driving positions after the brake pedal is depressed for some time. Gear shift operation has also been enhanced by the redesigned shift lever positions and the use of roller bearings.

The SI-Dive (Subaru Intelligent Drive) system on the 2.0XT model offers three different modes of driving for the driver to enjoy: Intelligent; Sport; and Sport Sharp.

Gear ratios on MT models, from the second through the five-speed, as well as the final drive gear ratio, have been modified to improve driving performance and fuel economy. Reducing friction inside the transmission also contributes to better gear shift operation on MT models.

The Active Torque Split AWD system is mounted on AT models. MT models come with the center differential AWD system with viscous LSD (limited slip differential). Both AWD systems distribute optimal power to the wheels with the firm grip and traction, providing unrivalled vehicle stability.

The Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) is standards on all models. Fed by information gathered by sensors that monitor vehicle and road conditions, the VDC coordinates the engine, transmission, and brakes in order to recover the vehicle's position should unstable movements occur on a slippery road.
2.0-L DOHC engines on the 2.0X and 2.0XS
Fuel economy has been improved with the redesigned DOHC cylinder head, as well as through optimization of the compression ratio and reduction of the volume of the combustion chamber.

Low-end and mid-range torque is improved, while better fuel economy and lower gas emissions are achieved, primarily through design changes in the engine that generate a stronger tumble gas flow and raise gas intake efficiency.

The use of AVCS contributes to higher power output, while fuel economy is also achieved by improving combustion efficiency through the optimized timing of valve openings and closings.
A design change in the cooling water channel around the spark plug further prevents engine knocking and also helps improve low-end and mid-range torque output.

With the optimization of the diameter and length of the intake manifold, and the adoption of the equal length/constant pulsation independent exhaust system, the engine's intake and exhaust performance has been elevated.

Two catalytic convertors have been placed in tandem. The layout enables the convertors to quickly heat up, which facilitates catalytic activation during engine startup and improves on emission reduction efficiency.

The twin mufflers expand the muffler capacity, bringing noise levels down even lower and reducing exhaust back pressure.

2.0-L DOHC Turbo engine
A newly developed DOHC cylinder head is used in this engine. The intake port and the combustion chamber have been redesigned to reduce residual gasses, thus raising combustion efficiency.

By using a resin-based intake manifold, the inner walls of the manifold are smooth and less resistant to the intake flow. The weight is also reduced by 30% compared to the earlier manifold.

A design change in the cooling water channel around the spark plug further prevents engine knocking and also helps improve low-end and mid-range torque output.

The injector nozzle has been redesigned to atomize fuel and finely disperse it into the combustion chamber for improved combustion. This also helps reduce harmful substances in emissions.

Adopted is a secondary air system that forces air into the exhaust port to burn out any gasoline remaining in it. The system helps eliminate harmful substances when the powertrain is still cool, and it promotes early activation of catalytic converters.

The twin mufflers expand the muffler capacity, bringing noise levels down even lower and reducing exhaust back pressure.

Powered by regular gasoline, the 2.0-L naturally aspirated Boxer engine features better combustion efficiency, as well as eco-friendly performance and fuel economy, thanks to a newly designed DOHC cylinder head and the use of the active valve control system (AVCS).

Scion t2B Concept, 2005

The t2B is a concept car from Scion, designed by Calty Design (Toyota's design studio in California) and built by Five Axis Models in Huntington Beach, California.
It debuted at the 2005 New York Auto Show. Its name stands for Tall 2 Box.
It appears rather like a mini-van, with 2 rows of bench seats, though the exterior is similar to the xB. On the passenger side there is 1 automatic sliding door. The driver side has doors that open 180 degrees, the rear door being a suicide door. The idea of the t2B is to be a social and entertainment enigma to the occupants.

Scion 5 Axis Widebody DJ xB, 2005

The Scion xB is the American-market name given to the subcompact Toyota bB. It is a small wagon based on the Toyota Yaris platform. The xB was one of two models in the lineup of Toyota's US-exclusive Scion division present at the brand's 2004 launch (the other was the xA, based on the Toyota ist). Both cars feature the 1NZ-FE engine, rated at 108 hp (81 kW) at 6000 rpm and 105 lb-ft of torque at 4200 rpm.

The Toyota bB was an established model in Japan before the Scion xB version was introduced to the US.

Scion Marketing
The Scion xB's marketing is aimed at Generation Y, Americans born in 1978 or later. This group of car buyers is extremely important to manufacturers due to their large numbers (78 million) and their differing perceptions and demands of the vehicles they drive.

Though Toyota expected the xA to sell better than the xB, the reverse proved to be true, with the xB outselling its brother 2 to 1, possibly due to the xB's distinctive styling, and the xB's unique combination of van-like cargo and passenger space with a very compact size.

Differences between the xB and the bB
Besides the obvious change from right to left-hand drive, the front passenger area has changed significantly. The bB has a front bench seat and a column-mounted shifter for the automatic transmission. The xB, on the other hand, has 2 front bucket seats and a shifter mounted on the floor.

The drivetrains also differ. The bB is available with either the 1.3 L 2NZ-FE engine or the 1.5 L 1NZ-FE, mated exclusively to a 4-speed automatic transmission with available all-wheel drive. The xB is only available with the 1NZ-FE, but offers both a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission. All-wheel drive is not offered on the xB.

The Toyota bB does not have a spare tire. On the Scion xB, a compact spare tire is stored under the left side of the rear cargo floor. Since the spare tire raised the cargo floor by several inches, a storage compartment was added to the right of the spare tire to reclaim some of the lost storage space. A jack is stored under the driver's seat of the xB.

Dacia Logan MCV, 2009

New version of the Dacia Logan MCV, the best-selling station wagon in France, was launched following the Dacia Sandero and new Dacia Logan.

With fresh body styling adopting the new visual identity of the brand, an upgraded Lauréate model and the arrival of a Prestige version, new Dacia Logan MCV is an integral part of the renewal of Dacia, a generous and clever brand.

New Dacia Logan MCV obviously retains its successful formula of unbeatable cabin room for the price, impressive modular design and versatility in use, along with recognized reliability found in the previous generation.

New Dacia Logan MCV was launched in France on October 3, 2008, naturally with the threeyear 100,000 km warranty. The entry-level price is as attractive as ever at just €8,900 in France.

New Dacia Logan MCV is produced at Dacia's ISO 14001-certified Pitesti plant in Romania. The new model is 95% recoverable and contains 5% recycled plastic. The 70 hp dCi and 85 hp dCi models, emitting 140 g/km of CO2 and 137 g/km of CO2, respectively, both carry the Dacia eco2 signature.

Dacia Logan, 2009

Four years after the release of the first Logan, Dacia introduces 'New Logan'. The latest version of this celebrated three-volume saloon builds on the same strengths that forged the success of its predecessor, including unbeatable value for money in terms of performance and equipment, plus outstanding cabin space and exceptional reliability. New Dacia Logan goes even further, however, and features a more contemporary design, as well as a more attractive and more comfortable interior which mirrors the renewal of Dacia as a generous, clever brand.

New Dacia Logan will be introduced across the majority of Western European markets from July 2008. In most cases, its entry level price remains unchanged, making it a more appealing proposition than ever.

More contemporary looks
New Dacia Logan stands out as a modern saloon with more contemporary exterior lines which reflect its robust, quality build. The grille, which first appeared on Dacia Sandero, is bigger and features the brand's new logo, plus a chrome upper trim as standard (except entry level version). The new front bumper is flush with the bodywork for a more integrated, harmonious feel, while the headlights are bigger and the fog lamps come with elegant carbon colour surrounds (depending on version).

The rear design of New Dacia Logan has been updated, too. The design of the new boot lid, which can be trimmed with a lower chrome strip, is more streamlined and its lines have been carried over to the revised rear lights. The rear bumper, too, is now flush with the bodywork and incorporates reflectors and a towing hook complete with concealing cap.

Other revisions include a new range of wheeltrims and alloy wheels (optional), while the list of available body colours has been extended with the addition of Basalt Grey, Electric Blue and Extreme Blue.

An even more pleasing interior
New Dacia Logan sets out to be even more appealing than ever. The new dashboard, which first appeared on Dacia Sandero, is modern and functional, while the design of the door panels also contributes to the cabin's modern feel thanks to their more practical pull handles and elegant trimming (depending on version). The upgrade in range has seen the introduction of two finishes for New Dacia Logan's dashboard, plus a choice of four upholsteries (depending on countries).

Drivers will appreciate the practical controls, and special care has gone into ensuring that all dashboard information is easy to read. The driving environment itself has been made even more comfortable and driverfriendly thanks to a new driver's seat adjustment control (depending on version) and a height-adjustable steering column (depending on version). Rear visibility has been improved through the fitment of a comma-type central rear headrest and large format door mirrors. These have been carried over from Dacia Logan MCV and are standard equipment on New Dacia Logan.

An exceptionally roomy interior
New Dacia Logan's generous dimensions ensure outstanding cabin space which continues to be unmatched in the three-volume saloon category of the B-Entry segment. Indeed, its size is more akin to C-segment norms, since the newcomer's overall length has been increased to 4,290mm (up 40mm compared with the previous version Logan), while its width is 1,740mm. Cabin space is one of New Dacia Logan's most salient features and three tall passengers (more than 1.90m in height) can be accommodated comfortably in the rear thanks to rear headroom of 873mm. Rear shoulder room is a remarkable 1,428mm too, a figure more readily associated with larger saloons. Last but by no means least, the boot volume of 510 litres is unequalled by any of New Dacia Logan's rivals in its category and the boot layout itself permits loads of very different shapes and sizes to be carried with ease.
The accent on safety
New Dacia Logan features the same safety features and equipment that enabled the model to achieve a threestar Euro NCAP crash test rating.

New Dacia Logan can be equipped with the latest generation Bosch 8.1 ABS complete with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and emergency brake assist (EBA), a new feature which debuted on Dacia Sandero. The latter detects when the driver brakes in an emergency situation and acts on the hydraulic circuit to increase the effectiveness of the ABS by applying maximum pressure the instant the driver hits the brakes.

Front and rear tracks of New Dacia Logan have been widened 7mm either side, which reinforces the roadholding capabilities of the vehicle.

On the passive safety front, New Dacia Logan features a new honeycomb structure for the dashboard which reduces the severity of impact to the knees. In addition to the materials it employs, the dashboard's very design takes safety into account thanks to the curves of its lower section which match the form of the tibia, enabling impact loads to be spread out evenly in case of contact. The driver and front passenger also benefit from further lower limb protection thanks to underfoot padding.

All New Dacia Logan's seats are equipped with three-point seatbelts and headrests, while the new car is delivered as standard with two controlled-deflation airbags (depending on countries), driver and front passenger, the pressure of which diminishes following deployment in order to limit the load applied to occupants.

A comprehensive range of proven powerplants
New Dacia Logan comes with the same proven petrol engines and diesel engine that have contributed to the Dacia range's success.

The 1.4 MPI 75hp, 1.6 MPI 90hp and 1.6 16V 105hp all comply with the criteria of cost, robustness and ease of maintenance that are a feature of the Dacia brand. They combine generous torque from low revs with thrifty fuel consumption: 7.0, 7.2 and 7.1 litres/100km respectively.

The 1.5 dCi stands out as a benchmark in the diesel engine field thanks to the use of such advanced technologies as second-generation common-rail direct injection which delivers both high performance and extremely low fuel consumption. The 1.5 dCi is available in 70hp form and a punchier 85hp version, while CO2 emissions of 120g/km point to the 1.5 dCi 70hp and 1.5 dCi 85hp engines' ecological credentials.