Friday, July 13, 2012

Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermes, 2009

 
 
 
 
  •  Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermes, 2009

The unique version of the Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermès was first launched in Geneva in complimentary tones of ebony and étoupe and ebony and brick. In order to give the customer a wider range of options Hermès and Bugatti have developped four new colours schemes in line with the heritage and the values of the two houses. Therefore, the Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermès is now also available in these exclusive combinations : "indigo blue and vermilion", "indigo blue and lime green", "black and garance red" and "Prussian blue and blue jean".

The Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermès associates Bugatti's technical performance with the expertise of Hermès and its craftsmen. In partnership with Hermès, designer Gabriele Pezzini has married the distinctive Hermès style to the legendary Bugatti Veyron 16.4, magnifying the car's personality.
This remarkable car features an array of exceptional characteristics: the innovative alliance of a technologically advanced engine, delivering 1001 horsepower, with an understated yet uncompromising silhouette reflecting the high performance capacities of state-of-the-art engineering and design, and above all, the pleasure these inspire in every Bugatti owner.

The fascination exerted by this sports coupé, capable of reaching 407 km/h, is due in large part to its unique alliance of the very finest motor-racing technology with comfortable handling for everyday driving.

The 16-cylinder "W" configuration engine is fed by four turbochargers and features 64 valves, generating 1001 horsepower at 6000 rpm. The engine draws on its 8-litre displacement to deliver a maximum torque of 1250 Newton-metres between 2200 and 5500 rpm. With full-time all-wheel drive, the car's phenomenal power produces breath-takingly dynamic handling, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 2.5 seconds. The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 benefits from aeronautical and aerospace technologies, making it the fastest production car ever made. The car also features a braking system designed to deliver unprecedented powers of deceleration, establishing a new industry benchmark. The carbon-fibre discs provide brake pressure of up to 180 bars, combined with eight-piston monobloc callipers and titanium pistons fitted with fine steel heads and ceramic heat protectors. Apply the brakes at speeds above 200 km/h, and the rear wing acts as an airbrake, positioning itself at an angle of 113 degrees in less than 0.4 seconds, augmenting the Bugatti Veyron's already impressive stopping power. The airbrake increases negative lift at the rear of the car to 300 kg, enhancing the braking torque on the rear axle. At 400 km/h, emergency braking will bring the sports car to a complete halt in less than 10 seconds.

This, the world's most fascinating car, has pushed back the limits of physical engineering to offer a completely new sensation for driver and passenger alike. But it has also adopted a radically different stance to that of other sports cars: its features and finish are sure to impress the most demanding clientele. Hermès and designer Gabriele Pezzini have lavished attention on the interior and exterior of this exceptional car, to create the new Bugatti Veyron 16.4: the Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermès.

The HARMONIOUS DESIGN, INSIDE AND OUT
The official name of the highly exclusive Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermès refers to the historic Hermès headquarters on the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, in the heart of Paris's eight arrondissement: the "Fbg" appellation evokes the house's "faubourg" address.
With the Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermès, the exacting standards of Émile Hermès and Ettore Bugatti come together for the first time, in an exceptional collaboration: the culmination of their extreme attention to aesthetic and technological quality and performance.

Gabriele Pezzini has reinterpreted Bugatti's traditional two-toned carriage work, fostering a fluid, harmonious transition between the car's exterior and interior design. The colour of the hood extends to the interior of the cockpit, and re-emerges behind, at the level of the rear wing.
As a tribute to the celebrated 1924 Bugatti Type 35, undoubtedly the most famous of all time, thanks to its many successes on the racetrack, the new Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermès features eight-spoked wheels in polished aluminium, central butterfly wheel locks branded with the letter H, and air vents around the rims reproducing the characteristics appearance of Hermès saddle-stitching. The horseshoe radiator grille, and the lateral ventilation grilles flanking it, are made from lightweight alloys with a design of interlocking H's evoking the Hermès "signature".

A REFINED FORMAL VOCABULARY
The inner surfaces of the Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermès have been designed and sheathed in bull calfskin by the Hermès workshops in Paris. The care and attention to detail observe an extremely refined, minimalist formal vocabulary, reflecting the tradition of the very first Bugattis and the fundamental design principles of the house of Hermès. The door handles echo the fluid forms of handles on Hermès travel bags and luggage.

And the dashboard, traditionally finished in brushed aluminium, is here clad entirely in bull calfskin. Passengers aboard the Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermès will find a dashboard glove compartment designed to hold a selection of small travel accessories and a zipped Hermès wallet. Both seats are covered in two-toned bull calfskin, and the panel separating the cockpit from the central rear engine - traditionally made of carbon fibre- is covered in the same fine leather. The leather-lined trunk holds a specially-fitted "Toile H" and leather case, hand-made by the craftmen from the Hermès workshops.

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Koenigsegg CCX, 2006

 
 
 
  •  Koenigsegg CCX, 2006

The CCX is the latest iteration of the Koenigsegg CC family. The CCX is in many aspects a new car since it has been re-engineered to comply with the US regulation and market demands. Still, it has been a key issue for the Koenigsegg Team to keep the distinctive and record breaking CC shape. Koenigsegg believes it is important to avoid trends and instead hone the aerodynamic shape of the CC range for the future, only enhancing its unique look and appearance with tighter lines and a more aggressive stance. At Koenigsegg they also believe in continuity. A new Koenigsegg shall show clear lineage from its predecessor and shall not follow any other design trends - but enhance its already proven concept and shape to perfection.

Body & Interior
The CCX features a completely new set of body and interior parts. The new body incorporates a new front bumper design, engineered to function well in the stringent 2.5 mph bumper test, including enhanced brake cooling, fog lamps and US side position lights. The front lamps have been slightly redesigned to suit the new bumper line.

There is a new scoop on the front bonnet acting as a larger fresh air-intake for the occupants and new air vents have been added behind the front wheels in order to further evacuate air from the cockpit. The frontal shape revisions now allow for effective track use options to be added.

The side rocker panels feature side skirts in order to further enhance downforce by increasing underbody area. The new exterior of the car has been created using the industry leading Icem Surf CAD software, guaranteeing a perfect fit and finish as well as optimal highlights.

The car is 88 mm longer in order to comply with the US rear impact regulations and in order to free up space around the rear muffler. The rear clamshell now features a glass window over the new CCX engine, clearly showing off the bespoke and unique Koenigsegg Block casting. The mufflers have received improved cooling, by incorporating grill vents above in the clamshell. The number plate area is now adapted to suit both US and Euro size number plates.

Space
There is a further 50 mm in headroom, making the CCX the most spacious super car on the market, truly considering the taller drivers needs. Koenigsegg believes to have found a unique market niche by enabling really tall drivers to fit well inside the car, still with its highest point only 1120 mm above the tarmac.

Seats
In corporation with Sparco, and Koenigsegg test driver Loris Bicocchi, Koenigsegg has developed a new seat design for the CCX. The structure of the seat are still carbon fiber, but now feature fully padded front surface and a tilting backrest. The striking and very comfortable Tempur padded CCR seats can still be fitted in the CCX on special order.

Wheels / Brakes
The optimal ceramic 382 mm front discs are coupled to 8 piston calipers and in the rear the 362 mm size is retained with 6 piston calipers. The optional industry first carbon fiber wheels save another 3 kg per wheel compared to the already lightweight magnesium wheels that comes as standard. The ceramic discs save another 2 kg per wheel, giving the Koenigsegg CCX lower unsprung weight than any other super car.

Koenigsegg now also offers the ceramic disc and carbon wheel upgrade to all previous Koenigsegg models.

Aerodynamic Enhancement
Between the raised speedster humps there is a new type of vortex generator originally conceived and patented by Torbjörn Gustavsson at Vortaflow and implemented as a Ram Air engine booster by Christian Koenigsegg on the CCX. Due to the fact that there is a fresh air engine intake right below the rear window, the vortex generator redirects the air directly into the air intake and thereby creating a positive pressure in the air box. To normally obtain this phenomenon in a mid engine car a roof scoop is required, increasing frontal area. In the case of the CCX, the small frontal area can still be kept and rearward visibility is unaffected, even though it has now got true ram air intake over its mid mounted engine.

Electronics
The CCX now features, wholly digital, intelligent fuse and relay unit. This means that there are not physical fuses or relays as such. The unit is programmable and is can-bus connected to a display unit which sends crucial information to the driver. The main advantages of this system are its reliability, light weight, small physical size, programmability and direct information to the driver. The system is prepared for future upgrades and functions.

Unique Koenigsegg Engine
The engine in the CCX retains the incredible performance and power of the CCR engine, while running on US 91 octane fuel and complying with California emission regulations. In order to reach this challenging goal, extensive rework had to be done to emission related items, such as new cylinder heads with larger valve area and more optimally flowing cylinder head ports. Dual smaller injectors per cylinder were integrated, as well as new camshafts, a new carbon fiber individual runner intake plenum, a new engine management system, updated fuel and EVAP system. New exhaust system where the catalytic converters are moved closer to the engine for earlier light-off time. A returnless fuel system has also been implemented with pumps integrated into the new fuel tank. All in all, a heavy rework in order to retain the unique performance of the CCX engine and at the same time comply with the strictest emission regulations in the world.

The new and cleaner CCX engine also incorporates the first engine block design that is specifically created and cast for Koenigsegg, with the Koenigsegg shield embossed in the casting on both left and right side of the engine block. The new block design is an all aluminum construction made out of 356 aluminum with T7 heat treat that has undergone a High Intensity Pressure process in order to further enhance block integrity as well as cylinder bore chill during casting. The new block reaffirms the future development of Koenigsegg engines and makes Koenigsegg stand out among low volume supercar manufacturers, due to the fact that Koenigsegg engineer the engine completely in house in combination with the fact that it is also built, assembled, and dyno tested in the Koenigsegg production plant. The Koenigsegg Engineers also incorporated the most powerful internal piston coolers in the industry - bringing down the piston temperature, by as much as 80% more than competing systems, which was a must in order to run high cylinder pressure with 91 octane fuel.
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Thursday, July 12, 2012

Jeep Wrangler, 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  •  Jeep Wrangler, 2012

Jeep introduces the all-new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 petrol engine that  equipped on the 2012 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. 3.6-liter V-6 powertrain provides more fuel efficiency, improved on-road driving dynamics and refinement, more power and more torque. Petrol powertrain now adds upgraded automatic transmission for refined shifting and greater performance. Dramatically improved on-road performance combines with even more off-road prowess. New petrol engine joins 2.8-liter turbo diesel engine for European lineup.

In Europe, the all-new 3.6-liter petrol powertrain introduced on Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport, Sahara and Rubicon trim levels starting November 2011.

3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 Engine
Compact and lightweight, the all-aluminum 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine is more than 40 kg (90 lbs) lighter than the previous 3.8-liter V-6 engine that was constructed with a cast-iron block. The Pentastar engine is extremely quiet, constructed with a high-pressure, die-cast aluminum block fitted with cast-iron bore liners and aluminum cylinder heads. The engine also has been designed to meet all known future worldwide emission standards and is currently Euro 5 certified.

The 3.6-liter V-6 engine is manufactured at the Trenton engine plant in Michigan (USA).

Transmissions
The A580 automatic transmission benefits Jeep Wrangler as much as the new petrol engine, with more refined shifting and gear selection. By increasing the number of speeds, the transmission allows the engine to operate in a more efficient RPM range, which helps increase fuel economy. More speeds also enable the engine to remain in the torque curve, increasing acceleration. The new Wrangler (two-door) boasts a 37-percent improvement in 0 - 100 km/h time, which is now 8.1 seconds. Also, a lower first-gear ratio in the new automatic transmission gives the Wrangler more off-road capability via a lower overall crawl ratio.

Electronic Range Select is standard for all automatic-equipped Jeep Wrangler models. The electronic stability control (ESC) also has been optimized to perform effortlessly with the new 3.6-liter V-6 engine.

Along with the proven NSG 370 six-speed manual transmission, engineered for the newest Jeep Wrangler are a new clutch housing, flywheel and long-travel damper clutch. The improvements are a result of the adaptation of the transmission to the 3.6-liter V-6 engine.
The five-speed automatic transmission is produced in Kokomo, Indiana (ITP2), and the six-speed manual transmission is produced in Gaggenau, Germany.

Engineering
Jeep Wrangler delivers unmatched off-road capability with legendary four-wheel drive and is produced with more than seven decades of 4x4 engineering experience behind it. Wrangler continues to offer a body-on-frame design, front and rear five-link suspension system, live axles and electronic lockers.

Jeep Wrangler now offers a choice of two transmissions: a six-speed manual and a five-speed automatic gearbox.

Along with a new powertrain, Jeep engineers have thoroughly optimized ride and sound characteristics of the Jeep Wrangler's body-on-frame design. New motor and transmission adaptations and revised suspension calibrations contribute to overall improvements that are immediately evident both on- and off-road.

The interior sound quality is greatly improved through refinements in the powertrain mounting system, noise damping in the firewall and the inclusion of the first Jeep Wrangler engine cover to effectively isolate the cabin from noises emulating from the engine and road surfaces.

On the outside, engine noise is barely perceptible at idle. With the new 3.6-liter V-6 engine, all accessories are mounted directly to the engine with no accessory brackets. This helps ensure that all accessories, including the power steering pump, alternator and air conditioning compressor, are anchored firmly and less susceptible to vibration and noise.
Shocks have also been retuned and are designed for optimum balance between advanced on-road handling and rugged off-road capability.

Axles and Transfer Cases
The Jeep Wrangler is now available with more axle gear ratios, allowing customers to optimize fuel economy and/or vehicle capability. Wrangler is available with 3.21, 3.73 or 4.10 ratios depending on model. Also, Jeep Wrangler offers towing capability up to 2,500 kg.

The capable driveline of the Sport and Sahara models includes a Dana 30 front axle and Dana 44 rear axle. The Command-Trac® NV241 part-time, two-speed transfer case features a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio.

The Rubicon model features heavy-duty Dana 44 front and rear axles and the Rock-Trac® NV241 two-speed transfer case with a 4.0:1 low-range gear ratio. Rubicon also includes electric front and rear locking differentials and disconnecting front sway bar, taking Jeep Wrangler to the highest level of capability.

2.8-liter CRD Engine
The all-new 3.6-liter V-6 engine joins the new 2.8-liter turbo diesel engine with fuel-saving Stop/Start technology. The diesel engine provides power of 200 hp DIN (147 kW), a 13-percent improvement over the prior 2.8-liter diesel engine. Torque for the engine comes in at 410 N•m (302 lb-ft) with its six-speed manual transmission and 460 N•m (339 lb-ft) with its five-speed automatic transmission.

Jeep Wrangler's diesel engine, when paired with the manual transmission, incorporates Stop/Start technology - the first application of this technology on a Chrysler Group vehicle. Stop/Start improves fuel efficiency and reduces CO2 emissions by managing the amount of time the engine runs. With Stop/Start, the engine is shut off when the vehicle is stopped, the shift gear is in Neutral and the clutch is released. The engine then restarts automatically when the clutch pedal is depressed. Drivers can deactivate the technology via a button on the dashboard, and an icon displays in the instrument panel to indicate the Stop/Start status.
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Peugeot 308, 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 Peugeot 308, 2012

The new Peugeot 308 comes with a new look, features innovative e-HDi micro-hybrid technology and optimises fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, which start from just 98 g/km.

With its new lines, the Peugeot 308 subtly incorporates the Marque's latest stylistic codes. The car's body follows the contours of the mechanical assembly underneath. The appeal of the three body shapes (Saloon, CC and SW) thus acquires a more technological elegance, illustrated by the presence of LED front lights with light guide. Dynamism and emotion are present as ever in the genes of the 308, particularly with its more assertive look thanks to new Xenon headlamps with titanium coloured mask and the hatchback in its exclusive GTi finish.

Determined to consolidate its leadership in terms of road holding and driving pleasure, the Peugeot 308 seeks to become a reference in terms of environmental efficiency. Indeed, following in the footsteps of the 508, the new Peugeot 308 features innovative e-HDi micro-hybrid technology, the latest generation STOP & START, on the 1.6 litre HDi FAP 112 bhp Euro 5 engine. This offer, on the "entry level" engine, is available with a semi-automatic manual gearbox and, for the first time, with a full manual gearbox, for optimal driveability.

In addition to micro-hybrid technology, all factors impacting the level of CO2 emissions have been optimised:
  •     weight reduced by 25 kg on average per car;
  •     launch of 16" tyres with Very Low Rolling Resistance;
  •     optimisation of the latest generation engines (VTi, THP, HDi Euro 5);
  •     Cx of 0.28 for versions with a low fuel consumption - A record in the segment.

Fuel consumption sets the standard:
    98 g/km of CO2 for the 308 saloon 1.6 litre e-HDi FAP 112 bhp BMP6 - A record in the segment
    available power trains, comprising 4 petrol engines ranging from 98 bhp to 200 bhp for the exclusive GTi version and 4 diesel engines from 92 bhp to 163 bhp, have also been optimised to ensure a comprehensive range of engines guaranteeing environmental efficiency. As a result, the basic version - the 308 saloon 1.6 litre HDi FAP 92 bhp with manual gearbox - is well positioned, with CO2 emissions reduced to only 110 g/km.

The dimensions and quality of equipment on the new Peugeot 308 remain unchanged, regardless of body shape, guaranteeing a spacious and comfortable passenger compartment. The same is true of primary, secondary and tertiary safety, which remain at the highest level.

The new Peugeot 308 will receive its world premiere at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show and will go on sale from April 2011 in Europe. Its mission is to continue the success story of the 308 family, with nearly 900,000 models sold since its launch in September 2007.

ELEGANT LINES ENHANCED BY ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
The design of the new Peugeot 308 subtly incorporates the new stylistic codes of the Peugeot Marque. While the dimensions are unchanged, the new lines marry as closely as possible the car's mechanical assembly to accentuate its athletic poise, while the front aspect gives a fresh look to the "floating" front grille concept. Greater importance accorded to unbroken surfaces marks a determination to present an elegant and luxurious style. The central protective capping, available in a black lacquer finish, has been made thinner to give greater prominence to the sheer metal. This is also true of the single air intake which is now smaller in size.

Styling elements enhance the natural elegance which emanates from the new 308. A satin chrome bead enhances the new front grille, as do horizontal bars, available in lustrous black or chrome according to body shape (saloon, CC or SW).

The bottom section of the lower front panel, which helps visually to broaden the car and "plant" it on the road, incorporates new dual-function lights (daytime and sidelights) shaped like a boomerang, available according to versions. With their meticulous finish, they blend perfectly and are harmoniously positioned on the upper surround of the fog light housing. Composed of variable intensity LEDs and a light guide, they guarantee a unique visual signature by day and by night while illustrating the high level of technology featured on the new 308.

In the upper section, the V-shaped nose of the bonnet is one of the main expressive features of the Peugeot 308. It has been redesigned to fit the car's mechanical assembly as closely as possible and provides a new link with the floating front grille, in line with Peugeot's new stylistic codes. The Marque badge, in its new dual material construction, is proudly positioned at the tip of the bonnet on a new black lacquer base set with a chrome bead, also in the shape of a V.

The outline of this nose, fluid and characteristic, is more curvaceous, particularly at the junction of the lights and the bonnet. The new smooth glass front headlamps, closely fitting the three cylinders, suggest a look that is both refined and assertive. And when the 308 is equipped with dynamic bi-directional Xenon headlamps complete with titanium coloured base, this look becomes even more profound, displaying all the strength of character of the new 308.

The dynamism of the front aspect is echoed on the sides of the car. A styling line, running from the front wheel arches, crosses the side of the body and the rear lights before dropping towards the lower rear panel and coming to an end in the lower section.

The fluidity of the style is enhanced by the lateral glazed surface which follows a plunging waistline, and also by the panoramic rear window, which overlaps the rear quarter panel pillars.

Lastly, to establish the general appearance of the Peugeot 308, a lower waistline starting from the lower front panel extends as far as the rear bumper. The car therefore seems well poised on the road, ready to exploit its dynamic qualities to the full . New diamanté effect 16 or 17 inch alloy wheels or Storm Grey 18 inch wheels for the GTi version underline this dynamic appeal. The sense of dynamism is enhanced further by the car's rear style.

On the saloon, the wraparound lower rear panel adds a note of robustness and perceived quality as well as a sporty touch thanks to the presence of a styling element in the shape of a spoiler and two inserts, which can have a chrome finish, suggesting exhaust nozzles. The new Lion takes its place in the centre of the tailgate, while a satin chrome bead emphasizes the horizontal waistline, bringing a new balance to the rear of the 308.

On the SW, the contours of the robust lower panel and the rear lights have been designed to allow a wide boot aperture. The low load sill resulting from this design promises easy loading and a large internal capacity. From an aesthetic point of view, a horizontal waistline runs around the rear tailgate in its central section to "stretch" the car. This sensation is amplified by the body-coloured number plate insert surmounted by the new Lion badge.

On the CC the strength of the rear style is repeated, with a sense of horizontality given to the rear aspect that reinforces the impression of width. Numerous details add to this overall effect: the concave movement crossing the tailgate under the spoiler, the chrome bead framing the number plate and the presence of an air diffuser in the lower section. On either side and extending over the wings, the ruby-coloured LED rear lights with light curtain effect broaden the silhouette and give the 308 CC a unique and spectacular visual signature.

A FLUID AND LUXURIOUS INTERIOR
Stylists worked hard to exploit to the full the interior volumes freed up by the semi-tall architecture of the Peugeot 308. They therefore designed a particularly inclined fascia panel, almost symmetrical to the front windscreen pillars, to offer unimpeded exterior visibility.

In addition, there was a marked determination to give the interior a very upmarket feel and an enhanced sense of perceived quality. The result is a fluid, pure and elegant fascia panel where pride of place is given to superior materials, according to finish: soft covering, leather trim, chrome, black lacquered materials... The care given to the finish and the emphasis on interior comfort are evident in every detail. According to the level in the range, new motifs decorate the door panel strips, panel trim, thumb rests on the steering wheel, etc. Similarly, the special seats on the GTi version have red visible stitching with specific marking on top of the seat back and an aluminium steering wheel ring showing the word "GTi". Dark-tinted rear windows combined with dark wheel trims (Storm Grey) and the titanium mask of the discharge lamps, give this version a sporty and assertive identity, perfectly in keeping with the dynamic potential of its 1.6 litre THP 200 bhp engine.

Inside the 308 CC, the eye is caught also by the elegance of the 4 seats with integral head restraints and the possibility of full leather trim on the fascia panel, in different shades, which convey a touring car image. This distinctive design makes for even more comfortable seats with an Airwave warm air diffuser behind the necks of the front passengers. The pleasure of open-top driving is thus enhanced.

A SPACIOUS AND BRIGHT PASSENGER CO MPARTMENT
The passenger compartment has been designed to ensure that a sense of space and brightness predominates, making occupants feel they don't want their journey to end.

The interior dimensions and efforts by the designers to free up as much space as possible for passenger comfort make the 308 one of the most spacious cars in its segment.

Elbow width at the front is 1464 mm for the saloon and SW body shapes, and rises to 1492 mm for the Coupé Cabriolet version. At the rear, these dimensions are respectively 1471 mm and 1321 mm for the CC. The feeling of space is even more noticeable on account of the many clever storage spaces available inside the Peugeot 308. Total storage capacity is 42 litres, making life inside the car easier and preserving space for the occupants.

All of the 7 passengers that can be seated in the 308 SW thanks to the optional additional 2 rear seats can benefit from these fitted spaces. They can also modulate and adjust the car's interior as necessary by opting for individual seats in row 2. Nor has the boot volume been ignored, with a capacity under the parcel shelf of 674 litres for the SW and 430 litres for the saloon. With the load potential exploited to the full, the capacities are 2149 and 1398 litres respectively.

On the CC, all four passengers can benefit from the availability of a large boot capacity (465 litres) in the coupé configuration. On the cabriolet, with the retractable roof stored in the boot, the boot still offers a capacity of 266 litres. What's more, it only takes 20 seconds to convert the 308 CC into a dynamic coupé or an elegant cabriolet.

Passengers in the Peugeot 308 saloon and SW will also be able to benefit from a "sunny" passenger compartment thanks to the panoramic roofs available for these body shapes. They increase the total glazed surface area to 4.86 m² on the saloon and 5.58 m² on the SW. The light level inside the car can be regulated by means of an electrically-operated roller blind associated with this equipment.

To make the journey even more pleasant, automatic dual-zone air conditioning is available. With its active charcoal filter, it also reduces hydrocarbon odours inside the passenger compartment.

Finally, passengers will be able to benefit from a high quality audio and telematics system: WIP Sound audio system, Bluetooth hands-free kit, WIP Nav satellite navigation and WIP Com 3D with a retractable 7" 16/9 colour display. A JBL hi-fi system is also available and may be combined with laminated side windows for optimal acoustic performance.

Regardless of body shape, the new 308 offers a high level of comfort and convenience.

REDUCTION OF CO2
The reduction of CO2 emissions was one of the main objectives of this project. This resulted in a search for environmental efficiency at all levels. All factors influencing fuel consumption were optimised:
  •     weight reduced by 25 kg on average per car;
  •     launch of 16" tyres with Very Low Rolling Resistance;
  •     use of a piloted oil pump on 1.6 litre HDi engines;
  •     optimisation of operation of the alternator on some engines;
  •     improvement of power steering control (electropump unit);
  •     Cx of 0.28 for versions with a low fuel consumption - a record in the segment;
  •     e-HDi micro-hybrid technology;
  •     98 g/km of CO2 for the 1.6 litre e-HDi FAP 112 bhp BMP6 version - a record in the segment
e-HDi MICRO-HYBRID TECHNOLOGY
After the 508, the new Peugeot 308 is the second of the Marque's cars to introduce the innovative e-HDi micro-hybrid technology, a new generation STOP & START.

This innovation is based on the combination of a 1.6 litre HDi Euro 5 diesel engine and a reversible alternator ensuring the STOP & START function. Relying on an alternator control system (Volt Control) to recover energy during deceleration and a hybrid battery to store and deliver additional energy on startup (e-booster), the HDi unit allows:
  •     a 15% reduction in fuel consumption in urban traffic;
  •     a 5 g/km reduction in CO2 emissions for approved cycle fuel consumption;
  •     40% faster restarting (400 ms) than with an enhanced starter STOP & START;
  •     activation of engine cut-out from 20 km/h with a manual gearbox (8 km/h for the electronicallycontrolled gearbox);
  •     increased driveability of the STOP & START (silent operation, no vibrations).
The second-generation reversible alternator used here has a power of 2.2 kW and allows up to 600,000 restarts. However the STOP & START function can be de-activated by the driver if preferred by means of a button on the fascia panel.

1.6 LITRE e-HDI FA P 112 BHP ENGINE
To deploy this technology on a large scale, the new Peugeot 308 proposes e-HDi technology with a "basic" engine, the 1.6 litre HDi FAP 112 bhp, which can be coupled with two gearboxes (manual or electronicallycontrolled). This is a first, since hitherto e-HDi technology was available only with the BVMP6 electronically-controlled gearbox. This new offer maximises driving enjoyment by increasing the phases of driving "in silence". When coupled with a manual gearbox, engine cut-out is possible from a speed of 20 km/h.

A CO MPREHENSIVE RANGE OF LATEST-GENERATION ENGINES
To reduce CO2 emissions as much as possible, the new 308 is uniquely equipped with the very latestgeneration engines for both petrol (VTi or THP engines) and diesel versions (new HDi Euro 5 engines).

On the saloon, all 8 available engines, as well as different possible gearbox combinations (manual, electronically-controlled manual or automatic), will allow every customer to find the version that suits them best.

4 Euro 5 petrol engines:
    1.4 litre VTi 98 bhp with 5-speed manual gearbox;
    1.6 litre VTi 120 bhp with 5-speed manual gearbox or automatic gearbox;
    1.6 litre THP 156 bhp with 6-speed manual gearbox or automatic gearbox;
    1.6 litre THP 200 bhp with 6-speed manual gearbox (exclusive to GTi version).

4 Euro 5 diesel engines:
    1.6 litre HDi FAP 92 bhp with 5-speed manual gearbox;
    1.6 litre e-HDi FAP 112 bhp with 6-speed manual gearbox or electronically-controlled manual gearbox;
    2.0 litre HDi FAP 150 bhp with 6-speed manual gearbox;
    2.0 litre HDi FAP 163 bhp with automatic gearbox or 6-speed manual gearbox (only on the 308 CC).

PEUGEOT KNOW-HOW
True to the Marque's values in terms of driving pleasure, the new Peugeot 308 seeks also to preserve its leadership in terms of road holding. The features that make the 308 a reference are maintained:
  •     rigid body structure;
  •     McPherson type front suspension;
  •     rear suspension with torsion beam;
  •     hydraulic dampers with valves;
  •     power steering with variable assistance piloted by an electro-pump unit;
  •     large disc brakes (ventilated at the front) - up to 302 x 26 mm;
  •     ABS, electronic brake force distribution, emergency brake assist and automatic switching on of hazard warning lights as standard;
  •     Bosch 8.1 ESP according to versions.

HIGH LEVEL SAFETY ON AL CO UNTS
Whether in terms of primary, secondary or tertiary safety, the new 308 is positioned at the highest level.

Firstly, the excellent rigidity of the structure ensures optimal operation of the wheels and suspension ensuring a high level of primary safety. In terms of secondary safety, the structure itself has been rigorously designed to withstand even the most severe impact, thanks in particular to a triple force channel at the front. The use of high-strength steel and "multilayer" reinforcements in specific areas has made it possible to raise the level of safety of occupants while reducing the overall weight of the car. In addition to the performance of the structure, efficient means of restraint are proposed:
  •     up to 8 air bags on the saloon and SW;
  •     up to 6 air bags on the CC, including 2 head air bags at the front;
  •     extractible safety hoops on the CC in the event of rollover;
  •     3-point seat belts with belt not fastened or unfastened acoustic warnings;
  •     Isofix fixtures.

Lastly, with regard to tertiary safety, the new Peugeot 308 benefits from Peugeot Connect services. Occupants are put through to an assistance helpline when an emergency call is made (Peugeot Connect SOS) or a breakdown service in the case of a mechanical incident (Peugeot Connect Assistance). These services are available via a Peugeot Connect unit or with the top-of-the-range WIP Com 3D telematics offer.
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Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Kia Rio 3-door, 2012

 
 
 
 
  •  Kia Rio 3-door, 2012

While the all-new Kia Rio 5-door hatchback is generating positive media coverage around the world and arriving in dealer showrooms across Europe, Kia is celebrating the world premiere of its new Kia Rio 3-door model at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show.

Designed primarily for the European market, the new Kia Rio 3-door expand the appeal of Kia's latest B-segment model to attract a new group of consumers to the brand for the first time - boosting conquest sales after its introduction during the first quarter of 2012. Ultimately, Kia expects the Rio 3-door to account for approximately 20 to 25 per cent of total Rio sales.

Kia Rio 3-door has the same key dimensions as the 5-door model (length 4,045 mm, width 1,720 mm, height 1,455 mm and wheelbase 2,570 mm) and retains the same roofline that is one of the lowest in Kia's European product range, emphasising its purposeful, sporty stance.

In most European markets, Kia Rio 3-door available with the same range of powertrains, equipment and options as the 5-door. The new model offer customers a choice of four highly efficient three- and four-cylinder engines - with a 75 to 109 ps power range.

The fastest Kia Rio 3-door accelerate to 100 kph (62 mph) in 11.5 seconds and be able to reach a top speed of 183 kph (114 mph). Fuel consumption  as low as 3.2 litres per 100 km (88.2 mpg) for the newly-introduced EcoDynamics diesel model, which will also deliver an industry-leading CO2 rating of just 85 g/km.

To maximise the impact of the new Kia Rio 3-door´s striking appearance, Kia  offering customers a choice of up to 10 body colours - White, Black, Bright Silver, Signal Red, Fresh Beige, Electronic Blue, Deep Blue, Wendy Brown, Graphite and Caramel Yellow - which help to underline the car's refined and stylish character.

With two bodystyles for new Rio, plus the already-popular 5-door Soul and Venga B-segment models, Kia is confident of capturing an even larger share of the increasingly popular compact car market in Europe.
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