Fiat 500L Trekking, 2014

 

 

 

•  Fiat 500L Trekking, 2013

Italian manufacturing, the Fiat 500L Trekking is a highly functional car, able to "dialogue" with the user and offer quality to appreciate over the years. For example, one of its particular characteristics is the extensive internal volume, achieved by a thorough effort to reduce the size of mechanical parts, through the collaboration of designers and engineers. If the vehicle's architecture generally follows the principles of "cab forward", from which the frontal reduction of the body and bonnet section to achieve more available interior space is derived - especially at the height of the waistline and roof - it is above all the "empathetic" vocation of the 500L Trekking's design that enhances the overall ergonomics of the car. The new model also boasts an extensive view of the outside and the greatest brightness of its category as it has the largest roof of its segment - 1.5 square metres of glass surface - and its windscreen pillars have been cleverly divided and slimmed to offer clear advantages in terms of active and passive safety as well.

Each day might bring unknown territory, just waiting to be explored. But venturing out there with interest and agility requires talent. Like that of the new Fiat 500L Trekking, a free spirit with two perfectly fused souls which love to play off one another every day: one metropolitan, for breezing through the city, and one more adventurous, perfect for those little weekend pleasures that make life worth living.

The all-round character of the new Fiat 500L Trekking is clear at first glance: specially designed bumpers, front and rear protective shield and a high ride (+10% compared to the 500L with a resulting total ground clearance of 145 mm) for tackling rough terrain with ease. The exterior also features a host of style-enhancing details, such as satin finish inserts on bumpers and side mouldings which perfectly complement the door handles.

Inside, the new high-tech fabric for seat upholstery and trims features eco-leather inserts. You can choose from two distinctive combinations: magnesio grey fabric with leather inserts for a more all-terrain appeal, or black fabric with white inserts for a more urban look. A style that never compromises on functionality, thanks, among other things, to the wraparound glazing and the glazed windscreen pillars which ensure enhanced visibility, in addition to convenient storage compartments for all your essential items. Amongst other things, the 500L Trekking lets you live your passions to the max, thanks also to its superb flexibility: this is obvious in the host of possible seat adjustments, such as the front passenger seat with folding table backrest, or the split rear seats which, thanks to the fold&tumble function, can be folded down flat to provide you with a flat loading surface that exploits the entire length of the car.

The 500L Trekking is available in seven exciting body colours - Cappuccino Beige, Cinema Black, Moda Grey, Gelato White, Toscana Green, Amore Red and the brand-new Sorrento yellow - combined with black or white roof, resulting in a total of 17 colour combinations.

Free spirit
500L Trekking owners can switch from city streets to more adventurous routes at the press of a button, thanks to Traction+, the innovative control system which ensures excellent performance when tackling snow or slippery surfaces. A freedom of use that meets its match in terms of safety, superlative protection which, in addition to all the most advanced active and passive safety systems, is enhanced by 'City Brake Control', the advanced device that detects the presence of obstacles in front of the car and automatically brakes to prevent collision.

Traction+ system
A key feature of the new Fiat 500L Trekking is Traction+, the innovative control system (fitted as standard) that improves grip on rough, slippery terrain. It also costs less and has lower emissions than a conventional 4×4 drive, proving more efficient in light, everyday off-road use.

The new Traction+ system uses the advanced hardware present on cars equipped with ESC, but is far more than a simple extension of the basic system. The control unit uses special algorithms for controlling and managing the braking system to electronically simulate the behaviour of a self-locking electromechanical differential. Optimised software and the fact that force is applied through the normal (hydraulic) braking circuit makes the system's action more progressive than that of conventional systems. Though performance is easily comparable, the system offers the advantage of being much lighter. This system is operated by a button on the dashboard, and can operate at speeds of up to 30 km/h.

Under conditions of zero or low grip from any drive wheel, the control unit detects drive wheel slippage and commands the hydraulic circuit to apply the brakes to the wheel with least grip, thus transferring drive torque to the wheel on the road surface with the most grip. This makes it easier to handle the vehicle, maintains directional stability and control, and ensures the best possible traction even over very rough terrain with poor grip.

Safety
The Fiat 500L Trekking is one of the safest cars in the field of motoring. For guaranteed passenger protection, the new 500L Trekking combines a body designed according to the most modern criteria with active and passive safety features that ensure optimum performance, so much so that it enjoys best-in-class status. Specifically, the new car has a safety cell structure complete with double pillars up front designed in line with current U.S. regulations as far as crash tests and dimensional specifications of the materials used are concerned.

The new 500L Trekking offers 6 airbags as standard (front, window-bags and side bags), front headlights with DRL technology (Daytime Running Lights) and fog lights with the self-adaptive cornering function, in addition to ABS with B.A.S. (Brake Assist System) and the sophisticated ESC (Electronic Stability Control). What's more, on request, the car can be fitted with the new ParkView rear reverse camera. The device offers a wide-angle view of the area immediately behind the vehicle on the screen of the navigation system, thus allowing the driver to reverse with greater peace of mind.

On request, the Fiat 500L Trekking can be fitted with the "City Brake Control" system, which recently won the prestigious 'Euro NCAP Advanced 2013' award.

Designed to help negotiate city traffic and active at speeds of under 30 km/h, the City Brake Control device - depending on certain parameters such as the vehicle dynamics, the steering angle, the position and pressure on the accelerator pedal - can avoid impact completely ("Collision Avoidance") or minimise the consequences of a possible impact ("Collision Mitigation"). In addition, the sophisticated device on the Fiat 500L Trekking incorporates three functions: Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Prefill and Brake Assist. AEB, while respecting the driver's wishes and leaving full control of the car in his/her hands, activates emergency braking when impact seems inevitable and the driver has not managed to react, thereby anticipating his/her reaction. The "Prefill" function, on the other hand, prefills the braking system to provide a quicker response both when Automatic Emergency Braking intervenes and if the driver brakes. Brake Assist, last of all, identifies emergency situations and, if collision is imminent, the system becomes more sensitive, lending power to the braking action to permit a reduction in stopping distance.

Engine options
The new Fiat 500L Trekking is available, depending on the market, with the 95 HP 1.4 16v, 105 HP 0.9 TwinAir Turbo and 105 HP 1.6 MultiJet II and 85 HP 1.3 MultiJet II turbo diesel engines (also with Dualogic gearbox). Specifically, a brilliant engine like the new 105 HP 1.6 MultiJet II turbo diesel is needed to propel the 500L Trekking in all driving conditions, in the city and out, securing plenty of fun, remarkable range, low running costs and reduced servicing frequency. With this engine, the new version offers a top speed of 175 km/h, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 12 seconds. All this with reduced fuel consumption and emission levels: the data recorded on the type-approval combined cycle were 4.7 litres/100 km and 122 g/km of CO2 respectively.

Excellent performance levels are also guaranteed with the new combination of the 85 HP 1.3 MultiJet with the Dualogic 5-speed robotised gearbox which, compared with the same engine with manual gearbox, improves fuel consumption and emission levels: down from 4.3 l/100 km to 4.2 l/100 km (combined cycle) and from 114 g/km to 109 g/km.

Both Fiat 500L Trekking turbo diesels belong to the second generation of MultiJet engines which offer fuel economy, eco-friendliness and performance levels that are best in class.

Fitted with a small turbocharger - of fixed geometry on the 1.6 and variable on the 1.3 - a variable displacement oil pump and alternator with "smart charge", the two engines feature a new fuel supply system with faster injectors able to execute multiple injections in rapid succession. In particular, the system can now perform a main modulated injection of fuel in several distinct phases and anticipate the ones that follow. The MultiJet II system's servo valve with balanced plunger enables it to manage up to 8 injections per cycle, offering greater speed, flexibility and precision in the various phases of operation. The injector is also simpler and more reliable because its construction is less complex and it has 40% fewer components. This new type of injector paves the way for new strategies focused on optimising the increasingly advanced combustion, such as Injection Rate Shaping, which involves two consecutive injections so close together in time as to generate a continuous and modulated profile of the fuel supply into the cylinders. With this method, the combustion process is improved, all to the benefit of quieter operation and particulate and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. Today MultiJet II engines totally satisfy the Euro 5 standard and at the same time mark a decisive step toward stricter regulatory levels in the future. Naturally the Start&Stop system is included, while engine and transmission use low viscosity lubricant oil to minimise friction.

Range
The new 500L Trekking offers a wide range of standard and optional equipment, depending on the market. In Italy, for example, the standard equipment comprises: Traction+ system, 6 airbags (front, window bags and side bags), ABS with EBD, front headlights with DRL (Daytime Running Lights), a rain sensor and the ESC system complete with the ASR, Hill Holder, MSR, DST and ERM functions. For the utmost comfort, the following are also included as standard: automatic climate control, front and rear electric windows, steering wheel adjustable in height and depth, Dualdrive electric power steering with City function, height-adjustable driver's seat, central locking and remote control for opening the doors.

Also standard on the Fiat 500L Trekking is a sliding split (40/60) rear seat accommodating 3 passengers that can be closed using the "Fold&Tumble System" function, handy storage compartments on the dashboard and the useful height-adjustable load platform. Lastly, a closer look at three pieces of equipment of considerable interest and value: the new ParkView rear reverse camera, the innovative CD/MP3 UConnect radio with 5" Touchscreen - also with navigator function - and the sophisticated 520-watt Beats Hi-Fi Audio System. Last but not least is a wide range of unique, exclusive accessories that allow you to further personalise your vehicle.

Finally, the 500L Trekking requires that financial products which can adapt to the requirements of every European market are available, among them, '500LWays': this is a series of combinations that guarantee consumers clear access to the product, thanks to limited monthly payments, delayed payment of the first instalment and, last but not least, extended warranty.

Exclusive Mopar® accessories to make your Fiat 500L Trekking more 'moparised'
After creating more than 140 specific accessories for the 500L model - the Fiat Group Automobiles car with the greatest number of accessories available - today the Mopar brand extends its offer with a series of exclusive products dedicated to the Fiat 500L Trekking. Brand-new items that perfectly match the technical and stylistic characteristics of the 500L, permitting the broadest and most complete range of personalisation options. An example is the four new specific sticker kits for body application to make your car even more unique. In the same way, a brand-new satin-finish moulding on the bonnet can be matched with the model's refined chrome elements. There are also new mats with refined finishings and original alloy wheels painted brunex grey.

What's more, the arrival of the Fiat 500L Trekking is accompanied by a new specific merchandising collection which lets you experience the free and typically outdoor spirit of this model to the full. From the many high-quality products, we might mention the high-tech sports-performance watch, the folding outdoor mini-tent, the beach backpack complete with towel and pillow with two built-in speakers, folding picnic basket complete with provisions, binoculars with 20X50 magnification, rainproof travel bag and multifunction folding picnic fridge bag.

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Ferrari Sergio Concept, 2013

 

 

 

 

•  Ferrari Sergio Concept, 2013

Pininfarina is presenting a concept car that renews the spirit and values of the extraordinary achievements obtained under the leadership of Sergio Pininfarina, projecting them into the future in the name of exclusivity, innovation and passion. A concept car in line with the approach that has allowed Pininfarina to generate a wealth of creations that have become car legends: the ability to combine passion, creativity, intelligence, technology and elegance in the continuity of the brand's genetic code. A mixture of aesthetic balance and elegant simplicity that last over time and make all Pininfarina models long-lived and resistant to changes in taste and fashion.

The new Pininfarina concept car could only be called Sergio. It is an exercise that Pininfarina decided to undertake on a brand that more than any other has marked the history of Pininfarina: Ferrari. The name of Sergio Pininfarina is inextricably linked to that union conceived 60 years ago: the Sergio, therefore, will also celebrate the importance of Pininfarina's contribution to the history of Prancing Horse design. A tribute that was immediately morally supported by Luca Montezemolo and Ferrari as a whole.

The two-seater barchetta of the future
With the Sergio you enter the fascinating and exciting realm of the two-seater barchetta as a unique and extreme object. Sportsmanship in the truest sense of the joy of driving, the passion of those who view cars as an unequalled source of excitement, the pleasure of admiring the essentiality of a one-off car by Pininfarina.

The sports car theme is built into Pininfarina: the fruitful collaboration with Ferrari which began in 1952, has generated some of the most popular sports cars of the postwar period. Returning to the charm of the two-seater Ferrari, compact and very sporty, is moreover, the perfect base for bonding Pininfarina's past to the future. The Sergio's mechanicals are those of the 458 Spider, which remains unchanged in its wheelbase and tracks. The formal interpretation, from which the dynamic, fluid and pure volumes spring, is absolutely free, in the best tradition of that Pininfarina design vision that has produced so many Ferrari-based concept cars recognised over time as masterpieces, such as the Mythos of 1989 and the Rossa of 2000. This approach also reminds us of Pininfarina's Ferrari-based custom-built cars such as the Testarossa Spider made for Giovanni Agnelli in 1987 or the Ferrari F360 Modena Barchetta in 2000 for Luca Montezemolo.

The result is a modern, organic view of the mid-rear-engined two-seater barchetta. The willingness to revisit volumes and surface treatments in a subliminal way emerges with the Sergio, which evokes the spirit of Pininfarina's best achievements for Ferrari of the '60s and '70s. A radical object, unique and essential, which rejects the superfluous and is performance-oriented. A real open air car with an explicit nod to racing cars, in the sense that a cupola is not fitted to protect occupants, for which two helmets are provided.

A realistic indeed quite possible concept
The modern interpretation of a barchetta is a choice consistent with one of the historical peculiarities of Pininfarina: mastery in the crafting of exceptional car bodies, capable of stirring emotions and becoming a future icon. The historical role of car body designers directed the design team towards research not on a new, hypothetical product for volume production, but on the creation of an exceptional object capable of expressing the Pininfarina DNA imprint; its exclusivity and development on the basis of a production car, in fact, places the Sergio firmly in the tradition of the great Pininfarina one-offs specifically designed for "special" clients, which makes it a real car, not just a show car.

The design theme
The Sergio is distinguished by a very simple and clear style, that becomes memorable the moment you look at it. Proportions pushed to the extreme, a dynamic front volume penetrating into a rear that is projected forward, a sculpted, three-dimensional interpretation of the typical barchetta. The composition of the two body masses through a longitudinal black insert becomes the design's guideline. Two volumes that enfold from outside to inside the car, creating a division/union line between back and front. Through the extremely fluid passage from one body to another, a form that was homogeneous in its accentuated muscularity was obtained.

The Sergio also expresses an iconicity linked to '60s Ferraris proposing bulging and sensual wings inspired by those of sports cars and racing cars of that era, achieved by compacting all volume accessories as much as possible. The extreme lightness of the Sergio, which appears to float with the front up, is a direct result of aerodynamic research. In the purest Pininfarina tradition, design is not an end in itself, but integrates functionality and aesthetics. The front semi-floating development with the spoiler under the front, expresses aesthetic force and is at the same time functional for the stabilisation of the aerodynamic load and the heat exchange. The aerodynamic deflector in front of the cockpit also creates a virtual windscreen through the deviation of the air flow, protecting the passengers from turbulence. The roll bar, designed as a wing surface, is perfectly tuned to the evolution of the flow coming from the front, adding a further down force effect. Finally, the rear nolder and the extractor close the design effectively and functionally. Still on the subject of aerodynamics, even the rear-view mirror takes on a fluid form that, given the flow of the front baffle, helps to divert air from the heads of the passengers.

To enhance the formal purity of the Pininfarina style criterion, all the technical parts of the Sergio (handles, fins, air intake holes) are concentrated in dark parts of the body, leaving the red painted parts free.

The side
The formal harmony of the side view is a strong feature of the Sergio, renewing the common aesthetic denominator of many Ferraris by Pininfarina. In the tradition of barchetta sports cars, the Sergio has no conventional doors but half doors with vertical rotation opening for easy access and contemporarily safeguarding the maximum rigidity of the structure on the side, as in racing cars. The three-quarter front view highlights the theme of the connections between floors and different trends providing a feeling of processed continuity.

The front
On the front, the Sergio takes up and develops the Pininfarina's traditional integration of the headlights by projecting it into the future in a single transparent transversal element, as in the Dino Berlinetta Speciale 1965. Adapted to the size and technology of our own times, this element becomes an identifying mark, resulting in extremely clean lines. In particular, the cylindrical projectors in aluminium use LED technology and are embedded in a crystalline block of Plexiglas that diffuses light.

The rear
The rear lights reinterpret the circular themes of Pininfarina-Ferrari history transforming them into open functional elements whose forms contemporaneously provide the lighting function and the hot exhaust air coming out of the oil coolers.

The rear bonnet borrows the iconic round graphic holes of other historical Pininfarina achievements and the same treatment is applied to the transom to facilitate cooling of the engine compartment and represents in the best possible way the absolute perfection and timelessness inherent in Pininfarina DNA.

The interior
Since this is a realistic car that could easily be produced in limited series, the Sergio opted for the mechanicals of a completely re-bodied Ferrari 458 spider, maintaining the original technology and its performance. For this reason, the interiors take all the functional parts of existing series (dashboard, seat structure, centre console and steering wheel). The interior is essential and functional and develops as a natural extension of the external surfaces: the black exterior slips into the car and creates the tank where the standard technical components are integrated. Even the engine bonnet descends inside, wrapping round the rear part of seats. The door panels integrate the functions of the handle and armrest and are designed as floating elements separate from the tank.

One innovative element consists of the floating, aerodynamic headrest connected to the roll bar rather than to the body of the seats, almost becoming elements of the exterior than the interior. Besides ensuring maximum purity of the lines, this solution also acts as head fairing in the rear.

In front of the door panel, two helmets are housed in a small recess of the channel. Made to a specific design of Pininfarina Extra in collaboration with Newmax, the Sergio helmets are personalised with the colour of the car body.

Colour and trim
The upholstery is mostly covered with light gray antique-effect leather bound to seats in a weaving technology textile with bronze details. These finishes match the original titanium colour of the standard technical parts. The fabrics on the seats are complemented by the insertion of metal studs that recall the details of the exterior design theme.

The exterior crimson colour, was inspired by the original red of the Dino Berlinetta Speciale, very intense and deep, developing a modern version including metallic particles and a multi-layer depth effect.

The rims represent a contrasting element compared to the rest of the car. The delicate surface of the body is contrasted with technological forms based on the quest for light weight and performance. The gilded finish is an obvious reference to the racing berlinettas of the Sixties and Seventies, even if the treatment is up to date and the surfaces of the spokes are in hand-brushed aluminium.

Aerodynamic studies for a comfortable lightweight sports car
Changes in the body with which the Pininfarina Style Centre has transformed the original car. A Ferrari 458 Spider, into a barchetta were supported by calculations and tests in the Grugliasco wind tunnel to optimise aerodynamic performance. In particular, a totally new body was produced, full carbon, saving about 10% in weight compared to the original body in aluminium, all to the benefit of acceleration and pick-up. Compared to the original car, 21" light alloy one-stud wheels were included, with a specific design, and a hub version derived from the 458 Challenge; new Led taillights, new specific headlamps inserted into the bumper; specific small doors, window-less and opening upward by 45 degrees; new dash top; modified seats, with new fixed head restraints, disconnected from the seat. The roof, windscreen and rear bench seat were removed.

The aerodynamics have made it possible to achieve interesting results, starting with the creation of a virtual windscreen. The elimination of the windscreen would, in fact, involve a flow of air at increasing pressure as the car's speed increases on the heads of the driver and passenger. The engineers and designers at Pininfarina have therefore designed, built and tested an airfoil placed in a recess on the front bonnet, which produces a double deflection of the air flow entering the passenger compartment. The first deviation is from the wing itself, the second from the air that accelerates in the channel created between the airfoil and the corresponding shape of the recess in the trunk. The result is that, thanks to the virtual windscreen, the air passes above the heads of the driver and the passenger, greatly increasing comfort. This aerodynamic effect also contributes to increase the down force on the car's front axle. The virtual windscreen is effective at speeds as low as 50 km/h.

The loss of aerodynamic load on the front axle, due to the elimination of the windscreen, has been recovered from a wing inserted in the front bumper. The shape and dimensions of the wing are calculated so as to give the required load at the various speeds and, at the same time, allow correct flow of air to the radiators of the cooling system, set centrally at the front.

To improve the protection of the occupants a roll-bar with a fixed spoiler increases the down force on the rear axle. The attention to detail goes so far as the central rear-view mirror, whose form has been aerodynamically optimised to link up with the air flow of the virtual windscreen. The engine's air intake is channelled from the air inlets in the two sides. The air vents at the base of the roll-bar convey the cooling air to the oil coolers.

Overall, the Sergio offers real sports performance, with a shell of torsion stiffness which exceeds that of the original spider, thanks to the reduction in the size of the doors, and the reduction of the total mass of about 150 kg compared to the spider. This allows good handling and a further improvement of acceleration, estimated at below 3.4 seconds for 0-100 km/h, at the top of its class.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

•     Maximum length: 4550 mm
•     Maximum width: 1940 mm
•     Maximum height: 1140 mm
•     Boot capacity: 110 litres
•     Power train (from Ferrari 458 Spider): 4499cc V8; Sequential gearbox 7M + RM
•     Package: 2 doors, 2 seats
•     Chassis: original 458 Spider
•     Cx XS: about 5% lower than the original car
•     Weight: about 1280 kg
•     Maximum speed: ~320 km/h
•     0-100 km/h: less than 3.4 seconds

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Dodge Durango, 2014

 

 

•  Dodge Durango, 2014

The new Dodge Durango takes everything that customers love about Durango and adds the latest advancements in technology to enhance its design, capability and functionality. With a new standard eight-speed automatic transmission, improved fuel economy and performance, new LED exterior lighting, two new interior touchscreens, a new programmable instrument cluster, and an available high-definition dual-screen Blu-ray entertainment system, the 2014 Dodge Durango reaches even higher levels of sophistication building on its proven performance, utility and comfort.

The Dodge brand is upping the ante in the fast-growing full-size sport-utility vehicle (SUV) and crossover segments, introducing the new 2014 Dodge Durango at the 2013 New York International Auto Show. This new SUV is built on the Dodge brand's pillars of performance, style and innovation, delivering a new standard state-of-the-art class-exclusive eight-speed automatic transmission that improves fuel economy up to 9 percent, the Chrysler Group's award-winning Uconnect Access easy-to-use touchscreen technologies and the Dodge brand's signature racetrack LED tail lamps to driving enthusiasts in the market for a three-row family performance SUV.

When Dodge re-introduced the Durango in 2011, it immediately earned accolades from customers and critics alike. Its combination of sleek yet muscular lines, comfortable three-row seating, large cargo volume, class-leading power, driving range and towing capability and overall driving enjoyment was unlike anything ever seen in the SUV segment before. For 2014, the engineers and designers at Dodge have made the ultimate "no compromise" SUV even better.

Unique, yet appealing to all
Dodge is introducing the new 2014 Dodge Durango just as the SUV segments in the United States are showing tremendous growth. The new Durango competes in the full-size SUV segment, which with 900,000 units sold in 2012, has jumped 82 percent since 2009. With its standard three rows of seats and interior seating flexibility, Durango also appeals to shoppers looking for a full-size crossover. The two segments combined are up 48 percent since 2009, outpacing the industry. And of those full-size SUV and crossover sales, approximately 60 percent are three-row vehicles, placing Durango squarely in the heart of the market.

Durango customers are tech-savvy, youthful and full-of-life, with one of the youngest demographics in the segment. Their active lifestyles keep them on the run, and they depend on technology to keep them connected. The Durango delivers with the latest Uconnect Access technology and connectivity in an agile, flexible vehicle that is spacious with versatile three-row seating for passengers and their gear.

When the Dodge Durango debuted in 2011, it had a distinct advantage over the competition as an SUV designed to deliver performance, without compromising fuel economy. With the addition of the new eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters standard across the lineup, Durango ups the ante delivering improved efficiency, as well as a more refined and engaging driving experience.

The 2014 Durango offers a host of premium features, such as high-end interiors, the latest infotainment technology and impressive powertrain options, along with the exterior design that is distinctively Dodge.

Feature highlights on the 2014 Dodge Durango:

•     Segment-first eight-speed automatic transmission with rotary shifter allows for up to a 9 percent improvement in fuel economy and a more refined driving experience
•     Class-exclusive Dodge "racetrack" LED tail lamps with 192 LEDs
•     New front fascia with floating signature Dodge crosshair grille
•     New projector headlamps with available LED running lights
•     5-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreens with available class-exclusive Uconnect Access and navigation with 3D mapping
•     The latest available Uconnect Access system with Wi-Fi capability and mobile apps, including Pandora and iHeartradio
•     Available voice command, Uconnect handsfree calling, handsfree texting, streaming music via Bluetooth and remote USB port
•     Class-exclusive standard 7-inch customizable thin-film transistor (TFT) full-color instrument cluster
•     Available class-exclusive Blu-ray / DVD rear entertainment system with new dual 9-inch screens in the driver and front passenger seat-backs
•     New three-spoke steering wheel with standard paddle shifters
•     Available second-row captain's chairs with a standard pass-through center console that makes for easy travel between second- and third-row seats
•     Available second-row full center console with additional storage - available at all trim levels
•     New available fully integrated tow hitch
•     New Limited model with standard leather seats, heated seats, heated steering wheel and standard 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen
•     Rallye Group with a sinister monochromatic appearance and class-exclusive 20-inch Hyper Black wheels
•     All-new wheel lineup with a choice of seven wheels featuring 18-inch and 20-inch wheels with finishes ranging from silver painted to polished aluminum to class-exclusive Hyper Black
•     New standard capless fuel fill making for easy fuel fill ups

    More than 60 available safety and security features, including
        Auto crash notification/911 call button
        Adaptive cruise control with stop function
        Forward collision warning with collision mitigation
    Ten exterior colors, seven different wheels, nine different interiors, including premium cloth, Capri leather and perforated Nappa leather with three different (black, gray and red) stitching accents, unique bezels and headliners

High-tech exterior look
The Dodge Design team went to work to create a new exterior that conveys how advanced the Durango is, while maintaining the muscular body and confident personality customers expect from Dodge.

The new face of Durango is still distinctly Dodge and features a new, slimmer "split crosshair" grille with mesh textures unique to each trim level. Combined with the redesigned projector-beam headlamps and a raised front bumper, the 2014 Dodge Durango has an even more sinister look than the previous model. Durango's sculpted hood and grille complete the unique to Dodge forward-leaning profile that continues through the deeply browed headlamps.

For a more monochromatic appearance, the Rallye and R/T are equipped with dark-tinted headlamp bezels, body-color front and rear lower fascias, wheel flares, grille and sill moldings, all unique to the these packages. The R/T's ride height has also been lowered by 20 mm, further enhancing its sporty appearance and driving dynamics.

The Dodge Durango now features projector beam headlamps, with LED daytime running lamps on Rallye, Limited, RT and Citadel. The LED lamps run horizontally along the bottom edge of the headlamp and form a unique "hockey-stick" shape. Bi-xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps are standard on R/T and Citadel, turning the night into day. Auto-leveling technology adjusts headlight beam aim for slight changes in elevation.

The new front-end design features new projector fog lamps and fog lamp surrounds and matching crosshair grille texture. Combined with the taller front bumper, the new lower fascia gives the 2014 Dodge Durango a wider and more aggressive look.

In line with Dodge Charger, the side profile of the Durango maintains its powerful shape, accented by muscular fender arches and curves that flow back in through the doors, resembling the iconic shape of a coke bottle. The greenhouse of the new Durango blends seamlessly into the body, and a body-color rear spoiler significantly reduces drag while adding visual drama to the side profile.

The Dodge Durango receives all-new 18- and 20-inch aluminum wheel designs for every trim level, and feature finishes ranging from silver painted to polished aluminum to class-exclusive Hyper Black. In total, there are seven wheel designs and finishes to select from.

The rear of the Durango sees the addition of the dramatic LED racetrack tail lamp design inspired by the Dodge Charger and all-new Dart. Still immediately recognizable as a Durango, this latest evolution of the racetrack design features a new technology that blends the individual LEDs into one seamless looking ribbon of light. In total, there are 192 LEDs in the new tail lamp assembly that give Durango a presence on the street and make it instantly recognizable as a Dodge.

The rear fascia has been re-sculpted to fully integrate the trailer hitch. This gives Dodge Durango a cleaner, more premium look. Large 3.5-inch dual exhaust tips are standard on V-8-equipped vehicles, including the R/T, along with the Rallye; other V-6 powered Durango models have a 3-inch single tip.

A driver's three-row SUV
The new 2014 Durango continues to deliver excitement and refinement with world-class suspension and performance. Benchmarked against premium performance SUV's in the market, Durango delivers modernized refinement with electronics, suspension and structural characteristics that are usually found at much higher price points.

The unibody structure is built with a selection of high-strength and ultra-high strength steels that improve driving dynamics by integrating the suspension with the body — reducing flex and weight when compared with body-on-frame designs.

The short/long arm front suspension and isolated multi-link rear suspension features isolated front and rear cradles to deliver precise on-road handling and comfort. The four-wheel independent suspension, combined with the Durango's nearly 50/50 weight distribution, transmits to a solid driving feel and fun-to-drive characteristics.

Dodge Durango delivers on the pavement with aggressive shock and spring rates and large sway bars to handle body roll in hard turning maneuvers. Electro-hydraulic power steering, unique caster and camber settings along with standard electronic stability control also contribute to maintain tire grip and vehicle stability.

The Dodge Durango's rear-wheel-drive-based drivetrain is the foundation for its outstanding on-road driving performance. Available all-wheel drive (AWD) further enhances driver confidence by leveraging the SUV's 50/50 weight distribution.

The Durango's two AWD systems - one for the HEMI® V-8 and one for Pentastar V-6-powered models - greatly enhance the vehicle's traction and handling by delivering a smooth driving experience on a wide range of road conditions.

While competitors have switched to front-wheel-drive car-based platforms, the HEMI-powered AWD Durango features a low-range transfer case with a neutral position. Low range improves light off-road performance and helps ease maneuvers, such as pulling a boat up a steep launch or backing up with a trailer. The neutral position in the transfer case allows the vehicle to be flat-towed without damaging powertrain components.

A robust structure, impressive braking and unexpected stability also contribute to the Durango's best-in-class trailer tow capability. On models equipped with the Pentastar V-6 engine, the Durango can tow up to 6,200 pounds. When coupled with the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, the new 2014 Dodge Durango offers trailer tow capability of up to 7,400 pounds - more weight than a 24-foot boat and trailer, and up to 65 percent more than the competition.

All-new class-exclusive eight-speed automatic transmission
The new 2014 Dodge Durango now features Chrysler Group's new eight-speed automatic transmission with rotary shifter and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters as standard equipment on all models. This state-of-the-art transmission improves fuel economy up to 9 percent, along with enhanced performance and smoother shifts. All these attributes perfectly enhance Durango's fun-to-drive nature.

Fully electronic, the eight-speed automatic features on-the-fly shift map changing, with manual shifting capability using steering-wheel paddle controls. More than 40 individual shift maps for specific conditions optimize shift quality and shift points for fuel economy, performance and drivability. The intelligent software is attuned to the performance requirements of almost any driving demand.

The transmission efficiency and wide ratio spread provide the best possible fuel economy by operating at a lower engine rpm in both city and highway environments. The addition of more gear ratios also helps reduce the gaps normally associated with upshifting and downshifting.

Gear changes are nearly imperceptible due to the evenly spaced gear steps between each gear ratio. Internally, the transmission has four gear sets and five shift elements (multi-disc clutches and brakes). Only two shift elements are open at any time. With fewer open shift elements, drag losses due to multiple parts rotating relative to one another are reduced, improving fuel efficiency.

Powertrain choices
Named one of Ward's 10 Best Engines for three years, Durango's standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine paired with the new standard eight-speed transmission delivers up to a 9 percent improvement in fuel-economy when compared with the previous transmission, not to mention improved performance. The standard flex-fuel 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine generates an impressive 290 horsepower (295 horsepower on Rallye) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, and can tow up to a best-in-class 6,200 pounds.

The 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine produces a best-in-class 360 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque with a best-in-class tow rating of 7,400 pounds. The 5.7-liter engine's Fuel Saver Technology with cylinder-deactivation seamlessly alternates between smooth, high-fuel-economy four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and V-8 mode when more power is in demand. This optimizes fuel economy when V-8 power is not required, without sacrificing vehicle performance or capability.

All-new Eco Mode
The 2014 Dodge Durango features a new Eco Mode that contributes to its improved fuel economy. Eco Mode optimizes the transmission's shift schedule, as well as throttle sensitivity, and Fuel Saver Technology with cylinder deactivation in V-8 models, to maximize fuel economy. The Eco Mode also manages interactive deceleration fuel shut-off (IDFSO), which cuts fuel delivery when the vehicle is coasting to reduce fuel consumption.

Eco Mode is automatically engaged upon vehicle startup. A button on the Durango's center stack allows drivers to disengage Eco Mode if more spirited performance is desired.

Advanced interior with premium craftsmanship
For 2014, Dodge designers are bringing Durango to the forefront of technology in the three-row SUV segment, while taking nothing away from the utility and build quality for which Durango is known.

The new instrument panel features a redesigned center stack that houses the new 5-inch and 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreens. Under these large, easy-to-use touchscreens are redundant button and knob controls for audio and climate functions. The bottom of the center stack houses a new media hub with an SD card slot, USB outlet and auxiliary jacks, as well as a storage bin.

The center console features a new segment-first rotary shifter for the standard eight-speed automatic that adds another level of refinement over the traditional gated automatic shifter. Manual shift functions have moved to paddle shifters on the back of the Durango's new steering wheel. These paddle shifters are standard on all 2014 Dodge Durango models.

The instrument cluster has also been given the high-tech treatment and now includes a full-color 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) screen similar to the one found in the all-new Dodge Dart. Standard on all models, this screen allows for drivers to customize more than 100 ways how information is presented.

Framing the new instrument cluster is a redesigned three-spoke steering wheel with the previously mentioned standard paddle shifters. The buttons to control TFT driver information functions are now larger and illuminated to make them easier to operate. Buttons for Uconnect and phone access now reside along the bottom edge of the vertical spokes. As before, Durango's popular audio controls are still found on the back of the upper steering wheel spokes.

A large lockable glove box has a viscous-dampened hinge, which helps it open and close smoothly.

Seating flexibility
With standard seven-passenger seating and luxurious second-row captain's chairs available on all models, the seats in the 2014 Durango can be converted to as many as 50 different configurations.

Families with three or more children will find the Durango's available captain's chairs with pass through especially helpful as two car seats can stay latched into the second row seats, and there's still easy pass-through for passengers to walk between to get to the third row. The second-row captain's chairs will also make adults feel like they are riding in first-class, with comfortable bucket seats with individual armrests.

The available second-row console features a dual-hinged door/armrest that when flipped forward, features a hard surface so that the armrest is not damaged by cargo. It also offers class-exclusive storage and features, including USB ports for charging electronics.

A fold-flat front passenger seat is standard on models that aren't equipped with the ventilated seat option. By folding forward, the passenger seat provides more utility, which lets customers load and carry long objects. Once flat, the seat back panel also serves as a convenient utility table. A new active head restraint system adds to the long list of available safety and security features.

A versatile 60/40 split folding second-row seat conveniently folds and tumbles. Transporting long items, like 10-foot 2x4s, is not a problem as the left side of the second row folds 60 percent, allowing the versatility of folding the 40 percent seat in tandem with the front passenger fold-flat seat. Longer items can be stowed even with passengers in the second row. To make passengers more comfortable, second-row seats also are available with heat, and they recline 18 degrees.

The third-row seat features a 50/50 split and is easily folded from the rear of the vehicle. For even more utility, both the second- and third-row seats fold to provide a flat load floor to haul a 6-foot couch with room for a coffee table. Clever touches abound, including a switch in the instrument panel to remotely lower the third-row headrests when not in use.

State-of-the-art technology
Five-inch and 8.4-inch touchscreens, a customizable 7-inch TFT gauge display, forward collision warning with crash mitigation, adaptive cruise control with stop and the latest generation of Uconnect Access Via Mobile are just some of the 2014 Dodge Durango's available state-of-the-art features.

The forward collision warning system with crash mitigation alerts the driver if they're approaching a vehicle in front too quickly, and the new adaptive cruise control with stop will keep Durango at a driver-selected distance from the vehicle in front when cruise control is engaged and can even bring the SUV to a controlled stop.

Embedded cellular technology that leverages Chrysler Group's strategic partnership with Sprint allows the latest Uconnect Access system to work its magic. The advanced service-delivery platform affords the kind of stability that enables direct communication when it's needed most.

Uconnect Access connects vehicle occupants directly with police, fire department or ambulance service dispatcher with the push of the "9-1-1" button on the Durango's rearview mirror - no cell phone needed. The same logic works for roadside assistance. One push of the "ASSIST" button summons help directly from Chrysler Group's roadside assistance provider or the Vehicle Customer Care Center.

Further peace of mind comes from the available theft alarm notification, which alerts owners via SMS text message or e-mail whenever their Durango's security alarm is activated. For the greatest convenience and flexibility, up to five people can be notified.

In the 2014 Dodge Durango, customers can put away their smartphones, keep their hands on the steering wheel and still interact with their devices in the ways to which they are accustomed. Media apps from Pandora to iHeartradio to Slacker are all available via voice command - a function of Uconnect's powerful, Cloud-based voice recognition capability.

Additional convenience is achieved when Uconnect syncs a customer's existing app so their favorite artists and stations are available at the touch of the screen, or by the sound of their voice.

Uconnect Access also allows the driver to execute many of the normal functions, such as climate, audio and Bluetooth, all by voice. The Cloud also enables voice texting, a breakthrough feature of Uconnect Access. Again leveraging the Sprint network, paired, Bluetooth-equipped cell phones that use the Message Access Protocol (MAP) can:
    Receive a text message
    Announce receipt of the text
    Identify the sender
    Read the message aloud

To respond, drivers can simply dictate. The Cloud helps the system's voice-recognition system assemble the response and "read" it back for accuracy before sending. Verbatim. No memorizing pre-approved messages such as, "I'm on my way."

The same advanced voice-recognition protocol simplifies the often-problematic process of entering navigation-system destinations with both hands on the wheel. The system will accept continuous, single-sentence instructions, such as: "Navigate to Ross Boulevard, Dodge City, Kansas."

The Durango's navigation system also features new 3D maps with graphic representations of well-known landmarks and terrain, designed to make on-road travel even easier to navigate.

Durango also has the ability to be used as a Wi-Fi hot spot. A powerful Bing search engine can be used via voice command if the driver needs to find a destination. Uconnect navigation then calculates a route and stores the destination's telephone number for handsfree calling.

A new 5-inch touchscreen is now standard on SXT models and controls audio, climate, phone and other vehicle functions, such as turning on the heated seats or determining how long the headlamps stay on after the ignition has been turned off. The high-resolution screen is intuitive and easy to use, yet redundant controls for audio and climate can be found below the touchscreen for drivers who prefer the classic dial approach.

Standard on Limited, R/T and Citadel models (and available on SXT and Rallye) is the award-winning 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen that controls audio, climate, phone, vehicle functions, navigation (if equipped) and the new Uconnect Access system. This system provides large, easy-to-read graphics - including new 3D mapping - with intuitive, easy-to-use controls.

The most looked at area of the interior, the instrument cluster, also has a new premium high-tech appearance with the new dynamic gauge cluster. Standard on all models and featuring a customizable 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) liquid-crystal display, the cluster can be configured more than 100 ways for the ultimate driver-customized experience. Navigation, audio and fuel economy information and warning indicators can all be displayed in the 7-inch screen.

Mounted on the back of the front seats is an available all-new class-exclusive Blu-ray video rear entertainment system. This new system features two high-resolution 9-inch screens, one on each front seat back. Each screen offers four-times better resolution when compared with previous models and allow customers to watch their movies on Blu-ray or standard DVDs or play their high-definition media interface (HDMI) gaming systems via inputs for HDMI cables or RCAs for each screen integrated into the front seat backs. Wireless headphones are included as is a wireless remote.

More than 60 safety and security features are available on Dodge Durango
The new 2014 Dodge Durango offers consumers more than 60 available safety and security features, including standard all-speed traction control and electronic stability control (ESC), which improve overall vehicle handling and performance both on- and off-road. Standard trailer-sway control enhances towing capabilities and keeps the vehicle and trailer aligned as the Durango travels down the road.

Safety and security features available for the first time on the Dodge Durango include forward collision warning with crash mitigation, adaptive cruise control with stop, Uconnect Access with 9-1-1 call and roadside assistance.

Blind-spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Path (RCP) detection, which aid drivers when changing lanes or in parking lot situations, are also available. In addition, standard front-row active head restraints, standard full-length three-row side-curtain air bags and standard front-seat-mounted side thorax air bags offer enhanced occupant protection to passengers in the event of a collision. In total, Durango offers seven standard airbags.

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Citroen Cactus Concept, 2013

 

 

 

 

•  Citroen Cactus Concept, 2013

The Citroen Cactus is more than a concept car; it is a manifest of the future models in the C line. Citroen is shifting the paradigm with the new concept car, shedding the superfluous and bringing well-being firmly into the limelight. Citroen Cactus is a desirable, user-friendly car that forges an unprecedented harmony between distinctive yet pragmatic design, comfort for all occupants, and easy-to-use technology.

Genesis
The origins of Citroen Cactus date back to the reveal of the C-Cactus concept car at the 2007 Frankfurt show. C-Cactus was a radical automotive approach that posed a number of key questions: What do motorists expect from cars in today's world? And which equipment and features really count? The fascinating exercise pushed engineers and designers to make sweeping changes and set problems differently in order to explore new solutions. The pragmatic approach eschewed the superfluous to concentrate on what makes motorists feel good. The end result, Citroen Cactus, is a manifest that previews forthcoming models in the C line.

Pure and functional styling
The styling of Citroen Cactus marries the aesthetic to the practical, with designers having sought to find the right volumes and extend efficiency to the smallest details. The idea was to keep only the essential, and optimise that essence to obtain a form of natural perfection. The approach allowed the designers to break free from classic automotive cues and explore ingenious solutions to bring customers real equipment and features.

The body styling of Citroen Cactus seems original and obvious, both at the same time, lingering easily in the memory like that of all great cars that have marked their time. The styling is easy to identify, with:

•     Pure and smooth surfaces in pearlescent white
•     Flowing, aggression-free shapes
•     Floating quarterlight and roof
•     Contrasting design components, each one with a function (protection with Lama grey Airbumps and textured black wheel arches; transport with lacquered black roof arches; cabin light with the large panoramic roof).

One component stands out immediately through its originality: the Airbump.
Located on the sides and the bumpers of the car, the design component expresses a new approach that gives style a function. The Airbump strengthens the styling of Citroen Cactus, heightening its personality with its originality and personalisation possibilities. The supple skin of the Airbump features a soft treatment that resists scratches and includes air capsules that dampen impact.

Citroen Cactus has optimal proportions for extra efficiency and driving comfort:
    The dimensions of a compact hatchback (4.21 m long and 1.75 m wide)
    An ideal balance between one-third glazed area and two-thirds wing surface
    High ground clearance (21 cm) but with an optimised height of just 1.53 m
    Reduced overhang, with the wheels set firmly in the corners

The styling of Citroen Cactus evokes technology and perceived quality and is entirely free of aggression.

The front end, previewing the visual identity of future models in the C line, is characterised by:
    Smooth surfaces showcasing the chevrons
    Flowing forms with a seamless progression from bonnet to wing
    A high-tech light signature with LED daytime running lights and lamps built in to the Airbumps

The styling at the back respects the same principle with 3D-effect LED lights built in to the wide Airbump protecting the boot.

The singular and radical design of Citroen Cactus also promises a warm, ergonomic and comfortable interior. The absence of side windows, rear window and B pillars beckons onlookers to discover the cabin inside, which has been entirely reworked in terms of architecture as well as in the design of colours and materials.

Ingenious design
The first objective with Citroen Cactus was to free up space inside for the driver and passengers, bringing them more ease and user-friendliness and, hence, more comfort.

The slender, floating dashboard fully frees up the floor below and on its upper part offers the front passenger a capacious and easy-access storage space. The dashboard design was made possible by using a 100% digital interface and by optimising the organisation of the driver's station, in particular by:

• Replacing the instrument cluster with a 7-inch screen
• Switching control buttons for an 8-inch touchscreen connected to all vehicle functions (air conditioning, audio, satnav, connected services and driver aids)
• Installing the passenger airbag on the ceiling
• Replacing the traditional gearstick with push-button controls on the lower part of the dashboard and steering-wheel paddles

The new architectural approach also informs the front seats, which were designed sofa-style for extra comfort and human warmth.

Extra comfort is also delivered by the panoramic roof, thermally treated to let in the light but not the heat. It protects passengers from UVs with technology similar to that used for category-4 sunglasses.

The second goal with Citroen Cactus interior was to provide a stylish and relaxed atmosphere. The interior layout frees up plenty of space and focuses on authentic and natural materials. The seats and doors are upholstered in a combination of two materials evoking contemporary furniture: a blue heathered-cotton fabric and natural "camel" leather (vegetable tanned) also used on the dashboard and steering wheel.

In a nod to the luggage sector, the design of the door handles and the storage space on the upper part of the dashboard was informed by decorative travel-trunk components.

The design choices for Citroen Cactus were guided not just by interior architecture intelligence but by a whole new approach to the automobile. Citroen Cactus brings drivers a new motoring experience and total peace of mind, reuniting them with the pleasure and freedom inherent in car travel - a simple, communal, day-to-day pleasure.

User-friendly technology
Citroen Cactus technologies are easy to use, economical and environmental in use, accessible to all and connected, and resolutely focused on the new needs of motorists.

The new Hybrid Air drivetrain is a case in point. The full-hybrid technology combines compressed air and the hydraulics of a PureTech petrol engine. This powertrain excellence is written into the Brand's DNA and has led to breakthrough performance, with fuel consumption of under 3 l/100 km.

Hybrid Air technology has a reduced environmental footprint (no additional battery) and is broadly affordable thanks to:
    Attractive cost in use (45% reduction in fuel consumption in urban driving)
    Easy maintenance and servicing through the combination of proven technologies
    No compromises on interior space

Digital, tactile and connected! All the controls are grouped on the 8-inch touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard, ergonomic, easy to use and offering access to Citroen Multicity Connect. The driver and passengers benefit from a portal of web-connected applications that takes vehicle data - including mileage, speed, range and GPS position - into account to generate information adapted to motorists' needs, warning them of risk areas, locating service stations and identifying tourist destinations, among other advantages.

Asking questions differently to find new answers
By proposing a fresh new take on design, architecture and technology, Citroen Cactus stands as a new automotive synthesis. The car's optimistic approach finally addresses the expectations of people looking to combine practicality with pleasure.

Citroen Cactus is a desirable, user-friendly car, one that is a pleasure to share day by day:

•     "Simple to live". An ingenious design and intuitive technologies
•     "Simple to love". A functional design free of all aggression
•     "Simple to share". A user-friendly cabin and a connected driving interface

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Dacia Duster, 2014

• Dacia Duster, 2014

Emphatic 4x4 styling
The front end has been upgraded, with a redesigned grille, adorned by two chrome-plated strips and housing a new, lower-set air intake and new double-optic headlights with daytime running lights. The upgrades underscore the car's on-road stance and robust, "go-anywhere" character.

New Duster-labeled roof bars with slatted supports underline the car's SUV character, while new 16-inch "Dark Metal" alloy wheels and "Mud and Snow" tires revitalize the profile of New Dacia Duster.

At the back, new lights echo the styling cues of the front end, notably though the use of chrome. A chrome-plated tail pipe and new "4WD" lettering round out the exterior styling changes and further boost the car's personality.

New Dacia Duster, presented at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, has been upgraded but retains the design features largely responsible for its success. The new model sports more emphatic 4x4 design cues.

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