Mazda CX-5, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

•  Mazda CX-5, 2013

Mazda is unveiling the all-new Mazda CX-5 compact crossover SUV at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The CX-5 is the first vehicle of a new Mazda generation that will adopt the full range of Mazda's breakthrough SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and new design theme, 'KODO - Soul of Motion', which was showcased by the Mazda SHINARI and Mazda MINAGI concept cars.

The new Mazda CX-5  introduced progressively to global markets beginning early in 2012. Developed around SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY - including all-new Mazda petrol and diesel engines, manual and automatic transmissions, body and chassis - the CX-5 delivers precise response and a high-quality, rewarding ride matched to outstanding environmental and safety performance.

The CX-5 is the first of a new generation of Mazda vehicles that will evolve the company's hallmark fun-to-drive character by providing a new level of driving pleasure.

Aiming for the Best of all Worlds - Making a crossover SUV with enduring appeal
CX-5 Programme Manager, Hideaki Tanaka, says: "We aimed to develop a vehicle with a long-term appeal that would delight owners and make them proud for years to come. I think that these were the most important values we had to embody in the CX-5. We wanted to deliver the best of all worlds in order to suit the various lifestyles and life stages of our customers, and satisfy their high expectations over the long term. Specifically, we focused on providing pleasure through the CX-5's appearance, ist precise handling, its insightful functionality, and its long-term appeal. By aiming to achieve the ideal in each area, we pursued the innovation of driving pleasure."

Innovation for a "Purer" Sense of Driving Pleasure - Concentrating on the most essential elements and enhancing what feels good

The Mazda CX-5 development team focused on form, performance, function and texture, investigated all points of contact between the driver and the vehicle, and examined how to make them more pleasing. Then they prioritized ergonomic design and concentrated on the most essential elements in order to provide a "purer" sense of driving pleasure.

Design - Form that conveys a strong sense of vitality and agility
Following the Mazda MINAGI concept car that was unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the CX-5 becomes the first production model to feature Mazda's new design theme, 'KODO - Soul of Motion'. Chief Designer, Masashi Nakayama says: "With the CX-5, our focus was on expressing a strong sense of vitality and agility. We looked at videos of cheetahs; their agile footwork and how they use their entire body as a spring to accelerate rapidly and change the direction instantly. They emanate great energy throughout their entire body. Inspired by their efficient yet beautiful movements, we aimed to push the SUV appearance to new levels with KODO design language."

The exterior design features bold styling that simultaneously expresses SUV-like solidity and functionality with Mazda's characteristic sense of vitality and agility. Inside, Mazda created a driver-oriented cabin with solid styling that reflects the Mazda CX-5's strength and high rigidity.

KODO: SOUL OF MOTION
Over the years Mazda has often explored the idea of 'motion' to inspire its unique vehicle designs. The new generation of Mazda cars, beginning with the CX-5 compact crossover SUV, is influenced by nature's power and beauty.

They have been evolved by taking the instantaneous movement of animals or humans as inspiration. This instantaneous movement is the ultimate form of motion, filled with vitality and emotion; it is the essence of Mazda's new design language 'KODO - Soul of Motion'.

The new design language was first introduced in 2010 with the SHINARI concept, a 4-door sports coupe created by the design team led by Ikuo Maeda, General Manager Design Division of Mazda Corporation. The Shinari incorporates all design elements of the KODO theme and was followed by the MINAGI concept car, a compact crossover SUV that was the forerunner of today's Mazda CX-5, the first mass production vehicle that fully applies KODO design.

Exterior

•     Front view: a new Mazda family face centred on a new 'signature wing' expresses strength and depth.
•     Rear view: The contrast of prominent rear fenders and taut rear end conveys toughness and grace that underline its athletic form.
•     Side view: The prominent front fenders and sculptured body sides accentuate a sense of power which suggests powerful muscles.
•     The exterior design contributes to excellent aerodynamics (Target Cd of 0.33) and a quite cabin.

Interior

•     The driver's side, especially the meter hood, has a deep, longitudinally stretched design that resembles a cockpit and produces a sense of forward momentum. The detailed, high-quality meter design raises the driver's anticipation for the ride ahead.
•     On the passenger side, the instrument panel looks ample and solid, with a horizontal design that generates a sense of security.
•     New soft materials are adopted for the instrument panel and door trim that are most often seen and touched.
•     Parts that are used most often, like the steering wheels spokes and inner door handles, have a satin chrome finish, which enhances the high-quality, genuine feel of the interior.

Functionality
The development team thoroughly researched what features are needed to deliver comfort and convenience, and focused on providing flexibility that drivers and passengers can enjoy with ease. The development team realized a comfortable and user-friendly interior with noticeably efficient use of space and intelligent functionality. Additionally, the human-machine interface (HMI) presents information in an intuitive and easy-to-understand way that can be read in an instant, in order to minimize the driver's eye movement and create a cockpit environment that aids driver concentration.

Spacious, practical and smart
The 2,700 mm wheelbase, one of the segment's longest, enabled streamlined styling and a comfortable cabin.

Class-leading rear seat legroom of 997 mm. Spacious rear seats in which adult passengers can ride in comfort with ample knee space.
500 litres of useable luggage space (including a sub trunk) is maximized by removing protrusions and dead space.

Smart, easy-to-use KARAKURI functionality. The world's first 40:20:40 split independent rear seats with a remote fold-down function. The rear centre seat creates a large flat luggage space when folded down. The tonneau cover automatically lifts up and down as the rear liftgate is opened and closed.

As well as comfortably accommodating two adults, the 40:20:40 split rear seats enable long objects to be loaded by folding the centre seat down flat, even with two child seats installed on both sides. The rear seats can be folded down remotely by a simple flick of levers located at the back of the luggage area.

Provides generous storage capacity demanded of an SUV, including a large open space in the centre console that can hold all sorts of items, and front and rear door pockets large enough to take a 1-litre bottle.

Advanced Human Machine Interface (HMI) with high connectivity and intuitive operation
A 5.8-inch colour touch screen monitor is positioned in the centre at the top of the dashboard, and shows data related to the infotainment system — including audio, phone connection — and contains the new navigation system.

Mazda CX-5's new HMI system improves safety by minimizing the driver's eye movement away from the road. The menu controls for the steering-wheel-mounted switches are arranged according to function, a centre display touch screen, and a HMI commander are positioned on the centre console. With the vehicle stopped, the driver might operate it by touch screen. During driving, the driver can operate the menu more safely and easily with the HMI commander. This layout also enables some functions, especially navigation, to be operated intuitively from the passenger seat.

Its new integrated navigation system is based on the latest TomTom technology, one of Europe's most popular provider of navigation system. For an affordable price, customers can enjoy more accurate arrival-time estimates, which are calculated based on previously recorded data, and better suggestions for alternate routes to avoid traffic jams. By accessing the homepage through a personal computer at home, customers can also download new roads that are not listed on maps. For an extra fee, TomTom® Live Services are also available depending on country). These provides more accurate real-time traffic information, weather forecasts, fuel prices and other constantly updated information.

For high connectivity, customers can connect their mobile MP3 players or mobile phones via USB or Bluetooth connection to the HMI system. Searching for your favourite song is made easy as title, album and artist will be displayed on the touch screen.

The best way to listen to your favourite music in the Mazda CX-5 is on a BOSE surround-sound system - with a new-generation energy-efficient amplifier and subwoofer.

Dynamic Performance
Regarding dynamic performance, the ultimate goal of the Mazda CX-5 development team was to make the vehicle move precisely according to the driver's wishes. To attain precise response, engineers concentrated on transferring the high performance levels of SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY to the driver and used what is called a PDCA cycle to comprehensively analyze the driving process:

•     Plan: the driver forms a vision of what he wants to do
•     Do: the driver communicates his intention to the vehicle
•     Check: the driver receives feedback from the vehicle confirming that its motion perfectly matches his intention
•     Action: the driver proceeds to the next action

First, the development team focused on creating a cockpit environment to communicate the driver's intention to the vehicle. To enable linear operation, they optimized every point of contact between car and driver including driving position, pedals, steering wheel, seat hold, and field-of-view. Next, they examined the quality of feedback coming from the car. The test drivers judged this quality by asking, "Did I control the car as I wanted?" and "Do I need to change the way the car responds?" In order to boost the quality of vehicle feedback, the team worked on making the feedback match the driver's expectations by making it highly predictable. Their objective here is to enable the driver to input his intention with a single action, removing the need for any corrective inputs and creating conditions where the driver and vehicle are perfectly synchronized. In addition to this, the team added an overall development target to create ideal conditions in which the driver's input and vehicle feedback were in complete harmony over the full range of motions from going, turning and stopping.

The superb ride quality of the Mazda CX-5, and its precise response, can be felt the instant the steering wheel and pedals are operated, and this feeling intensifies the more one drives it.

All-new Mazda SKYACTIV Chassis & Body
The Mazda CX-5 has newly-developed strut suspension in the front and a multi-link layout in the rear. The geometry of the suspension links and the bush characteristics are optimized to ensure light, linear steering response at mid-to-low speeds and excellent high-speed stability. The rear dampers also have a forward-tilting layout, increasing comfort even on rough road surfaces.

A newly-developed electric power assist steering system offers highly precise control according to vehicle speed. At mid-to-low speeds, it provides natural feedback and linear feeling from small to large angle inputs. At high speeds, it gives firm, confidence-inspiring feedback.

The brakes deliver easily-controllable, precise and assured braking performance from low to high speeds.

The lightweight yet rigid SKYACTIV-BODY framework is optimized for handling stability, low NVH and excellent collision safety performance. It supports the Mazda CX-5's rewarding and high-quality, responsive ride.

Care was taken with NVH to ensure the driver hears necessary audio feedback while actively eliminating intrusive noises. Noises were initially separated into road noise and engine noise. For each, the unpleasant low-frequency, mid-frequency and high-frequency noises were individually identified and efficiently eradicated, resulting in a quiet cabin environment.

To achieve smooth airflow under the vehicle and suppress eddies forming behind it, the air is directed upwards using a new underfloor design. The development team effectively reduced underfloor air resistance and optimized the aerodynamic shape of the upper body argeting an outstanding Cd of 0.33.

All-new Mazda SKYACTIV Powertrains
The SKYACTIV-G 2.0 petrol engine models have the world highest compression ratio of 14.0:1, and their 4-2-1 exhaust system prevents knocking and provides abundant torque from low engine speeds, enabling acceleration that precisely matches the driver's intention. Models with this engine achieve outstanding fuel economy, precise response, and a high-quality, linear and rewarding ride:

•     FWD: Maximum torque of 210 NM at 4,000 rpm and maximum power of 121 kW/ 165 PS at 6,000 rpm
•     AWD: Maximum torque of 208 NM at 4,000 rpm and maximum power of 118 kW/ 160 PS at 6,000 rpm

The SKYACTIV-D 2.2 diesel engine models have the world's lowest compression ratio for a diesel engine of 14.0:1, and a highly efficient two-stage turbocharger that delivers spirited and linear acceleration and exhilarating driving dynamics that surpass conventional diesel-engine vehicles. They also achieve outstanding fuel economy for a compact SUV with extremely clean emissions that clear Euro6 without the need of any NOx after-treatment systems. Two variants of the engine are available:

•     A High Power version developing maximum torque of 420 Nm at 2,000 rpm and maximum power of 129 kW / 175 PS at 4,500 rpm.
•     A Standard Power version produces maximum torque of 380 Nm at 1,800-2,600 rpm and maximum power of 110 kW / 150 PS at 4,500 rpm.

All Mazda CX-5 models come with a choice of two new transmissions:

•     The six-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic transmission provides linear acceleration and a direct shift feel similar to a dual clutch transmission.
•     The six-speed SKYACTIV-MT manual transmission, with ist compact architecture and enhanced gear structure, delivers the light and crisp shift feel known from the MX-5. Both support fuel efficiency and the high-quality ride feel of the CX-5.

Environmental and Safety Performance
The Mazda CX-5 uses the full array of SKYACTIV Technologies to achieve outstanding fuel economy and emissions performance without sacrificing its fun-to-drive character. In terms of safety, Mazda's fundamental approach is to "inspire peace-of-mind and confidence in order to enhance driving pleasure." Based on this approach, Mazda engineers worked to advance the vehicle's core performance attributes of "driving, turning and stopping" as well as visibility and operability. Thanks to the lightweight and highly-rigid SKYACTIV-BODY, the CX-5 provides excellent collision performance that will attain top ratings in crash tests around the world.

Environmental Performance
The SKYACTIV-G 2.0 petrol engine with FWD, 6-speed manual transmission and i-stop system targets a mere 6.0 litres of fuel per 100 km (combined) with CO2 emission of 139 g/km.

The SKYACTIV-D 2.2 diesel engine with FWD, 6-speed manual transmission and i-stop system targets just 4.5 litres per 100 km (combined) with CO2 emission of just 119 g/km.

The SKYACTIV-D engine meets Euro Stage 6 emission standards without adopting an expensive NOx after-treatment system.

The SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic transmission with its new lock-up clutch, achieves lock-up in almost all driving conditions. This reduces transmission slip significantly and contributes to fuel efficiency. It is available for both petrol and diesel engines.

Mazda's idling-stop system, i-stop, is available for the CX-5 with both SKYACTIV-G and -D. It has previously been used only with petrol engine models. With a newly-developed, more advanced control system, the new i-stop shuts off the engine more frequently, helping to further improve real-world fuel economy.

Single-nanotechnology in the catalyst improves exhaust gas after-treatment performance and reduces the amount of precious metals required.

The Mazda CX-5 is one of the lightest and most aerodynamic vehicle in its class, which contributes to its outstanding fuel economy and low CO2 emissions.

Safety Performance
The base of the A-pillars has been optimized to ensure excellent forward visibility on winding roads and at junctions. The side mirrors are mounted on the doors themselves to create a gap between the mirrors and A-pillars through which drivers can check their surroundings.

A host of new, cutting-edge features are available to support the driver's own safety checks and hazard awareness :

Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) is standard for mid and high grade (first in the compact SUV segment) and uses a new radar sensor system to help prevent or reduce impact of front crash accidents at low speed (up to 30 km/h) by automatically braking the vehicle.

Upgraded Rear Vehicle Monitoring System (RVM) that detects cars approaching from behind or driving in the blind spot and warns the driver (now from 30 km/h onwards instead of 60 km/h to support city driving safety).

Lane Departure Warning minimizes the risk of leaving the driving lane unintentionally by employing a camera to detect and judge the position of white lines to then warn the driver of a possible lane departure.

High-Beam Control (HBC) automatically changes between low and high beam during night driving in order to avoid blinding upcoming vehicles.

The lightweight, highly-rigid SKYACTIV-BODY provides excellent collision performance and is conceived to attain top ratings in crash tests around the world.

A multi-load path structure and a front end with a cross-shaped cross-section increases crash energy absorption, further improving safety performance in frontal, side and rear-end collisions.

The anti-whiplash design of the front seats helps to reduce neck injury in the event of a rear-end collision.

There are two impact beams in the front doors. The upper beam has a round cross-section, and the lower beam has a double-ridged cross-section. The lower rear beam also has a double-ridged cross-section, helping to improve strength.

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Brabus Bullit Coupe 800, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brabus Bullit Coupe 800, 2012

Ultra-powerful, ultrafast and conspicuously inconspicuous: the Brabus Bullit Coupe 800, which celebrates its world debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, is built in small-series production based on the two-door Mercedes C63 AMG model. In place of the 6.3-liter fast-revving V8 that powers the production car, a twelve-cylinder engine in Brabus 800 V12 Biturbo specification lurks beneath the matte-black exterior. 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW and a peak torque of 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft) propel the Bullit Coupe 800 to superlative performance: 3.7 seconds to 100 km/h (62 mph), 23.8 seconds from 0 - 300 km/h (186 mph) and a top speed in excess of 370 km/h (230 mph) document the unique know-how of the engineers from Brabus. Brabus went into the wind tunnel to engineer the aerodynamic-enhancement components that are part of the equipment of this supercar, as are new 20-inch Brabus Monoblock R wheels, a sport suspension with customer-selectable ride height and damper rates, a high-performance brake system and exclusive cockpit design. The supercar will sell for an MSRP starting at EUR 378,000. It goes without saying that this car can also be built based on the Black Series C 63 AMG Coupe.

The Brabus Bullit Coupe 800 seamlessly continues the tradition of high-performance supercars from Bottrop. Following in the footsteps of the Brabus Bullit supercars based on the Mercedes C-Class sedan, which each produced 730 hp (720 bhp) / 537 kW and reached top speeds in excess of 360 km/h (224 mph), the even more powerful Brabus Bullit Coupe 800 has now been developed based on the new C-Class Coupe.

Numerous modifications to the reinforced C-Class body were necessary to implant the turbocharged V12 into the engine bay. The Brabus 800 V12 Biturbo engine is derived directly from the Brabus E V12 one of ten. For this purpose an up-to-date Mercedes S 600 engine Motor is completely reengineered in the company engine building shop.

There is nothing to take the place of displacement except more displacement and for that reason displacement of the 12-cylinder, three-valve engine is increased from 5.5 to 6.3 liters (336 to 384 cu. in.) with the help of a special crankshaft with longer stroke, larger, forged pistons and an increase in cylinder bore across the board. Intake and outlet ports of both cylinder heads are optimized for mixture flow, and fitted with sports camshafts.

The engine peripherals were also completely reworked completely. The inlet side features a newly designed, larger header casing that gets its combustion air from carbon-fiber ram-air intake system integrated into the hood.

To achieve the desired power increase of almost 300 hp over the production engine, the exhaust side had to be newly configured as well. The Brabus 800 Biturbo system comprises two special exhaust manifolds with integrated high-performance turbochargers, and four water-to-air intercoolers. The stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with free-flow metal catalysts and driver-controlled butterfly valve also was created specifically for the C-Class Coupe floorpan.

State-of-the-art engine Brabus test benches were used by the engineers for designing new mapping for engine electronics and on-board diagnostics. The result is maximum power yield while meeting strict current EURO V emission standards.

The Brabus 800 V12 Biturbo high-capacity engine, which like all Brabus high-performance engines is lubricated exclusively with MOTUL synthetic motor oil, produces 800 PS (788 bhp) / 588 kW at 5,500 rpm. The peak torque of 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft) is limited electronically in the car to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).

Power is transferred to the rear wheels via an appropriately reinforced seven-speed automatic transmission, which is shifted either automatically or manually via shift paddles on the steering wheel, and a Brabus limited-slip rear differential with a locking rate of 40 percent. The Brabus Bullit Coupe 800 features all state-of-the-art driving dynamics systems such as ABS, ASR and ESP.

The matte-black stealth coupe delivers unrivaled performance: in a catapult start just 3.7 seconds pass from 0-100 km/h (62 mph), 9.8 seconds to 200 km/h (124 mph). The 300-km/h (186-mph) barrier is shattered after 23.8 seconds. Top speed is more than 370 km/h (230 mph).

To be able to attain such extreme speeds while maintaining outstanding directional stability, the aerodynamic properties of the two-door car were modified extensively in the wind tunnel. The supplemental carbon-fiber Brabus front spoiler reduces lift on the front axle at high speeds. The carbon-fiber lightweight air routers for the air inlets in the front fascia go beyond optimizing the supply of cooling air for radiators and front brakes. These lateral air vents also allow the air streaming through the radiators to exit again as quickly as possible. Another significant contribution to the heat exchange in the engine bay is made by the Brabus air vents integrated into the front fenders behind the wheel wells.

The Brabus designers have developed an aerodynamically effective combination of rear wing and diffuser insert for the rear fascia in order to generate more downforce on the rear axle. This carbon-fiber component has cutouts on the right and left side for the dual ceramics-plated design tailpipes of the Brabus stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system.

The thrilling looks of the Brabus Bullit Coupe 800 is rounded out by the new Brabus Monoblock R wheels. They represent a fresh approach with their unique design that features two times five double spokes arranged on two different plains. While the posterior plain has a titanium paint finish, the anterior surfaces are polished and coated with a smoke-colored clear lacquer, which lends the wheel a highly individual character. In sizes 8.5Jx20 in front and 9.5Jx20 on the rear axle the Brabus Monoblock R wheels make perfect use of the available space in the wheel wells. The high-performance tires in sizes 235/30 ZR 20 and 275/25 ZR 20 are supplied by technology partners Continental, Pirelli or YOKOHAMA.

The height-adjustable coilover suspension was custom developed for the Brabus Bullit Coupe 800 in cooperation with technology partner BILSTEIN. It features gas-pressure shocks on front and rear axle with ten selectable settings each for bound and rebound for a sporty yet comfortable ride. Sport sway bars reduce body roll during fast cornering to a minimum.

The Brabus high-performance brake system consists of vented and grooved steel brake discs that measure 380 x 37 millimeters (15.0 x 1.45 in.) and 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers in the front. In combination with vented and grooved steel discs measuring 360 x 28 millimeters (14.2 x 1.1 in.) and six-piston fixed aluminum calipers on the rear axle it easily masters even highest brake loads.

The cockpit of the supercar has a distinctly sporty design. The interior was clad by the Brabus master craftsmen in the upholstery shop in a combination of black leather and Alcantara to match the outer skin. Red contrasting seams add discrete sporty highlights. This look is rounded out by genuine carbon-fiber components on the dashboard, center console and door trim. Further sporty features are the ergonomically shaped Brabus sport steering wheel as well as aluminum pedals and shifter.

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Ford Mustang Boss 302, 2012

 

 

 

 

•  Ford Mustang Boss 302, 2012

Ford gave the green light only once before: In 1968, management approved a special Mustang - a car that sacrificed nothing in its quest to be the best all-around road-going performance machine ever created by Ford Motor Company. That car became the 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302, and it remains one of the world's most sought-after examples of American performance.

Forty-two years later, Ford has given the green light again.
The team of Ford engineers, designers and stylists - all Mustang enthusiasts to the core - that created the groundbreaking 2011 Mustang GT has distilled a new model to its purest form, strengthening, lightening and refining each system to create a race car with a license plate. Its name: the 2012 Mustang Boss 302.

To celebrate the racing heritage of the new Ford Mustang Boss 302, Ford will also offer a limited number of Boss 302 Laguna Seca models, named for the track where Parnelli Jones won the 1970 Trans-Am season opener in a Boss 302. Aimed at racers more interested in on-track performance than creature comforts, the Boss 302 Laguna Seca has increased body stiffness, a firmer chassis set-up and an aerodynamics package carried over almost in its entirety from the Ford Racing Boss 302R.

Philosophy and powertrain
"The new Ford Mustang Boss 302 completely redefines Mustang capability," said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. "That the Mustang team was able to take the current Mustang GT - already a world-class performance car - and refine it further for peak track performance shows the commitment Ford has to this car and its legions of fans."

Driving the 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 was intended from the outset to be a visceral experience, packed with raw, unbridled performance across the spectrum: Acceleration, handling, braking, and top speed are all equally matched for perfect balance on a car operating within the framework of legally defined safety, noise and emissions regulations..

A race-inspired clutch with upgraded friction materials transmits power, while a short-throw, close-ratio six-speed manual transmission handles gear change duties.
Power is delivered to a 3.73 ratio rear axle using carbon fiber plates in the limited-slip differential to improve torque handling and longevity. For those who want even more precise control over power delivery, a torque-sensing (Torsen) limited-slip differential is an available option coupled with Recaro front seats.

Sounds like the Boss
While the powertrain team defined output targets that would yield an ideal balance with the chassis, another team made sure the car made the kind of sounds owners and enthusiasts would expect from a Mustang Boss.

Up front, a Boss-specific intake system is tuned to feed the engine with minimum restrictions. A retuned induction sound tube provides concrete aural evidence of what's occurring under the hood. And, in the Boss exhaust system engineers really had some fun.

Every Boss features a unique quad exhaust system: Two outlets exit in the rear similar to a standard Mustang GT. The other two outlets exit to either side of the exhaust crossover, sending exhaust through a set of metal discs that act as tuning elements before the pipes terminate just ahead of the rear wheel opening. Visually subtle, the side pipes flow very little exhaust but a lot of exhaust sound, providing a sonic experience unlike any other Mustang - and giving home tuners an additional avenue for modification.

Suspension and steering
In keeping with the Boss mandate to provide the best-handling Mustang ever, the already strong Mustang GT suspension system has been further refined. Higher-rate coil springs on all four corners, stiffer suspension bushings and a larger-diameter rear stabilizer bar all contribute to the road racing mission, and Boss models are lowered by 11 millimeters at the front and 1 millimeter at the rear versus the Mustang GT. The real key to handling, though, is in the adjustable shocks and struts, standard on all Boss Mustang models.

Brakes, wheels and tires
Working in concert with the suspension upgrades, Ford Mustang Boss 302 receives unique, lightweight 19-inch black alloy racing wheels in staggered widths: 9 inches in front, 9.5 inches in the rear. The Pirelli PZero summer tires are sized specifically for each end of the vehicle, with the front wheels receiving 255/40ZR-19 tires while the rear stays planted thanks to 285/35ZR-19 rubber.
The combined suspension and tire package allows Boss to achieve a top speed of 155 mph and become the first non-SVT Mustang ever to achieve more than 1.0 g of lateral acceleration.

Boss braking is also up to the challenge, using Brembo four-piston front calipers acting on 14-inch vented rotors up front. In the back, standard Mustang GT brakes are upgraded with a Boss-specific high-performance pad compound. Combined with vented brake shields and unique Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) tuning, Boss drivers get maximum control and rapid, repeatable fade-free stops in road and race situations alike.

The Mustang team spent considerable time ensuring the brake pedal feel met the expectations of performance drivers. Boss receives unique low-compressibility brake lines that expand up to 30 percent less than traditional flexible brake lines, allowing maximum fluid pressure to reach the calipers in the least amount of time, giving the driver a sensation of being connected directly to the brake pads.
As a result 60-0 stopping distances for the Boss are improved by approximately three feet versus the Mustang GT with available brake package; combined with suspension and engine improvements, Boss is expected to show approximately a two-second lap time improvement over the GT on a typical road race course. But the numbers tell only part of the story.

Exterior and interior design
Changes to the Mustang Boss exterior are subtle but unmistakable. True to its race-bred heritage, every component that could potentially aid aerodynamics or engine/brake performance was examined to make the vehicle more competitive, while chief designer Darrell Behmer refined the styling to evoke the 1969 Boss in a contemporary way.
To set Boss apart, each car will have either a black or white roof panel, coordinated to the color of the side C-stripe. Available exterior colors are Competition Orange, Performance White, Kona Blue Metallic, Yellow Blaze Tri-Coat Metallic and Race Red.

Up front, a unique fascia and grille are highlighted by the blocked-off fog lamp openings and aggressive lower splitter, a version of the design used - and proven - on the Boss 302R race car. The front splitter is designed to function at high speeds by efficiently managing the air under and around the car. It helps to reduce underbody drag and front end lift while more effectively forcing air through the Boss-specific cooling system. At the rear of the car, the spoiler was chosen to complement the front aero treatment and minimize overall drag.

Inside, a unique Boss steering wheel covered completely in Alcantara suede complements the standard seats, which are trimmed in cloth with a suede-like center insert to firmly hold occupants in place. Boss customers who want the ultimate seating experience can select a package that includes Recaro buckets, designed by Ford SVT in cooperation with Recaro for high performance Mustang models, and shared between the Boss and GT500.

A dark metallic instrument panel finish, gauge cluster and door panel trim also differentiate Boss from the standard Mustang, while a black pool-cue shifter ball and "Powered by Ford" door sill plates further remind customers they're in a special car.

The Boss interior gets an aural kick thanks to what's been removed. Eleven pounds of sound-deadening material have been eliminated to let occupants further enjoy the intake, engine and exhaust note.

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Maserati Kubang, 2013

 

•  Maserati Kubang, 2013

Maserati Kubang - a new Maserati vehicle in the sport luxury SUV segment will represent a natural direction for the company to enlarge its product range and strengthen its presence in the sport luxury market.

For some reason SUVs today never seem to offer the kind of uplifting driving pleasure and luxury atmosphere that are two givens of today's high-end sports and luxury cars. And this is precisely what Maserati set out to do with its new sport luxury SUV concept that is being unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show today, the forerunner of the future Maserati range, creating at once discontinuity by entering a new segment, and continuity by maintaining the integrity of Maserati's DNA.

The idea of a sport luxury SUV is naturally not totally new to Maserati. Many will remember the Kubang concept that was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in 2003. At a time in which few other brands were going in the direction of a sport luxury SUV, Maserati was already thinking to build one.

Today potential synergies with sister brand Jeep - a brand that 70 years ago created a new segment of the market and is today a leader of this very segment - are the important catalyst for Maserati's own interpretation of a sport luxury SUV. And it seems only appropriate to give the model that we are unveiling today the very name of the concept that opened the way: Maserati Kubang.

The essence and all major system components of the Maserati sport luxury SUV will unmistakably be Maserati: style, engine, suspensions, brakes, handling and performance will all be 100% Maserati in picture-perfect continuity with the brand's core values of sportiness, style, elegance, luxury, performance and craftsmanship.

The distinctive Maserati style that makes the Kubang immediately recognisable as a true Maserati has been created by the Maserati Style Center headed by Lorenzo Ramaciotti.

New-generation high-tech Maserati proprietary engines will be designed in Modena by Paolo Martinelli - Head of the Maserati Powertrain Department and for nearly 30 years at Ferrari, where he also served as engine chief of the Formula One racing team - and will be produced in Maranello by Ferrari.

An AT 8 speed automatic transmission and specific performance settings such as suspensions, brakes, steering will be exclusively developed in Modena for the Maserati sport luxury SUV by the Maserati Product Development Department.

Until today Maserati has been producing sedans, coupes and two- or four-seater convertibles. Whether we named them Quattroporte, GranTurismo or GranCabrio - or, before them, Ghibli, Mistral, Bora or Indy - their common denominator rested in two words: sportiness and luxury. Times have changed: sportiness and luxury today don't have just one definition. They can also take the form of a very dynamic looking and high performing sport luxury SUV.

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Morgan Aero Coupe, 2012

 

 

•  Morgan Aero Coupe, 2012

The Morgan Aero Coupe is an advanced supercar designed for practical long distance touring. The strong and rigid vehicle is inspired by the GT3 Aero that has enjoyed a number of racing victories. The enclosed cockpit of the Coupe body style takes the Aero experience onto the next level in terms of comfort with a large and secure boot in the rear for luggage.

Constructed entirely from aluminium which is a third of the weight of steel, the Morgan Aero Coupe combines performance with environmental responsibility and a high level of safety. The fixed roof and enclosed cabin give a sense of security and silence which is only interrupted by the intoxicating purr of the BMW V8. A stiff aluminium chassis cradles the 4.8 litre BMW V8 engine and the 6 speed manual or automatic transmission. The individual alloy parts are formed from tooling and hand assembled by skilled craftsmen at the foot of the Malvern hills. The pioneering Aero platform continues to demonstrate British engineering at its very best and over 1000 examples of this technology are in regular use by drivers around the world.

A Morgan Aero Coupe is a car that is designed to be durable with proven chemical coating and treatments of the rigid bonded chassis and body. Following research by the company on the road, the race track and in automotive laboratories the design of this versatile platform has been consistently improved and re-engineered. Now the Morgan Motor Company is a class leader in this chassis and car body technology.

The cockpit of the Morgan Aero Coupe is a delightful place to be. The sensation of speed is exaggerated by the enticing view down the elegant bonnet. The view to the rear makes the car easy to manoeuvre and to park. Every detail is special to Morgan and is a pleasure to behold. Ash hardwood surrounding the cockpit and doors can be hand polished in a colour of your choosing. The controls are luxurious to touch. The leather work is stitched with twin needles and combined with suede effect panels for contrast and a dynamic sporty feel. Pressure point reclining seats support the occupants strongly and great care has been taken to ensure that the driver has a masterful position from which to control the car. Reliability is ensured with the BMW V8 and a six speed automatic transmission. This can be operated in two modes, 'Sport' and 'Auto'. In 'Sport' mode the engine holds its gear to 6500 rpm and 'blips' the throttle before making a down shift. The power to weight ratio is around 320 bhp per tonne and a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) of 4.5 seconds combined with a top speed of 170 mph (273 km/h) is effortlessly achievable. The Morgan Aero Coupe comes with a full specification as standard. A powerful standard sound system creates audio definition as crisp as the lines of the exterior. However the Morgan Aero Coupe can also be customized to a person's individual taste and the choices are virtually inexhaustible.

Technical Specification
    Manual Transmission
        Engine: 4799 cc v8
        Max power: 270 kW (367 bhp) or 291 kW (390 bhp) with sports exhaust
        Max torque: 490 Nm (370 lb/ft)
        Power to Weight: 311 bhp/tonne or 330 bhp/tonne with sports exhaust
        Performance: 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.5 seconds
        Top speed: 170 mph (273 km/h)
        Fuel tank: 55 litres

        Fuel consumption
            Urban: 16 mpg (18.2 l / 100km)
            Extra urban: 32 mpg (8.7 l / 100km)
            Combined: 23 mpg (12.1 l / 100km)
        CO2: 282 g/km
        Chassis: Aluminium bonded and riveted

        Dimensions
            Length: 4147 mm
            Width: 1751 mm
            Height: 1248 mm
            Dry weight: 1175 kg

    Automatic Transmission
        Engine: 4799 cc v8
        Max power: 270 kW (368 bhp) 291 kW (390 bhp) with sports exhaust
        Max torque: 490 Nm (370 lb/ft)
        Power to weight: 312 bhp / tonne
        Performance: 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.2 seconds
        Top speed 170 mph (273 kph)
        Fuel tank: 55 litres
        Fuel consumption
            Urban: 17 mpg (16.4 l / 100km)
            Extra urban: 36 mpg (7.9 l / 100km)
            Combined: 26 mpg (11.0 l / 100km)
        CO2: 256 g/km
        Chassis: Aluminium bonded and riveted

        Dimensions
            Length: 4147 mm
            Width: 1751 mm
            Height: 1248 mm
            Dry weight: 1180 kg

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Morgan Eva GT, 2012

 

 

 

•  Morgan Eva GT, 2012

Company introduces a new concept for a sporting family, the Morgan EvaGT. The four seater Coupe takes its inspiration from the British sports saloons of the early 1950's. Among these were the Bristol 400 series and the Frazer Nash BMW 328. After the Second World War rationing forced designers to conserve and make the most of the materials at their disposal. However the pressure cooker of war had also led to an abundance of innovative engineering ideas. Steel was scarce so lightweight aluminium was used for bodywork. Smooth "in-line" straight six cylinder engines were fitted to give long distance comfort and reliability. Because the engineers had often worked on aircraft development during the war aerodynamics contributed to high but economical cruising speeds.

The Morgan Motor Company is the last survivor of these British sports car manufacturers. Of course the company is lucky enough to have 100 years of continuous success behind it and like Bristol and Frazer Nash; Morgan has a history of successful collaborations with German suppliers BMW, Siemens and Bosch. But Morgan also works with a number of young engineering companies in the United Kingdom and with world class British university research departments.

The new challenge is to make cars that are more efficient than any we have seen so far. The Morgan Motor Company is in a good position to respond to this challenge because the company is small and flexible with a proven track record of fast development cycles. It currently manufactures one of the greenest sports cars in the world, the Morgan Four Four Sport. Morgan achieves this result with the use of the new Ford 1.6 Sigma engine coupled with a light chassis. Morgan currently has a young well qualified technical team working towards a potential 5 engineering PHD's, who will make full use of research departments at the University of Oxford, Cranfield and Birmingham City to tap into a technical knowledge network to make more efficient cars. This team is helping to develop a high torque electric motor twice as powerful as others of the same weight and size and a powerful lithium phosphate battery with a higher charge density to achieve the most efficient performance for weight so far.
   
The dynamic team at Morgan has made a commitment from 2010 that they will bring out a new model every two years. The legendary sports car manufacturer will target new niches electric sports cars, a fun weekend vehicle and the first of the new cars will be the Morgan EvaGT, a four seater Coupe aimed at young families, with a bit of drama or automotive theatre as we like to call it. This is a revolution for a car company famous for making the same car for 50 years!

Chassis
The Morgan EvaGT makes full use of clever technologies that the Morgan Motor Company has developed to manufacture a lightweight car. Morgan was one of the first car companies to see the advantage of a bonded aluminium chassis to give rigidity but also to save weight. The Morgan EvaGT uses a further developed version of the bonded aluminium chassis of the Morgan Aero SuperSports, a chassis that successfully competes in International GT3 Sports Car Racing. Compliant with European and US safety approvals.

Bodywork
Morgan was the first car company in 1995 to see the benefit of superformed aluminium, an aircraft technology, to manufacture smooth accurate body parts. Morgan Design have sculpted a new shape for the Morgan EvaGT that focuses on natural materials and understands their unique technical properties. Using computer technology in design and in manufacture to ensure accuracy, the parts are then hand finished to make sure they feel as good as they look. A perfect "A" class surface, minimal shut lines, hidden wipers, flush door handles and sharp creases deflect air over the surface of the car. The new Morgan EvaGT represents a philosophy of lightweight luxury that embraces authenticity, sustainability and innovation achieving its final result through the process of skilled craftsmanship.

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