Cars GlobalMag March

digital monthly magazine

5

No. March 2013

QOROS: THE CHINESE CHALLENGE

NASCAR DAYTONA 500

GENEVA FULL REPORT

AVAILABLE IN THE MOTORSPORTS GLORIOUS MOMENTS APP

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Driving trials of the Porsche 918 are at the moment in a key phase.

Less than one year before its production launch, the plug-in hybrid super sports car from Porsche AG is already proving its superlative dynamic performance potential.

As a plug-in hybrid vehicle, it logically combines a high-performance combustion engine with cutting-edge electric motors to deliver terrific performance.

Read more at pag. 44

Summary NEWS 4 AUTO Special Geneva Motor Show - VIDEO March auto news

32 FOCUS: Qoros 3 Sedan - VIDEO (ES) OF THE MONTH 40 MISS Tramontana X-TR Caparo T1 GREEN SIDE 46 THE Porsche 918 - VIDEO

56 CLASSIC Lamborghini 350 GT 64 RACING NASCAR Daytona 500 76

GLOBAL NEWS News from around the world

82

CORPORATE NEWS Industry & finance

CARS GLOBALMAG automotive digital/magazine published by Doppiovù Press sas Lesmo (Italy) info@carsgm.com www.carsgm.com Monza (Italy) Court Registration nr. 17/2012 of the November 2nd 2012

Chief Editor Vittorio Gargiulo Editorial coordinator Niccolò Gargiulo Graphic design Diego Galbiati Powered by LabelA - Rotterdam (Netherlands) www.labela.nl

AUTO NEWS

hoping in the global market recovery The Geneva International Motor Show, which provides an open showroom for the world to the latest technologies and designs, is one of the five most important exhibitions in the automobile world. This 83rd edition of the Geneva International Motor Show presented many world and european premieres from the private vehicles market sector (nearly 260 exhibitors within an area of

110,000 square meters).

In front of more than 10,000 media representatives from all over the world, manufacturers from Europe, America and Asia unveiled their latest models in the attempt to rivitalize the european market, held back by a crisis deeper than ever, and to adapt to the needs of the emerging markets such as the Asian and the American one.

ALFA ROMEO

4C

The global launch of the Alfa Romeo 4C marks the return of the brand to the world of lightweight sports coupés.

The ‘Launch Edition’ of the new 4C compact supercar, at a price of 60,000 euros in most European markets (price including VAT net of other local taxes), is designed by Alfa Romeo and produced in the Maserati plant in Modena.

The new mid-engined rear-wheel drive coupé with two

ASTON MARTIN

Rapide S

Aside from the extensive design and engineering improvements, the luxurious new Rapide S – which replaces the outgoing Rapide in markets worldwide – is now even more refined thanks to a range of additions to the four-seater’s sumptuous interior.

Still instantly recognisable as an Aston Martin, of course, the new Rapide S now boasts an imposing and assertive new ‘face’, created by virtue of the impressive and striking new full grille. Changes under the new Rapide’s skin are

bucket seats will be become available for purchase in 2013 and will mark the return of the Italian brand to the United States, inaugurating Alfa Romeo’s global growth plan. The engine is the beating “heart” of an Alfa Romeo. In this case, it’s the new direct-injection 240 HP 4-cylinder 1750 Turbo Petrol. Torque delivery is generous, with a peak of 350 Nm, 80% of which is available at only 1700 rpm. comprehensive, with a version of the new AM11 naturallyaspirated 6.0-litre V12 powerplant delivering unprecedented power and improved in-gear acceleration. Power from the new engine jumps significantly versus that of its predecessor: up by 17% or a massive 81 PS from 477 PS at 6,000 rpm to a now very substantial 558 PS at 6,750 rpm.

Peak torque increases, too, up from 600 Nm to 620 Nm at 5,500 rpm. Meanwhile an even more marked improvement in torque occurs lower down the rev range, as pulling power rises by more than 40 Nm between idle and 4,000 rpm with an additional 50 Nm available at 2,500 rpm. Naturally, increases in power and torque lead to even swifter performance as befits a four-door sports car. New Rapide S shaves 0.3 seconds off its 0-62 mph time, which drops from the 5.2 seconds of the current car to just 4.9 seconds for the new model. Top speed climbs, meanwhile, to 190 mph.

The engine is now even more efficient, too. Despite the very significant increase in peak power and torque, the Rapide S is appreciably more economical than before.

CO2 emissions drop by seven per cent – from 355 g/km to 332 g/km – while fuel economy now stands at 19.9 mpg on the official EU combined cycle.

AUDI

83rd GENEVA INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW

A3 Sportback e-tron A3 Sportback g-tron RS Q3

Audi is working intently to electrify the drivetrain using plug-in hybrid technology. The brand with the four rings showed the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The car uses the highly efficient concept of a parallel hybrid.With 150 kW (204 hp) of system power and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of system torque, sporty performance is guaranteed.

The Audi A3 Sportback g-tron showcases state-ofthe-art CNG drive technology, starting with the fuel storage. Its two tanks under the luggage compartment floor can each hold seven kilograms (15.43 lb) of CNG at a maximum 200 bar pressure. In tune with the ultra-lightweight construction concept, each tank weighs 27 kilograms (59.52 lb) less than its conventional counterpart. CNG provides a range – based on standard fuel consumption – of around 400 km (248.55 miles), with gasoline providing another 900 km (559.23 miles) if necessary. The engine is based on the new 1.4 TFSI. Key modifications relate to the cylinder head, turbocharging, injection system,

and the catalytic converter. Developing 81 kW (110 hp) and 200 Nm of torque, the Audi A3 Sportback g-tron has a top speed of 190 km/h (118.06 mph), with 0 to 100 km/h (0 - 62.14 mph) taking eleven seconds. The five-door car consumes on average less than 3.5 kilograms per 100 km of CNG or Audi e-gas – the fuel that is generated from eco-electricity in the Audi e-gas project. CO2 tailpipe emissions are less than 95 grams per km (152.89 g/mile) in gas mode.

Audi also presented the RS Q3, the first RS model for the successful Q line-up. It takes just 5.5 seconds to complete the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph), and its top speed is electronically governed to 250 km/h (155.34 mph). The 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbo produces 228 kW (310 hp) and has an average fuel consumption of just 8.8 liters of fuel per 100 km (26.73 US mpg). At a length of 4,410 mm (14.47 ft), the dynamic top model is 25 mm (0.98 in) longer than the Audi Q3. It weighs in at 1,730 kg (3814.00 lb). Also on stage the Audi RS 6 Avant and Audi RS 7 Sportback.

BENTLEY

Flying Spur Bentley’s styling team has developed an athletic design for the new Flying Spur that combines traditional Bentley styling cues with a sporting stance and contemporary details. Sharp feature lines complement muscular rear haunches, while LED daytime running lights, dipped headlights and taillights characterise the front and rear profiles. Powering the new Flying Spur is Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre,

twin turbo W12 engine, coupled to a ZF eight-speed transmission. Developing 625 PS (616 bhp) and 800 Nm of torque, the new Flying Spur features more power than any other Bentley four-door in history. A 14 per cent improvement in the power-to-weight ratio over the outgoing model delivers a breath-taking 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds and a top-speed of 200 mph (322 km/h).

BMW

BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo BMW M6 Gran Coupé This year’s Geneva International Motor Show saw BMW showcasing a compelling line-up of new production models. The new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo brings the mid-range premium segment with a high-end option. An entirely independent concept within the successful BMW 3 Series range, it embodies a unique reinterpretation of the need for space and functionality. This third body variant of the current model family unites the sporty-dynamic genes of the Sedan with the practicality and versatility

of the Touring – attributes that are complemented by a palpable boost in space and ride comfort. BMW M unveils a third body variant of its high-performance BMW M6 sports car to the European public. The new BMW M6 Gran Coupe combines hallmark M performance attributes within an extraordinarily handsome and luxurious design. Thanks to the extra room on board the four-door Coupe, the two rear passengers can relish generous levels of spaciousness.

83rd GENEVA INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW

CHEVROLET

Corvette Stingray Convertible Geneva saw the world premiere of the much anticipated Corvette Stingray convertible. Along with the coupe model of this brand-new sports car, Chevrolet also unveiled the Spark Electric Vehicle and an updated edition of the Captiva compact SUV for the first time in Europe. The Corvette Stingray is the most powerful standard model ever. It is pushed by an all-new 6.2L

LT1 V-8 engine which produces an estimated 450 horsepower (335 kW) and 610 Nm of torque. It is also the most capable standard model ever, able to accelerate from 0-100 km per hour in around four seconds. Last but not least, the Corvette Stingray is expected to be the most fuel-efficient Corvette, beating the current model in terms of fuel economy.

CITROËN

Technospace New C3

DACIA

New Logan MCV Right from the first trim level, New Dacia Logan MCV comes with considerable comfort, safety and practicality enhancements such as ESC, power steering, side airbags (in Euro 5 countries) and a 2/3-1/3 split/folding rear bench (all countries). Advanced new equipment includes the MediaNav multimedia system, cruise control with speed limiter, rear parking sensors, and an Eco mode function. New engines - diesel and TCe 90 petrol - keep running costs reassuringly low; driving pleasure comes without compromise on fuel economy or CO2.

The New Dacia Logan MCV order book opens in the second quarter of 2013.

Citroën Technospace heralds the future C4 Picasso.

The new concept ushers in a new era with a record CO2 emissions level of 98g/km, achieved thanks to the new Efficient Modular Platform 2 (EMP2), which features efficient architecture and minimises weight. The concept car features previously unseen proportions that combine compact size (length: 4.43m/width: 1.83m/height: 1.61m) with standardsetting interior space and class-leading boot capacity (537-litres VDA).

The new Citroën C3 can be powered by Citroën’s new-generation PureTech 3-cylinder petrol engines with a 1.0 or 1.2-litre capacity. The VTi 68 and VTi 82 PureTech engines achieve impressively low fuel consumption, between 62.8 and 65.7mpg, and CO2 emissions between 99 and 104g/km. A VTi 120 engine is also available with a manual or automatic gearbox.

The exterior of the new Citroën C3 combines soft curves with dynamic taut lines. A restyled front end creates a new ‘face’ with updated chevrons and bumper-mounted LED daytime running lights. There are expressive new tail light clusters combined with new reflectors set underneath the rear bumper. A new Ink blue body paint is also available, expanding the range’s palette to a total of nine colours.

FERRARI

83rd GENEVA INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW

LaFerrari

“We chose to call this model LaFerrari,” declared Ferrari’s President, Luca di Montezemolo, “because it is the maximum expression of what defines our company – excellence.”

Just 499 pieces of this special limited-series will be built, making this car from the iconic name even more special. The LaFerrari’s chassis features no less than four different types of carbon-fibre, all hand-laminated and autoclave-cured in the racing department using the same design and production methods as the Formula 1 car. The LaFerrari is the first car in Ferrari history to be powered by the HY-KERS system. The ICE represents the pinnacle of engine development and research, with a 6262 cc V12 that punches out 800 CV and revs to a maximum of 9,250 rpm, a record for an engine of this displacement. It also features a very high 13.5:1 compression ratio and a high specific output equal to 128 CV per litre. The engine is coupled with a 120 Kw (163 CV) electric motor, giving it a combined power output of 963 CV.

The batteries are charged in different ways: under braking (even hard braking with the ABS active) and every time the V12 produces more torque than required, such as in cornering. In the latter instance, rather than the being sent to the wheels, the excess torque is converted to energy and stored in the batteries. One further innovative aspect of the LaFerrari is the integration of its active aerodynamics and hybrid system with the other dynamic control systems aboard. This means the car responds intelligently to driver inputs, making for a seamless blend of unprecedented performance and unparalleled driving emotions.

All in all the car guarantees maximum driving thrills in every situation and performance levels are top level: 0-100 km/h in less than 3 seconds and 0-200 km/h in under 7 seconds, a lap time at Fiorano of under 1’20” – 5 seconds faster than the Enzo and over 3 seconds faster than the F12berlinetta. LaFerrari is thus the fastest road car in Maranello’s long history.

FORD

EcoSport The all new EcoSport compact SUV and Tourneo Courier are part of Ford’s pledge to deliver 15 new global vehicles to Europe by 2015. The all-new EcoSport will offer a range of efficient powertrains, including the 125 PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine -- International Engine of the Year -- a 110 PS 1.5-litre petrol engine, and a 90 PS 1.5-litre diesel engine expected to deliver class-leading fuel efficiency.

The EcoSport’s distinctive silhouette has been shaped to enhance fuel efficiency. The compact SUV’s large front grille, short bonnet and raked front pillars, deliver a sporty and contemporary feel, and angular headlamps reinforce the modern look.

EcoSport will also be equipped with SYNC, Ford’s voice-activated in-car connectivity system. EcoSport is the first Ford global model to be developed entirely in South America.

HONDA

83rd GENEVA INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW

Civic Tourer Concept

The 2013 Geneva Motor Show was the setting for Honda to unveil the new Civic Tourer Concept. This Concept provides strong cues for the exterior design of the Civic Tourer which will make its debut at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. The Civic Tourer Concept shares much of the same DNA as the Civic hatchback model. It has a sophisticated, aerodynamic body that creates a clean, dynamic and elegant look.

With a unique profile amongst its competitors, the Civic

Tourer Concept has a low and wide stance giving it a sporty feel which is complemented by the cab forward design and sleek cabin style which are also found on the Civic hatchback. Previous Honda wagon derivatives such as the Accord Tourer and Civic Aero deck have sought to offer sleek design combined with utility and class leading cargo space. The rear styling of the Civic Tourer Concept maintains this design direction making it the ideal vehicle for an active family.

HYUNDAI

New ix35 The upgraded version of Hyundai’s fastest everselling model in Europe, New ix35 boasts a range of technological enhancements and a new engine. As a matter of fact Hyundai replaces the 2,0-litre ‘Theta II’ gasoline unit with a new, super-efficient ‘Nu’ 2,0-litre GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine.

This powerplant offers more power and torque, 166 ps and 205 Nm respectively, while also being Euro5-compliant.

INFINITI

Q50

The Infiniti Q50, making its debut in Europe is an allnew saloon for the premium D segment. It was on show in Geneva in potent 364PS 3.5 Hybrid form and also, enjoying its world premiere, as the Q50 2.2d powered by a new 2.2-litre diesel engine. Infiniti’s first fourcylinder diesel unit boasts both performance, thanks to its 170PS and 400Nm of torque, and low emissions starting from below 115g/km of CO2.

The Q50’s emotive styling with distinctive human eyes-like headlight and ‘Double Arch’ grille, its worldfirst technologies such as Direct Adaptive Steering, and a digital environment promising unprecedented levels of customisation distinguish Infiniti’s most European car yet.

The Q50s on the stand showcased the model’s exclusive new Hagane colours.

KIA

83rd GENEVA INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW

pro-cee’d GT & cee’d GT provo The all-new high-performance Kia pro_cee’d GT and cee’d GT make their global debuts on Tuesday 5 March. The two new models are powered by a new version of Kia’s 1.6-litre GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine equipped with a twin-scroll turbocharger and strengthened internal components. Power and torque outputs are dramatically increased (compared with the non-turbo engine), with maximum power up 51% to 204 PS, and torque up 61% to 265 Nm. The Kia pro_ cee’d GT and cee’d GT each deliver fuel consumption of 7.4l / 100km and emit 171 g/km CO2.

Fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, the front-wheel drive models can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 230 km/h.

Also unveiled in Geneva the provo concept.

The sleek, low, yet muscular coupe-style hatchback mixes a petrol-fuelled turbo-charged engine with clever regenerative-electric motors to bring a smarthybrid solution to this fun-focused concept that points to Kia Motors’ future B-segment expansion plans.

Created to deliver a new interpretation of the DNA from sporting coupes of the past with all the advantages of up-to-the-minute technology and materials, provo blends a clean, simple yet muscular exterior with a stunning interior treatment mixing high-tech and luxury materials that will set pulses racing whether on busy city streets or at the race-track.

LAMBORGHINI

Veneno

The stunning Lamborghini Veneno brings the aerodynamic efficiency of a racing prototype to the road. Every detail of its form pursues a clear function – exceptional dynamics, optimum downforce with minimal drag and perfect cooling of the highperformance engine. Yet the Veneno is unmistakably a Lamborghini; it sticks firmly to the consistent design philosophy of all the super sports cars from Sant’Agata Bolognese. That includes the extreme proportions, as well as the powerfully arrow-shaped front end and the interplay between razor-sharp lines and precise surfaces.

A monocoque made from carbon-fiber reinforced polymer forms the basis of the Veneno and dominates the interior too. The Veneno meets all safety and

registration requirements worldwide, and naturally also incorporates a full complement of safety systems from airbags through to the adapted ESP handling system. The twelve-cylinder with a displacement of 6.5 liters is a thrilling combination of absolute high-revving frenzy and phenomenal pulling power. Its output has been raised to 552 kW / 750 hp, facilitated through enlarged intake paths, optimized thermodynamics, a slightly higher rated rpm and an exhaust system with even lower back pressure. The ISR manual gearbox, permanent all-wheel drive and pushrod suspension have all been specifically adjusted to meet the demands of the Veneno.

Only three vehicles will be produced at the moment, costing 3 million euros each!

MASERATI

GranTurismo MC Stradale The Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale all-new carbon-fibre bonnet not only creates high-speed downforce and improves cooling, but also means the four-seat GranTurismo MC Stradale retains almost the same dry weight as the discontinued two-seat version (1700 kg.). This means it continues to be the lightest and fastest car in the Maserati GranTurismo range,

even though it now offers comfort to four adults instead of two. GranTurismo MC Stradale utilizes the most powerful 460CV (338kW) version of the 4.7-litre V8 and mates this to the lightning-fast gear shifts from its six-speed electro-actuated “MC Race Shift” transaxle gearbox. It hits 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 303km/h.

MERCEDES-BENZ

With a maximum output of 265 kW (360 hp) and up to 450 Newton metres of torque, the AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine is the most powerful series production four-cylinder engine in the world.

The A 45 AMG also leads its segment in terms of fuel consumption, running on 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres in NEDC combined mode.

Dual clutch transmission and all-wheel drive – the drive package onboard the new A 45 AMG is a demonstration of high-end engineering prowess.The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission is directly flange-mounted on the transversely installed AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine. Key software modules have been adopted from the SLS AMG super sports car with its inspirational power transmission concept. The dual clutch transmission of the A45 features seven gears, three driving programmes, a double-declutching function and RACE START for optimum acceleration. The new A 45 AMG comes with variable, performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC allwheel drive as standard.

83rd GENEVA INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW

A 45 AMG

The A 45 AMG sees Mercedes-AMG embarking on a new era. For the first time in the company’s history extending back over more than 45 years, MercedesBenz’s performance brand is offering a fascinating high-performance vehicle in the compact class.

MINI

MINI Clubman Bond Street MITSUBISHI

Concept GR-HEV

At the 83rd Geneva International Motor Show Mitsubishi unveiled the Concept GR-HEV and the Concept CA-MiEV. The first car is a Sport Utility Truck (SUT) concept that brings about further enhancements in environmental and driving performance. The exterior design sets it well apart from conventional pickup trucks, combining flowing lines with richly contoured surfaces to achieve a combination of suppleness and power. The drivetrain is a nextgeneration 4WD system that combines the Super Select 4WD (SS4) system and the S-AWC system.

The SS4 drive mode system allows the driver to select four drive modes. These modes enable the driver to choose levels of higher fuel-efficient driving or more all-terrain performance for rough roads. The S-AWC system provides advanced control for driving and

The MINI Clubman Bond Street celebrated its world premiere in Geneva. Exclusive design and equipment features make it a purposebuilt ambassador for the British way of life and premium quality, MINI-style. Its Midnight Black metallic paintwork teams up with the Cool Champagne contrast colour for the roof, exterior mirror caps, lower sections of the C-pillars and bonnet stripes to provide a striking showcase for the MINI Clubman’s dynamically flowing body lines and extended wheelbase. And, like the range of high-quality equipment provided, the bespoke interior colour and materials concept – which includes exclusively designed sports seats and a leather-covered instrument panel – makes the perfect fit for the generous levels of on-board spaciousness.

Concept CA-MiEV

braking force in all four wheels, thereby ensuring that the vehicle responds faithfully to the driver’s intent under various driving conditions.

The Concept CA-MiEV gives an indication of the direction Mitsubishi believes EVs will take in the near future. The high-efficiency EV system brings together lightweight EV components in an integrated motor, inverter, and charger module that reduces power losses. It also incorporates a full-time regenerative braking system that improves energy recovery rate, as well as a magnetic resonance wireless charging device that enables convenient charging. The system is fitted with a 28kWh high capacity battery. The vehicle combines exhaustive reduction in body weight with improvements in aerodynamic performance, bringing about a cruising range of 300km.

OPEL

Cascada convertible ADAM ROCKS concept

Unveiled on stage, the new Opel Cascada is a 4.70 meterlong, elegant mid-size class convertible. A classic fourseater with an elongated silhouette and sophisticated softtop technology, it boasts premium open-air driving pleasure at a very attractive price. Cascada’s electric soft top can be opened at the press of a button and at driving speeds of up to 50 km/h in just 17 seconds - or also via remote control when the car is stationary. With its outstanding load capacity of up to 380 liters and FlexFold rear seat system, the all-season convertible shows that glamour and everyday practicality are perfectly compatible. Sharpest driving capabilities are ensured by the extremely rigid body, the HiPerStrut front suspension and the adaptive mechatronic FlexRide chassis system. With the ADAM ROCKS Concept, Opel is exploring new ways of further enhancing ADAM’s individualization with this new three-door, urban minicrossover study. Inspired by parkour athletes, it features a higher and wider stance as well as an especially powerful, compact appearance. The ADAM ROCKS’ special feeling of personal freedom is further emphasized by its cabrio looks and a fabric roof that offers a clear view of the sky above.

A weather app automatically initiates closing of the roof if adverse weather is approaching.

PEUGEOT 2008

83rd GENEVA INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW

NISSAN

New LEAF Making its debut at Geneva the new LEAF will be produced at Nissan’s Sunderland factory in the UK. Built in Europe and re-engineered for European buyers, it has received more than 100 updates, many as a result of direct feedback from loyal customers. It all adds up to a car that will spread the electric word even wider. New LEAF’s real-world driving range has been improved by the only visual change to the car: a subtly revised front grille helps reduce the aerodynamic drag coefficient Cd figure from an already impressive 0.29 to 0.28.

The new LEAF’s driving range is certified at 199km under the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), which is an increase from 175km in the previous model.

The 2008 is a compact crossover (4.16m), agile and versatile, with a refined style and striking character, intended for young citydwellers all over the world. In keeping with the dynamism of its profiled silhouette, the 2008 conceals under its bonnet engines of the latest generation with particularly low fuel consumption: with its e-HDi diesel and 3-cylinder petrol engines, Peugeot’s urban crossover stands out from the competition with CO2 emissions starting at 98g/km. The 2008 was presented in a unique and energising coppery orange colour emphasising the identity of the crossover. Its colour, designed on a chrome base, echoes the personalisation range which will be offered to customers in an intense orange livery and Peugeot’s contemplation of innovative colours and materials. The 2008 will be produced as close as possible to its customers, in France (Mulhouse) first, then in China and Brazil.

PORSCHE

New 911 GT3 Porsche showcased the world premiere of the new 911 GT3. Boxer engine and transmission, as well as body and chassis are completely new and constitute a further development of the 911 GT3 concept with an impressive performance leap. The powertrain of the new 911 GT3 is composed of a 3.8-liter boxer engine yielding 475 hp (350 kW) at 8.250 rpm, a Porsche dualclutch transmission (PDK) and a high-traction rearwheel drive. The six-cylinder engine is based on the same engine as the 911 Carrera S, although they share only few common parts. For the first time, Porsche is using active rear wheel steering in order to achieve even higher precision and lateral dynamics. Depending on the speed, it steers in the same or opposite direction of the front wheels, improving stability and agility. Other new modules improving driving dynamics are the electronically controlled, fully variable rear differential lock, and the dynamic engine mounts. The newly developed all-aluminium chassis can still be adjusted by height, toe and camber. Contact with the road is made by the new 20-inch forged alloy wheels with central locking. As a result, the new 911 GT3 sets new performance records. At full acceleration from standstill,

the 100 km/h mark is breached after 3.5 seconds, and 200 km/h are reached in less than twelve seconds. The top speed is 315 km/h in the seventh, top gear of the completely newly adapted PDK transmission. The lap time on the N端rburgring Nordschleife, which the new 911 GT3 manages in under 7:30 minutes, is even more impressive.

The new Porsche 911 GT3 will be launched on the market from August 2013 on, and will cost in Germany 137,303 Euro including VAT and national specifications.

QOROS

3 SEDAN At its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show, new automotive brand Qoros presented the world premiere of its first series production vehicle, the Qoros 3 Sedan, an elegant compact car. CARSGM dedicates to this car an extensive Focus at pag 30.

RENAULT

Captur

83rd GENEVA INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW

Renault Captur is an urban crossover with an unpretentious look. Thanks to its compact footprint (4.12m x 1.77m x 1.57m) and large 16- or 17-inch wheels, it proclaims its sporty vocation and lust for adventure, while its substantial ground clearance (200 mm) raises it to the level of a number of crossovers and 4x4s from the next segment up. Inside, the impression of space is borne out by the cabin’s generous dimensions. Echoing the exterior, Renault Captur’s interior is bright, colourful, harmonious and customisable. Renault Captur introduces two seldom seen, but valued, innovations: patented Zip Collection removable seat covers (depending on version), plus a large Easy Life drawer in place of the familiar glove box.

Joining the Captur at the Geneva stand was the new Scénic Xmod, a crossover version of the benchmark MPV, which completes the Renault Scénic line-up.

ROLLS-ROYCE

Wraith

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars presented the world debut of Wraith, the most powerful Rolls-Royce in history. At its heart lie hallmark Rolls-Royce attributes of luxury, refinement and hand-craftsmanship, but the new model from the world’s pinnacle super-luxury marque also presents a unique character defined by power, style and drama. Coach doors open to reveal a sumptuous interior complete with softest Phantom-grade leathers and expanses of wood called Canadel Panelling.

Named after the famous cove in the South of France where Sir Henry Royce and his design and engineering teams spent their winters, this contemporary and tactile finish sweeps through the interior, cosseting

four occupants in a space bathed in light and warmth.

The interior ambiance is complemented by Starlight Headliner, a Bespoke feature available beyond Phantom family cars for the first time. 1,340 fibre optic lamps are hand-woven into the roof lining to give the impression of a glittering, starry night sky.

Performance delivers on the promise of Wraith’s styling. Power delivery is effortless, but dramatic, thanks to a V12 engine married to 8-speed automatic ZF transmission. 624 bhp / 465kW is available to the driver while the 0-60 mph sprint is achieved in 4.4 seconds, compared with 563 bhp / 420kW and 0-60 in 4.7 seconds for Ghost.

ŠKODA

Octavia Combi

SEAT

Leon SC The Leon SC – Sports Coupé – is a three-door compact, perfect embodiment of the SEAT design language.The new SEAT Leon SC is packed with high technology – this includes state-of-the-art infotainment, intelligent assistance systems, systematic lightweight design, a perfectly tuned chassis and the latest generation of engines. All engines feature direct injection with turbocharging, and combine outstanding efficiency with refined dynamics. The TSI and TDI units with displacements ranging from 1.2 to 2.0 litres cover a performance spectrum of 63 kW (86 HP) to 135 kW (184 HP). The 1.6 TDI with 77 kW (105 HP) equipped with the start/stop system has an average fuel consumption of just 3.8 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres, equating to a CO2 figure of just 99 grams per kilometre.

The new Škoda Octavia Combi is not only considerably larger than its predecessor, it also sets new benchmarks in terms of room. Compared to the existing Octavia Combi, boot volume has grown by five litres, or twenty more than in the limousine. With the rear seats folded down, loading volume in the Combi increases to an impressive 1,740 litres (hitherto 1,655 litres). The car has a refined appearance with clear lines and balanced proportions. In addition, the new Škoda Octavia Combi features the latest technology. With regard to safety, there are numerous electronic assistance systems as well as numerous electronic comfort, infotainment and navigation systems. The newly developed engines are up to 17 per cent more fuel-efficient than those of the previous generation.

The range of engines available for the Octavia Combi comprises four petrol and four diesel engines, including a fuel efficient GreenLine version with CO2 emissions of only 87 g/km. Three different engines are available for the Octavia Combi 4×4, which features an all-wheel drive with a fifth generation Haldex clutch.

SSANGYONG

SIV-1

SsangYong showcased its SIV-1 (Smart Interface Vehicle) mid-size premium CUV (crossover utility vehicle) concept at the show. The car is based on a ‘Smart Interface’ concept, and is the next iteration of a design series first seen as the user interface XIV presented at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

SIV-1’s exterior design embraces the multi-purpose styling cues of a ‘crossover’ to satisfy the numerous

SUBARU 83rd GENEVA INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW

VIZIV Concept

different demands of customers. It adopts the all-inone concept of the crossover while incorporating many other design elements of other vehicle types. The interior design is spacious and as dynamic as the car’s exterior. Young, sporty and contemporary sensations are created with the metallic centre fascia and bilaterally symmetrical instrument panel, together with state-ofthe-art IT devices embracing a futuristic environment.

Developed on the basis of Subaru’s symmetrical All-Wheel drive technology, the Subaru VIZIV Concept is a future-generation crossover concept that showcases this commitment, and represents the new design direction and the new technologies that will take the Subaru brand into the future.

“VIZIV” is a coined word inspired by the phrase “Vision for Innovation” to express Subaru’s future vision of innovation and the future direction of our brand. The basic design features simple and clean surfaces and lines. The aim was to create the ideal balance between a solid-looking body and a condensed cabin. The powertrain (Subaru Boxer Diesel Hybrid) is a plug-in hybrid system that combines a 2.0-litre Subaru Boxer diesel engine and high-torque-compatible Lineartronic (CVT) with a front motor that provides both vehicle drive and power generation, and two independent rear motors for vehicle drive only.

The powertrain selects the best time to use each power unit according to its strengths and the driving application, achieving high fuel economy.

SUZUKI

New SX4 Suzuki unveiled its all-new SX4 in Geneva. The new SX4 is a production model based on the S-Cross, which Suzuki showcased at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.

A range of 10 exterior colours includes two new options which highlight the new SX4’s urban credentials: Crystal Lime Metallic and Amethyst Grey Pearl Metallic.

The engine options are 1.6-litre petrol and 1.6-litre diesel. The 1.6-litre petrol engine is based on the current M16A. Lower friction and lower weight in

TATA

Concept S The Tata Concept S is a power-packed combination of a powerful engine, superior acceleration, an edgy exterior design, sporty interiors and appealing colours. It is based on the Tata Indica Vista platform. A 1.3 Litre SDE engine on the Concept S puts out a power of 70 kW @ 4000 rpm and a healthy 200 Nm of torque at 1500 rpm. The quick & precise steering rack, the retuned and beefed up suspension and 205/40 R17 tyres make it an excellent handler.

Side by side with the Concept S at the Tata stand were also the Tata Aria, the Indigo Manza and the Tata Safari Storme.

the engine and related parts heighten fuel economy without detracting from the high power and torque of the M16A. Lightness and low friction help to give the 1.6-litre diesel engine superior fuel economy. A newly designed sound-insulating engine cover increases passenger comfort by suppressing the vibration and noise that characterise diesel engines.

Suzuki will be building the new SX4 at the Magyar Suzuki plant in Hungary and the car will be on sale from this autumn onwards.

TOYOTA

83rd GENEVA INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW

FT-86 Open concept i-ROAD The FT-86 Open concept made its world debut Geneva Motor Show. Following the global success of the exhilarating, entirely driver-oriented GT86, the FT-86 Open concept has been created to gauge customer reaction to the possible launch of a convertible version of Toyota’s front ‘boxer’ engined, rear-wheel drive, compact 2+2 sports car. 4,240 mm long, 1,775 mm wide, 1,270 mm high and with a wheelbase of 2,570 mm, the FT-86 Open concept features a multi-layered fabric roof construction with a glass rear screen.

The concept vehicle retains the GT86’s 2+2 seating format, the roof being stowed behind fixed rear seats with minimal impact on luggage capacity.

The FT-86 Open concept shares the platform and powertrain of the GT86; the world’s first horizontally opposed engine with D-4S injection technology –a 1,998 cc, low centre of gravity, naturally aspirated, high-revving sports engine capable of developing 100 DIN hp per litre- driving the rear wheels via a short throw, ‘flick of the wrist’ manual gear shift or a 6-speed automatic transmission with the world’s fastest paddle shifting speed of only 0.2 seconds.

MacPherson strut front and double wishbone rear suspension systems offer direct handling feel, instant response and superb controllability.

Offering a comfortable, enclosed environment for two occupants seated in tandem, the compact Toyota i-ROAD Electric Vehicle (EV) features unique,

“Active Lean” technology to provide a safe, intuitive and enjoyable, helmet-free driving experience over a range of up to 50 km on a single charge. 2,350 mm long, 1,445 mm height and with a wheelbase of 1,700 mm, the ultra-compact, three-wheeled i-ROAD’s key dimension is a width of only 850 mm, about the same as that of a conventional two-wheeler. This not only equips the Toyota i-ROAD with the latter’s ability to manoeuvre freely through even the most congested traffic, but also makes it possible to park four of the new Toyota PMVs in a single car parking bay.

The i-ROAD’s zero-emission, all-electric powertrain features a lithium-ion battery providing power to a pair of 2 kW electric motors mounted within the front wheels. The “Active Lean” system features a lean actuator motor and gearing mounted above the front suspension member, linked via a yoke to the right and left front wheels. An ECU calculates the required lean based on steering angle, gyro-sensor and vehicle speed information. And the system automatically moves the wheels up and down in opposite directions, applying lean angle to counteract the centrifugal force of cornering.

VOLKSWAGEN

XL1 Golf GTD

The XL1 by Volkswagen is the most efficient of all production cars with a fuel consumption of 0.9 l/100 km. Thanks to its plug-in hybrid system, the two-seater can also be driven for up to 50 kilometres locally in pure electric mode, i.e. with zero emissions at point of use. The XL1 follows pure sports car design principles: low weight (795 kg), perfect aerodynamics (Cd 0.189) and a low centre of gravity (1,153 mm high). This gives this Volkswagen the ability to cruise on the road at a constant speed of 100 km/h using just 6.2 kW / 8.4 PS. In all-electric mode, the XL1 requires less than 0.1 kWh to cover a driving distance of over one kilometre.

Volkswagen also presented the latest version of the Golf GTD. With a power of 135 kW / 184 PS, the new Golf GTD can be recommended as a car that is as much a dynamic performer as a fuel-efficient long-distance touring car. In the version with a 6-speed manual gearbox, the 230 km/h Volkswagen consumes just 4.2 litres per 100 km; this combined fuel consumption equates to CO2 emissions of just 109 g/km. With the optional 6-speed DSG, fuel consumption is 4.7 l/100 km (two-door: 119 g/km CO2; four-door: 122 g/km CO2). Also impressive is its torque of 380 Nm, which is already available from 1,750 rpm.

Visually, the Golf GTD makes its appearance with its smoked LED rear lights with LED licence plate illumination and chrome dual tailpipes. 17-inch GTD wheels with 225/45 tyres, side sill trim, diffuser, sport suspension and a large roof spoiler round out the car’s overall dynamic impression. The new Golf GTD is immediately available in Germany at an entry-level price of 29,350 euros.

Also unveiled for the first time were many other upgrades to the Volkswagen family: new Golf Estate, new Golf GTI and cross up!

AUTO NEWS

March: a month rich of news Despite the fact that the global attention in this period is concentrated in the Geneva event many other interesting cars have been unveiled by manufacturers around the world.

As usual CARSGM is able to present you the complete series of these new products

AUTO NEWS MARCH

Chevrolet SS: racing DNA As Chevrolet’s first V-8, rear-wheel-drive performance sedan since 1996, the new Chevrolet SS is designed to deliver performance on the street and on the track.

The Chevrolet SS benefits from the proven, racetested, global rear-wheel drive architecture that is the foundation for the Camaro, Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle and Holden’s VF Commodore.

It is powered by the LS3 Chevrolet V-8, expected to deliver 415 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Also used in the 2013 Chevrolet Corvette, the LS3 displaces 6.2 litres, more than the 5.5-litre V-8 powering the Chevrolet SS NASCAR competitors.

The LS3 is married to a six-speed automatic transmission, which can be shifted manually using TAPshift paddles mounted on the steering wheel. With an aggressive 3.27 final-drive ratio, the Chevrolet SS accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about five seconds – making it one of the quickest sedans on the market.

The staggered front and rear wheels, which are pushed out to the corners, enhance the sporting, muscular stance of the SS. Up front, the aluminum hood features a subtle “power bulge” hinting at the power of the engine underneath.

The spacious interior of the SS will comfortably accommodate five adults, with 42 inches of front legroom, and 39 inches of rear legroom. Leather seating surfaces are standard, as are eight-way power adjustable front bucket seats with additional side bolstering that hug the driver and front passenger in tight-handling situations.

An integrated center stack includes infotainment, climate and other vehicle controls. The SS is also the first Chevrolet to offer Automatic Parking Assist, which provides hands-free parking help. The 2014 Chevrolet SS will be available in the fourth quarter of 2013, with prices set closer to the on-sale date.

Acura RLX the next generation luxury sedan

The 2014 Acura RLX is the most powerful, spacious, and technologically advanced Acura sedan ever.

Powered by an all-new 310-horsepower direct-injected V-6 engine, and featuring an array of Acura signature technologies, including Precision All-Wheel Steer™, Jewel Eye™ LED headlights, and the next generation of the AcuraLink® connected car system, the RLX fulfills Acura’s commitment to creating “the synergy between man and machine” and delivers new levels of technology-enhanced performance, comfort and convenience in Acura’s flagship sedan.

Using smart packaging, advanced aerodynamics, and lightweight body design, along with fuel-saving i-VTEC with Variable Cylinder Management engine technology, the RLX delivers the most spacious five-passenger seating in its class along with a top-class EPA fuel economy rating of 20/31/24 mpg (city/highway/ combined).

Befitting its flagship sedan status, the new RLX long list of pioneering technologies include, as already mentioned: precision All-Wheel Steer™ (P-AWS) continuously monitors and calculates the correct

amount of independent rear-wheel steering (toe angle) necessary to help the RLX meet driving conditions with the utmost ease and stability; Jewel-Eye™ LED headlights enhance the RLX’s modern and distinctive appearance while providing outstanding light distribution and improved down-the-road illumination.

Prices start at $48,450 and reach $60,450 for RLX with Advance Package.

AUTO NEWS MARCH

Volvo improves S80, V70 and XC70 A number of new exterior design cues reinforce the sophisticated contemporary presence of the new Volvo S80. The new front and rear bumpers create a ‘stretched’ effect to make it look wider and lower.

New rectangular Daytime Running Lights at the front give the S80 nose a more contemporary look, while the rounded off classic Volvo lights at the rear visually pull the car down to the ground. The S80 can be fitted with expressive 19-inch wheels without loss of comfort.

“The whole effect adds a sophisticated elegance to the car,” explains Fedde Talsma, Design Director, Exterior. “We have created a wider proportion on the front grille and added more detail such as chrome exterior highlights to give the car an elegant and upmarket feel.”

The new Volvo V70, a spacious family car offers families first-class comfort and sophistication combined with an impressive 575 litres of load space. The rear seats can be folded down in three 40/20/40 segments, giving more options to configure the space. With all of the rear seats folded flat, the load space grows to a cavernous 1,600 litres. The power-operated tailgate, operated remotely via the key fob or the dashboard, is another humancentric detail. The rear seat can integrate double twostage child seats - with one simple movement, booster cushions pop up from the seat giving a comfortable and safe ride height for children from the age of three and upwards. The new V70’s rear features a new rear bumper, tailpipes and added chrome details as well as redesigned rear lights. The car is also available with wheels up to 19 inches in diameter.

The sophistication is also reflected in the bespoke interior packages. The Executive interior package is the highest level of all-inclusive luxury, where tradition meets technology, while Inscription is a truly bespoke palette of options that makes it possible for the customer to choose personal combinations.

All-Wheel Drive and the optional Hill Descent Control are a further boost to the XC70’s go-anywhere promise.

A number of new exterior design cues sharpen the XC70’s contemporary road presence. These include a front grille with a bold, wider proportion, a new bigger ironmark, and details such as the Daytime Running Lights and added matte silver touches. The XC70 is available with wheels up to 19-inches in diameter.

“Our aim is to emphasise the luxurious feel with a more road-hugging stance. The XC70 should look perfectly at home in any environment, whether it’s in the middle of the open country or a country club car park,” says Fedde Talsma. The XC70 also features improved offroad design cues such as skidplates that protect the car on really uneven surfaces. The protective black below the belt line now extends to surround the front fog lights giving them a purposeful, functional feel. The rear lights have also been redesigned.

As with the V70, the rear seats can be folded down in three 40/20/40 segments. Fold all of the rear seats flat and the load space grows from 575 litres to 1,600 litres.

Volvo Car Group continues to lead the industry when it comes to fuel efficiency and CO2 actions across the model and engine range.

The fuel consumption of the 115 hp, four-cylinder D2 diesel in the new Volvo S80 with a manual gearbox is now down to a class-leading 4.1 l/100 km (EU Combined, preliminary figures), which translates into CO2 emissions of 108 g/km. The new Volvo V70 D2 has class-leading fuel consumption at 4.2 l/100 km (111 g/km) with the manual and 4.3 l/100 km (112 g/ km) with the automatic gearbox (preliminary figures).

The automatic D3 (136 hp) and D4 (163 hp) versions of the Volvo S80 now have CO2 emissions of 129 g (4.9 l/100 km). The corresponding figures for the V70 D3 and D4 are 130 g (4.9 l/100 km).

In the new Volvo XC70, both the D5 (215 hp) and the D4 (163 hp) versions with manual gearbox and All Wheel Drive come with fuel consumption at 5.3 l/100km (139 g/km). The S80 with the 1.6-litre GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) engine T4 (180 hp) and automatic gearbox has fuel a consumption of 7.1 l/100km (165 g/km). The corresponding figure for the V70 T4 is 7.2 l/100 km (168 g/km).

Golf R Cabriolet open-top power Volkswagen is introducing an open-top R model for the first time: the new Golf R Cabriolet. This sports car will be delivered to customers by spring 2013. Tremendous propulsive power is generated by a 2.0-litre turbo engine with direct petrol injection (TSI) that develops 195 kW / 265 PS. Maximum torque is just as important to dynamic performance: from a low 2,500 rpm, the crankshaft of the TSI thrusts 350 Nm of torque to the standard 6-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG).

This high torque level remains constant up to 5,000 rpm: an impressive torque characteristic and highly agile handling properties are key ingredients of the new Golf R Cabriolet. Drivers who make use of the car’s full power potential can accelerate the open-top Golf to 100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds. The car’s top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. The 6-speed DSG is an ideal partner here, shifting quickly and without any interruptions in power transfer. Since the opentop sports car already has lots of power at the lowest revs, and the engine very seldom needs to rev fast, fuel consumption is lower than would be expected for such a high powered car: 8.2 l/100 km (equivalent to 190 g/km CO2).

Presented in Chicago

New Kia Forte 5-Door

AUTO NEWS MARCH

The all-new Forte 5-door SX’s eye-catching Europeaninspired hatchback design is complimented by an all-new 1.6-liter gasoline direct-injected (GDI) turbocharged four-cylinder engine putting out 201 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque, making the allnew Forte 5-door SX the most powerful Forte from Kia Motors America to date. The Forte 5-door is expected to go on sale in the third quarter of 2013, and pricing will be announced closer to launch.

Presented in two trim levels, EX and SX, with two distinct engine choices, the Forte 5-door will offer customers Kia’s long list of premium amenities and

Kia Cross GT Concept MELDING HIGH TECHNOLOGY WITH NATURE Blurring the line between Kia’s gorgeous GT concept and a luxury CUV, Kia Motors America slipped the silk off the beautiful Cross GT concept at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show. The Cross GT seamlessly melds

features not normally found in the compact segment.

Under the hood, the Forte 5-door packs a punch, with the EX’s 2.0-liter GDI four-cylinder engine putting out a healthy 173 horsepower and 154 lb.-ft. of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission. The performance-oriented SX comes standard with the hard-charging 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder, a first for the Forte line. The SX also offers buyers the chance to pick their own gears with a standard 6-speed manual transmission, or they may opt for the 6-speed automatic featuring steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

high technology with nature, creating a harmonious partnership between driver and vehicle that also respects our global environment. Purely conceptual, the Cross GT reveals Kia’s intentions to potentially offer a larger premium CUV than the current Sorento.

Based on the GT chassis, the Cross GT’s proportions are similar to its rear-drive stablemate with short overhangs, a long wheelbase and an aggressively wide posture. But the Cross GT offers even greater visibility thanks to its taller stature and features all-wheel drive for improved performance and allweather capability.

Utilizing a 3.8-liter V6 hybrid, 8-speed automatic and torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive, the CrossGT’s powertrain matches the sophistication of the exterior and interior designs. Backing the V6 is an evolution of Kia’s parallel hybrid system, a pancake-shaped electric motor sandwiched between the V6 and transmission. The electric motor is neatly packaged under the rear floor.

Combined, the V6 and electric motor produce 500 lb.-ft. of torque and 400 horsepower, with an all-electric range of 20-miles - sufficient to enable exhilarating performance, while delivering superior fuel economy and fuel efficiency.

W Motors LykanHypersport

Definitely exclusive !

Great success at the Qatar Motor Show 2013 for the W Motors LykanHypersport. The supercar produced by the Lebanese W Motors brand impresses with futuristic look, but especially for its price, capable of making Bugatti Veyron sound like a cheap car.

The W Motors LykanHypersport will go on sale in September from 3.4 million dollars! That’s about 2.58 million euros!

The “unique” millionaire price is due to the fact that W Motors built a car with incomparable equipment. For example the tail of the LykanHypersport is covered in diamonds and the leather upholstery is embellished with

gold embroidery. Only seven exclusive LykanHypersport will be built. And ... the seven lucky buyers will receive also a little gift: a Special Edition watch Cyrus Klepcys worth 200,000 euros.

Performance is also expected to be up to the price. The W Motors LykanHypersport is powered by a 6-cylinder engine, positioned in the ideal center of the car, combined with two turbochargers. According to the Lebanese manufacturer the LykanHypersport produces 750 horsepower and 1000 Nm of torque, capable of ensuring a top speed of 390 km/h and sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds.

FOCUS

QOROS 3 SEDAN

THE CHINESE CHALLENGE

At its global debut at the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show, Qoros presented its first series production vehicle, an elegant compact car called Qoros 3 Sedan.

The Qoros 3 Sedan, which is entering a pre-production development phase after two summers and two winters of extensive testing at key locations around the world, is due to be launched in China in the second half of 2013, with first European sales following later in the year.

The launch of further Qoros models is then planned at intervals of approximately six-to-twelve months.

Elegant design and unmistakable “brand face” The styling of the Qoros 3 Sedan was undertaken from a clean sheet by the Qoros design teams in Munich and Shanghai under the direction of Executive Director of Design, Gert Volker Hildebrand. It establishes the design direction for the entire Qoros model family and draws on contemporary German-influenced automotive design to exhibit a timeless, desirable elegance.

The Qoros engineering team established from the earliest stages of the development programme that the compact platform’s design should incorporate a long wheelbase and generous proportions. At 4,615 mm long, 1,839 mm wide and 1,445 mm high, the sedan’s athletic, elegant styling also presents a solid, well-planted profile. It features horizontal styling themes along and across the body that highlight its length and width. The Qoros 3 Sedan has one of the longest wheelbases in the compact segment, at 2,690 mm. A striking contour edge running

continuously from the headlamps to the door handles and on to the rear light clusters emphasises the cleanly sculptured bodysides.

At the front, the contours of the bonnet form a dynamic curve, and the front section is designed to meet the highest standards of crash safety and pedestrian protection. The top of the dual-section radiator grille is at the same height as the headlamp units and creates a striking contrast with the overall horizontal orientation of the car’s face. Wheel sizes start at 16 inches and the Qoros 3 Sedan can be specified with wheels up to 18 inches, highlighting the car’s unusually wide track, once again conveying solidity. Several alloy wheel design and size combinations will be available at launch. The bespoke-designed triple-split eight-spoke alloy wheel, with gloss black inner and matt silver outer surfaces are highly distinctive and are destined to become a hallmark Qoros feature.

CLIP Two concept studies that preview future models Alongside the first production model from Qoros, the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show also saw the unveiling of the Qoros 3 Cross Hybrid Concept (a crossover model that features a compact hatchback body and an advanced hybrid drivetrain) and the Qoros 3 Estate Concept showcases a vision of a future variant with a bodystyle that is especially popular among European motorists

FOCUS - QOROS 3 SEDAN

Class-leading interior space The Qoros 3 Sedan offers its five passengers remarkably generous interior space for a compact segment car, and is again dominated by a horizontally-oriented design theme that emphasises the length and width of the cabin.

The steering wheel, which features a flat lower edge, sits in front of a ‘floating’ instrument panel and centre console that maximises the feeling of interior spaciousness.

The combination of thin red LED light strips along each edge of the central console and discreet red LED lighting in the door handles create a warm, welcoming interior ambience.

A high-resolution TFT display at the centre of the instrument cluster provides crucial information to the driver, including vehicle range and next-turn directions from the navigation system.

The Qoros 3 Sedan boasts a luggage compartment of 450 litres. The 60:40 split rear seatbacks fold down individually to optimise cargo carrying flexibility and incorporate a ski-hatch allowing the car to accommodate long items.

As well as a 2.8-litre glovebox (which will be air conditioned on top specification models), there are nine further storage compartments, including in the front centre console, front arm rest, as well as wide door pockets in all four doors, and rigid front seatback pockets for rear seat passengers.

The Qoros 3 Sedan is fitted as standard with an innovative eight-inch capacitive touchscreen infotainment system that occupies a prominent position in the central console. The advanced software, technology and graphics were designed and developed in-house to safely manage information displays for minimal driver distraction and to optimise ease-of-use while on the move. The innovative user-interface is based on the finger ‘swipe’ concept of modern smartphones and is unique in responding to multi-touch gestures. The system’s user-interface is highly intuitive and is designed to fully exploit touchscreen technology. For example, an incoming phone call can be answered with a simple swipe anywhere on the screen towards the driver, or can be rejected and forwarded to voicemail with a swipe away. Audio balance (right-left) and fade (front-rear) settings for the speakers are shown

on the touchscreen as a single focus point on an overhead view of the vehicle and can be adapted by moving the point with a finger. The state-of-the-art navigation system includes best-in-class traffic information and an advanced points-of-interest search. Integrated networking – enabled through ‘Cloud’ connectivity – enables drivers to share their driving experiences, points-of-interest, favourite trips and photos via social media channels.

Powerful engines with optional dual clutch transmission Two engines developed in collaboration with leading powertrain engineering specialist, AVL, will be available for the launch of the Qoros 3 Sedan in China. Both are fourcylinder 1.6-litre units featuring variable valve control technology to optimise performance and efficiency.

The naturally-aspirated version delivers 93 kW (126 bhp) and 155 Nm maximum torque at 3,900 rpm. With this engine, the Qoros 3 Sedan accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 11.0 seconds (provisional target, not yet verified).

With the turbocharged engine, which offers 115kW (156 bhp) and 210 Nm maximum torque at 2,500 rpm, acceleration from zero to 100 km/h is achieved in a brisk 9.0 seconds (provisional target, not yet verified).

Both power units are combined with a six-speed manual transmission as standard. A six-speed dual clutch transmission is available as an option for both engines,

offering the driver automated gear selection as well as a manual shift mode. Depending on model and market, the Qoros 3 Sedan will be fitted with an automatic start-stop system for increased efficiency, and manual models will also feature an optimal gearshift point display.

CLIP To be produced in a new assembly plant in Changshu, China, the new range of Qoros models is being designed and engineered by an international team of experienced specialists and new, young automotive talent, and has been developed with the support of internationally-renowned suppliers such as Magna Steyr, TRW, Continental, Bosch, Getrag, Benteler, Lear, Microsoft, Harman, Neusoft-Alpine and Iconmobile.

CLIP

FOCUS - QOROS 3 SEDAN

Founded in 2007, Qoros is an equal joint venture partnership between Chery Automobile, China’s biggest independent automotive manufacturer, and Israel Corporation, a global industrial holding company. Qoros operates an engineering centre in Shanghai, which is also the base for many commercial and purchasing functions, with further operations in Munich (Germany) and Graz (Austria). With a business model founded on complete operational independence Qoros started from a clean sheet and recruited experts from around the world with experience within and beyond the automotive industry in order to achieve European standards of quality.

Body structure, high safety standards and handling developed to European standards The highly sophisticated safety technology of the Qoros 3 Sedan is engineered to achieve top scores in European and Chinese new-car independent crash tests. Its body architecture is based on the very latest insights in the field of accident safety and occupant protection. A precise arrangement of impact-bearing structures and generously-sized deformation zones ensure that the passenger cell is protected from the most diverse types of collision events. Furthermore, there is an extensive package of safety features for occupant protection, including a suite of front airbags, seat-mounted side airbags and roof-mounted curtain airbags which deploy to cover the front and rear window apertures.

The vehicle dynamics of the Qoros 3 Sedan have been tailored to European customer expectations. The sedan features McPherson struts at the front and twist-beam suspension at the rear to provide an ideal balance of responsive handling and a compliant ride. Rack-andpinion steering with electronic power assistance delivers precise direction changes. Stopping power is provided by 320mm disc brakes at the front and 285mm disc brakes at the rear. Braking performance and stability is enhanced by anti-lock braking (ABS) and electronic stability control systems developed in conjunction with TRW specifically for the Qoros 3 Sedan.

Comprehensive equipment as standard The Qoros 3 Sedan offers three specification levels.

Six exterior paint finishes (solid Crystal White and solid Midnight Black, and metallic Macadamia Brown, Starlight Black, Diamond Silver and Shimmer Grey) and two interior colours (Lava Black and Sand Dune Beige) will be available for the Qoros 3 Sedan at launch in China. The interior upholstery can be specified in fabric, a fabricleatherette combination, or in full leather.

Depending on the specification level, the Qoros 3 Sedan features interior décor finishes in various high-grade materials, as well as 16-, 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels in various designs.

Standard features on all versions of the Qoros 3 Sedan include the innovative touchscreen infotainment system, air conditioning, remote control central locking, all-round electric windows, electric exterior mirrors, and a four-speaker, 100-watt audio system. These can be supplemented by options that include a rear view camera with parking distance control, xenon headlamps, cruise control, electrically adjustable front seats, an automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror, and an upgraded six-speaker audio system.

An extensive accessories list offers further customisation options.

CLIP “With the support of AVL, Qoros is also developing a new three-cylinder 1.2-litre turbocharged engine and an all-new four-cylinder 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, both with GDI (gasoline direct injection). These engines will deliver highly competitive performance and efficiency,” comments Klaus Schmidt, Executive Director of Vehicle Engineering, who was formerly a senior manager at BMW M-Power. The 1.2-litre and all-new 1.6-litre powertrain units will meet the EU6 emissions standard which comes into effect in Europe in 2014, and will be highly competitive in the compact segment in terms of power, torque, fuel economy and emissions.

Qoros 3 Sedan, 1.6 VVT, MT, Essence Qoros 3 Sedan, 1.6 VVT, DDCT, Experience TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

CLIP The international orientation of Qoros is underscored by the calibre of the personnel on the company’s Board and in other management posts. Key positions are held by experienced specialists from the automotive industry and related industry sectors.

The Qoros Board is led by: • Guo Qian,

Chairman and President, who is also Chief Operating Officer of the Chery Group Co.

• Volker Steinwascher,

Vice Chairman, who formerly led Volkswagen in North America.

They are supported by: • Xingcha Fan, Executive Vice President and Chief Operation Officer

FOCUS - QOROS 3 SEDAN

• Gert Volker Hildebrand,

Executive Director of Design leading the Qoros design studios in Munich and Shanghai; formerly Head of Design for the MINI brand

• Stefano Villanti,

Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Product Strategy

• Klaus Schmidt,

Executive Director of Vehicle Engineering

• Peter Matkin,

Executive Director of Vehicle Programs

• Roger Malkusson,

Executive Director of Vehicle Integration

• Ralf Nicolas,

Executive Director of Quality

Qoros 3 Sedan, 1.6 T, MT, Experience Qoros 3 Sedan, 1.6 T, DDCT, Experience TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

MISS(ES) OF THE MONTH

TRAMONTANA X-TR & CAPARO T1

Get extreme !

MISS(ES) OF THE MONTH - TRAMONTANA X-TR & CAPARO T1

TRAMONTANA X-TR A. D. Tramontana (based on the Costa Brava, north of Barcelona in Spain) was founded in 2005 with the aim of designing and manufacturing luxury cars of superior quality. The combination of Formula 1 racer parts and a design reminiscent of a jet fighter affords this car a character that sets it apart from the more established names.

Each Tramontana is different and unique, its limited production makes each and every one of them something that is entirely custom-made.

From the basic bodywork, made of carbon fibre, and the suspensions, similar to those of a single-seater Formula 1 racer, to its powerful V-type multi-cylinder engines.

Cutting-edge technology is applied in every detail: the materials, the design, the aerodynamics and, obviously, the set of electronic engine management, transmission and suspension systems.

Aside from its shape, it is set apart by the alignment of its two seats in tandem, a concept passed on from the competition, which allows optimal weight distribution that enhances driving performance.

The car’s outer skin is made predominantly of carbon fibre. A jet-fighter-style canopy tips open providing access to the cockpit of the Tramontana, whose general configuration is reminiscent of a Formula 1 racer. Its glass top can be replaced by a deflector to enable opentop driving.

But unlike the single-seater racers, functionality does not detract from the comfort in this two-seater. The materials used in its interior are the same as those on its exterior, and include gold, silver, leather and wood of various kinds. The seat and steering wheel position and measurements are determined according to the personal morphology of the driver.

Its monocoque, made exclusively of carbon fibre, is formed by a central part that retains its shape plus eight peripheral areas studied to withstand and absorb impact in a controlled manner.

The rear axle is fixed to a multi-tubular subframe. The suspension is independent, with a double wishbone design operated by pushrods and stabilisers on both axles.

The distance to the ground can be controlled by means of an electro-hydraulic adjustment system. Four carbonceramic discs measuring 380 mm in diameter, operated by six-piston calipers, are responsible for bringing the car to a halt with exceptional efficiency on any surface.

Unleashing up to 888 horsepower, the Tramontana is catapulted from 0 to 100 km/h in less than three seconds and can reach over 350 km/h. Its V-type multi-cylinder engines and sequential gearboxes provide outstanding performance which, thanks to the appropriate weight distribution of the vehicle, guarantees optimal dynamic balance.

The Tramontana’s engine may possess ten or twelve cylinders, always aligned in a “V” formation and in a central longitudinal position. The 90° V-10 engine has 5.2 litres and unleashes a maximum power of 600 hp by means of a limited slip differential and sequential gearbox with six gears operated by means of shift paddles in the steering wheel, featuring four levels of traction control.

The total weight of the equipped chassis is estimated at 1.050 kg. The supercharged 60° V-12, a 5.5-litre, pumps out a maximum power of between 550 and 888 hp, which is transmitted by means of a limited slip differential to the six-speed sequential gearbox. This combination is designed to obtain a generous torque and a tremendous mechanical elasticity while offering maximum comfort and smoothness when driving, with a total weight of 1,300 kg. Both engines can hold a competition gearbox that allows ultra-rapid gear shifts.

The Tramontana is available in three different versions: Tramontana S, comes equipped with a V-10 600 hp engine and V-12 550 hp engine; Tramontana R, the sports version, endowed with a special aesthetic and dynamic touch,it has V-10 600 hp and V-12 550 / 720 hp engines.

Finally theTramontana X-TR, the extreme version, with the most radical chassis modifications and clearly oriented towards pure performance. It incorporates an ultra-rapid competition gearbox. Additional aerodynamic appendages to optimise the vehicle’s performance at high speeds.

It has a V-12 720 / 888 hp engine.

TRAMONTANA X-TR

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Engine: Horsepower: Torque: Length: Width: Height: Wheelbase:

5.5 liter - V12 60° 653 kW / 888 hp @ 5850 rpm 678 lb-ft / 920 Nm from 4000 rpm 4.900 m 2.080 m 1.220-1.275 m 3.050 m

MISS(ES) OF THE MONTH - TRAMONTANA X-TR & CAPARO T1

CAPARO T1

Sliding into the cockpit for the first time, slotting home the rectangular steering wheel and fastening the six point safety harness is the precursor to an experience unlike any you will have had before.

The cockpit is snug but comfortable, a perfect fit for the driver. No other car makes you feel so at one with it.

Now you know it’s special. The atmosphere around the car is electrified, a rush of adrenaline hits your gut as the race bred Menard 3.5 litre V8 snaps into life. Blip the throttle. The response from the engine is immediate.

The Caparo T1’s ground-breaking performance is due in equal measure to its design and its incredible power to weight ratio. It’s achieved by an ultra lightweight

carbon and aluminium honeycomb monocoque, extensive use of carbon fibre for structural components, and the highest spec race equipment, making the all-up dry weight only 550kg. The other half of the equation is the engine. A normally aspirated 3.5l Menard V8, remapped for an optimum power curve for the Caparo T1 and limited to 10,500rpm, generates 575bhp.

That’s a big difference on paper. An even bigger difference in practice where the Caparo T1’s power pushes it to 60mph in under 2.5 seconds, from 0 – 100 in 5 seconds, a top speed in excess of 200mph with an agility that makes it the quickest thing point to point ever to wear a number plate.

CAPARO T1

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Engine: Horsepower: Torque: Injection: Driveline:

Transmission: Front suspension: Rear suspension: Brake system: Wheels & tires:

Max Speed: Acceleration: Length: Width: Height: Wheelbase: Dry weight: Fuel tank capacity:

Menard 3.496 liter – V8 90° 575 bhp @ 10500 rpm 310 lb-ft / 420 Nm @ 9000 rpm sequential gasoline direct injection rear-wheel drive, limited slip differential, traction control, launch control 6-speed sequential gearbox double wishbone double wishbone four ventilated 355 mm race discs front 10’’ x 18’’ aluminum, Pirelli P Zero Corsa 235/40 R18; rear 11’’ x 19’’ aluminum, Pirelli P Zero Corsa 295/30 R19 329 km/h (205 mph) 0-100 km/h (62 mph) - 2.5 seconds 4.066 m 1.990 m 1.076 m 2.900 m 550 kg 55 l

THE GREEN SIDE

PORSCHE 918 SPYDER

High performance‌ low consumption: is this the super sport car of tomorrow ?

Driving trials of the Porsche 918 Spyder are at the moment in a key phase. The permanent fixture of the test programme for the 918 Spyder – and in the tuning process for all Porsche vehicles – is the 20.8 km long challenging Nürburgring-Nordschleife race circuit… and on 2012 September 18th a Porsche 918 Spyder prototype turned in a remarkable best time of just 07:14 minutes. Less than one year before its production launch, the plug-in hybrid

super sports car from Porsche AG is already proving its superlative dynamic performance potential, far surpassing all expectations placed in it. The lap time of the Porsche 918 Spyder prototype is one of the best ever clocked for street-legal vehicles with standard production tyres. The car was equipped with production tyres from Michelin as well as the optional “Weissach” package, which integrates modifications that boost driving performance.

THE GREEN SIDE - PORSCHE 918 SPYDER

As a plug-in hybrid vehicle, it logically combines a high-performance combustion engine with cutting-edge electric motors to deliver terrific performance: the best of both worlds endows the 918 with the dynamics of a racing car packing more than 770 hp accompanied by fuel consumption, which at approximately three litres per 100 kilometres, is less than that of most modern compact cars.

The 918 Spyder has been designed as a super sports

car and the legitimate successor to the Carrera GT. As such, the first goal was obvious: improving yet again on the Carrera GT’s performance. As far as it is currently known, the 918 Spyder will be significantly faster both in terms of acceleration and also in performance on the racing circuit: less than three seconds from zero to 100 km/h (Carrera GT: 3.9 seconds) and less than 7:22 minutes on the Nürburgring Nordschleife (Carrera GT: 7:32 minutes).

CLIP The Weissach package For very performance-oriented customers of the 918 Spyder, Porsche offers the “Weissach” pack as an option.

These modified super sports cars can be recognised at first glance by special colours and designs that are based on legendary Porsche race cars. The roof, rear wings, rearview mirrors and frames of the windscreen are made of visible carbon. Parts of the interior are upholstered with

Alcantara instead of leather, and visible carbon replaces much of the aluminium. The emphasis on performance is not just visual: very lightweight magnesium wheels reduce unsprung masses; gross weight was reduced by about 35 kg. The benefits are experienced in further improved dynamic performance. Other references from motorsport include flame-resistant seat covers and six-point seatbelts for driver and front passenger.

The core of the 918 Spyder concept is the distribution of propulsive power across three power units, collaboration between which is controlled by an intelligent management system using five pre-selectable modes. When the vehicle is started up, the “E-Power” mode is the default operating mode as long as the battery is sufficiently charged. In ideal conditions, the 918 Spyder can cover more than 25 kilometres on purely electric power. If the charge state of the battery falls below a set minimum value, the vehicle automatically switches to hybrid mode. In “hybrid” mode, the electric motors and combustion engine work together with the focus on maximum efficiency and minimum fuel consumption.

In more dynamic situations, the 918 Spyder selects the “Sport Hybrid” mode for its motors; the combustion engine is now in constant operation and provides the main propulsive force. In addition, the electric motors provide support in the form of an electric boost when the driver demands higher output. “Race Hybrid” is the mode for the highest possible performance and especially sporty driving style. The combustion engine is chiefly used under high load, and charges the battery when the driver is not utilising the maximum output. The electric motors provide additional support as necessary in the form of a boost when the driver requires even more power. The electric motors are used up to the maximum power output limit in order to provide the best possible performance for the race track.

The “Hot Lap” button in the middle of the map switch releases the 918 Spyder’s last reserves and can only be activated in “Race Hybrid” mode. Similar to a qualification mode, this pushes the traction battery to its maximum power output limits for a few fast laps. This mode uses all of the available energy in the battery.

THE GREEN SIDE - PORSCHE 918 SPYDER

CLIP The latest test vehicle is now turning laps in the legendary Martini® Racing look of many historic Porsche race cars, particularly from the 1970s. More than nearly any other race car design, the Martini® Racing look quickly attained cult status in those times and is still in vogue today. Martini® was already the official partner of the Porsche factory team between 1973 and 1978. Back then, the attractively designed “Martini® Porsche” race cars with their numerous victories were a centre of conversation. These victories included finishing first overall at Targa-Florio in 1973, winning the Sports Car World Championship in 1976 and overall victories at the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1976 and 1977. As early as 1971, a Porsche 917 finished first in the legendary endurance race in Le Mans with the support of Martini®. Whether a Porsche 908, 917, 935 or 936 or one of various 911 RS or RSR models, common to all of these race cars was the memorable Martini® Racing design implemented in a wide variety of forms.

Now, a new edition of this successful partnership is making the Martini® Racing design exclusively available to the innovative 918 Spyder. Porsche AG and the Martini® brand, represented by Bacardi & Company Limited of Switzerland, have once again signed a partnership agreement to make this possible.

The main source of propulsion is the 4.6-litre, eight cylinder engine delivering more than 570 hp, which was directly derived from the power unit in the successful RS Spyder and explains why it delivers engine speeds of up to 9,000 rpm. The V8 engine is coupled to the hybrid module, the 918 Spyder being designed as a parallel hybrid like Porsche’s current hybrid models. Essentially, the hybrid module comprises a 90 kW electric motor and a decoupler acting as the connection with the combustion engine. As a result of the parallel hybrid configuration, the 918 Spyder can be powered at the rear axle both individually by the combustion engine or electric motor or via both drives jointly.

A seven-speed Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK)

transmission takes care of power transmission to the rear axle. In order to ensure that the installation position and thus the centre of gravity of the entire vehicle were kept low, the gear unit was turned “on its head�, by rotating it 180 degrees about its longitudinal axis.

On the front axle there is another, independent electric motor with an output of approximately 80 kW. The front electric drive unit drives the wheels via a fixed ratio. A decoupler ensures that the electric motor can be decoupled at high speeds to prevent the motor from overrevving. The drive torque is independently controlled for each axle. This makes for a very responsive all-wheel function, offering great potential for traction and driving dynamics.

THE GREEN SIDE - PORSCHE 918 SPYDER

The electric energy for the electric motors is stored by a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery comprising 312 individual cells with an energy content of approximately seven kilowatt hours. The plug-in interface in the Bcolumn on the front passenger side enables the storage battery to be connected directly with the home mains supply and charged. The charger is located close to the traction battery. It converts the alternating current

of the main supply into direct current with a maximum charge output of 3.6 kW. For example, using the charging cable supplied with it, the battery can be charged within four hours.

A compact charging station is also supplied as standard with the 918 Spyder. This can be installed permanently in the driver’s garage. It permits rapid and convenient charging within approximately two hours.

CLIP The “Green Hell” Every Porsche turns laps on the legendary Nurburgring North Loop (approximately 22 km), covering thousands of kilometres in the toughest of sports car tests. The North Loop of the Nürburgring is considered one of the most difficult motorsport courses in the world. Between 1951 and 1976 it was also one of the most feared Formula 1 race courses.

The name “Green Hell” comes from Jackie Stewart, inspired by the hedges lining the course until 1970.

Right after it was opened, the course was available for use at a fee – even by private individuals – on non-racing weekends and during the evening hours. Since its ope ning, carmakers have also used the first “hill, race and test course” with its many curves, descents and jump hills for extensive test drives. Development engineers consider the stresses on cars to be 13 times as great. This means that one kilometre on the North Loop stresses a car as much as 13 kilometres on a normal public road.

In order to convert the kinetic energy of the vehicle into electric current when braking significantly more effectively than today, Porsche’s developers created a new generation of the recuperation system. The 918 Spyder can brake using both electric motors and thus recuperate energy for the traction battery. The car features a ceramic braking system (PCCB) as standard. The load-bearing structure of its body comprises a monocoque with a unit carrier, both of them made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP).

This concept has a critical part to play in the curb weight of less than 1,700 kg., an outstandingly low value for a hybrid vehicle in this performance class. A system of adjustable aerodynamic elements ensures unique, fully adaptive aerodynamics that automatically reconcile optimal efficiency and maximum downforce.

The Porsche 918 Spyder’s multi-link chassis is inspired

by racing car construction, complemented by additional systems such as the adaptive shock-absorber system PASM and rear-axle steering. Basically, this comprises an electro-mechanical adjustment system on each rear wheel. The adjustment is speed-sensitive and executes steering angles of a few degrees in each direction.

The rear axle can therefore be steered in the same direction or the opposite direction to the front wheels. At low speeds, the system steers the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the front wheels. This makes cornering even more direct, faster and more precise, and reduces the turning circle. At higher speeds, the system steers the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels. This minimises the “pushing” of the vehicle’s rear end when changing lanes quickly. The result is very secure and stable handling.

THE GREEN SIDE - PORSCHE 918 SPYDER

PORSCHE 918 SPYDER

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Body:

Drivetrain:

Engine power:

Max. torque:

Maximum Revs: Power output per l: Power transmission:

Chassis /Suspension:

Brake system:

Wheels and tyres: (Weissach package:

Weights: Dimensions:

Energy supply:

Performance: Acceleration:

Consumption (NEDC): CO2 emissions: Range:

Two-seat Spyder; carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP) monocoque interlocked with CFRP unit carrier; two-piece Targa roof; fixed roll-over protection system.

Parallel full hybrid; 4.6-litre V8 mid-engine with dry-sump lubrication; hybrid module with electric motor and decoupler; electric motor with decoupler and gear unit on front axle; auto start/stop function; electrical system recuperation; four cooling circuits for motors, transmission and battery; thermal management.

580 hp (426 kW) at 8,500/min (V8 engine) 95 kW (hybrid module on rear axle) 85 kW (electric motor on front axle) 795 hp (combined) 500 Nm at 6.500/min (V8 engine) 780 Nm from 1,000/min to 4,000/min (combined) 9,000 rpm 126 hp/l (V8 engine) Combustion engine with hybrid module and transmission bolted together to form a single drive unit; seven-speed Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK); rear-wheel drive; front electric motor with gearbox for driving the front wheels (decoupled from 235 km/h); five pre-selectable operating modes for optimum coordination of all drive units.

Double-wishbone front axle; optional electro-pneumatic lift system on front axle; electro-mechanical power steering; multilink rear axle with adaptive electro-mechanical system for individual rear wheel steering; electronically controlled twin-tube gas-pressure dampers in the front and rear with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM).

High-performance hybrid brake system with adaptive recuperation; internally ventilated and perforated front ceramic brake discs (PCCB), 410 mm in diameter and 36 mm thick; rear discs 390 mm in diameter and 32 mm thick.

918 Spyder wheels 918 Spyder magnesium wheels) front 9.5 J x 20 with 265/35 ZR 20 rear 12.5 J x 21 with 325/30 ZR 21 Curb weight, DIN 1,700 kg (Weissach package: 1,665 kg) Length 4,643 mm Width 1,940 mm Height 1,167 mm Wheelbase 2,730 mm Track width front 1,664 mm / rear 1,612 mm Luggage compartment capacity, VDA ~ 110 l Fuel tank capacity 70 litres Lithium-ion battery with 6.8 kWh capacity (BOL nominal), 200 kW maximum power and mains-compatible plug-in charger.

Top speed 325 km/h / purely electric 150 km/h 0 – 100 km/h 3.0 s 0 – 200 km/h 9.0 s 0 – 300 km/h 27.0 s Total 3.0 l/100 km Total 70 g/km Purely electric 25 km

CLASSIC

THE LAMBORGHINI 350GT

“I want to build the perfect car!�

This was the declaration with which Ferruccio Lamborghini launched 50 years ago his ambitious project: an extreme, authentically Italian concept that has always distinguished Lamborghini as an automotive brand of excellence.

CLIP The Lamborgini 50th Anniversary logo contains the number “50” above the word “anniversary”, using the clean, essential lines typical of the distinctive style of Lamborghini’s super sports cars. The diagonal line slanting upwards adds a dynamic effect, hinting at the forward-thinking approach and innovation that has always characterized the Lamborghini philosophy.

The celebrations to be held in Italy and abroad throughout 2013 will culminate in May (7-11), during the same week in which, 50 years ago, the Company was incorporated and the inaugural foundation stone was laid at its factory in Sant’Agata Bolognese. The Lamborghini 50th Anniversary Grand Tour, expected to be the biggest Lamborghini rally in history, will run the length of Italy, and will be attended by Lamborghini owners and dealers from all over the world.

CLIP Founded in 1963, Automobili Lamborghini is headquartered in Sant’Agata Bolognese, in Northeastern Italy. There it manufactures some of the world’s most sought-after super sports cars.

Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. has been a one hundred per cent subsidiary of AUDI AG since July 1998. In the autumn of 1998 Automobili Lamborghini Holding S.p.A. was formed as a holding company for the Italian companies of AUDI AG. President and ceo of Lamborghini is today mr. Stephan Winkelmann.

CLASSIC - THE LAMBORGHINI 350 GT

The first prototype GTV 350

Ferruccio Lamborghini came into the world on 28th April 1916 on a farm in the rural town of Renazzo di Cento near Modena. As a boy Lamborghini already had a burning interest in all mechanical objects. He graduated with an engineering degree from the technical university in Bologna and during the Second World War he was stationed on the Greek island of Rhodes as ground crew member of the air force.

After his release from British captivity as a prisoner of war in 1946 Lamborghini opened a workshop near to his ho-

metown in which he assembled vehicles similar to tractors from ex-military vehicles. He is said to have had the idea on his honeymoon. Post-war Italy, including the region of Emilia Romagna, which was extremely agricultural, suffered from a serious lack of agricultural machinery and Lamborghini threw himself into his new business with ambition, great will-power and a lot of energy. From the workshop a company arose in 1949 which produced selfdeveloped tractors with two, three and four-cylinder diesel engines. These were modular constructions with nume-

rous interchangeable components. An engine with direct injection was added to the range in 1954. The company Lamborghini Trattori SpA then moved to a new plant and with an output of 400 vehicles per month it was one of the biggest agricultural machinery manufacturers in Italy in the late sixties.

Following a journey to the USA Ferruccio Lamborghini broadened his business segment in 1960. A new company, Bruciatori SpA, was formed to manufacture heating and airconditioning units for private and industrial purposes. This

second company also flourished. With the profits from the two business segments Lamborghini attempted to realize a dream, the manufacture of helicopters. The government denied him approval for this project, though.

In 1962 Ferruccio Lamborghini was 46 years old. A selfmade man, he had risen to being one of the richest entrepreneurs in Italy. This stocky, energetic man still had both feet firmly on the ground, though. His fellow travellers and employees valued his intelligence and his sincere, cheerful and sometimes rural direct nature.

Lamborghini enjoyed his success and the good things in life: good food, fine wines and fast cars. In 1948 he had already built an open sports car on the basis of a tuned Fiat Topolino and took part with this car in the Mille Miglia road race, which was extremely popular in Italy at the time. However, the race ended for car number 427 after about 600 miles, as Lamborghini reported himself, “in a bar which I entered with the car through the wall�.

The story of how Ferruccio Lamborghini decided to make

sports cars himself at the end of 1962 has been circulated often and with many variants, legend and truth having become inseparably mixed. Essentially this is what seems to have taken place: Lamborghini owns a collection of powerful Jaguars, Mercedes, Ferraris and Maseratis, but no car completely satisfies him. In one case the luxury is insufficient for him, in another case the ventilation is too weak or the quality inferior or the power transmission noise seems to be too loud for him.

Lamborghini is not even happy with the workmanship on

CLASSIC - THE LAMBORGHINI 350 GT

CLIP Lamborghini 350 GT Year of manufacture: 1964 – 1966 Engine: V 12 – 3.5-litre displacement Power: 320 HP Max. speed: 250 km/h Number of pieces: 120 / 23 with 400 GT engine

his new Ferrari 250 GT. He requests a meeting with Enzo Ferrari in nearby Maranello, but is refused. Lamborghini thinks that he could build such a sports car very much better himself and, if he were to do without his expensive motor sport, he would even be able to open up a new, profitable business segment.

CLASSIC - THE LAMBORGHINI 350 GT

1963: the sport cars brand is created Ferruccio Lamborghini established his own motorcar company in Sant’Agata Bolognese in May 1963. Its location in the small town between Modena and Bologna was chosen carefully. Typical for Lamborghini.

The ultra-modern plant in green meadow land with an area of 50,000 m2 had plenty of space to grow, the tractor and heating factory not being far away. And it was in the middle of the “engine country”, home to the factories of Ferrari, Maserati or Ducati, and now Lamborghini as well.

Since Lamborghini had a very clear idea of what he wanted, he didn’t waste any time looking for the right people.

For the engine, which had to be the best V12 made in

the area – and thus in the world – he immediately turned to Giotto Bizzarrini, who had designed some of Ferrari’s most recent engines. For the rest of the car and to start up production, he hired two promising young engineers, Giampaolo Dallara and Giampaolo Stanzani…. and, when the first prototype, the 350 GTV, was presented it was already a masterpiece.

The 1964 was an extraordinary year. As soon as he realised that the 350 GTV body designed by Scaglione had been received rather coldly, Lamborghini’s first move was to have the design redone completely to make it more attractive to the public, and he thus turned to the famous Milan-based Carrozzeria Touring. The changes that Felice Bianchi Anderloni made to the original design created a line that became a classic: original but without being extreme. The 350 GT was born!

Before the end of 1966 Carrozzeria Touring had made 120 models, the majority with 3.5 litre 12-cylinder engine and 320 HP – another 23 models were added to these, already using the 4-litre V12 engine and 320 HP, but with more torque and more comfortable to drive. Two 350 GT were built by Carrozzeria Touring in the Spyder version.

1972/73: Lamborghini Retires The sparkling success of the sixties was followed by the crisis of the seventies, triggered by a slack economic situation, strikes and intensified regulations on the U.S. market.

A big tractor transaction that had been agreed with the Bolivian government failed at the last moment in 1972.

To support his agricultural machinery company, Ferruccio Lamborghini sold 51 per cent of the shares in the motorcar company to the Swiss national Georges Henri Rossetti. One year later he sold off the remaining 49 per cent to René Leimer, a colleague of Rossetti. At roughly the same time he lost confidence in the tractor business and sold it to the competing Italian Same group, which continues to manage it up to the present day under the old brand name.Lamborghini kept only the heating segment as well as another newly formed company by the name of Oleodinamica, which produced hydraulic valves; he appointed his son Tonino as the manager of this company. The patriarch retired to a 32 hectare estate by the name of La Fiorita, which he had purchased in 1971.

He led the life of a prosperous winegrower in Panicarola/Umbria near to the Trasimenic Lake and set up a small private museum. Ferruccio Lamborghini, who was awarded the title “Commendatore” and knighted “Cavaliere del Lavoro” (knight of work), died of a heart attack on 20th February 1993.

CLIP The aggressive bull on the corporate coat of arms already decorated the first Lamborghini sports cars.

The head of the company, himself born under the zodiac sign Taurus, loved this symbol - he saw in it an expression of his forwardurging and occasionally impetuous character.

RACING

DAYTONA 500

The Great American Race

Pictures courtesy of NASCAR

Danica Patrick has made history.

Yes, Jimmie Johnson did win his second Daytona 500, but the spotlight during the week-long festivities that kicked off the 2013 NASCAR season was stolen by the first female to win the Pole in a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series’ race.

The running of the 55th Daytona 500 saw also the debut of the NASCAR’s new Gen-6 car with positive reviews from the drivers.

Brad Keselowski - Ford Fusion

RACING - DAYTONA 500

Danica Patrick (10) and Jimmie Johnson (48) Chevrolet SS

There was much anticipation for this year’s Daytona 500.

It marked the debut of the new Gen-6 race car, which was actually first seen racing the week prior the Daytona 500 during the Sprint Unlimited won by Kevin Harvick. The Chevrolet SS, Ford Fusion and Toyota Camry models appear now nearly identical to their production versions, putting the “stock” back in stock car racing.

Polesitter Danica Patrick couldn’t repeat her qualifying exploit, but still managed to come home eighth, the bestever finish by a woman in “The Great American Race”.

During the race, on lap 90, she reached another milestone. Surging to the lead after a restart, she paced the field

on laps 90 and 91, and, in doing so, became the first female driver to lead a lap in the Daytona 500 and the first female to lead a green-flag lap in the Cup series.

With tandem racing all but absent in the points race for the new Gen-6 race cars, passing was difficult and track position paramount.

Jimmie Johnson sped away from the field after a restart with six laps left to go and held off a charging Dale Earnhardt Jr. The victory was the 61st of Johnson’s career in his 400th start in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and his second win in NASCAR’s most prestigious race.

Earnhardt finished second for the third time in the last

Danica Patrick

Mark Martin

Trouble on lap 138.

Carl Edwards, Trevor Bayne and Terry Labonte are involved amongst the others

RACING - DAYTONA 500

x

four Daytona 500s. Mark Martin ran third, followed by defending series champion Brad Keselowski and Ryan Newman. Greg Biffle ran sixth and Regan Smith seventh.

“You can’t ride and wait for things to happen,” Johnson said. “You have to race all day long and fight for track position. This race car, this Lowe’s Chevrolet was so good. (Crew chief) Chad Knaus and all of Hendrick Motorsports had me a fast car, and I could really stay up front all day long.”

The Toyota Camrys of Joe Gibbs Racing were running 1-2-3 as the race neared the three-quarter mark, with Matt Kenseth pacing Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch. On Lap 150, however, Kenseth, who led four times for a race-high 86 laps, brought his car to pit road, having felt a vibration in the drive train.

Busch parked his car two laps later, with a blown engine.

After a restart on Lap 182, following the fifth caution of the race for Jeff Burton’s hard contact with the outside wall at the entrance to the tri-oval, Keselowski and Johnson ran side-by-side at the front of the pack, trading the lead as their respective lanes gained momentum.

A caution for debris on Lap 192 set up the sixlap dash to the finish with Johnson in the lead in the outside lane.

Jeff Gordon and Danica Patrick’s Chevrolet SS lead in front of Kyle Busch (Toyota Camry)

RACING - DAYTONA 500

Anatomy of a GEN-6 car

w o n k o t g n i t t e G s e r u t a e f w e n e h t

Kyle Busch - Toyota Camry

RACING - DAYTONA 500

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

- Chevrolet SS

Greg Biffle (16) - Fo rd Fusion Jamie McMurray (1 ) - Chevrolet SS

Kasey Kahne - Chevrolet SS

RACING - DAYTONA 500

Jimmie Johnson celebrates his second Daytona 500 triumph... this means winning $1,525,275

NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES DAYTONA 500 (2013, MARCH 24) RACE RESULTS

1. Jimmie Johnson (Chevy) 2. Dale Earnhardt Jr. (Chevy) 3. Mark Martin (Toyota) 4. Brad Keselowski (Ford) 5. Ryan Newman (Chevy) 6. Greg Biffle (Ford) 7. Regan Smith (Chevy) 8. Danica Patrick (Chevy) 9. Michael McDowell (Ford) 10. J J Yeley (Chevy) 11. Clint Bowyer (Toyota) 12. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (Ford) 13. Aric Almirola (Ford) 14. Denny Hamlin (Toyota) 15. Bobby Labonte (Toyota) 16. David Reutimann (Toyota) 17. Dave Blaney (Chevy) 18. Marcos Ambrose (Ford) 19. Joey Logano (Ford) 20. Jeff Gordon (Chevy) 21. Paul Menard (Chevy) 22. Michael Waltrip (Toyota) 23. Scott Speed (Ford) 24. Martin Truex Jr. (Toyota) 25. Travis Kvapil (Toyota) 26. Bobby Labonte (Toyota) 27. Trevor Bayne (Ford) 28. Kurt Busch (Chevy) 29. Casey Mears (Ford) 30. Jeff Burton (Chevy) 31. Austin Dillon (Chevy) 32. Jamie McMurray (Chevy) 33. Carl Edwards (Ford) 34. Kyle Busch (Toyota) 35. David Ragan (Ford) 36. Kasey Kahne (Chevy) 37. Matt Kenseth (Toyota) 38. David Gilliland (Ford) 39. Juan Pablo Montoya (Chevy) 40. Josh Wise (Ford) 41. Tony Stewart (Chevy) 42. Kevin Harvick (Chevy) 43. Joe Nemechek (Toyota)

Hendrick laps 200 Hendrick 200 Waltrip 200 Penske 200 Stewart/Haas 200 Roush 200 Phoenix 200 Stewart/Haas 200 Curb 200 Baldwin 200 Waltrip 200 Roush 200 Petty 200 Gibbs 200 JTG 200 BK Racing 200 Baldwin 200 Petty 200 Penske 200 Hendrick 200 Childress 200 Swan 200 Leavine 200 Waltrip 200 BK Racing 199 JTG 199 Wood 198 Furniture Row 195 Germain 181 Childress 176 Childress 175 Ganassi 161 Roush 159 Gibbs 151 Front Row 150 Hendrick 150 Gibbs 149 Front Row 144 Ganassi 144 Front Row 137 Stewart/Haas 118 Childress 47 Nemco 42

GLOBAL NEWS

Europe Switzerland / United Kingdom Aston Martin On Ice annual event One of the most popular events in the Aston Martin calendar, Aston Martin On Ice offers dynamic driving in a unique and spectacular environment. In it’s fifth year, the event offered Aston Martin owners and guests the chance to test their driving skills on a challenging and spectacular ice surface.

North America / Europe United States / Germany BMW and United Nations Alliance of Civilizations together with Intercultural Innovatio Award Since 2011, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the BMW Group have engaged in a historic partnership geared towards creating a new model for collaboration between the private sector and the UN system. To that end, the two organizations have established The

This year’s Aston Martin On Ice winter driving event in St. Moritz, Switzerland, saw more than 300 guests from around the world experiencing the full range of Aston Martin sport cars over 11 days.

Winter tyres combined with sophisticated electronic safety systems offered an extraordinary snow and ice driving experience. Guests could feel like James Bond in an atmosphere of breathtaking excitement and complete safety.

Intercultural Innovation Award whose mandate is to select highly innovative grassroots projects that promote dialogue and intercultural understanding and make vital contributions to prosperity and peace in global societies.

The most outstanding projects receive award money as well as consulting services from the BMW Group and the UNAOC. Ten finalists will present their projects at the Viennese Volkstheatre on Tuesday, February 26th, 2013. Winners will become members of the World Intercultural Facility for Innovation (WIFI). WIFI is a platform for winners to connect with potential donors and mentors and to enter into a dialogue with other awardees.

More information can be found at: interculturalinnovation.org

Asia India Tata Indigo eCS enters Limca Book of Records

Europe Italy Lamborghini Spring Summer collection In Automobili Lamborghini’s 50th Anniversary year, its fashion collection perfectly interprets the spirit of the brand summed up by the motto: “A hundred years of innovation in half the time”.

The real innovation this season is the Automobili Lamborghini branded women’s and men’s footwear: the range of sneakers are made of leather and fabric. Like all Collezione Automobili Lamborghini products, this footwear is distinguished by its clean lines, attention to detail, comfort, and the extremely high-quality materials used.

The range includes T-shirts, polo shirts, sweatshirts, trousers, light nylon bomber jackets, down vest jackets and even men’s shirts that can be worn by women as tunics!

Belts, ties and fingerless gloves in perforated soft Napa leather enrich the choice of accessories.

Reinforcing the link between the Lamborghini Collection and the cars, design elements inspired by the vehicles themselves have been incorporated, like the hexagon or the Y-shape of the Aventador rear light clusters. One of the Collection’s leitmotifs is Italian style, expressed this season through the use of the Italian flag colors: the tricolor has been applied to the sleeves of the T-shirts and sweatshirts, embroidered on the cuffs of the shirts and back pockets of the trousers, and the undercollar of the “Serie Speciale Tricolore” polo shirt is red, white and green.

Only for 2013, many items in the collection will be adorned with the 50th Anniversary logo, characterized by sharp, clean lines taken from the distinctive design language of Lamborghini’s super sports cars. The company’s 50 years will also be celebrated by embroidering 1963-2013 on polo shirts and sweatshirts. Collezione Automobili Lamborghini is available online at www.lamborghinistore.com, at Lamborghini dealers, in the Sant’Agata Bolognese store, and from brand resellers around the world.

The Tata Indigo eCS sets new endurance record and enters the Limca Book of Records with a remarkable feat of a non-stop nation-wide mileage run; touching all four gateways - from Koteshwar in West to Kibithu in East, from Kashmir in the North to Kanyakumari in the South, crossing 19 states and union territories, covering 14,000 kms in just 15 days.

Speaking on this remarkable achievement, Mr. Ranjit Yadav, President - Passenger Vehicles Business Unit, Tata Motors said, “The Tata Indigo eCS is the 3rd largest selling sedan in India today. The car has been appreciated for its classy styling and unbeatable value proposition that it offers. This endurance record has proven the Tata Indigo eCS as a robust and the most fuelefficient sedan.”

In February 2012, Tata Motors flagged-off an epic journey of a non-stop, nation-wide mileage & endurance run to challenge the Tata Indigo eCS in its efficiency and endurance. Tata Motors and the Autocar India team have been associated with KPMG to validate the results of mileage and the endurance drive, by tracking distance on GPS. 13 auto experts from Autocar India drove the Tata Indigo eCS, through challenging terrains and in different climatic conditions, pushing the mean machine to its limits and deservingly earned it a national record in the Limca Book of Records.

Europe Sweden Volvo On Call app gets new design and added features

Europe Germany / Denmark

GLOBAL NEWS

smart and BoConcept champions of “form” and “functionality” Smart, the car brand for urban mobility, and BoConcept, the Danish urban interior design specialist, have pooled their expertise in the disciplines of “form” and “functionality”.

Together the design teams of both brands have created a collection of furniture and accessories and a smart fortwo cabrio. “smart and BoConcept unites one common aim: to make optimal use of the limited space available in the city with attractively designed products – products that allow our customers to both express their personality and organise their lives, and that also enable relaxed communication” explains Dr. Annette Winkler, Head of smart.

Taking a smart BRABUS cabrio (75 kW) as their starting point, the designers from smart and BoConcept developed a vehicle that unites design trends from both product worlds. The exterior has a fresh and elegant appearance. At the same time the interior, which is dominated by natural materials such as leather and felt, has a warm, cozy character.

The typical smart contrasting colour on the smart fortwo BoConcept signature style is a matt oriental brown metallic.

This is found on the tridion cell and the door mirror caps. The soft top is also brown. The colour is a clear reference to the wood colours of the furniture world and looks very elegant on a car. Stripes in smart light lemon that adorn both the door mirror caps and the matt oriental brown metallic BRABUS Monoblock VII alloy wheels provide an eye-catching contrast.

The interior clearly carries the signature of the Danish designers: it is dominated by the tobacco brown leather that covers the seats, the interior door trim, the indicating instruments and the sporty BRABUS three-spoke steering wheel.

The new Volvo On Call application for smartphones is designed to offer car owners easy-to-use relationship with the car from a distance. It enables users to see a wide variety of information about their car and interact remotely.

The Volvo On Call App is available in 16 countries around the world and has quickly become a very popular feature among Volvocustomers. Studies show that users interact with the app on a weekly basis on average.

The new design and added features will make it even more attractive, and roll-out in new countries will continue in 2013.

Features in the new Volvo On Call app include checking whether the car is secure (if not, users can lock the doors remotely), locating the vehicle on a map (useful if you’ve parked in an unfamiliar city), see fuel level, average fuel consumption, mileage and trip meter data, plus basic maintenance details such as bulb faults, windscreen washer fluid, brake fluid, oil and coolant levels.

The Honk and Flash allows the user to activate the horn or flash the lights independently to allow easy location of the car in busy areas.

The updated app already consists of these features, but Volvo Cars always wants to be one step ahead in order to meet customer’s evolving needs. That’s why the Volvo On Call development team have asked people around the world how new features in the app can make their life easier. The crowdsourcing is hosted at the Volvo On Call Idea Hub on Facebook, where people can also vote for their favorite idea.

North America United States Ford and PlugShare team up to help plug-in hybrid vehicles drivers Ford’s MyFord Mobile smartphone app and Web portal now features a charging station finder powered by www.plugshare.com and will be compatible with the new C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid vehicles.

PlugShare® brings a powerful new component to MyFord® Mobile with its live database of charging stations across North America. In addition to aggregating publicly available lists of stations from a variety of sources, PlugShare incorporates crowd-sourced information from users to provide the most comprehensive dataset available.

Owners of the first-ever Ford plug-in hybrid vehicles can now use their smartphones from almost anywhere to monitor and manage the battery charging process, find charging stations, check energy efficiency and earn achievements for efficient driving.

The station finder component of the MyFord Mobile app now blends point-of-interest search with charging station information from PlugShare.com to let drivers take advantage of opportunistic charging wherever their destination might be. Users can search for terms such as “pizza” or “Mexican food” near a location and MyFord Mobile will display the results along with the nearest available charge for each entry. Drivers can select a destination based on proximity to a plug.

Asia India Mahindra nation-wide Mega Service Camp Mahindra in continuation with the previous years organized a free mega service camp, M-Plus, for Scorpio, Bolero, Xylo, Quanto, XUV500, Rexton, Verito/Logan and Thar owners. This grand customer-centric initiative was organized from 18th to 24th February, 2013 at Mahindra dealerships in all state capitals and large cities. The M-Plus service camps provided Mahindra owners with the opportunity to ensure that their vehicles are in top condition. Customers could avail of an exhaustive 75-point check on each vehicle, completely free of cost.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sanjoy Gupta, Vice President – Customer Care, Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said “The M-Plus service camp is our way of thanking our loyal customers who give us an opportunity to understand their requirements and helps us connect with them better. Today, we are delighted to see that Mahindra & Mahindra has a loyal fan-following across all categories starting from UVs, SUVs, MPVs to sedans and initiatives like these re-affirm our commitment to our customers who form the bedrock of this success.”

Africa / Europe South Africa / Italy Fiat Panda completes non-stop 10,000 mile journey The outright world record for driving non-stop from Cape Town to London was smashed on February 11 by two very daring British drivers and one very reliable Fiat Panda. Adventurers Philip Young and Paul Brace set off on the gruelling 10,000-mile trek on 1 February with the intention of raising money for the charity Farm Africa, and drove relentlessly through 13 countries and two continents in the almost standard Panda.

Farm Africa is a charity working with families in rural Africa, helping them to produce food more effectively. For more information about Farm Africa please visit www.farmafrica.org.

Arriving at Marble Arch, London the pair registered a time of 10 days, 13 hours and 28 minutes, breaking the previous record for the distance, in either direction, by more than a day.

To complete the trip in their target of under 11 days, Philip and Paul had to average 1,000 miles a day at 40mph, a task they felt confident of completing in their 0.9-litre TwinAir-engined city car. The popular hatchback was showroom specification apart from a few vital modifications, such as extra fuel tank, two spare wheels, sump guards, stronger springs, and an air intake moved to the top of the engine bay.

Europe France / Germany MINI shows snowboarders how a backflip is done Extreme sportsman, freestyle skier and rally driver Guerlain Chicherit rocked up at the winter sports resort of Tignes in his native France. Chicherit pulled off a backflip, the first such manoeuvre ever performed in a car using a static ramp, the driver and his MINI coming back down to earth – or, more specifically, a bed of fresh powder snow – unscathed after a perfectly executed backflip on a special prepared track.

The backflip had previously been attempted by other drivers. But Chicherit has now become not only the first automotively-propelled artist to execute a perfect landing, he also did it “unassisted” – in other words, without the aid of a special ramp with moving elements to boost the car’s rotational movement. For his take-off, Chicherit used a static ramp that fits the same template as a quarterpipe on a freestyle course.

Asia / Europe Japan / Italy

GLOBAL NEWS

Lexus will stage art exhibition at the Milan design week 2013 Lexus will stage an art exhibition at the 2013 Milan Design Week, entitled ‘‘–amazing flow-” a combination of Lexus design philosophy and the very finest in contemporary art, architecture and design elements from Japan. Lexus intends to demonstrate its vision of the future by surpassing conventional notions of design.

Ground-breaking architect and Lexus Design Award jury member Toyo Ito and up-and-coming designer Akihisa Hirata have been selected to create the 2013 Lexus installation. In 2012, both artists won the “Golden Lion” for the Japan Pavilion at the 13th Venice Biennale International Architecture Exhibition.

They will continue their fruitful collaboration together and create a multi-sensory environment for Lexus in which visitors will experience the ‘flow’ of the city of

the future. They will demonstrate how people, cars, wind, water and other elements interact as a single entity, leading to new ways of living and moving. This space will also show how Lexus continuously aims at creating new perceptions of well-established values.

The exhibition will take place in Milan’s Museo della Permanente art gallery, from April 10 to 14, as part of the world’s largest design exhibition, the Salone del Mobile di Milano.

North America United States Lincoln starts a program of visionary artists and partners Lincoln, the luxury automotive brand, announces the launch of “Hello, Again,” a yearlong, multiplatform program that supports reinterpretations of noteworthy artistic material to create fresh and distinctive bodies of work. In a special live performance in Los Angeles, award-winning singer/songwriter Beck introduced the first project when he re-imagined David Bowie’s classic song “Sound and Vision” for a group of 300 invited guests.

“The ‘Hello, Again’ program is intended to be a metaphor of Lincoln’s personal and surprising differences in

product and client experience” said Matt VanDyke, director Global Lincoln.

The live show concept, developed in partnership with esteemed director Chris Milk and Willo Perron & Associates, and produced by @radical.media, created a 3D spacial audiovisual performance filmed in front of an intimate audience in Los Angeles at 20th Century Fox Studios.

In the next stage of this re-imagining project, the performance will be converted into an online, highfidelity event that elevates the viewers’ visual and audio experience. Audiences will have the opportunity to watch it all come together when it is broadcast at www.Lincoln.com. More Lincoln “Hello, Again” programs will continue to collaborate with various artists and partners to fund a range of projects that nurture originality within the cultural community to bring attention to re-imaginings in design, music, film, architecture and other areas of the arts.

North America / Asia United States / South Korea

Superman-Inspired Kia Optima Hybrid auto show debut Kia teamed up with DC Entertainment and Super Street magazine to create a head-turning Optima Hybrid inspired by Superman’s strength and unwavering care for planet Earth. This Optima Hybrid signals the continuation of a 10-month, eight vehicle partnership between Kia and DC Entertainment based on the iconic characters that make up the Justice League. An eighth and final vehicle will be an amalgamation of all seven Super Heroes in one. Influenced by the artistry of comic book visionary, Jim Lee, the Justice League-inspired Kia vehicles serve as a force for good in the world by raising awareness of DC Entertainment’s “We Can Be Heroes” giving campaign, a relief effort to bring help and hope to people affected by drought and famine in the Horn of Africa (www.WeCanBeHeroes.org).

CORPORATE NEWS

Asia India Hyundai rolls off first Zero-Emission Fuel Cell vehicle A white Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell vehicle rolled off the assembly line at the company’s Ulsan manufacturing complex, as Hyundai became the world’s first automaker to begin assembly-line production of zero-emissions, hydrogen-powered vehicles for fleet use. The ix35 Fuel Cell vehicle, based on Hyundai’s popular ix35, C-segment SUV (Tucson in some markets), exited the assembly line at Hyundai Motor’s Plant No. 5 during a launch event attended by Hyundai top management and VIPs. “With the ix35 Fuel Cell vehicle, Hyundai is

leading the way into the zero-emissions future,” Hyundai Motor Vice Chairman, Eok Jo Kim said at the ceremony today. “The ix35 Fuel Cell is the most eco-friendly vehicle in the auto industry and proves that hydrogen fuel cell technology in daily driving is no longer a dream.”

The ix35 Fuel Cell unveiled at the ceremony will be one of 17 destined for fleet customers in City of Copenhagen, Denmark and Skåne, Sweden, according to an agreement that was announced in September 2012. Hyundai plans to build 1,000 ix35 Fuel Cell vehicles by 2015 for lease to public and private fleets, primarily in Europe, where the European Union has established a hydrogen road map and initiated construction of hydrogen fueling stations.

North America United States

Asia / Europe China / Germany Audi opens Research & Development Center in Beijing

Ford named one of World’s 50 Most innovative Companies Fast Company’s annual Most Innovative Companies issue honors leading businesses along with rising newcomers.

Ford Motor Company is the only full-line automaker named to the 2013 list. Nike ranks No. 1 following the release of two major innovations, FuelBand and Flyknit technology.

Fast Company editors highlighted an array of recent efforts by Ford, including the opening of a Silicon Valley Lab in Palo Alto, California in June 2012 where Ford engineers can collaborate with some of the best and brightest technology minds.

Among the innovative features already available in Ford vehicles, the awardwinning SYNC® connectivity system enables drivers to stay connected with the latest mobile technology using voice commands so that hands can stay on the wheel and eyes on the road. The all-new 2013 Ford Fusion offers one of the industry’s most complete suites of advanced driver assist systems, including adaptive cruise control and the Lane Keeping System all in an affordable midsize family sedan.

Ford researchers are also hard at work on future systems including a driver workload estimator to help drivers manage stressful situations on the road.

Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies issue (March 2013) is on newsstands beginning Feb. 19 and available online at www.fastcompany.com/MIC as well as in app form via iTunes.

With the opening of the new Audi R&D Center Asia in Beijing, Audi is further strengthening its innovation capability in Asia and deepening the cooperation with its partner FAW-Volkswagen in China. The research and development teams will be active in product customization for Asian customers, including electronics and connectivity solutions. The engineers will also develop advanced technologies such as components for new-energy vehicles and efficient powertrains. The center is part of Audi’s global R&D and will closely cooperate with the development departments of FAWVolkswagen.

“The new Audi R&D Center Asia is an important milestone in the internationalization of our innovation capacities” stated Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi AG, at the opening event in Beijing today.

The R&D Center Asia is located inside the new Audi China Building which opened at 751 D-Park in Beijing’s creative district. The expansion of Audi in China is not limited to R&D and includes sourcing initiatives and motorsport programs.

In 2012, Audi China, the FAW-Volkswagen Audi Sales Division and its dealerships cooperated to establish the first ever brand cup of Audi worldwide: The Audi R8 LMS Cup finished its first season with 12 races in China and will expand to other Asian locations in 2013.

Asia Kazakhstan / Japan Toyota Fortuner SUV production begins in Kazakhstan Toyota Motor Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the government of the Republic of Kazakhstan to begin local knockdown production of the “Fortuner” SUV. Production of the vehicle will begin in the spring of 2014 at a facility of Saryarka AvtoProm LLP (SAP) in Kostanay, Kazakhstan at a planned pace of approximately 3,000 units per year.

The MoU was signed at a ceremony by Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and New Technologies Asset Issekeshev, and Toyota Senior

Managing Officer Didier Leroy, also President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe, Toyota’s holding subsidiary in Europe.

At the ceremony, Issekeshev said: “This project is a strategically important step towards the development of the automotive industry in Kazakhstan. I believe it will lead the way for the engineering industry in Kazakhstan.”

Toyota already established Toyota Motor Kazakhstan LLP as a sales and marketing company in May 2008 to import and sell Toyota- and Lexus-brand vehicles in Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan was chosen as a location for knockdown production in consideration of its market potential.

Asia Myanmar / Japan

CORPORATE NEWS

Myanmar government approves new Suzuki subsidiary The Government of the Republic of the Union of Burma has approved the creation of a new subsidiary 100% owned by Suzuki Motor Corporation, which aims to boost car production in the Southeastern Asian state, where in 2010 the Japanese brand ended all activities.

The government agreements will allow the Suzuki branch to start production of compact van Suzuki Carry, utilizing the existing facility in Yangon, which until 2010 was used for production by the joint venture

between Suzuki and Myanmar Automobile & diesel Engine Industries. The plant is already structured to support a possible increase of the production and sales.

North America / Asia United States / Japan Toyota and Wyland Foundation launch National Water Conservation Challenge Toyota is continuing its partnership with Wyland Foundation to promote resource conservation and the importance of sustainability leading up to and throughout Earth Month in April.

Founded by renowned marine artist Wyland, the Wyland Foundation brings attention to the importance of healthy oceans and waterways, aligning with Toyota’s commitment to global sustainability and environmental stewardship. The Wyland Foundation, in association with Toyota, will hold The National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation throughout April and ask U.S. residents to sign an online pledge at www. mywaterpledge.com to conserve water and resources.

Cities with the highest percentage of residents who make the commitment are entered to win hundreds of environmentally friendly prizes, including a Toyota

Prius c, water-saving fixtures and gift certificates. The challenge is also supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National League of Cities, CH2M Hill’s WaterMatch, Rain Bird Corporation, Lowe’s Home Improvement stores and the U.S. Forest Service.

New to the challenge this year is the Wyland Clean Water Mobile Learning Experience, a 1,000-square foot interactive exhibit which demonstrates the ways water shapes human lives. The traveling exhibit features interactive models – from an onboard running river to a 40-person theater with computer-controlled special effects – to explore the nation’s complex relationship with its water resources. Kicking off at the beginning of March, the tour will travel across the U.S., visiting schools and community events.

Asia India Tata Motors’ Jamshedpur plant rolls out its two millionth truck Tata Motors’ Jamshedpur plant marked the roll-out of the 2 millionth truck. The plant manufactures Tata Motors’ entire range of medium and heavy commercial vehicles, including the Tata Prima, both for civilian and defence applications.

With the plant manufacturing over 200 truck variants, ranging from multi-axle trucks, tractor-trailers, tippers, mixers and special application vehicles, the Jamshedpur facility has led the company’s evolution into a manufacturer of global repute. Besides India, these vehicles are sold in South Africa, Russia, Myanmar, the SAARC region and the Middle East.

The Jamshedpur facility was Tata Motors’ first, set up in 1945, to manufacture steam locomotives. It led the company’s foray into commercial vehicles in 1954.

It has been modernized through the decades, with a particularly intense scale in the last 10 years.

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