CARS GLOBALMAG February 2017

CARSGM O GLOBALMAG

digital monthly magazine

50

feb 17

NISSAN Vmotion 2.0 Skoda Kodiaq A. Martin Vanquish Zagato Volante The Race of Champions!

CARSGM O 50

digital monthly magazine

feb 17

CONTENTS 1 MONTH 5 PICS F R O N T PA G E

5 14

• Bespoke

MISSES OF THE MONTH

26

• Nissan: the evolution of a sedan • The Aston Martin sculpture

RACING SIDE

52

• ROC: Champion of Champions! - VIDEO

FOCUS

• Skoda Kodiaq: more than expected

CLASSIC

64

80

• 50 years of 49

GLOBAL NEWS • Gripping acceleration - VIDEO

88

the FREE Italian Magazine #cheauto quando l’auto fa spettacolo

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1 MONTH 5 P I CS

On November 26/27 2016, Instagrammers/photographers from across Europe gathered in Madrid for a unique collaboration. The task at hand: to capture the new Toyota CHR in an urban setting. This resulted in sveral beautiful pictures, and among them we have chosen this one ...

Photo Jon Verhoeft

1 MONTH 5 P I CS Sebastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia with their Ford Fiesta WRC 2017 en route to Monte Carlo Rally victory. For the French duo this is the fourth win at Monte Carlo as they come from three triumphs with the VW Polo

1 MONTH 5 P I CS

StÊphane Peterhansel, Jean Paul Cottret and their Peugeot 3008 DKR did the perfect job at the 2017 Dakar. As consequence Peterhansel has now 19 victories in his palmares (six time in the motorbike category and seven times with a car) Photo Florent Gooden - DPPIŠ

1 MONTH 5 P I CS

Every year an eccentric squad of “off road” fans and drivers comes to Glamis (California Desert) to offer an astonishing show during what is called the “Doonies”

1 MONTH 5 P I CS

Another super-spectacular image of the 2017 Dakar, organized in South America just a few weeks ago. This is the Toyota Hilux of the South African driver Giniel de Villiers and co-driver Dirk Von Zitzewitz (Germany) Photo Eric Vargiolu DPPI Š

FR ON T PA G E

PRACTICALLY EVERY CAR THAT LEAVES THE HOME OF ROLLS-ROYCE IN GOODWOOD (UK) IS BESPOKE

BESPOKE FROM THE INCEPTION OF THE MARQUE 113 YEARS AGO, ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS HAS STOOD ALONE IN SERVING THE WORLD’S WEALTHY AND INFLUENTIAL AN EXQUISITE BLANK CANVAS FROM WHICH TO EXPRESS THEIR TASTES, LIFESTYLES AND PASSIONS. WHERE ONCE THIS FELL TO INDEPENDENT COACHBUILDERS, THE EXECUTION OF THE MOST DEEPLY HELD DESIRES OF THE MOST DISCERNING PATRONS OF LUXURY IN THE WORLD IS NOW PERFORMED BY THE MARQUE’S BESPOKE DEPARTMENT, A COLLECTIVE OF EXTRAORDINARY DESIGNERS, ENGINEERS AND CRAFTSPEOPLE AT THE MARQUE’S CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN GOODWOOD. WHAT FOLLOWS IS A SMALL SNAPSHOT OF SOME OF 2016’S FINEST EXAMPLES OF BESPOKE DESIGN AND CRAFTSMANSHIP

BESPOKE

PHANTOM ZENITH COLLECTION

This

approach is driven by Rolls-Royce’s founding belief that true luxury houses must intimately understand their patrons to execute their boldest visions at the hands of master craftspeople. True luxury is therefore deeply personal and commissioning a Rolls-Royce a process more akin to the creation of a work of art.

PHANTOM ZENITH COLLECTION Naturally, in its final year of production connoisseurs and collectors were moved to commission stunning examples of the seventh generation Phantom – these promise to take pride of place in some of the most significant collections in the world.

As Phantom Coupé and Phantom Drophead Coupé prepared to leave the stage in 2016, the marque’s patrons were invited to commission just 25 final examples of each body-style.

In hallmark Rolls-Royce style, every possible comfort was considered. For example, enhancements to the rear-split tailgate included a meticulously engineered and crafted glass-shelf from which to serve champagne, whilst the luggage compartment proved the

perfect staging point for a civilised rest-stop when touring. Flourishes like the addition of champagne fridge, large enough to hold two bottles and eight Rolls-Royce glasses served to demonstrate Rolls-Royce’s unique understanding of its patrons.

EXTRAORDINARY DETAIL AND APPLICATION – THE PEACE AND GLORY PHANTOM One of the final Bespoke commissions of the seventh generation Phantom Extended Wheelbase was crafted for an entrepreneur in the Far East, showcasing the ingenuity and application of the marque’s craftspeople through the art of embroidery. In this instance, they exquisitely replicate the pattern of tiger fur in the rear centre console.

Beyond that, this stunning example features a wealth of unique interior fittings, echoed with a subtle gold coachline and motifs on the Madeira Red exterior. The cabin of this Phantom is furnished in a two-tone design of Moccasin and Fawn Brown leather, and is embellished with multiple personalised motifs stitched into the hide and laid into the veneer, all by hand.

BESPOKE

THE INVENTION OF COLOUR: MR FUX’S PEBBLE BEACH DAWN

THE ‘BLUE MAGPIE’ PHANTOM DROPHEAD COUPÉ Cultural emblems and stories so often inform the vision of the marque’s patrons, as beautifully displayed in this commission by a gentleman in Taiwan. This elegant Phantom Drophead Coupé was one of the very last built and incorporates a number of Bespoke features of regional significance. The exterior is finished in Silverlake with an Andalusian White bonnet and an engraved Spirit of Ecstasy in gold.

Hints of gold are also incorporated in the Bespoke twin coachlines and the pinstripes circling the wheel centres. The headrests are embroidered with an illustration of the blue magpie, a bird which can only be found in the owner’s homeland of Taiwan, while Mother of Pearl inlays sit within the veneers, instrument dials, clock and control knobs. Attention to detail even extends to the floor of the car’s luggage compartment, which is is uniquely finished in teak with white maple inserts.

THE INVENTION OF COLOUR – MR FUX’S PEBBLE BEACH DAWN US collector Michael Fux, a connoisseur collector, delights in challenging Rolls-Royce’s desi-

BESPOKE

“DUSK UNTIL DAWN” AT PORTO CERVO

gners and craftspeople to develop truly unique materials, hues and features. The results serve as some of the boldest and most emblematic examples of Bespoke design ever executed.

When Mr Fux came to commission his first Dawn for handover at Pebble Beach, he came to develop his very own colour, dubbed ‘Fux Blue’, which will remain reserved for his exclusive use. The stunning exterior shade is complemented by a blue hood in the same tone, in contrast to the Arctic White rear deck and fittings to the interior. In order to ensure perfect sartorial harmony, the marque’s designers clothed the entire interior including steering wheel, instrument panel cowling and interior veneers in Artic White, creating a truly unique and contemporary aesthetic.

‘DUSK UNTIL DAWN’ AT PORTO CERVO To mark the beginning of the 2016 summer season with the opening of the Rolls-Royce Summer Studio in Porto Cervo the Bespoke team created unique examples of both Wraith and Dawn. The dusk-inspired Wraith is finished in subtle two-tone Premiere and Jubilee Silver paintwork. When the doors are ope-

“Rolls-Royce patrons live in a world beyond material acquisition, indeed they seek to commission, curate and collect. This is why they come to houses like Rolls-Royce to commission deeply personal luxury items, knowing this will be executed at the hands of the world’s most skilled artisans.

In commissioning these extraordinary objects in close collaboration with our designers they create a timeless legacy, often profoundly inspired by the most important moments in their lives,” said Torsten MüllerÖtvös, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

“Rolls-Royce will never stray from this path, ensuring the precious relationship between patron, house and artisan is never derogated by proliferation.

BESPOKE

A NAUTICAL DAWN FOR PEBBLE BEACH

ned an exquisitely vibrant interior is revealed.

A combination of Tailored Purple, Purple Silk and Powder Blue leather draws on visual highlights in the sky above Sardinia. The exotic fringes of Porto Cervo’s nightlife are reflected in the use of luxurious and supple Ostrich leather on the centre consoles and door panniers.

Porto Cervo’s location on the Costa Smeralda provided natural colour cues and visual inspiration for the accompanying Dawn. The exterior is painted in lustrous Emerald Green, with matching interior accents complementing the Seashell leather SOUNDING THE PERFECT NOTE – ROLLS-ROYCE INSPIRED

BY THE GREATS Again, it is deeply held passions that serve as the inspiration for a stunning collection of motor cars. Commissioned by a Rolls-Royce dealer in the Middle East, this collection celebrates the work of the great classical composers.

This Ghost features a monochromatic exterior design, embellished with a striking coachline that incorporates the clef-like motif. The motif is echoed throughout the cabin, adorned on the clock, laid into the wood and stitched into the

BESPOKE

THE “BLUE MAGPIE” PHANTOM DROPHEAD COUPÉ

headrests. A particularly elegant Bespoke feature is the Barrel Oak veneer dashboard panel, with a ‘folded back’ design that reveals Dark Ebony woodwork beneath, inscribed using the art of marquetry with the exact musical notation from the patrons favourite piece.

A NAUTICAL DAWN FOR PEBBLE BEACH For many of the marque’s patrons, a Bespoke Rolls-Royce serves to celebrate a long-held passion. Taking inspiration from the designs of high-performance yachts, a nautical-themed Dawn was commissioned by a Floridian and delivered to her at the 2016 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Finished in a two-tone combination of Arctic White with a Midnight Sapphire windscreen surround and bonnet, the sleek convertible mimics the high-contrast appearance of a superyacht, complemented by a teak rear deck and ‘Canadel’ teak interior panels. The Bespoke cabin clock is inspired by its patron’s favourite watch. As well as referencing the Pebble Beach handover, the treadplate completes the nautical theme, showing the four international maritime signal flags that spell out ‘Dawn’.

EXTRAORDINARY DETAIL AND APPLICATION: THE PEACE AND GLORY PHANTOM

Two exceptional motor cars will join the collection at the most anticipated hotel, The 13.

Reserved for the hotel’s most important guests, the two highly Bespoke gold infused creations will become the flagships of the 30 strong collection of Rolls-Royce Phantoms, commissioned by luxury entrepreneur Stephen Hung, Joint Chairman of The 13 HOLDINGS LIMITED, to reflect his bold vision, as expressed in the design scheme of his refined and remarkable hotel

CGM

M IS S O F T HE MO NTH Nissan Vmotion 2.0 is a new concept for tomorrow’s busy professionals

THE EVOLUTION OF THE SIGNATURE

Created to showcase Nissan’s new sedan design direction – futuristic, dynamic, and more cabin-focused this car shows the evolution of the signature “V-motion” front design seen on many of today’s Nissan products

T H E E V O L U T I O N O F T H E S I G N AT U R E

Nissan

recently revealed in Detroit the Vmotion 2.0, a new concept vehicle that signals the company’s future sedan design direction and Intelligent Mobility technology.

It combines a high sense of style, emotional design, roominess, comfort and technology to make the mobility experience seamless for busy professionals constantly on the go.

Nissan Vmotion 2.0 is the evolution of the “V-motion” front design signature seen on many of today’s Nissan products, such as the Murano mid-size crossover and Maxima 4-door sports car.

Vmotion 2.0 takes the design a step further by forming an intelligent threedimensional shape to create the volume and architecture of the vehicle. In this concept, the V-motion grille becomes the main fuselage, allowing for extremely sharp yet expressive surface language, accented by crisp character lines that resonate throughout the body.

Providing hints at the future of “Nissan Intelligent Mobility” – Nissan’s roadmap to achieve zero emissions and zero fatalities – the lighting around the front Nissan emblem glows to indicate when the vehicle is in ProPILOT mode, which is envisioned to provide autonomous driving support technology on urban roads and at intersections. Wrap-around rear glass and the floating C-pillar also provide an impression of intelligent and efficient aerodynamics.

T H E E V O L U T I O N O F T H E S I G N AT U R E

The car’s silhouette is characterized by a “floating roof,” with a line flowing seamlessly from the steeply-raked A-pillars to the trunk lip. A unique carbon finisher with thin silver threads accents the roof line. An extended wheelbase shows off the car’s generous cabin, while the distinctive body surface is defined by Nissan’s “Emotional Geometry” design language.

The rear of the vehicle exudes class and strength. The signature boomerang-style taillights emphasize the width of the vehicle. Similar to the grille, the rear diffuser glows when the car operates in ProPILOT mode.

The dynamic high-tension body is crafted in a warm silver paint with copper undertones.

With a layered effect for the paint finish, a glimpse of the body at different angles reveals a subtle but different hue.

“Copper is an emerging color trend in many industries, including fashion, product design and interior design. We wanted to introduce shades and hints of copper while mixing it with other metals such as satin silver and chrome,” said Shiro Nakamura, senior vice president and chief creative officer.

The front and rear doors swing outward, creating a large pillar-less open space that invites stepping into Nissan Vmotion 2.0’s spacious cabin. The dashboard continues the “Gliding Wing” design theme, which integrates the instrument panel and infotainment system for

T H E E V O L U T I O N O F T H E S I G N AT U R E

both the driver and passenger. The single continuous horizontal display integrates the ProPILOT graphic user interface (GUI). For rearseat passengers, the center console features a smaller screen, which can serve as an extension of the main display.

Seats are comfortable and supportive, upholstered in supple leather with a unique threadless quilting on the inserts that gives the look of an exquisite handbag.

The steering wheel is designed to allow the driver and passenger to clearly see all the display infotainment without any interruption, enhancing a seamless GUI experience. Thanks to its unique design, the cabin provides the driver and passenger supreme comfort when the car is in ProPILOT mode. The center console’s simple layout includes a multi-functional touchpad to operate the infotainment system. The surface materials throughout the interior convey luxury and sophistication, including natural Zebra Wood applied on the floor and on the inner doors.

The innovative Bose UltraNearfield™ Speakers including new sound management technology is available for Vmotion2.0. This technology increases situational awareness for drivers. It can control the direction and distance of sound to generate a 360-degree sound field around a driver, delivering different sounds clearly and simultaneously.

T H E E V O L U T I O N O F T H E S I G N AT U R E

The Vmotion 2.0 is the winner of the 2017 EyesOn Design Award for Best Concept Vehicle. The concept vehicle also received the award for Best Innovative Use of Color, Graphics and Materials.

The announcement was made at the 2017 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) EyesOn Design Awards ceremony, just a day after the vehicle’s global debut.

One of the premier awards in transportation design, the EyesOn Design Awards – selected by a panel of design leaders from around the globe – honor the best production and concept vehicles making their worldwide auto show debut in Detroit

T H E E V O L U T I O N O F T H E S I G N AT U R E

T H E E V O L U T I O N O F T H E S I G N AT U R E

BASE DIMENSIONS Overall length 4860 mm (191.3 in) Overall width (without door mirrors) 1890mm (74.4 in) Overall height 1380mm (54.3 in) Wheelbase 2850mm (112.2 in)

CGM

M IS S O F T HE MO NTH

VANQUISH ZAGATO VOLANTE The Zagato Atelier and Aston Martin announced a few months ago a striking partnership for this very special car; the Vanquish Zagato Volante. This new model, as all the previous ones conceived by the two companies, is to be credited as a modern Zagato collectible

A TRUE SCULPTURE

A TRUE SCULPTURE

Driven

by overwhelming customer interest for the previously revealed Coupe, the Vanquish Zagato Volante will be strictly built to a limited production run of 99 cars at Aston Martin’s headquarters in Gaydon, England. This clearly reflects the philosophy relative to the production figures of the Zagato Atelier: from 9 to 99 units for all its creations. Furthermore, 9 is a recurrent number in the history of Zagato: the com-

pany was founded in Milan by Ugo Zagato on the19th of April 1919. In addition, the 1960 Aston Martin DB4 GTZ was limited to 19 units.

Vanquish Zagato Volante is the latest creation from a collaboration that reaches back over nearly six decades, beginning with the beautifully muscular DB4 GT Zagato race car of 1960 and includes the DB7 Vantage Zagato of 2002, 2011’s V12 Vantage Zagato

and the most recent Vanquish Zagato CoupĂŠ announced earlier this year.

Previous Aston Martin Zagato convertibles have included the striking V8 Vantage Volante, first shown in Geneva in 1987 and the DB AR1 in 2003. Developed as an open-topped Zagato-bodied DB7 and also limited to 99 units, DB AR1 was similarly designed for the North American market and is considered today an established collectible by automotive connoisseurs worldwide.

A TRUE SCULPTURE

The Vanquish Zagato Volante will be a powerful addition to the Aston Martin and Zagato lineage, embodying Aston Martin’s inherent refinement and capabilities, as well as Zagato’s characteristic design details. Both cars share an enhanced version of Aston Martin’s iconic V12 powertrain, increasing its output to 592bhp with a projected 0-60mph time of 3.7 seconds.

The Vanquish Zagato Volante shares its proportions with the Coupe, a quintessential Aston Martin form with a classic Zagato twist, evoked by round tail light reflectors that use the same ‘bladed’ LED technology as the Aston Martin Vulcan supercar. The twin cowls on the rear deck blend into the leading edge of the luggage compartment, concealing a bespoke folding hood derived from the mechanism used in the Vanquish Volante. Carbon fibre sills around the lower body create a pronounced horizontal emphasis that runs from front to rear.

“Just like the Coupe, we have emphasised the way surfaces change and intersect to create a muscular form. We’ve endeavoured to create an elegant, flowing shape that really works to emphasise the car’s sculpted rear haunches,” says Aston Martin’s EVP and Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman.

A TRUE SCULPTURE

Inside, the Vanquish Zagato Volante continues the fine tradition of Aston Martin craftsmanship. Aston Martin’s specialist ‘Q’ division can add further personalisation and enhancement to a cabin finished with rich and highly luxurious materials, including herringbone carbon-fibre, anodized bronze detailing and the finest Bridge of Weir leather. The Volante features the unique signature ‘Z’ quilt pattern stitch on both seat and door sections, as well as the celebrated trademark Zagato ‘Z’ embossed on the headrests and stitched into the centre console.

“The Vanquish Zagato Volante illustrates the ways in which Aston Martin design can evolve in collaboration with such a trusted and long-standing partner,” says Reichman. “Vanquish Zagato Volante continues Aston Martin’s new century of innovation and creativity, strengthening the association between these great automotive marques in the process.”

Customer deliveries are set to begin in 2017.

A TRUE SCULPTURE

Aston Martin has turned up the heat on it’s ultimate Super GT to create the new Vanquish S. Sharper styling, greater potency and increased athleticism define this latest evolution of an illustrious model line. In this, the second generation Vanquish’s evolution to S specification, careful attention has been paid to the engine, chassis and aerodynamics to create a machine honed to deliver more intense thrills and even more scintillating performance. Central to this is the naturally-aspirated 6.0 litre V12 engine, which now produces up to 600PS (up from 573PS) and enjoys sensational throttle response, thanks to a revised, freer-breathing intake system. These larger volume inlet manifolds allow a greater volume of air to flow into the engine at high revs, creating a relentless power delivery and a stronger feel all the way to the redline

A TRUE SCULPTURE

CGM

THE R A CI N G S I DE THE TWO FINALISTS TOM KRISTENSEN AND JUAN PABLO MONTOYA

THE RACE OF CHAMPIONS CELEBRATED ITS FIRST APPEARANCE ON AMERICAN SOIL IN JANUARY, MARKING ALSO THE FIRST TIME THAT THE HEAD-TO-HEAD TRACK WAS LAID OUT INSIDE A BASEBALL STADIUM. MIAMI’S MARLINS PARK SET THE STAGE FOR THE BEST DRIVERS IN THE WORLD TO COMPETE AGAINST EACH OTHER IN THIS ANNUAL UNIQUE EVENT …

AND THEY MADE THE BEST OF IT!

CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS!

by Niccolò Gargiulo

CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS!

FELIPE MASSA VS. GABBY CHAVES IN THE POLARIS SLINGSHOT

JENSON BUTTON VS. TONY KANAAN IN THE ROC CAR

A

real parterre de rois was ready to roll in the party city with drivers from Indycar (Juan Pablo Montoya, Helio Castroneves, Tony Kanaan, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Gabby Chaves, James Hinchcliffe and Alexander Rossi), NASCAR (Kurt and Kyle Busch), former and present Formula 1 drivers (Jenson Button, David Coulthard, Scott Speed, Sebastian Vettel, Felipe Massa and Pascal Wehrlein) and many others the likes of ‘Mr. Le Mans’ Tom Kristensen, rally legend Petter Solberg and multisport athlete Travis Pastrana.

Each and every one of them was eager to challenge the others, stressing the fact that this was their only chance of the year to really go against the best of the best on a leveled playing field, as Ryan Hunter-Reay put it: “You want to win, you’re up against the best in the world and it’s a chance to race against guys you may never race against again. You race a wide range of different cars so it’s a unique situation where everyone is out of their comfort zone and it’s fun to see everyone like that.”

Eight cars were brought to Miami, with completely different styles and powers, from the ROC buggy to the RX Lite rallycross car, to the Radical SR3 RSX to the Whelen Euro Nascar car.

CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS!

FELIPE MASSA DRIVING THE RADICAL SR3 RSX

On Saturday January 21, Colombia’s 2015 Indianapolis 500 winner Juan Pablo Montoya put in a stunning performance to earn the title of ‘Champion of Champions’, and it was all more impressive to think that he won in his first ever Race of Champions. The best-of-three Grand Final boiled down to a battle between two of the biggest stars of world motor sport. But in the end Montoya saw off ‘Mr Le Mans’ Tom Kristensen in two straight heats to bring home the trophy in front of the Miami fans. Kristensen was making a record-equalling 15th consecutive Race Of Champions appearance, matching the mark set by rally legend Stig Blomqvist. The Dane, a nine-time winner of the Le Mans 24 hours, has now reached the Grand Final no less than five times but he has never won the big prize. Montoya said: “It’s not our job, it’s a fun event. But when you go to the grid you want to warm the tyres and the brakes. You think about how to drop the clutch, what to do in the first corner. It’s unbelievable how focused you are.”

Kristensen added: “I’m proud to have made it to the final and I enjoy it immensely to be here. I’ve been retired for two years but coming here of course you don’t forget what you live for. We are racing drivers and to be invited to the Race Of Champions brings the best out of us.”

CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS!

FORMER FORMULA 1 DRIVER DAVID COULTHARD ATTACKS A LEFT HAND CORNER IN THE VUHL 05

PASCAL WEHRLEIN AT THE WHEEL OF THE KTM X-BOW

SEBASTIAN VETTEL, WINNER FOR TEAM GERMANY IN THE ROC NATIONS CUP

Team Germany celebrated a record seventh win in the ROC Nations Cup after Sebastian Vettel took the victory in Sunday’s event at Marlins Park.

Different from the Race of Champions held on Saturday, the ROC Nations Cup saw the drivers teamed up in pairs to battle for national and regional pride. Vettel represented Team Germany by himself due to Pascal Wehrlein’s withdrawal following his accident on Saturday.

In the end Vettel went through the entire day’s action unbeaten, but he had to see off the might of Team USA NASCAR’s team of Kyle and Kurt Busch in the final.

THE PODIUM OF THE ROC NATIONS CUP WITH WINNER SEBASTIAN VETTEL BETWEEN KYLE AND KURT BUSCH

CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS!

KURT BUSCH ATTACKING THE CURBS IN THE ROC CAR

CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS!

JUAN PABLO MONTOYA DRIVING THE POLARIS SLINGSHOT

The whole building process from baseball field to fully-fledged race track began just a week before the race and it was completed in a total of 120 hours of work. The build required 3000 tons of asphalt and 1000 tons of gravel, with 170 truckloads brought to Marlins Park in just 48 hours. 875 aluminum panels have also been used to protect the substructure, irrigation and drainage. Yet after Sunday’s final race everything was dismantled in just two days.

KYLE BUSCH DURING ONE OF THE RACES WITH THE POLARIS SLINGSHOT

CGM

FOC U S Skoda Kodiaq

More than

expected

With a length of 4.70 m, up to seven seats and the largest boot within its class, the Škoda Kodiaq isthe Czech car manufacturer’s first large SUV. Škoda’s latest model presents itself with all of the brand’s strengths: a design that is full of character, good interior space, practical intelligence and innovative technology. The Škoda Kodiaq marks the beginning of Škoda’s extensive SUV campaign

MORE THAN EXPECTED

The

Škoda Kodiaq is an all-rounder: the SUV is suitable for business, as well as family and leisure use and drives off-road with ease. The brand transfers its new design language into the SUV segment with a design that reflects the car’s versatile character: this new car features a bold interplay of elegant lines, sporty contours and robustness, which make it easily recognisable.

In the side view, the long wheelbase and short overhangs point to the large interior.

The wheel arches are slightly angular – a key element of Škoda’s design language.

LEDs are used as standard in the tail lights; the rear lights also feature the C-shaped design that is typical of Škoda. A choice of 14 paint finishes is available and the appearance of the components varies according to the three trim levels, Active, Ambition and Style, which are offered as optional extras.

With its dimensions, the a Kodiaq is at the upper end of the compact car segment. It is 4,697 mm long, 1,882 mm wide and 1,676 mm tall (including roof rails); its wheelbase measures 2,791 mm. The Kodiaq is based on Volkswagen Group’s modular transverse matrix in which strict lightweight construction plays an important role. For the body, a combination of hot-stamped metal sheets forms the ultra-strong backbone. With the entry-level TSI engine and front-wheel drive, the large SUV weighs just 1,427 kg when empty or 1,535 kg with the 1.4 TSI engine and all-wheel drive.

Thanks to its highly aerodynamic finesse, the large SUV achieves a cx value of just 0.33.

MORE THAN EXPECTED

The Kodiaq takes to the roads with a wide range of driver assistance systems. The Area View system is a first for the brand: the surround-view cameras, which are located in the front and rear sections as well as in the wing mirrors, come with wide-angle lenses and allow views of the area immediately surrounding the car to be displayed on the monitor. These include a virtual, top-down view and 180-degree images of the areas to the front and rear. Front Assist including City Emergency Brake comes as standard and, using radar, can detect dangerous situations involving pedestrians or other vehicles in front of the car. Lane Assist, Blind Spot Detect and Rear Traffic Alert help the driver to stay in lane, make changing lanes safer using the rear radar and help when manoeuvring in reverse. Driver Alert detects signs of fatigue in the driver and prompts the driver to take a break. If you have an accident, the Multi-Collision Brake, which comes as standard, prevents any further uncontrolled movement of the Kodiaq

MORE THAN EXPECTED

INTERIOR The Kodiaq is just 38 mm longer thanthe Octavia, but offers a larger-than-average interior for the SUV segment. The large SUV’s interior length is 1,793 mm; elbow room is 1,527 mm in the front and 1,510 mm in the rear. Head room is 1,020 mm in the front and 1,014 mm in the rear. Rear legroom measures up to 104 mm.

The crisp exterior design carries on into the interior: the double lines – with their three-dimensional appearance – also feature on the instrument panel. The interior is characterised by bold vertical elements, such as the four large air vents. The large display splits the instrument panel into two equal sections for the driver and passenger.

The large circular instruments have a precise and clear design. The steering wheel is available in a choice of different versions – one of which is heated. The optional three-zone Climatronic, which has its own control panel for the rear seats, is another feature which is often only found in higher vehicle classes.

Numerous comfort features are available for the front seats. As an option, they can be heated, ventilated and adjusted electronically and the latter optional extra also includes a memory function. As an alternative to the standard fabric covers, a fabric/leather combination and leather or Alcantara® covers are offered.

The music and infotainment systems in the Kodiaq represent the latest technology. They work quickly, offer state-of-the-art functions and interfaces, and feature capacitive touch

displays in a glass design – they react to the touch of a finger and not just to pressure. The basic functions are easy to operate using physical buttons and control dials. The Swing infotainment system with its 6.5-inch screen comes as standard.

With a volume of 720 to 2,065 l (with the rear seats folded down), this car offers the largest boot within its class. If the optional folding passenger seat is chosen, the SUV can transport items up to 2.80 m long.

ENGINES Five powertrains, two TDI and three TSI engines, make up the engine range at the launch of the Škoda Kodiaq. They have capacities of 1.4 and 2.0 l, and power output ranges from 92 kW (125 PS) to 140 kW (190 PS). The diesel and petrol engines feature turbocharged direct injection and fulfil EU6 emission standards. All engines also feature a Stop-Start system, brake energy recovery and a powerful thermo-management system, contributing to low consumption despite the mighty power delivery.

The 2.0 TDI is available in two versions. The first version generates 110 kW (150 PS) and 340 Nm. The top-of-the-range version delivers 140 kW (190 PS) and puts 400 Nm on the crankshaft. On average, when fitted with a frontwheel-drive manual gearbox, the entrylevel TDI consumes 4.9 l of diesel (129 g CO2/km) per 100 km. The most powerful diesel engine accelerates the large SUV from 0-100 km/h in 8.9 s and reaches a top speed of up to 210 km/h.

MORE THAN EXPECTED

ŠKODA Connect is comprised of two categories: the Infotainment Online services provide more information and real-time navigation details; Care Connect provides remote access as well as assistance. Infotainment Online includes Online Traffic Information, which shows traffic flow on the chosen route in real time. The Google Earth™ services displays a street view of the destination.

Infotainment Online services are provided free of charge for the first year after purchasing a new car fitted with a navigation system and are available at an extra cost thereafter. The Emergency Call after an accident is the most important feature of the Care Connect services: the Emergency Call is sent directly to an emergency call centre when a restraint system is deployed. This comes as standard for the Ambition and Style trim levels and is integrated into the Care Connect services

MORE THAN EXPECTED

The range of petrol engines consists of two 1.4 TSI engines and one 2.0 TSI. The entrylevel version of the compact four-cylinder generates 92 kW (125 PS) and 200 Nm of torque. Its NEDC consumption is 6.0 l per 100 km, which corresponds to 137 g CO2/km.

In the more powerful version, the 1.4-litre exerts 110 kW (150 PS) and 250 Nm of torque; its ACT system – Active Cylinder Technology – shuts down the second and third cylinders when the load and engine speed are low. The top-of-the-range 2.0 TSI petrol engine features a new combustion process for high efficiency. Power output is 132 kW (180 PS), torque is 320 Nm. TRANSMISSION The Kodiaq is available with various different transmissions. Depending on the engine, there is a 6-speed manual gearbox or DSG transmissions with six or seven speeds.

The new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is a variant that has been designed for powerful engines with torque of up to 600 Nm. The DSG transmission is a very compact construction and enables quick and comfortable gear changing.

The driver can operate the 7-speed DSG in the automatic D and S mode, or control it manually using the gear lever or the steering wheel paddles. When Eco mode is selected in the optional Driving Mode Select, the car is taken out of gear: as soon as the driver takes their foot off the accelerator at a speed above 20 km/h, drive is disengaged and the car is coasting.

The all-wheel-drive system with electronic control is available for most engine variants.

It delivers a big increase in traction, stability and driving safety – even off-road. The centrepiece of the all-wheel drive is an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch.

The all-wheel-drive system works intelligently and quickly. The control unit constantly calculates the ideal driving torque for the rear axle; loss of traction is virtually eliminated due to a control system that is dependent on driving status. When in overrun or at low load, drive is provided via the front axle, which saves fuel.

CHASSIS The chassis of the Škoda Kodiaq is also the result of concentrated expertise. The components of the MacPherson front struts consist partially of aluminium; the steel four-link rear axle absorbs the longitudinal and transverse forces separately. The power steering, using an efficient electro-mechanical drive, ensures exact contact with the road and works in close harmony with several assistance systems. In the Active and Ambition trim levels, the car comes equipped with 17-inch wheels as standard; 18-inch wheels are standard in the Style trim level.

The range of optional extras extends to burnished 19-inch wheels. The brakes – with large ventilated brake discs at the front – are strong and stable. When cornering quickly, the electronic differential lock XDS+, which is a function of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC), makes handling even smoother and safer for both front- and all-wheel drive.

MORE THAN EXPECTED

As an optional extra, Ĺ KODA is making Driving Mode Select available in its large SUV. It allows the driver to adjust the operation of the engine and DSG management, power steering, air conditioning and other systems in Normal, Eco, Sport and Individual modes.

The all-wheel-drive versions offer Snow mode on top of this, which is designed for driving on roads and does not have a speed limit. Snow mode adapts the operation of the ABS, ASR and ACC (if fitted) systems, as well as the engine management to slippery and snow-covered roads. Adaptive Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) is also available as an option, and is integrated into Driving Mode Select. Here, electric valves control the work of the shock absorbers depending on the situation.

Combined with Driving Mode Select, the system adapts to the driving style of the driver and manoeuvres the driver safely on the road

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CL A S S I C 2017 celebrates the 50th anniverasy of Colin Chapman’s successful creature

50 YEARS of forty-nine

49

The Lotus 49 (chassis nr. 2) driven by Jim Clark to the victory of the 1967 British Grand Prix

Autosport International in Birmingham (UK) hosted display featuring all seven remaining Lotus type 49 cars thanks to their owners from around the world. To this day, the Lotus 49 realised the greatest step in Grand Prix performance ever.

From 1967 to 1970 they were raced by Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Jo Siffert, Jackie Oliver, Mario Andretti, Jochen Rindt, Richard Attwood, John Miles and Emerson Fittipaldi

50 YEARS OF 49

A

truly incredible collection of Formula 1 heritage has been displayed for the first time at Autosport International (Birmimghan, UK) in January as all seven remaining Lotus type 49 racing cars were present at Europe’s foremost motorsport show between.

Colin Chapman and Maurice Philippe designed the Lotus 49 with a Ford Cosworth DFV

(Double Four Valve) engine at its heart. The show at the NEC in January 2017 marked 50 years since this pioneering Formula1 car first raced – and won – with the legendary Jim Clark behind the wheel at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort.

The type 49, in combination with the DFV engine, realised one of the greatest leaps in F1 performance to date. According to the Pomeroy Index, the type 49 still represents the

Graham Hill during the British Grand Prix 1968 in Brands Hatch.

To be noted the huge rear wing soon deleted by FIA for safety reasons

greatest ever step in Grand Prix performance.

In 1967 the Lotus increased the previous year’s speed by 7.7 per cent - a feat yet to be surpassed.

This acceleration in performance was largely thanks to the advanced chassis configuration, which saw the front of the engine bolted to the monocoque and the suspension and gearbox attached to the rear of the powerplant. Since the type 49, virtually

all Formula 1 cars have been designed in this way.

Between 1967 and 1970, Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Jo Siffert, Jackie Oliver, Mario Andretti, Jochen Rindt, Richard Attwood, John Miles and Emerson Fittipaldi raced the Lotus type 49. The story of the Lotus type 49 was captured in 1967 by the Ford film documentary 9 Days in Summer.

50 YEARS OF 49

R2/R11

(26 GRANDS PRIX)

This is the car Jim Clark took to victory at its race debut at Zandvoort 1967, in addition to further wins at Silverstone and Watkins Glen. It is also the same car he drove at Monza, in what has been considered the Scotsman’s greatest performance.

R3

(8 GRANDS PRIX)

The R3 is the car Graham Hill raced for the second half of the 1967 season but victory eluded him. The R3 was later sold to John Love for racing in South Africa.

R5/R10

(22 GRANDS PRIX)

The R5 car won its first F1 race at Monaco 1968 with Graham Hill at the wheel. Hill raced the R5 at six Grands Prix before Mario Andretti put it on pole at Watkins Glen, the debut race for the future champion. The R10 saw another future world champion make their debut, as Emerson Fittipaldi raced in his first three F1 races in the Lotus during the 1970.

R6

(20 GRANDS PRIX)

The R6 was new for Jackie Oliver in 1968, who raced it twice before a massive accident in practice for the French GP. The car was repaired in time for Graham Hill at Monza. The Brit then raced it to win the 1968 World Championship in Mexico. In 1969 and 1970 the R6 raced with Jochen Rindt, including the Germans first F1 victory at Watkins Glen.

South African driver John Love, truly local super-star, entered as privateer all F.1 S. African G.P. during that period. Here is driving the chassis nr.

3 on the 1969 race

Graham Hill during the 1967 Mexican G.P. with the Lotus 49 chassis nr. 3

50 YEARS OF 49

R7

(24 GRANDS PRIX)

Jo Siffert won the British GP1968 on the car’s first outing. It was the last privateer GP win. The R7 was then raced

by Siffert in 1969 and then by Graham Hill – for Rob Walker – in 1970.

R8

(4 GRANDS PRIX)

The R8 was Graham Hill’s Tasman Championship 1969 car. It was then raced

by Richard Attwood at Monaco and Graham Hill for the British GP. The R8 was then sold to Jo Bonnier who, after taking it to two Grands Prix, sold it on to Dave Charlton for racing in South Africa. The car was then acquired by Australian collector, the late Hon. John Dawson-Damer, who conducted a painstaking restoration. The car is now owned by renowned F1 designer Adrian Newey.

R12 Constructed by Team Lotus for the Ford Motor Company, for use as an exhibition car, it is now in the collection of Richard Mille.

Again Graham Hill at Monaco (1969) with the R5/R10 at the Rail Station corner (today Fairmont corner). Behind him the Team Tyrrell Matra driven by J.P. Beltoise

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G L O B A L N E WS

Range Rover Sport SVR

GRIPPING ACCELERATION Range Rover Sport SVR verifies its super-SUV credentials setting 0-100km/h times on variety of low friction surfaces to prove its capability and pace in all conditions.

Come rain or shine, grass or gravel, snow or sand, the Range Rover Sport SVR delivers devastating pace

G R I P P I N G A C C E L E R AT I O N

Merging

legendary allterrain capability with 550HP V8 power and advanced traction technology provides Land Rover’s fastest vehicle with unique real world performance.

When the perfect traction offered by clean, dry Tarmac isn’t available, many sports cars immediately suffer from a lack of grip, stability and performance. But no sports car has the benefit of Land Rover’s all-terrain know-how.

In this unique test, the Range Rover Sport SVR completes the 0-100km/h sprint on standard fit Michelin 275/45 R21 All Season Tyres on everything from tarmac and grass to snow and sand, using Land Rover’s innovative Terrain Response 2 technology.

The intelligent system automatically selects the appropriate driving mode to suit traction conditions including: General Driving, Dynamic, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud and Ruts,

G R I P P I N G A C C E L E R AT I O N

Sand, and Rock Crawl. The driver can also use a rotary controller on the centre console to choose a specific mode.

The times recorded are a testament to the Range Rover Sport’s inherent capability. On a notoriously slippery wet grass surface, the 0-100km/h time increased by only 0.8 seconds, while even on Sand the benchmark sprint took only 5.5 seconds.

The Range Rover Sport SVR’s first challenge was the start-finish straight at Europe’s fastest racing circuit, Rockingham Motor Speedway in Corby, UK. In Dynamic mode, Terrain Response 2 sharpens throttle response and changes gear at higher revs. It also stiffens the Continual Variable Damping function within the vehicle’s Anti-Roll Control technology to reduce body roll. With all of these factors optimised, the Range Rover Sport SVR blasted from 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds.

In the second test, the high-performance SUV tackled one of the most challenging surfaces any driver will encounter: wet grass. In Grass/ Gravel/Snow mode the throttle response is softened to prevent loss of traction and gear changes are smoother and quicker. The Traction Control System also intervenes earlier to prevent tyre slip, while the central differential is preloaded to optimise off-the-line performance.

Land Rover Experience East of England provided the perfect setting for this challenge and the Range Rover Sport SVR recorded a breathtaking 0-100km/h time of 5.5 seconds.

A quarry provided the ideal gravel surface, where the Range Rover Sport SVR’s inherent traction came to the fore. With the vehicle systems optimised to suit the loose surface, it registered 5.3 seconds.

To find snow the Range Rover Sport SVR headed to Jaguar Land Rover’s winter test faci-

lity in Arjeplog, Northern Sweden. Here, the optimised settings and all-wheel drive system helped the SVR complete the sprint on a combination of snow and ice in 11.3 seconds.

The next switch of the Terrain Response 2 dial was to select Mud and Ruts mode. In this setting the air suspension is raised and the Traction Control System allows controlled tyre slip to provide better traction in slippery conditions. In typically British surroundings at one of Land Rover’s all-terrain testing facilities, the performance SUV logged a 0-100km/h time of 6.5 seconds as its intelligent four-wheeldrive technology came into its own.

Pendine Sands at Carmarthen Bay in South Wales has been linked with speed ever since hosting the first world land speed record run took place there in 1924. That made it perfect to test the next setting on the Terrain Response 2 dial: Sand.

Selecting Sand mode sharpens the vehicle’s accelerator responses to allow a quick buildup of engine torque. The vehicle also holds onto gears for longer and locks the central differential to help maintain momentum. The result of this technological wizardry was a 0-100km/h time of 5.5 seconds.

The final mode on the Terrain Response 2 dial called for something different. Rock Crawl is designed to assist drivers when negotiating rocky environments and works in conjunction with the Low Range transmission, in keeping with the lowspeed nature of the challenge posed by large rocks and boulders. Rock Crawl mode softens the accelerator response to mitigate against sudden movements and provide maximum driver control. It also raises the air suspension, to optimise ground clearance. Using Terrain Response 2 the Range Rover Sport SVR scaled the rocky 32 per cent incline at the test facility with ease.

G R I P P I N G A C C E L E R AT I O N

Driver Darren Jones, Stability Applications Leader, said: “The Range Rover Sport SVR is famed for its on-road performance but this hasn’t been achieved at the expense of customary Land Rover capability.

Our Terrain Response 2 technology takes the stress out of driving in all conditions.”

G R I P P I N G A C C E L E R AT I O N

Terrain Asphalt Grass Gravel Snow Mud Sand

Mode Dynamic Grass, Gravel and Snow Grass, Gravel and Snow Grass, Gravel and Snow Mud and Ruts Sand

0-100km/h time 4.7 seconds 5.5 seconds 5.3 seconds 11.3 seconds 6.5 seconds 5.5 seconds

CGM

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Chief Editor Vittorio Gargiulo Editorial coordinator Niccolò Gargiulo Graphic design Diego Galbiati

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