Cars GlobalMag April

digital monthly magazine

TONS OF NEWS

Hyundai HND-9

The new RANGE ROVER SPORT

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6

No. April 2013

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At the 83rd Geneva International Motor Show, Qoros also presented two concept cars: the Qoros 3 Cross Hybrid Concept and the Qoros 3 Estate Concept that illustrate how the design themes introduced in the Qoros 3 Sedan may be applied to its future model range

The intelligent Qoros modular vehicle architecture is a key factor in ensuring that new models can be introduced quickly and efficiently, and the Qoros 3 Cross Hybrid Concept is based on the same vehicle…

Read more at pag. 36

Summary NEWS 4 AUTO Special New York Auto Show Seoul & Bangkok Motor Show April auto news

28 FOCUS Alfa Romeo 4C - VIDEO GREEN SIDE 38 THE Qoros concepts - VIDEO

46 CLASSIC Porsche 911 “The original” - VIDEO 56 ROMEO FERRARIS BULLETIN 60 RACING World Endurance: Audi vs Toyota 72 AUTOSPORT MARKETING 74 GLOBAL NEWS 78 CORPORATE & FIGURES

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 All rights reserved. All materials present in this application including, but not limited to texts, photographs, illustrations, video clips and other materials are protected by copyrights and/or other intellectual property. The material and content provided in this application is for your personal, non-commercial use only, and you agree not to distribute, copy, extract or commercially exploit such material. You further agree not to reproduce, distribute, perform, display, modify, adapt, translate, prepare derivative works from this application.

AUTO NEWS

2013 marks the 113th anniversary of the New York International Auto Show, North America’s first and largest attended auto show. Starting in 1900, when it became the first automotive exhibition in North America, the New York International Auto Show has continued its pioneering tradition of bringing new and innovative ideas to a national and world stage, becoming one of the most important automotive events in the world.

Today it features more than 1,000 vehicles in nearly 900,000 sq. ft. of exhibition.

ACURA

2014 MDX

Acura unveiled the all-new 2014 MDX luxury. Built on a completely new platform, the seven-passenger MDX offers improved ride comfort, a more versatile and luxurious cabin, increased fuel efficiency and enhanced dynamic performance. The MDX will also be offered for the first time in a more affordable and even more fuel-efficient two-wheel-drive configuration.

The 2014 Acura MDX is powered by an all-new directinjected 24-valve 3.5-litre i-VTEC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management™, producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb.-ft. of torque. Employing a

6-speed automatic transmission with Sport Mode and Sequential SportShift Paddle Shifters, the new MDX will be offered in both Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ and two-wheel-drive drivetrain variants, both featuring Acura’s new Agile Handling Assist technology.

In addition, the 2014 Acura MDX harnesses a range of Acura signature technologies, including Acura Jewel Eye™ LED headlights, more powerful Acura/ELS Studio premium audio system, and the next-generation AcuraLink™ connectivity system with AcuraLink RealTime Traffic™, featuring freeway traffic and surface street conditions (free for the first three years).

The 2014 Acura MDX is scheduled to go on sale at U.S. Acura dealers nationwide this summer and will be available in four grades – the well-equipped MDX, the robust MDX with Technology package, the rear-passenger-friendly MDX with Technology and Entertainment packages, and the top-of-the-line MDX with Advance and Entertainment packages.

AUDI

2015 A3 sedan Audi of America officially announced plans for the arrival of the all-new 2015 Audi A3 sedan. Coming to showrooms in the first quarter of 2014, the Audi A3 sedan will bring to the A segment new innovative technologies and the detailed craftsmanship found in larger flagship Audi sedans.

In addition to the standard technologies, the Audi A3 sedan will feature new, segment first technologies.

One key example is the implementation of the new NVIDIA graphics processing unit (GPU). The NVIDIA GPU generates complex three-dimensional images used in all online, voice control, media navigation and telephone functions.

The A3 model line offers four different engine variants including the 170 horsepower 1.8 TFSI, and 150 horsepower 2.0 TDI clean diesel, and a low and highoutput 2.0 TFSI used in the A3 quattro and S3 quattro respectively. Horsepower figures for the 2.0 TFSI engines will be available closer to launch. All engines are mated to the standard 6-speed S tronic® transmission

which provides the driver immense shifting flexibility and driving pleasure with smooth, dynamic acceleration and virtually no interruption to the power flow.

New to the A3, the Audi drive select allows the driver to adjust throttle response, shift points, and the electromechanical steering effort. Similar to other Audi models, Audi drive select has four settings that include Auto, Dynamic, Comfort and Individual.

Audi also confirmed today that it will be adding to the all-new A3 family by offering the A3 Sportback with a plug-in gasoline electric hybrid (PHEV) model in the U.S. market.

BUICK

2014 Regal

NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

Buick revealed the new 2014 Regal. Designed to be a sportier and smarter evolution of the brand’s dynamic midsize sedan, new purposeful technologies enhance safety and the driving experience with a more refined turbo engine – along with the introduction of all-wheel drive.

New front and rear styling, with bold, signature wingshape LED daytime running lamps and LED taillamps were designed to give Regal a more contemporary and premium presence. The interior features a redesigned central instrument panel and console along with a new fashion interior trim combination.

The new 2.0L turbo engine delivers 18 percent more horsepower in the Regal Turbo. The available Haldex allwheel-drive system helps make the most of traction in all driving conditions and also enhances the cornering capability of the Regal GS when driven in the GS mode of the Interactive Drive Control System. A 2.4L engine with eAssist light electrification technology is also available on the 2014 Regal. Six-speed automatic transmissions are matched with both engines and a six-speed manual is available in the Regal GS. The new Regal will go on sale this fall.

BMW

328d The 328d will feature BMW’s 2.0-litre TwinPower diesel 4-cylinder engine, ushering in the next wave of BMW Advanced Diesel models in the US. It produces 180 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, available from 1,750 rpm. It will be mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The 328d Sedan will accelerate from 0 – 60 mph in just over seven seconds. Preliminary highway fuel economy estimates are expected to be 45 mpg. The 328d Sedan

will be available in rear wheel drive and also with xDrive, BMW’s advanced all-wheel drive system. The sedans will be joined by the 328d xDrive Sports Wagon. All Three variants will arrive in US showroom as 2014 models in fall of 2013.

Detailed specifications and pricing will be available closer to launch. All three 328d variants will be available in US showrooms this fall.

CADILLAC

2014 CTS sedan

Cadillac unveiled the all-new 2014 CTS sedan.

The third-generation CTS sedan is based on the highperforming rear-drive architecture of the ATS sport sedan, moving Cadillac into the prestigious class of midsize luxury sedans. It will be the segment’s lightest car, enabling the most agile driving dynamics in the

class. While stretched in overall length and wheelbase, the all-new CTS sedan has a lower curb weight than the preceding model. Lightweight features, including Cadillac’s first aluminum door structures, contribute to the lower weight and a nearly 50/50 weight balance.

And for the first time on CTS, Magnetic Ride Control, Cadillac’s real-time damping system, is available on base models.

The new Cadillac Twin-Turbo V-6 and eight-speed automatic transmission combination leads the CTS sedan’s powertrain lineup in the new CTS Vsport. It is the first twin-turbocharged engine ever offered by Cadillac and is the brand’s first eight-speed automatic.

The Twin-Turbo engine is SAE-certified at 420 horsepower (313 kW) and 430 lb.-ft. of torque (583 Nm). A pair of smaller turbochargers helps provide more immediate power on demand, with approximately 90 percent of peak torque available from 2,500rpm to 5,500 rpm. That helps the CTS sedan reach 60 mph in an estimated 4.6 seconds. The 2014 CTS is also available with a naturally aspirated 3.6L V-6 and a 2.0L turbocharged engine. Cadillac’s new, paddle-shift eightspeed offers efficiency and performance advantages over a six-speed transmission, including 1.5-percent greater fuel economy.

Production of the 2014 CTS begins this fall in Lansing, Michigan.

CHEVROLET

Camaro Z/28 Chevrolet introduced the restyled 2014 Camaro line, including the return of the Z/28, the most iconic model in Camaro history.

The 2014 Camaro models feature a revised exterior design that integrates high-performance aerodynamics for more efficient cooling and stability at high speeds.

The new Camaro Z/28 also features a full aerodynamics package that creates downforce at speed, which helps make it the most track-capable offering in Camaro’s history. Like the original 1967 Camaro Z/28, the 2014 Z/28 is offered only with a manual transmission. In a nod to modern convenience, air-conditioning is available, but only as an option.

The heart of the 2014 Camaro Z/28 is the lighter, naturally aspirated 7.0L LS7 first introduced in the Corvette Z06.

The LS7 features unique induction and exhaust systems, and delivers at least 500 horsepower (373 kW) and 470 lb-ft of torque (637 Nm). The racing-style, coldair induction system and large K&N air filter provide maximum air flow. The new 2014 Camaro line will arrive at Chevrolet dealers later in 2013. The Camaro Z/28 is expected to be appearing at track events across the United States in spring 2014.

DODGE

2014 Durango The new 2014 Dodge Durango SUV is built on the Dodge brand’s pillars of performance, style and innovation, delivering a new standard state-of-the-art class-exclusive eight-speed automatic transmission that improves fuel economy up to 9 percent, the Chrysler Group’s award-winning Uconnect Access easy-to-use touchscreen technologies and the Dodge brand’s signature racetrack LED tail lamps to driving enthusiasts in the market for a three-row family performance SUV. With standard seven-passenger seating and luxurious second-row captain’s chairs available on all models, the seats in the 2014 Durango can be converted to as many as 50 different configurations.

The 2014 Durango is available in five trim levels: SXT, Rallye, the new for 2014 Limited, R/T and Citadel.

The 2014 Dodge Durango’s rear-wheel-drive-based drivetrain is the foundation for its outstanding on-road driving performance. Available all-wheel drive (AWD) further enhances driver confidence by leveraging the SUV’s 50/50 weight distribution.

The Durango’s two AWD systems – one for the HEMI® V-8 and one for Pentastar V-6-powered models – greatly enhance the vehicle’s traction and handling

NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

HONDA

2014 Odyssey Touring Elite

by delivering a smooth driving experience on a wide range of road conditions.

Durango’s standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 engine paired with the new standard eight-speed transmission delivers up to a 9 percent improvement in fuel-economy when compared with the previous transmission, not to mention improved performance.

The standard flex-fuel 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine generates an impressive 290 horsepower (295 horsepower on Rallye) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, and can tow up to a best-in-class 6,200 pounds.

The 5.7-litre HEMI V-8 engine produces a best-inclass 360 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque with a best-in-class tow rating of 7,400 pounds.

It will be built in the United States at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit. Production is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2013.

Thoroughly refreshed for 2014, the Odyssey Touring Elite provides core safety upgrades, sharpened exterior styling and a revised interior with a host of new features and technologies.

The 2014 Odyssey features sleeker, more sophisticated exterior styling with a new, more deeply sculpted aluminum hood, new aluminum front fenders, a new bolder twinbar grille, and a revised lower front fascia with integrated chrome-trimmed fog lights.

New two-tone mirror housings, darker-finish projector-beam headlight housings, LED taillight bars and new badging add to the 2014 Odyssey’s premium look.

The Touring Elite will also mark the debut of HondaVAC™, the first-ever in-vehicle vacuum system. It will go on sale at Honda dealerships nationwide this summer.

INFINITI

New Q50 QX60 Hybrid Infiniti’s sports sedan performance leadership continues with the new Q50, which is available with a choice of a refined 328-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 or Q50 Hybrid featuring Infiniti’s Direct Response Hybrid™ System with Intelligent Dual Clutch Control. All models come equipped with a refined 7-speed automatic transmission with available solid magnesium paddle shifters.

The Infiniti Drive Mode Selector with a range of personal settings is also standard on all models, part of the advanced customizable digital environment system that allows drivers to create unique settings for engine, transmission, handling and steering settings.

The 2014 Infiniti Q50 3.7-liter V6 and 3.5-liter Hybrid models will be available with a choice of rear-wheel drive or Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, and in a range of well-equipped models, including versions with special

sport appearance and performance features with sport brakes and sport suspension tuning.

Base price is $36,450. It goes on sale in summer 2013 at Infiniti retailers in the United States.

The 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid is projected to realize 26 miles per gallon fuel economy (combined city/highway driving) – a 24 percent increase over standard QX60 models.

In place of the standard QX60’s 3.5-liter V6, the QX60 Hybrid utilizes a supercharged 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder and an electric motor powered by a compact Lithiumion battery pack located under the 3rd row seat – maintaining a flat rear floor for easier passenger access to the rear seats and no impact to passenger or cargo room versus standard QX60 models. Net system horsepower is estimated at 250 horsepower.

JEEP

NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

2014 Cherokee The renowned Cherokee name returns to the Jeep vehicle lineup for the 2014 model year. This means delivering Jeep 4x4 capability (V-6 towing capability of 4,500 pounds), a segment-first nine-speed automatic transmission, fuel economy improvements of more than 45 percent (versus the outgoing Liberty model), superior on-road ride and handling and more than 70 advanced safety and security features.

Chrysler Group’s 16-valve, 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir 2 I-4 engine, comes standard in the all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The 2.4-liter Tigershark engine offers up to an estimated 31 mpg highway fuel economy rating, a more than 45-percent improvement versus the outgoing model, and a driving range on a tank of gasoline of nearly 500 miles. The 2.4-liter MultiAir 2 Tigershark I-4 engine produces 184 horsepower and 171 lb.-ft. of torque.

Performance ratings are 184 horsepower (137 kW) and 171 lb.-ft. (232 Nm) of torque.

The available new 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 engine produces 271 horsepower, 239 lb.-ft. of torque and delivers best-in-class V-6 towing of 4,500 pounds.

The all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee is available in four different models in the United States and will arrive in dealer showrooms in the third quarter 2013. Customers can choose from the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Sport, Cherokee Latitude, Cherokee Limited and the rugged, Trail Rated Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. 11 different colors are avilable.

JAGUAR

XJR XKR-S GT

Jaguar has unveiled two new additions to its R performance range, the XJR sedan and the XKR-S GT. The 550PS XJR - Jaguar’s new flagship sports saloon - combines supercar performance and assertive looks with the high levels of luxury already associated with the XJ range. It is capable of sprinting from zero to 60mph in 4.4 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds) and on to an electronically limited top speed of 174mph (280km/h).

The XKR-S GT, developed by Jaguar’s ETO division, is the ultimate roadgoing but track-ready version of the XK coupe. The XKR-S GT features bespoke aerodynamic components and suspension developments to increase downforce and optimise high-speed cornering ability. It will reach 60mph in just 3.9-seconds, develops up to 145kg of downforce, and is the first production Jaguar to be fitted with carbon ceramic brakes. Initial production will be limited to just 30 units, making it the rarest ‘R’ model in the 25-year history of Jaguar’s R performance cars.

KIA

NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

2014 Soul Forte Koup

Kia unveiled the all-new 2014 Soul urban utility vehicle for the first time (picture above).

Riding on a new chassis that is stiffer, longer and wider, the all-new Soul has grown up without losing its edge, allowing for more passenger and cargo room. Increased torque and significant suspension upgrades make the 2014 Soul a nimble and agile companion in congested urban environments.

Honoring Soul owners’ fierce individualism, three unique trim levels will be available when U.S. sales are expected to begin in the third quarter of this year: Base, Plus and Exclaim. Pricing will be announced closer to the Soul’s launch date.

Kia also unveiled the new Forte Koup. Similar to its Forte 5-door sibling, the Forte Koup is offered in two trim levels, EX and SX, with two engine and transmission choices. The EX comes equipped with a 2.0-liter GDI four-cylinder engine, and the tarmac-carving SX comes standard with the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The EX comes standard with a 6-speed automatic transmission while the SX may be mated with either a standard 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic featuring steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

An upgraded version of the Optima was also presented in New York.

LAND ROVER

New Range Rover Sport The new Range Rover Sport is probably the main highlight form this year’s New York Auto Show.

Exploiting Land Rover’s breakthrough lightweight suspension design and innovative dynamic chassis technologies, the Sport’s all-new, first-in-class aluminium architecture achieves a weight saving of up to 420kg. This transforms the vehicle’s dynamic performance, enabling it to blend agile handling with exceptional comfort, offering a unique mix of sporting luxury and a dynamic, connected driving experience, along with CO2 emissions reduced to 194g/km. With a fresh interpretation of the previous model’s distinctive design, the new vehicle has a sleek and contemporary appearance combined with enhanced use of space. The new Sport is just 62mm longer than its predecessor, yet at 4850mm, it is shorter than other 7-seater SUVs and most E segment sedans, bringing greater manoeuvrability and ease of parking. However, a significantly longer wheelbase (increased by 178mm) provides greater room and improved access for rear passengers.

To maximise personalisation, customers will be offered a choice of wheel designs ranging through 19-, 20-, 21- and 22-inches in diameter including the iconic “Viper’s Nest” wheel design, now available for the first time across all Range Rover models.

At launch, all-new Range Rover Sport customers will have a choice of two engines: a supercharged 5.0-litre 510PS V8 petrol engine and a 3.0-litre 292PS SDV6 diesel engine. The powertrain line-up will be expanded in early 2014 by the addition of a 3.0-litre 258PS TDV6 and high performance 4.4-litre 339PS SDV8 diesel engine. In addition, an innovative, high-efficiency diesel Hybrid model will be available to order in 2014.

Across the range, acceleration times for the 0-60mph dash start from 5 seconds, while fuel consumption is cut by up to 24 percent – depending on model – and CO2 emissions start as low as 194g/km. All petrol and diesel engines in the new Range Rover Sport are paired with the advanced electronically controlled ZF 8HP70 8-speed automatic gearbox.

The new Range Rover Sport will go on sale during the third quarter of 2013 and will ultimately be introduced in 169 markets worldwide.

MERCEDES-BENZ

NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

CLA 45 AMG B-Class Electric Drive Mercedes presented the world premiere of the CLA 45 AMG. The two-litre turbocharged engine in the CLA 45 AMG is the world’s most powerful seriesproduction four-cylinder and, with a specific output of 133 kW (181 hp) per litre of displacement, exceeds even the most super sports cars. The CLA 45 AMG

combines its exceptional peak output of 265 kW (360 hp) and maximum torque of 450 Newton meters with incredible efficiency and a fuel consumption of just 6.9 litres of gasoline per 100 kilometres. The seriesproduction, performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC allwheel drive delivers absolutely first class handling and, thanks to excellent traction, deals with the sprint from 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds.

Making an equally impressive global debut in New York is the Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive.

The battery-driven electric vehicle has zero local emissions, yet delivers a highly dynamic driving experience thanks to its 130 kW (177 hp) electric motor and maximum torque of 320 Newton meters.

Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h is over in less than ten seconds.

Energy supply to the electric drive is handled by a high-performance lithium-ion battery, which delivers a range of around 200 kilometres (in the NEDC). It is located in the Energy Space beneath the floor, where it is well protected from impact and takes up very little space. The B-Class Electric Drive will make its global market debut in the U.S., where sales are scheduled to start at the end of 2013.

MITSUBISHI

Mirage

Mitsubishi has unveiled the all-new 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage 5-door subcompact. This model is expected to achieve a lofty manufacturer estimated fuel economy of 40 mpg combined/37 mpg city/44 mpg highway, making this new vehicle the most fuel-efficient nonhybrid gasoline vehicle available in America. In addition to its exceptional fuel economy, the all-new 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage will be offered exclusively in a convenient 5-door configuration with room for five passengers.

NISSAN

Pathfinder Hybrid The Pathfinder Hybrid, making its world debut in New York and the first of several upcoming Nissan hybrid models, is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan dealers in the United States in late summer. It will be available in three trim levels and priced at around $3,000 USD above the standard 3.5-liter V6 gasoline enginepowered Pathfinder models.

At the heart of the new 2014 Pathfinder Hybrid - which is offered in 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive models - is its supercharged 2.5-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor paired to a compact Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery. The Li-ion battery fits under the 3rd row seat so there is no compromise of passenger seating capacity,

2nd or 3rd row legroom or cargo space.

The hybrid system uses a Nissan Intelligent Dual Clutch System (one motor / two clutch parallel system) that efficiently manages power from both the electric motor and the gas engine. The 15 kW electric motor and gas engine work in tandem to provide performance equivalent to the non-hybrid Pathfinder’s 3.5-liter gasoline V6. The system is rated at 250 net horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque - versus the 3.5-liter V6 ratings of 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque.

It features regenerative braking to automatically recharge the battery during braking by converting the vehicle’s kinetic energy otherwise lost in braking.

SRT

NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

Viper TA

The exclusive, street-legal and single-spec 2014 SRT Viper TA (Time Attack) package is specifically built for the performance enthusiast driver who likes to exercise their machines at the more than 150 roadrace courses around North America.

The suspension on the 2014 SRT Viper TA is uniquely tuned and upgraded specifically for on-track usage and to maximize the performance of the Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires which are mounted on ultralightweight, multi-spoke Sidewinder II wheels. Shock dampers, springs and road racing derived stabilizer bars have been retuned for optimal on-track performance.

Under the hood of the 2014 SRT Viper TA is the handcrafted, all-aluminum 8.4-liter, mid-front V-10 overhead-valve engine.

Performance ratings are 640 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque.

Only 33 units of the 2014 SRT Viper TA in Crusher Orange will be built at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit, beginning in third quarter 2013.

SCION

2014 tC

Scion revealed the new 2014 tC sports coupe .

It is defined by more assertive styling, starting from the front with distinctive new headlamps and an all-new hood that extends lower toward a more open, muscular grille with an embedded tC logo. The new upper- and lower-grille treatments are bordered by LED accent lighting. The tC will be available in seven exterior paint colors, including two new additions, Absolutely Red and Blue Streak Metallic.

The 2.5-litre, four-cylinder engine delivers 179 horsepower at 6,000 RPM, and it is available either with a sixspeed manual transmission or an updated six-speed automatic that can change gears nearly twice as fast as the previous model for both upshifts and downshifts.

The automatic transmission now features Dynamic Rev Management technology, adopted from the FR-S, which quickly blips the engine to match its revs to gear ratios on downshifts, limiting driveline shock.

SHELBY AMERICAN

kicks it up to 575 HP. A six-speed automatic transfers power to all four wheels and features a manual mode to give the driver complete gear selection control.

“Aerodynamically speaking, the Raptor was engineered for maximum performance,” said Gary Patterson, vice president of operations. “We spent our efforts improving the power, cooling and handling systems because every Shelby is built to excel under even the most extreme conditions.”Equipped with 35-inch Goodrich All-Terrain tires and optional custom wheels, the Shelby Raptor stays connected to any ground it faces. The post-title package starts at $17,995, not including the base Raptor. A limited production of 100 Shelby Raptors will be built per model year and each will be numbered and documented with a unique Shelby CSM number and entered into the official Shelby Registry.

Raptor

Shelby American, unveiled the new Shelby Raptor, one of the most powerful, exciting and collectible off-road production trucks. The Shelby Raptor marks the return of the Shelby muscle truck and is based on the 2013 Ford SVT Raptor with enhanced power and handling, topped with “Shelby Style” inside and out.

Shelby American takes the impressive Ford SVT Raptor and adds some “Shelby Magic” to create the ultimate muscle truck. By forcing air through a 2.9 liter supercharger mounted on the massive 6.2L V8 engine, and then out of the Shelby Borla exhaust system, Shelby American takes the stock 411 HP rating and

SUBARU

WRX Concept XV Crosstrek Hybrid

NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

Subaru presented the Subaru WRX Concept. The bold and muscular design emphasizes turbocharged power and AWD grip in a more agile and athletic form. To further improve handling dynamics, the Subaru WRX Concept features a carbon-fiber roof to enhance the already low center of gravity and reduce weight.

The all-new Subaru WRX Concept features a new paint color, “WR Blue Pearl III”, which modernizes the iconic WRX look.

Fluorescent Yellow is used as an accent on the WRX badge on the front grille, the brake calipers and the exhaust tip finishers, adding character notes to the design.

The brand’s first-ever production hybrid vehicle, the Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid, was also unveiled at the 2013 New York International Auto Show.

The Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid combines a 2.0-liter Subaru BOXER engine with a 13.4-hp electric motor that’s integrated into the Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). A 100v, 13.5kw nickel-metal hydride battery is located under a revised rear floor area, and the engine uses and integrated starter/generator for the automatic start/stop feature. The compact hybrid system weighs just 209 lbs. and places the electric motor just behind the transmission and in front of continuously variable transfer clutch. With the addition of all the new features, the XV Crosstrek Hybrid weighs approximately 300 lbs. more than the gasoline engine XV Crosstrek.

TOYOTA

2014 Highlander The all-new third-generation 2014 Toyota Highlander mid-size SUV made its world debut in New York. An all-new exterior design conveys both refinement and strength, complementing a new interior.

With three-row seating for up to eight, an array of standard features, a host of available in-cabin technologies, and increased cargo capacity, the new Highlander will offer a nuanced balance of style, comfort and utility. Sophisticated and dynamic, the new Highlander features a progressive silhouette, a lower roofline for improved aerodynamics, and sculptured side-door panels. The exterior has grown in length by approximately three inches while width is increased one-half inch, conveying a sleek and strong appearance.

The new Highlander will be available in three powertrains. A 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine is equipped with a variable intake manifold and dual Variable-Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), which controls phasing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts to optimize torque and fuel efficiency. The 2.7-liter engine is teamed with a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. A 3.5-liter V6 is also equipped with dual VVT-i and a variable intake manifold. Acceleration and fuel efficiency are improved thanks to a new six-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission (ECT) that offers selectable manual sequential shifting.

The Highlander Hybrid model’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system pairs the 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with a high-torque electric drive motor-generator for additional power and fuel efficiency. All Highlanders are assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana in Princeton (IN). The all-new Highlander will reach dealer showrooms in early 2014.

VOLVO

R-Design models

The new R-Design versions of Volvo S60 and XC60, which made their global debut at the New York International Auto Show, feature an outstanding blend of a renewed sports appearance, dynamic drivingfocused chassis and engine output of substantial 325 horsepower.

Both R-Design cars feature a redesigned face. The frameless Tech Matte Black grille has high-gloss black stripes, a silk metal diagonal and a refined R-Designed emblem. The DRL lights in the outer corners reinforce the low, road-hugging impression.

Advanced Quick Shift (AQS) is the transmission optimization software that improves the speed of each gear change. This new feature is now available on all T6 engines and activated when the transmission is set to sport mode or when using paddle shifters. Gear changes are faster by as much as 50 percent between first and second, and as much as 30 percent on gear changes two through six.

This bolsters the sporty impression of the T6 and also produces fantastic acceleration results. Zero to 60 improves 0.2 seconds on the S60 T6 R-Design - from 5.5 to 5.3 on model year 2014 with AQS - while the XC60 T6 R-Design runs 0.4 seconds faster - 6.6 to 6.2 seconds on model year 2014 with AQS - compared to model year 2013.

AUTO NEWS

UL SEO OR T MO W O SH

AUTO NEWS APRIL

Hyundai HND-9 debuts in Korea Hyundai staged the world-premiere of the HND-9 at the Seoul Motor Show. Hyundai’s latest luxury sports coupe concept illustrates the company’s future design direction.

The HND-9 is the ninth concept model developed by the Hyundai Motor Group’s R&D Center in Namyang, Korea. Based on a modern reinterpretation of an elegant, classic premium sports coupe, sophisticated details in every design element of the car reinforce a premium look. The vehicle, with its dramatic, long hood and wheelbase, has an overall length of 4,695mm, width of 1,890mm and height of 1,340mm with a 2,860mm wheelbase.

Equipped with 3.3-liter turbo GDi engine and 8-speed auto transmission, HND-9 delivers a maximum output of 370ps, while its exterior design exudes a befitting image of the powerful performance.

Butterfly doors, sculptural rear combination lamps, and dual tailpipes placed on both sides, give the car a

sleek, futuristic look. Twenty-two inch alloy wheels – mixed with carbon materials - also contribute to great styling, while lowering its weight.

Like its exterior, the interior styling of the HND-9 was designed to deliver a modern, luxurious driving experience. Three key concepts were embedded into the interior design to realize this goal: spiral sculpture, elegance and high-tech interface.

KIA CUB: A SMALL INTERESTING CONCEPT

The Seoul Motor Show hosted the world premiere of the Kia CUB concept.

Designed at the Kia headquarters studio in Seoul, under the direction of President and Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, the CUB is less than four meters long, has rearward-opening rear doors and an ‘access-all-areas’ interior concept without traditional B-pillars, providing excellent access to the luxuriously trimmed cabin.

The instrument cluster design is inspired by the eyes of a wild animal. The center-stack design is minimalist with an air vent controlled by touch sensor. For extra safety, the steering wheel rim is capable of monitoring the driver`s biorhythms.

The CUB powertrain features a new version of the company’s 1.6-liter GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine – recently confirmed as the powerunit for the new Kia pro_cee’d GT and cee’d GT sold in Europe.

Fitted with a twin-scroll turbocharger and strengthened internal components, the new engine generates 51% more power (204 ps) and 60% more torque (265 Nm) than the regular 1.6 unit. This engine enables both of Kia’s European GT models, with a six-speed manual transmission, to accelerate to 100 kph in 7.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 230 kph.

At present there are no plans to put the Kia CUB concept into volume production.

Renault Samsung unveil QM3 in Seoul With QM3, the small crossover based on Renault Captur, Renault Samsung widens its product range and acquires a unique product for the Korean market. Following on the global success of SUVs and the market shift towards smaller cars, QM3 meets the demands of young consumers looking for alternatives to traditional B-segment vehicles.

“Renault Samsung QM3 combines in a single compact vehicle the best of three worlds: the sportiness of an SUV, the convenient comfort of an MPV and the driving pleasure of a hatchback,” said Laurens van den Acker, Senior Vice President, Design, Renault Group. The launch of QM3 in Korea is planned for the second half of 2013.

UL SEO OR T MO W O SH

UL SEO OR T MO W O SH

SsangYong futuristic LIV-1 showcased in Korea

At the Seoul Motor Show, SsangYong Motor showcased a total 19 vehicles including LIV-1 (Limitless Interface Vehicle).

LIV-1 implies the meaning of Limitless Potentials and Limitless Joy which expresses the unlimited high performance and the value of large premium SUV concept. It is completed with a sturdy SUV look based on its design philosophy ‘Robust Aesthetics’.

AUTO NEWS APRIL

Ford in Bangkok with aggressive plan for Asia

K KO NG R BA O T MO W O SH

Ford continues with its aggressive growth plan in ASEAN markets by displaying the all-new EcoSport at the 34th Bangkok International Motor Show.

The sporty, compact SUV is equipped with a 1.5-liter Ti-VCT naturally aspirated petrol engine that will deliver the same segment-leading fuel efficiency as the popular Ford Fiesta.

Media attending the Press Day were also given an exclusive preview of the new Fiesta – a refresh of Ford’s class-leading small car. The new Fiesta will continue to feature a range of smart, safe and green features and technologies, including the internationally award-winning EcoBoost 1.0-litre engine.

For ASEAN, the EcoSport will be built at the company’s $450 million, Ford Thailand Manufacturing facility in Rayong.

The all-new Toyota Vios K KO NG R BA O T MO W O SH

Presented exclusively in Thailand this premium 5-door sedan was showcased at the Bangkok Motor Show in a bright red colour. 4,410mm long, 1,700mm wide with a wheelbase of 2,550 the Toyota Vios is elegant but sporty at the same time, ideal for Asian families’ every day use but also fun for the younger generations. It features a 1,5 litres 16 Valve DOHC VVT-I engine that produces 109 PS with a maximum torque of 141 Nm. Up to six grades are available starting at 559,00 Baht.

MERCEDES

adds 2 wheels to create all-around pick-up 400 kW (544 hp), a 6x6 drive, low-range ratio, five differential locks, portal axles, tyre pressure

control system and a special chassis allow this pick-up to make good progress in environments where the concept of individual mobility normally bites the dust as soon as the road ends. Despite its unique drive technology, this show vehicle does not actually represent a new development in terms of technology. G 63 AMG 6x6 uses almost exclusively series-production components under the skin. A case in point is the drive train: the AMG V8 biturbo engine with 400 kW (544 hp) and 760 newton metres of torque, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission paired with the front drive system from the G 63 AMG and a rear twin drive train from the 6x6 version which has already proven its reliability in service with users such as the Australian army. But anyone who imagines that this is a Dakar-Rally-style vehicle is on the wrong track. Thanks to the wealth of interior enhancements from the AMG stable, the occupants can enjoy the highest possible degree of comfort, even when negotiating the worst that the combined forces of topography and meteorology can throw at them. The exclusive touches even extend to the load area which is finished in solid bamboo.

SEAT LEON SC: THE WINTER TESTS

AUTO NEWS APRIL

In advance of its market introduction, SEAT’s engineers put the all-new Leon SC through the last phase of engineering and development tests in the demanding sub-zero temperatures of the Arctic Circle. The Leon SC – Sports Coupé – is a three-door compact, perfect embodiment of the SEAT design language. It 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.

e-up! full electric vehicle will debut in Frankfurt The e-up! offers entry to a new pioneering vehicle concept with an electric drive and four seats. It can handle distances of up to 150 km effortlessly.

Afterwards, the e-up! can be recharged to as much as 80 per cent of its energy storage capacity within 30 minutes.

With nearly zero noise, the e-up! is powered by an electric motor with 60 kW / 82 PS peak power – without any disturbing gearshift interruptions or powertrain noise. Its continuous power is 40 kW / 55 PS. Its maximum torque of 210 Newton metres is available immediately with the first revolution. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h within 14 seconds and reaches a top speed of 135 km/h. The lithiumion battery integrated in the underfloor area has a

total energy storage capacity of 18.7 Kilowatt-hours (kWh); this means that the car can cover up to 150 km (per NEDC) on a single charge thanks to its low vehicle weight of 1,185 kg.

In autumn, the e-up! will make its show debut at the International Autoshow in Frankfurt and following this will become available to order.

New low emission improvements for Volvo V40

An extended offer with further CO2 reductions are the major driveline news on the model year 2014 Volvo V40s.

The V40 D2 and V40 R-Design D2 now benefit from being available to order with an automatic gearbox.

CO2 emissions (EU Combined, preliminary figures) are 102g/km (72.4mpg) in the standard and R-Design versions and 108g/km (68.9mpg) in the V40 Cross Country.

Announced at the Geneva Motorshow, the manual versions of the V40 D2 and V40 D2 R-Design (115hp) now come with reduced CO2 emissions, down from

94g/km to 88g/km (EU Combined), which translates into a fuel consumption improvement of 4.6mpg, to 83.1mpg. The corresponding figures (preliminary) for the V40 Cross Country with the D2 engine are 99g/km (74.3mpg).

Available on the V40 and V40 R-Design, Volvo Cars has added a new variant of the four-cylinder, 1.6-litre engine to the range of direct-injected petrol engines.

The Volvo V40 T2 has 120hp and 240 Nm of torque.

CO2 emissions with the manual gearbox are 124g/ km (EU Combined, preliminary figures), which translates into fuel consumption of 53.3mpg.

AUTO NEWS APRIL

Holden refreshes range with Australian locally developed improvements New Holden Cruze, coming this month, adds features and better performance thanks to the introduction of a new 132kW 1.6 litre turbo engine and locally developed sports suspension for SRi and SRi-V sports models and replaces the 1.4 litre turbo engine which remains an option on the Equipe. Cruze becomes the first locally built car to go on sale with Holden MyLink, a new premium infotainment system.

Holden has added features across the entire model line-up while reducing the recommended retail pricing for the entire range. A realigned model line-up sees the Equipe replace the entry level CD, adding front foglamps, sports grille, 17� alloy wheels and rear park assist as standard features to the most affordable Cruze model.

CDX gains additional premium features including keyless entry with push button start and a reverse camera. A reverse camera is also added to the range-topping SRi-V while the SRi sport model receives rear park assist as standard.

A new Australian calibrated second generation automatic transmission with Active Select replaces the outgoing automatic transmission across petrol models, promising improved drive quality.

Jeep and Mopar reveal six new concept vehicles for Moab Easter Jeep Safari Jeep and Mopar will showcased a range of extremes at this year’s annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. With the introduction of the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Concept (above), Jeep designers have taken the most awarded SUV ever and created the most extreme Grand Cherokee yet. Powered by the new clean EcoDiesel engine, this Grand Cherokee has mountains of low-end torque to power over any obstacle. It features 35-inch Mickey Thompson offroad tires on Wrangler Rubicon 17-inch aluminum wheels.

The Jeep Wrangler Mopar Recon (below) features a gray exterior and a little extra firepower with a 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 crate engine from Mopar. The 470 horsepower engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission and Dana 60 front and rear axles with 4.10 gearing. The axles are suspended

by a 4.5-inch prototype long-arm lift kit and roll on Jeep Performance Parts prototype forged eight-lug beadlock wheels with 39-inch off-road tires.

For this year’s Safari, Jeep has also created its first follow-up vehicle with the new Jeep Wrangler Stitch.

Based on the 2013 Wrangler Rubicon, the Stitch has been lightened to a parse 3,000-lb. curb weight, giving it a power-to-weight ratio similar to that of the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT. Also on display the Sand Trooper II and Jeep Wrangler Flattop.

Closing the Jeep exhibition was the Jeep Wrangler Slim (above). Powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 and rolling on prototype 17-inch Jeep Performance Parts forged beadlock wheels the Jeep Wrangler Slim features a special 10th Anniversary Rubicon front bumper, which complements the rear bumper, and is the lightest weight rear bumper that Mopar offers.

FOCUS

ALFA ROMEO 4C LAUNCH EDITION

Italian style, performance and technical excellence, for maximum driving pleasure in complete safety.

The global launch of the Alfa Romeo 4C marks the return of the brand to the world of lightweight sports coupés, an extraordinary event, awaited ever more eagerly by the host of fans throughout the world.

The exclusive ‘Launch Edition’ was created just for them, a numbered limited edition with exclusive characteristics developed specifically for this unique version.

CLIP The exclusive ‘Launch Edition’ made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show. It will be produced as a numbered limited edition: 400 in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, 500 in North America and 100 in the rest of the world. A unique privilege exclusively for 4C ‘Launch Edition’ buyers: the chance to take part in an exclusive event in Italy which also includes an Advanced Driving session with Professional Driver-Instructors. The 4C ‘Launch Edition’ will be sold at a price which is almost the same throughout Europe, 60,000 euros including VAT (net of other local taxes).

FOCUS - ALFA ROMEO 4C LAUNCH EDITION

Designed by Alfa Romeo and produced in the Maserati plant in Modena, the new mid-engined rear-wheel drive coupé with two 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 new Launch Edition can ‘clothe’ its body with two liveries – Carrara White or Alfa Red – and is marked out by the distinctive badge, inlaid beneath the paintwork.

The line of the special car is enhanced by the carbon aerodynamic kit (including spoiler and door mirror covers), the rear aluminium diffuser with dark finishing, BiLED headlights with dark surround and 18” (front) and 19” (rear) alloy wheels with burnishing treatment.

The implemented state-of-the-art technical and technological solutions drive the Alfa Romeo 4C to reach real supercar performance with a unique driving feel. This is demonstrated by a top speed in excess of 250 km/h, only 4.5 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h, 1.1 of side acceleration on corners and 1.25 g of maximum braking deceleration.

To this end, the Alfa Romeo 4C uses state-of-the-art technologies and materials derived from super sports cars (including the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione) – carbon fibre, aluminium, rear-wheel drive – and technologies from the latest standard models from Alfa Romeo, but updated to enhance the sports appeal of the new car even further. This is demonstrated by the

new 1750 Turbo Petrol all-aluminium engine with direct injection, the sophisticated “Alfa TCT” twin dry clutch transmission and the Alfa DNA selector with the brandnew Race mode.

Exterior style Designed by the Alfa Romeo Style Centre, the 4C immediately brings to mind some of the traditional iconic models which have left a significant mark in the history of the Brand. Above all others, in terms of dimensional and layout similarities, one stands out in particular: the 33 Stradale, a car that combined extreme mechanical and functional requirements with an essential style which “clothed” the engine and chassis appropriately with unmistakable Alfa Romeo treatments.

The development of the 4C’s exterior was characterised from the start by the need to enhance the style of the car and the technical characteristics both from a dynamic and

aerodynamic point of view. For this reason, all the style solutions adopted have been optimised in accordance with the ultimate goal of the car: performance. The rear volume, sinuous and enveloping, simultaneously encloses and embraces the beating heart of the car: the mechanics and the engine, visible through the rear window.

The rear musculature supports its structure on round rear light clusters and on the side air intakes necessary to cool the intercooler and the air intake for engine aspiration.

From this energy-charged rear volume and the two side air intakes spring the two long muscles which lend speed and dynamism to the side, generating the necessary volume at the front end to house the headlights and, on the central part, the two robust ribs running along the bonnet, tracing the unmistakable “V” and coming to their natural conclusion around the shield. This, together with the two side intakes, forms the famous “Trefoil”, a substantial facet of Alfa Romeo’s profile.

FOCUS - ALFA ROMEO 4C LAUNCH EDITION

Interior design The elemental design and essential materials also distinguish the interior. Specifically, the carbon fibre of the central cell immediately stands out in the interior, left in full view to enhance the sense of low weight, technology and uniqueness of the car.

The dashboard and door panels have an “asphalt ” treatment to recall the vocation of the Alfa Romeo 4C and the seats ensure dedicated sports posture, favouring the driver’s contact with the road without, however, compromising the comfort required for everyday use of the car.

The dashboard, simple and designed to make using functions simple too, reaches its zenith in the concept of extreme driver-orientation, thanks to digital instruments and gear shift controls located on the appropriately shaped steering wheel. The cockpit, which powerfully suggests the world of motorcycle racing and race cars, brings together all information necessary to drive and control the car.

The pedal unit and footboards for driver and passenger are all made of aluminium and embellish the lower part under the dashboard, highlighting sports character down to the smallest detail.

CLIP

The shapes of the 4C were inspired by the legenday Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale. This Italian design masterpiece was born from the drawings of Franco Scaglione and first unveiled at the 1967 Turin Auto Salon. It was produced until 1969. Only 18 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale are known to exist today.

FOCUS - ALFA ROMEO 4C LAUNCH EDITION

Dimensions and aerodynamics The compact dimensions make this car with 2 bucket seats truly unique among its competitors: 399 cm long, 200 cm wide, 118 cm high and with a wheelbase of 238 cm. These dimensions serve both to emphasise the car’s “supercar proportions” and to accentuate its agility. What’s more, owing to the designers’ excellent work, the car achieves maximum aerodynamic efficiency levels, guaranteeing a negative Cz which, as in racing cars, contributes towards achieving increased stability at higher speeds thanks to the aerodynamic downforce.

New direct-injection 240 HP 1750 Turbo Petrol engine 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, which was designed with a precise objective: to ensure exceptional performance without sacrificing driving fluidity and use in any circumstances, from the racetrack to the city streets. The Alfa Romeo 4C’s new mid-engine, all-aluminium power unit adopts specific optimised intake and exhaust systems, to enhance both response at low speeds and extension, with the assistance of a crankshaft with eight counterweights. In addition, it boasts cutting-edge technical solutions including direct petrol injection, dual (intake and exhaust) continuous variable valve timing, a turbocharger and a revolutionary scavenging control system that eliminates turbo lag. Torque delivery is generous, with a peak of 350 Nm, 80% of which is available at only 1700 rpm.

Alfa TCT twin dry clutch transmission The 1750 Turbo Petrol engine is teamed with the Alfa TCT twin dry clutch transmission, which is a genuine benchmark in the category due to its limited weight and extreme speed of activation. The gears can be changed in sequential mode using the “shift paddles” located behind the steering wheel. Compared to the version already adopted on the Giulietta and MiTo models, the TCT on the Alfa Romeo 4C implements next-generation software and features the new ‘Launch Control’ function that optimises all car systems to provide the utmost acceleration possible. What’s more, to ensure the best performance in accordance with the road conditions and driving style, the Alfa TCT adopts optimised operating logic, interacting with the Alfa DNA selector, the braking system, the engine management system and the vehicle stability control system.

The new Alfa DNA selector with ‘Race’ mode A specific evolution of the Alfa DNA selector has been developed for Alfa Romeo 4C, which not only features the three standard settings available on other models in the range - Dynamic, Natural and All Weather – but also a fourth mode: ‘Race’, designed to enhance the driving experience on a racetrack even further. It only takes a long press of the selector in Dynamic position to activate it: in this mode, the Alfa DNA deactivates the stability control and anti-slip systems, leaving the driver in full, exciting control. Finally, the full-digital instrument panel with TFT display changes configuration - showing only information relevant to the chosen mode - and colour in line with the Alfa DNA setting: yellow for Race, red for Dynamic, grey for Natural and blue for All Weather.

FOCUS - ALFA ROMEO 4C LAUNCH EDITION

Solid but lightweight structure A state-of-the-art combination of hi-tech materials of extraordinary stiffness and strength, together with a very low specific weight, was selected to achieve a strong but light structure. In particular, the chassis is a monocoque made entirely of carbon fibre with ‘pre-preg’ technology derived from Formula 1 and adopted only by the most advanced supercars, which weighs only 65 kilograms, inside which a space is formed for the driver and passenger. The front and rear structures of the chassis and the roof reinforcements are made entirely of aluminium.

Additionally, the car’s bodywork is made entirely of lowdensity, high-strength composite material. Benefits of using this material include lighter weight (it is 20% lighter than steel) and resistance to corrosion. Dimensional stability is comparable to steel and better than aluminium.

Finally, the seats have a mixed carbon fibre and fibreglass structure which guarantees high resistance to stresses and a particularly low weight at the same time.

The final result is a significant reduction in overall weight (the dry weight is just 895 kg) combined with the best possible torsional stiffness and strength characteristics, as well as the optimisation of the car’s centre of gravity, which gives the advantage of increased agility and drivability on the most challenging roads.

Suspension The Alfa Romeo 4C has an extremely sophisticated suspension layout – ‘superimposed wishbones’ at the front, development of MacPherson at the rear – to ensure maximum agility and road holding. This solution, along with the rear-wheel drive and the extraordinary weight to power ratio, ensures Alfa Romeo driving pleasure, en-

hanced even further by the weight distribution (40% on the front axle and 60% on the rear axle). What’s more, for those wanting the maximum in terms of handling, a complete suspension kit will be available with a specific calibration of the shock absorbers and rear anti-roll bar.

Braking system, wheels and steering To ensure decisive braking even under the most intensive conditions, the braking system has four self-ventilating perforated discs, with Brembo four-piston aluminium calipers on the front axle. In addition, to “stick” the car firmly onto the road surface, tyres with a different diameter and width: two variants possible, either 17”-18” or 18”-19”. In line with the car’s setup, the steering system of the 4C does not feature power steering, to save weight but above all to secure a superlative driving feel. An appropriate steering wheel load is maintained thanks to the low overall weight of the car.

CLIP The acronym ‘4C’ draws its inspiration from the brand’s glorious past, projecting the values of technology and emotions into the future. Indeed, it refers to Alfa Romeo’s great sporting tradition: the acronyms 8C and 6C in the 1930s and 1940s distinguished cars – both racing and non – fitted with the powerful ‘eight cylinders’ and the innovative ‘six cylinders’, confirming in its design layout and construction the goal of achieving the weight/power ratio of an authentic supercar, less than 4 kg/HP, yet focusing not merely on the maximum power delivered, but on limiting the weight to guarantee maximum agility and top performance.

THE GREEN SIDE

THE

QOROS 3 CROSS HYBRID & QOROS 3 ESTATE CONCEPT

COMING SOON‌

Following the launch of its first production model, the Qoros 3 Sedan, the brand plans to expand its model family with the launch of a new model every six-to-twelve months. At the 83rd Geneva International Motor Show, Qoros also presented two concept cars: the Qoros 3 Cross Hybrid Concept and the Qoros 3 Estate Concept that illustrate how the design themes introduced in the Qoros 3 Sedan may be applied to its future model range.

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THE GREEN SIDE - THE QOROS 3 CROSS HYBRID AND QOROS 3 ESTATE CONCEPT

The intelligent Qoros modular vehicle architecture is a key factor in ensuring that new models can be introduced quickly and efficiently, and the Qoros 3 Cross Hybrid Concept is based on the same vehicle platform as the Qoros 3 Sedan. With the same long wheelbase (2,690 mm) and wide track as the sedan, the Qoros 3 Cross Hybrid Concept exhibits generous proportions and a solid, planted road presence.

rear, which featuresa large tailgate. The front view of the concept is almost identical to the Qoros 3 Sedan, but the core elements of the Qoros ‘face’ are supplemented with bespoke accents. The lower air inlet at the bottom of the trapezoidal grille stretches further back, highlighting the concept’s powerful front stature. Also distinctive are the rounded contours of the fog lamps, which are placed wide apart.

The Qoros 3 Cross Hybrid Concept showcases a mild evolution of the styling introduced on the production sedan. Elegant lines and balanced proportions reflect sporty aspirations. Short body overhangs and the coupé-like roof line flowing into the hatchback tailgate give the five-door model a touch of dynamic flair. Horizontally oriented lines highlight the width of the boldly shaped

The headlamp clusters, featuring LED bars at their top edge as daytime running lights, are the same as those on the Qoros 3 Sedan, stretching far into the flanks and into a striking contour edge which runs through the door handles and rises continuously to the rear. The rear light clusters – unique to this concept, feature horizontal LED light bars in a neat compact arrangement.

Its raised ground clearance and specific design features that emphasise its robust, versatile characteristics hint at the Qoros 3 Cross Hybrid Concept’s potential for excursions beyond the asphalt. It features underbody protection at the front and rear to protect against impacts, as well as uprated suspension and damper systems that ensure occupants remain comfortable even on rough terrain.

A combination of hybrid drive and all-wheel system The Qoros 3 Cross Hybrid Concept features an advanced hybrid drive system developed in partnership with leading electric drive systems specialist American Axle. A threecylinder 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 97 kW (130 bhp) is installed transversely at the front to drive the front wheels and a 50 kW electric motor is housed between the luggage compartment floor and the rear axle, not only convenient for power transfer but also safely isolated from rear collision impacts. The motor is powered by a LG Chem lithium-ion battery with a maximum capacity of 1.9 kilowatt-hours.

A second electric motor – the Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) – is mounted between the petrol engine and the transmission. Its role, as well as to start the petrol engine more discreetly – with less noise and less vibration – than a traditional starter motor, is to charge the rear electric motor’s dedicated battery so that the Qoros 3 Cross Hybrid Concept can operate continuously in all-wheel drive mode. And, during the most demanding driving, the ISG delivers additional power to the front axle, allowing the concept to deliver surprisingly swift performance: zero to 100 km/h is achieved in less than 7.0 seconds (provisional target, not yet verified).

Intelligent control software ensures seamless transition between petrol-engine front-wheel drive, electric motor rear-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive, depending on the most efficient mode to respond to the driver’s inputs and the prevailing road conditions.

The Qoros 3 Cross Hybrid Concept can be driven in pureelectric mode at a speed of up to 120 km/h, and for a maximum range of approximately four kilometres.

THE GREEN SIDE - THE QOROS 3 CROSS HYBRID AND QOROS 3 ESTATE CONCEPT

The Qoros 3 Estate Concept: modern functionality in an elegant, athletic style The Qoros 3 Estate Concept, featuring extended interior space, intelligent and flexible functionality, and elegant design, show how the new brand’s compact segment model range might be expanded with an estate variant in the future. Qoros’ modular platform provides the ideal basis for fast and efficient expansion of the model family, and the compact estate is becoming increasingly popular among European motorists. Its elegance and bold stature echo the Qoros styling themes introduced by the Qoros 3 Sedan, while the intelligently designed interior provides an incredibly versatile and adaptable space that allows luggage capacity to be adapted to individual needs.

Qoros 3 Estate Concept is generously proportioned for a compact segment estate. Appealing touches include the application of the horizontal design theme to highlight the long roof line flowing smoothly to the rear, and the large side windows that give the vehicle an elegant and elongated look.

Like the sedan, the concept has the characteristic Qoros face, featuring the same large headlamps which reach from the distinctive radiator grille far into the flanks.

The rear lamp clusters are also identical to those on the product Qoros 3 Sedan, creating a strong family resemblance between the two models. The three bold horizontal LED taillight bars neatly suit the powerful rear, where the large tailgate opening features a convenient low loading sill.

An individual alternative to the classic sedan Sales of compact segment estate cars are growing thanks to their more flexible capabilities to meet the diverse transport needs of ever more adventurous family lifestyles in Europe. The versatile trunk space provides additional flexibility and volume for luggage or other cargo, or to pursue leisure activities which might involve transporting bulky sports equipment, for example.

Based on the same platform as the Qoros 3 Sedan, the

Plenty of space and versatility in the interior The wide-ranging options provided by the folding rear seatbacks and the ski hatch, as well as the numerous storage compartments and accessory attachments, offer prospective customers a highly versatile and functional vehicle, both for everyday driving and long-distance travel. The Qoros 3 Estate Concept is conceived for young families and other modern customers whose vehicle choice is based on an active, varied lifestyle.

THE GREEN SIDE - THE QOROS 3 CROSS HYBRID AND QOROS 3 ESTATE CONCEPT

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CLIP Qoros occupies a unique position within the growing Chinese automobile market: its structure, brand identity and product positioning sets it apart. “We have merged international expertise and our Chinese headquarters to create a unique business model,” says Qoros Vice Chairman, Volker Steinwascher. “We have absolute control and ownership of our brand, our design and our

own proprietary technology, which allows us to take an uncompromising approach.”

“We are a new company without a legacy, so we have the great advantage of being able to shape our development from a clean sheet,” he adds. “With proven experts in their field, we are able to develop competitive products and establish a service network which meets the needs of modern, metropolitan customers.”

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CLASSIC

50 YEARS OF THE PORSCHE 911

The 911 is much more than just a car. It is a cult item which sets the pulse of automobile enthusiasts throughout the world racing, even when it is stationary. And it has been the centrepiece of the Porsche brand for the last 50 years. Virtually no other car in the world can look back on such a long tradition and on continuity over as many years as the Porsche 911. Since being presented under the name Type 901 in September 1963, it has fascinated car fans throughout the world. And it is not only the benchmark for sports cars alone. It is also the yardstick for all other Porsche series : a part of the 911 can be found in each Porsche.

When deciding on the name for the new model, Porsche initially based their choice on the Volkswagen spare part number ranges. In view of possible future cooperation with the VW plant, the new Porsche was to be compatible with the number ranges used there. As the 900 numbers had not yet been allocated in Wolfsburg, the decisionmakers at Zuffenhausen chose 901 for the six-cylinder version and 902 for a subsequent four-cylinder car. On

12th September 1963 the great day had arrived – Porsche presented the prototype of the 901 at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt/Main. However, there was still a long way to go before the vehicle was ready for series production and another year passed until the Porsche engineers had developed the 901 from the prototype phase to series production. The car was then launched on the market in October 1964.

CLASSIC - 50 YEARS OF THE PORSCHE 911

CLIP With more than 820,000 units constructed, (Total production volume 911 My. 1964 to 2012: 828.272) the Porsche 911 is the world’s most successful sports car. Ferry Porsche described the characteristics of the 911 very fittingly: “The 911 is the only car that you can drive from an African safari to Le Mans, then to the theatre and onto the streets of New York.”

In September 1964, the Porsche 901 was presented at the very important Paris Motor Show. However, the show caused an unexpected problem for Porsche. At the beginning of October 1964, the astonished Porsche management received an objection from the French manufacturer Peugeot which indicated that the type name 901 was in violation of French copyright and trademark protection laws. This initially caused bemusement all round as the model name that Porsche traditionally based on the relevant design number had, in the case of the Type 901 as well, been rigorously researched by the development department.

Just one German lorry producer used the name 901, which was not viewed as a problem for Porsche. But Peugeot stated that they had been using three-digit numbers with a zero in the middle since 1929 and therefore owned the legal rights to all similar number sequences in France.

There was nothing left for Porsche to do than rename the 901 right in the middle of the model launch phase.

On 22nd November 1964, after considering many different options including using an affix such as “GT”, Ferry Porsche decided to rename the vehicle “Type 911”. The decision was based on very practical considerations. Brochures, price lists and manuals as well as the type number on the rear and on the glove compartment lid were already being finalised, meaning that using the typeface already created for the number “1” twice was the simplest solution. There was just not enough time to create a new number, let alone completely new lettering. In 1964, no one could have guessed that this 911 emergency solution would one day become world-famous.

CLASSIC - 50 YEARS OF THE PORSCHE 911

Only after several internal and external studies did Ferry Porsche’s son Ferdinand Alexander complete his historic design. F.A. Porsche, as he was called by his colleagues, joined the design office of what was then Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche KG in 1958. He was soon able to prove his vast creative talent when, in 1959, he sculpted a pioneering model of a successor to the 356 series out of plasticine.

In 1960, the 754 “T7” prototype was created on the basis of his designs. It was an extremely promising study of a four-seater car, however its rear end did not yet meet with Ferry Porsche’s approval. He decided against developing the four-seater “T7” in favour of the “T8”, a fastback coupé with 2+2 seating arrangement that was developed from 1962 onwards under the project name “Type 901”.

The predecessor model, the 356, was a legend in its own lifetime and the 911 had to measure up to it. The Porsche engineers created a completely new, bold design – and therefore laid the technical foundations for the resounding success of the car. For example, the frame and the chassis from the 356 were not used for the Type 901, as the design was called internally, but were totally redesigned.

To make the luggage compartment more spacious, the designers planned space-saving McPherson suspension at the front and the outdated swing axle was replaced by a semi-trailing arm suspension at the rear.

The six-cylinder flat engine of the type 901/911 generated a power of 96 kW (130 hp) at 6,100/min from 2 litres displacement. For the sake of completeness, a brief mention should also be made of the Porsche 912 here. It was launched in parallel with the 911 in spring 1965; it was a lower power version and had the four-cylinder engine of the type 356 with a displacement of 1.6 litres and 66 kW (90 hp) of power. It was fitted with simpler features than

in the 911. The 912 was produced in the Coupé and Targa body forms until summer 1969.

In 1966, Porsche launched the 911 S. Producing 160 hp, it was the first 911 to sport Fuchs forged alloy wheels.

The 911 Targa came onto the market at the end of 1966 and with its striking stainless steel roll bar became the world’s first super-safe convertible. From the following year, the 911 was available with ‘Sportomatic’, a semiautomatic, four-speed transmission. And with the 911 T, E and S models Porsche became the first German carmaker to fulfil the American Environmental Protection Agency’s strict anti-pollution exhaust requirements. With engine capacity increases to 2.2 litres (in 1969) and 2.4 litres (in 1971) the Porsche 911 became ever more powerful.

To this day still the dream car to beat all others: the 911 Carrera RS 2.7 from 1972. Engine power of 210 hp and just 1,000 kilograms in weight. Its characteristic ‘ducktail’ was the first rear spoiler fitted as standard to a production car anywhere in the world.

CLASSIC - 50 YEARS OF THE PORSCHE 911

“The original” 911 in motorsport Many of the ideas and technologies used for the first time in the Porsche 911 have their origins in motorsport.

After all, the 911 was always dedicated to the principle of high performance and motor racing was its most important testing ground. A good two thirds of what are now around 30,000 victories for Porsche are down to the 911. That’s no surprise, as F. A. Porsche’s stroke of genius shows inexhaustible potential for technical development not just for road use, but in motorsport as well.

The trail of success began in 1965: at the Monte Carlo Rally, made extremely difficult by bad weather, the Porsche 911 2.0 proved its qualities in top international motorsport for the first time. After 4,600 kilometres, often in driving snow, no more than 22 of the 237 vehicles to start made it to the finish. Porsche employees Peter Falk and Herbert Linge completed the rally with victory in their class and an outstanding fifth place in the overall rankings. With a 100-litre petrol tank, shorter gearing ratio, differential lock and sports suspension, this 911

was excellently equipped for rallying. In 1966, four 911 cars took the first four places in the Gran Turismo classification. In 1967, a 911 S works car won the two-litre class at the Targa Florio. British all-round talent Vic Elford took the European Championship with the 911 S 2.0 ‘Rallye’. In 1968, Vic Elford secured the first overall victory for Porsche at the Monte Carlo Rally. In 1969 and 1970, Björn Waldegård repeated the feat, with 180 horsepower (132 kW) from a 2.2-litre engine already available to the Swede for his 911 S, which weighed in at just 960 kilograms.

CLIP Porsche Classic will be in attendance at the world’s largest old-timer car show in Essen from April 10 to 14, 2013.

The extensive range of Classic Genuine Parts and the full spectrum of services provided by the Porsche Classic workshop for the restoration, maintenance and repair of classic Porsche vehicles will be on show in Hall 7.0. The main focus at the spacious exhibition stand will be on the 50th anniversary of the Porsche 911. The sports car icon from Zuffenhausen has excited car enthusiasts all over the world for five decades.

CLASSIC - 50 YEARS OF THE PORSCHE 911

The reliability and speed of the Porsche 911 was underlined by numerous other rally successes. In 1966, Günther Klass won the European Championship in a 911 and in 1967 Sobieslaw Zasada was successful with a 911 S (and a 912) in Group 1 (for cars with only minor modifications), while Vic Elford won Group 3 for more highly modified GTs. In 1968, the European Champion was Pauli Toivonen and his car was a 911 T. At that time, the European Championship was the highest-ranking rally championship in the world, with its gruelling races, such as the Monte Carlo Rally, the Austrian Alpine Rally, the Rally of Sweden and the San Remo Rally, placing extreme demands on the drivers and their cars. The Porsche 911 won them all – some more than once. In 1970, the Porsche works team with Björn Waldegård won the international one-cup championship – the forerunner of the World Rally Championship.

However, even more clearly than in rallying the 911 dominated on the racetrack in the GT categories. As early as 1966, Porsche clients were already achieving internationally significant successes with the 911 S, including a win in the two-litre class at the 24-hour race in Daytona achieved by Jack Ryan and Art Benker and the first class victory at Le Mans by ‘Franc’ and Jean Kerguen. In 1967, clients picked up 13 national titles in the categories for modified production cars, including a championship in the major American TransAm, where the 911 was champion’s car in 1968 and 1969 as well. The 911 won in its class at Daytona, Sebring, Spa, in the Targa Florio

and on the Nürburgring. The first overall victory in the 24-Hours of Spa came as soon as 1967, with the Porsche teams completing the hat-trick in 1968 and 1969.

For works use and client motorsport Porsche produced in 1967 the limited edition 911 R. The prototype had a Carrera 6 engine delivering 210 hp – ample power for a weight of just 830 kilograms. Driving the new car, Vic Elford, Hans Herrmann and Jochen Neerpasch immediately won the ‘Marathon de la Route’, an 84-hour race on the Nürburgring – the new, semi-automatic ‘Sportomatic’ gearbox also survived the torture without complaint.

That November in Monza the car set numerous world speed records.

In 1970, the motorsport division built for works driver Gérard Larrousse the lightest 911 ever to be licensed for use on the road: the 911 ST for the Tour de France weighed in at all of 789 kilograms. Legend has it that Larrousse promised the mechanics a crate of champagne for every kilo below the 800-mark… Larrousse came third – beaten only by two Matra prototypes.

Until 1972, the Porsche 911 S, 911 R and 911 T remained the cars to beat. The 911 S 2.3 of 1971 had a power output of 240 hp. One year later, a flat engine increased in size to 2.5 litres was already producing 270 horsepower. It was almost impossible to keep track of all the victories and titles, with the winning of the GT European Cup in 1971, 1972 and 1973 being the standout achievements.

ROMEO FERRARIS BULLETIN

THE NEVER ENDING STORY

ADVERTORIAL

A young Romeo Ferraris and his 6 cylinders boxer engine (1962)

The Romeo Ferraris career and myth have run through more than 5 decades on the engineering, manufacturing, tuning and racing sides. His company is now one of the most experienced and respected engineering in Europe as well as one of the most prestigious and winning racing teams.

The Romeo Ferraris myth started in 1959 when its founder Romeo Ferraris, born in 1937, began to be known as the Giancarlo Baghetti’s Lancia tuner.

Since then, 68 titles and more than a thousand awards have enriched his palmarès, including Italian, European, and World championships in all cars categories as well as powerboats titles and races.

In 1962 Romeo Ferraris opened a factory in Milan and started tuning engines and cars. In 1966 he successfully approached the world of speedboats and in 1970 he started being interested in sport-prototypes cars, creating an engine of 1.000 cc (able to guarantee 136 HP at 11.300

rpm) derived from the Fiat 128 engine, followed by an astonishing 8-cilynder 2000 engine (350 HP) that was fitted on the Lola-Ferraris, driven by Arturo Merzario.

The experiences with the sport-prototypes didn’t preclude him to work on production cars during the same period. In 1968 he prepared a BWM “1800 TS” and in 1970 BMW Italia offered him the opportunity to tune some other cars. As a matter of fact, his workshop became “authorized BMW workshop” in order to guarantee a warranty on the modifications. There were several tuning levels for every model of the product range: from the “2002 Ti” to the “3.3 CSL”.

The Black Tornado, one of the very first off shore super-boats tuned by Romeo Ferraris

Fiat 500 Abarth by Romeo Ferraris racing in the sixties

A Formula Junior tuned by Romeo Ferraris and driven by Giorgio Bassi

Ferraris “transplanted” the powerful 3.3 CSL 6 cylinders engine into the BMW 2002 Ti. At that time he declared “these are cars for brave ones” due to the fact that these were able to guarantee 400 bhp, a mere 6 seconds from 0 to 100 km and 285 km/h of maximum speed.

In the mid-70s, despite continued successes on all European tracks, Romeo moved away from car racing to establish himself in the powerboat world, where he dominated for nearly a decade, winning 18 titles and obtaining a countless number of world speed records.

For the Offshore Class 1 boats Romeo Ferraris tuned several IVECO engines and then designed and fully developed the Seatek engine that equipped the famous boats “Gancia dei Gancia” and “Cesa 1882”.

CLIP

The Romeo Ferraris company returned to four wheels racing in 2004, by entering the ETCS Series, winning titles for 5 years in a row. His success continued in 2009, with the Italian title in the Sara GT Championship and in 2010 with the Abarth Trophy.

In 2011, the outstanding results of its drivers in the Superstars Series allowed the Romeo Ferraris Team to reach the third place overall, 1st team not supported by an official brand. In 2012, the Romeo Ferraris Team won the Italian title in the Italian Peugeot RCZ Cup (with drivers Mauro Trentin and Mario Ferraris).

ADVERTORIAL - ROMEO FERRARIS BULLETIN

During the last 5 years Romeo Ferraris has successfully developed several different Fiat Abarth 500 versions, some of these able to offer the incredible power of 260 cv … that becomes 360 in the racing version!

The Romeo Ferraris Team has identified an entry strategy in the racing and automotive industry of the largest market in the world: it is currently the only European team participating in the Pan Delta championship with a Mercedes C 63 AMG prepared according to the technical regulation of the Superstars Series. The Pan Delta Racing Festival (launched by the Zuhai International Circuit, China) is a championship consisting of 4 races, open to all Tourism and GT classes. The first event of 2013 turned out to be an incredible success with around seventy Touring/GT cars on track (and more than thirty Formula Renault and F.3 in the rich single-seater side races).

In the 2013 debut, Mario Ferraris led the Mercedes AMG to victory in both race 1 and race 2 after a good fight with the Ferrari 360 of Bayon Tong.

On the other side the Romeo Ferraris Racing Division is now responsible for the production of carbon fiber aerodynamics parts, engine adjustments according to the different championships, and the development of setups designed to achieve maximum performance.

For the 2013 season the Romeo Ferraris team is committed in the Formula 3 European Championship with two Dallara Mercedes and in the Chinese Pan Delta Championship with an AMG Mercedes C63.

The last minute news says that the Romeo Ferraris team was also appointed by AMG Mercedes Italy as “official” Superstars 2013 squad; the two powerful C63 will be driven by a super drivers duo: former F.1 driver Tonio Liuzzi and former Superstars Champion Thomas Biagi.

CLIP THE ROMEO FERRARIS “CINQUONE TRIBUTO USA” AT THE TEMPORARY MUSEUM FOR NEW DESIGN On the occasion of Milano Design Week 2013 (8 to 14 April) Romeo Ferraris has been invited to exhibit his last creation inside the Temporary Museum for New Design, established at Superstudio 13 in Milan.

The “Cinquone Tributo USA” stands for the highest expression of automotive design in a car that is not merely an exercise of style. This “glamorous” car admitted to circulate on our roads confirms the intention of Romeo Ferraris to become a car manufacturer by the next 5 years.

The 500 Abarth is the starting point chosen by Romeo Ferraris for his creation, a car that achieved resounding success worldwide and that can certainly be accounted as the Italian design standard bearer.

By drawing a well-proportioned strong body and by stressing the original dimension with extraordinary front and rear widenings, Romeo Ferraris was able to highlight the features of the car, outlining a silhouette that leaves beholders breathless.

Romeo Ferraris developed 18’’ alloy wheels specifically and rigorously in Italy, using well advanced forging techniques that have reduced the weight to 8,2 Kg. The inside of the car is of course 100% made in Italy.

It is made up of carbon fiber technological inserts, precious Alcantara and leather covering on the sport seats. The “Cinquone Tributo USA” can be tuned up from 160 CV to 260 CV.

Via Lambro, 33 20090 Opera (MI) - Italy ph.: +39 02 57601636 +39 02 57603024 fax: +39 02 57605308 e-mail : info@romeoferraris.com

RACING

AUDI VS TOYOTA IN THE WORLD ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP

The Battle of the Giants

Once again the endurance racing world will be the stage for the battle between two giants of motorsports panorama. But will it be another year dominated by the Audi R18 or will the Toyota TS030 capitalize on past years’ experience? Audi’s realm has of course been the Le Mans 24 Hours: the four rings make won eleven times in thirteen years (starting in 2000). Last year’s edition was an unfortunate one for Toyota, but in 2013 the Japanese are ready to take on the challenge and perhaps to begin a long winning streak themselves. One thing is certain: the battle between Audi and Toyota is bringing the World Endurance Championship back to the splendour of the sixties and seventies, when endurance racing was even more important then Formula 1.

The Audi R18 e-tron quattro Technical milestones at the 24 Hours of Le Mans are nothing unusual for Audi: the brand with the four rings has always consistently used the endurance classic to race new technologies – TFSI, TDI, VTG, ultra lightweight design or now e-tron quattro are good examples of the brand’s pioneering spirit in motorsport.

Through the intelligent combination of a conventionally powered rear axle with an electrically powered front axle the Audi R18 is transformed into an e-tron quattro – the first Audi racecar which is not powered exclusively by a combustion engine. The system located in the front of the car comprises of two driveshafts and a Motor Generator Unit (MGU) together with planetary gearbox, which retrieves its own energy from the electric flywheel accumulator mounted alongside the driver in the cockpit.

The energy is recuperated and stored during braking. In the process, the front wheels drive the Motor Generator Unit. This accelerates electrically a carbon-fiber flywheel, which runs in a high vacuum. Once the corner is taken and the driver accelerates again, the system delivers the

energy to the front axle – but as the regulations state, however, only above a speed of 120 km/h. The regulations also limit the maximum amount of energy that can be transmitted to the front wheels between two braking phases.

The hybrid system and quattro driver are, however, not the only peculiarities of the Audi R18 e-tron quattro. Only with the help of consistent and logical ultra lightweight design was it possible to realize the minimum weight permitted by the regulations – and this without compromising the aspects of safety and reliability.

CLIP The Audi R18 e-tron quattro only starts its second race season in 2013 – but it is already a legend: exactly like the Audi R10 TDI, the first hybrid racecar to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans was voted by an Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) jury to be one of the most important Le Mans racecars of all time.

RACING - THE BATTLE OF THE GIANTS

CLIP Audi Sport will race up to thirteen drivers this season.

The team is led by Le Mans record winner, Danish Tom Kristensen, and by last year’s winners Marcel Fässler (from Switzerland), André Lotterer (Germany) as well as French driver Benoît Tréluyer.

Toyota’s prototypes will be driven by French drivers Nicolas Lapierre and Stephane Sarrazin and by former Formula 1 drivers Kazuki Nakajma (Japan), Alex Wurz (Austria) and Sebastien Buemi (from Switzerland).

To achieve this Audi Sport explored every possibility in all the decisive areas: with the chassis in the same way as the engine and drivetrain. The R18 grabbed attention in 2011 with a one-piece carbon-fiber monocoque. Consequently, the safety cell is particularly light, yet extremely stable and safe at the same time. An innovation in the transmission area followed in 2012: a new gearbox with carbon-fiber composite casing was developed for the R18 – another premiere for endurance racing. In the suspension area, new materials and manufacturing processes to reduce mass are also used.

Thanks to its innovative architecture, the particularly compact 3.7-liter V6 TDI engine with mono turbocharger plays a significant role in compensating for the additional weight of the hybrid system. Despite the frequent new restrictions imposed by the regulations, Audi Sport still extracts over 360 kW (490 hp) and a maximum torque of more than 850 Nm from the power plant thanks to the efficiency of the overall concept.

CLIP The 2013 model Audi R18 e-tron quattro celebrates its race debut on March 16 in the 12-hour race at Sebring (Florida). Despite not being part of the World Sportscar Championship anymore (today FIA World Endurance Championship) the 12 Hours of Sebring remains a “classic� and one of the most important endurance races in the world. As the opening round of the American Le Mans Series it was held on March 16 and turned out to be a very entertaining race. Marcel Fassler, Benoit Treluyer and Oliver Jarvis clinched victory with the Audi R18 followed by the other Audi of Lucas di Grassi, Tom Kristensen and Allan McNish. Third place for the Lola B12/60-Toyota of team Rebellion driven by Nicolas Prost, Neel Jani and Nick Heidfeld.

Numerous other technical innovations such as the electromechanical steering, digital rear view mirror, which shows the events unfolding behind on an AMOLED display in the cockpit, or the extremely bright full LED headlights make the R18 e-tron quattro a unique technology demonstrator.

RACING - THE BATTLE OF THE GIANTS

Although the R18 successor for the new LMP1 regulations, which come into force in 2014, has long since taken

shape, many details of the Audi R18 e-tron quattro were reworked for the 2013 season. The flywheel accumulator is even more efficient. The MGU now produces over 2 x 80 kW instead of the previous 2 x 75 kW. The aerodynamic efficiency was further optimized, the ultra lightweight concept systematically continued, and the digital rear view mirror used for the first time last year was complemented by an additional two forward-facing cameras that give the drivers the maximum field of front-vision.

Audi R18 e-tron quattro (2013) TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

VEHICLE Vehicle type Monocoque

Battery

Le Mans Prototype (LMP1) Carbon fiber composite with aluminum honeycomb, tested according to the strict FIA crash and safety standards Lithium ion battery

ENGINE Type

Engine management Engine lubrication Cubic capacity Power Torque

Turbocharged 120째 V6, 4 valves per cylinder, DOHC, 1 Garrett turbocharger, mandatory intake air restrictor of 1 x 45.1 mm diameter and turbo boost pressure limited to 2.8 bar absolute, diesel direct injection TDI, fully stressed aluminum cylinder block Bosch MS24 Dry sump, Castrol 3,700 cc Over 360 kW (490 hp) Over 850 Nm

HYBRID SYSTEM Type of accumulator Electric flywheel accumulator, max 500 KJ, WHP Motor Generator Unit (MGU) MGU on the front axle, water cooled with integrated power electronics, over 2 x 80 kW DRIVETRAIN / TRANSMISSION Transmission type Clutch Gearbox Differential Gearbox housing Driveshafts

Rear wheel drive, traction control (ASR), four-wheel drive e-tron quattro from 120 km/h Carbon clutch Sequential, electrically activated 6-speed racing gearbox Limited-slip rear differential Carbon fiber composite with titanium inserts Constant velocity sliding tripod universal joints

SUSPENSION / STEERING / BRAKES Steering Suspension

Brakes

Wheels Tires

Electrical assisted rack and pinion steering Front and rear double wishbone independent suspension, front pushrod system and rear pullrod system with adjustable dampers Hydraulic dual circuit brake system, monobloc light alloy brake calipers, ventilated carbon disc brakes front and rear, infinitely manually adjustable front and rear brake balance, O.Z. magnesium forged wheels Michelin radial, front: 360/710-18, rear: 370/710-18

WEIGHT / DIMENSIONS Length Width Height Minimum weight Fuel tank capacity

4,650 mm 2,000 mm 1,030 mm 915 kg 58 liters

www.audi-motorsport.info

Toyota TS030 HYBRID After an impressive debut in the WEC in 2012, which included three victories in just six races, the team returns with an ambition to win both the Le Mans 24 Hours and the WEC title. The team will again utilise the Toyota Hybrid System – Racing powertrain, developed exclusively for motorsport by Toyota’s Motor Sport Division in Higashifuji.

RACING - THE BATTLE OF THE GIANTS

A unique super capacitor-based hybrid system delivers 300hp of boost automatically, on top of the 530hp generated by a 3.4litre, normally-aspirated V8 petrol engine.

Ahead of a completely new development for 2014 due to regulation changes, Toyota’s Motor Sport Division in Higashifuji has fine-tuned this year’s powertrain to improve power, efficiency, management of component usage and reliability. The TS030 HYBRID chassis has also been modified for the upcoming season, with increased performance, reliability and serviceability the priorities.

Toyota Motorsport, which designs, builds and operates the TS030 Hybrid, has used its extensive R&D testing facilities and experienced engineers to deliver the next evolution. A revised aerodynamic package, including an updated monocoque, will deliver improved performance whilst minimising the impact of updated regulations in 2013 which increase the minimum weight for manufacturer LMP1 cars by 15kg.

WORLD ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP*

14 April Silverstone Circuit Towcester 04 May Circuit Spa Francorchamps Francorchamps 22 June Circuit de la Sarthe Le Mans 01 September Autodromo C. Pace / Interlagos Sao Paulo 22 September Circuit of the Americas Austin 20 October Fuji Speedway Nakahinata Oyama 10 November Shanghai Circuit Shanghai 30 November Bahrain International Circuit Sakhir * all 6 Hours races with the exception of the Le Mans 24 Hours

Great Britain Belgium France Brazil USA - Texas Japan China Bahrain

RACING - THE BATTLE OF THE GIANTS

“There is a major regulation change in 2014 – says Technical Director Pascal Vasselon – so this year’s car has to be an evolution of our initial concept. The obvious target is to fix all the little issues we have found during the last season. The very first one is that the 2012 car, being a laboratory car, was able to accept front and rear hybrid systems, so we have redesigned the monocoque to optimize it without the front motor. Last year’s performance was very satisfying and we felt we ticked most boxes so there has been no concept change, just refinement and optimization of the 2012 car”.

“The major milestones in development of our hybrid system are 2012 – says Hybrid Project Leader Hisatake Murata – when it was integrated into the TS030 Hybrid for the first time, and 2014, when the technical regulations change significantly. For this year we have achieved some

incremental improvements while including some pre-testing of 2014 technologies. We have polished up things like power and efficiency whilst also fine-tuning the powertrain to enhance reliability. Overall we are confident we again have a very competitive and reliable powertrain”.

We took the chance to fine-tune various aspects of the car – confirms John Litjens, Chassis Project Leader – making an evolution of the 2012 specification rather than a new concept. We have removed the front hybrid capability, resulting in more efficient packaging and aerodynamics. This helps us to manage the 15kg minimum weight increase without compromising performance too much. Our simulations show we have made good progress in performance, and our hands-on experience suggests we have eliminated some of the serviceability issues which occasionally cost time in 2012”.

RACING - THE BATTLE OF THE GIANTS

CLIP Toyota first competed in the FIA World Endurance Championship in 1983, marking the start of a long period of participation in endurance racing which included several editions of the Le Mans 24 Hours. Toyota cars have raced in 14 Le Mans 24 Hours races, with a total of 38 vehicles taking part. For 2012, Toyota returned to endurance racing as a full-time entrant with a hybrid LMP1 car, the TS030 Hybrid. This car won for the first time at the Six Hours of Sao Paulo in September, just its third race and went on to win three of the six races it competed. The chassis, modified for 2013, has been designed and built by Toyota Motorsport, where the race team is based.

Toyota Motorsport is the former home of Toyota’s World Rally and Formula 1 works teams, and was responsible for design and operation of Toyota’s TS020 (GT-One) Le Mans car in 1998-99.

TS030 HYBRID TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Type Le Mans Prototype (LMP1) Bodywork Carbon fibre composite Windscreen Polycarbonate Gearbox Transversal with six gears, sequential Gearbox casing Aluminium Driveshafts Constant velocity tripod

plunge-joint driveshafts Clutch Multidisc Differential Viscous mechanical

locking differential Suspension Independent front and rear

double wishbone, pushrod-system Springs Torsion bars Anti roll bars Front and rear Steering Hydraulically assisted Brakes Dual circuit hydraulic braking system,

mono-block light-alloy brake

calipers front and rear Discs Ventilated front and rear in carbon Rims Magnesium forged wheels Front rims 14.5 x 18 inch Rear rims 14.5 x 18 inch Tyres Michelin radial Front tyres 36/71-18 Rear tyres 37/71-18 Rear tyres 37/71-18 Seat belts TAKATA Width 2000 mm Height 1030 mm Fuel capacity 73 litres Powertrain TOYOTA HYBRID

System – Racing (THS-R) Engine 90° V8 normally aspirated Fuel Petrol Capacity 3.4 l Valves 4 Air restrictors 1 x 43.3mm Capacitor Nisshinbo Rear Hybrid Motor DENSO

AUTOSPORT MARKETING

DTM goes USA! GRAND-AM Road Racing and the International Motor Sports Association announced a license and cooperation agreement with the Internationale TourenwagenRennen (ITR), which administers DTM racing. The collective goal is a North American version of DTM, the popular German touring car series. The earliest the new series would begin would be 2015, possibly running as part of United SportsCar Racing event weekends.

United SportsCar Racing was announced March 14 as the name of the new series resulting from the merger of GRAND-AM and the American Le Mans Series.

Formula Premium innovative racing solution Not satisfied enough to offer the cheapest single seater car on the market, the manufacturer of the Formula Premium, ßeta Epsilon, is continuing to innovate by offering new solutions for entering single seater racing on a controlled budget. To participate in the Formula Premium Trophy, competitors will be

If realized, a North American version of DTM would join the current Europe-based DTM and Japan-based Super GT platforms.

“In addition to the six German and Japanese manufacturers - Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Nissan and Toyota - which are already involved, the new cooperation quite obviously also offers a new and extraordinary field of activity for the American premium manufacturers such as Cadillac, Lincoln or Dodge SRT within the framework of future motorsport programs” said ITR Chairman Hans Werner Aufrecht.

able to choose from a wide range of options. Drivers can buy or rent a car, organize their own support or use professional teams with different services from simple technical assistance up to a turnkey deal. ßeta Epsilon is selling the Formula Premium (price: Euro 35,000) or offering it to rent for the season (Euro 19,900 HT with a comprehensive review at the end of the year). If you prefer not to manage all aspects of your involvement in racing, there are professional teams in the Formula Premium Trophy who can offer a range of services. Again, several options are available. Formula Premium Trophy is a 7 meeting championship held under the authority of the FFSA within the Trophée Tourisme Endurance (2 sessions of testing, one qualifying session from 20 to 30 minutes, 2 or 3 races of 20 minutes depending on circuit).

Tony Pedregon debuts his Komatsu machine in NHRA

Tony Pedregon Racing will sport a new look for the NHRA Nationals in Las Vegas April event. The team is partnering with Komatsu, a worldwide manufacturer of construction and mining equipment. The brand will highlight their Komatsu Care program, which provides complementary factory scheduled maintenance on Komatsu equipment.

Jaguar and DIABOLIK race in Superstars World DIABOLIK, famous comic myth, is the main protagonist of the first Superstars World race in Monza. The Jaguar XF-R is coloured in black and red and the renowned

DIABOLIK trademark (his eyes) is drawn on the front of the car. DIABOLIK himself is taking the track during the racing event. Just few in fact know the identity of the unstoppable thief: his eyes remain hidden under the helmet’s visor for the entire weekend. But Cars GlobalMag will try hard to reveal his true identity ...

Follow the story in our May issue!

GLOBAL NEWS North America / Asia United States / Japa Toyota announces voluntary safety recall of certain FJ Cruiser models Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., will conduct a safety recall involving approximately 209,000 FJ Cruiser vehicles.

The seatbelt retractors for the driver and front passenger seat belts are mounted in the rear doors (access doors) of the vehicle. Due to insufficient strength of the rear door panel, cracks may develop over an extended period of time if the rear door is repeatedly and forcefully closed. If cracks occur in the panel around the lower seatbelt retractor anchor, the seatbelt retractor may become detached.

Europe Italy The Avvocato’s cars Ten years after Giovanni Agnelli’s death, the National Automobile Museum in Turin (Italy), named after him in March 2011, commemorates his memory with an exhibition entitled “Le Auto dell’Avvocato” (The Avvocato’s cars).

The exhibition is a display of car models aesthetically and functionally tailored to meet Agnelli’s tastes.

A journey in the essence of 20th century Italian automobile design, to the birth of a new approach in

No accidents or injuries have been reported for this condition. Owners of vehicles covered by this safety recalls will receive an owner notification letter via first class mail starting in the near future. Any authorized Toyota dealer will perform this recall at no charge to the vehicle owner.

Detailed information is available to customers at www. toyota.com/recall.

the automotive world, characterised by the creation of tailor-made vehicles.

“I am happy that this exhibition gives the public a chance to see a lesser-known aspect of Giovanni Agnelli’s personality, his creativity. My grandfather loved driving cars, especially those he had custom built in terms of style, colour, combinations of materials and engines. He was inspired by the concept of contamination and attracted to quickness,” says Lapo Elkann, President and Founder of Italia Independent and Independent Ideas.

To remember Agnelli’s date of birth, the exhibition was inaugurated on 12th March and stays open to the public until 2nd June.

Europe / Asia Belgium / South Korea Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell to demonstrate real-world benefits to EU decision-makers The Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell has been selected for the second consecutive year by the European Commissionbacked Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking to demonstrate the real-world benefits of hydrogen fuel cell technology. The world’s first production fuel cell electric vehicle, the ix35 Fuel Cell, will be made available throughout 2013 to members of the European Parliament, European Commission officials and other policymakers for test drives in Brussels, Belgium.

Hyundai Motor was awarded its first leasing contract for a hydrogen-powered fuel cell car by the FCH JU in October 2011. Over the course of 2012, the ix35 Fuel Cell was presented to EU decision-makers, stakeholders

North America / Asia United States / South Korea

and the general public at a number of demonstration drives and public events in Brussels and other locations across Europe. President of Hyundai Motor Europe B.K. Rim said: “We are sure that the leading policymakers and opinion-formers who drive this remarkable vehicle will find its ability to deliver performance and comfort without compromising its eco-friendly nature with tailpipe emissions highly compelling.”

Hyundai plans to build 1,000 examples of the ix35 Fuel Cell by 2015 for lease to public and private fleets, primarily in Europe, where the European Commission has established a road map for construction of a panEuropean hydrogen fuelling station network.

Kia Motors America launches mobile version of kiamedia.com Kia Motors America launched the mobile-device optimized Kiamedia.com, providing busy journalists with quick access to everything Kia while on the go. Optimized for iPhone and Android phones, the mobile version includes key features and functions from the full media site. Also handy is a complete list of Kia public relations contacts.

Europe Spain Madrid’s Department of the Environment and Planning tests Seat’s electric car

The Community of Madrid’s Department of the Environment and Land Planning has added to its fleet a SEAT Altea XL Electric Ecomotive, an all-electric zeroemissions test vehicle. Employees of the Department, volunteering for the collaboration programme, will be test-driving the vehicle for three months. Their opinions and feelings behind the wheel of SEAT’s electric car, as well as information concerning speed and acceleration, battery status, or recharging habits will be reported back to the company’s Technical Centre for assessment of SEAT e-Altea functional performance. The e-Altea XL is SEAT’s first all-electric test vehicle. It has a range of 135 kilometres, a power output of 115 hp (85kW) and an engine torque of 270 Nm. This power translates into a top speed of 135 kph.

Asia Japan Nissan launches NISMO.TV on YouTube Nissan outlined a new collaboration with YouTube that will include the world’s largest digital content platform hosting a brand new channel to be known as NISMO.TV. Nissan will capture its motorsport stories 52 weeks of the year and provide constant behind-the-scenes access to YouTube’s viewers. Projects such as Nissan’s experimental Le Mans electric prototype and gamer-to-racer GT Academy will see the focus of the attention alongside more traditional motorsport coverage.

Part of the collaboration will see YouTube branding feature on the cars of the Nismo Athletes as they compete across Europe in prestigious events in their Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 racing cars.

Europe Germany / Estonia Toyota joins Mayor’s London Hydrogen Partnership Toyota has joined the Mayor’s London Hydrogen Partnership (LHP), committing to work together to bring hydrogen and fuel cell technology to England’s capital. The development of a hydrogen economy in London will help support the Mayor’s ambitions to secure new jobs and investment whilst at the same time reducing environmental impact. Over the last few years the LHP has initiated over £50 million worth of hydrogen projects; attracting and rolling-out new hydrogen buses, taxis, scooters, refuelling stations, materials handling vehicles and fuel cell Combined Heat and Power units to London.

Deputy Mayor, Kit Malthouse, said: “We want Toyota and the London Hydrogen Partnership to develop a roadmap for fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen refuelling station rollout. Toyota will provide invaluable insights and bring global experience to the Mayor’s innovative ‘smart’ low carbon low emission transport activities. I welcome their commitment to London’s positive economic future”.

Europe Germany / Estonia

GLOBAL NEWS

BMW i announces strategic partnership with NOW! Innovations. ParkNow to be extended Munich. BMW i Mobility Services has signed an agreement with the Estonian-born tech company NOW! Innovations, a new strategic partner for providing mobile payment and billing solutions. It sees BMW i extending the scope of ParkNow beyond parking garages to include on-street parking as well. ParkNow is an electronic mobile parking service that allows users to reserve and pay for their parking place in advance.

Joachim Hauser, Director of BMW i Mobility Services, comments: “With the on-street capabilities of Now! Innovations we will soon be able to strategically enhance our product offer and be even more attractive for our customers. The integration of on-street parking is a major step in creating a one-stop parking experience.”

Asia / Europe Singapore / United Kingdom Jaguar Land Rover opens regional office in Singapore Jaguar Land Rover has announced the opening of a regional office in Singapore to support its growing sales success in the Asia Pacific region.The Singapore

Europe / Asia Italy / JapanKingdom Mazda and contemporary art

office adds to Jaguar Land Rover’s existing presence in Asia Pacific, with national sales company offices in Australia, Japan and South Korea. This expansion reflects the demand for Jaguar Land Rover products, driven by the company’s new smaller and more efficient engines which resonate well with Asian customers.

Mazda is taking part in Milan Design Week 2013 from 9-14 April. The all-new Mazda6, with its stunning KODO lines, is one of the key features at the Mazda display in a special venue in the Italian metropolis.

Located in Milan’s stylish Zona Tortona district, Mazda Con-Temporary Space (MACS) was conceived as a cultural forum to present contemporary art and design in a variety of forms. Since opening in January, MACS has featured various public exhibitions by Italian artists with ‘movement’ and ‘soul of motion’ as their central themes. The new Mazda6 flagship saloon has been a permanent fixture at MACS throughout the exhibition period, which will end in late April.

CORPORATE & FIGURES North America / Asia United States / Japan Nissan recognized with Energy Star Sustained Excellence Award Nissan remains a leader in energy performance with three new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ENERGY STAR® accolades on the shelf, including the 2013 Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award, the highest honor given to select organizations that are dedicated to protecting the environment through energy efficiency. This award closely follows two other ENERGY STAR achievements for Nissan’s powertrain plant and vehicle assembly facilities.

Europe Germany

Best year in the history of Porsche

In the 2012 financial year, Porsche achieved record levels in sales, turnover and earnings. At 143,096 vehicles, sales were 22 per cent higher than in the previous year. Turnover increased by 27 percent to 13.9 billion euros.

The operating result grew by 19 percent to 2.44 billion euros. Moreover, the number of employees reached a new peak level, with 17,502 persons at the end of the year. In 2012, the model series with the highest growth rate was the 911. The new generation of the sports car icon found such great reception among customers that sales increased by 49 percent, to 26,203 vehicles. With 77,822 vehicles (up 30 per cent), the Cayenne series obtained the highest sales.

A review of regional distribution shows the continued importance of the North American market - there, sales increased by 34 percent, to 39,192 units. In China (including Hong Kong), growth amounted to 32 percent, with 33,590 vehicles sold. Moreover, in Germany, the sports car manufacturer gained 16 percent, to 16,090 vehicles. In Europe (excluding Germany), growth amounted to 8 percent, to 31,094 units. In the rest of the world, sales climbed by 19 percent, to 23,130 vehicles. When these results came out, and considering the anniversary of the Porsche 911( the sports car celebrated its premiere 50 years ago), the Executive Board and the General Works Council of Porsche AG have agreed to pay employees a voluntary special payment in the amount of up to 8,111 euros gross.

Asia / Europe Japan / Belgium Toyota continues to top brand valuation Toyota was recently named the world’s most valuable automotive brand by Brand Finance in the brand valuation and marketing agency’s recent 2013 BrandFinance® Auto 50 report. Starting from 2007, Toyota has consistently remained at the number one spot for automotive manufacturers in the annual BrandFinance® Global 500 reports (Global 250 in 2007).

Commenting on the results, Brand Finance Chief Executive, David Haigh stated: “Toyota has worked hard to rebuild consumer confidence, restoring its reputation for reliability, whilst introducing stylish new designs and advertising campaigns that appeal to a younger demographic.”

Europe Germany BMW continues on successful course in 2012 The BMW Group continued on its successful course in the financial year 2012. Group revenues increased year-on-year by 11.7% to reach a new record of € 76,848 million (2011: € 68,821 million).

Despite higher expenditure on new technologies and increased personnel costs, earnings also climbed to new record levels. Profit before financial result (EBIT) increased by 3.5% to € 8,300 million (2011: € 8,018 million), while profit before tax (EBT) amounted to € 7,819 million (2011: € 7,383 million), an improvement of 5.9%. Group profit for the year went up by 4.4% to € 5,122 million (2011: € 4,907 million).

The total number of BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brand vehicles delivered to customers worldwide in 2012 rose by 10.6% to a new high of 1,845,186 units (2011: 1,668,982 units).

MINI has increased its U.S. sales from 24,590 units in 2002, to 66,123 units in 2012. Moving into the first part of 2013, the brand continues to grow its portfolio, which now includes: Hardtop, Clubman, Convertible, Countryman, Coupe, Roadster and Paceman. The dealer network also continues to expand with 116 dealerships currently open, and plans for a total of approximately 130 facilities by the end of 2013 (including operating facilities and those signed and under construction).

Asia India Tata Motors Group global wholesales at 98,837 in February 2013 The Tata Motors Group global wholesales in February 2013, including Jaguar Land Rover, were 98,837 nos. Cumulative wholesales for the fiscal were 1,080,421 nos. Global wholesales of all commercial vehicles - Tata, Tata Daewoo and the Tata Hispano Carrocera range - were 52,175

Europe / Asia United Kingdom / Japan Isuzu D-Max scoops Pick-up of the Year Award The Isuzu D-Max has collected another accolade: the prestigious 2013 VansA2Z Pick-Up of the Year Award.

Launched last June, the D-Max has quickly established itself as a worthy successor to the highly popular Rodeo and has become a big sales hit.

Neil McIntee, editor of VansA2Z.com, said of the D-Max: “There’s a seemingly endless supply of torque from the 2.5 litre commonrail diesel engine, a full choice of body styles and trim levels; it’s an accomplished mud-plugger, it can match load capabilities with the best, and its external dimensions make it feel nimble to drive.”

The Isuzu D-Max range includes single, extended (with rear-hinged side access panels) and double cab body configurations. Double cab models are available in four specifications: Isuzu D-Max, Eiger, Yukon and Utah.

Prices start at £14,499 (UK price) for the entry-level Isuzu D-Max 4x2 single cab and rise to £21,999 (UK price) for the top-of-the-range Isuzu D-Max Utah 4x4 double cab automatic.

nos. Cumulative commercial vehicles wholesales for the fiscal are 535,109 no Global wholesales of all passenger vehicles were 46,662 nos. Cumulative passenger vehicles wholesales for the fiscal are 545,312 nos. Global wholesales of Tata passenger vehicles were 11,177 nos.

Cumulative wholesales for the fiscal are 215,932 nos.

Global wholesales for Jaguar Land Rover were 35,485 vehicles. Jaguar wholesales for the month were 7,102 and cumulative wholesales are 50,191 vehicles, while Land Rover wholesales for the month were 28,383 and cumulative wholesales are 279,189 vehicles. Cumulative wholesales for Jaguar Land Rover for the fiscal are 329,380 vehicles.

Europe Czech Republic Škoda’s green strategy Škoda is stepping up its sustainability efforts under a new ‘GreenFuture’ program. The initiative, which forms an integral part of the Škoda Growth Strategy 2018 and the environmental strategy of the Volkswagen Group, will help current and future Škodas become even more fuel-efficient, and will see resources used in a more sustainable fashion. “‘GreenFuture’ is a clear, measurable commitment by the company and its employees towards environmental protection; we are investing in our green future. ‘GreenFuture’ is part of our Growth Strategy 2018 and, at the same time, an important part of the goal of the Volkswagen Group to become the leading environmentally-friendly automobile manufacturer in the world by 2018,” says Škoda’s Chairman of the Board, Prof. Dr. h. c. Winfried Vahland. One of the first cars to be produced under the new GreenFuture initiative is the forthcoming Octavia GreenLine. With combined fuel consumption of 86.0mpg and CO2 emissions of just 87g/km, it will be the most fuel efficient Octavia ever produced.

Europe Germany

CORPORATE & FIGURES

Audi intends to continue its growth in 2013 The Audi Group surpassed its targets for the year 2012.

Despite the significant effects of the debt crisis in some countries and a contracting overall market in Europe, the company posted record figures for production, shipments, revenue and earnings. In the past financial year, the brand with the four rings sold more than 1.45 million automobiles and increased its revenue to 48.8 billion. The Audi Group was also able to increase its operating profit to 5.4 billion, a record result in the company’s history so far. In the full year, the operating return on sales of 11.0 percent was above the strategic target corridor of eight to ten percent. In 2013, the company intends to continue its growth and gain additional customers. In addition, the automobile manufacturer from Ingolstadt plans to recruit approximately 1,500 new employees in Germany alone, and will offer 700 young people an apprenticeship or traineeship.

Europe Spain Seat improves results for the third year running SEAT continues on the road to improvement.

During the worst year of the crisis, in 2012 SEAT invested as never before over the past 20 years to consolidate its future, earmarking 652 million euros between investments and expenditures in R&D − almost 100 million euros more than the previous financial year. This substantial disbursement and a slight increase in workforce did not stop the Spanish car multinational from improving its result after tax by 51% versus 2011, achieving a final figure of -30 million euros.

This important milestone was achieved thanks to the company’s core business, as it can be seen in its operating account, which SEAT improved by almost 100 million euros. 2012 ended with an operating result of -134 million euros, compared to the -232 million of the previous year, a 42% improvement.

Europe Germany BMW takes home four red dot awards The BMW Group can add another chapter to its successful history in the red dot awards, with BMW Group Design taking home four of the internationally renowned distinctions in the red dot award: product design 2013 competition. The BMW M6 Gran Coupe, BMW 1 Series, BMW 3 Series Touring and BMW R 1200 GS motorcycle were granted red dot design awards in the “Automotive and Transportation” category in acknowledgement of their excellent design quality. The awards will be presented at the red dot gala, taking place in the Aalto Theatre in Essen, Germany on 1 July 2013. The red dot award was first presented in 1955 and is one of the world’s most respected product design prizes. The jury of 37 internationally acclaimed design luminaries presents the award in recognition of outstanding achievement across the most diverse fields of creative endeavour.

Asia / Europe Japan / Belgium

Europe Italy

BMW Group is boosting its research expertise in Asia The BMW Group is extending its international research and development network with the opening of a new powerhouse for ideas in China. Alongside the main development centres in Beijing and Shenyang, the location Shanghai is now also being expanded. Since March 2011 it has already been home to the ConnectedDrive Lab and since April 2012 also to the BMW Group subsidiary DesignworksUSA. The BMW Group Technology Office China is now the third pillar in Shanghai, and will be responsible for dealing with the specifics of the Chinese market in close cooperation with all development departments.

Lamborghini worldwide deliveries to customers grow by 30% to 2,083 units Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. has completed the fiscal year 2012 (31.12.2012) again with a double digit increase in deliveries and turnover. Global deliveries increased by 30% from 1,602 to 2,083 units.

Turnover increased by 46% from 322 million euros in 2011 to 469 million euros in 2012.

The growth is driven by the first full year of sales for the new Aventador LP 700-4 (922 units) while the Gallardo (1,161 units) confirms its status as the most successful Lamborghini ever with an almost stable performance compared to 2011 and reaching a total of more than 13,000 cars delivered since its launch.

Lamborghini is a global brand and sales distribution is well balanced among the three regions: Europe 29%, America 28% (of which USA is 25%) and Asia Pacific 35% (of which China accounts for 15%). The Middle East and South Africa account for 8%.

Despite global market headwinds especially in the segment of the super sports cars which still has not recovered to the levels of 2008, Lamborghini grew in Europe by 34% versus 2011, in the Americas by 50% (USA +53%) and in Asia Pacific by 9%.

North America United States World Car Awards winners announced Now in their ninth year, the annual World Car Awards have become one of the world’s most prestigious, credible and significant programs of its kind.

The awards are administered by a non-profit association, under the guidance of a Steering Committee of pre-eminent automotive journalists from Asia, Europe, and North America. At a press conference hosted by the New York International Auto Show and Bridgestone Corporation, the Porsche Boxster / Cayman was declared the 2013 World Performance Car. Candidates for the World Performance Car award must demonstrate

a specific and overt sports/performance orientation while satisfying the same availability criteria as for the overall World Car of the Year award. The Jaguar F-Type won the 2013 World Car Design of the Year. The World Car Design of the Year category, and the corresponding award, is meant to highlight new vehicles with innovation and style that push established boundaries.

The World Green Car award went to the Tesla Model S. This cas was chosen from an initial entry list of twentyone new vehicles from all over the world, then a short list of ten, then three finalists: the Tesla Model S, the Renault Zoe and the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid.

For the second consecutive year, Volkswagen has won the prestigious World Car of the Year title. The Volkswagen Golf was chosen from an initial entry list of forty-two new vehicles from all over the world, then a short list of ten, then four finalists: the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the Porsche Boxster / Cayman, the combined entry Scion FR-S / Subaru BRZ / Toyota 86 / GT 86, and the Volkswagen Golf.

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