Motoring News Issue 1
January 2014
ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM DECLARED WORLD’S BEST SUPERLUXURY CAR WhatCar? Magazine’s annual Car of the Year issue has reconfirmed Phantom’s position as the world’s finest luxury motor car. On awarding it ‘Best Buy’ in the £100,000+ category, the noted automotive consumer guide declared: “It takes a special car to successfully fend off its rivals for eight years – and the Rolls-Royce Phantom is just that car. Yet again, it’s the best top-end luxury car money can buy.” “The renaissance of the marque, in the decade since production started at the new Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, is a remarkable British manufacturing success story,” said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “Since its launch in 2003 Phantom’s marriage of exquisite craftsmanship, peerless engineering and timeless design has
ensured its position as the world’s pinnacle super-luxury good, showcasing British craftsmanship and design excellence on the global stage.” This honour follows the announcement of a fourth consecutive record year and the reaffirmation of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ leadership of the €200,000 superluxury segment. December saw the marque decorated with a Top Gear Award for Wraith and a Walpole Award for ‘Best British Luxury Brand.’
FORD ECOBOOST TECHNOLOGY MAKES AFTERMARKET DEBUT AT AUTOSPORT SHOW
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Ford’s acclaimed high-performance EcoBoost petrol engine technology becomes available to the aftermarket at this month’s Autosport International Show. Motorsport competitors, independent performance car manufacturers and converters are expected on the Ford stand hosted by Ford Component Sales (FCS), the division responsible for the supply of genuine Blue Oval parts. Roelant de Waard, Ford European vice president for Marketing, Sales and Service, said: “The reduced emissions and enhanced fuel economy of our innovative EcoBoost engines have captured the imagination of car buyers worldwide since launch. Now we are transferring EcoBoost’s success from road to track with EcoBoost Technology in Formula Ford 2014, World Rally and TU-
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DOR United SportsCar Championship in the US.” FCS will display a range of turbo-powered, direct-injection EcoBoost engines from the award-winning 1.0 litre (International Engine of the Year 2012 and 2013) to 1.6, 2.0 and the 3.5 V6 currently available in mainstream US road cars and trucks. FCS is best known for business with leading specialist automotive manufacturers such as Morgan, Caterham, Ginetta, Boom Trikes and Radical during its 80-year heritage. Powertrains available from FCS include products and technologies from Ford divisions from around the world, with capacities from 1.0 to 9.0 litres and in three-cylinder to V8 configurations.
Fuel options include petrol, diesel, flexifuel and Liquefied Petroleum Gas
(LPG). Five and six-speed manual and automatic transmissions are available in front-wheel-drive and rear-wheeldrive configurations. FCS has created a niche market for components in many specialist industrial applications. Recent examples include a Ford Fiesta air vent integrated into an office desk with a built-in air purification system, and a Ford Mondeo door lock used in an ice cream dispensing machine. Steve Clary, Ford Component Sales managing director, added: “It makes sense for low-volume manufacturers to buy quality-assured technology from a strong global supplier, keeping component design and development costs to a minimum and allowing new product to come to market much faster. Adding these exciting EcoBoost engines to our range will power the business forward in 2014 and beyond.”
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WORLD DEBUT FOR LEXUS RC F AT DETROIT MOTOR SHOW
coupe which made its debut in Tokyo in November. Lexus will reveal the new RC F at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 14, a sports thoroughbred model based on the RC
The RC F is equipped with a new 5.0litre V8 engine with a maximum output set to be well above 450bhp. Its status
as the most powerful V8 road-going car Lexus has yet built is reflected in styling optimised for stability at high speeds, including wider wheels and tyres, an active rear wing, air scoops, cooling ducts and carbon fibre compo-
nents. Each element delivers what Lexus calls “functional beauty” to the overall design. “The form of each component is carefully designed to contribute to perfor-
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mance,” said Yukihiko Yaguchi, RC F Chief Engineer. “Unique air outlets in the bonnet and rear section of the front wings contribute to optimum engine cooling and handling stability. They create a powerful look that immediately conveys the expectation of a dynamic driving experience.” Exterior design The signature Lexus spindle grille dominates the front of the RC F, with a single F mesh section that extends all the way from the bonnet line to the lower lip. The bonnet is set higher than on the RC, helping create a powerful, flared profile true to the ethos of Lexus’s F models. Ducts beneath the front bumper and wings, and strategically placed aerodynamic stabilising fins create a stance that further broadcasts the model’s Lexus F pedigree. Outlets to the rear of the front wings form an L shape where they merge with the side sill extensions. The car’s powerful character is also expressed in stacked, trapezoidal quad-outlet tailpipes. The RC F displays design cues taken from the LFA supercar. An active rear wing automatically deploys at 80km/h (50mph) and retracts when speed falls below 40km/h (25mph), preserving the coupe’s svelte lines at standstill. Three variations of a 10-spoke, 19-inch forged aluminium wheel design will be
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available, according to grade, including a set hand-polished by craftsmen. Interior design The power of the exterior is matched by the cockpit design of the RC F’s interior. Features unique to the model include the meters, steering wheel, seats, trim detailing and pedals. The instrument panel is dominated by a central dial, which automatically adapts in line with the coupe’s four different driving modes. In each case different information colour and text size are displayed. To help ensure comfort, Lexus produced a new steering wheel design, with an elliptical cross-section, a thick grip and optimum location of shift paddles. The high-back seats are also new: finished with an embossed F on the headrests, their styling is inspired in part by modern high-tech athletic sportswear. Five leather trims will be available, all with contrast stitching. Lexus’s close scrutiny of every element of the RC F extends to the design of Lshaped rubber slits in the brake and accelerator pedals – not just to look good, but also to provide better foot grip. Lexus will unveil the RC F and host a press conference on its stand at the NAIAS at 08:45 local time (13:45 GMT) on 14 January.
PORSCHE PLANS MOST COMPREHENSIVE RACING PROGRAMME OF ALL TIME
Porsche heads into the 2014 global motor sport season with the most extensive programme in its history. In addition to the new factory LMP1 project, Porsche Motorsport sends two GT ‘works’ teams to compete on race tracks around the world. Porsche AG Team Manthey will once again field two Porsche 911 RSR race
cars in the Sports Car World Endurance Championship (WEC), and also at Le Mans. Porsche North America will also contest the ne w Tudor United Sportscar Championship with CORE autosport as the race team, the new season kicking off with the revered Daytona 24 Hours race in Florida on 25 January. The driver squad at Porsche Motorsport has also grown to record size. For the upcoming season, Porsche has signed on 20 drivers including four
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Porsche juniors and a scholarship candidate chosen from the global Porsche Carrera Cup race series. All current Porsche factory drivers have received a contract for the 2014 season. “We’ve never had such a large driver line-up in the history of the company,” said Wolfgang Hatz, Board Member for Research and Development at Porsche AG. Porsche ‘919 hybrid’ named, LMP1 driver squad complete Porsche AG has announced its driver line-up and the vehicle name for its return to the top category of the Sports Car World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2014, with the season highlight at Le Mans. On the occasion of the Porsche Night of Champions in December, the young New Zealander Brendon Hartley (24) and long-standing Porsche factory driver Marc Lieb (33) from Germany were confirmed as regular drivers in the LMP1 race car, officially called the ‘Porsche 919 hybrid’. Already signed on for the LMP1 project are Timo Bernhard (32) from Germany, Frenchman Romain Dumas (36), Neel Jani (30) from Switzerland, and the Australian Mark Webber (37). Wolfgang Hatz, Board Member for Research and Development at Porsche AG, stated: “We are very proud of our strong international driver line-up. Three of the six drivers come from our own Porsche driver squad, two were even Porsche juniors. This is something we are particularly proud of.” “The vehicle name 919 hybrid follows on from the tradition of the Le Manswinning 917, but it is also with a view to the 918 Spyder, and acknowledges the company’s embarkation into the hybrid future. With hybrid sports cars like the Cayenne in the SUV segment, the Panamera Gran Turismo, and the 918 Spyder super sports car, we are on the right track. But to continue leading the way in the future and to merge sportiness with sustainability, we need to keep learning. Maximum efficiency in energy consumption is the directive of the new WEC regulations for the works-entered LMP1 prototypes – and that is also the direction for the automobile future.” Fr i t z E n z i n ge r, H ea d o f L M P 1 , explained: “We had a substantial number of applicants from all classes to drive the two 919 hybrid race cars. We were looking for experience, sheer speed, technical understanding, and we wanted team players because this is more important in endurance racing than in any discipline.” Strong driver squad wrapped up with Hartley and Lieb
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Timo Bernhard and Romain Dumas were the first drivers to be selected. The two bring the experience of seven overall victories each from 24 hour races – Nürburgring, Daytona, Spa and overall victory together at Le Mans with Audi. In July 2013, the ex-Formula 1 test driver Neel Jani joined the team, with Mark Webber on-board since the end of the 2013 Formula 1 season. Brendon Hartley and Marc Lieb now complete the squad. Hartley left his homeland early to advance his racing career in Europe. Following on from successes in the Formula Renault and Formula 3 came the long-awaited Formula 1 contract – as a test driver but with precious little chance to race. Hence, parallel to his F1 commitments, Hartley turned to sports car racing. “I’m incredibly proud that Porsche has chosen me,” he said. “I was deeply impressed at my first outing in Le Mans. But to compete there in the LMP1 for an iconic company like Porsche is another dimension completely.” Marc Lieb was 20 years old when his career as a race driver at Porsche took off. In the year 2000, he won the Porsche Junior driver selection. In addition to a raft of class victories, he also scored five overall wins at 24 hour races, four times on the Nürburgring, once at Spa. “I have been fortunate enough to celebrate victories with Porsche all over the world, even in the GT class at Le Mans,” commented Lieb. “People there always asked when we would return to the LMP1 class. Since the project was given the go-ahead, I only wanted one thing: to be involved. Le Mans and Porsche, I can’t even begin to describe how excited this makes me feel.” Mark Webber added: “For me a lot of it is familiar, a lot is foreign, everything is special. I’m absorbing every bit of information I can and I’m already looking forward to the next tests.” The ninetime Grand Prix winner took the wheel of the 919 hybrid for the first time in early December in Portimão, Portugal. Timo Bernhard has a few more kilometres to his credit. “I’ve been with Porsche for 15 years and I feel an immense responsibility that comes with the return to LMP1. In the development, all your skills as a driver are required. The first premise is not to drive fast, it’s more to feel what the car is doing and to share even the smallest details with the engineers.” Romain Dumas underlined: “We are a good team for the development of the 919 hybrid. We have a lot of work ahead of us. The 2013 class victory with
Marc Lieb and Richard Lietz in the factory-run Porsche 911 RSR was really great, but now we’re heading into new territory, and with all the complex technical innovations, our new squad faces an enormous challenge.” Neel Jani summarises: “It has always been my goal to one day fight for overall victory in the WEC and Le Mans. To do this you have to be part of a good works squad, and this is where I am right now. To compete for Porsche is a great honour and it comes with a lot of responsibility. We want to write a new chapter in the great history of Porsche motorsport, even if it takes time. The technology is completely new and we need to grow together as a team.” Frédéric Makowiecki signed as Porsche works driver Frenchman Frédéric Makowiecki (33) will join the ranks of the Porsche Motorsport GT squad this coming season and drive a 911 RSR. Makowiecki, who prefers to be called Fred Mako, is a regular competitor behind the wheel of Porsche race cars. He has collected more than nine years of experience in the cockpit of the 911. One of his greatest achievements was clinching the title of the Porsche Carrera Cup France in 2010. “Frédéric Makowiecki is one of the fastest and most experienced GT pilots,” said Head of Porsche Motorsport, Hartmut Kristen. “He has a great deal of experience on virtually all international race tracks and he knows precisely how to drive a Porsche 911 fast. I’m very much looking forward to working with him.” Porsche acquires majority holding in Manthey Racing GmbH Porsche has acquired a 51 percent stake in Manthey Racing GmbH and as such continues to expand its long and successful collaboration with the race outfit from Meuspath at the Nürburgring. “I’m sure this will help us to prepare even better for the challenges we are facing together in the WEC and I look forward to working with Olaf Manthey, Nicolas Raeder and Martin Raeder,” said Wolfgang Hatz. Martin Ragginger wins Porsche Cup After a successful season in international GT racing, Austrian Martin Ragginger (25) can celebrate winning the Porsche Cup as the best independent Porsche driver in the world. On the occasion of the Night of Champions on 14 December in the R&D Centre at Weissach, Ragginger accepted the Porsche Cup from Dr. Wolfgang Porsche, Chairman of the Supervisory Board at Porsche AG.
After earning 5,940 points this past season, Ragginger also takes home a new Porsche 911 Carrera S with a total value of more than 120,000 Euros. Second-placed Klark Quinn (AUS) is the recipient of 30,000 Euros, with Robert Renauer given 25,000 Euros for third place. The Porsche Cup comes with a total purse of 253,000 Euros. As the brainchild of Ferry Porsche, this trophy has been awarded every year since 1970 to the best private Porsche race driver. Drivers earn points towards the Porsche Cup in 18 international race series as well as at selected long distance races. Professional racer Martin Ragginger, who contested his first kart race at the age of nine, competed in six race series during 2013. He celebrated his greatest success of the season at the 24 Hours of Dubai, winning the A6-AM class for GT3 vehicles. Ragginger also tackled the ADAC GT Masters at the wheel of a 911 GT3 R and concluded the season in fourth overall. The Austrian earned more points towards the Porsche Cup in the VLN on the Nürburgring, at the Campionato Italiano GT, in the GrandAM and in the Blancpain Endurance Series. Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup continues with Formula 1 The Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup continues to run as part of the Formula 1 weekends. The successful partnership, which began back in 1993, has now been extended for another three years, up to and including the 2016 season. For more than two decades, the flagship of the Porsche single-marque racing Championship has been regarded as one of the major launching platforms for an international GT career. “The Supercup is the crown of the Porsche brand trophy series. It has everything that makes international motor racing great. Many of our works drivers are the best sports car drivers in the world and they came from the Supercup,” said Hartmut Kristen, Head of Porsche Motorsport. “We’re delighted to be able to continue offering our partners and fans exciting racing in such an attractive environment as the top league of motor sport.” The Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup heads into its 22nd season on 11 May 2014 in Barcelona, Spain. Nine events with a total of ten races make up the calendar. A highlight of the season will be on 12 October when the Supercup makes its debut on the new Formula 1 circuit in the Russian Olympic city of Sochi. The 2014 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup calendar:
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11.05. Barcelona/Spain 25.05. Monte Carlo/Monaco 22.06. Spielberg/Austria 06.07. Silverstone/Great Britain 20.07. Hockenheim/Germany 27.07. Budapest/Hungary 24.08. Spa-Francorchamps/Belgium 07.09. Monza/Italy 12.10. Sochi/Russia (2 races)
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XTRAC BEGINS 30TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS WITH A SUPERABUNDANCE OF NEW TRANSMISSION TECHNOLOGY
Xtrac commences its 30th anniversary with a showcase of cutting edge transmission and driveline technology developments presented this week at the Autosport International Engineering Exhibition. The company is exhibiting on stand E162 in Hall 9 at the NEC throughout the two engineering days of the show on 9-10 January 2013.
As well as developing new F1 and sportscar products for the next generation of hybrid powertrains that will be raced from 2014 onwards, Xtrac has been busy designing and manufacturing new products to further enhance its position in the o road market. Particularly for South American events, its new project P1173 Rally Raid gearbox is currently participating in the Dakar Rally, which runs 5-18 January across
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power to squeeze into the space available for the powertrain reflecting the benefit that the new regulations and relevance of F1 technology will bring to road cars. In fact, many race formula regulations now actively reward efficient fuel consumption.”
Argentina, Bolivia and Chile. On display is the VW WRC gearbox which helped to win the 2013 World Rally Championship. Xtrac has worked closely with its customers to create components and transmissions able to meet the latest motorsport regulations. Its new P1159 7-speed gearbox for LMP1 Sportscars, for example, has been designed to withstand the newly introduced wheel tether loads, rear impact and side push-off tests. This new transmission has also been developed to accommodate hybrid powertrains. Other Le Mans products on display include a 1059 gearbox which facilitates KERS technology for LMP customers. For international sports car racing, including the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) and various series that race to the GT3 regulations, Xtrac has developed a number of gearboxes and differentials. For the British Touring Car Championship (BTTC) and World Touring Car Championship (WTTC) Xtrac has developed its 1046 front wheel drive gearbox, now entering its fourth successful year of racing. Completing its showcase of touring car gearboxes is a transverse-layout endurance transmission, supplied as a ‘spec’ gearbox for the Argentina TC2000 touring car series and the Brazilian Marcas series. This versatile 426 transmission is also used in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Pirelli World Challenge GTS class, for GTE and GT4 cars racing in the USA, and as a four-wheel drive (4WD) gearbox for short course off-road racing. Other products on display include a Moto GP cluster; ‘Dakar’ differential; a precision steering rack assembly; and last but not least an F1 transmission, 7speed gear cluster and driveline assembly raced during the 2013 season. For 2014, Xtrac has developed for F1 teams a new 8-speed gear cluster and
bevel gears to meet the requirements of FIA revised technical regulations and powertrain specifications. Teams are now restricted to choosing their optimum eight ratios, which are then fixed for the entire season, with each sealed gearbox having to last six races equivalent to a duty cycle of 3,300km (compared to 4,750km for the 2013 Le Mans winner). Aside from the FIA requirement to move from a 7-speed to 8-speed gearbox, all parts have become more sophisticated and complex. As well as the need for these critical components to last even longer to reduce operating costs, the revised regulations have also pushed the limits for reliability even further. Besides the need for increased durability, the increased torque from turbocharged engines and more time permitted per lap for energy recovery has further increased the power transmission demands upon the gearbox and differential. “The development of a new cluster and bevel gears caters for these increased demands, while allowing for increased freedom of design of the transmission,” said technical director Adrian Moore. “The regulation changes also make the F1 powertrain technology more relevant to road vehicles.” “In motorsport, we're continually striving for ever smaller, lighter gearbox designs using Xtrac engineering principles, which have been proven in all forms of motorsport since the company was formed in 1984, and not just Formula One, which we’ve supplied since 1988,” said Moore who represents the £6 billion motorsport industry on the Automotive Council Technology Group. “The downsizing and lightweighting trend is highly relevant to the packaging of an internal combustion engine and electric motor into a hybrid road car, where you have two sources of
Xtrac also celebrates 30 years of distinguished export business. The company won the Queen’s Award for Exports in 1992, and has an excellent track record of entering new export territories, initially with Europe, Japan and then North America – where the business has additional facilities in Indianapolis and at Mooresville in North Carolina. More recently South America has been delivering good growth for the company. The company also has its sights set on China, Russia, India and the Pacific region, which it recognises as largely untapped motorsport markets, where the car is becoming a more essential part of life. “This, ultimately, leads to increased levels of motorsport activity to support automotive brand awareness and showcase the performance of carmakers,” said managing director Peter Digby recently named by the UK Institute of Directors as ‘Director of the Year’. Attending the Autosport International Engineering Exhibition with Peter Digby and Adrian Moore and other members of staff is design engineer Mark Brogden, who has been given the commercial responsibility of focusing on China, which he now regularly visits.
NEW APP FROM VOLVO TRUCKS HELPS TRUCK DRIVERS SAVE FUEL
Fuel can account for between 21 and 39 per cent* of a transport company’s total costs. Now, using a new app launched by Volvo Trucks, the driver can get an immediate incentive to drive more economically and thereby significantly reduce a company’s costs. The new app for truck drivers is part of Volvo Trucks’ fleet management system, ‘Dynafleet’, and displays Information to the driver that was previously only available to the transport company, “With the new app, drivers can see for themselves how efficiently they drive, compare their performance with that of their colleagues and improve their driving techniques still further,” says Jarkko Aine, Communications & Competence Manager within Transport Solutions at Volvo Trucks. One of the app’s main functions – ‘Fuel Efficiency Score’ – rates the driver’s performance in four areas that in various ways impact the truck’s fuel consumption: anticipation and braking, engine and gearbox utilisation, speed
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adaption and standstill. The results are then collated to produce an overall score. “The idea is to provide an incentive for a well-planned and safe driving style. One that gives low fuel consumption and low emissions and subjects the vehicle to less wear,” says Jarkko Aine. *Source: FTA's Manager's Guide to Distribution Costs - April 2013 All in all, fuel represents between 21 and 39 per cent of total transport company costs and driving behaviour really makes a difference. By adopting an economical style, drivers can typically reduce a transport company’s fuel costs by up to 7 per cent. Early last year Volvo Trucks introduced a corresponding app for transport companies with Dynafleet, directed not at drivers, but at fleet managers. This app has already had 12,000 downloads. “Fleet managers have seen the immense benefit of having immediate access to the company’s fuel consumption data, thereby gaining one more tool for achieving improved fuel efficiency,” says Jarkko Aine. Note : the Dynafleet app is available for iPhones and iPads from the App Store on a number of European markets, but use of the app does require a Dynafleet subscription.
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CHARGE UP YOUR HOME: FORD MOTOR COMPANY’S MYENERGI LIFESTYLE 2.0 ADDS ENERGY STORAGE TO INCREASE SAVINGS One year after its introduction, Ford Motor Company’s novel MyEnergi Lifestyle® is showing how homeowners can save money on appliances and fuel through energy-efficient living. Now, MyEnergi Lifestyle 2.0 looks to raise the savings by helping homeowners store their own energy. MyEnergi Lifestyle, a Ford Motor Company collaboration with Eaton, Infineon, SunPower and Whirlpool, retrofitted the homes of two families with energy-efficient appliances and solar panels, as well as a Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid vehicle. The program set out to demonstrate how a typical American family can significantly lower its electricity costs while limiting its impact on the environment. In addition to using home renewables, smart charging and smart appliances, Ford is announcing at the 2014 International CES that MyEnergi Lifestyle 2.0 will demonstrate the benefits of integrating additional tools, such as the ability to store energy within the home after it is captured by solar panels. Customers will have more ways to optimize their energy use, and power they can tap to keep their homes running during outages. Ford is demonstrating an energy storage system from Sharp at CES as an example of what consumers can use. “The first year of the MyEnergi Lifestyle
program showed us homeowners can save money and reduce their carbon footprint by adopting certain energy usage habits,” said Mike Tinskey, Ford global director of vehicle electrification and infrastructure. “We’re excited about advancing the program further to include battery storage for even smarter energy consumption.” 2013 MyEnergi Lifestyle winners – where they are now For Susan Berry and her family, the last six months have been almost too good to be true. Berr y, of Southern California, won her place in the MyEnergi Lifestyle program during a Katie Couric Show Mother’s Day special. The show surprised Berry, who was in the studio audience, with a MyEnergi Lifestyle home retrofit that included energy-efficient appliances, solar panels and a Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid vehicle. Simultaneously, Ford and the MyEnergi Lifestyle collaboration launched a nationwide contest for another lucky family to receive a MyEnergi Lifestyle home retrofit. The winners were Ben and Lindsay Sattler of Colorado. Their home was retrofitted in December, and the Sattlers turned in the keys to their Toyota Corolla in favor of a fuel-efficient Ford C-MAX Energi. The MyEnergi Lifestyle model predicted 60 percent savings in monthly ener-
gy bills and 55 percent savings in CO2 emissions. The families have already begun to see savings. Examples of efficiencies include: Berry family: • More than $1,200 saved in annual fuel costs with their C-MAX Energi • Expect to save more than $300 annually from their new solar panel system; the system offsets more than 70 percent of the energy used in their home • More than 25 percent reduction in energy costs and CO2 due to the installation of their new energy-efficient Whirlpool refrigerator Sattler family: • More than $1,200 saved in annual fuel costs with their C-MAX Energi; expect to save an additional $95 per year by charging their C-MAX Energi during off-peak hours • Expect to save $135 per year with their new energy-efficient Whirlpool freezer • The Sattlers expect increased efficiencies once their solar panel system is activated About MyEnergi Lifestyle The Ford-led MyEnergi Lifestyle collaboration showcases how combining renewable energy generation with timeflexible loads optimizes energy con-
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The two-door, four-seat Volvo Concept XC Coupé has a strong connection with its sibling, the Volvo Concept Coupé. However, the larger 21-inch wheels, the
acterized by a new topography on the hood and the ‘floating’ grille, flanked by headlights featuring new T-shaped DRL light guides. The rear light signa-
more accentuated wheel-arches and the taller roofline all contribute to a more robust impression and a fuller, capable look.
ture is also a distinctive element in the new design direction of Volvo Cars.
sumption across a plug-in vehicle and home appliances. Ford and its business associates worked with researchers from Georgia Institute of Technology to create a computer model that calculates the electricity usage of a typical single family in their home for one year, and the associated savings with moving to an energy-efficient lifestyle. The cumulative results predict a 60 percent reduction in energy costs and more than 9,000 kilograms of CO2 (55 percent reduction) saved. If every home in the United States were to implement these energy-saving technologies, it would be the equivalent of taking all the homes in California, New York and Texas – 32 million homes – off the power grid. For more information on Ford’s MyEnergi Lifestyle program, visit the newly launched MyEnergi Lifestyle website, which highlights the collaboration, products, 2013 winners and much more: www.myenergilifestyle.com.
The second of Volvo’s three concept cars is the new Volvo Concept XC Coupé. Inspired by the design of modern sports equipment and demonstrating the safety capabilities of Volvo’s new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), it is a sophisticated and capable car for people with an active lifestyle. “Those who love gravity sports freely seek new thrills and challenges. To ensure that they make it back in one piece, they prefer high-performance equipment that offers the ultimate sense of freedom and protection,” says Thomas Ingenlath, senior vice president design of Volvo Car Group. “The Volvo Concept XC Coupé is perfectly in tune with this active lifestyle. Its capability and protection is cleverly integrated into the sophisticated looks. Concept XC Coupé is ready and willing to bring you into the adventure zone and back,” he adds. Sleeker and safer at the same time
THE VOLVO CONCEPT XC COUPÉ
The three concept cars are designed to demonstrate vital elements of the company’s new Scalable Product Architecture: the confident stance, the proportions and the most prominent design signatures. “Concept XC Coupé also shows how clever engineering makes it possible for us to reinforce our world-leading safety without compromising design, size or weight. Thanks to the extensive use of high-strength boron steel and structures with new, ingenious decoupling, we can make SPA cars more compact and safer at the same time,” says Ingenlath.
The extended distance between the dashboard and the front axle is still a very powerful visual element. The capable stance is emphasized by details such as the new hood and a beltline that spans an elegant bow along the length of the car. High-tech sport gear The connection with modern, hightech sports gear is highly present in the concept car. Among the sources of inspiration for the design team is the Swedish company POC, which develops high-tech protective gear for gravity sports athletes. “Several orange details and exterior graphics in combination with bold use of matte rubber moldings, which cover the rear end of the car, add to the highly functional expression of the design,” says Ingenlath. To strike the right balance between aesthetics and functionality, the design team has also given it traditional SUV elements, such as side moldings and skid plates, a modern interpretation. They are more integrated into the sleek design, flush with the surrounding body areas. T-shaped DRL lights Just like Volvo Concept Coupé, the face of the Volvo Concept XC Coupé is char-
“Both concept cars show how we can shape our cars from now on. We add emotional value to the Volvo brand with the calm, confident beauty that is the hallmark of Scandinavian design,” says Ingenlath.
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GARMIN® SHOWCASES NEW INFOTAINMENT TECHNOLOGY FOR AUTOMAKERS DESIGNED TO MINIMIZE DRIVER DISTRACTION Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced that it will showcase a range of new infotainment technologies for automakers at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2014. Designed to minimize distractions behind the wheel, Garmin will present an interactive head-up display (HUD) interface as well as new developments of its K2 infotainment platform to selected industry members and the press in a private meeting room. “Garmin’s auto OEM group utilizes the company’s extensive experience in user interface and hardware design to address one of the biggest challenges of the auto industry today: developing incar infotainment that allows drivers to stay connected behind the wheel with-
out diverting their attention from the road,” said Matt Munn, Garmin managing director automotive OEM. “Garmin’s K2 infotainment platform and interactive HUD interface have been developed utilizing an in-house driving simulator that uses cameras to track the driver’s eye movements. The interface design is based on the time and cognitive load required to perform a task with the goal of minimizing driver distraction.” The interactive HUD concept provides a glimpse at how an automotive HUD interface designed by Garmin can help keep the driver’s hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Balancing functionality with simplicity, the interface includes a passive state and an interactive mode. The passive state presents customizable audio, navigation or
communication content just below the driver’s line of sight. A simple and clean interface provides important information quickly and at a glance. The navigation view, for example, can show information such as junction views, lane guidance, speed limit and safety warnings. The innovative proximity sensor on the steering wheel activates an interactive mode on the HUD that allows users to switch between the different pages. Two steering wheel buttons let users select in-menu options, such as start a route, view traffic information, change a radio station or initiate a phone call. Users can save presets in each menu for quick access while on the road and eyes facing straight ahead. The audio menu, for example, could contain saved radio stations, playlists and
songs. In addition to the new interactive HUD interface, Garmin will showcase new developments of its K2 infotainment platform. This includes productionready hardware design, new features, and the evolution of K2’s intuitive user interface (UI), utilizing the company’s long-standing experience from its avionics, marine and consumer segments. Garmin’s K2 infotainment turns the car dashboard into a digital cockpit that provides drivers a safe and intuitive way to stay connected and access all the functions they need while on the road. Garmin is committed to safely integrating the content and connectivity that drivers want and far too often are accessing via their smartphone. The new K2 demo at this year’s CES will include the integration of third-party en-
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tertainment and navigation-related content. Garmin will offer individual in-vehicle demonstrations to selected industry members and the press in a private meeting room at the 2014 CES in Las Vegas. In addition to K2 and the HUD concept, Garmin will show other automotive OEM developments, including insights into its driver distraction research and a fully integrated Android infotainment head unit. Garmin’s broad range of in-vehicle electronics for the automotive industry includes full infotainment and telematics systems, navigation software, location-based services, and integrated portable navigation systems. Garmin has dedicated automotive OEM offices throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia.
Land Rover supported ‘Defender challenge by Bowler’ rally car makes world debut at Autosport International
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One of the most eagerly-anticipated new racecars of 2014 will make its global public debut at this weekend's Autosport International Show at the Birmingham NEC. Whitley, 9th January 2014. The Defender Challenge rally car is a Defender like no other. It has been designed and engineered to compete in a one-make rally championship operated by renowned Land Rover partner Bowler Motorsport. The seven-race season begins in March and is designed to act as a feeder series to the annual Dakar rally, as well as other global rally-raid competitions. The Defender Challenge car is a modified Defender 90 Hard Top. It is powered by the factory fitted 2.2-litre diesel engine which has been uprated to 170bhp and 450Nm by Bowler Motorsport and mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The car is completely road-legal but fitted with a MSA-approved roll cage and fire extinguisher system and comes with an MSA log book, ready to race. Additional specification includes a bespoke Bowler Motorsport suspension system designed in conjunction with Bilstein, which includes new dampers, spring roll-bars and bushes; Bowler Motorsport body kit and lightweight
18-inch wheels; and two racing seats each with a six-point harness. Each Defender costs £50,000+VAT and an entry to the 2014 series is £10,000+VAT. An optional service and logistics package is also available for competitors who simply want to turn up and race. A race-ready example of the Defender Challenge car will be on display at the Bilstein stand at the Autosport International Show, at The NEC, Birmingham from 9-12 January. Jon Chester, Brand Director at Bowler, commented: "Since we announced the ‘Defender Challenge by Bowler' series at the end of October, the response has been amazing. The grid of 15 competitor cars for 2014 is already more than half-full. The championship has attracted a wide range of competitors, from those with no prior racing experience to existing rally teams and those with GT3 experience. We're also really pleased to have an ex Camel Trophy competitor signed up. It'll be a really fun championship and we look forward to working with and supporting all of the entrants." Land Rover recently announced its sponsorship of an Race2Recovery entry into the 2014 series. The group of severely injured soldiers who made his-
tory as the first disabled rally team to enter and complete the Dakar rally in 2013, will use the challenge as a grass roots training route for new injured personnel joining the team.
One-two-three overall for MINI at Dakar on day three - Roma and Holowczyc taking the Andes’ first foothills by storm
After the perfect run by the reigning Dakar champion Stéphane Peterhansel (FR) in his black MINI ALL4 Racing at the 2014 Dakar Rally on Monday, the third competitive day of the world's toughest endurance rally was another good one for the Monster Energy X-raid Team as well as the MINI brand. Joan "Nani" Roma (ES) in the yellow MINI ALL4 Racing and Krzystof Holowczyc (PL) in the red MINI ALL4 Racing claimed a one-two on the third Dakar leg which took the competitors via 301 timed kilometres from San Rafael to San Juan (both AR) and into the first foothills of the Argentinean Andes - a terrain well-suited for the MINI ALL4 Racing in which it could prove his core strengths: power, reliability and efficiency. Meanwhile Nasser Al-Attiyah (QT) in his predominantly white MINI ALL4 Racing put the icing on the cake for the X-raid Team and the MINI brand. By finishing the day seventh, Al-Attiyah climbed to third in the overall classification. So the MINI brand holds a one-two-three overall with Roma in first, Orlando Terranova (AR), who finished fourth for the day, in second and Al-Attiyah in third heading into the fourth competitive Dakar day. "It was a good day for us, and leading the Dakar Rally definitely feels great," says Roma. "We know that the race for the 2014 Dakar title is still a long one. But today gives us an extra motivation. Day four will see the longest special stage at the Dakar Rally since the his-
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Motoring News
ideas within safety and design. Volvo Car Group explores new safety and design ideas by partnering with high-tech sports gear developer POC Volvo Car Group (Volvo Cars) has established a partnership with the Swedish company POC, which develops hightech protective gear for gravity sports athletes. The two companies will exchange knowledge in order to explore new ideas within safety and design.
toric route from Zouerat to Tichit (Mauritania) in 2005. The drivers must cross rivers, negotiate ravines, and be wary of the opposition. The route on day four features expansive spaces, making overtaking relatively easy. At the same time, the special stage to Chilecito (Argentina) is also the longest on the 2014 Dakar.
Toyota FCV shines light on how to beat the blackouts
range of at least 300 miles on a full tank, and can be refilled just as quickly and safely as a conventional petrol or diesel model. When driven, the car's only tailpipe emission is water, the byproduct of the fuel cell system's electricity generation process. Toyota has made its hybrid vehicles central to its research into developing low-carbon homes, integrating the rechargeable Prius Plug-in into its "smart grid" housing developments in Toyota City and in a pilot project which ran last year in the Indianapolis region in the USA. Unofficially, Toyota hybrids have already proved their worth as mobile power stations, notably with Prius models being drafted in as emergency energy sources in the aftermath of the Japan earthquake and tsunami in 2011.
A new hydrogen-powered Toyota could be the answer to keeping the lights on when power cuts strike. Instead of fumbling for the candles when the electricity supply fails, owners of the new Toyota FCV could simply reach for their car keys to keep their homes warm and bright. The FCV, due to make its world sales debut next year, is demonstrating its potential as a back-up domestic energy supplier at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week. The four-door saloon's electric motor can produce more than 100kW and, with a full tank of hydrogen fuel, could generate enough energy to power a regular home for a week. Engineers are now researching an external power supply device that could be used with the car to provide a safe and simple domestic connection. The FCV's potential as an emergency power supply is of course secondary to its principal role as a practical, zeroemissions vehicle. Benefitting from Toyota's extensive hydrogen fuel cell research and development, it has a
Volvo Car Group explores new safety and design ideas by partnering with high-tech sports gear developer POC
Volvo Car Group (Volvo Cars) has established a partnership with the Swedish company POC, which develops hightech protective gear for gravity sports athletes.
"POC's products blend functional design with lightweight, high-performance materials that offer the ultimate sense of freedom and protection when things really get rough. This is perfectly in tune with our aim to make functionality and safety an emotional experience," says Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President Design at Volvo Cars. "Just like their high-tech sport gear, our cars blend sophisticated design with strength and intelligent capability. Having the right gear - in our case the car - builds peace of mind and confidence. This in turn enables you to fully enjoy your drive and your adventure," adds Thomas Ingenlath. Initial focus on cars and cyclists The new partnership will explore and use the possibilities to extend the safety knowledge and product offer for Volvo Cars as well as POC. The first results will be presented in the second half of 2014. An initial research and development project focuses on communication between cars and cyclists.
"Several orange details and exterior graphics combined with bold use of matte rubber mouldings, which cover the rear of the car, add to the highly functional expression of the design," says Thomas Ingenlath. Supports repositioning The Volvo Concept XC Coupé has a strong connection to both an active outdoor lifestyle and Volvo Cars' aim to offer customers a world-class safety and support package. "The partnership with POC will be inspiring and fruitful. Both of our companies have a strong emphasis on safety and protection. POC can inspire us to make safety an emotional experience and to create even more desirable cars," concludes Thomas Ingenlath.
"Communication with cyclists around the car is a possible extension of our groundbreaking Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection technology. Providing the cyclist with confirmation that he or she is seen by the vehicle can make interaction between cars and cyclists smoother and safer in urban areas," says Jan Ivarsson, Senior Manager, Safety Strategy and Requirements at Volvo Cars. Mutual vision "With POC's mission of doing the best we can to possibly save lives and reduce the consequences of accidents for gravity sports athletes and cyclists, it's a treasure to interact on cycling safety together with Volvo Cars. They have the vision, competence and experience and have been leading the development within road safety for more than 80 years, " says Stefan Ytterborn, CEO and founder of POC. Inspiration for the new concept car
The two companies will exchange knowledge in order to explore new
XC Coupé, which will make its world debut at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, is inspired by the design of modern sports gear.
The design of the new Volvo Concept
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