VOLVO S60 CONCEPT

In the concept car, the graceful, crystal-clear centre stack forms a gentle, calm wave from the instrument panel all the way to the rear seat backrest.

"It almost looks like a waterfall from the instrument panel, flowing through the centre of the car," says Volvo Cars design director Steve Mattin.

The crystal panel appears to float above the centre console's smart functionality. It rests softly on rubber pads and with the help of invisible light sources the crystal's shimmering glow can be tailored to match the driver's mood.

"If you want to explore the full scope of Scandinavian design, Sweden's glassworks are a natural source of inspiration. Large glass areas are also very much part of modern Swedish architecture, creating the special, light transparency," says Steve Mattin.

He adds: "In a concept car, you are able to release your imagination and creativity. Our iconic, super-thin centre stack was the perfect subject. We reinterpreted it and gave it a refined new form. Then it was up to Orrefors to use their superb skill to transform our exciting vision into reality."

The experts at Orrefors were keen to accept the challenge and the result is one of the most unusual and handicraft-intensive objects in the company's 110-year history. Producing the stack was in itself a challenge beyond the ordinary - even for the experienced experts at Orrefors.

Traditionally, the moulds for the crystal are first chiselled by hand from thick planks of alder wood. After casting, the glass is carefully polished to produce its final, crystal-clear lustre.

"The undulating, slightly twisted shape and the precise dimensional requirements were two exciting challenges we had to face. Crystal is a living material, shaped by living people. We are not used to working with tolerances of tenths of a millimetre. What is more, we're talking here about an exceptionally large piece of glass," explains Orrefors design manager Gunilla Arvidsson.

In order to meet the relevant strength standards, the finished piece consists of three sections joined together at the Volvo Cars concept car workshops.

"The full-size crystal piece in the concept car will not be a production feature. However, it does open up opportunities to use crystal on a smaller scale in the future. We'll have to see how our customers respond," says Steve Mattin.

Although the material in the centre stack radiates uninhibited artistic freedom, the functions that are integrated have been thought through in every single tiny detail.

· Beside the driver's seat, the crystal console cuts straight through the instrument panel and its upper section forms a navigation screen at the precise height of the driver's combined instrument.

· At the bottom, the four iconic rotating controls protrude from elegant matt-polished recesses in the glass panel. In the middle there is a removable remote control.

· The gear selector has a versatile new shape. In the horizontal position it offers drive in automatic mode. If the driver is in the mood for sporty manual gearchanges, the lever can be flipped up into the vertical position. Beside the gear selector there is also a starter button and parking brake.

· The centre console runs all the way to the rear seat backrest, and under the crystal panel between the individual seats there are two drinks holders that slide elegantly forward when required.

"We've put the focus on ergonomics and safety. With the combined instrument at the same height as the navigation screen, all it takes is a horizontal eye movement to switch between sources of information. Another example is that the controls used when you start and stop driving are a few centimetres from each other near the gear selector," explains Steve Mattin.

At the Volvo Cars design centre, exploring the glassworks in the deepest forests of southern Sweden has been a stimulating adventure.

"The clean lines of the Orrefors products have been a true source of inspiration for many years. This was perfect timing for using crystal as a material in a concept car too," says Steve Mattin. For the Orrefors glassworks, the debut as a supplier to the car world has also served as a new creative inspiration.

"Volvo's thin centre stack is an industrial product with an artistic yet at the same time functional form. It immediately inspires you to think of other application areas. Why not an elegant hanging ceiling light or a table-top ornament of some sort? We'll just have to see," says Gunilla Arvidsson.

Volvo

Toyota unveil Ducati Desmosedici RR transporter

A unique collaboration between Toyota and Ducati has produced one of the custom accessories of the year, unveiled at the recent SEMA custom car and truck show in California. The 2009 Tundra Ducati Desmosedici transporter –an accompaniment for the Italian factory´s Desmosedici RR- turned plenty of heads at the exhibition.

Toyota built the transporter from their regular Tundra CrewMax, with the frame stretched to accommodate the MotoGP replica. A hydraulic ramp, popup solar panels for extra power and flip up bedsides feature on the limited edition accessory, all with the Ducati red and white paintwork.

Ducati lent Toyota one of the special Desmosedici RR machines –a street bike based on the company´s MotoGP models- in addition to tools and leathers to test storage for the project.

`Toyota approached us for this project based on Ducati´s world-championship racing record and our reputation for the best in technology and performance,´ says Michael Lock, Ducati North America CEO. `It is a partnership that gives Ducati some visibility to an enthusiast crowd that we otherwise don't normally reach.´

The most famous owner of the RR since its unveiling at Mugello in 2006 is Hollywood star Tom Cruise, present in the MotoGP paddock at Laguna Seca earlier this year.

Motogp

Seat Ibiza Cupra and Ecomotive

Less than six months after its launch, the new Ibiza range has expanded with the arrival of two new versions that combine distinct sports character with the commitment to environmental sustainability. In the first, innovative design and technology join character and exclusivity in the Ibiza CUPRA, a vehicle whose adrenaline rush is provided by the 180 hp 1.4 TSI twin-turbo engine and the 7-speed DSG gearbox with steering wheel shift-paddles. In turn, the attractive ECOMOTIVE version is the most ecological of its segment thanks to its reduced CO2 emissions figure of only 99 g/km.

Cutting-edge technology

Created for exciting driving pleasure, the new Ibiza CUPRA features an exclusive design with a spectacular front end where the “Arrow Design” concept lends maximum expressivity, especially due to the newly designed bumper, featuring the air intake vents surrounding the central grille, and the overall athletic looks, with its outstanding 17” alloy wheels, prominent shoulders that house the rear lights, and the newly designed, centrally placed trapezoid tailpipe.

Making its debut on the new Ibiza CUPRA is a brand-new version of the powerful, efficient 1.4 TSI engine. This twin-turbo engine now delivers 180 hp and is mated to a seven speed DSG gearbox with steering wheel shift-paddles. The 1.4 TSI twin-turbo engine delivers a noteworthy reduction in emission levels and fuel consumption thanks to its small cylinder capacity, keeping in line with the brand’s commitment to reducing CO2 emissions on the entire engine range.

The combination of this engine and the agility and sporty character of the DSG gearbox provide the driver with a thrilling experience at the wheel. Add to this the possibility of changing gears by tapping the paddles located on the steering wheel and the great stability offered by the SEAT “Agile Chassis” system, and the driver is able to reach the highest levels of sports driving.

Among its equipment, besides the standard ESP, the Spanish maker’s new car also features ABS, TCS + EBA, driver and passenger airbag, head airbag, Hill Hold Control, tyre pressure loss warning light, twin chrome headlights, fog lamps with cornering function, “easy entry” system on the passenger seat, CUPRA suspension, CUPRA sports seats and aluminium pedals.



Ibiza ECOMOTIVE, leader in environmental sustainability

Following the perfect tread marks traced by its predecessor, the new Ibiza ECOMOTIVE
will be launched at the Paris Motor Show with a revamped styling and the reputation of being the most ecological car of its segment, by placing the CO2 emissions level at only 99 g/km. These figures will also allow customers to save on registration tax when buying the new Ibiza ECOMOTIVE.

Available in both the 5-door and SportCoupé versions, the Ibiza ECOMOTIVE is equipped with the 80 hp 1.4 TDI with DPF particulate filter which not only allows the engine to reduce emissions under the 100 g/km mark, but also reduces fuel consumption.

Undoubtedly, the updated engine software contributes to achieving these results, as well as improvements to the gearbox and the gear ratios, the new 175/70 R14 tyres, the 14” wheels with hubcaps and, as on the previous model, the replacement of the spare wheel with an antipuncture kit.

Another aspect which was closely studied to reduce fuel consumption and emissions figures was the aerodynamics of the car. The new ECOMOTIVE version of the Ibiza incorporates several solutions, such as the new closed front grille and new rear spoiler that combine to reduce resistance to movement and therefore decrease mechanical effort as well as fuel consumption and emissions.

As for the interior equipment, the ECOMOTIVE has the same comfort and safety elements as on the rest of the Ibiza range, in this case with the Reference finish.

Both the new Ibiza ECOMOTIVE and the CUPRA will be manufactured exclusively at the SEAT plant in Martorell near Barcelona.

Seat

Toyota iQ

Less than three metres long, but flexible enough to comfortably accommodate three adults and one child – or extra luggage if you prefer, - the iQ is the ultimate city car. Its breakthrough design tears down traditional thinking, providing a totally new form of inner-city mobility.

The agile new iQ transforms the urban landscape through dynamic design, advanced engineering, perfect form and revolutionary environmental credentials. The smallest four-seater on the planet today, the iQ reduces emissions to as low as 99g CO2 / km and fuel consumption to 4.3 litres per 100 km, when powered by the most efficient engine option.

Designed in Europe, but drawing heavily on Toyota’s Japanese heritage, the iQ is both innovative and elegant, yet practical and comfortable. It delivers a clean, green celebration of engineering breakthroughs, meaning it never compromises on safety, driving pleasure and high-end sophistication.

Designed to put a smile on your face and turn heads, the iQ is the perfect partner for those who live for today, but also care about tomorrow. Sophisticated enough for business meetings or dining out, but tough enough for life in the city, the iQ can cruise at up to 170 km/h on motorways when you fancy a weekend out of town.

Thanks to the clever positioning of the front wheels and engine, meaning the wheels can turn to a greater angle, the iQ can outperform all other four-seaters when it comes to urban agility. With a turning radius of just 3.9 metres and a 2.985 metre overall length, parking becomes a pleasure and not a chore.
Moreover, at high speeds on motorways or winding roads the iQ provides outstanding stability thanks to its advanced erodynamics, low centre-of-gravity and newly developed suspension.

For maximum driving pleasure and safety, the iQ comes equipped with state-ofthe-art brake and traction technology, normally only fitted to much larger cars: ABS and Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) work together to keep you safe when braking hard. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC) support your natural driving skills when cornering hard, braking and steering to avoid obstacles, or driving in slippery conditions.
With this comprehensive 360-degree safety protection approach, the Toyota iQ aims at fulfilling the Euro NCAP 5-star rating – the highest safety grade issued by the independent European New Car Assessment Programme.

Toyota

Renault Ondelios

The 4.8-metre-long, 1.6-metre high Ondelios has drawn inspiration from the world of aviation design to deliver high drag efficiency and a Cd of just 0.29. This long-distance voyager boasts sleek, smooth, amazingly fluid lines that make it appear as though it glides over the ground. It embodies Renault’s vision of high-end car.
"Ondelios is inspired by motion rather than speed and is a whole new response to the call of the open road," enthuses Patrick Le Quément, Renault’s Design Director.
The aluminium-finish grille is flanked by headlamp units that also suggest flowing motion, while its high-performance LED headlights are both longer lasting and more efficient.
Another feature of Ondelios' aerodynamic styling is the boomerang-shaped tail lights. They are built into the bodywork and ringed with air extractors to control the flow of air from the wheel arches.
The glazed roof further emphasises the vehicle’s airy look and feel, bathing the interior in natural light. The steeply raked windscreen, which extends well down the bonnet, further accentuates this ethereal feel.
"We think of it as made from a single material, where the body and glazed areas merge into one. Ondelios is a glimpse of what the automobile might be in the medium term future," adds Patrick Le Quément.
The butterfly-type side doors, which also feature an extensive glazed area, add a further touch of elegance to the car’s overall styling. They swing out and upwards as the sills slide down to facilitate ingress.
The dark blue anthracite of the bodywork blends perfectly with the tinted glazed area, making the car look as if it were all of a piece and a single colour.
The tailgate’s upper section rounds off the sleek, aerodynamic lines with a profiled glareshield that slides inwards to air and cool the cabin.
Ondelios sits on seven-spoke, 23-inch aluminium alloy wheels which contribute to its profiled styling. The propeller-like hubs draw airflow from the sides of the car to prevent turbulence. They operate in conjunction with the rim-side brake discs to ensure they suck in air effectively.
The sleek sidewalls of the large diameter 255/40 Michelin Pilot Sport tyres deliver outstanding drag performance.Their tread pattern is designed to minimise deformation of the contact patch while on the move to help curb rolling resistance. The tread has efficient, active flow channels which, together with the wide circumferential groove that helps clear water, strengthen the image of a high-end, high-tech tyre.
The elegance of the Ondelios interior is in harmony with the call of the open road suggested by its exterior. To begin with, its layout is designed to profit from all the available space. There are three rows of seats that offer individual seating for six. With their cantilever mounts they give the impression of floating, while their kinematics are redolent of airplane seats. The electrically adjustable backs fold into comfortable, business-class positions, while occupants can deploy and retract their footrests at will. Although their slim lines speak of lightness, they are designed, like giant leaves, to hug their occupants who can curl up in them to enjoy the comfort and support they afford. The height of the seats is carefully designed to ensure occupants are perfectly at ease when they talk to each other.
Unlike conventional door opening systems, the doors are hinged to the roof, which makes getting into the car extremely easy. The second row of seats slide forward and folds down to facilitate access to the third row.
In addition to seating comfort, the cabin exudes a highly refined ambience. The materials used are drawn from contemporary interior design and give the impression of sitting in a lounge on wheels. They blend soft, supple textures like light grey leather and fabric, as seen on the dashboard, seats and door panels. The colour of the seatbacks blends gradually from ochre to purple, further enhancing the sense of security and comfort.
Interior features and fittings are both modern and intuitive. The ergonomically designed controls, in keeping with Renault’s touch design approach, afford users efficient, comfortable ease of use.
The ample, flowing yet sober design of the broad dashboard echoes the car’s aerodynamic
exterior. It is further highlighted by a roomy, suspended stowage compartment which is protected by a lit shell, while all the dashboard’s functional components are particularly userfriendly:
- active display skins show driver aid and ride information;
- a monitor at the base of the windscreen displays the different menus and pictures from the door mirror cameras;
- three large strip displays provide driving-related information, revs and how the hybridized drivetrain is operating;
- a digital speedometer.
The technologies with which Ondelios is equipped enhance the collective and individual wellbeing of all occupants. All the passengers, including those in the back row, have their own Samsung interactive portable multimedia devices which they can use for sharing data or multiplayer gaming. Speakers are also incorporated into the headrests and a multizone HVAC system enables each passenger to set the temperature to his or her own liking.
The smart technologies that have gone into designing Ondelios help drivers to settle in at the wheel, include a Samsung cell phone which also acts as a hands-free door lock recognises the driver and loads all his or her personal settings, e.g. seat-adjustment settings and favourite music. The vehicle adds a final, friendly touch in the form of the back-lit logo which lights up to show that it has recognised the driver.
To complement the extensive work that has gone into Ondelios’s aerodynamics, some of the car’s structural parts are made from natural flax fibre for greater recyclability. In keeping with the commitment to make the car as light as possible, its body is made from carbon and the glazed areas from polycarbonate.
Ondelios is powered by a hybrid powerplant which combines a more powerful 205hp (150kW) version of the 2.0 dCi engine, with two 20kW electric motors at the front and rear. They operate in mild hybrid mode, giving the engine extra boost as required. They use a brake and boost system, recovering energy during braking then delivering it to the engine to boost acceleration. The front motor also uses fuel-saving stop-start technology.
The electric motor mounted on the rear axle drives the rear wheels when the ESP sensors detect a loss of traction, thus giving Ondelios the capability of a 4WD vehicle. The car is equipped with a lithium-ion battery that can deliver power of up to 4kW/h.
With torque of 450Nm between 1,700 and 3800rpm, the diesel engine provides comfort and flexibility at all engine speeds for long-distance driving pleasure. The 2.0 dCi unit takes Ondelios from a standing start to 100kph in just 7.8 seconds. Driving through a seven-speed, double-clutch gearbox, it affords outstanding driving pleasure, while keeping fuel consumption at a frugal 4.5 litres/100km and CO2 emissions at a lowly 120g/km – very impressive for a topof-the-range vehicle.
Similarly, the body, chassis design and hybrid powertrain contribute decisively to protecting the environment.
Ondelios is a long-distance travel-loving aerodynamic crossover born for the open road. It is proof that caring for occupants and the environment is entirely compatible.
Ondelios is a concept car that illustrates Renault’s vision of the high-end car of the near future.

Renault

GT By CITROËN

With GTbyCITROËN, a show-car presented at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, Citroën becomes the first vehicle manufacturer to cross over to the virtual worlds: An original take on a road car, GTbyCITROËN is a style replica of a vehicle from the digital world. The car is the result of a partnership between Citroën and Polyphony, designer of the driving simulation game Gran Turismo 5 on Playstation 3. Already shipped in more than 50 million units worldwide, Gran Turismo is renowned for its quality, design and realism.

In the game, GTbyCITROËN features an electric drive train powered by a fuel cell with no pollutant emissions. It is a car designed to square up to the strongest competition.

“GTbyCITROËN shows how the worlds of virtual and real-life motoring can join together to create a truly innovative partnership. We were delighted that Citroen approached us and gave us the opportunity to combine our creative strengths to build this very special concept car. To see the car take shape in game and then for real has been a truly unique experience as our work normally stays in the digital world. I just hope I can get behind the wheel of GTbyCITROËN and drive it on a real race track!”

Kazanori Yamauchi, President of Polyphony Digital Inc and creator of Gran Turismo

GTbyCITROËN is geared to the world of motor racing, with its dynamic styling, sculpted lines and sharp graphics. The rear end is oversized, made exaggeratedly long in order to create an effect of retinal persistence. The idea is to make the concept car even faster visually. The white-to-grey gradation on the body side further underlines this impression of continuous movement.

The cabin of GTbyCITROËN, designed to seat two adults, expresses the grand touring vision behind this show-car. The on-board ambience allies premium, extensively worked materials with a more high-tech effect for the driving position.

The layout of the low driving position was dictated by driving pleasure. The aim is for the driver to be able to concentrate on the road, assisted by a head-up display clearly displaying driving information.

Power and flowing lines

The design of GTbyCITROËN reflects a quest for optimal aerodynamic design. The show-car is a vehicle of flowing, taut lines, stretched to the extreme. The cleanly drawn sides, ribbed at the top, and the pearlescent shade of the bodywork enhance the vehicle's sleekly muscled looks.

The determined look of the front end is enhanced by wide air intakes and clear-cut horizontal headlamps. The headlamps feature penetrating blue LEDs in order to light the road effectively and keep rivals at a respectful distance! The chrome chevrons on the smooth bonnet express the Marque's identity.

The carbon rearview mirrors on their finely profiled supports appear to be suspended as if to cleave the air, giving GTbyCITROËN an excellent on-road stance.

The large wraparound windscreen flows seamlessly into the roof and on into the rear mobile airfoil with its exaggeratedly long shape. The fast-flowing lines create the impression of a car in perpetual movement. The whole body expresses performance and continuous movement.

GTbyCITROËN also expresses strength and power through generous volumes, (length: 4.960m, 2.080m and height: 1.090m) underlined by strongly marked wheel arches. The diamond-effect 21-inch aluminium wheels enhance the car's sporty personality.

Exceptional handling

The interior design confirms the vehicle's dynamic and powerful style. The interior of GTbyCITROËN, designed to seat a driver and co-driver, expresses the racing spirit of this concept. The on-board ambience allies rich, premium, extensively worked materials with a more high-tech effect for the driving position, inspired by the world of motorsports.

Looking beyond the spectacular visual effect, the gullwing opening of the two doors gives GTbyCITROËN a level of accessibility rarely seen on this type of vehicle. The driver and co-driver can therefore slip into their seats and get out on the track as quickly as possible.

The dark interior of this show-car is a surprise, compared with the light bodywork. Upholstered in black leather with subtle touches of rare materials such as copper and steel, the cabin of GTbyCITROËN is distinctly sporty.

Two padded racing seats upholstered in dark leather, each fitted with a four-point harness, enfold the driver and passenger for exceptional driving sensations. Placed low down to highlight the impression of speed, the elegant seats are a perfect fit with the rest of the interior.

The top-stitched leather of the door panels and floor adds to the opulence of the interior.

The driving position expresses the spirit of competition. The design was objectively guided by the motivation to win.

The dashboard, with its clean uncluttered design, flows into the receding lines of an imposing copper sculpture. The thrusting modern lines of the sculpture become the central tunnel of the vehicle, illustrating the power of GTbyCITROËN and appearing to catalyse its strength.

Created in a twist of this same copper sculpture, the leather-and-steel steering wheel also reflects the sporting spirit of the cabin.

To promote maximum concentration, the driver of GTbyCITROËN has a head-up display for driving information. Using red LEDs, this system projects key driving information – such as speed and navigation data – onto the windscreen in the driver's direct line of vision.

The head-up display makes a significant contribution to safety with its direct read-out. Drivers assimilate data more quickly and do not have to look away from the road.

Aerodynamics optimised to combine performance and driving sensations

Special emphasis was placed on the aerodynamics and flowing design of GTbyCITROËN, these being key Citroën values. The objective was to enhance the vehicle's dynamics and to create exceptional driving sensations.

Looking beyond its taut, dynamic lines, this racing car features innovative equipment such as enlarged air intakes at the front, a flat underside, and a mobile spoiler and air diffuser at the rear. All these features play an active role in reducing lift and – above all – drag, to pin the car to the ground.

With its flowing lines, original architecture and its use – in the game – of what is potentially the best environmental technology, GTbyCITROËN embodies the sporting spirit as seen by Citroën and underlines the Marque's ambitions to meet new challenges.

Citroen