Lotus hybrid power for the PROTON Concept

Lotus Engineering, the world-renowned automotive consultancy division of Lotus Cars Limited today announces its latest series hybrid vehicle technology application in the PROTON Concept, which will be unveiled at the 80th International Geneva Motor Show. The complete hybrid drivetrain in the PROTON Concept city car has been developed by Lotus Engineering and it includes the Lotus Range Extender engine, designed specifically for series hybrid vehicles.

The PROTON Concept, a plug-in series hybrid city car, has been styled by Italdesign and will be unveiled on the Italdesign stand at the Geneva Motor Show. Lotus Engineering has designed and integrated the complete drivetrain, including the electrical drive system with single-speed transmission, which delivers low emissions, optimised performance and acceptable electric-only operating range for ity use. For longer journeys, when the battery charge level falls, the 3 cylinder, 1.2 litre Lotus Range Extender engine is used to replenish the charge in the battery and provide electrical power for the drive motors. The battery can also be recharged via an AC mains domestic outlet to achieve initial electric-only operation.

Dr Robert Hentschel, Director of Lotus Engineering said: “The hybrid drivetrain of the PROTON Concept is another example of Lotus Engineering’s expertise in electrical and electronic systems and efficient performance engines. The high efficiency Lotus Range Extender engine, which we unveiled to great acclaim at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show last year is perfectly suited for the advanced series hybrid we have created for the PROTON Concept city car. It is an exciting example of the diverse range of highly efficient total propulsion systems that Lotus Engineering continues to develop for its partners and clients.”

PROTON Holdings Berhad Group Managing Director, Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohd Tahir said, “Our collaboration with Lotus and Italdesign on progressive technology and design will further propel our competitiveness in the world market. Through this association, we strive to acquire and jointly develop new knowledge, skills and technologies that will ultimately benefit our customers.”

Lotus

BMW 5 Series Sedan

Introducing the sixth generation of the BMW 5 Series Sedan, BMW is setting a new benchmark for driving pleasure, aesthetic design and efficiency in the upper midrange segment. In its design the new sedan presented to the world public for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show is characterised by harmoniously balanced proportions, stylishly elegant lines, and powerful, expressive looks.

The new BMW 5 Series Sedan comes with the longest wheelbase in its segment, a truly generous, sophisticated and modern interior, a driver-oriented cockpit and numerous innovative driver assistance systems guaranteeing a fascinating experience on the road, even on the longest journeys.

The new BMW 5 Series Sedan is entering the market with a choice of one eight-cylinder and three six-cylinder gasoline engines as well as two six-cylinder diesels. The power range extends all the way from 150 kW/204 hp to 300 kW/407 hp.

These larger engines are supplemented by a four-cylinder turbodiesel with an aluminium crankcase and common rail direct fuel injection. Output in this case is 135 kW/184 hp, giving the BMW 520d fitted as standard with Auto Start Stop a new level of unparalleled efficiency in its segment.

As an alternative to the six-speed manual gearbox featured as standard, all engine variants may be combined with eight-speed automatic transmission standard on the new BMW 550i.

The new BMW 5 Series Sedan offers an unprecedented symbiosis of the superior sportiness so characteristic of this model with an even higher level of all-round comfort. As an option, the outstanding suspension technology featured as standard on the new BMW 5 Series Sedan may be combined with Adaptive Drive and Integral Active Steering, to mention yet another unique combination. And optional Dynamic Drive Control, finally, allows individual set-up of the suspension according to the driver’s wishes.

The driver assistance systems available for the first time in the context of BMW ConnectedDrive include the Parking Assistant, Surround View, a proximity warning system with initiation of the brakes in conjunction with Active Cruise Control incorporating Stop & Go, and a Speed Limit Device.
In addition, the BMW 5 Series Sedan is available with further options such as Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Info, a Head-Up Display, BMW Night Vision able to detect even individual persons, and a back-up camera.

BMW

Volvo S60

The all-new S60 is sportier and more dynamic than any previous Volvo. But it is still an unmistakeable representative of Scandinavian design at its best. "The S60 has been sculpted to move you. Every single line in its design is there to transport you both physically and emotionally.

Its profile radiates so much coupe feeling that the rear doors come as something of a pleasant surprise when you examine the car close-up," says Volvo Cars' Design Director Peter Horbury. Virtually all the lines were penned to carve out the dynamic profile. The C-pillar of the all-new S60 stretches sensually all the way to the tail lamps - and the slim coupe-like roof line is accompanied by a new contour on the shoulders on either side of the lower body, creating a gentle yet powerful double wave from the headlamps at the front to the tail lamps at the rear. The dip in the middle of the double wave visually pushes the car down. This enhances the stance and makes the car look sleeker and lower. The sculpted bonnet and the short overhangs front and rear also emphasise the sports car feel.

The all-new S60 is exceptional also from the keen driver's perspective. It is without a doubt the most dynamic car model Volvo has ever presented."This project has been about pure passion for the task of driving Volvo's chassis development expertise to its very pinnacle. We've crossed into territory where we've never been before," says Stefan Sällqvist, who is in charge of developing the chassis of the all-new S60. The sedan can be specified with a choice of two chassis. On the European market the newly developed dynamic chassis is standard, while most markets in North America and Asia will have the comfort chassis as standard with the sport variant available as an option.The difference between the two chassis alternatives is to be found in the dampers and the front and rear subframes. Here the comfort variant has a somewhat softer setting to give a smoother ride on poorer road surfaces.

During the development process, the chassis team carved out a holistic solution featuring changes and refinements for virtually every single detail that influences a car's driving properties. This includes improved steering, stiffer springs and bushes as well as more damping than in any previous Volvo.The software in the AWD (All Wheel Drive) system has been modified to allow the four-wheel drive variants (four-wheel drive is standard in the T6 and optional with the D5) of the all-new Volvo S60 to exploit the sporty new chassis to the limit. All variants of the new S60 can be specified with the advanced, self-adjusting FOUR-C active chassis. The FOUR-C active chassis has been modified and refined for better control and more comfortable feel compared to previous Volvos.

The interior of the all-new S60 takes Volvo Cars to a new dimension in terms of exclusive quality. In addition, Volvo Cars' designers have added in excitement, contrast and playfulness to the rational simplicity of Scandinavian design tradition."The interior has a more extrovert attitude than before, but without losing any of its practical Scandinavian roots. The all-new S60 brings us up to a whole new level when it comes to the integral experience of colour, form, material and technology," says Peter Horbury.Scandinavian design is often described with rational adjectives such as functionality, simplicity and clarity. When creating the all-new S60, the design team also added in a modern touch, details that generate excitement, contrast and playfulness. The interior of the all-new S60 is lavish in terms of its driver-oriented details, but it is still a five-seater car offering comfortable space for all its occupants. The sculpted outer rear seats give the passenger in the middle welcome side support. Knee space in the rear seat has increased by 30 mm compared with the previous-generation S60. The rear seat splits 40/60 and the boot opening has been made 107 mm wider than in the previous-generation S60.

The sporty interior of the all-new S60 is also the most advanced high-tech environment ever offered to a Volvo driver. "The interior of the all-new S60 is all about innovative design in two areas: form and technology. The design is characterised by sporty freshness down to the smallest detail. The technological aspect includes all those smart solutions that contribute to a driving experience unlike that of any other Volvo - from collision avoidance safety and comfort systems to infotainment and audio excellence of absolute world class," says Tomas Ahlborg, Project Director for the all-new S60.

Pedestrian Detection with full auto brake is a groundbreaking technological solution. It can detect pedestrians who walk into the road in front of the car, warn the driver - and automatically apply full braking power if the driver does not respond in time."We are truly proud of our success in making our technology so reliable that we can offer a complete system that can avoid a collision with a pedestrian by detecting, alerting and applying full braking. It's a world first, to the best of our knowledge. With this technology we have increased the braking force in our automatic braking system from fifty percent to full stopping power," says Thomas Broberg, Senior Safety Advisor at Volvo Cars.

In an emergency situation the driver first receives an audible warning combined with a flashing light in the windscreen's head-up display. At the same time, the car's brakes are pre-charged. If the driver does not react to the warning and an accident is imminent, full braking power is automatically applied.Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake can avoid a collision with a pedestrian at speeds of up to 35 km/h if the driver does not react in time. At higher speeds, the focus is on slowing down the car as much as possible prior to the impact. A lower speed of impact means that the risk of serious injury is significantly reduced. For instance, if speed is cut from 50 km/h to 25 km/h, Pedestrian Detection with full auto brake is expected to reduce the fatality risk by as much as 20 percent and in some cases by up to 85 percent.The all-new Volvo S60 also features City Safety as standard. With City Safety, the car automatically brakes if the driver fails to react in time when the vehicle in front slows down or stops - or if he or she is driving too fast towards a stationary object. The system can lessen or even entirely avoid low-speed rear-end impacts at speeds up to 30 kilometres an hour.

During its first year of production, the all-new Volvo S60 will be available with a variety of diesel and petrol engines spanning the range from an economical 115 horsepower DRIVe version to an eager high-performance turbocharged version producing 304 horsepower. The T6 petrol engine has a displacement of 3.0 litres and has been improved still further, primarily thanks to lower internal friction. It now pumps out 304 hp and no less than 440 Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 6.5 seconds and top speed is 250 km/h.At the same time, Volvo Cars' engine specialists have succeeded in cutting fuel consumption by about 10 percent to 10.2 l/100 km (EU Combined, preliminary figure).The engine's power is delivered to the wheels via Volvo's second-generation six-speed automatic Geartronic transmission. New valves and lower friction mean faster gearchanges than before. AWD (All-Wheel Drive) is standard on the T6.

The new four-cylinder 2.0 GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) engine has a displacement of two litres and produces a generous 203 hp, with 300 Nm of torque available from 1750 rpm. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 7.7 seconds with the manual gearbox and 8.2 seconds with the automatic. The top speed figures are 235 km/h (manual) and 230 km/h (automatic).The Volvo S60 2.0T with manual gearbox uses just 7.9 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (EU Combined, preliminary figure).New Volvo-developed turbocharging technology, direct injection and twin variable camshafts give a unique combination of low fuel consumption, low emissions and high performance across a wide rev range - all in a particularly compact format. The turbocharger is the market's smallest in relation to the engine's maximum power output. Another new feature is that the exhaust manifold and turbocharger are made of sheet steel rather than a heavier casting. A manifold made of sheet steel is admittedly nothing particularly new but thus far it has only been used in combination with a cast turbo housing. The new fully integrated turbo system of sheet steel is a world innovation and has been patented by Volvo.Later during the first year of production, the all-new S60 will also become available as a 2.0 GTDi variant (T5) producing 240 hp and torque of 320 Nm. Furthermore, there will be a 1.6-litre GTDi engine available in two versions: 180 hp (T4) and 150 hp (T3) with torque of 240 Nm.All the GTDi engines will be available in combination with Volvo's automatic six-speed Powershift transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox.

The engine range also includes two five-cylinder turbodiesels. The D5 high-performance engine with twin turbos produces 205 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 7.8 seconds (manual and automatic). Top speed is 235 km/h (manual) and 230 km/h (automatic).In the most recent D5 version, which was introduced in spring 2009, the performance and driveability requirements have been met by fitting two turbochargers of different sizes, one taking over from the other and providing added power across a broader rev range. Fuel consumption is 5.9 l/100 km (EU Combined, preliminary figure) with the manual gearbox, putting this engine in the running for best in class.In addition there is the newly developed two-litre D3 producing 163 hp and 400 Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 9.2 seconds (manual and automatic). Top speed is 220 km/h (manual) and 215 km/h (automatic).The new five-cylinder D3 is in principle the same engine as the present 2.4D, but cylinder capacity has been reduced with a shorter stroke to optimise fuel consumption. With a manual gearbox, fuel consumption (EU Combined, preliminary figure) is now down to 5.2 l/100 km.Both turbodiesels are available with six-speed automatic transmissions or a six-speed manual gearbox. The D5 can also be specified with all-wheel drive.

During the course of the first year of production, a DRIVe version of the all-new S60 will also be introduced, featuring a 1.6-litre diesel engine. Fuel consumption is 4.3 l/100 km (EU Combined, preliminary figure), corresponding to CO2 emissions below 115 g/km. The engine produces 115 hp and 270 Nm of torque, and will only be available with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Volvo

Nissan Juke

Designed to bring a breath of fresh air to the B-segment, where customers are uninspired by the lack of originality on offer, Juke is a distinctive combination of SUV toughness and sporting style in a compact package. It will be the third member of Nissan's crossover family, reinforcing the company's position as a pioneer of this increasingly popular configuration of vehicle.
The top of the range Juke will come with a new turbocharged direct injection petrol engine, developing 140kW (190PS) and 240 Nm.

The 1.6 direct injection turbo engine is available with Nissan's ALL-MODE 4x4-i system, updated to include torque-vectoring technology. As well splitting torque front to rear - up to a maximum of 50:50 - it can now be split from side-to-side across the rear axle too, enhancing agility and reducing understeer when cornering.The inclusion of this innovation is a first in the small car segment - a technology that has, until now, only been found on top-of-the-range, premium vehicles.The other engine options are Nissan's 1.6-litre 16-valve unit, now with a unique dual-injection system, developing 86kW (117 PS) and 157Nm of torque, as well as the 1.5-litre dCI common rail engine producing 81kW (110PS) and 240 Nm of torque.As well as being sold in Europe (from the autumn), Juke will also be sold in Japan and North America.

Nissan

Audi A1

The Audi brand stands for automotive passion. With its agile chassis and powerful engines, the A1 is the sportiest car in its class, and this is readily apparent at first glance. The design is unique and modern. Styling cues placing the A1 in the Audi family include the side line with the distinctive roof arch, the coupe-like C-pillars, the large wheel wells and, of course, the front end with the typical single-frame grille. The hood and rear hatch encompass the body; the tail lights are three-dimensionally molded and present an unmistakable design, day or night.

The interior of the A1 is spacious and airy. The instrument panel is suggestive of an airplane wing; its four round air nozzles are reminiscent of the turbines of a jet.

The clear ergonomics and the uncompromisingly high fit and finish typify the Audi brand’s high standards. Many lovingly designed details in the interior document the premium character of the Audi A1.

In addition to the Attraction and Ambition trim lines, Audi also offers a media style package focused on infotainment and the interior design. The innovative materials and modern colors underscore the character of the A1. Whether colored air nozzles, LED interior lights or seat covers in expressive colors –

customization is an important catchword. The equipment program offers countless opportunities for matching the A1 to the driver’s own personal style.

There are even a variety of paint finishes from which to choose for the roof arch. Customers can order many of these features after the initial sale to follow a trend or a whim. The available infotainment and multimedia systems available come directly from the luxury class. The top of the line is MMI navigation plus, a media center that sets new standards in the compact segment. From the monitor that rises up out

of the instrument panel to the control unit that follows the MMI logic, it is oriented on the systems found in Audi models in the higher segments. Based on the concert radio, the connectivity package offers the option of retrofitting an Audi map-based navigation system – a novelty in the automotive sector. The 465 watt Bose surround sound system is just one example of the complementary modules available.

The sporty, agile chassis of the A1 places it at the head of its class. Whether in the city, on an interurban road or on the highway – the A1 is great fun to drive anywhere thanks to its sporty setup, the optimized weight distribution and the very direct steering. The standard ESP stabilization system with electronic axle differential lock makes the handling of the A1 even more sporty and precise, while driving safety is increased even further. The new A1 also sets new efficiency standards. Audi is sending the new model line into the fray with four four-cylinder engines, with the two TDI and two TFSI gasoline engines producing between 63 kW (86 hp) and 90 kW (122 hp). All of the engines follow the downsizing principle – they substitute turbo charging for displacement and draw their fuel through direct injection units.

All versions of the A1 impress with good fuel economy, with standard cycle values between 3.8 and 5.4 liters per 100 kilometers. The 1.6 TDI with 66 kW (90 hp) and manual transmission emits only 99 g of CO2per kilometer. All of the engines are equipped with a recuperation system that allows them to recover energy during braking, and are coupled with an automatic start-stop system. A new temperature management system with switched water pump contributes to the low fuel consumption of the 1.2 TFSI.

At Audi, efficiency is always high-tech. The A1 is available with the seven-speed S tronic transmission. The dual-clutch transmission changes gears extremely quickly, comfortably and without detectable interruptions in pulling power. It offers both automatic and manual modes, with paddles on the steering wheel available as an option. It provides for tremendously fun driving and also further reduces

fuel consumption – typical Audi. The A1 is sporty, powerful and attractive. As a newcomer in the compact

segment, it appeals to a modern customer group – a young, urban, lifestyle oriented public. A1 customers – many of whom are expected to be women – are interested in design, music, fashion and sports. The entry-level model will be priced at around 16,000 euros.

Audi

Chevrolet in Geneva

At the 80th international motor show in Geneva, Chevrolet will give a glimpse of what customers will see in European Chevrolet show rooms in the next few years.

"After Cruze in 2009 and Spark in 2010, our centenary year 2011 will usher in five more exciting Chevrolets for Europe," said Chevrolet Europe president and managing director Wayne Brannon.

In 2011, Chevrolet will launch an all-new family van, based on the Orlando show car, and the legendary Chevrolet Camaro, both as coupé and convertible.

The star on the Chevrolet stand in exhibition hall 2 will be the Aveo RS show car, celebrating its European premiere after its world debut at the North American International Auto Show last month. The show car features a dynamic hot hatch look and provides a preview of the next-generation Aveo. Longer, wider and more spacious than the current production Aveo, the Aveo RS comes with upscale-looking design cues both inside and out, and presents the many personalization options potentially available on the next-generation car.

The Aveo RS show car is powered by a beefy 138-horsepower (103 kW) 1.4L Ecotec turbocharged engine. A six-speed manual transmission is designed to ensure the car will provide a spirited driving experience.

"The Aveo RS clearly demonstrates that we are ready to make a big step forward in the small-car segment. Coming to Europe in 2011, the new Aveo will be completely in tune with the striking new Cruze and Spark, our all-new compact and mini entries," said Brannon.

Chevrolet

Geneva International Motor Show - Subaru

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, today announced that it will exhibit the “SUBARU HYBRID TOURER CONCEPT” as an European premiere and unveil the “Subaru Impreza XV” as a world premiere, which will be marketed this summer in Europe, at the 80th Geneva International Motor Show slated for March in Geneva, Switzerland (Press day: March 2 and 3; Open to the public from March 4 through 14). It will also showcase the “Subaru Plug-in STELLA”, a production electric vehicle launched in Japan last year, “BOXER DIESEL” models, and highlight Subaru’s unique Horizontally-Opposed Boxer Engine technologies. With these exhibits and throughout the booth design, FHI will showcase Subaru’s efforts to integrate enjoyable and reliable driving with environmentally friendly solutions. The press conference by President Ikuo Mori is scheduled at the Subaru booth on March 2, 2010 at 15.45h
Employing the Subaru’s core technology of “Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)” and “Horizontally-Opposed Boxer Engine”, the “SUBARU HYBRID TOURER CONCEPT” reflects Subaru’s vision of the future grand touring car. Presented with an eye-catching sculpted exterior design, the concept offers an ideal combination of Subaru’s authentic driving performance, all-round safety features and environmental friendliness provided by its unique hybrid system.
Length x Width x Height: 4,630 x 1,890 x 1,420mm
Power Unit: 2.0-litre Horizontally-Opposed direct fuel-injection
turbo gasoline engine plus two motors
The “Subaru Impreza XV”, developed on the basis of the iconic Impreza 5-door model, offers a new crossover styling. Exclusively designed front grille and wheel arch, and specially equipped roof rails and a roof spoiler accentuate the uniqueness of this special Impreza version. The available 2.0-litre Horizontally-opposed petrol engine and the turbo BOXER DIESEL engine comply with European EURO 5 regulations for enhanced environmental friendliness.

Subaru

Carlsson C25

The performance data of the six litre V12 Bi-Turbo is impressive. The high-performance aggregate with a motor management optimisation patented by Carlsson renders 753 hp (554 kW) and allows fast acceleration as well as smooth travels at lower speeds. Also responsible for the perfect performance evolvement is the elaborately developed stainless steel exhaust system with ends in four edgy pipes at the back. The power catapults the C25 with a torque of 1320 Newton metres at 3750 r.p.m. which is electronically limited to 1,150 Newton metres from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.7 seconds and achieves a maximum speed of 352 km/h.
The C25 emphasises this exquisite status with its self-reliant and unique design. The elongated vehicle front with the tapered lobe between the powerful shoulders craves ahead and the generously dimensioned air inlets in the typical Carlsson trapezoid form supply the engine with the necessary ventilation. The ultra-light and forged wheels 1/10 UL in the dimensions 9,5x20 and 12x20 inches have been especially designed for the C25 and are equipped with high performance tyres measuring 265/30 at the front and 325/25 at the rear live axle. One wheel just weighs 11.2 kilograms and therefore is 40 percent lighter than custom light alloy wheels. Ventilation ducts in front and behind the wheel houses provide the Carlsson brake system with 405 millimetres large slotted race brake discs at the front and 380 millimetre race brake discs at the rear axle with cool air. With this, Carlsson achieves the perfect symbiosis between design and function. The elongated flat rear screen and the restrained tearing edge on the boot lit as well as the generously dimensioned double diffuser render the required downthrust and therefore the C25 does not need any extensible spoilers. In order to emphasise the uniqueness of the C25, Carlsson has also developed a new rear- and front lights design.
The newly designed interior resembles the exterior as far as shape, colour and functionality are concerned. The characteristic trapezoid elements at the front and back are also found on the steering wheel. On the seats and the centre console the edged shape is used as well. The instruments clearly turn towards the driver, indicate the performance capability of the C25 and increase the ergonomics. The generous use of real carbon, tanned buffalo leather and ultra-suede in special colours provides an evenly exclusive and user-friendly ambience. For driveability reasons, Carlsson deliberately refrains from race seats, race straps, rollover devices and extreme lowering.With the C25, Carlsson confirms its reputation as being one of the most exclusive automobile manufacturers in the world. High technical competence, many years experience in automobile construction, an advanced sense for design and elegance and German art of engineering make the Carlsson C25 unique all over the world.

Carlsson

SEAT Ibiza ST

With a World Premiere at the Geneva Motorshow, SEAT is pushing forward with its product offensive – the Ibiza ST is the third model to join the successful Spanish line-up. The compact estate car is the perfect vehicle for a youthful and sporty lifestyle, bringing together the brand’s most powerful characteristics – it is emotional and well-designed, it is dynamic and efficient, it is easy to use and financially attainable. SEAT will deliver the Ibiza ST in six modern engine variants and with a broad palette of equipment and technologies. Market launch is planned for early summer.
The stylists at SEAT Design have taken the highly functional concept of the Ibiza ST and clad it in the Spanish brand’s unique design language. Despite the estate layout and generous load capacity, it retains the youthful, sporty character of the Ibiza range. The roofline stretches rearwards, the rear overhang is integrated perfectly into the overall design and the tight span of its flanks lends tautness to its proportions. The front end bears the hallmark SEAT “arrow design”; with the rear end receiving a new look courtesy of the split rear light clusters.
With a length of 4.23 metres, the Ibiza ST is no less than 18 centimetres longer than the Ibiza. This creates ample load capacity to satisfy all the requirements of a sporty and mobile lifestyle. The base capacity of 430 litres is already comparatively generous, and can be increased in stages by folding the split rear seat. Engineers paid particularly close attention to the optimal width and low height of the load opening. Overall, the bodyshell is finished to the high levels of precision and stiffness characteristic of all SEAT models.
The interior of the Ibiza ST is impressively spacious, with an accomplished and high quality character. The designers and engineers paid close attention to the tiniest detail; every single element is functional, practical to use and meticulously crafted, as evidenced by the high material quality and tight tolerances. The cockpit feels taut. Circular air vents, a short gear stick – the emotional character expressed by the design of the Ibiza ST is clearly evident in the interior, too.

Seat

Nissan Juke

One month before its global media unveil on February 10th, Nissan today confirms the name of its forthcoming small Crossover. The Nissan Juke will go on sale from October, following its global public premiere at Geneva Motor Show in March.
The Nissan Juke will inject some much-needed dynamism into the small car segment, offering European car-buyers an alternative to the traditional, uninspiring small hatchback. As the fourth Crossover in Nissan’s European range, “Juke” reinforces the brand’s pioneering Crossover leadership in Europe.
The car was inspired by the Qazana concept car that received such a warm reception at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, and will fit into the Nissan range between the Note compact family car and the Qashqai crossover.
Nissan’s customer research identified a large proportion of European small and compact car buyers whose needs are not met by what they perceive to be uninspiring and unoriginal options available to them where copycat hatchbacks dominate.
The Nissan Juke has been designed and developed to give customers an alternative to the traditional small hatchback in Europe. We know that there are a lot of customers that are looking for a car which combines striking design, agile handling and driving pleasure, user friendly technology but not at the expense of practicality and convenience. These unique attributes will allow Juke to occupy a unique corner of the European market,” said Simon Thomas, Nissan’s European Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing.

Nissan

VW Beetle

No matter the time of year, nor the weather outside, the New Beetle convertible stays stylish while keeping the inside comfortable and dry with a three-layer cloth top that features a heated glass rear window. When placed in the up (closed) position, the top helps keep road noise down to a minimum in the cabin. The top is power-assisted for quick and easy lowering, and tucks away directly behind the rear seat for a vintage look. The soft-top also includes a semiautomatic
power roof and a wind blocker. As an added convenience in the convertible, a driver-accessible, extra window switch makes lowering and raising all four side windows simultaneously a simple task.
The seating positions in both the sedan and convertible models are covered in V-Tex, with a choice of black, cream or white colors to best complement the New Beetle’s exterior and the personality of its owner (select color combinations unavailable). Heated front seats are standard on all models, along with a leather parking brake handle and shift knob, a telescoping, three-spoke padded steering wheel, the Easy Entry System with the front seats for improved rear passenger entry, and one-touch up and down automatic windows, with pinch protection, for
both the driver and passenger sides.
The New Beetle models are ready for long rides as well, with a standard 6-speaker premium AM/FM radio with slot-in CD player, MP3 CD support, and an auxiliary jack for connecting portable media players, including iPods®. As an added bonus, Sirius® Satellite Radio is also available as standard, and comes with a complimentary six month subscription.
Engine and Transmission The 2010 New Beetle and New Beetle convertible are powered by a 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder gasoline engine that is chock full of German-tuned advancements. The 2.5L produces 150 horsepower available at 5,000 rpm, and 170 lbs.-ft. of torque come on strong yet smooth at 3,750 rpm. The engine features an aluminum alloy cross flow head, four valves per cylinder, double overhead camshafts, and maintenance-free hydraulic lifters to ensure consistent yet undoubtedly efficient performance whenever called upon.
Power is delivered to the front wheels with either an easy-to-shift five-speed manual transmission with self-adjusting hydraulic clutch, or an optional six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic® that can change gears on its own, or allow the driver to select each gear using the gear selector. The 2010 New Beetle convertible is only available with the six-speed automatic gearbox, and achieves an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in city conditions, and 29 mpg on the highway. The New Beetle equipped with the automatic transmission also reaches the same results. With the manual transmission in place, the New Beetle is capable of 20
mpg in the city, and 28 mpg on the highway.
Keeping the New Beetle on track and comfortable through turns and on the straights is an independent front suspension setup that includes McPherson struts and a front stabilizer bar, working in tandem with a torsion beam rear axle and a separate rear stabilizer bar. The power-assisted rack and pinion steering system with a 15.6:1 ratio ensures accuracy and responsiveness at all speeds, and four-wheel disc brakes easily bring the New Beetle and New Beetle
convertible to a halt.
All throughout the chassis are a variety of the latest Volkswagen aids and controls that provide New Beetle drivers and passengers with the comfort and peace of mind every time to take on most any driving condition with confidence. All models are standard equipped with the latest three-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for superior stopping control, and the advanced Volkswagen Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) that adds Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR),
traction control, and brake assist functions. A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) also comes standard.
The New Beetle convertible is available in Black, Candy White, Gecko Green, Salsa Red, Harvest Moon, Sunflower Yellow and Tossau Blue. The hardtop’s color range also features both Platinum Gray and Reflex Silver. Sixteen-inch alloy “Mali”-designed wheels are standard on all 2010 New Beetle models, with the convertible offering an optional17-inch alloy “Versus”-designed wheels as an equally stylish option.
Like all Volkswagens, the New Beetle and New Beetle convertible includes the Prevent and Preserve Safety System. As standard equipment, the New Beetle and New Beetle convertible includes, but is not limited to, dual front airbags; dual front head/thorax airbags; emergency locking retractors in all seating positions; front safety belts with pretensioners and load limiters; and three-point safety belts in all four seating positions with emergency locking retractors.
The New Beetle convertible also features an Active Rollover Support™ system, which “pops up” two spring-loaded aluminum posts in 0.25 seconds from behind the rear seat headrests to help protect rear passengers in the event of a rollover situation.
Both the New Beetle and New Beetle convertible, like all 2010 Volkswagens, include Volkswagen’s Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) as standard equipment. This comes ahead of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) mandate that by 2010, all vehicles produced will need to include some form of Electronic Stability Control (ESC). According to NHTSA, having ESC in a vehicle results in 35 percent fewer single-vehicle crashes and 30 percent fewer single-vehicle fatalities in passenger cars. Volkswagen’s ESP compares the driver’s intended course with the vehicle’s actual direction. If a discrepancy is detected, ESP automatically brakes individual front or rear wheels and/or reduces engine power as needed to help maintain directional control.

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