Sunday, February 28, 2010
2010 Mazda Sports Review
Launched in 2003, the Mazda RX-8 hit the global market with a serious bang. For 2009, Mazda will further the evolution of the four-door, four-seater sports coupe, giving RX-8 a refreshed exterior and interior design, enhanced performance and a new R3 sport package for the ultimate driving enthusiast.
Unchanged is the core of the RX-8 - a high-powered, lightweight and perfectly balanced machine powered by the world-renowned twin-rotor RENESIS rotary engine.
To enhance the highly successful RX-8, Mazda engineers focused on innovation in three key areas for the 2009 RX-8: styling, performance and packaging. "The enhancements made to RX-8's exterior, interior, packaging and performance takes it to a whole new level of visual and driving excitement," remarked Nakazawa.
RX-8 was designed with an athletically sculpted exterior that provides a sense of originality that's unrivaled in the marketplace today. For 2009, RX-8 receives design enhancements that are meant to freshen the styling and give RX-8 a new look, without impairing the basic design theme. Refinements for the 2009 model year include restyled front and rear bumpers and front fascia; sporty, high quality finish front and rear headlamps; and larger exhaust pipes (now measuring 90 mm across). The 2009 RX-8 also offers a new five-spoke wheel design featuring a symbolic and sporty design reminiscent of the rotary engine, with different arrangements for each wheel size.
Taut muscular lines give RX-8 the liberating look of an athlete in motion. The muscular styling maintains classic sports car proportions while adding a Zoom-Zoom edge that is unmistakably Mazda.
Through-and-through, the RX-8 is a pure sports car that gives the driver an exciting and dynamic experience. For 2009, engineers improved RX-8 body rigidity through the addition of structural reinforcements, by adding a trapezoidal strut tower bar and enhancing the local rigidity of the front suspension tower areas. Also, the rear suspension geometry has been reconfigured for better handling performance and driveshaft rigidity is improved, lowering NVH levels and improving performance.
In addition, the differential gear ratio on manual transmission-equipped cars is lowered from 4.444 to 4.777 for improved off-the-line performance. While minimal, these performance changes give RX-8 increased acceleration and performance, as well as even greater responsiveness to the accelerator pedal - always a rotary-engine and RX-8 hallmark.
To achieve this sophisticated dynamic, Mazda utilizes the advanced RENESIS (Rotary Engine genesis - or rebirth of the rotary engine) engine. The Mazda RX-8 remains the only mass-produced rotary-powered passenger car in the world. While exhibiting unusually high power output for a naturally aspirated engine, RENESIS outstrips comparable reciprocating engines in terms of acceleration, the feeling of power in reserve and quick response.
The 2009 Mazda RX-8 is available as either a 232-horsepower model fitted with a six-speed manual transmission, or a 212-horsepower model fitted with a six-speed Sport A/T automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for a Formula 1-style driving experience.
Audi O Sports Car Concept is fuel efficient diesel/electric hybrid drivetrai
Audi O Sports Car Concept
The Audi O concept was designed to fuse a powerful and innovative audio system with a stylish and sporty four-seat hatchback. The exterior design uses several Audi trademark styling themes, especially at the front where the square grille sits neatly between the LED headlights.
Audi O Sports Car Concept
The doors feature glass windows running along the bottom edge which provide an interesting shape to the profile of the car. At the rear of the car the pullout door echoes the design of the squared off Audi grille. The 2008 Audi O concept was designed by Ondrej Jirec, a design student from the Czech Republic who is beginning studies at the Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, California in 2008.
The interior of the Audi O concept is bright and airy thanks to a full length panoramic roof which floods the cabin with light. Inside, the passenger compartment has been separated from the engine compartment by a double firewall to help keep out external noise which might interfere with the powerful sound system.
The Audi O concept features a unique audio system which has internet connectivity for downloading music onto the built-in 650 GB hard drive. When parked up a Bluetooth system can connect two or more Audi O cars to play audio over a wider area. In this situation, a host Audi O is set to be the source of sound and the other vehicles act as speakers.
The Audi O also features a pullout rear door fitted with a DJ set with mixing decks. The decks can also be removed and used anywhere outside the car.
Powering the Audi O concept is fuel efficient diesel/electric hybrid drivetrain.
Lincoln, First Look: Lincoln C Concept Car Mini Cooper-owner style
Lincoln, First Look: Lincoln C Concept Car Mini Cooper-owner style
Restarts use a fraction of the starter energy required for a cold start by injecting and igniting fuel in the cylinder closest to top-dead-center on the compression stroke. The six-speed, twin-clutch "Powershift" transmission uses more efficient dry clutches (Audi DSG's wet clutches require an oil pump). It gains 9-percent better fuel economy than a conventional automatic transmission, Ford says. Including some key weight savings, Ford expects the EcoBoost-powered C would get about 25-percent better fuel economy than a similar car with a 2.0-liter.
Other interior features include no b-pillar (which Mays insists is approaching production viability, even if the "suicide door" feature that accompanies it is only for show), a hubless steering wheel rendered in Apple-computer white plastic, thin-seat technology for better interior room (another near-production feature), hand-drawn floral patterns laser-etched into the otherwise stark white leather seats, weight- and height-sensing power head restraints, and stereo speakers in the headliner, which surrounds a Lincoln-symbol glass sunroof.
North America design chief Peter Horbury says his favorite feature, though, is a device in the car's grille that recognizes other Lincoln Cs and automatically "winks" the left headlight, Mini Cooper-owner style.
Question is, can Lincoln build a c-segment car with so much appeal that owners "wink" or wave at others voluntarily? We may have to ask that question again when Lincoln markets a c-segment car, in as little as two or three years.
BMW has proven that rear-wheel-drive c-segment size luxury works, with its 1 Series, Lincoln is turning next to the 2011 Ford Focus' platform for post-global warming luxury. To prepare us for a CAFE-friendly world, Lincoln rolled out the C concept (for c-segment, and so far, without an "MK" prefix) at Detroit. Looking much like a Renault with Lincoln's "flying wing" '41 Continental retro cue grille, the C is about the length of the '11 Focus, but about 2.75-inches wider for three-abreast seating via two flat benches. Ford designers cite the '39 Lincoln, '56 Continental II and '61 Continental as inspiration. But the a-pillar is curved much like a Renault Espace's, and the c-pillar ends in a Clio-esque bustle trunk. While there's no tumblehome, a deep shoulderline accents the profile.
Lincoln C Concept Car Mini Cooper-owner style
The stainless steel-like top is actually aluminum with a metalized paint, and the gray interior wood trim is recycled driftwood veneer. The Lincoln C has more interior space than a '61 Continental, J Mays and Freeman Thomas proudly note. The engine, theoretically - Lincoln didn't open the hood -- is a planned 1.6-liter EcoBoost four with central direct injection, variable valve timing on both cams and an interesting stop/start system to shut down the engine for red lights and stop signs.Restarts use a fraction of the starter energy required for a cold start by injecting and igniting fuel in the cylinder closest to top-dead-center on the compression stroke. The six-speed, twin-clutch "Powershift" transmission uses more efficient dry clutches (Audi DSG's wet clutches require an oil pump). It gains 9-percent better fuel economy than a conventional automatic transmission, Ford says. Including some key weight savings, Ford expects the EcoBoost-powered C would get about 25-percent better fuel economy than a similar car with a 2.0-liter.
Other interior features include no b-pillar (which Mays insists is approaching production viability, even if the "suicide door" feature that accompanies it is only for show), a hubless steering wheel rendered in Apple-computer white plastic, thin-seat technology for better interior room (another near-production feature), hand-drawn floral patterns laser-etched into the otherwise stark white leather seats, weight- and height-sensing power head restraints, and stereo speakers in the headliner, which surrounds a Lincoln-symbol glass sunroof.
North America design chief Peter Horbury says his favorite feature, though, is a device in the car's grille that recognizes other Lincoln Cs and automatically "winks" the left headlight, Mini Cooper-owner style.
Question is, can Lincoln build a c-segment car with so much appeal that owners "wink" or wave at others voluntarily? We may have to ask that question again when Lincoln markets a c-segment car, in as little as two or three years.
BMW Sports Car Concept Revealed
BMW Sports Car Concept Revealed
Sports Car manufacturer BMW has revealed their latest concept vehicle. BMW is scheduled to show off this beauty at the Frankfurt Motor Show in a couple of weeks. “The Vision Efficient Dynamics is a plug-in hybrid sports car with a new dynamic exterior and interior design language. But underneath the eye catching design is a smaller and more efficient engine BMW is exploring for possible future use.” This amazing vehicle is the wave of the future, more dynamic vehicles made with the concept of environmental preservation constantly on the mind of engineers. Check out the rest of the post for more images of this great vehicle.
New Latest Sports cars
2009 Mazda Sports Car RX-8 Hydrogen RE vehicle with Norwegian specifications in HyNor
2009 Japan Mazda Motor Corporation (HIROSHIMA) announced that it has built the first Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE vehicle with Norwegian specifications, developed specifically for participation in HyNor, Norway’s national hydrogen project. The first unit will take part in ceremonies marking the official opening of HyNor’s hydrogen filling stations.
Unlike the RX-8 Hydrogen RE currently being leased in Japan, the HyNor-specification Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE is based on the latest European-specification Mazda RX-8 with left-hand drive and a manual transmission.
The HyNor project aims to enable hydrogen vehicles to travel along a 580-kilometer stretch of highway by establishing a chain of hydrogen stations between Stavanger and Oslo in Norway.
Mazda agreed to collaborate with HyNor on the project in November 2007 and began validation of the RX-8 Hydrogen RE’s driving performance on Norwegian public roads in October 2008.
2009 Japan Mazda Motor Corporation (HIROSHIMA) announced that it has built the first Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE vehicle with Norwegian specifications, developed specifically for participation in HyNor, Norway’s national hydrogen project. The first unit will take part in ceremonies marking the official opening of HyNor’s hydrogen filling stations.
The initial opening ceremony will be held in Oslo on May 11, 2009. The RX-8 Hydrogen RE will then undergo certification to meet local standards and will be used for maintenance staff training. Mazda plans to commence leasing of Norwegian specification RX-8 Hydrogen RE models in Norway in summer 2009.
Unlike the RX-8 Hydrogen RE currently being leased in Japan, the HyNor-specification Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE is based on the latest European-specification Mazda RX-8 with left-hand drive and a manual transmission.
The HyNor project aims to enable hydrogen vehicles to travel along a 580-kilometer stretch of highway by establishing a chain of hydrogen stations between Stavanger and Oslo in Norway.
Mazda agreed to collaborate with HyNor on the project in November 2007 and began validation of the RX-8 Hydrogen RE’s driving performance on Norwegian public roads in October 2008.
Smart fortwo EV Concept
Smart fortwo EV Concept
The Smart is producer of one of the worldwide most economical and environmentally friendly cars: the smart fortwo. The brand takes advantages by using alternative technologies to develop even more ecologically friendly vehicles. The smart fortwo electric drive demonstrates the pioneering role of the young car brand. As an electric car it is locally emission-free, highly efficient and quite. It represents sustainability at its highest level. At the End of 2009, smart will start the production of the smart fortwo electric drive with a lithium-ion battery. The company is exploring opportunities for the United States market.
Lithium-ion battery technology
The smart fortwo electric drive series will be equipped with a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery. Lithium-ion technology has decisive advantages over other type of batteries, including its compact dimensions, high performance, shorter charging times an higher reliability.
London pilot project
In 2007, smart started a pilot project in London, England to test the smart fortwo electric drive vehicle. smart leased 100 electric smarts of the former series to gain real world experience and determine the technology's long-term sustainability. The project has proven to be very successful with customers giving very encouraging feedback. In addition, the English authorities have rewarded smart's commitment by exempting drivers of electric smart vehicle from the expensive London congestion charge.
London was selected as the perfect test city due to its high populations and infrastructure density, which has resulted in high traffic, parking shortages, severe noise and pollution. Participation in the project was first offered to companies that operate their own vehicle fleets and those who drive in inner city areas.
The majority of the customers approached smart to participate in the London project. Participants lease the electric smart for four years or 40,000 miles, and the project will officially run until 2012.
The company is using the test data and monitoring and evaluating many other different technologies to evolve the smart brand with new products as appropriate.
"e-mobility Berlin"
In addition to the London test program, smart is consistently working on the future development of electric drive technology. In September 2008, with the support of the German government and the state of Berlin, Daimler AG and the energy provider RWE introduced the "e-mobility Berlin" project. The two companies are jointly creating the conditions for zero emissions with battery electric drives, which is the world's largest initiative in this field to date.
RWE is providing 500 electricity charging stations and Daimler is contribution 100 electric vehicles. Both companies aim to create an intelligent system, and the first joint tests are scheduled for the spring of 2009.
Additionally, an "on-board unit" is being developed that will communicate with charging stations to ensure that the battery is automatically charged with low-priced electricity when the network is not used to full capacity, for example at off-peak times.
"e-mobility Italy"
Daimler AG is launching its next electric mobility project in cooperation with Enel, Italy's largest energy supplier. In 2010, the "e-mobility Italy" initiative will see more than 100 electric cars of the smart and Mercedes-Benz brands roll onto the streets of Rome, Milan and Pisa. Enel will be responsible for developing and setting up over 400 charging stations especially for this purpose in the three cities. The project aims to further develop automotive technology and an intelligent infrastructure, and also establish open standards. Infrastructure is a particularly important issue in Italy, where the majority of vehicles are parked in city streets.
Evonik and Daimler establish strategic alliance for the development and production of lithium-ion batteries
Evonik Industries AG, Essen and Daimler AG, Stuttgart are developing the energy storage of the future. Based on lithium-ion technology from Evonik and with Daimler expertise, both groups will drive forward the research, development and production of battery cells and battery systems in Germany. In the near future, Li-Tec cells will appear in electric vehicles of smart and Mercedes-Benz Cars. This will represent an important milestone in the series production of electric vehicles. En route to achieving its technological leadership in recent years, Evonik has invested around 80 million Euros. The outcome is production-ready hi-tech battery cells that are superior to competitor products in several key areas.
On 15 December 2008, Daimler AG took over 49.9 percent of Li-Tec Vermรถgensverwaltung GmbH (Li-Tec). Evonik Industries AG already holds 50.1 percent. Both partners are seeking the involvement of a third shareholder in Li-Tec with expertise in electrical and electronic systems integration. Furthermore, the companies will also establish a joint venture with a clear focus on the development and production of batteries and battery systems for automotive applications. Daimler will hold 90 percent of this joint venture, and Evonik 10 percent.
The lithium-ion batteries produced by the joint venture will be used in both the passenger car and commercial vehicle sectors. The capacity available at Li-Tec and the joint venture will initially concentrate on the needs of Daimler AG. Beyond that, the sale of cells and battery systems to third parties is planned.
Lithium-ion battery technology
The smart fortwo electric drive series will be equipped with a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery. Lithium-ion technology has decisive advantages over other type of batteries, including its compact dimensions, high performance, shorter charging times an higher reliability.
London pilot project
In 2007, smart started a pilot project in London, England to test the smart fortwo electric drive vehicle. smart leased 100 electric smarts of the former series to gain real world experience and determine the technology's long-term sustainability. The project has proven to be very successful with customers giving very encouraging feedback. In addition, the English authorities have rewarded smart's commitment by exempting drivers of electric smart vehicle from the expensive London congestion charge.
London was selected as the perfect test city due to its high populations and infrastructure density, which has resulted in high traffic, parking shortages, severe noise and pollution. Participation in the project was first offered to companies that operate their own vehicle fleets and those who drive in inner city areas.
The majority of the customers approached smart to participate in the London project. Participants lease the electric smart for four years or 40,000 miles, and the project will officially run until 2012.
The company is using the test data and monitoring and evaluating many other different technologies to evolve the smart brand with new products as appropriate.
"e-mobility Berlin"
In addition to the London test program, smart is consistently working on the future development of electric drive technology. In September 2008, with the support of the German government and the state of Berlin, Daimler AG and the energy provider RWE introduced the "e-mobility Berlin" project. The two companies are jointly creating the conditions for zero emissions with battery electric drives, which is the world's largest initiative in this field to date.
RWE is providing 500 electricity charging stations and Daimler is contribution 100 electric vehicles. Both companies aim to create an intelligent system, and the first joint tests are scheduled for the spring of 2009.
Additionally, an "on-board unit" is being developed that will communicate with charging stations to ensure that the battery is automatically charged with low-priced electricity when the network is not used to full capacity, for example at off-peak times.
"e-mobility Italy"
Daimler AG is launching its next electric mobility project in cooperation with Enel, Italy's largest energy supplier. In 2010, the "e-mobility Italy" initiative will see more than 100 electric cars of the smart and Mercedes-Benz brands roll onto the streets of Rome, Milan and Pisa. Enel will be responsible for developing and setting up over 400 charging stations especially for this purpose in the three cities. The project aims to further develop automotive technology and an intelligent infrastructure, and also establish open standards. Infrastructure is a particularly important issue in Italy, where the majority of vehicles are parked in city streets.
Evonik and Daimler establish strategic alliance for the development and production of lithium-ion batteries
Evonik Industries AG, Essen and Daimler AG, Stuttgart are developing the energy storage of the future. Based on lithium-ion technology from Evonik and with Daimler expertise, both groups will drive forward the research, development and production of battery cells and battery systems in Germany. In the near future, Li-Tec cells will appear in electric vehicles of smart and Mercedes-Benz Cars. This will represent an important milestone in the series production of electric vehicles. En route to achieving its technological leadership in recent years, Evonik has invested around 80 million Euros. The outcome is production-ready hi-tech battery cells that are superior to competitor products in several key areas.
On 15 December 2008, Daimler AG took over 49.9 percent of Li-Tec Vermรถgensverwaltung GmbH (Li-Tec). Evonik Industries AG already holds 50.1 percent. Both partners are seeking the involvement of a third shareholder in Li-Tec with expertise in electrical and electronic systems integration. Furthermore, the companies will also establish a joint venture with a clear focus on the development and production of batteries and battery systems for automotive applications. Daimler will hold 90 percent of this joint venture, and Evonik 10 percent.
The lithium-ion batteries produced by the joint venture will be used in both the passenger car and commercial vehicle sectors. The capacity available at Li-Tec and the joint venture will initially concentrate on the needs of Daimler AG. Beyond that, the sale of cells and battery systems to third parties is planned.
Tramontana R
Tramontana R
The super sports car manufacturer set in the Costa Brava, unveils its latest version, the Tramontana R. The new model is the result of a logical evolution of the previous one.
Thanks to the hard work of the whole technicians team of a.d. Tramontana, a more purist new version is being introduced. The car has been designed in order to increase the sensations experimented by the driver. These feelings give the driver the information needed to push such an extreme car to its limits.
Though the first version was already very competitive in terms of technology, the team raised new challenges to achieve.
The Tramontana R, unlike other super sports cars with radical versions, keeps the comfort as a value and provides versatility, as well as the possibility to drive the car in conventional roads. So much so that gives a surprising performance not only in the track but also outside of it.
The Tramontana team has reduced the weight of the car to 92 kg. despite the fact that the first version had already been done with the lightest materials. Remind that the chassis and the bodywork are completely made in carbon fibre.
Another important challenge has been to give more pure personality to the car; the new chassis reduces the wheelbase in 50 mm and notably improves the handling of the car as well as the aerodynamic performance. All these improvements have allowed to optimize the cornering speed, specially in the track.
If you have followed the evolution of the company from its origins, you have surely noticed its constant progression. With the Tramontana R they have shown his technical capacity once more. The future is to reassert itself as a one of the best and most exclusive manufacturers in the small world of super sports cars.
Thanks to the hard work of the whole technicians team of a.d. Tramontana, a more purist new version is being introduced. The car has been designed in order to increase the sensations experimented by the driver. These feelings give the driver the information needed to push such an extreme car to its limits.
Though the first version was already very competitive in terms of technology, the team raised new challenges to achieve.
The Tramontana R, unlike other super sports cars with radical versions, keeps the comfort as a value and provides versatility, as well as the possibility to drive the car in conventional roads. So much so that gives a surprising performance not only in the track but also outside of it.
The Tramontana team has reduced the weight of the car to 92 kg. despite the fact that the first version had already been done with the lightest materials. Remind that the chassis and the bodywork are completely made in carbon fibre.
* Previous dry weight: 1.360 Kg
* New dry weight: 1.268 Kg
* Weight distribution:
o 42% front, 58% rear
o 50% right, 50% left
* New dry weight: 1.268 Kg
* Weight distribution:
o 42% front, 58% rear
o 50% right, 50% left
Another important challenge has been to give more pure personality to the car; the new chassis reduces the wheelbase in 50 mm and notably improves the handling of the car as well as the aerodynamic performance. All these improvements have allowed to optimize the cornering speed, specially in the track.
* New downforce: 240 Kg (300Km/h)
* Downforce distribution front axle: 95 kg aprox.
* Downforce distribution rear axle: 145 kg aprox.
* Downforce distribution front axle: 95 kg aprox.
* Downforce distribution rear axle: 145 kg aprox.
If you have followed the evolution of the company from its origins, you have surely noticed its constant progression. With the Tramontana R they have shown his technical capacity once more. The future is to reassert itself as a one of the best and most exclusive manufacturers in the small world of super sports cars.
Technical Specifications
* BRAKING
o 100-0 km/h: 32,6 m (2,45 s)
o 200-0 km/h: 124,3 m (4,91 s)
* ENGINE
o Torque increase up to 1.100 Nm.
* DYNAMICS
o New chassis with a wheelbase distance of 3.050 mm: (50 mm shorter).
o Monocoque rigidity torsion: 40.000 Nm/ยบ.
o New frontal geometry.
o New electric power steering.
o Lateral G forces: 1,22 g. (with standard tyres)
* AERODYNAMICS
o Front: New spoiler
o Lateral: New shark gills
o Rear: New rear wing
o Down Force: 240 Kg at 300 km/h
* TRACTION CONTROL
o New scaled levels (3 + off)
* INTERIOR
o New TFT digital screens.
* FINISHING
o Carbon fiber finishing bodywork.
* PERFORMANCE
o 0-100 km/h: 3,6 s
o 0-200 km/h: 10,15 s
o Top Speed: 325 km/h (limited)
* PRICE
o Basic: 385.000 € (without taxes)
* BRAKING
o 100-0 km/h: 32,6 m (2,45 s)
o 200-0 km/h: 124,3 m (4,91 s)
* ENGINE
o Torque increase up to 1.100 Nm.
* DYNAMICS
o New chassis with a wheelbase distance of 3.050 mm: (50 mm shorter).
o Monocoque rigidity torsion: 40.000 Nm/ยบ.
o New frontal geometry.
o New electric power steering.
o Lateral G forces: 1,22 g. (with standard tyres)
* AERODYNAMICS
o Front: New spoiler
o Lateral: New shark gills
o Rear: New rear wing
o Down Force: 240 Kg at 300 km/h
* TRACTION CONTROL
o New scaled levels (3 + off)
* INTERIOR
o New TFT digital screens.
* FINISHING
o Carbon fiber finishing bodywork.
* PERFORMANCE
o 0-100 km/h: 3,6 s
o 0-200 km/h: 10,15 s
o Top Speed: 325 km/h (limited)
* PRICE
o Basic: 385.000 € (without taxes)
Volvo S60 Concept
The Scandinavian inspiration
The front of the Volvo S60 Concept sports the enlarged iron mark in the trapezoidal grille. The two lamps that flank the grill emphasise the vertical stance of the front and highlight the bonnet's V-shape. The angled headlamps flow up into the strongly sculptured bonnet and combined with the lower air intake's reverse trapezoidal shape, this gives the concept car a very expressive "face".
Viewed from the side, the concept car's slim coupe roofline and window graphics are accompanied by an entirely new shoulder line, forming a gentle double wave, stretching from the headlamps all the way to the rear. Both the seven-spoke 20-inch wheels and the tread of the low-profile tyres have been specially designed, while the bronze-painted brake callipers match the "Warm Liquid Copper" livery.
The unique rear parallelogram doors offer a spectacular show when they are opened and closed. Door opening is initiated by pressing a button and the movement starts off in the traditional way. In the next phase, the forward section swings out away from the car's body and the door glides parallel with the side of the car until it reaches its end position by the rear wheel. Since the car does not have a B-pillar between the front and rear seats, this door configuration offers exceptionally generous entry and exit access.
The transparent attachment of the door mirrors illuminates and becomes part of the indicator function. The panorama roof is another ingredient that contributes to the concept car's airy Scandinavian aura.
The Viking longboats in the headlamps
In each of the headlamps, the lights create a silhouette of two miniature Viking longboats sailing side by side, one for main beam and one for dipped beam. When driving in the dark, the light is reflected from the concealed, upward-facing High Performance LED bulbs, projected ahead by the ships' filled sails.
A closer look reveals more detail. The compact cooling system for the LED bulbs has protruding cooling blocks made out of aluminum, semi-visible under the ships' hulls. This design creates the illusion of shimmering glass panels that float above a dark and mysterious Scandinavian sea.
The Inspiration from the racing track
The tail lamps, which follow the curve of the rear shoulders, are as advanced as the headlamps. When switched off, the lamp panels show no trace of the traditional red or yellow. But when activated, the position marker lights, brake lights and turn indicators come on in their correct colours with the help of LED bulbs. The solid glass panel is sectioned into horizontal "slices" that create the visual impression of a three-dimensional architect drawing when the lights come on.
At the rear there is also a retractable diffuser that adjusts with vehicle speed to give better aerodynamic properties.
New technology detects pedestrians in the danger zone
The Volvo S60 Concept also presents a safety innovation that can detect a pedestrian who steps out into the path of the car and the car's full braking power is automatically activated if the driver does not respond to the danger. The technology, Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and pedestrian detection, will be introduced in the all-new Volvo S60.
Elevates the brand's image
The Volvo S60 Concept was created to pave the way for Volvo Cars in one of the automotive world's most focused segments, characterised by razor-sharp competition.
Viewed from the side, the concept car's slim coupe roofline and window graphics are accompanied by an entirely new shoulder line, forming a gentle double wave, stretching from the headlamps all the way to the rear. Both the seven-spoke 20-inch wheels and the tread of the low-profile tyres have been specially designed, while the bronze-painted brake callipers match the "Warm Liquid Copper" livery.
The unique rear parallelogram doors offer a spectacular show when they are opened and closed. Door opening is initiated by pressing a button and the movement starts off in the traditional way. In the next phase, the forward section swings out away from the car's body and the door glides parallel with the side of the car until it reaches its end position by the rear wheel. Since the car does not have a B-pillar between the front and rear seats, this door configuration offers exceptionally generous entry and exit access.
The transparent attachment of the door mirrors illuminates and becomes part of the indicator function. The panorama roof is another ingredient that contributes to the concept car's airy Scandinavian aura.
The Viking longboats in the headlamps
In each of the headlamps, the lights create a silhouette of two miniature Viking longboats sailing side by side, one for main beam and one for dipped beam. When driving in the dark, the light is reflected from the concealed, upward-facing High Performance LED bulbs, projected ahead by the ships' filled sails.
A closer look reveals more detail. The compact cooling system for the LED bulbs has protruding cooling blocks made out of aluminum, semi-visible under the ships' hulls. This design creates the illusion of shimmering glass panels that float above a dark and mysterious Scandinavian sea.
The Inspiration from the racing track
The tail lamps, which follow the curve of the rear shoulders, are as advanced as the headlamps. When switched off, the lamp panels show no trace of the traditional red or yellow. But when activated, the position marker lights, brake lights and turn indicators come on in their correct colours with the help of LED bulbs. The solid glass panel is sectioned into horizontal "slices" that create the visual impression of a three-dimensional architect drawing when the lights come on.
At the rear there is also a retractable diffuser that adjusts with vehicle speed to give better aerodynamic properties.
New technology detects pedestrians in the danger zone
The Volvo S60 Concept also presents a safety innovation that can detect a pedestrian who steps out into the path of the car and the car's full braking power is automatically activated if the driver does not respond to the danger. The technology, Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and pedestrian detection, will be introduced in the all-new Volvo S60.
Elevates the brand's image
The Volvo S60 Concept was created to pave the way for Volvo Cars in one of the automotive world's most focused segments, characterised by razor-sharp competition.
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