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Morgan to go electric: +E programme prototypes in 2012

August 19, 2011 at 6:53 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, International News, Morgan


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Nothing escapes the electric route, it would seem. Morgan Motor Company, working together with British specialist companies Zytek and Radshape, is developing a high-performance electric sportscar prototype. The Morgan +E project, as it’s called, will see two concept vehicles coming about in early 2012.

Both vehicles will be based on a development of Morgan’s Aero Supersport’s aluminium chassis, with the 4.8 litre BMW V8 mill in the former being replaced by a new Zytek high power-density electric powertrain driving through a conventional manual gearbox.

The prototype Morgan will use a new derivative of Zytek’s proven 70 kW (94 hp), 300Nm electric powertrain, which is already supplied to US vehicle manufacturers. The compact, lightweight unit will be installed in the transmission tunnel and will require just three additional connections, these being cooling water as well as both high voltage and low voltage electrics.


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Power will come from a lithium-ion battery pack integrated into the vehicle’s aluminium structure. The powertrain and batteries will be mounted in a bonded and riveted aluminium chassis evolved from the Supersports range, and constructed by precision metal former Radshape.

An unusual feature of the rear-wheel drive vehicle will be that drive from the electric motor is taken through the standard manual gearbox. Keeping the motor in its sweet spot will help it use energy more efficiently, which will increase the vehicle’s range, Zytek says.

Going the stick shift route will also allow for the provision of lower gearing for rapid acceleration from pull-away as well as higher gearing for top speed, the company adds, and will make the car more engaging for keen drivers. Ah, yes, an electric Morgan. Not quite sure how the anoraks will take to it.

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Cadillac Ciel Concept is all about the romance of the drive

August 19, 2011 at 4:42 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cadillac, Cars, International News

Flamboyant, full blown concept cars have been decreasing in numbers these days, with more carmakers coming up with ‘concepts’ that are almost production ready. Here’s a wow inducing, jaw dropping one from Cadillac, called the Ciel Concept. Pronounced “C-L,” the French translation for sky, the Ciel is a big four-seat open top car, fittingly unveiled at Pebble Beach.

Ciel is powered by a twin-turbocharged version of Cadillac’s 3.6-litre direct Injection V6 engine, paired with a hybrid system using lithium-ion battery technology, and is stopped by carbon ceramic brakes. But who cares, just look at it!

Described as a new expression of Cadillac’s historical grandeur, as well as a celebration of open-air motoring, the Ciel is the carmaker’s attempt at exploring range-topping flagship luxury.

“Large, expressive luxury is innate to Cadillac and the Ciel recalls that heritage, while suggesting where the brand can go in the future. Authentic luxury is driven by experiences, not just products, and Ciel is about the experience of the journey,” said global design director Clay Dean.

“The Ciel is about the romance of the drive. It emulates the great touring cars seen on the greens at Pebble Beach, but with a modern flair that projects Cadillac’s vision for the future,” he added. By the way, they were thinking of driving along the California coastline in the sunset when designing the Ciel.

The Ciel’s long exterior (3,175 mm wheelbase) flows into the cabin, with the body colour (Cabernet, inspired by a glass of red wine held up to the sunlight) rolling over on top of the interior door panels.

Like the exterior, the passenger space is accented with nickel-plated trim. It divides the body-colour upper from a beige lower color. Italian Olive wood, machined aluminum and hand-tipped leather are the other elements that provide the warm, rich feel.

More warmth comes in the form of a cashmere blanket that stretches (rear occupants pull a leather tab to access) across the seating area to ward off a chill (it may be California, but the sun still goes down!). The wood trim in the rear center console opens to reveal a small humidor, stocked with cigars.

The good life indeed. Gallery after the jump.
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Frankfurt preview: Kia four-door sports sedan concept

August 19, 2011 at 2:58 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, International News, Kia

Kia is set to unveil its latest concept, a four-door sports sedan, at the IAA in Frankfurt next month. The company hasn’t revealed much about the vehicle – not even a name – aside from saying that the four-seater has rear-wheel drive and its styling signals a distinctive new design direction for the brand.

So goes its chief design officer, Peter Schreyer. “No matter from which perspective you look at it – this concept car is roaring with energy and ready for take-off. I believe the car is a strong statement from Kia: we are ready to fast forward to an all-new chapter.” More about the car when the time comes, undoubtedly.

Photos after the jump.
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No more teasing, Infiniti JX Concept is now fully revealed

August 19, 2011 at 2:03 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Infiniti, International News

We’ve had few rounds of teasers already, so here’s the full monty. The Infiniti JX Concept has been revealed at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance by Nissan Chief Creative Officer Shiro Nakamura. While it looks like one, this is not the production version – that one will debut at the LA show at the end of this year.

“The JX Concept advances the Infiniti design language, sharing design cues of the Infiniti Essence concept, yet interprets those elements in ways suitable to the needs of a family luxury crossover.

“From the dramatic front grille and headlight design to the crescent-cut D-pillar and greenhouse shape, the JX Concept shines as a fresh, bold alternative to the many flavors of vanilla currently dominating the three-row luxury crossover segment,” Nakamura san beamed.

The JX is a three-row seven-seater SUV slotting between Infiniti’s sporty FX crossover and the jumbo QX. Nissan’s luxury brand says that the production JX will offer class-leading roominess and “exceptionally easy” third row access.

“With the JX, you will even be able to leave a child seat latched to the second row while getting in or out of the third row – just one example of the vehicle’s inspired flexibility and versatility. The third row isn’t the typical penalty box either, with adult-sized room for all occupants and five-and-a-half inches of second row forward-back adjustability,” said Infiniti Americas VP Ben Poore.

It will be V6 powered, with a choice of FWD or AWD. The transmission will be a “sport tuned” CVT that mimics a stepped transmission when Sport mode is engaged. Specs and details will come later.

Feature wise, the JX will debut Backup Collision Intervention. With BCI, when the transmission is in reverse, the JX will help the driver detect crossing objects behind the vehicle and will automatically engage the brakes to help avoid a collision, if necessary. Sounds like Volvo’s Pedestrian Detection system in the S60, but for the rear.

Other niceties include a 14-speaker Bose Studio Surround sound system with Waveguide bass tech, Infiniti Connection Telematics system that can automatically synch the owner’s calendar and provide navigation guidance to appointments, as well as Infiniti Personal Assistant, the new personal concierge service with 24-hour access to a live team of professional assistants.

More pics after the jump.
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SAIC-GM to sell Chinese minivans in India by 2012

August 19, 2011 at 1:30 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, General Motors, International News

Chinese minivans are set to make their move into a new market – India. Reports say that General Motors and its Chinese partner Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp will start building the minivans in complete knockdown form in India next year.

SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile will begin entry into the market with the eight-seater Wuling Hong Guang and five- to eight-seater Hong Tu models, which will be renamed the CN100 and N200 respectively in the Indian market. Sold under the Chevrolet brand, the left-hand drive microvans will be modified for India’s right-hand drive market.

Initially, two engine choices will be available for each model, the Hong Guang wearing either a 70 hp 1.2 or 100 hp 1.4 litre P-TEC mill, and the Hong Tu a 1.15 or 1.2 litre unit, though with India being a heavy diesel market the alliance is set to expand the engine lineup for the vehicles in the coming future.

The vehicles will be shipped from Liuzhou in southwest China in kit form and then assembled at GM India’s new Talegaon plant in Maharashtra.

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Frankfurt preview: B-segment SsangYong Concept XUV 1

August 19, 2011 at 12:03 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Cars, International News, Koreans, Ssangyong

Here’s what SsangYong will bring to Frankfurt – the Concept XUV 1. The Korean brand, now owned by Mahindra & Mahindra of India, released these teaser pics of their showcar, which we bumped up in Photoshop for a clearer view.

SsangYong already has the Korando, which is a C-segment SUV. This concept is of a compact B segment sized crossover with a footprint of a supermini, something like the Nissan Qashqai (Dualis in Japan and Malaysia’s grey market), which has been a success for Nissan. SsangYong says that the appeal of such a car is the high seating position and rugged feel of a full sized SUV without any compromise in running costs.

The Concept XUV 1 uses extensive glass areas along with curved bodywork to “look imposing without seeming to appear aggressive”. The wraparound windscreen visually extends the glass area virtually uninterrupted to the large C-pillars, complemented by a full length glass roof. As with most concepts, the doors are coach style, for now. Not sure why, but the rear reminds me a little of the MINI Countryman.

The cabin can switch between 1+1+2 or 1+3 seating layouts, but there’s no teaser of the interior. Hi res pics after the jump.
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Frankfurt preview: Jaguar C-X16 production concept

August 19, 2011 at 11:16 am By Danny Tan Filed Under 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Cars, International News, Jaguar


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Here’s another concept that will debut at Frankfurt show, which is shaping out to be quite big and busy fest. The C-X16 is what Jaguar calls a “production concept”, which means that this is a preview of a car that’s heading for the showrooms, not just a flight of fancy.

Designed by the same team behind the current Jaguar XJ, XF and XK – and headed by Jaguar Director of Design Ian Callum – the C-X16 concept is “a precursor to future Jaguar sports cars that will aim to set new class benchmarks in design, vehicle dynamics and technology,” according to the Tata owned British brand.

“Great Jaguars have always been beautiful, innovative and have looked firmly to the future. The finished C-X16 concept has the potential to do these things while retaining the ability to surprise, to excite and invigorate,” said Ian Callum as the concept neared completion.

“Jaguar has set in place bold, ambitious plans for the future. This production concept demonstrates the depth of design and engineering ability we have within Jaguar to make these plans come to life,” added colleague Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director at Jaguar Cars.

Jaguar’s previous sports car concept was the stunning C-X75 of Paris 2010, which shares quite a bit of design similarities with this teaser sketch – a good thing. Click here to see the C-X75.

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Audi Urban Concept: Spyder to join Sportback in Frankfurt

August 19, 2011 at 10:38 am By Anthony Lim Filed Under Audi, Cars, International News


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The Audi Urban Concept Sportback 1+1 ultra-light concept announced for Frankfurt is set to be joined by a second, open-top Spyder version.

The variant of the electric-powered vehicle features characteristic Spyder traits, which include a low, continuous window area and doors that open upwards diagonally.


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Otherwise, it’s pretty much identical to the ‘hardtop’ version, with similar free-standing 21-inch wheels as well as protective surrounding plates incorporating strips of ‘blinking’ LED lights.

Likewise the cabin, with low-slung seating for two mounted in a slightly staggered position and underpinned by carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP). Again, two e-tron electric motors provide propulsion, working with a lithium-ion battery that supplies the juice.

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2012 Lexus GS sedan revealed – first details and images

August 19, 2011 at 7:15 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Lexus

And here it is – the latest 2012 Lexus GS. It looks rather like an enlarged Lexus IS, featuring a similar hourglass shaped front grille found on the CT200h, a design that extends down to the bumper to visually integrate the upper and lower grilles on the front end. The headlamps are also now a one-piece design, losing the split design that the GS has had since the second generation.

Lexus has played it safe with the side profile – there are no funky creases that are very popular with car designers lately – instead the new 2012 GS looks like a smooth and solid chunk of steel from the side, with a strong shoulder line running level (as opposed to upwards sweeping) from the front wheel arch to the rear.

A few models will be available – the GS 250 has been confirmed by Lexus for at least the UK market. There will also be a GS 350 and a full hybrid – the GS 450h. Lexus also reveals that it will be having F-Sport versions of the new GS – but I wonder if they’ll do a monster GS-F?

Wheelbase (and exterior dimensions) remain about the same, but the chassis has been revised to be more rigid than the current GS thanks to an increased number of spot welds and adding laser welds in very specific locations. The track, wider by 40mm at the front and 50mm at the rear, works in combination with a revised suspension design for better handling.

In the front, lighter aluminium upper and lower control arms employ larger bushings. The rear subframe has been completely redesigned to accommodate an all-new multi-link rear suspension, the improved geometry enhancing rear-end control.  With the stiffer platform and lighter components, the shock absorbers can use lighter-viscosity oil, responding faster to small inputs.

The interior shares a family look with the one in the CT 200h, and it certainly looks like a nice place to be in – definitely a huge, huge upgrade over the current GS visually. I hope the materials have been improved as well – they probably have been. Lexus says the interior room has been improved despite the car’s wheelbase not increasing in size. A new energy-saving auto climate control system called S-Flow uses the occupant-detection system to focus airflow only to the front area where passengers are actually seated.

The new Lexus GS boasts the option for a huge 12.3 inch high resolution screen, which tops anything offered by the German competitors in its class. The screen serves multiple purposes – a display for the GPS navigation, DVD audio/video, and displays for various other features such as the Bluetooth handsfree system which includes automatic phonebook download and more. For cars without a navi system, the screen is smaller at 8 inches. The standard speaker system is a 5.1 system but you can upgrade to an 835 watt 17 speaker Mark Levinson system.

And last but not least – no el-cheapo LED clock! Lexus has instead given the interior a nice touch with an analog clock carved from an ingot, neatly tucked in between the two central aircond vents.

Available safety systems include a Night Vision System that enhances driver visibility in the dark; Head-Up Display (HUD); a Blind Spot Monitor that helps detect vehicles in rear/side blind spots; and Lane Keep Assist (LKA) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW). The LKA system uses active steering torque to provide a small assistance in maintaining course, while the LDW feature alerts drivers if they begin to drift out of their lane.

Look after the jump for a gallery of the new 2012 GS. The GS will make its debut to the public at the 2011 Pebble Beach.
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2012 Lexus GS 350 AWD leaked on Chinese website

August 18, 2011 at 11:38 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Lexus

These are the first leaked photos of the new 2012 Lexus GS to hit the internet, which were posted on Chinese website Auto Sina.

It’s basically a much tamer version of the Lexus LF-Gh concept shown earlier this year. The new GS looks more sportier and youthful, and I’m glad they went with regular looking headlamps instead of the weird triple lens design on the LF-Gh concept!

The car shown here seems to be a GS 350 from the badging, and there’s also an AWD badge to signify all wheel drive. The GS 350 is the base model in a lot of countries for the existing GS, although some countries like Malaysia got a GS 300.

Word is that with the new 2012 GS, Lexus will introduce a lower end GS 250 to match their German competitors which all have baseline models to offer in markets where the consumer does not care for large thirsty engines.

Look after the jump for a small gallery of the leaked images.
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