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• Citroen Numero 9 Concept exudes dark glamour

  In Cars, China, Citroën, Concept Cars, International News / By Jonathan James Tan / 26 April 2012 / 6 comments

  

  C’est magnifique! Having whetted the appetite of the world’s press with pictures of its Numero 9 Concept beforehand (we ran an earlier story here), Citroen finally bared all at Auto China 2012 in a dark, classy setting, complete with intricate chandelier hanging just inches from the car’s roof.

  Take in that aggressively raked windscreen and rear end adorned with a C-shaped rear spoiler, and those flashy 21-inch wheels. It’s got a profile not unlike that of a shooting brake, and brings a Ferrari FF to mind. Citroen say this concept combines the design cues of a future C- and D-segment sedan and SUV for the DS brand.

  

  You say 9 in French – neuf – and this svelte black beauty could well become the DS9, the big, luxury sedan in the premium DS range, and therefore the true spiritual successor to the legendary Citroen DS of the 1950s. To illustrate this, an original DS 23, in immaculate condition, was placed just across the stand from the new car.

  The Numero 9 has a plug-in hybrid powertrain involving a 225 hp 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder and an 70 hp electric motor. There is a ‘boost’ function that when activated, Citroen say, will unleash all 300 hp for a 5.4-second 0-100 km/h time.

  Citroen’s upmarket DS range currently comprises the DS3, DS4 and DS5, all of which are about to go on sale in China.
  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  
  

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• First Denza electric vehicle surfaces at Auto China 2012

  In BYD, Cars, China, Concept Cars, International News / By Jonathan James Tan / 25 April 2012 / 13 comments

  

  Hot on the trail of electric vehicle brands like Fisker Automotive and Tesla Motors is newcomer Denza, the result of a 50:50 joint venture between China’s BYD and Mercedes’ parent company Daimler. You see here the first product of their alliance – a cool blue fellow that appears to not have a name.

  Underpinning it is the first-gen Mercedes B-Class platform – a flat floor platform originally designed to house batteries. Daimler take care of the styling, body and chassis while BYD focus on the electric powertrain (BYD used to supply lithium-ion batteries to mobile phone companies, and its E6 model is currently undergoing testing as taxis in Shenzhen).

  

  The NEV’s powertrain is borrowed from the E6, which means its shares the same advanced lithium-ion phosphate battery that allows a 300 km range. Other numbers are unclear, but the E6 taxis in Shenzhen are reported to charge fully in 20 to 30 minutes without deterioration of battery health, and max out at 140 km/h.

  Denza’s target market is the increasingly urban and open-minded Chinese middle-class. The company aims to be a premium brand of alternative-energy vehicles.
  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  
  
  

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• Volkswagen Cross Coupe – more info coming from Beijing

  In Cars, Concept Cars, International News, Volkswagen / By Chris Ng / 25 April 2012 / 19 comments

  

  Looks like the Volkswagen Cross Coupé is making its rounds around the world. First in Tokyo then in Geneva and now it debuts China with a notch more information.

  As previously reported by Anthony, the 1,858 kg Cross Coupé draws power from a diesel-electric hybrid engine that, when combined, produces 306 PS and 700 Nm. Yes, that’s 700 Nm of torque.

  

  The 2.0 litre TDI gives 190 PS and 400 Nm and transfers power via a six-speed DSG. While the front 40 kW E-motor provides an additional 180 Nm and the rear 85 kW E-motor gives 270 Nm. Both motors siphon juice from a 9.8 kWh lithium-ion battery. The Cross Coupe clocks its 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and is capable of hitting a top speed of 220 km/h.

  So, does this sports car like speed comes at a cost? No. The fact is the power comes almost at a steal: 1.8 litres/100km and just 48 g/km of CO2 released from its exhaust.

  

  The concept SUV has a range of 45 km at speeds of up to 120 km/h when running in pure electric. The TDI kicks in within fractions of a second, without notice, when needed. Volkswagen theorise that the Cross Coupé’s can squeeze a range of 1,287 km out from a full 55 litre fuel tank.

  Holding all of these technologies together is Volkswagen new modular transverse matrix (MQB) platform. The MQB sets some parameters in stone (like the distance between the accelerator pedal and the front axle) but makes others easily changeable, which means that the MQB has the flexibility to be used in a wide range of vehicles.

  

  If the Cross Coupe sounds brilliant, well, there is one tiny problem. Volkswagen has no plans to put the Cross Coupe into production. Still, technologies from here might just surface in other vehicles. We’ll keep our eyes peeled.

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  
  
  

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• Peugeot Urban Crossover Concept hints at the future

  In Cars, China, Concept Cars, International News, Peugeot / By Jonathan James Tan / 25 April 2012 / 12 comments

  

  Set aside sensibilities like practicality and emissions regulations for a moment and see what happens when you really bring together the purest forms of ‘Motion and Emotion’ in a car. Peugeot has done just that with its striking Urban Crossover Concept, displayed for the first time at Auto China 2012.

  At 4.14 metres long and 1.74 metres wide, the Urban Crossover is a compact vehicle designed for city driving. It shares the same platform as Peugeot’s 208 supermini, and targets the competitive European B-segment.

  Penned by Peugeot’s studios in Paris, Shanghai and Sao Paulo, it is mainly a styling exercise to showcase how future Peugeots might look like. If this looker is anything to go by, we say bring it on!

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  
  

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• BMW’s i8 Concept blows the top off at Auto China 2012

  In BMW, Cars, China, Concept Cars, International News / By Jonathan James Tan / 24 April 2012 / 9 comments

  

  Making its first global appearance in Beijing is the BMW i8 Spyder Concept, which is an open top variant of the i8 plug-in hybrid that first debuted at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

  It is the third variation of the i8 to be launched so far, but the first to feature the eDrive emblem on the rear. It will be a badge that all future BMW i models with an electric motor, lithium-ion battery and motor management system will proudly carry.

  

  The i8 Spyder’s hybrid powertrain remains unchanged from its coupe sister’s – an electric motor powers the front wheels while a 1.5 litre three-cylinder petrol engine powers the rear wheels. Total output is 350 hp and top speed is limited at 250 km/h.

  It is, however, slightly shorter both in wheelbase and overall length than the coupe. Also, due to its roll-over hoops and solid metal doors, the i8 Spyder is 100 kg heavier than the coupe, and therefore takes five seconds to sprint to 100 km/h, compared to the coupe’s 4.6. Not so significant then, as shortcomings go.

  

  A long and flat 7.2 kWh lithium-ion battery along the bottom length of the car gives it a front/rear weight distribution of nearly 50:50, as well as a range of 35 km on electric power alone. A full charge takes two hours.

  BMW says it plans to have the i8 in production by 2014.
  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  
  
  

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• Lambo Urus concept SUV makes world debut in Beijing

  In Cars, China, Concept Cars, International News, Lamborghini / By Jonathan James Tan / 24 April 2012 / 26 comments

  
  Here’s the Beijing show stealer, and with good reason. The Lamborghini Urus, a four-seater super SUV, was presented to the world as a concept today amidst much fanfare.

  For a start, Lambo aims to make it the most powerful production SUV you can buy. Their target? 600 hp, although they are as yet unclear on what kind of engine they will use to reach that big number.

  
  Before you say V10 or V12, consider this: they also want to make it the least polluting in terms of carbon dioxide emissions, without using a diesel engine. However they plan to employ advanced carbon fibre technologies to keep it as lightweight as possible. To that end, much of the Urus is made of carbon fibre, including the seats, winglets and rear diffuser.

  It also has permanent all-wheel-drive and adaptive aerodynamics. The latter involves adjustable front and rear spoilers and rear deflector, to alter the amount of downforce according to driving conditions.

  
  The first thing that strikes you upon seeing it in the flesh (apart from its menacing Aventador-derived angular design language) is its huge wheels, shod in low-profile Pirelli Scorpion Zero tyres. 305/35 ZR24, to be exact. The wheels are made of matte-finish aluminium which we think suit the car nicely. In other measurements, the Urus is nearly 5 metres long and 2 metres wide, and at 1.66 metres tall it is about the same height as a Range Rover Evoque.

  Other notable features include rear-facing cameras mounted where you’d expect to find wing mirrors, and quad hexagonal exhausts. It certainly hints at things to come from the Italian supercar manufacturer, who want to bring out a proper production SUV by 2015.

  A far cry indeed from the LM002 of the 1980s!
  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  
  

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• Audi A6 L e-tron concept reduces emissions, not luxury

  In Audi, Cars, Concept Cars, International News / By Chris Ng / 23 April 2012 / 12 comments

  
  Audi shows China how it could help the nation reduce carbon emissions without sacrificing the want for luxury at the Beijing Motor Show. Enter the A6 L e-tron, a concept based on the A6 L that is produced at the Changchun plant in a joint venture with FAW.

  The A6 L e-tron employs a parallel hybrid system that matches a 2.0 TFSI (with 211 hp) and an electric motor capable of producing 70 kW (95 hp). Electricity is drawn from liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery located in a collision-protected space at the rear of the car. The A6 L e-tron can travel with electricity alone up to 80 km with a constant speed of 60 km/h. But the hybrid system will choose the best mode to suit the driving situation.

  
  To differentiate between the un-electrified A6 L, the e-tron version is fitted with massive 21-inch wheels and a special rear diffuser. To emphasize on its status, the A6 L e-tron is measured to be 5,020 mm long, 1,870 mm wide and 1,460 mm tall (or short?), with a wheelbase of 3,010 mm.

  More differentiation points coms from the tachometer, which is a powermeter in the A6 L e-tron. It indicated the total drive system power on a scale of zero to 100. Also, coloured segments indicate the current operating state of the car together with an auxiliary instrument that visualised the charge state of the lithium-ion battery. The energy flow indicator tells the driver the current operating mode and which hybrid drive components are currently active; it is displayed on the MMI.

  
  In spite of it being a hybrid, the Audi is still fully decked out in all the necessary luxury equipment. So there’s ventilation and massage functions, Bose surround sound, auto air-conditioning with air ioniser and ambient lighting. Also featured inside is the MMI navigation plus that recognises 29,000 Chinese characters, all developed at the Audi Infotainment Tech Centre (ITC) in Beijing, where German components are adapted to suit the wishes of Chinese customers.

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• Audi Q3 jinlong yufeng concept SUV rolls out in Beijing

  In Audi, Cars, Concept Cars, International News / By Chris Ng / 23 April 2012 / 4 comments

  
  We’ve already seen Audi dropping the veil on the Beijing-bound Q3 RS. Now, here is another that is also based on the Q3 and this one comes with a Chinese twist. Its full name is the ‘Audi Q3 jinlong yufeng’. For those who don’t understand what it means, Audi says ‘jinlong yufeng’ stands for ‘Golden Dragon in the Wind’.

  This concept is based on the fast-moving sport of kite surfing. So, mounted on the hood of the Q3 jinlong are two carbon fibre-reinforced kite boards, which can be stowed in a kite pouch specifically designed for the vehicle. The designers also developed a flat outdoor pouch as a special cargo floor liner that protects against dirt and stows away wet things. It can also be used as a sun umbrella or a seat cover.

  
  In addition, jinlong also comes with two sport cameras, dubbed Audi Cams, and it is stored on the left sidewall of the cargo area. Kite surfers can mount the Audi Cams to the sail bar, or strap it to their equipment or helmet. Images are transmitted to the car via WLAN router connection. From there, the images can be sent with Bluetooth car phone online to any UMTS receiver.

  Where the Q3 RS is blue, Q3 jinlong is painted Liuli Yellow to express a zest for life and high energy. To play up more on its ‘off-road vehicle for the young’ positioning, the jinlong features the off-road package that is currently available for production cars and an aluminium underbody guard to protect the engine and the exhaust system. The exhausts are actually integrated in the diffuser, which acts as the said underbody guard.

  Three colours dominate inside – black, gray and yellow. Roof liner is lined with titanium gray Alcantara, the instrument panel is wrapped in black Fine Nappa and is decorated with yellow seams. Steering, seats and door cards are also treated with skin in colours dictated by the three-colour scheme.

  
  A 2.5 litre five-cylinder TFSI engine gives 310 hp to the jinlong. The engine is paired with a seven-speed S tronic that sends power to the quattro system. Century sprints are accomplished in 5.5 seconds and its speed tops out at 250 km/h.

  Five-spoke alloys are chosen for the jinlong, with a size of 8.5 J x 20 and wrapped with 255/45 off-road rubbers. The front and rear track is made 40 mm wider than the production version and its height is raised another 30 mm, to accommodate for its off-road capability.

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• R3 Artiga in the metal and on show at Proton Power of 1

  In Cars, Concept Cars, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Proton, Proton Power of 1 / By Chris Ng / 14 March 2012 / 82 comments

  

  Say hello to the R3 Artiga… again. We previously saw this concept car in Shanghai) and now the Artiga is here, at the Proton Power of 1 in all its metal glory.

  There’s a bit more information about the Artiga this time around. We already know that the engine is a supercharged Campro unit that’s good for 180 hp and 240 Nm of torque. The Artiga can do its 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.6 seconds and hits maximum speed at 235 km/h.

  

  The Artiga sports Cusco Zero-3G height and damping adjustable coil-overs at the front and rear, possibly to take advantage of the partnership between Proton and Cusco (read about it here). Stopping power comes courtesy of Endless ventilated rotors and four pot calipers, but only for the front. The rear is equipped with solid brakes.

  It’s not a pure concept car per se; you can see that it is a Satria Neo underneath all that extra body kit. The grille and light assembly has also been revised to make it look more aggressive. The one big difference is the ‘eyebrow’ (indicators?) is now in amber instead of the ‘clear’ as seen in Shanghai. It is eye-catching, nonetheless.

  No pictures of the interior though. The car is locked tight when I was making my rounds.

  

  But the Artiga is not here just for show. Proton R3 is conducting a survey to see just how much you like the Artiga and what you think can be improved. Could Proton R3 be launching what could be the hottest Satria Neo yet?
  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  
  
  

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• Honda NSX Concept – gets SH-AWD and VTEC V6 engine

  In Cars, Concept Cars, Honda, International News / By Chris Ng / 14 March 2012 / 17 comments

  

  It was in Detroit that Honda stopped teasing the world and unveiled the NSX Concept. The world was excited. Now, chances are you’ll soon be seeing this car very soon in the cinemas, being driven by Iron Man himself, or so Hollywood’s rumour mill says. But before you head into the cinemas to drool at the car (I’ll be doing the same), here are a few more highlights of the next-generation NSX Concept as revealed by Honda.

  The first thing that you should know about the NSX is that Honda is not joining the horsepower race. While most supercars are filled to the brim with the brute force of a large engine, the NSX will have a very favourable power-to-weight ratio. So, you can expect lightweight materials to be one of the defining features of this car.

  

  There are no final numbers on its weight yet, but the dimensions of the NSX is as such: 4,330 mm long, 1,895 mm wide and 1,160 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,575 mm. The NSX will have a front wheel size of 19-inches wrapped with 255/35 tyres and 20-inch units wearing 275/30 rubbers adorn the rear.

  Beating in the middle will be Honda’s next-generation direct-injection VTEC V6 engine that will be partnered with a dual-clutch transmission and a third electric traction motor integrated within the transmission housing to give supercar acceleration while still having an efficient fuel consumption.

  

  Two more electric motors can be found in the NSX, and they form what is called Super Handling-All Wheel Drive, or SH-AWD for short. This new hybrid all-wheel-drive system can instantly generate negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering. Honda predicts that the SH-AWD will deliver handling performance unlike any other.

  The NSX will be developed by Honda R&D Americas and Ohio will be its chosen birth city. The bad news? The NSX will not be made anytime soon and will only go on sale in the next three years. Bummer.
  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  
  
  

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