Land Rover DC100 concept

Land Rover's DC100 concept makes its Middle Eastern Debut at the 2011 Dubai International Motor Show. The DC100 concept explores the possible design and technological direction of the new Defender.

Evolved since its unveiling at Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the DC100 concept now features off-road optimised 20-inch alloy wheels with Cooper all-terrain tyres. It is finished in a distinctive colour combination of Fuji White paint with a Santorini Black roof.

The DC100 reinvents the essential Defender design cues for the 21st century. These include short overhangs for extreme approach and departure angles; vertical panels, upright windscreen and strong shoulder line for visibility and ease of positioning and of course the honest Defender 'face' with its signature round lamps and prominent grille, incorporating a winch.

For more than six decades Land Rover has been leading the way in developing engineering solutions that give all its products an unrivalled ability to tackle the toughest terrain while remaining comfortable, refined and undemanding of their drivers. The DC100 is no exception, previewing an entire portfolio of cutting-edge technology that will allow the future Land Rovers to go even further beyond.

The core attributes of capability and versatility are underpinned by a suite of innovative off-road technological aids that work seamlessly together to reduce the workload on the driver.

Foremost of these is the next generation of Land Rover's acclaimed Terrain Response system which will automatically optimise the car for any conditions without driver pre-selection. It does so by combining data from myriad sensors assessing wheel slip, suspension travel, steering angle, brake and accelerator inputs with information provided by HD cameras mounted in the front of the car. These analyse the visual spectrum of the terrain ahead of the car and compare it with images stored within a predictive neural network to identify surface conditions.

The Terrain-i system creates an intelligent map of the topography in front of the car and displays it as a 3D visualisation similar to those used in fighter planes. Terrain-i is able to automatically analyse the environs a full 360-degrees around the vehicles, identify potential hazards and suggest alternative routes. In urban environments the same system is able to identify pedestrians and other hazards with great accuracy.

Further innovations are targeted at specific conditions often encountered during both on and off-road driving. Wade Aid utilises sonar sensors mounted in the bumpers and wing mirrors to measure water depth and inclinometers to assess whether the level is increasing or decreasing, displaying all the information to the driver in an intuitive graphic. As with Terrain Response, Wade Aid will optimise the car for a water crossing by closing body vents, raising the ride height, selecting a low gear and advising on the safest speed.

Another tool for tackling rapidly changing conditions is provided by a torque vectoring programme which automatically and instantly directs torque to the wheels with most grip, creating an infinitely adjustable traction control system for both tarmac and off-road driving.

Sustainability has always been a Land Rover hallmark - more than three-quarters of the almost two million Defenders made are still doing regular duty - and the DC100 concepts extend this commitment with new technologies that will reduce their environmental impact. The first is an intelligent Twin-Solenoid Stop/Start system mated to the latest eight-speed automatic gearbox, both of which have been designed with future hybridisation in mind. Secondly is the unique Driveline Disconnect system which sends power to the front-axle only unless conditions demand all-wheel drive. Unlike conventional systems, this physically, rather than electronically, decouples the rear-axle to reduce friction losses but can reengage drive almost instantaneously.

Barretts Kent

You can keep up with news, stories and events by following Barretts Kent on Twitter: @BarrettsKent or join in the discussion on our Facebook page.

Mii achieves five stars

 

 SEAT’s Mii achieves five stars at Euro NCAP

• 89% score for Adult Occupant safety
• 80% for Child Occupant safety
• Mii available with City Safety Assist accident prevention system

SEAT’s all-new city car, the Mii, has achieved a benchmark five-star award in the latest round of Euro NCAP crash test rating results, published today.

Within the four different categories assessed by the Euro NCAP crash test, the Mii achieved a total score of 89% for Adult Occupant safety, with maximum points for passenger protection in frontal crash. And, Euro NCAP makes a particular mention of the level of protection offered to front seat occupants’ knees and femur.

For Child Occupant safety, Mii scored 80%. Maximum points were scored for the protection of the three-year old dummy in the dynamic tests.

Mii’s Pedestrian safety score was 46% while in the Safety Assist category, the Mii achieved 86% in recognition of its high level of ESC fitted as standard across the range in Europe.

With this high Euro NCAP score, the all-new SEAT Mii can be considered among the most secure vehicles in the city car segment.

And, to reinforce its credentials as a safe city car, the Mii is available with City Safety Assist, an innovation which using laser-technology to monitor the road ahead in an urban environment and to warn the driver if the car in front is slowing. Furthermore, if the Mii’s driver fails to respond, the Mii will apply the brakes to prevent a collision, even bringing the car to a stop if necessary.

The SEAT Mii is available in a compact, agile 3-door bodystyle, ideal for busy city driving. Powered by a 1-0-litre engine producing either 60 or 75hp, the Mii combines refreshing, zestful styling with useful technology to offer something new to urban drivers who need a small car to meet the needs of their busy lives.

Customer deliveries of the 3-door Mii begin in Spain before the end of the year, with sales in the rest of Europe beginning in Spring 2012.

SEAT is the only company in its sector with the full-range capacity to design, develop, manufacture and market cars in Spain.  A member of the Volkswagen Group, the multinational has its headquarters in Martorell (Barcelona), exporting approximately 75% of its production to 72 countries. SEAT is the market leader in Spain, and in 2010 reached a turnover amounting to 4.7 billion euros, with total sales of 339,500 vehicles.

SEAT Group employs 13,500 professionals at its three production centres in Barcelona - Zona Franca, El Prat de Llobregat and Martorell, where it manufactures the highly successful Ibiza and Leon, amongst other models. The Volkswagen Group production facility at Palmela in Portugal supplies the SEAT Alhambra and the factory in Bratislava (Slovakia) manufactures the SEAT Mii.

The Spanish multinational also has a Technical Center, a ‘knowledge hub’ bringing together more than 900 engineers whose goal is to be the driving force behind innovation for the number one industrial investor in R&D+i in Spain. In line with its declared commitment to environmental protection, SEAT undertakes and bases its core activity on sustainability, namely reduction of CO2 emissions, energy efficiency, as well as recycling and re-using of resources.

Barretts Kent

You can keep up with news, stories and events by following Barretts Kent on Twitter: @BarrettsKent or join in the discussion on our Facebook page.

BMW M5 Saloon

For more than 25 years the BMW M5 Saloon has defined the high-performance saloon segment, in the process becoming the most successful car of its type in the world. Now a new fifth-generation model raises the concept of the premium executive saloon combining track-car dynamics and supreme touring comfort to an even higher level.

It features the most potent engine ever devised by BMW’s high-performance M division, here making its world premiere, along with race-bred chassis technology that includes, for the first time, an Active M differential and electronic damping control. The unique exterior design has been dictated by the technical requirements of the car, while the luxurious sports car-like cockpit offers an extensive range of innovative driver assistance systems and mobility services.

The new M5 Saloon will be available from Broad Oak BMW priced at £73,040 on-the-road.

BMW M5 Saloon

• Power Hp: 560
• Torque Nm: 680
• 0-62mph seconds: 4.4
• Top Speed: 155*
• Combined Mpg: 28.5
• Co2 Emissions g/km: 232

Barretts Kent

You can keep up with news, stories and events by following Barretts Kent on Twitter: @BarrettsKent or join in the discussion on our Facebook page.

Jaguar XKR-S Convertible

The most powerful open-topped GT that Jaguar has ever built, the Jaguar XKR-S Convertible takes Jaguar into a new performance echelon.

Barretts Kent

You can keep up with news, stories and events by following Barretts Kent on Twitter: @BarrettsKent or join in the discussion on our Facebook page.

CITROËN DS5

With CITROËN preparing the launch of the DS5, C_42 is exhibiting the model for the first time as part of the new “Divines DS” season. The exhibition transforms the brand’s showcase on the Champs-Elysées into a prestigious setting for the three DS cars.

The end of the year is traditionally synonymous with family get-togethers. In line with that tradition, C_42 is for the first time bringing together the three DS line cars, the DS3, DS4 and DS5. The distinctive range rounds out the CITROËN line-up and opens up new perspectives in the premium vehicle segment. With their radical choices on styling, architecture and refinement, DS line vehicles are symbols of innovation and expertise, each in its own way exploring new automotive paths.

The latest model in the DS line, the CITROËN DS5, two models of which are on show, is the perfect illustration of this approach. Like the DS3 and DS4, the unique styling of the DS5 pushes back the boundaries of design, comfort and sophistication. In terms of innovation, it is the first CITROËN to feature Hybrid4 technology, combining 200 bhp, four drive wheels and CO2 emissions of just 99 g/km for the perfect balance between driving thrills and environmental respect.

Barretts Kent

You can keep up with news, stories and events by following Barretts Kent on Twitter: @BarrettsKent or join in the discussion on our Facebook page.

SEAT Altea XL Electric Ecomotive

SEAT has today announced it is working on its first electric car designed, developed and manufactured in Spain. And, as well as unveiling the prototype Altea XL Electric Ecomotive, a totally electrically-driven zero-emissions car, the Spanish manufacturer also presented the prototype Leon TwinDrive Ecomotive, a plug-in hybrid.

Over the next few months SEAT will make available units of both models to governmental institutions in Catalonia and Madrid for use in their vehicle fleets. This will provide SEAT with valuable information on use of the cars for assessment with a view to mass production of electric vehicles in the medium-term. The company envisages the launch of its first electric plug-in hybrid car in 2015, to be followed a year later by an all-electric car.

SEAT’s strategy is to commit to a wide range of alternative technologies. To this end the Spanish manufacturer is unveiling two different but complementary models at the same time.

SEAT’s President James Muir stated: “Customers demand a more sustainable form of mobility, but their needs are diverse. Therefore, we believe that a parallel strategy of developing two different technologies will put SEAT in the best position to meet their needs”.

The announcement of the launch of the first electric vehicles coincides with the start of the biggest new product offensive SEAT has known. The company will be launching four new models onto the marketplace over the forthcoming twelve months. The first will be SEAT’s new urban vehicle - the Mii.

Electromobility, a team effort

The future of electromobility in Spain depends not only on vehicles but also their components such as batteries, as well as a recharging infrastructure. For this reason SEAT – the number one industrial investor in R&D in Spain – is heading the CENIT VERDE project. This public-private-partnership between manufacturers, universities, research centres and the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation is taking a holistic research approach to making the electric vehicle a reality in Spain.

The Altea XL Electric Ecomotive, SEAT’s first electric car

The Altea XL Electric Ecomotive blazes the trail for electromobility in Spain. It has a range of 135 kilometres and as with all its vehicles, SEAT guarantees driving pleasure with an engine producing 115 hp (85kW) and 270 Nm of torque. This amount of power translates into a limited top speed of 135 kph. With its roomy passenger compartment and generous boot, the electric Altea XL is equally suitable for family or transport company use.

By intelligent location of the batteries under the rear seats and the boot, there is no intrusion on the passenger compartment. A sophisticated regeneration system with adjustable braking torque optimises energy use. And when the electric Altea XL is parked in the sun, the rooftop photovoltaic cells recirculates fresh air inside the passenger compartment reducing the energy needed afterwards by the climatic system.

Dr. Matthias Rabe, executive Vice-president for R&D, has stated that “SEAT has its electric future assured. With the electric Altea XL we are showing just how mature our technology is”. He added “the electric Altea XL was an intentionally studied choice for the first fleet. It will enable us to experiment with a wide variety of uses”.

Leon TwinDrive, an all-purpose car

The new SEAT Leon TwinDrive Ecomotive is a ground-breaking concept in the field of plug-in hybrids, by combining the advantaged of emission-free driving with the range of a traditional internal combustion engine vehicle. In electric mode the TwinDrive has a range of 52 kilometres, with a top speed of 120 kph. In combined mode (electrical plus combustion) the consumption forecast is only 1.7 litres of fuel or 18.5 kWh per 100 kms, the equivalent of a rock-bottom 39 g/km of CO2, with a top speed of 170 kph.

In the words of Dr. Matthias Rabe, SEAT executive Vice-president for R&D “the Leon TwinDrive Ecomotive is an exciting and ground-breaking solution. Technically, it allows you to drive in all-electric mode, while at the same time enjoying smart hybrid drive”. To which he adds “Thanks to its great range, none of our customers will need to change their lifestyle or transport habits”.

The Ecomotive family, low-emission mobility

The Altea XL Electric Ecomotive and Leon TwinDrive Ecomotive do not constitute SEAT’s first venture into the field of sustainable mobility and commitment to environmental protection. The Spanish brand has a long track record in the manufacture of low-emission vehicles. More than 60% of vehicles marketed in Spain by SEAT have emission levels below 130 g/km of CO2.

The star of the range is the Ibiza Ecomotive, with a combined consumption of just 3.4 litres and emissions of no more than 89 g/km from its 75 hp (55 kW) engine. Additionally, SEAT continues to broaden the Ecomotive range by adding versions of the Leon, Altea, Altea XL, Alhambra and SEAT’s new urban car the Mii, with equally benchmark consumption figures.


Martorell, a sustainable production plant

SEAT has extended its environmental commitment to its car-manufacturing processes, furthering different projects with a single aim – to reduce CO2 emissions and make a more sustainable and efficient use of energy resources. By way of example, one innovation at SEAT has been the implementation of EuroEnergest, an energy consumption monitoring system enabling more efficient energy use and savings of 3,900 tonnes of CO2 per year.

Its strategic approach to environmental protection has earned SEAT several plaudits. One of the most recent was the first-ever awarding of the ISO 50.001 standard in energy efficiency to a Spanish company.

‘SEAT in the Sun’, from 4 to 8 MW in less than a year

The most outstanding project within its strategy is ‘SEAT in the Sun’, the largest rooftop photovoltaic facility in Spain, and the biggest of its kind in the European automotive industry. Equally innovative was the decision to install the photovoltaic plaques on the temporary holding areas for vehicle protection. Capacity has doubled from 4 to 8 megawatts over the past few weeks thanks to the start-up of a new stage.

Next year will see the completion of this project with connection of the final stage, taking installed power to 10.6 MW. This means that ‘SEAT in the Sun’ will have reduced CO2 emissions by 6,200 tonnes per year.

From Martorell to the world, by train

As a company, SEAT is also a pioneer in the use of the railway for the transport of vehicles and components. In 2008 the company opened Autometro, a rail link between Martorell and the Port of Barcelona for the transport of finished cars. Currently SEAT exports more than 40% of its production by sea, and 95% of those vehicles reach the Port of Barcelona via rail. In 2009 the company set up Cargometro, linking SEAT’s Martorell production plant with the Zona Franca facility. Taken together, the two rail links take some 57,000 heavy lorry trips off the roads – a reduction of 2,600 tonnes in CO2 emissions per year.

Going forward, the Mediterranean corridor will enable SEAT to strengthen its rail strategy even more by increasing its current level of export by train from the current 11% to 30%.

Barretts Kent

You can keep up with news, stories and events by following Barretts Kent on Twitter: @BarrettsKent or join in the discussion on our Facebook page.

MINI YOURS

MINI YOURS: PERSONALISATION BECOMES AN ART FORM

By offering a huge range of style, comfort, convenience and technology options, MINI has always been ahead of the pack at encouraging owners to personalise their cars. Now the British brand is taking this unique appeal and innovation to a new level of sophistication with the launch of a stunning collection of premium options, called MINI Yours.

MINI Yours is pure differentiation by design, a vast catalogue of exclusive and design-led exterior paints, tattoos, interior trims and upholsteries that are completely new to MINI. It will ensure a bespoke and truly stand-out result for every owner.

Walking into a MINI showroom, any customer can still personalise their purchase from the much-loved and comprehensive list of options. MINI Yours operates at the next level, turning the fun of deciding how your car is finished into an art form. Buyers can select a MINI limited edition such as the MINI Inspired by Goodwood, MINI Soho, Clubman Hampton or the recently announced London 2012 edition. These have all now been integrated into the MINI Yours programme.

And for a genuinely bespoke design, customers can select as much or as little as they like from the extensive range of exclusive MINI Yours options.

“The introduction of MINI Yours underlines MINI’s reputation as the benchmark car brand in customisation. The sheer number of options available through MINI Yours means customers can tailor-make their MINI using exclusive colours, designs and materials like never before; creating a MINI like no other on the road,” said Jochen Goller, Director of MINI UK.

In addition, MINI will lend a helping hand to that process by creating a number of special MINI Yours packages. To celebrate the programme’s UK launch, the first of these is the MINI Avenue.

The MINI Avenue package is available with either Highclass Grey or Laguna Green metallic paint. Both feature an identical interior with an exclusive ‘Soda’ repeating design motif.

The car’s standard spec includes Satellite Grey Soda Lounge leather with matching black floor mats, Bi-colour Sport leather steering wheel with multi-function controls, Soda mirror caps and special effect white bonnet stripes. The vehicle runs on 17-inch twin-blade spoke alloy wheels.

The price of the exclusive MINI Avenue package is £4,880 on a MINI One or One D, Hatch, Convertible or Clubman, which means a MINI One D Avenue would cost £19,360 OTR. “The MINI Avenue package has a sophisticated, classy character,” explained Jochen Goller. “in the future MINI Yours packages will include all sorts of characters; from performance-oriented and masculine designs to really distinctive standout styles. This will make finding two same MINIs on the road even harder!”

Tantalisingly, he hinted at even greater levels of MINI customisation in the future. “MINI Yours is an exciting and innovative development for the brand, but it’s just one more step on the journey. It’s not the end. There is far more to come from MINI.”

Barretts Kent

You can keep up with news, stories and events by following Barretts Kent on Twitter: @BarrettsKent or join in the discussion on our Facebook page.