Saturday 29 July 2017

2018 Rolls-Royce Phantom

From the moment Sir Henry Royce introduced the Rolls-Royce Phantom in 1925 it was judged 'The Best Car in the World' by the cognoscenti. As a result it has conveyed some of the world's most influential and powerful men and women to the most defining historical moments over the last 92 years.

Every new Phantom that has subsequently appeared has successfully retained the title of 'Best Car in the World' as a result of Rolls-Royce's tireless pursuit of perfection, visionary engineering, aesthetic acuity and deep understanding of what the world's leading luxury item should be. Quite simply, Rolls-Royce has innovated for almost a century to set the benchmark and satisfy the most discerning luxury patrons.

A new benchmark will be set today as the New Phantom - the eighth generation of this great nameplate - arrives. Not satisfied with simply launching a motor car that is a wholly contemporary design interpretation of Phantom DNA and a technological tour de force, Rolls-Royce has revolutionised the luxury car industry itself by shifting away from the status quo of shared platforms to an entirely new luxury business model.

As the next chapter in the Rolls-Royce story opens, the New Rolls-Royce Phantom points the way forward for the global luxury industry.

Peter Schwarzenbauer, Chairman of Rolls-Royce and Member of the Board of the BMW Group said, "The global introduction of a new Rolls-Royce is always a very special moment within the BMW Group. This particular occasion is all the more special because we are introducing an all-new Phantom, the flagship of the Rolls-Royce brand and the world's foremost luxury product. New Phantom is a powerful statement of design, engineering and Bespoke expertise and I am delighted with the response we have received from our many highly discerning customers worldwide. The BMW Group remains fully committed to the future of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and is proud of the many achievements made by the brand since its acquisition."

The Genesis of New Phantom
Quite contrary to how other so-called luxury manufacturers are trying to realise economies of scale by sharing platforms with mass market manufacturers, Rolls-Royce concluded that the future of true luxury lies in true small-volume manufacture of a dedicated 'Architecture of Luxury'.

"This realisation was a moment of clarity about the destiny of Rolls-Royce," reflects Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. "Every one of our customers - each a connoisseur of luxury in the extreme - were asking for something more individual to them, not less. We were adamant that that was what they should have."

"Key to Rolls-Royce realising its vision of being the world's leading luxury brand, today and in the future, is an architecture that spans the entire Rolls-Royce family," comments Philip Koehn, Director of Engineering. "The Architecture of Luxury will carry every future Rolls-Royce, not just the New Phantom. Project Cullinan and eventually the next Ghost, Wraith, Dawn will ride on this architecture, as well as future coachbuild projects."

"Phantom VII's spaceframe architecture was a good starting point and inspiration, but we wanted to do much more," adds Giles Taylor, Director of Design. "The Architecture of Luxury gives me the canvas to protect the lineage and brand integrity of Rolls-Royce without compromise. Starting with New Phantom, I have the framework to create a future range of true Rolls-Royces. In essence, this is one big coachbuild project."

"Our approach has been to forge long-term relationships with smaller suppliers run by families that will focus on us, giving us much more attention and therefore results that live within a quality expectation far beyond any other automotive concern," continues Koehn. "For a brand to operate in such a manner within a larger automotive group is unheard of and truly revolutionary."

What is the Architecture of Luxury?
The Architecture of Luxury is an all-aluminium spaceframe architecture designed by Rolls-Royce engineers that will underpin every future Rolls-Royce beginning with the New Phantom. As such, no future Rolls-Royce will be of monocoque construction as used by mass-manufacturers and some mass-luxury brands.

It is a truly revolutionary approach for the motor industry, and one that is informed by Rolls-Royce's standing as a luxury house in the business of cars. Whilst the majority of so-called luxury manufacturers are limited to sharing individual platforms in a specific sector with mass brands for say their SUV or GT offerings, thereby introducing unacceptable compromise, Rolls-Royce will be uncompromising in only using its own architecture across all its motor cars, whatever the sector.

It has been designed and engineered from the ground up in such a way as to be scalable to the size and weight requirements of different future Rolls-Royce models, including those with different propulsion, traction and control systems, thus underpinning the long-term future product roadmap.

Approximately 30 per cent more rigid than the spaceframe architecture on which sat Phantom VII, the new architecture is at the heart of how the next generation of Rolls-Royces delivers the Rolls-Royce experience in terms of ride comfort, acoustic comfort, seat comfort, exterior presence and interior space.

Engineering a Modern Masterpiece
The New Rolls-Royce Phantom will be the first of a new generation of Rolls-Royces to benefit from the creation of the Architecture of Luxury. This new architecture serves as the foundation on which this eighth generation of Phantom reaffirms its position as 'The Best Car in the World' by taking the best fundamentals and making them better.

The first major benefit of the new architecture for the New Phantom are lightness, increased stiffness, efficient production of standard and extended wheelbase bodies and uncompromised exterior surface design.

The all-new aluminium spaceframe structure delivers extraordinary car body stiffness for exceptional 'best-in-class' functional performance whilst also being lighter. Indeed New Phantom is 30 per cent more rigid than its predecessor, leading to better ride comfort.

Accompanying the increased stiffness of the spaceframe is a best-in-class high comfort chassis with air suspension and state-of-the-art chassis control systems, delivering peerless 'effortless' ride and handling and optimal vibration comfort performance.

A new double-wishbone front axle and 5-link rear axle deliver astounding levels of control over lateral roll and shear forces and delivering incredible agility and stability, as does the addition of four-wheel steering, all contributing to an undisturbed passenger whatever the driving conditions.

Rolls-Royce's celebrated Magic Carpet Ride also improves as a result of the new lighter architecture, and the latest generation of self-levelling air suspension. The suspension makes millions of calculations every second as it continuously varies the electronically controlled shock absorber adjustment system - reacting to body and wheel acceleration, steering inputs and camera information. In addition, the Flagbearer - evocative of those men who were required by law to carry a red flag ahead of early motor cars - adds a stereo camera system integrated in the windscreen to see the road ahead, adjusting suspension proactively rather than reactively up to 100km/h.

The most silent motor car in the world
Incalculable effort was expended to create 'the most silent motor car in the world' including 6mm two-layer glazing all around the car, more than 130kg of sound insulation, the largest ever cast aluminium joints in a body-in-white for better sound insulation, and use of high absorption materials.

Acoustic insulation from road noise has been helped by the employment of double skin alloy on areas within the floor and bulkhead of the spaceframe. This is a feature unique to New Phantom. Further noise insulation by inserting dense foam and felt layers are between these skins to provide sound insulation not witnessed before in the car industry.

In addition, high absorption layers within the headliner, in the doors and in the boot cavity have further aided insulation and reduced reverberation. Rolls-Royce also worked closely with its tyre supplier to invent 'Silent-Seal' tires - which feature a specific foam layer placed inside the tyre to wipe out tyre cavity noise and reduce overall tyre noise by 9db, meaning that conversation within the car is completely effortless.

All in all it is a perfect 360° cocooning effect in a motor car that is approximately 10 per cent quieter than its predecessor at 100km/h. Indeed, when Rolls-Royce's acoustic test engineer first reviewed results road and vibration tests, the sound levels were so low they had to check their instruments were calibrated correctly.

The heart of a Rolls-Royce - the magnificent V12 reinvented
At the heart of every Rolls-Royce of the modern period lies the power of a V12 engine. At the beginning of this next chapter of Rolls-Royce's existence, and with the creation of the Architecture of Luxury, the New Phantom also benefits from a completely new engine.

With the focus on creating the most silent motor car in the world, a completely silent engine was also required, and that meant more low-end output at lower revs to ensure that silence. Hence a completely new, 6.75-litre V12 powertrain has been engineered for New Phantom, in place of the previous naturally aspirated V12 engine.

The new V12 Phantom engine employs two turbo chargers that contribute to a low-end torque output of 900Nm at an incredibly low 1,700rpm whilst also delivering 563bhp or 420kW of power, resulting in calm low speed progress associated with state occasions and an unfussed surge of power when one needs to press on. The addition of Satellite Aided Transmission (SAT), married to a ZF 8-Speed gearbox also ensures that the driver is prepared for whatever the road has in store for them.
The most technologically advanced Rolls-Royce ever

Another benchmark, the Electronic Architecture of the New Phantom is the largest ever component produced by the BMW Group, let alone Rolls-Royce, helping to make New Phantom the most technologically advanced Rolls-Royce ever.

This central nervous system connects and controls all the various advanced intelligence systems of New Phantom, making it the most advanced luxury motor car available. Some, but not all, assistance systems on-board New Phantom include: Alertness Assistant, a 4-camera system with Panoramic View, all-round visibility including helicopter view, Night Vision and Vision Assist, Active Cruise Control, collision warning, pedestrian warning, cross-traffic warning, lane departure and lane change warning, an industry leading 7x3 high-resolution head-up display, WiFi hotspot, and of course the latest navigation and entertainment systems.

New Phantom - A Contemporary Design Masterpiece
"Phantom is the epitome of effortless style, an historical nameplate that occupies a rarefied space in the luxury constellation and conjures a rare magic all of its own. New Phantom raises a glass to an illustrious design legacy whilst forging a modern and revitalised presence for the next era of Rolls-Royce design." Giles Taylor, Director of Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

The first Rolls-Royce to be built on the new Architecture of Luxury, the New Phantom is a wholly new and contemporary interpretation of the Phantom DNA, delivering new levels of iconic presence and an increased elegance of line suggesting both poise and stability at speed and an unrushed Grand Arrival.

On first glance the New Phantom is remarkable in its purity. Thanks to the new Architecture of Luxury and new engineering processes, the precision body joining process ensures there are few, if any, visible join lines between body panels, giving New Phantom the appearance of being hewn from a solid block of aluminium. It is truly a triumph of design and engineering departments working hand in hand to create a beautiful masterpiece.

Its opening gesture immediately demonstrates a radical contemporisation of Phantom, through the reimagining of the Pantheon grille at the heart of the design. The strong portrait grille is raised higher than that of Phantom VII today, also resulting in a positioning of the Spirit of Ecstasy approximately a half inch higher. It is redolent of the futuristic design first hinted at on the grille of VISION NEXT 100 - codename 103EX last year, but also influenced by the James Young-era Silver Cloud.

However, unlike 103EX and all previous Phantoms, New Phantom's grille is for the first time integrated into the surrounding bodywork. The resulting effect is a cleaner, reduced design with modernity and clarity, allowing all New Phantom's lines to connect with this iconic statement of power and flow from it.

In addition, a new purposeful headlamp graphic gives a confident and focused expression with fresh, frosted internals that feel open and optimistic, whilst accommodating an expressive ring of daytime driving lights and the most advanced laserlight system of any motor car that at night casts light well over 600 metres down the road.

This flow is achieved through the handcrafting of beautiful, authentic materials and subtle creases in the bodywork. The key front to rear line begins inboard from the top edge of the grille moving outwards along the body to the rear, lending a sense of dynamism to New Phantom, while the front wing line fades just after the door handle suggesting pace and fluidity.

The grille itself is created from hand-polished stainless steel, a material that highlights the precious and timeless nature of this New Phantom and its modern architecture through the use of a visually warm and highly tactile material. Emanating from the upper tips of the grille, the polished stainless steel strips curve along the upper edges of the bonnet and around the windscreen, accentuating the length of the bonnet and seamlessly blending the cabin to the lower volume as though swept by the wind.

From the side, New Phantom has the iconic 2:1 proportions that have endeared so many to every generation of Phantom, featuring a short front and long rear overhang, an upright front and a flowing rear. The rear lines of the car in side view circle forward to the waft line and lead the eye back through the front wheel. The largest single-piece of hand-polished stainless steel on any motor car is the side frame finisher of New Phantom. It beautifully accentuates the elegant stance of the car and with a rounded softer feel, preserves the iconic wide C-pillar for privacy, while allowing the eye to transition easily to the rear. Furthermore, a single polished stainless steel strip is placed on the sill of the Phantom Extended Wheelbase to differentiate it.

"The side view design theme of Phantom recalls the elegance of Phantom V. By separating the front wing line from the waist line, we introduce a sense of movement and this line circles back under the car inferring a lighter, fleetness of foot," comments Taylor.

A lot happens at the back of New Rolls-Royce Phantom as the design evokes the beautiful flowing rears of the 1950's and 1960's Phantoms. The rear glass, again defined by an impeccably crafted stainless steel frame, is more raked and the rear lines sleeker than the previous Phantom, whilst a subtle scallop on the rear roof line that hovers above the rear occupant's assures one of preserved head room.

The eye is also drawn inboard by a neat tapered tail, which is constructed of super formed aluminium to ensure more join-free surfaces and flowing bumper lines around the rear light graphic. Subtle creases in the bootlid that hark back to the more pronounced boots of earlier Phantoms flow on to a pronounced boot lid finisher. Again in stainless steel this feature echoes the front grille whilst allowing the airflow to gracefully depart from the rear of the car. Even the jewel-like rear light cluster is furnished in exquisite detail with the famous Double-R badges etched in.

Hand-polished stainless steel also envelops the first touchpoints of New Phantom - the handles on the iconic coach doors. Unlike the trend for insubstantial fared in handles, Rolls-Royce understands that the substance of a Rolls-Royce door handle is key to the owners every day physical experience of their motor car, and the feel of this beautiful material under the hand is highly satisfying to them.

The final visual expression of Phantom is its wheels, which of course conform to the golden mean of Rolls-Royce design proportion. Essential to providing the sensation of flight on land, the largest high-value alloy wheel ever employed on a Rolls-Royce is offered. At 22-inches, the diameter when shod in Rolls-Royce's Seal Technology Tyres' delivers a Magic Carpet Ride never experienced in a Rolls-Royce before.

Phantom: The World's Leading Luxury Item
Stepping aboard the New Rolls-Royce Phantom is an occasion in itself. The coach doors stand open. The only choice is whether one drives or is driven. As the patron settles into the car, an assistant or valet steps forward and lightly touches the sensor on the door handle. The door automatically whispers closed of its own accord, enveloping the occupant in 'The Embrace' of the World's Leading Luxury Item.

Fundamental to the rear occupant's experience and enjoyment of their New Phantom is this 'Embrace'. It re-defines Rolls-Royce comfort and refinement - already the benchmark for any carmaker - to create a detoxifying environment whilst cocooning the occupant in the finest of materials, whilst all four doors are enhanced with this new technology to enfold the occupant. The rear and now front doors can also be effortlessly closed from the inside.

'The Embrace' is the vision of Giles Taylor, inspired by his creation of 103EX. He has taken great strides towards evoking the spirit of 103EX with the futuristic interior design of the New Phantom, where nothing detracts from calmness and tranquillity in this particular sanctuary. Technology is hidden until required, spaces and surfaces are clean, and the eye rests only on beauty as if in an art gallery.

As one would expect from a Rolls-Royce, the environment is crafted from the most precious and contemporary of materials. What is unexpected is the feeling of lightness and simplicity, an effortless elegance.

From one's position on beautifully enhanced rear seats, the occupant is borne along in near-silence as if on a pillow of air, thanks to much enhanced ride and acoustic comfort. When in need of a space to reflect on issues of importance or simply lost in thought, ones imagination is inspired by the largest Starlight Headliner ever seen in a Rolls-Royce. High gloss, exquisitely tactile wood panelling that can be commissioned for the door interiors, centre consoles, dashboard and picnic tables, encircles the passenger in only the most beautiful and authentic materials.

The lines at the front of the interior lean forward suggesting a progressive nature, while in contrast the rear doors lean back, relaxing the character of the rear environment. When designing the armrests, the J-Class yacht was heavily referenced as a design inspiration. The tension and 'hull' of the armrests are directly influenced by these large sailing yachts.

The seats are newly sculpted and hand-crafted to deliver even more comfort. They feature a strong horizontal element through the top of the seat, imparting a sense of width, comfort and presence, whilst visually enhanced with a vertical interpretation of the seat 'bullet' previously seen in Wraith and Dawn. The sweep of wood panelling across the back of the front seats have clearly been influenced by the famous Eames Lounge Chair of 1956, a design so regarded by patrons of luxury that it is part of the New York Museum of Modern Art's permanent display.

Cleverly secreted behind the wood panelling on the rear of the front seats are the Rear Picnic tables and Rear Theatre Monitors, which are electrically deployed and retracted at the effortless touch of a button, ensuring an uncompromised theatre experience. Rolls-Royce's customary attention to detail even dictates that the seat controls are repositioned from the centre armrest to a more intuitive position for the user.Phantom patrons will be able to commission different seating choices best suited to their requirements. Choices include the more intimate lounge seat, individual seats with occasional armrest, individual seats with fixed centre console and the newly introduced sleeping seat.

The new fixed rear centre console receives significant enhancement, by incorporating a drinks cabinet with whisky glasses and decanter, champagne flutes and coolbox. In any configuration effortless conversation is aided with the very careful angling of the rear seats. This ensures occupants are able to talk to each other without straining their necks.

The sense of touch is also satisfied by the continued use of the finest and most authentic materials throughout the interior. Every item of switchgear is made from metal - such as the iconic eyeball vents and organ stop controllers, seat and light switches, violin key window switches - glass or wrapped in the finest leather as dials including the new front and rear Spirit of Ecstasy Rotary Controllers.

Meanwhile, further unseen levels of comfort and refinement are introduced into the Phantom Suite with heated surfaces operated in conjunction with the seat heating functionality. Areas throughout the interior that are now heated include the front door armrests, front centre console lid, lower C-Pillar, rear side armrests with all individual seats, and rear centre armrest.

'The Gallery' - an unprecedented new concept in luxury
At the heart of the New Rolls-Royce Phantom's wholly modern design aesthetic is 'The Gallery', a wholly contemporary and luxury reinterpretation of a motor car's dashboard and instrument panel area.

While the character of the monolithic, upright dashboard pays contemporary homage to Rolls-Royce models of the past, with one clean, symmetrical surface, the main fascia veneer takes the eye from the lower centre up and outwards to create a sense of width.

All of the elements within 'The Gallery' are enclosed in an uninterrupted swathe of toughened glass that runs the full width of the dash area. Within it, the instrument digital dials are framed with chrome, adding a degree of jewellery and continuity throughout the front of the interior.

Behind the physical chrome surrounds of the instrument dials, Rolls-Royce has embraced a more futuristic approach to clearer instruments for the driver, something requested by Rolls-Royce customers around the world. 12.3 inch TFT colour displays with LED backlighting now communicate all driver information from within the round chrome surrounds, with the displays themselves designed with clear and beautiful virtual needles, Rolls-Royce jewellery-like chaplets and clear lettering.

In addition to speed, power reserve, fuel and temperature levels, the displays also react to provide essential information on cruise control settings, navigation instructions, driver assistance systems and a whole host of other information.

Also behind the glass of 'The Gallery' are housed the analogue clock - a nod the fact that it is "the loudest sound you can hear in a Rolls-Royce ..." and the central information screen which can be retracted behind the centre stack when not in use.

The standard clock features a dark face and the surround is finished in black leather. However, each Bespoke Clock features a more intricate design, including a lighter backlit face with crystal effect details and counterweighted hands, and is finished to match the material selected within 'The Gallery'.

The Art of Movement
"Art is at the heart of the conception of the New Phantom's interior," comments Taylor. "As an interest, we know that a huge number of our clients are patrons of art and indeed have their own private collections. Art is a binding factor for many of them."

This binding factor was what inspired Taylor to radically reinterpret the motor cars' dashboard from being a dead expanse into a riveting focal point. "I wanted to take a motoring constant that has existed for a century, but served little purpose but to hide airbags and componentry, and give it another purpose, space to breathe," comments Taylor.
Hence the real purpose of 'The Gallery' - to be just that, a gallery.

By realising a space in the upper dashboard, Taylor envisioned a new use - to create an area for Bespoke works of art and thereby multiply the personalisation potential for every owner of a New Phantom.

"In the 18th century, miniatures were highly fashionable and valuable items of art that allowed their owners to carry images of their loved one with them wherever they travelled. I really loved that idea of taking your art with you, when travelling, and so I acted on it," continues Taylor. "Now, our clients will be able to do the same."

As a Bespoke Commission, customers will be able to choose a favoured artist or designer to work with Rolls-Royce to create a truly individual work of art that spans the width of 'The Gallery' in their New Phantom.

Rolls-Royce has already worked with a number of artists, designers and design collectives to demonstrate what kind of creations are possible to put behind the glass of 'The Gallery' for the owners pleasure. Works as various as an oil painting inspired by the South Downs of England in Autumn by renowned Chinese fine artist Liang Yuanwei, a gold-plated 3D-printed map of an owners DNA created by the enfant terrible of German product design Thorsten Franck, a hand-made stem of the finest porcelain roses handmade by world renowned porcelain manufacturer Nymphenberg or an abstract design in silk by young British artist Helen Amy Murray are some of the creations inspired by this most unusual of Gallery spaces.

In addition to these Bespoke Commissions, which will take longer to deliver, Rolls-Royce's craftspeople and designers at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood have created a stunning collection of forward-looking Gallery treatments of silk, wood, metal and leather, which are available immediately.

Conclusion

The Architecture of Luxury, 'The Gallery', The Embrace, The Art of Movement, the best possible materials in the world and peerless Rolls-Royce design and engineering; the New Rolls-Royce Phantom resets the benchmark not only as 'the Best Car in the World', but as the world's leading luxury item. As the next chapter in Rolls-Royce's story opens, the New Rolls-Royce Phantom points the way forward for the global luxury industry.

Tuesday 16 May 2017

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk

 
Introducing the new 2018 Jeep® Grand Cherokee Trackhawk - injected with an unmatched 707 horsepower courtesy of an awe-inspiring supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine, the most awarded SUV ever and the most capable full-size SUV on the planet has been transformed into the most powerful and quickest SUV ever.

The new benchmark 707-horsepower supercharged engine combines with an upgraded high-torque capacity TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, world-class on-road driving dynamics and new Brembo brakes to deliver a new level of performance: 0-60 miles per hour (mph) in 3.5 seconds, quarter mile in 11.6 seconds at 116 mph, top speed of 180 mph, 60-0 mph braking distance in 114 feet and .88g capability on the skid pad.

"Long recognized as the full-size SUV capability leader, Jeep Grand Cherokee is now the most powerful and quickest SUV as well, with the introduction of our new 707-horsepower Trackhawk," said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand - FCA Global. "The new Grand Cherokee Trackhawk delivers astounding performance numbers, backed by renowned SRT engineering that combines world-class on-road driving dynamics with luxury, refinement and an array of innovative advanced technology."

2018 Lexus LS 500 F Sport

 
Having debuted its reinvented flagship sedan in early 2017 - the all-new 2018 LS - Lexus is putting an exclamation point on this signature model with the new F SPORT model. The Lexus LS F SPORT, unveiled and on display at the 2017 New York International Auto Show, moves the driving emotion needle even farther with handling enhancements and a performance-infused design outside and in.

The original luxury disruptor when it debuted to launch the brand, the Lexus LS has for nearly three decades set benchmarks for powertrain smoothness, ride quietness, craftsmanship, attention to detail, and long-term quality. The 2018 LS will offer the most dynamic driving experience in the model's history; now it has the possibility of being enhanced further with the new F SPORT model.

Available in petrol and hybrid powertrains, the F SPORT version of the LS, will imbue the standard model with a more engaging driving spirit through carefully applied chassis tuning and enhancements, while still emphasizing exceptional comfort.

Saturday 6 May 2017

2018 Seat Ateca FR

 
Fun at the wheel, all the luxury and refinement you could want plus an attractive, sporty character. This is it, the new SEAT Ateca FR, the Ateca you've been waiting for. It is the latest addition to the Ateca range and will take to the stage at the 2017 Barcelona International Motor Show, Automobile Barcelona. The Spanish brand continues its product offensive, the biggest of which SEAT has carried out in its history, which has also seen the launch of the Ateca itself, the updated Leon and Ibiza and soon, in the second half of the year, the new compact SUV, the Arona.

The FR trim has been added to the current Ateca range that is made up of the Reference, Style and XCellence, situated at the same level as the XCellence while offering more dynamism and sportiness. Since its launch, SEAT has already sold more than 40,000 units of the Ateca worldwide. This model, alongside the success of the Leon, Alhambra and Ibiza, contributed to SEAT obtaining an operating profit in 2016 of 143 million euros, the highest in the history of the company, and to concluding the year with the fourth consecutive annual sales increase.

The SEAT Ateca FR differentiates itself from the XCellence on the outside by the presence of the FR logo at the front and rear. Its roof rails and window frames also come in black to distinguish itself further. Upon closer inspection at the front, one can see the grill with its own design in glossy black, as well as the bumpers exclusive to the FR in the same colour as the bodywork at the bottom. Its LED fog lights at the front have also received exclusive FR design treatment.

Wednesday 3 May 2017

2018 Buick Regal Sportback

 
With the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback, Buick builds on its track record of making bold moves outside traditional vehicle segments to deliver unique customer offerings that fit modern lifestyles. The Regal Sportback provides a sleek, sporty, coupe-like design, the spirited performance of a premium sports sedan and unexpected versatility in one sophisticated package for a perfect balance of form and function.

The coupe-like roofline captures the expressive style and passion customers want, while the five-door layout enables easier access to cargo space. With the split-folding second row seats in place, the new Regal Sportback offers 31.5 cubic feet of cargo space, more than twice as much as the 2017 Regal.

In keeping with its sporting nature, the Regal Sportback's cabin takes a driver-centric approach, with the center stack skewed towards the driver for a cockpit feel. The cabin's craftsmanship is characterized by clean lines, uncluttered surfaces and premium seating materials.

"The new Regal Sportback was developed with today's active, independent, premium car customer in mind," said Duncan Aldred, vice president, Global Buick and GMC. "They have an SUV in the garage and are looking to complement it with a sport sedan, but have an appreciation for the usefulness of a versatile cargo space when an occasional need arises."
Regal Sportback highlights:

Tuesday 21 March 2017

2018 Skoda Kodiaq Sportline

 
With the Ĺ koda Kodiaq Sportline, the Czech car manufacturer will present an elegant, dynamic variant of its new large SUV. Design features specifically developed for the sporty model variant shape the exterior and interior. For the Ĺ koda Kodiaq Sportline, which will make its world premiere at the 2017 Geneva International Motor Show, a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines is available.

The Ĺ koda Kodiaq Sportline, with its individual interior and exterior design, emphasises the agility and dynamism of the brand's large SUV above all else. The new model variant combines its distinct appearance with the versatile nature of the Ĺ koda Kodiaq - its exterior length of 4.70 metres offering up to seven seats as well as the largest amount of interior space and largest boot capacity within its segment. The design of the new all-rounder mirrors the brand's design identity and represents a good mix of emotiveness and rationality. Furthermore, the soon-to-be presented Ĺ koda Kodiaq Sportline comes with features designed to provide pure driving pleasure.

Black design features underline its dynamic appearance
The bodywork elements and special features finished in black underline the Ĺ koda Kodiaq Sportline's dynamic focus. The radiator grille, roof rails, wing mirror housings and side window trims all come in black. The rear window and rear side windows are tinted (SunSet). The rear is enhanced by a narrow, silver-coloured trim below the bumper.

2018 Opel Crossland X

 
Crisp and compact on the outside, very spacious and versatile on the inside with trendy two-tone paintwork and a cool SUV look - that is the all-new Opel Crossland X. This versatile urban crossover model (Crossover Utility Vehicle) is the second member of the Opel X family in the B-segment where it joins the sporty bestseller, the Mokka X. The larger Grandland X will be launched in the compact class (C-segment) later this year. Opel thus kicks off the product offensive "7 in 17", which will see seven new models launched in 2017, with two X-newcomers that bring together the best of different worlds: Cars with the bold design, the virtues of a SUV and the attributes facilitating an urban lifestyle. They are the Opel models with the certain X-tra.

Compared with the Opel Mokka X, which comes with optional four-wheel drive for occasional off-road outing, the new Opel Crossland X is predestined for urban areas with its crisp exterior dimensions while also being perfectly suitable for a shopping spree at the organic farm shop or for a holiday trip to Tuscany. With a length of 4.21 meters, the new Crossland X is 16 centimeters shorter than an Astra while at the same time 10 centimeters higher. The occupants can thus enjoy the elevated seating position and resulting excellent overview. Buyers looking for an even better experience can improve the feeling of space even further with the optional panoramic glass roof.

Furthermore, the newcomer offers outstanding innovations that make every day driving safer, more comfortable and easier. Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) with full LED headlights, head up display and the 180-degree Panoramic Rear View Camera along with Advanced Park Assist, Forward Collision Alert with pedestrian detection and Automatic Emergency Braking, Driver Drowsiness System, Lane Keep Assist, Speed Sign Recognition and Side Blind Spot Alert are just some examples. The new Crossland X also comes with Opel-typical outstanding connectivity thanks to Opel OnStar as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible IntelliLink infotainment technology including up to 8-inch large color touchscreens.

Saturday 11 March 2017

2018 Mini John Cooper Works Countryman

 
The second generation of the MINI Countryman is the biggest and most versatile model in the entire range of the tradition-steeped British brand. And another superlative now applies to the power unit of the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman. With an output of 170 kW/231 hp, it is the most powerful engine ever to be fitted in a MINI: in combination with the standard all-wheel drive system ALL4 and a robust vehicle concept, it ensures that the latest addition to the family of top John Cooper Works athletes takes the MINI experience to a whole new level - in terms of both race track feeling on the road and extreme driving fun over unsurfaced terrain.

The new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman (combined fuel consumption: 7.4 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 169 g/km) sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds with both the standard 6-speed manual transmission and the optional 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission. In doing so it is 0.8 or 0.7 seconds faster than the MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4. The superior performance qualities of the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman are likewise reflected in its elasticity on interim sprints, cornering agility and deceleration performance. 

These qualities are the product of an overall package that has been compiled based on John Cooper Works racing expertise, including not just the engine and all-wheel drive system but also a sports suspension with 18-inch John Cooper Works light alloy wheels and Brembo sports brake system, special body features to optimise aerodynamic properties and cooling air intake, and a model-specific cockpit with John Cooper Works sports seats. The exceptional standing of the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman within the premium compact segment is underscored by means of exclusive standard features including MINI Driving Modes, LED headlamps, Comfort Access and the Radio MINI Visual Boost.

Thursday 9 March 2017

2018 Vauxhall Crossland X

Crisp and compact on the outside, spacious and flexible on the inside, with unique two-tone paintwork and SUV-styling, these are the first pictures of the all-new Vauxhall Crossland X.
The newcomer adds a second vital ingredient to Vauxhall's burgeoning SUV offering, which is due to grow still further in 2017 with the launch of the larger Grandland X later in 2017. While the Vauxhall Crossland X's recently-launched sibling, the Mokka X, has all-wheel-drive capability, is 70mm higher and has larger wheels for buyers with a taste for adventure, the Crossland X has a firm family focus, with a Tardis-like cabin providing high degrees of practicality and flexibility.

And at just 4.21 metres in length the Vauxhall Crossland X is more compact than the Mokka X, and a full 16cm shorter than the Astra Hatch, offering owners greater convenience while driving and manoeuvring in towns and cities. Adding to Crossland X's urban appeal is an elevated seating position and an overall height, which is raised ten centimetres above the Astra's.

The Vauxhall Crossland X also enters a different SUV class to the Mokka X, with rivals such as the Renault Captur and Peugeot 2008. The Mokka X's competitors include the Nissan Juke and Skoda Yeti.

2018 Ford Mustang GT

 
A host of improvements including new technology and design changes give owners ways to customize Ford Mustang to their preferences, even better performance from more powerful engines and new MagneRide™ suspension technology. Customers have more ways than ever to personalize Mustang to make it their own, with three new paint colors, 12 distinct wheel choices and a customizable digital instrument cluster.

"The new Mustang is our best ever, based on more than 50 years as one of the iconic sports car in America and now, the world," said Joe Hinrichs, president of The Americas. "Tapping Mustang's enormous fan base, we're bringing the new Mustang straight to the people - and introducing the new car across multiple social media channels, reaching millions."

Ford tapped Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson to reveal the new Mustang to the world by giving one of the first models available to a deserving member of the military. A video of the debut was launched on Johnson's social channels, including Youtube, Instagram and Facebook, where Mustang holds the title for the most-popular car with more than 8.4 million 'likes.'

Technology for greater personalization
Ford Mustang makes available Ford's first 12-inch all-digital LCD screen in the dashboard. This all-new customizable instrument cluster can be easily personalized, offering three separate views. Customers can personalize the displays for normal, sport and track mode. All-new Mustang MyMode with memory function allows customers to save their favorite drive settings, including suspension and steering preferences.

Tuesday 7 March 2017

2018 BMW M4 Convertible

The BMW M4 Coupe and BMW M4 Convertible represent the epitome of a high-performance sports car offering unrestricted everyday practicality. The six-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology fitted as standard under the bonnet of both BMW M4 model versions generates a mighty 317 kW / 431 hp, propelling them to exceptional performance (fuel consumption combined: 9.1 - 8.3 l/100 km [31.0 - 34.0 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 213 - 194 g/km).

The sportiest members of the BMW 4 Series family also boast a new look. The BMW M4 Coupe and BMW M4 Convertible now come as standard with the adaptive full-LED headlights, complete with hexagonal graphic. The new LED rear lights again freshen up appearances and inject technical appeal.


Elegant and sophisticated touches in the cabin
Both BMW M4 models feature new-look, illuminated M emblems on the front seats, while chrome applications, electroplated detailing and double stitching on the instrument panel add further highly sophisticated touches in the interior. The list of optional extras for the BMW M4 Coupe and BMW M4 Convertible likewise includes the Navigation system Professional with new user interface, the ConnectedDrive navigation package complete with inductive charging of mobile phones and a WiFi hotspot, and Apple CarPlay preparation.

2018 Jaguar F-Type

 
Already recognised as the most dynamically capable, performance-focused Jaguar, the F-Type sports car continues to evolve, with a fresh look, state-of-the-art infotainment system and world-first ReRun app that combines vehicle data with GoPro video to enhance the driving experience.

Since launch in 2012, Jaguar's all-aluminium two-seater has firmly established itself as the best-selling sports car in its segment in its home market and has won nearly 160 awards worldwide. The unrivalled balance of seductive design, stunning performance and outstanding dynamics has always made the Jaguar F-Type unique, in a range that has evolved to include Coupé bodystyles, manual transmissions and intelligent all-wheel drive.

The new Jaguar F-Type range offers even more driver-focused technology and a broader model range than ever, comprising 28 derivatives from the purist appeal of the rear-wheel drive, 340PS F-Type to the 200mph, all-wheel drive F-Type SVR - Jaguar's all-weather supercar.

Every Jaguar F-Type now features the Touch Pro infotainment system. Its super-fast responses, intuitive tablet-style operation, intelligent navigation functions such as Share ETA and online services such as real-time traffic and live weather reports make every journey more rewarding and put a world of information at the driver's fingertips.

2018 Toyota Camry

 
Toyota Camry, the best-selling car in America for the past 15 years, is about to ruffle some feathers. The eighth-generation sedan has gone through a total evolution, from a proven, dependable and safe car to one that also possesses a more exciting and emotional character, thanks to its newfound sporty performance and style.

The new Toyota Camry utilizes TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) which represents a completely new strategy to the way the company designs, engineers, and packages its vehicles. TNGA retains all of Toyota's traditional values of superlative build quality and safety while injecting a fun driving experience that plays on all the senses. The physical manifestation is the usage of a new engine, transmission and GA-K platform.

"The all-new 2018 Camry is, without a doubt, the most captivating mid-size sedan we've ever produced," said Bob Carter, Toyota senior vice president of automotive operations. "It delivers on everything Camry owners have come to expect from America's best-selling car, and adds to it, jaw-dropping design, more advanced technology, cutting-edge safety systems, and stirring performance that raises it to an unparalleled level of excitement."

"In order to create something that stirs people's soul, we've laid out the concept of a new sedan that provides fun and excitement behind the wheel," said Masato Katsumata, the Chief Engineer of the new Camry. "In developing the next-generation Toyota Camry, we were able to start with a clean slate, which allowed us to create a true driver's car."

Wednesday 22 February 2017

2018 Honda Odyssey

 
Honda took the wraps off a sleek, sophisticated and innovative new 2018 Honda Odyssey minivan, launching at dealerships nationwide this spring. Already the most popular minivan with individual American car buyers for seven years running, the next-generation Honda Odyssey brings a host of new features and technologies for 2018, including a uniquely versatile new Magic Slide™ second-row seat; new CabinWatch and CabinTalk technologies; new Display Audio touchscreen with Honda-developed OS; 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity; new Rear Entertainment System with streaming video; and Honda Sensing™ safety and driver-assistive technologies, now offered standard on EX and above trims.

"This new Odyssey raises the stakes for family-friendly packaging, performance and technology in the minivan segment," said John Mendel, Executive Vice President of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "In all aspects of its design, the new Odyssey is made to keep every member of the family happy, no matter the seating position, no matter the destination."

Sophisticated and Family-Friendly Design
The Honda Odyssey's sophisticated and modern new styling adopts Honda's signature flying wing front grille flanked by available LED front headlights. The bold and sporty front fascia also conceals a new Active Shutter Grille for improved fuel efficiency when cruising. The Odyssey's signature lightning bolt beltline now provides an even more elegant design element with the sliding door tracks hidden in the lower portion of the rear quarter windows. At the rear there are LED taillights and an available new hands-free power tailgate with foot activation.