Volkswagen shows a large four-door coupe hybrid in Shanghai

Volkswagen has disclosed the concept car C Coupé GTE, which these days will be on display at the Shanghai Auto Show. The prototype has little to do with the concept shown at Geneva in March this year.

Built on a modular platform MLB (used, for example, on the Audi A6), the car came in sizes: length – 5071 mm, width – 1930 mm, height – 1445 mm, wheelbase – 3001 mm. And because of their dimensions, and on the status of the concept car is positioned between the Passat sedan and Phaeton, but the novelty is not called a sedan and four-door coupe, as now manufactured model Passat CC. The design concept was created with the expectation of the future: in a similar way, most likely, will look and a new generation flagship Phaeton. Specifically for the Chinese premier Volkswagen C Coupé GTE equipped with 22-inch wheels and painted in the color of the «Golden Atmosphere» («Golden Atmosphere”). In addition, for the first time on the Volkswagen applied external light body elements: the front emblems, grille, door handles and other details.

The interior is divided into two functional areas: the front, focused on the driver and the back, made with the expectation of comfort for two passengers. In the interior, as we are assured designers, used leather, wood, aluminum and even Damascus steel. Of technological innovation – Dynaudio sound system 600W, 3D-instrument panel, central touch screen diagonal of 12.3 inches, two displays in the rear armrest (for adjusting the seats and climate control) and the same – in the front seat backrests. Sitting behind the VIP-passengers can transfer to the driver the necessary information about their planned trips, loading it into multimedia and navigation system of the car directly from your device. For the convenience of riders provided box refrigerator for drinks, electric blinds and shading panoramic roof.

Technically, the car is a front-wheel-rechargeable hybrid. The main power unit – four petrol TSI (2,0 liters) with 210 hp, optional – motor with 124 hp return built into the unit “machine”. The total capacity of the hybrid unit is 245 hp, Rod – 500 nm, and the electricity is stored in a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 14.1 kWh.

Fuel consumption concept car on the combined cycle is stated at 2.3 l / 100 km, the maximum cruising range – more than 800 km. However, concern for the environment and fuel economy is not at the expense of the dynamics: acceleration to “hundreds” gives the car in 8.6 seconds, and top speed is 232 km / h.

The concept car is able to move in one of four modes: Hybrid, E-Mode, GTE and Battery Charge / Battery Hold. In Hybrid mode, the machine starts its movement, the electric motor charges the battery during braking and engine can be switched off for a while. The all-electric mode E-Mode is activated by pressing a button and uses only the electric motor. So you can drive up to 50 miles at speeds not exceeding 130 km / h. If the battery reaches a low level, the gasoline engine is connected again in a split second. The most dynamic mode – GTE: the engine and electric motor work together, the gas pedal, gearbox and steering become more responsive. Enable this mode the driver can also click next to the selector gearbox. Finally, the mode Battery Charge / Battery Hold is activated via multi media menu and serves a dual purpose: Battery Charge – for charging the battery while driving, Battery Hold – to maintain the stock of electricity in the battery at the current level.

It is possible that the production version of the concept car everywhere replace the current generation model Passat CC. But the basic rate while Volkswagen makes the Chinese market.

Volkswagen shows a large four-door coupe hybrid in Shanghai

Lexus revealed the updated sedan ES and RX crossover with a turbo engine

Immediately two examples of the company declared itself Lexus at the Shanghai Motor Show.

The first of these – the updated sedan ES. Externally, it is easy to distinguish from thanks to the grille, which is now integral to the air intake, new headlights and slightly retouched taillights, and bumpers with triangular niches and a chrome strip on the trunk lid. The color palette includes ten body colors, including four new ones. The technology allows color paintwork recover on their own, not only after the scratches, but even after minor injuries.

Changes in the cabin raised steering wheel, gearbox selector, choice of colors and trim materials. So, now you can order the insertion of wood shimamoku.

The engine range model will replenish the two-liter petrol engine with direct injection. Also available are a 3.5-liter V6 and 2.5-liter inline “four” (in tandem with an electric motor, and without it).

Another novelty – a crossover RX (new generation), for the first time in its history, equipped with a turbo engine – the same as in the crossover NX 200t. The four-cylinder in-line 2.0-liter turbo engine is equipped with a dual Variable Valve Timing extended action (Dual VVT-iW), exhaust manifold with water-cooled turbocharger with twin-scroll. The return of the power unit exceeds 228 hp Torque transmission provides dedicated six “automatic”.

Most likely, this version of the RX 200t replace the RX 270 version that existed before.

Lexus revealed the updated sedan ES and RX crossover with a turbo engine

Mercedes showed a harbinger of a new crossover

Started today at the Shanghai Motor Show has died down premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz Concept GLC Coupe – a harbinger of a new breed, which in the future to compete with BMW X4. In a series of “coupe” will go in the next year.

And will look much the same – a concept elaborated in the model except that tricky issue mirrors and rear bumper with weird exhaust system. The rest of the GLC Coupe looks like a fresh GLE Coupe (that is, the X6 from Stuttgart).

What to dry figures, the length of the crossover is 4.73 m, while the wheelbase – 2.83 meters. He stands on 21-inch wheels and, among other things, can boast all-LED optics. There is something to please and part of the filling – the concept was twice turbocharged V6 in three liters of volume and 367 forces (at 520 Nm torque) connected to the 9-speed automatic transmission and proprietary AWD system 4Matic.

In general, such a second cross from the “Mercedes”. What do you say, interesting GLE Coupe happen?

Mercedes showed a harbinger of a new crossover

Ford introduced the luxury accessories for the new Mondeo

Ford has unveiled a new design for the family Mondeo called Vignale. The car will be the first in a line of the same name, which will include premium versions of many models produced by Ford.

Almost all of the improvements over the standard Mondeo are decorative. In particular, the car has received a modified grille, lots of chrome lining, a special body color Vignale Nocciola, special interior trim and a new wheel design.

Mondeo Vignale will be issued as a body “sedan” and by “universal”. Available for order only “top” power plants: two-liter diesel engine capacity of 180 and 210 hp EcoBoost petrol engines of similar volume, developing 203 and 240 hp and 187-hp hybrid complex. Four-wheel drive available as an option.

In the UK Mondeo Vignale appear in May at a price of 29,045 pounds.

Earlier it was reported that after the Ford Mondeo will release a version for Vignale S-Max crossover and Edge.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwbelJX4fKQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xusEq5p50Kc

Ford introduced the luxury accessories for the new Mondeo

BMW 7-Series next generation can park without a driver behind the wheel

The BMW Group has extended the first official information on the 7-Series sedan next generation. It is expected that the world premiere of the car will take place at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2015.

Firstly, the car will be lighter than its predecessor at 130 kg. According to the publication Autocar in its review of the prototype of the new “Seven”, a significant weight reduction has been achieved through widespread use of carbon fiber in the construction of the machine – made from this material power elements of the body, such as spars, side skirts, as well as central and rear roof pillars.

Many body panels, including doors and roof are made of aluminum. If these calculations are correct edition, then considered in the test BMW 740i sedan new generation weighs about 1715 kg – only 40 kg more than the current “younger” in the model number of the BMW 5-Series.

In addition, the flagship sedan BMW inline six-cylinder engine will get a new generation, known under the designation B58. Motor is made in accordance with the same architecture that is used by at new three- and four-cylinder engines. It is known that a block head and the pallet assemblies are made of aluminum. Paired with the engine running eightfold “automatic” with the function of brake energy regeneration and drive coasting mode.

The basic version of the sedan still retain rear-wheel drive layout, but modifications are planned and all-wheel drive. The design of the suspension, a host of aluminum parts. In front of “Seven” used scheme with two wishbones and rear – multi-link suspension. Pneumatics will be used on both axles, and not just on the back. In addition, the hydraulic system will give way to stabilize the electromechanical.

The driver can select one of the preset: “Comfort”, “Sport” and adaptive mode – in this case, the control electronics is very adapt to the preferences of the person behind the wheel. For the first time in the BMW will be a system of gesture control. For example, to accept or reject a call, as well as increase the volume  possible by means of a wave of his hand.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFlMcOfO68M

Among other things, the machine will be equipped with a self-parking system. The driver will be able to put the BMW 7-Series to the parking lot with a key from the machine, configured as a remote control with display. The company promises that the system will appear on the 7-Series is not right, because you need to resolve the legal issues of its application in a number of states.

BMW 7-Series next generation can park without a driver behind the wheel

Test Drive: Audi A3 E-Tron

Audi A3 can be – to bend his fingers – convertible, sedan, three or five-door hatchback, with diesel or gasoline, with mechanics or automatic, with full or front-wheel drive. Not enough for you?Then get a version of the E-Tron – hybrid charging from the network. But, ironically, only a five-door body Sportback, automatic and front-wheel drive.

Hybrid one, and modes – a lot. E-Tron holds a 150 horse 1.4-liter gasoline turbo and another 102 – by an electric motor, wedged into the box. However, summed up this power too, “hybrid”, the final output – 204 hp and 350 Nm. Golf GTI somewhere close, and thanks to the E-Tron electric motor accelerates instantly.

Promised electric ship – 50 km and 130 km / h, but it theoretically, but not cold in the winter. We are a full charge will last 20 kilometers to maximize mileage in the city can be in the mode Hybrid Hold, which disconnects the batteries when you snooping around in the stream. Hybrid mode combines two sources of energy, and Hybrid Charge uses the engine to charge the batteries on the road. Or you can turn the car into a wall outlet for four hours.

And if cousin, VW Golf GTE, wants to be a sort of eco-GTI, then A3 E-Tron – just a great family hatchback, which, if you use his strengths, will be almost free for the owner (in the city). And on an empty highway, he will spend about 5.7 l / 100 km.

The same technology, but ambitions hot hatch spoil the whole thing

Of course, in the “gas to the floor” hybrid is far from hypercar: 1.4-liter turbo engine strains, and 125 kg of batteries make the car more drowsy and braking maneuvers than other A3. Even the brakes are not very distinct, because they need to develop electricity when braking, but they are better than offering a hybrid Lexus.

And if BMW i3 discourages its radical and a small long range, the Audi A3 E-Tron can be an excellent alternative.

 

Test Drive: Audi A3 E-Tron

Czechs turned the Audi R8 in the classic rally "Skoda"

Czech enthusiasts headed by designer Peter Nowak was shown on special operations in Prague is very unusual concept – R200 Non-Fiction, made in the spirit of classic rally Skoda 130 RS, and dedicated to her 40th birthday. Actually, really makes it an unusual base – Audi R8 previous generation.

This concept, by the way, fully working. On his construction team spent a total of 18 months, and even promises a continuation of series in the form of 24 copies. However, for space € 255,000 each. What get those few fans (if any exist, of course), so it’s 4.4-meter (at 2 m width and 1300 mm height) in some parts really smacks of the very “Skoda”.

And yet – a 4.2-liter V8 donor complete coupled with a 6-speed manual and four-wheel drive. TTX complete yet, but in the original eight outputs 420 and 430 Nm of force moment, so that the dynamics of R200 Non-Fiction issues should not be.

Running marketable version if all according to plan, will be held in January 2016. Let’s see if waiting for the Czech curiosity success.

Czechs turned the Audi R8 in the classic rally "Skoda"