NAIAS - Lexus launches Most powerful V8 ever in the new RC F

• RC F equipped with Lexus’s most powerful V8 engine to date, generating in excess of 450bhp
• World-first use of a Torque Vectoring Differential in a front engine/rear-wheel drive sports car
• Powerful exterior styling, incorporating advanced, race-bred aerodynamics
• Bespoke interior with RC F-dedicated instrumentation, seats and finishes
• Debut at the North American International Auto Show on the 25th anniversary of the launch of the Lexus brand

Lexus today revealed the RC F, a high-performance version of its new RC coupe, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The unveiling coincided with the 25th anniversary of the launch of the Lexus brand at same event.

The great visual impact of the RC F is matched by the impressive power of its new 5.0-litre engine. Generating well in excess of 450bhp, it makes the RC F the most powerful V8 performance model Lexus has yet produced.

To harness the engine’s potential with the best possible efficiency, the RC F uses a newly calibrated eight-speed transmission and, in a world first for a front engine/rear-wheel drive car, a Torque Vectoring Differential to secure higher levels of traction and vehicle control.

Yukihiko Yaguchi, RC F Chief Engineer, said: “I’ve built the RC F to be enjoyed by all enthusiasts, no matter what their level of expertise. There’s a false perception that racing cars are hard o drive. In fact, they’re easy in the right hands because they’ve been purpose-built for the skill level of their drivers. It’s the same with the RC F. Electronics can be modified instantly on board to provide appropriate levels of performance and protection. But even at its basic setting, it’s a blast!”

ALL-NEW HIGH PERFORMANCE ENGINE

At the heart of the new RC F is a 5.0-litre 32-valve engine developing more than 450bhp and 520Nm of torque. Its cylinder heads and all moving parts have been newly designed to deliver more power at higher engine revs than has previously been possible.

It is also the first Lexus performance engine to use the Atkinson cycle at cruising speeds, to secure better fuel economy, switching to the Otto cycle at higher revs to achieve impressive levels of performance.

The engine has been developed exclusively for the RC F and every aspect of the powertrain has been design to deliver the highest possible driver engagement, including the transmission and exhaust system.

The specially calibrated eight-speed Sports Direct Shift transmission improves linear response to accelerator pedal inputs, giving the driver more precise control of power and torque delivery.

The RC F driving experience is further heightened by a new system that regulates induction and exhaust sound, creating a deep tone up to 3,000rpm, and a higher-pitched note at as revs rise beyond 6,000rpm under hard acceleration.

Torque Vectoring Differential

The RC F marks a world-first for a front engine/rear-wheel drive car with its use of a Torque Vectoring Differential. Designed to raise driving enjoyment by increasing traction and control, the system has three operating modes: -

• Standard, for a balance of agile performance and high-speed stability
• Slalom, for an emphasis on nimble response to steering inputs
• Track, for consistent, stable cornering in circuit driving, with optimum driver control. The RC F also has a recalibrated Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system with an additional vertical G-force sensor to secure even greater vehicle stability

Driving Dynamics

The foundation of the new RC F’s outstanding mechanical grip is its highly rigid body, featuring large cross-section rocker panels and front lower brace. Lexus has deployed numerous specialist manufacturing techniques to further enhance rigidity, including the use of body adhesives, laser-screw welding and multi-spot welding. A wider tyre and wheel assembly help to raise grip performance.

Independent, coil-sprung suspension is used front and rear, incorporating monotube gas dampers and ball-jointed anti-roll bars. The car’s unsprung weight has been kept down by using 19-inch forged aluminium alloy wheels, which minimise wheel assembly mass while at the same time improving rigidity.

As in the Lexus LFA supercar, the RC F is fitted with an active rear wing, Incorporated in the bootlid, this provides additional downforce at speeds above 50mph. The rear wings is a highlight of the RC F’s comprehensive aerodynamic grip and stability package, which also includes tuning of the flat underbody, race-bred air management ducts behind the front bumpers and wings, and strategic placement of aero stabilising fins.

F performance styling

The RC F is immediately distinguishable from the RC coupe thanks to its more powerful visual impact.

It features its own interpretation of the Lexus signature spindle grille, which dominates the front of the vehicle and has a subtle ‘F’ motif embedded in the mesh below the Lexus badge.

The front of the bonnet is set higher than on the RC, creating a powerful, flared profile that’s in keeping with its status as a Lexus F model. The profile view is rendered more striking by the 10-spoke 19-inch forged aluminium wheels, three versions of which will be available, including one that’s hand-polished by craftsmen.

The design takes some cues from the LFA, most notably in the use of essential air cooling and aerodynamic features. Air outlets on the bonnet, like those on the LFA, work together with front cooling ducts to support both engine cooling and overall vehicle stability.

To the side there are air outlets behind the front wings that add to the engine and brake cooling performance, and which merge neatly with side sill extensions to create a powerful ‘L’ shape.

The powerful look continues at the rear of the car, with stacked, quad trapezoidal exhaust outlets.

Lightweight carbon fibre package

Lexus drew on the experience it gained with the LFA and the IS F CCS-R race car to develop a package of carbon fibre parts that help keep the RC F’s weight to a minimum. The carbon fibre elements include the roof, bonnet and active rear wing.

Interior design

The RC F’s interior is driver focused and equipped with numerous components specific to the model, including the instrument meters, steering wheel, seats, pedals and trim, all designed to deliver the kind of comfort, support and ergonomics expected of a high-performance Lexus F model.

The instrument meters mark a further development of the switchable, diving mode-dependent central dial featured in the LFA. The design is inspired by aircraft cockpit instrumentation, providing a wide range of information in a clear, concise form that can be read at a glance.

The instrumentation includes a large, centrally mounted tachometer changes according to driving mode; digital and analogue speed read-outs; a differential torque vectoring monitor; a G-force meter; oil and water temperature gauges; mileage information; and a stopwatch.

Lexus has also worked to provide an ergonomically ideal driver-machine interface. The RC F marks Lexus’s first use of a thick-grip steering wheel with an elliptical cross-section, design to provide greater control during performance driving. The location, shape and action of the addle shifts have also been carefully determined to enable fast, accurate gear changes at all times.

The seat designs, with styling influenced by modern close-fitting sportswear, feature high backs that use Lexus’s integrated foaming technique to provide excellent support, eliminating any movement between the seat padding and trim.

NAIAS - Kia wows the crowds with stunning GT4 Stinger Concept,

• High-powered sports car focused on connection between driver and machine
• World debut at 2014 North American International Auto Show
• 2+2 seating configuration, 315 turbocharged horsepower and six-speed manual transmission make GT4 Stinger a true enthusiast’s machine
• Conceived by the petrolheads in Kia’s Californian design studio – birthplace of iconic concept vehicles such as the Track’ster and Cross GT

Harking back to the glory days of purebred, affordable sports cars, Kia Motors America (KMA) today unveiled the brand’s most aggressive concept car ever when wraps came off the GT4 Stinger at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Kia’s eye-catching design language moves in a bold new direction with the introduction of the GT4 Stinger. The concept pushes the boundaries of performance with a rear-drive 2+2 sports car that places man and machine in harmony on the road or track.  It comes as no surprise that the GT4 Stinger is the wild style child of Kia’s California design team, home to its 2012 predecessor, the Track’ster concept.  And like the Track’ster, the GT4 Stinger’s racy appeal is more than skin deep.

“Driving enjoyment was the number one priority in designing the GT4 Stinger,” said Tom Kearns, Chief Designer, Kia Design Center America (KDCA).  “It’s a 2+2 sports car that can turn heads as a daily driver while also being right at home on the track.  It’s about purity, simplicity and timelessness. The GT4 Stinger is a throwback to days when driving a car was a visceral experience that wasn’t muted by electronic gimmickry.”

Emboldened by the brand’s on-track success in the Pirelli World Challenge racing series with a pair of turbocharged, GTS-class Optimas, Kia’s U.S. design team approached the GT4 Stinger project with an eye toward weight reduction, functionality and pure driving enjoyment.  The concept shuns the luxury trappings of a traditional Grand Touring car and embraces the elemental experience of truly engaging with the vehicle.

“If anyone were to ask if Kia has the credibility to build a car like the GT4 Stinger,” noted Kearns. “I would simply point out that Kia races – and wins – against some of the world’s most legendary performance brands.”

Kia Racing and partner Kinetic Motorsports captured the Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge Drivers and Team Championships in 2012 with the Forte Koup and are currently preparing the turbocharged Optimas for their third season of duty in the Pirelli World Challenge in 2014 following a second-place finish in the Manufacturer’s Championship last year.

Power, Poise and Proven Performance

Beneath the low wedge of the GT4 Stinger’s bonnet resides a tuned version of Kia’s proven 2.0-litre turbocharged gasoline direct injected (T-GDI) four-cylinder engine putting out an impressive 315 horsepower.  “Our Optima racecars use the same engine and can produce more than 400 horsepower,” said Kearns.  “So why not infuse our concept with the kind of power that will make people take notice?”

That power is put to the ground via a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels, which are wrapped in 275/35R20 Pirelli P-Zero performance tyres.  Staggered 235/35R20 Pirelli P-Zeros nestle beneath the front wings, ensuring loads of corner-hugging grip.  Custom 20-inch aluminium centre-lock wheels feature carbon fibre inserts for strength and weight reduction.  Tucked inside the wheels are Brembo Gran Turismo two-piece 15-inch cross-drilled rotors and four-piston callipers with plenty of stopping power.

Underpinning the GT4 Stinger’s sculpted “Ignition Yellow” body is a custom chassis with independent double wishbone suspension.  With a shorter wheelbase (2,619mm) than, and an equal overall length (4,310mm) to, a cee’d hatchback, a width (1,890mm) greater than an Optima saloon, and a swooping roofline (1,250mm) nearly nine inches (229mm) lower than a Rio hatchback, the GT4 Stinger cuts a menacing figure.  It tips the scales at a scant 1,304kg, and weight distribution is spread nearly perfectly at 52 per cent up front and 48 per cent at the rear.  The GT4 Stinger also features a quick-ratio steering rack for direct feedback and uncompromised control.

Simplicity By Design

Fans of Kia’s design language, set by Kia Motors Corporation President and Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer, will immediately recognise key styling elements of the GT4 Stinger.  “We gave the car a shrink-wrapped appearance,” says Kearns. “It’s as if the body panels were formed around the chassis instead of merely welded to it.”

In silhouette, the GT4 Stinger is simple yet powerful. The latest iteration of the signature Kia grille rests low to the ground for maximum engine cooling and cold-air induction.  The grille surround glows white and features a multi-layered, satin-black border, a theme found throughout the car.  Flanking the grille on both sides are vertical LED headlamps, and front-brake cooling vents intricately molded into the bumper provide a clean, smooth appearance.  A carbon fibre front splitter mounted below the bumper provides added down force for the car at high speed to keep the GT4 Stinger’s front tyres firmly planted to the road.

The long bonnet gently rises to meet the cowl. Two chrome accent pieces add visual interest to the otherwise ripple-less pond of Ignition Yellow sheet metal.  The bonnet closely embraces the front wheel arches, creating two protruding muscular wings above the front tyres.  The result is a pronounced edge at the vehicle’s shoulders that eventually becomes the belt line.

Continuing around the car, the transparent A-pillars provide a greater than 270-degree view from the driver’s seat. The layered slots cut into the pillars reduce weight while improving outward visibility.  Paying homage to the iconic Soul, the greenhouse design provides an aggressive side profile. “It’s as if the GT4 Stinger is wearing wrap-around sunglasses,” notes Kearns. Similar to the Soul, the roof of the GT4 Stinger appears to “float” from the C-pillars.  Along the rocker panels are satin black accent pieces with integrated functional cooling ducts to enhance air flow to the rear brakes.

Around back, the body widens to cover the large 275-section Pirelli rubber. The glass hatch opens to reveal a built-in storage compartment and rear strut-tower brace.  The LED taillights illuminate from inside the outer edge of a blacked-out panel just above the dual exhaust ports in the rear bumper.

The interior is purposeful in design and practical in nature.  A pull of the billet-aluminium door handles reveals incredibly lightweight doors, but their generous width makes dropping into the molded leather race-inspired bucket seats a breeze.

There is no carpet, only a rubber floor mat underneath the billet-aluminium pedals.  Front and centre to the driver is a thick D-shaped steering wheel and red LED-illuminated instrument panel with large tachometer and gear indicator.  In keeping with the track theme and taking inspiration from sports and competition cars of the past, interior door handles have been replaced by red-stitched pull straps.  In fact, the GT4 Stinger makes do without the luxury of a stereo.  “The audio system starts under the hood and the speakers are the exhaust pipes,” said Kearns.  Underway, the GT4 Stinger’s free-flow exhaust burbles and blurts unabashedly and is music to the ears of driving enthusiasts everywhere.

While there are currently no plans to bring the concept to production, Kia has a history of delivering production vehicles that bear a strong resemblance to the concept that preceded them, and the GT4 Stinger provides a possible and highly provocative glimpse into Kia’s future.  When asked who the GT4 Stinger is intended for, Kearns quips, “It’s a totally selfish design. The design team at KCDA is full of petrolheads and enthusiasts, and the GT4 Stinger is the perfect car for that kind of crowd.”

NAIAS - VW Beetle Dune Concept, this HAS to be produced.

The new Volkswagen Beetle Dune concept has made its debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

Based on the latest version of the iconic Volkswagen, the Beetle Dune adds a cool, rugged off-road look, thanks to a body that has been raised by 50 mm compared with a standard Beetle, and 19-inch wheels with large tyres.

A rear-mounted ski-rack is reminiscent of those fitted to classic Beetles, and makes a perfect accessory for the season.  In the summer, it could hold sand skis – the ideal accessory for surfing the sand dunes from which the Beetle Dune takes its name.

The Beetle Dune concept revisits an idea from January 2000, when Volkswagen showed the New Beetle Dune concept in Los Angeles.  But while that vehicle was far from a production possibility, the Beetle Dune is very much based on the current production model, using the same 210 PS turbocharged petrol engine and six-speed DSG gearbox, providing power to the front wheels.

Under its shining ‘Arizona’ paint – a yellow-orange metallic – the Dune has two-part wheelarch extensions.  A ‘blade’ of 1.5 mm-wide plastic separates the main matt black wheelarch extensions from the body.  The matt wheelarch housings widen the body by 24 mm each side, for a total width of 1,856 mm, while the front and rear cladding lengthens the car overall by 12 mm to 4,290 mm.  At 1,536 mm tall, the Dune is 50 mm higher than a standard Beetle.

To fit with the increased body width, the Beetle Dune’s track has also been increased by 29 mm, to 1,607 mm at the front and 1,573 mm at the rear.  The five-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels wear 255/45 tyres.

Visually, the front and rear wheelarch extensions are joined by a brushed aluminium sill panel that runs between them, into which a chrome-plated underbody protection panel sits.

At the front, the bumper has been comprehensively redesigned to incorporate a large black honeycomb air intake, with trapezoidal inserts either side.  In these inserts sit semi-circular LED fog lights, and above these is a slender horizontal LED turn indicator.  The Dune’s bonnet, meanwhile, has been made more bulbous, with a raised central section and prominent air vents on either side.

At the rear, above the modified bumper, sits a large rear spoiler, which, together with another roof-mounted spoiler, serves a dual purpose as a ski rack.

The interior of the car is largely familiar from the production Beetle, but with the characteristic dash-mounted glovebox this time replaced with a passenger grab handle.  The centre of the dash is dominated by a large high-resolution 7.7-inch touchscreen display.

Although a concept at this stage, Volkswagen is keen to gauge reaction to the car from the public and media at the NAIAS.

USA - Porsche announces new 911 Targa at the NAIAS in Detroit.

At the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Porsche is introducing two new models to the 911 range: the 911 Targa 4 and 911 Targa 4S. These models are the first to combine the classic Targa concept with cutting edge, innovative roof technology. Just like the legendary original 911 Targa of 1965, the new models feature the distinctive Targa roof bar, a movable front roof section, and a wraparound rear window. But unlike the classic 911 Targa, the roof segment can be opened and closed at the push of a button. The fully automatic roof system stows the Targa top behind the rear seats.

Both 911 Targa models exclusively come in AWD version, featuring the wider rear track and body, and the same Porsche Traction Management (PTM), found in all 911 all-wheel-drive models. It is an active all-wheel-drive system that helps to ensure the optimal distribution of drive power for optimum traction in most road scenarios, whether on long straights, through tight corners, or on surfaces with different friction coefficients. The combination of the wide body, the Targa bar, and the wraparound rear window results in an extremely sporty and low-slung profile.

The 911 Targa 4 is powered by a horizontally opposed 3.4-liter 6-cylinder engine with 350 hp. Equipped with the optional Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) and Sport Chrono package, the 911 Targa 4 accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and is capable of a top track speed of 174 mph (175 mph with the manual transmission). The 911 Targa 4S delivers 400 hp from its 3.8-liter horizontally opposed 6-cylinder engine, and accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds when equipped with optional PDK and Sport Chrono package. The 911 Targa 4S is capable of reaching a top track speed of 183 mph when equipped with a manual transmission and 182 mph with PDK.

The 911 Targa 4 will have an MSRP of $101,600 while the 911 Targa 4S model will have an MSRP of $116,200. Both cars also have a destination charge of $995. Deliveries of the 911 Targa in the U.S. are scheduled to begin this summer.

USA - Kia celebrates with International car of the year award for the Cadenza

 Cadenza Recognized for Distinctive Design, Advanced Technology and Unmatched Value

• All-new 2014 Cadenza premium sedan earns top honors from ICOTY
• Back-to-back ICOTY victories for Kia coincides with Road & Travel Magazine’s 25th anniversary

Kia Motors America (KMA) is proud to announce that Road & Travel Magazine (RTM) has named the 2014 Kia Cadenza as the International Car of the Year (ICOTY) at the 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The all-new 2014 Cadenza’s stunning design combined with premium amenities and impressive value propelled the Kia brand into the premium sedan segment, and the ICOTY award adds to the growing list of accolades the Cadenza has earned since its launch in early 2013. The award marks back-to-back victories for Kia as the 2013 Optima mid-size sedan was honored by RTM with the ICOTY award last year.

“This year marks Kia’s 20th anniversary in the U.S. market, and in that time, we have become known for taking bold steps. The 2014 Cadenza is another leap forward for the brand and has brought new and affluent customers into our retail showrooms, people who had never considered Kia before,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing & communications, KMA. “To win the prestigious ICOTY award two years running is a clear indication that our products continue to offer a world-class balance of design, amenities and value for today’s discerning car buyers.”

RTM presents two “Of the Year” awards annually, one for car of the year and one for truck. In addition to product attributes such as style, comfort and performance, the awards also consider how well the brand connects emotionally with the consumer through its marketing efforts.  The winners are chosen by the ICOTY jury, which consists of nationally renowned automotive journalists from respected publications such as Consumer Guide® Automotive, MSN Autos, New Car News Syndicate and RTM.

“The Kia Cadenza wins in this category for a variety of reasons, including Kia's remarkable effort to emerge in the entry-lux category,” said Courtney Caldwell, editor-in-chief of Road & Travel Magazine. “Overall, the car is beautiful and affordable, making upscale style and performance attainable to mid-America. We applaud Kia's rapid rise from underdog to unbelievable!”

The ICOTY award is the most recent in a string of accolades the 2014 Cadenza has received. Just a few months ago, the Cadenza took top honors in Motor Trend Magazine’s full-size sedan comparison test and was named to the 2014 North American Car of the Year short list.

Toyota unveils its Ultimate sports coupe concept.

A daring new Toyota coupe concept breaks cover at the Detroit motor show today. The new FT-1 concept is the result of Toyota’s Calty design studio’s mission to create the ultimate sports car.

The California-based team, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, has produced a car that is strikingly modern, yet which makes reference to Toyota’s rich sports car history, going back to the 2000GT of the mid-1960s.

The exterior captures the look of racecar with a curvilinear form, pronounced front wings and sharply defined contrasts that express powerful performance. The FT-1’s optimum aerodynamic qualities are communicated by its large air intakes, exhaust ports and retractable rear wing.

The front engine/rear-wheel drive configuration allows the cockpit to set further towards the rear of the car, within the wheelbase, helping improve weight distribution and create classic sports car proportions. The wraparound windscreen and side glass arrangement are a clear nod to the design of the original 2000GT.

The ergonomics of the cabin capitalise on the car’s low centre of gravity, helping the driver derive the maximum reward from the driving experience. A delta-shaped display zone helps make the driver feel at the heart of the action, fully connected to the car. This quality is reinforced by the Formula 1-style steering wheel and a colour head-up display that projects key information just above the wheel. The designers have pushed the A-pillars as far back as possible, to increase visibility when cornering.

Traditionally Toyota’s design decisions have been driven by consensus among a large group of people; as part of a company movement to give Toyota products more energy and passion, the process has been streamlined. This approach has been fundamental to the development of the FT-1, a concept that captures Toyota’s aim of creating cars that connect more deeply with customers and generate a more satisfying ownership experience.

AUDI designs allroad e-tron , giving the best of both models.

• World debut at NAIAS in Detroit (13-26 January)
• Powerful and efficient hybrid drive features two electric motors linked to conventional 2.0 TFSI with 292 PS output and 380 Nm torque
• Total system power 408 PS and 650 Nm of system torque available
• 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds, 155mph limited top speed, 149mpg and 45g/km CO2, according to appropriate standard, 502-mile driving range possible

Audi has pooled the genes of its rugged allroad models and its forthcoming e-tron hybrids to create a striking and fittingly futuristic new crossover concept bound for this month‘s  2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Incorporating a host of design elements that define the brand’s future design values, the Audi allroad shooting brake combines the elegant lines of a shooting brake with the purposeful stance of an allroad. As befits an allroad-themed study, its hybrid drive – which is as powerful as it is efficient – also makes a new form of quattro drive possible - e-tron quattro.

“The show car combines sex appeal, highly efficient e-tron-quattro technology that produces 300 kW of power yet only consumes 1.9 l/100 km of fuel (equating to 149 UK mpg) and cutting-edge electronic applications,” says Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of AUDI AG, Technical Development. “We are offering very concrete glimpses of the near future in this show car.”

With exceptional functionality and versatility the Audi allroad shooting brake is geared towards those with an active lifestyle, but it also advances the development and design elements of one of the most recent Audi show cars, the mighty Sport quattro concept originally shown at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. The main highlights of the show car are an aluminium and carbon fibre body shell, MatrixBeam LED headlights and the e-tron quattro drivetrain.

The allroad shooting brake has a wheelbase measuring 2.51 metres. It is 4.20 metres long, 1.85 metres wide and 1.41 metres tall, giving it a powerful stance on the road. The exterior shell appears as though it were sculpted from one solid piece, from the single-frame grille to the distinctive tornado line and crisp rear styling, in which the characteristics of the allroad and the shooting brake come together.

The outer body of the Audi allroad shooting brake is a material mix of aluminium and carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP). Dark grey rubbing strips are typical allroad elements, and they visually reduce the volume of the body; they ascend dynamically from front to rear. Together with the large wheels and flared arches, they accentuate the car's offroad character.

e-tron and allroad in unison

The Audi allroad shooting brake represents the first time that Audi has combined elements of the allroad and e-tron model types. As on every Audi, the large hexagonal single-frame grille dominates on the impressive sculptural front; it is slightly offset towards the rear of the body. Typical of an e-tron model, it has an insert with narrow fins, which resemble the cooling ribs of an electronic component. There is a quattro logo on the lower part of the single-frame. The low-profile central air inlet is milled into the underbody protection that is made of aluminium.

The low-profile dual headlights of the Audi allroad shooting brake are a classic reference to the look of the Audi quattro models. Braces partition the headlights into four segments; the matrix LED technology with its individually controlled light-emitting diodes guarantees excellent visibility without causing glare to oncoming traffic. Beneath the headlights, narrow cross fins provide structure to the large air inlets.

In a side view as well, the characteristic lines of the show car give the impression of concentrated energy. Its overhangs are short, and its roof line stretches low over the vehicle body. Typical of the shooting brake style, it descends early and runs out into the distinctive C-pillars. There is a charging port in the left pillar and a fuel door in the right pillar.

Fine details attest to the precision with which the show car was designed. There are aluminium inlays in the angular sill add-ons. The 19-inch lightweight wheels shod with 255/40 tyres have rims made of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP). Their finely detailed styling with seven arms is based on the look of the e-tron models, while their central locks are another feature that highlights the sporty character of the compact crossover.

At the rear, the aluminium underbody protection emphasises the car's width; its implied grooves vary from the e-tron motif. Horizontal, logically sequenced lines define the outlines of clean surfaces and taut volumes; the styling of the tail lights takes up the motif of the headlights. A diffuser integrates the two large exhaust tailpipes. The open roof spoiler further accentuates the design. The third brake light, implemented as a flat light conductor, elegantly complements the rear design.

Interior elements

There is plenty of room for four passengers inside. In front, the narrow sports seats give the driver and front passenger optimal body support. They feature highly contoured lateral panels and integrated head restraints, while cushioned pads support the thighs in quick driving through curves. An easy entry function makes rear seat access simpler. When the rear seatback is folded down, a cargo area with a level cargo floor is created, in which there is space for rather large sports equipment.

Designed with clean and taut lines, the interior of the show car utilises the colors anthracite and rock grey. The materials reflect the skillful handiwork of Audi designers – this is evident in the alcantara rooflining and in the various qualities of leather and the bright and dark aluminium materials that are used for controls and trim, such as on the air nozzles and the spokes of the multifunction steering wheel.

The interior design of the Audi allroad shooting brake also follows the Audi philosophy of lightweight design, sporty elegance and easy to use controls. When viewed from the top, the instrument panel resembles the wing surface of an airplane, and the round air nozzles elicit associations to jet engines. The controls for the climate control system are located here. Their centre spindles contain the controls for seat heating, temperature and the direction and intensity of the air streams. They automatically extend out from the instrument panel when they sense a hand approaching. The lights are activated by a button, and a plate-type handle opens the door.

The centre console travels together with seat adjustments so that the controls remain at an optimal distance to the driver. Individual fine adjustment is also possible. The controls – the electronic selector lever of the e-S tronic (shift-by-wire) and the terminal of the MMI user interface – are always ideally within reach and can be optimally adjusted to the height and preferences of the driver.

More advanced MMI system

The new design of the MMI terminal and sporty design of the multifunction steering wheel lets the driver control nearly all functions of the Audi allroad shooting brake intuitively. The menu structure is based on that of a smart phone, which includes a free text search function. It is easy to access all major functions, and multitouch gestures on the touchpad of the MMI terminal enable quick scrolling and zooming in lists and maps.

The cockpit is very focused on the driver. The steering wheel and digital instrument cluster lie in a single direct line of sight. The TFT display with its 12.3-inch screen presents all key information in top quality 3D graphics and offers a variety of modes. In the classic view, the powermeter for the plug-in hybrid drive system and the speedometer are in the foreground, while in Infotainment mode elements such as the large navigation map dominate, and in Sport mode the tachometer is prominently displayed.

Another forward-looking feature in the show car is the Audi phone box, which links the driver's mobile phone to the vehicle electrical system and can inductively charge it as necessary.

Three drive units: plug-in hybrid drive

The plug-in hybrid drive delivers impressive key performance data with 408 PS of system power and a system torque of 650 Nm (479.42 lb-ft). The show car, which weighs around 1,600 kg unladen, launches from a standstill to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds, and is capable of reaching an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

Fuel consumption is measured at 148.7mpg according to the relevant ECE standard, which equates to CO2 emissions of 45g/km. A total driving range of up to 510 miles is achievable.

The 2.0 TFSI in the Audi allroad shooting brake delivers 292 PS of power and generates 380 Nm (280.27 lb-ft) of torque. The transverse mounted 2.0-litre four-cylinder with a large turbocharger is a high-end engine. In part-load operation, indirect injection supplements direct gasoline injection to improve fuel economy; the exhaust manifold that is integrated in the cylinder head enables high-performance thermal management.

The 2.0 TFSI operates together with a disc-shaped electric motor via a decoupling clutch; the electric motor outputs 40 kW of power and 270 Nm (199.14 lb-ft) of torque. It is integrated in the six-speed e-S tronic. The ultra-fast shifting dual clutch transmission sends torque to the front wheels.

A second electric motor, which is separate from this drive unit, is mounted to the rear axle. It supplies propulsive power at low and moderate vehicle speeds with its maximum power of 85 kW and 270 Nm (199.14 lb-ft) of torque. It can also be operated in tandem with the motor and engine at the front axle if the hybrid management system decides that all-wheel drive makes sense. In such situations, e.g. on a slippery road or in light off-road conditions, this essentially makes the Audi allroad shooting brake an e-tron quattro.

Located just forward of the rear axle is a lithium-ion battery that consists of eight modules. It contributes towards a balanced distribution of weight, and it hardly affects cargo capacity at all. The liquid-cooled battery has an energy capacity of 8.8 kWh, which is enough for 31 miles of all-electric driving. An Audi wall box is used for stationary charging; it can operate with different voltages and plug connector types, and it regulates the energy transfer conveniently and intelligently.

Three modes for Audi drive select

Drive select management offers three driving modes. EV mode, which can be selected by a button on the multifunction steering wheel, prioritises all-electric driving. Here, the front drive unit is inactive, and the electric motor at the rear axle with its powerful torque can rapidly accelerate the two-door car to a top speed of 81 mph.

In Hybrid mode, the drive sources operate highly efficiency, and they work together in various ways as necessary. In many situations, the electric motor in front acts as a generator – driven by the engine, it charges the battery, and this extends the car’s effective electric driving range.

In Sport mode, which the driver can select via the Audi drive select system, the car's full system power is available. When a high level of power is demanded by the driver, the electric motor at the rear axle works together with the 2.0 TFSI in a boost mode, in which both drive units output propulsive power.

Depending on the driving situation, releasing the accelerator pedal can cause all drive units to be decoupled, or it can result in energy recovery by regenerative braking. In the first case, the show car coasts with zero emissions since the combustion engine is shut off; in the latter case, braking energy is fed back into the high-voltage battery.

The driver can use the "Hold" and "Charge" functions in the MMI user interface to specifically influence the battery's charge state, e.g. to increase storage of electric energy so that it can be used over the final miles to the destination.

An electro-mechanical steering system is at work in the chassis of the Audi allroad shooting brake; it works together with a MacPherson front suspension and a four-link rear suspension. The sporty crossover is very talented in off-road driving thanks to its high ground clearance, compact wheelbase, short overhangs and electric quattro drive. It has a taut and sporty stance on the road, and the Audi drive select vehicle dynamics system offers various modes to the driver.

Redesigned 2015 AUDI A8 makes debut at NAIAS

• Audi A8 and S8 models redesigned for more sportiness, performance and luxury.
• More powerful 4.0T engine increases from 420 to 435 horsepower
• New front fascia and rear design including newly designed lights give Audi A8 model line an even more dynamic stance

The Audi A8 sedan receives an even more dynamic look for the 2015 model year. New LED headlamp design and powerful creases in the hood as well as newly designed grille, bumper, and splitter combine to give the A8 model line fascia a wider stance and a more dynamic presence. The rear of the A8 and S8 receive a new tail lamp and a new tailpipe design that further support the sportier exterior. The S8 also receives an available sport exhaust that allows passengers to audibly experience its powerful drive train.

“The Audi A8 sedan represents the pinnacle of Audi progressive luxury,” said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. “Our flagship model was chosen by more customers every year since its introduction and the new 2015 A8 model line will continue to build upon that success.”

The new 2015 Audi A8 and S8 will arrive in the U.S. in the summer of 2014. Highlights include:

Design and Body
For 2015, the Audi A8 and S8 receive new front and rear designs that give all of the models a wider, more dynamic stance. The ASF® aluminum construction of the A8/S8 continues to provide exceptional rigidity and performance characteristics.
• Dynamic new front fascia including standard new LED headlights, hood,
Audi Singleframe® grille, bumper and splitter design combine for greater presence on the road
• New tail lamp and trapezoidal tailpipe design (oval quad tailpipes on S8)
• New selection of 20” wheels and five new exterior colors

Technology and Driver Assistance System Features
Audi continues to offer industry leading technology that improves the driving experience for drivers and passengers alike including Audi Side assist and Audi pre sense® plus. The Audi MMI® navigation plus system that includes Google Earth mapping, Google Voice local search functionality and a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to eight devices continues to be a benchmark for the segment. New driver assistance systems for the 2015 A8 model line are:

• Active lane assist helps keep the A8 between the lane markings through active steering adjustments should the vehicle drift across the lane markings
• Secondary collision assist automatically applies the brakes following a collision to help avoid possible secondary collisions
• Night vision assistant already offers pedestrian detection. Now animal detection is able to highlight larger animals such as deer and help provide a warning to the driver if the animal is in danger of entering the path of travel
• Head-up display for ease of viewing vehicle speed, navigation, automatic cruise control, Active lane assist and Night vision warning information projected onto windscreen
• Audi park assist (late availability) which will help steer the car into a parking space

Improved Performance
All of the A8 model line engines offer excellent efficiency and performance.

The A8 TDI in particular continues to offer a great alternative for those wanting impressive efficiency without compromise, while the S8 impresses with its 520 horsepower. The A8 3.0 TFSI continues to be the entry into the A8 model range and the W12 represents the pinnacle of luxury. The new electromechanical power steering provides greater comfort and agility, while improving fuel efficiency. Changes to the 2015 engine offering include:

• A8 4.0T V8 increases horsepower from 420hp to 435hp
• W12 6.3 liter engine now with Cylinder On Demand technology

Higher Level of Luxury
Luxury equipment such as available 22-way front and rear comfort seats with 5 different massage functions as well as heating and ventilation capabilities are just some of the elements that make the A8 interior the benchmark in the segment. New optimized elements that add to its luxury feel include:

• Significant acoustic measures for a quieter cabin and driving comfort
• Optimized trunk packaging for improved space and usability

The Audi S8 – Design and Body
The updated Audi S8 becomes even sportier with its new exterior design that further complements its exceptional performance characteristics.

• New interior design selection: Vermont brown leather interior paired with Carbon twill copper inlays combine the sporty character of the S8 with stunning elegance and craftsmanship
• Updated front fascia design with larger air intakes in the lower bumper and reduced use of chrome accents give a sportier look. New sport exhaust with wider oval quad tailpipes, rear diffusor and side sills in addition to the front and rear tail lamp changes round out the dynamic design of the Audi S8

Volkswagen Dune Concept to début in Detroit

In the midst of a ferociously cold Michigan winter, the new Volkswagen Beetle Dune concept is all set to bring a hint of summer sunshine when it makes its debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit next week.

The Beetle Dune is based on the latest version of the iconic Volkswagen, and adds a cool, rugged off-road look. The body has been raised by 50 mm compared with a standard Beetle, while 19-inch wheels with large tyres lend an all-terrain look.  A rear-mounted ski-rack is reminiscent of those fitted to classic Beetles, and makes a perfect accessory for the season.  In the summer, it could hold a sandboard – the ideal accessory for surfing the sand dunes from which the Beetle Dune takes its name.

The latest Beetle Dune concept also revisits an idea from January 2000, when Volkswagen showed the New Beetle Dune concept in Los Angeles.  But while that vehicle was far from a production possibility, the Beetle Dune is very much based on the current production model, using the same 210 PS turbocharged petrol engine and six-speed DSG gearbox, providing power to the front wheels.

Further information on and images of the Beetle Dune concept will be available after the car makes its debut at the NAIAS on 13 January.

Kia GT4 Stinger Concept to be launched at Detroit

Kia’s GT4 Stinger concept will be unveiled at the 2014 North American International Auto Show next week.

Beneath the low wedge of the sculpted bonnet resides a tuned version of Kia’s proven 2.0-litre turbocharged gasoline direct injection (T-GDI) four-cylinder engine pumping out an impressive 315 horsepower.

A close-ratio six-speed manual transmission directs power to the rear wheels where 275/35R20 Pirelli P-Zero performance tyres meet the asphalt.  Custom 20-inch aluminium centre-lock wheels feature carbon fibre inserts for strength and weight reduction.

Tucked inside the massive wheels and bringing the GT4 to a halt are Brembo Gran Tourismo two-piece cross-drilled rotors with four-piston callipers. And underpinning the GT4 Stinger’s sculpted ‘Ignition Yellow’ covered body is a custom chassis with an independent double wishbone suspension.

Full details are to be revealed at the Detroit Motor Show next week.

Kia to launch new concept at Detroit.

• First image of new concept car
• Designed by Kia team in Irvine, California
• 2+2 sports concept to star at NAIAS

Kia is set to unveil a stunning sports car concept at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.

Conceived and designed by Kia’s California-based team at Irvine, the 2+2 sports car is aimed at delivering head-turning looks whilst providing superb driving enjoyment whether on the road or at the track.

The concept will be unveiled at Kia’s stand at the NAIAS on Monday 13 January.

The latest Volvo Concept, the XC Coupe, debuts at the NAIAS in Detroit

In September, the Volvo Concept Coupé was launched to critical acclaim and many awards, and represented the world’s first insight into Volvo Car Group's (Volvo Cars) new design direction under Senior Vice President of Design, Thomas Ingenlath. It also showed one interpretation of how the proportions and versatility of Volvo Cars' new Scalable Product Architecture, that will underpin all medium and large cars in the company’s future, could look.

The Concept Coupé was the first of three design studies. The next chapter in Volvo Cars' new design story showcases how the company’s famous safety technology as well as a contemporary Scandinavian active lifestyle could be integrated into the new architecture. The Volvo Concept XC Coupé will make its world debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) on January 13, but full details including press release, videos and images will be published on January 8.

The Concept XC Coupé builds on Volvo’s proud history of Cross Country and XC products, with Volvo Cars having created the niche in 1997. And in anticipation of the full reveal of the car in early 2014, Volvo Cars now shares the first three images of the car.