GM EN-V Concept, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• GM EN-V Concept, 2010

By 2030, urban areas  be home to more than 60 percent of the world's 8 billion people. This put tremendous pressure on a public infrastructure that is already struggling to meet the growing demand for transportation and basic services.

General Motors and its strategic partner, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. Group (SAIC), share a common vision for addressing the need for personal mobility through a radical change in personal urban transportation. They are exploring several solutions for tomorrow's drivers. Among the most promising is a new vehicle form called EN-V.

A Promising Solution
EN-V, which is short for Electric Networked-Vehicle, maintains the core principle of personal mobility - freedom - while helping remove the motor vehicle from the environmental debate and redefining design leadership. EN-V is a two-seat electric vehicle that was designed to alleviate concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow's cities.

Three EN-V models were unveiled in Shanghai. They represent three different characteristics that emphasize the enjoyable nature of future transportation: Jiao (Pride), Miao (Magic) and Xiao (Laugh). The concepts will be showcased from May 1 through October 31 at the SAIC-GM Pavilion at World Expo 2010 Shanghai. Shanghai is expected to become one of the epicenters for the establishment of personal mobility solutions for the future.

Breakthrough Technology
GM EN-V Concept's platform has evolved from the platform of the Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility (P.U.M.A.) prototype that was developed by Segway and debuted in April 2009. Segway has worked collaboratively with GM to develop and deliver multiple copies of the drivetrain platform that seamlessly connect to and power the various EN-Vs.

GM EN-V Concept is propelled by electric motors in each of its two driving-mode wheels. Dynamic stabilization technology empowers EN-V, giving it the unique ability to carry two passengers and light cargo in a footprint that's about a third of a traditional vehicle. It can literally "turn on a dime" within its own operating envelope. In addition, everything in EN-V is drive-by-wire, supporting its ability to operate autonomously or under manual control. The motors not only provide power for acceleration, but also bring the vehicle to a stop.

Power for the motors is provided by lithium-ion batteries that produce zero emissions. Recharging can occur from a conventional wall outlet using standard household power, allowing EN-V to travel at least 40 kilometers on a single charge. EN-V can also improve the efficiency of the public electric infrastructure since the vehicle can communicate with the electric grid to determine the best time to recharge based on overall usage.

By combining the Global Positioning System (GPS) with vehicle-to-vehicle communications and distance-sensing technologies, the EN-V concept can be driven both manually and autonomously.

Its autonomous operating capability offers the promise of reducing traffic congestion by allowing EN-V to automatically select the fastest route based on real-time traffic information. The concept also leverages wireless communications to enable a "social network" that can be used by drivers and occupants to communicate with friends or business associates while on the go.

The combination of sensing technology, wireless communication and GPS-based navigation establishes a technology foundation, pieces of which could migrate from the EN-V concept and potentially lead the way to future advanced vehicle safety systems.

The ability to communicate with other vehicles and with the infrastructure could dramatically reduce the number of vehicle accidents. Using vehicle-based sensor and camera systems, EN-V can "sense" what's around it, allowing the vehicle to react quickly to obstacles or changes in driving conditions. For example, if a pedestrian steps out in front of the vehicle, EN-V will decelerate to a slower and safer speed and stop sooner than today's vehicles.

GM has been a leader in developing autonomous vehicle technology, having worked alongside students and faculty at Carnegie Mellon University in the U.S. city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This collaboration created "The Boss" Chevrolet Tahoe, which brought autonomous vehicle operation to life in 2007. EN-V takes the lessons learned in "The Boss" and offers mobility to people who could not otherwise operate a vehicle.

GM EN-V Concept has been designed for the speed and range of today's urban drivers. It weighs less than 500 kilograms and is about 1.5 meters in length. By comparison, today's typical automobile weighs more than 1,500 kilograms and is three times as long. In addition, today's automobiles require more than 10 square meters of parking space and are parked more than 90 percent of the time. EN-V's smaller size and greater maneuverability mean the same parking lot can accommodate five times as many EN-Vs as typical automobiles.

Smaller, Smarter Design
While EN-V leads the way in terms of efficiency and technology, it also sets a new benchmark for vehicle design. For its debut, GM had design teams around the world provide their vision of what future mobility will look like. Xiao (Laugh) was designed by GM Holden's design team in Australia, while the look of Jiao (Pride) was penned by designers at GM Europe and Miao (Magic) was designed at the General Motors Advanced Design Studio in the U.S. state of California.

Each EN-V has a unique design theme to showcase the flexibility of the propulsion platform. The design gives each EN-V its own personality, with a unique opening, elegant interior and innovative color, lighting and seat technology. Xiao offers a more lighthearted appeal, with its "gumball blue" paint and nautical-inspired design. Miao takes most of its design cues from the consumer electronics industry, as evidenced by its sleek, masculine looks. Designers also used Miao to display innovative lighting solutions, including extensive use of LED accent lighting. With its clean lines and bright paintwork, Jiao takes its design influence from bullet trains and Chinese opera masks.

The body and canopy of GM EN-V Concept are constructed from carbon fiber, custom-tinted Lexan and acrylic, materials that are more commonly used in race cars, military airplanes and spacecraft because of their strength and lightweight characteristics. The ability to work with such innovative materials provided a learning opportunity for GM's design teams to study the feasibility of future traditional automotive applications.

EN-V's compact size makes it ideal for use in densely populated cities thanks to its use of advanced safety and propulsion technologies. But good things come in small packages, as witnessed by EN-V's innovative interior design, which provides maximum visibility to the world outside. A simple interface for activating Wi-Fi-based technologies keeps occupants connected to the outside world.

Venturi America, 2010

 

 

 

 

•  Venturi America, 2010

The Venturi America combines both the values of traditional America and those resulting from new awareness of ecological issues.

The new American dream is embodied by this new model from Venturi : a high-riding electric sports car that one can see oneself driving, one's hair in the wind, through the fantastic scenery offered by this vast continent.

Equipped with the same motor of over 300 hp as the Venturi Fetish, this new-era "buggy" is, in fact, a high-powered lightweight vehicle with a chassis specially designed to suit its particularly high body. The America is nevertheless an acceleration car that symbolizes "cool green attitude" while being a luxury technological product.

In fact, there is nothing today that is anything like this fantastic vehicle, half sports car, half buggy, but it is well worth betting that Venturi has once again come up with a model that will enter the annals of history.

The America also marks a new milestone for Venturi which has just launched Venturi North America in Columbus, Ohio. In parallel to its sites in Monaco and France, this new unit will enable Venturi to pursue its technical and commercial development in the United States.

VM300 : A NEW-GENERATION ELECTRIC MOTOR
The America has borrowed its motor from the new Fetish, the VM300, which, with over 300 hp (+220 kW) and torque of 380 Nm, is the most advanced electric motor ever designed for an automobile.

To get the very best out of such a motor, a new 54 kWh battery pack has been developed (LIV-10 Lithium Ion Polymer batteries) whose electronics (Battery Management System) have been entrusted to Ventec, the leader in the field.

The America offers a real range of up to 300 km. Thanks to its on-board charger, it can recharge using a standard electrical socket or fast charge terminals (see Specs).

A SPECIAL CHASSIS
The first chassis specifically designed to house a large volume of batteries, the carbon monocoque developed by Venturi provides exceptional protection for its occupants : the body is in fact completed by two deformable cells positioned at the front and rear of the vehicle. This concept guarantees the security of the battery pack in the event of an accident and provides a level of safety never before attained in an electric car.

With the same aim, the chassis of the Venturi America has been designed and tested to protect passengers from electromagnetic emissions from the vehicle's batteries.

Derived from that of the new Fetish, the America's chassis has been treated to specific development.

EXTREME VERSATILITY
A real synthesis of two exclusive automobile worlds, the America is both an electric sports car and an all-terrain leisure vehicle. This "mix" approach ensures extreme versatility in use.

Its performance, balance and sports car road-holding, combined with its particularly high body and specific tyre mounting, ensure that it is equally at ease on steep paths as on the highway.

The electric "Buggy" offers the possibility of Venturing off the beaten track while respecting the environment in terms of both noise pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Pontiac G8 Sport Truck, 2010

 

 

 

• Pontiac G8 Sport Truck, 2010

The 2010 Pontiac G8 sport truck blurs the line between cars and trucks and is creating an all-new segment in the North American car market. This dramatically different vehicle blends the sporty handling of a performance coupe with the cargo capabilities of a light truck.

Based on the all-new Pontiac G8 performance sedan, the newest member of the G8 family has a longer wheelbase and a cargo bed suitable for either work or recreation. The Pontiac G8 sport truck significantly stretches Pontiac's commitment to style and performance and is expected to arrive in dealers' showrooms in late 2009.

Consumer named
Another unique aspect of this new vehicle is the fact that it will be named by a consumer. Consumers can visit http://www.pontiac.com/namethiscar and submit their name ideas. "As an important part of the G8 family, we know that 'sport truck' doesn't fully describe the vehicle's ability to blur the lines between sports car and truck," said Craig Bierley, Pontiac marketing director. "Because its fans will surely be as unique as the vehicle itself, we're giving them a voice in selecting a name that reflects its appeal." The winning entry will be announced April 15, 2008.

The Design
The Pontiac G8 sport truck maintains the same sporty exterior design as its namesake sedan. Flared fenders wrap around the 18-inch wheels and give it a wide, confident stance. The roofline has a coupe-like profile that reflects the vehicle's performance pedigree.

The doors, roof and exterior panels aft of the B-pillars are unique from the G8 sedan. One-piece outer body panels give the vehicle a sleek appearance. Wrap-around taillamps and fully concealed tailgate hinges add to the sculpted look. A color-coordinated, soft tonneau cover conceals and protects items in the cargo bed from the weather.

The Performance
The sport truck draws its strength from the same powerful 6.0L V-8 engine used in the G8 GT. It puts out 361 horsepower (270 kW) and 385 lb.-ft. (522 Nm) of torque. The combination of a six-speed automatic transmission and Active Fuel Management technology provides both car-like fuel economy and an unexpected 0-to-60 time of 5.4 seconds.

While these performance numbers are respectable by sports car standards, the Pontiac G8 sport truck offers flexibility unlike that of a sports car. A 73.9-inch (1878 mm) cargo bed has 42.7 cubic feet (1208 L) of cargo space and a durable composite bed liner. It also can carry a payload of more than 1,074 pounds (488 kg) and tow a 3,500-pound (1,600 kg) trailer.

Structure
The Pontiac G8 sport truck is based on the same rear-wheel-drive architecture as the G8 performance sedan. However, the sport truck's body structure was reinforced in key areas to support its cargo and towing duties. More than 60 new components were added to strengthen the structure. Compared to the sedan, the 118.5-inch (3,009 mm) wheelbase is approximately four inches longer and the overall length is six inches longer.

Suspension and wheels
A four-wheel independent suspension with electronic stability control delivers confident handling, whether loaded with weekend home-improvement supplies or towing a pair of personal watercraft to the lake.

The steering box is located ahead of the front axle line for a quick, direct feel. The sport truck's front stabilizer bar is one mm larger than the sedan, and the rear suspension has been enhanced to support payloads without adversely affecting handling.

The Pontiac G8 sport truck rides on 18-inch machine-faced aluminum wheels with a P245/45R18 summer performance tire. All-season tires are available. An optional Sports Package includes 19-inch machine-faced aluminum wheels with P245/40R19 summer performance tires.

Brakes and steering
The sport truck shares the G8 GT's four-wheel disc brake system, featuring 12.64-inch front and 12.76-inch rear rotors. Front rotor thickness is 1.0 inch, while the rear rotors are 0.87-inch thick. Twin-piston, front alloy calipers and vented rotors and single-piston, alloy rear calipers with vented rotors are standard, as is ABS.

Comfort and convenience
Given its heritage, it's not surprising that the Pontiac G8 sport truck offers many of the same creature comforts as the G8 GT, such as:
    Air conditioning with electronic dual-zone climate control
    Cruise control
    Driver Information Center
    Bluetooth connectivity
    Tilt/telescoping steering wheel with DIC and radio controls
    Power windows/locks/mirrors
    Remote keyless entry and remote start
    Theft-deterrent alarm system

Fully-bolstered, four-way adjustable cloth seats are standard. Heated, six-way leather seats are available. They can be customized with two-tone, black-and-red inserts and a coordinating gauge cluster.

Behind the seats is a surprisingly large interior cargo area with more than 8.5 cubic feet (245 liters) of storage space. There are two covered storage compartments beneath the load floor and a pair of cargo nets.

Sound system
The Pontiac G8 sport truck's 230-watt Blaupunkt AM/FM/six-disc CD changer has an MP3 input and five speakers. The 6.5-inch audio display controls both the sound and climate control systems.

Safety and security
A full list of safety features are standard:
    StabiliTrak electronic vehicle stability system
    Tire pressure monitoring system
    Dual-stage frontal air bags with a passenger sensing system
    Head-curtain side air bags
    Side thorax air bags
    Three-point safety belts in all seating positions
    Safety belt pretensioners
    OnStar

Noble M600, 2010

 

 

 

 

•  Noble M600, 2010

The ethos of the Noble M600 has developed from a small team passionate about driving. This evolved from our research of the available 'supercars' most of which lean heavily on computer assistance. The use of fashionable but often inefficient gear paddle shift, over assisted brakes and inopportune traction control have all become standard features of the modern day supercar.

We at Noble Automotive thought it time to break the mould, feeling that this now ubiquitous 'digital' driver assistance disengages and negates the driver experience and reward. We have experienced, when turning off these devices, that computer generated support can often cosmetically mask and flatter inferior chassis and handling characteristics. We decided that with the introduction of the Noble M600 it was time to 'get back to basics', to concentrate on the more 'analogue' qualities of design by utilising a principle of pure engineering integrity from the chassis up, putting the driver back in control.

The philosophy behind this radical and refreshing premise is best summed up by Peter Dyson, owner of Noble Automotive Limited: 'Noble is a labour of love, of no compromises and of challenges fought. The car speaks for itself, and absolutely reflects what the Team and I envision a true drivers car should be. It is no question uniquely "out of sync" in today's world, one overrun with cars that cannot make up their minds as to whether they want to be a car that rewards or a car that gives hollow praise by electronically 'covering' the errors.'

Designed and engineered with a purity that rewards driver skill, the Noble M600 is neither dictated to nor hindered by unnecessary computer assistance. It puts you back in the driving seat.

Put simply the Noble M600 is for those who love to drive…

DEVELOPMENT
We have heard that there is some stiff competition out there, and although Noble Automotive is a low volume motor manufacturer, we do pride ourselves on our individuality, attention to detail and engineering excellence.

The development of the Noble M600 has been an incredibly intense and rewarding journey, a journey in its literal sense, we shipped the development prototype to the USA.

Crossing the continent from East to West we experienced the most dramatic and demanding of climates and terrains in order to prove and test the efficacy and engineering of the Noble M600. In company, for comparative purposes, with a Porsche Carrera GT and, for some of the journey, a Ferrari Enzo. We drove from Chicago westward; the journey included every type of environment, from the incredibly hot Death Valley in California to the mountains and snow of Utah, from the infamous Pikes Peak to the Bonneville Salt Flats, and finally, to a hot and dusty race track in Phoenix Arizona where the Noble M600 was tested and evaluated against some of the fastest and most respected supercars in the world.

Nearer to home, in the UK we completed a full wind tunnel aero program. Climatic wind tunnel testing and durability program. Acoustic noise, vibration and harshness testing. Four post rig for damper and suspension tuning and thousands of miles of both road and track testing.

DESIGN
Design is of course subjective, beauty is certainly in the eye of the beholder. However there are certain design absolutes, particularly when creating a supercar featuring such massive power and performance, which dictate, in order to have full aerodynamic and cooling efficiency certain design criteria must be met.

It is our belief that form should always follow function, there is much in the philosophy 'if it looks right it probably is right'.

Utilising extensive wind tunnel testing we have strived to maintain the form to be as minimalist as possible whilst providing the ultimate aerodynamic and cooling efficiency. Nothing is cosmetic; every element of the shape and design is intrinsic to the effectiveness of the performance.

We feel that this 'purity' of design gives the Noble M600 an understated purposeful gravitas that stands out in the crowd.

WHAT LIES BENEATH
Noble Automotive take great pride in our reputation for the excellent ride and handling of our performance cars. We firmly believe that the chassis is the fundamental foundation of any performance car. This is particularly the case with cars which do not feature a great deal of computer technology. Computer assistance can often mask deficits in the chassis design and it is not until these electronic driver aids are turned off that the flaws are revealed.

There is no engineering logic which dictates that precise and effective handling should be to the detriment of comfort and ride quality. We believe that an effectively designed and engineered chassis should be able to combine both high speed capability and driver comfort. Our engineering, based on a 'back to basics' ethos, devotes a huge amount of time and resources in ensuring that the chassis is as efficient and effective as possible. This is ably demonstrated by the Noble M600, the high speed handling is superb and the ride is both comfortable and smooth.

The chassis built by hand for both safety and efficiency features:
    Stainless steel and aluminium tub construction with an integral safety cell.
    High 'H' point sill sections for side impact protection.
    Rear crash structure.
    Front boot carbon composite crash structure.

SAFETY
The Noble M600 has a massive 650bhp available, this amount of power, or indeed the power delivery, is not always either appropriate or required, however with the Adaptable Performance Control function you can select the power output to reflect both the location and suitable driving conditions.

The Noble M600 features three APC settings, the chosen setting is displayed on both the APC dial and the dashboard display. The APC adjusts not just the power output but also tailors the boost curve, traction and throttle response relative to the selected mode.

ROAD: This is the 'comfort' setting and represents circa 450bhp, this also supports full traction control and a gently progressive boost curve and throttle response.

TRACK: This is the mid-range power setting circa 550bhp, this setting features a little less intrusive traction, a steeper boost curve and more initial response to the throttle.

RACE: This is the full power setting of circa 650bhp, this allows increased wheel slip, an aggressive boost curve and a heightened reactive throttle 'tip in' to allow effective and responsive heel and toe operation.

Note: The three power settings are titled merely to title and denote the power delivered, the literary terms Road, Track and Race in no way reflect recommended use or location.

TC: TRACTION CONTROL
We believe in freedom of choice, but not at the expense of safety. Traction can be totally de-selected, in order that this function is not utilised in error we have provided an 'are you sure?' fail-safe switch guard. This feature, as used in fighter jets to prevent accidental missile firing, ensures that the process requires a two stage action. Lift the switch guard...push the button, traction is off. The traction automatically resets to the 'on' position after the engine is turned off.

BRAKES
In keeping with our ethos, we were determined to give the purest and most rewarding drive possible.

In our research with other performance marques we noted that brakes were often over assisted, this resulting in a lack of 'feel' and less capability for modulation at high speed.

The brakes, developed for the Noble M600 in partnership with Alcon, feature semi-floating front disc with cast aluminium alloy monobloc calipers. The monobloc six piston front and four piston rear caliper designs ensure high strength with low weight and provide a firm brake pedal in all driving conditions. Caliper bore sizes are staggered to ensure even pad wear and the pin mounted pads provide low threshold pressure and low noise. The calipers clamp 380mm front and 350mm rear ventilated discs both of which are mounted to lightweight aluminium bells. Friction is provided courtesy of Pagid performance pads.

The wheels, manufactured by Speedline in Italy, are exclusively designed for the Noble M600, featuring forged aluminium alloy 9Jx19 fronts and 12Jx20 rears. Tyres are Michelin Pilot Sport 255/30-19 fronts and 335/30-20 rears.

COMFORT
The Noble M600 is primarily designed for speed and handling however this is not at the expense of either comfort or practicality.

The cabin features a traditional British hand built finish, with your choice of leather or Alcantara. Natural finished polished carbon door cards and centre console, hand turned knobs and bezels and fine quality wool carpets bound to the edge with leather.

The seats, designed and created exclusively for the Noble M600, are of lightweight carbon fibre composite construction which can be bespoke upholstered to individual requirements. The seats also feature carbon fibre inserts for the optional five point harnesses.

The 330mm flat bottom steering wheel is also hand stitched and can be finished in either suede or leather.

The luggage space, situated to the front, is fully carpeted and bound in leather and is both spacious and practical. We also offer the option of a beautiful calf leather travel set bespoke to the luggage area.

BESPOKE
We believe that every Noble M600 should reflect both the personality and individuality of the owner.

The Noble M600 is hand-built in England and is finished to the clients exact cosmetic requirements. Each M600 will carry on the dashboard an identification plate featuring the unique build number.

During the build the customer will be invited to view the progress of the build and to meet those engineers and personnel involved in its creation.

It is our belief that a personal relationship between the customer and manufacturer is one of the huge benefits of low volume hand crafted motor manufacturing.

SPECIFICATIONS
    Top Speed: 225mph (estimated)
    0-120 mph: 8.9 seconds
    Engine: Yamaha V8 4439cc Twin Turbo
    Power: 650 bhp @ 6800 rpm
    Torque: 604 lb ft @ 3800 rpm
    Power to Weight: 520bhp per tonne
    Transmission: Graziano 6 speed manual
    Installation: Mid, longitudinal, rear wheel drive
    Chassis: Stainless sheet steel tub with tubular space frame
    Body: Carbon Fibre Composite
    Steering: Power assisted rack and pinion
    Suspension: Independent double wishbones with coil over Multimatic shock absorbers, front and rear roll bars
    Brakes
        Front: Alcon 380mm semi-floating discs with six piston calipers
        Rear: Alcon 350mm discs with four piston calipers
    Wheels: Speedline forged aluminium alloy
        Front: 9Jx19
        Rear: 12Jx20
    Tyres: Michelin Pilot Sport
    Front: 255/30-19
    Rear: 335/30-20
    Fuel Capacity: 73 litres
    Wheelbase: 2540 mm
    Weight: 1250 kg
    Track: 1578 mm
    Length: 4360 mm

Fisker Karma, 2010

 

 

 

• Fisker Karma, 2010

Fisker Automotive, Inc., the new American manufacturer of premium green automobiles, unveiled its first production car - the 2010 Fisker Karma - at the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. With a starting price of $87,900 ($80,400 after US government tax credits), 1,000 orders for the 100 mile-per-gallon luxury plug-in hybrid have been received since the prototype debuted at the 2008 NAIAS. Fisker Karma deliveries are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2009 through the Fisker Automotive Retail network.

The four-door, four-seat Fisker Karma fuses the traditional and timeless styling of veteran auto designer and Fisker Automotive CEO Henrik Fisker, with Quantum Technologies' clean Q-DRIVE plug-in hybrid powertrain to become the world's first luxury plug-in hybrid car.

Q-DRIVE®: POWERFUL TECHNOLOGY
Exclusive to Fisker Automotive, Q-DRIVE provides the best combination of power, efficiency and low emissions. The system is comprised of two 201hp electric motors powered by an advanced lithium-ion technology battery pack. A generator attached to a 260hp turbocharged 2.0-liter Ecotec® direct injection (D1) gasoline engine provides extended range capabilities.

Q-DRIVE features two operating modes: Stealth Mode and Sport Mode. In electric-only Stealth Mode, drivers can travel emission free for up to 50 miles on a full charge from any 110-, 220- or 240-volt electric outlet. A total range of up to 300 miles is estimated in Sport Mode, which utilizes the efficient Ecotec gasoline engine to turn a generator that powers two electric motors on the rear differential. A fully charged Fisker Karma can achieve an annual average of more than 100 miles per gallon.

With a top speed of 125 mph and a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds, the Fisker Karma is the world's first true premium plug-in hybrid sports sedan. The Karma's low center of gravity and performance oriented, A-arm suspension system offer a world class driving experience. Tall, wide tires deliver immense lateral grip while electrohydaulic disc brakes provide effortless stopping power.

LUXURY AND STYLE
Fisker Karma's exterior design features the continual flow of sculpture and dramatic proportion that is signature Fisker style. A low, wide stance and raised front fenders offer the driver a unique view of the car's design. Modest changes from the original Fisker Karma prototype include an enhanced upper grill and an enlarged lower intake for improved airflow. A new aerodynamic diffuser under the rear bumper helps cool the electric drivetrain. Instantly recognizable, the Fisker Karma also benefits from having the world's largest continuously formed glass solar panel roof on a car - an industry first and a standard feature on all Fisker Karma sedans.

A desirable car of any kind requires an inviting cockpit. Fisker's interior design team focused on sustainable design held accountable to the environment. Inspiration from nature's timeless beauty and the quality of classic design composition provided immense inspiration. Fisker Karma's Sustainable and Accountable Design is reflected in the use of reusable materials enhanced with modern technology. For example, wood trim is sourced from non-living trees: 'Fallen Trees' that have succumbed to age; 'Rescued Trees' burned in forest fires; and 'Sunken Trees' lying in American lake bottoms.

Fisker Karma's instrumentation and controls focus on ease of use. Embedded in the layered EcoGlass center console is a 10.2-inch touch sensitive screen controlling HVAC, audio and other vehicle systems. LCD gauges behind the steering wheel provide display critical information like battery charge and vehicle speed.

Fisker Karma buyers will choose from three trim levels: EcoBase™, EcoSport™ and EcoChic™. The most advanced sustainable material series, EcoChic, is based on an animal-free approach that still offers a luxurious environment. Leather is replaced by 100% Bamboo Viscose, a soft hand textile, while EcoGlass™ trim frames authentic fossilized leaves. Karma's EcoSport series incorporates hand-wrapped premium leather using a 100% sustainable manufacturing strategy, which minimizes the number of hides required and highlights natural markings.

KARMA PRODUCTION AND DELIVERY
To meet production goals, Fisker turned to specialty builder Valmet Automotive in Finland. Delivery of the more than 1,000 pre-ordered Karmas will begin this year. To commemorate initial production, the first 99 examples will be trimmed to match both interior and exterior specifications of the Fisker Karma prototype originally showcased at the 2008 NAIAS. Each will feature a personalized plaque with a designated car number and signature from Henrik Fisker

Also at the heart of defining the future is Fisker's retail network. A selective process to support initial deliveries is underway and interest from established dealers is high. Customers can expect a high level of service from retail partners that share their environmental and energy values.

Citroen C3, 2010

 

 

 

•  Citroen C3, 2010

The new Citroën C3 has a strong ambition: to replace a bestseller that has sold more than 2 million units.
The winning formula: take the best of the Citroën C3 and make it even better.
With seductive features: tauter styling, high-class trim, intelligent architecture creating exceptional interior space in what is still one of the most compact vehicles on the market, and superior on-board comfort and road handling, both in the city and on the open road. With the most advanced features in the segment, the new Citroën C3  ideal as the main family car or core fleet vehicle.

The Zenith windscreen makes the new Citroën C3 unique. As well as drenching the cabin in light and expanding visibility, this windscreen introduces passengers of our Visiodrive to a new driving experience. "With the new C3, Citroën is opening up a new automobile universe. A universe where reason and responsibility leave room for new driving pleasure. And new sensations," says Vincent Besson, Products and Markets, Citroën.

Made in France, on the industrial sites of Aulnay and Poissy, the new vehicle meets high quality standards, both new and over time. To guarantee optimum reliability, and iron out the last imperfections, it will be put through more than 2 million kilometers of on-road testing before the market release.

A Unique, Alluring Personality
The new Citroën C3 is asserting its personality. The recognizable protective roundness of its predecessor is given a sportier edge with tauter, smoother lines. Exciting with a gentle touch: the essence of seduction.

The styling and refinement of the new Citroën C3 are seductive. The materials are high class, such as the thermo-coated dash, highlighted by a cross strip in satin gray or gloss brushed aluminium, and chrome detailing. The new C3 takes trim level and quality to a new dimension. This is illustrated perfectly by care with gap and flush, attention to every detail and robust design.

The Intelligent Architecture
The new Citroën C3 is one of the most compact vehicles in its segment. With a length of 3.94 m, a width of 1.71 m and a 10.2 m turning circle, it is perfect for the city. A compact exterior, without compromising on interior space. The new Citroën C3 has the roominess it needs to assert its new status as the main family car or core fleet vehicle. This can been seen in the generous 300 liters of optimized boot capacity, numerous storage spaces (console, glovebox, central armrest…), medium-height seats facilitating access and visibility, and optimized interior space offering more knee room. The new Citroën C3 is more spacious, but still compact. It's a "real" car, with upper-segment features.

A New Driving Experience
The new experience goes further and gets better with the Zenith windscreen, a technological feat. This exceptionally long windscreen expands the front occupants' field of vision by 80° upwards. Combined with slimmer pillars, the Zenith gives all occupants a sense of unlimited, high-definition vision. Total immersion. As a world first, the progressive glass smooths the transition from the strong sun protection above the front passengers to the standard clear glass for looking forwards. The saloon with the biggest windscreen and the smallest roof on the market delivers more new driving sensations! The new Citroën C3 offers more visibility and light, for more safety and driving pleasure.

The Impressive and Reasonable Dynamic Features
The new Citroën C3 will make others green with envy… with more dynamic road handling, it is as comfortable on the open road as in the city, and has managed to keep a slim figure by not putting on any weight! An exceptional achievement given the convincing increase in comfort and interior space. This weight control, combined with optimized aerodynamics (a Cx of 0.30), the new C3 manages its fuel consumption and CO2 emissions intelligently. Right from launch, it will come in a version emitting 99 g/km of CO2, with the HDi 90 DPFS engine.