Friday, February 17, 2012

Mazda Takeri Concept 2011

Based on the Mazda's new design language, 'KODO - Soul of Motion', the Mazda Takeri is designed to express "an intuitive sedan identity" and "an overwhelming emotional beauty" as the latest platform for Mazda's breakthrough SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY. Mazda Takeri Concept will have its European debut at the Geneva Auto Show 2012.

Takeri provides a supremely comfortable ride feel, thanks to the satisfying power of SKYACTIV-D and new lightweight and aerodynamic technologies. It also features the i-stop idling stop system and Mazda's first regenerative braking system. The regenerative braking system efficiently converts kinetic energy to electricity during deceleration, stores it in capacitors and then uses it to power the vehicle's electric equipment, thereby reducing load on the engine and saving fuel. Thanks to these electric devices, the Mazda TAKERI achieves excellent fuel economy. [Picture Update: Feb 14, 2012]







Mazda Takeri Concept 2011

List of exhibits
Reference exhibits Mazda TAKERI concept Global premiere
Mazda CX-5 (Japan specifications) Japan premiere
Mazda SHINARI concept Japan premiere
Market models Mazda Demio, Mazda Verisa, Mazda Axela/Axela Sport, Mazda Premacy, Mazda Biante, Mazda Roadster and others (17 vehicles)
Technology exhibits SKYACTIV-D, SKYACTIV-G (2.0L and 1.3L), SKYACTIV-DRIVE, regenerative braking system

-In addition to the above, Mazda will also contribute to the SMART MOBILITY CITY 2011 exhibition (organized by the SMART MOBILITY CITY 2011 executive committee and the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association).

Summary of major exhibits

Mazda TAKERI

Based on Mazda's new design language, 'KODO - Soul of Motion', the Mazda TAKERI is designed to express "an intuitive sedan identity" and "an overwhelming emotional beauty" as the latest platform for Mazda's breakthrough SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY. TAKERI provides a supremely comfortable ride feel, thanks to the satisfying power of SKYACTIV-D and new lightweight and aerodynamic technologies. It also features the i-stop idling stop system and Mazda's first regenerative braking system. The regenerative braking system efficiently converts kinetic energy to electricity during deceleration, stores it in capacitors and then uses it to power the vehicle's electric equipment, thereby reducing load on the engine and saving fuel. Thanks to these electric devices, the Mazda TAKERI achieves excellent fuel economy.

The regenerative braking system represents Step Two of Mazda's Building Block Strategy. After renewing existing technologies, such as engines and bodies, Step One of the Building Block Strategy is idling stop technology (i-stop), Step Two is regenerative braking technology, and Step Three is electric drive technology (hybrid, etc.).

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Infiniti Red Bull Racing Pre Season Test 2012

On the final day of Red Bull Racing’s first test of 2012, Sebastian Vettel managed the day’s third fastest lap, despite losing the morning session due to an engine related electrical issue with his RB8.The defending world champion had completed just two installation laps in the morning when the problem occurred. The relevant part was replaced, but concern that the issue may have caused damage to the engine, led to a precautionary engine change ahead of the afternoon.







Infiniti Red Bull Racing Pre Season Test 2012


Vettel got running again shortly after lunch and then put in 48 untroubled laps to bring the team’s opening test to a close and, despite the shortened second day in the car, Sebastian left the track encouraged by the weeks’ work.

“I’m happy with the progress we’ve made, I think we managed to get a lot done,” he said. “Of course, this morning was a bit of a setback but these things happen.

“Something like this is simply part of testing, this is the reason why we are here,” he added. “Of course we would like to get more laps done, but that can't be changed now. So we go back to the factory, look at everything we have learned from this week and prepare for the next test in Barcelona, where I’m looking forward to putting some more miles on the car.”

Head of Race Engineering Ian Morgan added: “It was frustrating to lose those hours in the morning as we had a lot to get through, but when Seb did get out, we made a pretty good recovery and we actually managed to get almost everything done.”

Commenting on the four days in Jerez, Morgan said: “It’s been quite encouraging. We are where we expected to be, based on the data we had from the factory. That’s good for later in the season as if you’ve got good trust in the tools at your disposal at home it makes development work on the car a lot easier.

“In terms of the problems we had today, well, all I can say is it is part and parcel of testing. You take a complex car and put it on the track for the first time and it only takes one small thing to go wrong to upset your programme. We’ll ship the car home in one piece now, take a look at everything, pull it apart and then rebuild it for the next test in Barcelona. But, all in all, a very positive week here I think.”

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Kia Ceed 2013

Kia Ceed - 1st generation - was unveiled officially at the Frankfurt Auto show back in 2009. Kia has announced that they will be presenting the 2nd Generation Kia Ceed 2013 at the Geneva Auto Show 2012. The new Ceed is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor, with the same long wheelbase. The elegant simplicity of its coupe-like proportions is emphasised by a steeply raked A-pillar, a very low belt-line in the front and lengthened side windows.





Kia Ceed 2013

Kia cee’d – The second generation is ready to go

Combining dynamic, sophisticated styling with maturity and prestige, the all-new cee’d five-door hatchback makes its world debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

The new cee’d is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor, with the same long wheelbase. The elegant simplicity of its coupe-like proportions is emphasised by a steeply raked A-pillar, a very low belt-line in the front and lengthened side windows.

The front of the new cee’d is dominated by the latest interpretation of Kia’s trademark ‘tiger-nose’ grille and aggressive, wraparound headlamp clusters housing signature LED daytime running lights.

In profile, pronounced front and rear wings emphasise the car’s wide track and solid stance. Above taut, strongly sculpted door surfaces, the steeply raked A-pillar, sweeping roofline and integral rear spoiler accentuate the sporting aesthetics of the new model’s generous glasshouse.

Throughout, the exterior is accented by numerous small yet highly significant detail touches which add to the prestige and premium feel of the new cee’d without detracting from the purity and elegance of the overall design.

These include a new, bolder, more sophisticated Kia badge, the indicator blade protrusion in the front headlamps, the Kia-signature windscreen head castellations, the chrome side glazing surround and the cee’d-unique, aerodynamic shaping of the tail lamp which extends into the adjacent bodywork.

The new cee’d features a completely new interior hallmarked by a more premium look and feel, higher perceived quality, improved switchgear, touch-screen technology and enhanced driving position ergonomics.

The dashboard layout features a cockpit-like design with an aircraft-themed, driver-oriented fascia. The main control panel wraps around the steering wheel, placing all switchgear within easy reach of the driver, and the main control groups such as audio and air-conditioning have been segregated to bring a more premium, luxurious, big car feel to the interior.

Carefully considered precision detailing gives the cabin a more prestigious look and feel than that of the current generation model. Soft touch materials add a new tactility to the driving environment. Instruments and switchgear are picked out in very thin chrome, the door handles are built up in a layered sandwich of high quality materials and the door opener itself has a sculpted, one-piece, shell-like quality reflecting the premium values of the new interior design.

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