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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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 - 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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With gas prices soaring, day-to-day consumers are seeking out the cars with best mileage. Nissan Qashqai 2012 will have an advanced 1.6L diesel engine which gives one of the best fuel economy in the crossover market, 62.8 mpg. Qashqai seems an appealing choice for UK consumers as the pricing starts at £16,000 and up
EMISSIONS DOWN AND TECHNOLOGY UP IN REVISED QASHQAI RANGE
Advanced new 1.6-litre diesel engine brings enhanced efficiency to Qashqai and Qashqai+2 range
119g/km CO2emissions deliver dramatic cost savings and environmental benefits
New engine is more refined and offers stronger in-gear acceleration than the outgoing 2.0 dCi
Around View Monitor also added to Qashqai range offering luxury class visual parking
Additions set to further enhance the growing appeal of British designed, British engineered and British built Qashqai
Having created one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK car market, Nissan's Qashqai is ready to move even further ahead of the competition. The next evolution for the top selling crossover comes in the form of an all-new diesel engine that lets drivers enjoy the best of both worlds - greatly reduced emissions with improved in-gear performance.
With fuel prices pressing ever higher and the motorist not only looking to save on running costs but also reduce their environmental impact, Qashqai's new 1.6-litre dCi engine arrives at the perfect moment. Replacing the 2.0dCi manual, the new four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine delivers dramatically enhanced economy and emissions in the Qashqai and Qashqai+2.
Like every Nissan producing less than 130g/km, the 1.6 dCi wears Nissan's Pure Drive badge. The first Qashqai models to benefit from the new engine are available to order now for delivery in October, and offer CO2 emissions of only 129g/km. Early next year Nissan will add its latest Stop/Start system, automatically turning off the engine when stationary to bring the Qashqai's emissions down to an even more impressive 119g/km.
The savings for Qashqai drivers will be immediately felt. A 31 per cent improvement in fuel economy results in 62.8mpg (+14.9mpg) on the combined cycle while the first year's VED is free of charge. Company car drivers will also enjoy significant savings with a benefit in kind tax banding of just 13 per cent, for stop start versions, further broadening the appeal of Qashqai to the important fleet sector. What's more, the 1.6 dCi without stop and start costs £250 less to buy than the equivalent 2.0 dCi.
Nissan Motor GB Managing Director Jim Wright said "Current financial pressures for both the individual and company car buyers mean costs are constantly being analysed so it is good to see how Nissan's technical innovations, introduced on this engine, help to minimise overall running costs."
Unlike some eco-friendly diesel models, the new 1.6dCi doesn't forget the importance of performance, either. Engineers have not only been able to make the 130PS engine quieter and more refined than its 2.0-litre predecessor, but they have also reduced the number of engine revs required to reach peak 320Nm torque from 2,000rpm to only 1,750rpm. What this means to the driver is that despite all of the savings offered by the 1.6 dCi, acceleration in the crucial 30-50mph bracket is also quicker, taking only 6.29 seconds.
And remember, there's more to Qashqai than just a pretty face. Coping with harsh winter weather and slippery campsites is no problem for the all-wheel drive version, which becomes one of the lowest CO2 emitting crossovers on sale in the UK, while the Qashqai+2 offers the lowest CO2 emissions of any seven seat crossover on the UK market.
"This is a remarkable engine, best in class in so many respects. It provides the dynamic driving performance which matches that of the outgoing 2.0-litre dCi yet produces fuel consumption and emission figures equal to or better than our existing 1.5-litre dCi unit," said Paul Willcox, Senior Vice President, Nissan Europe.
In addition to its efficient new engine, Qashqai has also benefited from a number of innovative items of equipment including for the first time in its class, Around View Monitor. Up until now this type of advanced visual parking aid is more usually found in the luxury car class, but Nissan's commitment to delivering the latest technology to its customers means Around View Monitor will be fitted as standard to all Qashqai and Qashqai+2 Tekna variants.
Using a set of discrete external cameras, Around View Monitor makes manoeuvring and parking as safe and easy as possible by giving the driver a real-time bird's eye view of the surrounding environment. Working seamlessly with the popular Nissan Connect touch screen navigation system, Around View Monitor adds three additional cameras to the Qashqai's existing rear view system to create the ultimate 360° overview. What's more, the driver can choose to focus on the image feed from any particular camera when looking out for a particular obstacle in front, behind or to either side of the Qashqai.
These enhancements are set to underline Qashqai's dominance in the crossover class. More than one million Qashqai and Qashqai+2 models have now been built at Nissan's Sunderland factory, where on average 1,200 roll off the production line every day.
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Honda Civic Type-R Mugen debuted in 2010 with a limited production run of 20 hand-built units that were sold to enthusiasts in UK. For the year 2011, the cylinder bore and stroke have been increased to create an overall capacity of 2,156cc, which gives the car the name, Honda Civic Type-R Mugen 2.2. The result of the change is a boost in engine output from 240 to 260PS, and additional torque is available throughout the rev range. Peak torque is now 240Nm at 6,000rpm. Compared to a standard Honda Civic Type R, both power and torque are up 30 per cent.
Honda Civic Type-R Mugen 2.2 2011
One of the most exclusive and explosive hot hatches of recent years has been given an extra dose of MUGEN power.
The Honda Civic Type R MUGEN debuted in 2010 to near-universal acclaim, and a 20-strong limited edition production run of the hand-built, motorsport-derived machines went on sale to UK enthusiasts.
Now technicians at Northampton-based MUGEN Euro have worked their magic again, producing a unique version with even more power and torque.
The cylinder bore and stroke have been increased to create an overall capacity of 2,156cc, so the car has been christened the Honda Civic Type R MUGEN 2.2.
The result of the change is a boost in engine output from 240 to 260PS, and additional torque is available throughout the rev range. Peak torque is now 240Nm at 6,000rpm. Compared to a standard Honda Civic Type R, both power and torque are up 30 per cent.
When coupled to the host of motorsport-derived components created exclusively by MUGEN – including sports suspension, uprated brakes and a stunning performance bodykit – the MUGEN 2.2 represents the ultimate expression of the Honda Civic Type R philosophy.
It has been created as a fitting tribute to the highly successful Honda K20 2.0-litre petrol engine, which has ceased production in Japan. Homologated by MUGEN as an FIA Group N race series engine, the K20 has long been the powerplant of choice with tuners and motorsports competitors who want the very best in naturally aspirated performance.
Moreover, it has been at the very heart of everything MUGEN Euro has achieved since the company was formed in 2006. Its skilled engineers have built or tuned almost 400 examples for race and rally competitors around the world.
The Honda K20 engine has also powered the only two complete road cars produced by MUGEN; the Honda Civic MUGEN RR four-door saloon sold in Japan, plus the limited Honda Civic Type R MUGEN sold in the UK.
Hiro Toyoda, vice-president of MUGEN Euro, commented: “Environmental pressures mean naturally aspirated engines are rapidly being superseded by other engine architectures and technologies. We may never see the like of the K20 in a mainstream production car again, so felt it only fitting we mark the occasion with this special 2.2 version of the Honda Civic Type R”.
Plans for the 2.2 car have yet to be finalised. Of the 20 limited edition 2.0-litre cars launched in 2010, four remain unsold and it’s possible MUGEN Euro may offer them with the reworked engine. Existing owners could also be invited to return their cars for an upgrade. A decision on these two proposals is expected to be made shortly.
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Lexus CT 200h F-Sport will have its European debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show along with the GS 450h full-hybrid performance saloon. The F-Sport features bolder styling elements and handling adjustments, increasing its appeal to customers seeking a more dynamic and engaging drive.
World debut for new full hybrid GS 450h
European debut for new CT 200h F-Sport
The new Lexus GS 450h full hybrid performance saloon will make its world debut at the Frankfurt motor show on September 13. Equipped with second-generation Lexus Hybrid Drive, the new GS is set to deliver improvements in both environmental and driving performance.
The GS 450h will be sharing the limelight with the new CT 200h F-Sport. The first development of Lexus’s full hybrid luxury hatchback since its launch earlier this year, the F-Sport features bolder styling elements and handling adjustments, increasing its appeal to customers seeking a more dynamic and engaging drive.
These newcomers will be joined on the Lexus stand in Hall 8 by models from the current IS 250, IS 250C, CT, RX and LS ranges.
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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.
