Vauxhall Zafira Tourer (2012)

CAR GARAGE | Vauxhall Zafira Tourer (2012) | While the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer will continue to use Flex7 seating, the which set new standards for integration seven-seat Zafira in the original 1999, the system has evolved radically in the new car to offer even Greater levels of flexibility, innovation and comfort. Improved material quality, more cabin space and an overwhelmingly airy cabin further define the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer from its compact Zafira MPV sibling. The Vauxhall Zafira Tourer will also hold great driver appeal. Vauxhall's acclaimed Flex Ride adaptive damping system - a rarity in this class - will also be available as an option. A great emphasis has been placed on safety in the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer, with a plethora of driver-assist systems making a first appearance in the new model. The Vauxhall Zafira Tourer will receive its world debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show (Sept. 15-25).

Compared with the current Zafira, the Tourer's wheelbase and tracks have all grown substantially, improving both the ride and stability of the car. The wheelbase is now 2760mm (+57 mm), while the tracks are 1584mm at the front (+96 mm) and 1588mm in the rear (+78 mm). The Vauxhall Zafira Tourer takes its front axle from the European Car of the Year-winning Insignia, the which means an isolated sub-frame and MacPherson struts. The compound crank / Watt 's link combination suits this type of vehicle well, offering excellent space efficiency, light weight and high levels of stability / control. Enhancing the base chassis' dynamic prowess will be the option of Vauxhall's FlexRide adaptive damping system, a rarity in the MPV class.

When Vauxhall Zafira Tourer unveiled the concept at Geneva, Mark Adams - Vauxhall / Opel 's Vice President of Design - pronounced it a "lounge on wheels", combining luxury with high degrees of flexibility and spaciousness. This principle has been retained for the production car. As with other models, the headlights feature Vauxhall's wing-shaped daytime running light graphic. The streamlined, aerodynamic design of the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer features a belt line sweeps upwards and visually That propels the vehicle forward, while the Vauxhall 'blade' sculpts and adds motion to the body-side. A horizontal bar carrying the Vauxhall logo extends into the light elements, giving the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer a broad, sporty look at the rear. Visibility has been improved thanks to a completely re-designed front layout, with slim A-pillars, large side windows and re-positioned door mirrors (now fixed directly to the door panel).

While the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer retains the basic concept of Flex7, it's made significant improvements in the way it functions. Thanks to a clever folding mechanism (available on Certain models), the back of the middle seat now folds forward and rotates, providing occupants in the outer seats with individual armrests. So configured, the outer seats can move fore and AFT through 280mm (+80 mm compared with the current Zafira) and also move by 50 millimeters towards the center of the car, giving passengers improved shoulder and elbow room, and the feeling of limousine-levels of space and comfort. The Vauxhall Zafira Tourer's load volumes have also Increased over the existing Zafira. In five-seat mode, the luggage area can now hold up to 710 liters (up 65 liters versus current Zafira), and up to 1860 liters (+40 litres) when all rear seats are folded.

Vauxhall Astra GTC (2012)

CAR GARAGE | Vauxhall Astra GTC (2012) | We wanted the Astra GTC to be the ultimate expression of Vauxhall's design language, and to embody our passion for the bike car," said Mark Adams, Vice President of Vauxhall / Opel design.  In profile, Mark and his team - a significant number of whom are fellow Brits - created tension in the GTC's shape by minimizing the lines running along the body. At the front of the car, a cent reline crease is complemented by slim, 'eagle-eye'-style headlamps featuring the wing-shaped daytime running light graphics.

Equally dramatic is the GTC's rear treatment. Its powerful shoulder section Gives the car imposing proportions and a purposeful road presence. Rear LED lighting - GTC optional across the range - highlights the stretched 'wing' motif created by the tail lamps. The Vauxhall Astra GTC has a Cd figure of just 0:33. For the first time on a Vauxhall coupe in this class, 20-inch rims are available as an option on SRI models, 19-inch wheels with a further cost option on both trims. On the upper-spec models SRI, tinted glass is standard, while the latest generation AFL (Adaptive Forward Lighting) is optional across the range GTC.

Strong performance and flexibility are the core strengths of this engine, the which is available with either 120PS or 140PS power outputs. Torque generation is even more impressive, with 200Nm available in both engines from just 1.850 rpm to 4.900 rpm, translating to a 0-60mph acceleration time of 9.0 seconds (140PS) or 10.2 seconds (120PS). Air-to-air inter cooling increases the intake charge density. The adoption of a reinforced steel crankshaft with pistons and con-rods allows the use of a Relatively high 9.5: 1 compression ratio, Despite higher stresses and loads. Under-skirt piston cooling oil jets and exhaust valves are sodium filled with further measures to Ensure durability under higher internal temperatures. All 1.4 Turbo models come equipped as standard with Start / Stop, Helping Them Achieve competitively low emissions of Between 140-142g/km, depending upon wheels / tires fitted. The most powerful engine in the Vauxhall Astra GTC's line-up Produces 180PS and achieves a specific output of just over 100ps per liter. A map-based thermostat control raises the coolant temperature at low engine speeds, or under light loads, to help internal lubricant friction Reduced fuel consumption and improve.

Much of the development centered around the introduction to the GTC of Vauxhall's HiPerStrut, a first for an Astra model. Adding the HiPerStrut has also reduced the amount of camber change on the GTC's front wheels during cornering, improving grip. Steering feel is enhanced, too, helped by a reduction the steering system's friction levels. The current Astra Hatch has always handled exceptionally well," said Michael Harder, Vehicle Dynamics Supervisor at Opel. "But with the GTC, we've raised the bar still further.

Vauxhall Ampera (2012)

CAR GARAGE | Vauxhall Ampera (2012) | Electricity drives the Vauxhall Ampera's wheels at all times and speeds. For trips up to around 40-miles, power is supplied by the electricity stored in the 16-kWh, lithium-ion battery. While driving on electricity delivered by the battery, the Vauxhall Ampera emits zero CO2. When the battery's energy is depleted, a petrol or E85-fuelled engine-generator seamlessly provides electricity to power the electric drive unit while simultaneously sustaining the charge of the battery.

Unlike a conventional battery-electric vehicle, the Vauxhall Ampera eliminates "range anxiety," giving the confidence and peace of mind That the driver will not be stranded by a depleted battery. "Advanced lithium-ion battery technology is the key to getting the Vauxhall Ampera into the hands of consumers", said Hans Demant, GME vice president of engineering. The Vauxhall Ampera will be well-suited to the daily driving schedule of most customers. Based on current fuel prices, Vauxhall Vauxhall Ampera Predicts That the will cost roughly one-fifth of the current cost per mile of an equivalent petrol engined car.

Smart fortwo (2013)

CAR GARAGE | Smart fortwo (2013) | The smart fortwo substantially revamped sports a markedly more dynamic appearance, featuring a larger integrated radiator grille with logo, front aprons in a striking new design, horizontally arranged LED daytime driving lights, side skirts and modified muscular rear aprons. "The way in the which the fortwo now displays the smart logo more prominently stands for the brand's new self-confidence," notes smart boss Dr. Annette Winkler. The water inlets under the number plates have been combined into a single unit, the smart fortwo lending a bolder appearance.

There is also a choice of three new alloy wheels: the smart fortwo passion comes with a new 9-spoke alloy wheels; two additional alloy wheels fitted with wide tires and featuring a 3-spoke and 3-twin-spoke design round off the respectively ranges. The smart fortwo Brabus Xclusive is now also optionally available in white. In Addition to the three colors for the soft top cabrio smart Previously the which were available from the smart program (black, red, blue), the smart Brabus tailor made program offers six other soft top colors.

pulse and passion highlight the frame of the front grille and the rear trim strip in silver, for example, while the front spoiler, side skirts and rear apron are painted in the car's exterior color. The door mirror caps are finished in the tradition color. On the smart pure, these components are black. The five lines - pure, pulse, passion, Brabus and Brabus Xclusive are to be retained. The spectrum ranges from the particularly environment-friendly electric power train in the fortwo electric drive and the efficient micro hybrid petrol through the powerful engine turbo petrol engine to the fuel-efficient turbo diesel CDI. Prices begin at € 10.275 for the smart fortwo 45 kW pure MHD. Over 2000 smart fortwos are currently in operation for 60.000 customers in seven cities around the globe.

Flying House

Unlike the movie "Up", you don't have to tie thousands of balloons to your home to make it fly. Wolke7 Future Flying House concept has envisioned the possibility of enjoying your live in the sky. If you don't have acrophobia, you would love enjoying the view while relaxing on the deck, feel the wind on your skin. It's a great combination of traveling yet it feels just like home. You can also say that this like a flying yacht, simply go everywhere anytime without compromise.

Designer : Timon Sager

50th Anniversary Lamborghini Ferruccio Concept

Designed by Mark Hostler, a transportation design student at Staffordshire university, his Lamborghini Ferruccio Concept blends elements of design language from many different era's of Lamborghini. The steeply raked front screen and bonnet were inspired by the shape of the Countach, as was the super-wide rear end. The rounded shapes of the front and rear wings were inspired by the sleek, rounded, feminine lines of the Miura. Finally, the sharp nose and mirrors, and aggressive air intakes across the body and roof take their inspiration from Lamborghini's current "stealth fighter" design language.

Designer : Mark Hostl

The car also showcases innovations in the future of performance and environmental consciousness. The trademark of Lamborghini's flagship supercars has always been a large v12, but in the current climate of environmentalism, car manufacturers are now using smaller, turbocharged engines to meet emissions regulations without compromising on performance. The Lamborghini Ferrucciocombines these two ideas, using upcoming technologies in engine design and manufacture. It would use a v12, but a comparably small 5.0 liter unit, boosted by two turbochargers and using direct injection. The main difference however, is that the engine would be more subtle, and actuate its valves using pneumatic solenoids controlled by a computer. This combination of technologies would allow the Lamborghini Ferruccio's engine to still stick to the v12 Lamborghini philosophy, whilst still being both cleaner and more economical than a traditional engine.

The Lamborghini Ferruccio concept is a car designed to showcase both the past and future of Lamborghini, showing how new design and technologies blend seamlessly with the company's rich heritage and history.

Urban Trike

Seon Trike is a small and efficient concept transportation designed for urban environments. The lightweight body is made of aluminum, ABS plastic and carbon fiber. The mechanics systems are hidden from plain view and recharge the battery that will be used at night to turn on a pair of lights. In this way, even during the night, Seon Trike will still be visible due to its front and rear light for safety reason. This concept trike is still under development and the designer is hoping to make it commercially available in a couple of years.

Designer : Luis Alberto Cordoba Dorantes