Nissan Friend-ME Concept, 2013

 

 

 

 

The Nissan Friend-ME Concept is a four-passenger sedan designed for a generation with a very different automotive outlook. With an assertive, imposing exterior featuring boldly flowing sculpted lines, Friend-ME is a confident creature of the night, meant to be seen in bright city lights.

The concept is applicable globally, but the genesis of Friend-ME was Nissan's research into the aspirations of customers destined to emerge as the world's largest single market segment: the "Balínghòu", which is how around 240 million Chinese born in the 1980s are known. Specifically, Friend-ME addresses the social dynamics of Chinese men in their mid-20s.

For a generation that grew up without siblings, leisure time shared with peers is treasured.

Edgy, but mannered enough to go with the flow

The car asserts an imposing presence - solidity and flowing lines give it an edgy muscularity.

The Nissan Friend-ME features a low and wide stance with short front and rear overhangs giving a chunky, aggressive and sporty impression. The design's energy flows from the 'V-motion' shaped grille and streams through the bonnet and shoulder lines while the headlamps and rear combination lamps are accentuated by its unique boomerang-shaped lighting signature.

The profile of the vehicle completely describes the progressive translation of 'Distilled Da Qi'. The thin and light floating roof and kick-up shape around the C-pillar resonates well and produces sophisticated harmony. Likewise, the Neon Grey exterior colour - specially developed to appeal to tech-savvy youthful tastes - shows its lines to full effect at night.

'Oracle stone' empowers shared adventure
Inside, front and back, driver and passenger, all four seats are separate with the same high-tech style and status, because in this cabin all aboard are peers - equals. And all share the same information as the driver: speed, navigation, fuel remaining - everything.

Empowering all four adventurers is a unique centre console stretching from the dash to between the rear seats - an iconic monolith in an onyx-black finish. Screens visible from each seat blend seamlessly with the surface, only becoming apparent as they display whatever contents the buzz of the moment demands. Whoever finds cool content can transfer it from his mobile to the on-board screens so all can share in the fun.

A dream within reach
Nissan Friend-ME has been carefully designed as a dream within reach of young customers in China. Based on an existing Nissan sedan architecture, it requires a minimum of unique components. The ecologically efficient Pure Drive hybrid power train envisioned for Friend-ME would deliver more than enough zip for city driving.

That's the dream Nissan Friend-ME delivers, thanks to the collaboration between design teams from Nissan Design China (NDC) - the Beijing studio established in 2011 - and Nissan Global Design Center (NGDC) under the leadership and direction of Shiro Nakamura, Nissan's Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer. One of NDC's most ambitious designs so far, Friend-ME is one of many in-depth explorations of China's customer needs and aspirations now underway.

Nissan 370Z, 2013

 

 

 

 

•  Nissan 370Z, 2013

Nissan debuted the revised 2013 Nissan 370Z on the floor of the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. The new Z®, which is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide next June, features a number of enhancements designed to keep the legendary sports car fresh and exciting. For 2013, the Nissan 370Z will once again be available in Coupe, Roadster and NISMO Z configurations.

The updates for the new model year:
    Refreshed front fascia with vertical LED daytime running lights
    Red reflector added to rear fascia (replaces previous black center cover)
    Revised 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (Sport Package equipped models)
    New 18-inch wheels for 370Z Coupe
    Red-finished brake calipers (Sport Package equipped models)
    Dark-finish fuel gauge trim
    Euro-tuned shock absorbers (Sport Package equipped models)
    And two new exterior colors - Magma Red and Midnight Blue

The NISMO 370Z also adds a new Bose® Premium Audio Package with two additional speakers and two subwoofers, premium gun metallic dark-finish 19-inch wheels, and Nissan GT-R style high-rigidity brake hoses and performance brake fluid. The NISMO 370Z does not adopt the new front fascia/rear reflector, Euro-tuned shocks or Midnight Blue exterior color.

As in 2012, the 2013 370Z Coupe and 370Z Coupe Touring will each be available with a standard 332-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine and choice of 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed automatic transmission. The 2013 370Z Roadster and 370Z Roadster Touring will be offered with the same engine but with the 6-speed manual offered only with the Touring model (the 7-speed automatic transmission is available with both).

The Nissan NISMO 370Z, a tuner-Z® enthusiast's dream, will once again cap off the lineup - offering racing-inspired exterior and interior styling, a specially tuned suspension and unique super-lightweight forged alloy wheels. Its 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine is matched with an exclusive H-configured exhaust system design, muffler tuning and optimized ECM (Engine Computer Module) control - creating 350 horsepower and 276 lb-ft of torque. Only one transmission is available, a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission with standard SynchroRev Match®, which allows rev-matched heel-toe-like downshifting.

SsangYong LIV-1 Concept, 2013

 

•  SsangYong LIV-1 Concept, 2013

SsangYong has unveiled the LIV-1 Concept car at the 2013 Seoul Motor Show in South Korea. The LIV-1 (Limitless Interface Vehicle) is a large SUV (sport utility vehicle) and features an easily controlled four wheel drive system via an interface.

Designed to look robust, purposeful and sporty, the car features a sizeable body with large bumpers front and rear, yet with slim A and B pillars, a glasshouse silhouette and full length glass roof. An automated sidestep is included for safety and convenience.

Very much a car for the future, the SsangYong LIV-1 Concept is designed for driving safety and pleasure with 'limitless potential' for the driver to create a driving environment that meets his or her needs.

Flexibility is the key design concept for the interior, where lines and curves come together to create a refined and inviting environment to achieve what is described as a lounge for the future. High gloss piano black on the centre fascia and contrasting aluminium detailing imbues the interior with the premium feel appropriate for a top-line SUV.

And as you would expect, this futuristic interior features all the latest technology to meet IT needs on the move. The car's driver-vehicle communication interface is based on the 3S-Cube, the core of SsangYong's future technology. This combines the elements of Smart Link, Safe Way and Special Sense to allow the vehicle to be remote-controlled using a smart device and to provide entertainment both within and from outside the vehicle.

Smart Link is a roof-and-glass system created from nano tube technology that removes frost quickly via remote control for safe winter driving, while Safe Way ensures safe driving by actively preventing collisions in blind spots and at intersections.

Special Sense allows the driver to arrange instrument cluster items to suit personal taste, the interface controlling the sound, seats and interior lighting to create a bespoke personal driving space.

User-vehicle interaction takes place through five displays, including a 10-inch monitor in the centre fascia and a 7-inch monitor in the headrest. The touch-panel displays featured in the LIV-1 provide clear information while continuing the futuristic theme.

SsangYong LIV-1 follows several recent concept cars from SsangYong, and along with the XIV (eXciting User-Interface Vehicle) series and SIV-1 (Smart Interface Vehicle) shown at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, clearly illustrates the design direction the brand is taking and what can be expected in the future.

Aston Martin Vantage SP10, 2013

 

 

•  Aston Martin Vantage SP10, 2013

The Aston Martin is launching a very special edition V8 Vantage S in Continental Europe that takes its inspiration from the brand's numerous successes on the race track.

Inspired by its successful motorsport activities in the GT4 racing series - particularly in the VLN endurance championship at the Nürburgring - the new car is a road model that has been engineered in the style of the luxury sports car maker's GT4 racers.

With 436 PS and a top speed of 305 km/h, Aston Martin has named the new special edition model Vantage SP10. The inspiration behind it is its namesake class SP10 in the VLN series, in which GT4 racing cars compete at the Nürburgring.

The Aston Martin Vantage SP10 is offered in a bespoke specification that reflects its close affinity with the racing car.

Impressive performance and, for the first time, manual six-speed transmission
Technically, the Vantage SP10 is almost identical to the V8 Vantage S but with the addition, for the first time, of a six-speed manual transmission.

Since its market launch in 2011, the V8 Vantage S has developed into a popular model for Aston Martin customers, a model that places an even greater emphasis on sportiness. With its 4.7-litre V8 engine, which produces 436 PS and 490 Nm on the road, the V8 Vantage S manages 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 305 km/h. This sportiness is enhanced by its striking appearance, which took inspiration from the V12 Vantage, and the sensational sound from the engine, which comes thanks to the sports exhaust with active bypass valves which was specifically developed for this model.

The Aston Martin Vantage SP10 is the first V8 Vantage S to feature a six-speed manual transmission. This manual gearbox is offered as standard and, as with the V8 Vantage, will impress those who enjoy pure sports car driving.

Customers can choose the optional Sportshift™ II automated manual seven-speed transmission that was developed for the introduction of the V8 Vantage S. This transmission allows for gear changes that are around 20% quicker than the previous transmission, which worked with six gears. This additional gear brings about shorter transmission ratios and optimum gear shifting. And the result: faster acceleration and a more sporty driving experience.

With the V8 Vantage S, Aston Martin has further closed the gap between road cars and racing cars. Like its role model, the Vantage GT4 racing car, it has an extremely rigid aluminium chassis - the ideal platform for a racing car but also the perfect basis for a sporty road car.

Impressive performance, dynamic driving characteristics and superb handling transform the V8 Vantage S, and thus the Vantage SP10, into a sports car that delivers a true 'fun factor' for enthusiast drivers of all kinds.

Design inspired by motorsport
The Aston Martin Vantage SP10 has a purposeful appearance that showcases its agility and performance and transfers the visual dynamics from motorsport to the road.

Both the Coupé and the Roadster are available in Ceramic Grey Metallic. The convertible top of the Roadster is Titan Grey. Its 19-inch cast alloy rims with V-shaped spokes in a diamond turn finish and painted in high-gloss black, and the black brake callipers, emphasise the muscular look of the car. The special paint on the rims is offered exclusively for the special Vantage SP10 model.

Other visual and functional details from the world of motorsport include the front splitter and the carbon rear diffuser - both come as part of the Vantage SP10 standard equipment, along with the clear rear lamps.

Black is the dominant colour in the vehicle interior. Entirely in line with its motorsport pedigree, the Coupé features characteristic Vantage S seat and backrest covers and a sports steering wheel in Black Alcantara.

The silver stitching offers a strong contrast. And the interior is rounded off by a roof liner in Black Alcantara. In contrast to the Coupé, the Roadster features black leather seat and backrest covers and a black leather steering wheel, also with silver stitching.

Both versions are equipped with a centre console in Piano Black. The instrument panel is trimmed entirely with leather and embellished with silver stitching.

Extensive combinations of features for more luxury and practicality
Like the V8 Vantage S, the Vantage SP10 is more than just a distinctive sports model. Thanks to its features, it will prove itself to be outstanding in everyday use.

Electrically operated seats, satellite navigation, cruise control and Bluetooth telephone preparation are just a few examples of the luxurious list of standard equipment that makes the Vantage SP10 a pleasant companion for everyday life. And with the 750W Premium Audio Sound System which is even part of the standard equipment in the Vantage SP10, music lovers can also make the most of this car.

The high-fidelity sound can be enhanced further by choosing the 1000W Bang & Olufsen BeoSound Audio System as an optional extra. This and other additional equipment features, such as a reversing camera, sports suspension (on the Coupé only) or lightweight carbon seats, guarantee even higher levels of comfort and luxury.

One particularly distinctive feature of this special model is a badge on the engine block that features the inscription "Aston Martin Vantage SP10" and which, of course, comes as standard.

Citroen Technospace Concept, 2013

 

The Xsara Picasso, C4 Picasso, Grand C4 Picasso and C3 Picasso, Citroën has built a real success story by asserting itself as one of the leaders in the compact MPV segment. Since 1999, the brand has sold almost 3 million Picassos. Now Citroën is entering a new phase in the sector by revealing the Citroën Technospace Concept, which points to the brand's future compact MPV that will be released from the second half of 2013.

A demonstration of Citroën's 'Créative Technologie', the new concept ushers in a new era with:

• A record CO2 emissions level of 98g/km, achieved thanks to the new Efficient Modular Platform 2 (EMP2), which features efficient architecture and minimises weight.
• Multiple technologies for enhanced comfort, including a full-touch driving interface with a high-definition 12" panoramic screen.
• Previously unseen proportions that combine compact size (length: 4.43m / width: 1.83m / height: 1.61m) with standard-setting interior space and class-leading boot capacity (537 Litres VDA).
• Strong, expressive design with dynamic lines and high-tech headlamps complemented by 3D-effect tail lights inspired by the latest Citroën concept cars.

Brabus B63S-700 6x6, 2013

 

 

 

•  Brabus B63S-700 6x6, 2013

2 wheels more than normal, plus power in abundance as is the norm for Brabus: in the Brabus B63S-700 6x6 a particularly exclusive power off-roader based on the Mercedes G63 AMG 6x6 celebrates its world premiere at the 2013 IAA in Frankfurt/Main.

Brabus lends the most exclusive G-Class of all times even more punch: powered by a 5.5-liter V8 Biturbo with Brabus B63S-700 engine tuning producing 515 kW / 700 hp (690 bhp), the six-wheel drive powerhouse weighing in at around four tons sprints from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 7.4 seconds. The top speed is limited electronically to 160 km/h (100 mph) due to the 37-inch off-road tires.

As a contrast to the striking black, chrome and carbon-fiber Brabus exterior, the Brabus interior designers picked a fiery red Mastik leather/Alcantara interior.

The Mercedes G63 AMG 6x6 built in small-series production comes normally with a 5.5-liter eight-cylinder four-valve Biturbo engine producing 400 kW / 544 hp (536 bhp). Brabus can draw upon the world's most extensive engine tuning program for Mercedes-Benz automobiles in the case of this special model as well.

The Brabus B63S-700 performance kit, which is also available for all other current Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG SUVs, unleashes the inherent power slumbering in the turbocharged V8 engine. To realize the enormous power increase by 115 kW / 156 hp (154 bhp) the peripherals of the V8 are modified extensively.

The production turbochargers are replaced by two special Brabus turbochargers with larger compressor unit, which produce a higher boost pressure. Brabus Gold Heat Reflection sheathing for the intake and charge-air pipes further lower the charge-air temperature. This measure contributes equally to the power yield and to the flawless durability, which also manifests itself in the Brabus Tuning Warranty of three years, up to 100,000 kilometers/62,000 miles (see Brabus Warranty Terms and Conditions, updated July 2013) that is unparalleled in the industry.

In addition, special high-performance metal catalysts with 75-mm (2.9 in.) downpipes are installed to lower the back pressure. The stainless-steel sport exhaust system with controlled butterfly valve was custom-developed for the G63 6x6 AMG and offers both optimized power yield and active control of the exhaust note. Drivers can select at the push of a button between the subtle "Coming Home" mode and a markedly potent exhaust note in the "Sport" position. The Brabus exhaust system also puts its visual stamp on both sides of the vehicles with two striking dual sidepipes.

Specially calibrated Brabus mapping for the engine management system coordinates the perfect interaction of all high-performance components while also ensuring compliance with the stringent Euro V emission standards.

With these major modifications the B63S-700 engine, which is also available for the G63 AMG 4x4 model, produces 515 kW / 700 hp (690 bhp) at a low 5,300 rpm. The Brabus engine also delivers a much heftier torque: between 2,000 rpm and 4,500 rpm the engine sends a massive 960 Nm (708 lb-ft) of torque instead of the standard 760 Nm (561 lb-ft) to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission. This is complemented by special Brabus aluminum shift paddles that facilitate manual gearshifts from the multifunction steering wheel of the G-Class. The high-tech lubricants for the entire powertrain are supplied by technology partner Motul.

Thus equipped the six-wheeled heavyweight turns in an acceleration performance that can measure up to full-blooded sports cars. 7.4 seconds for 0 - 100 km/h (62 mph) are absolute tops for a vehicle weighing in at just less than four tons. The heavy-duty off-road tires the 6x6 is equipped with necessitate limiting the top speed to 160 km/h (100 mph).

Brabus also gives the 6x6 a strategic visual upgrade. The imposing nature of the front is further strengthened by purposeful modifications. The Brabus front spoiler edges attach to the production fascia and are combined with an additional molding below the special radiator grille with integrated Brabus logo. The Brabus carbon-fiber hood scoop adds another striking highlight. The mirror-polished Brabus underride guard provides an interesting contrast to the all-black paintwork.

The innovative Brabus lighting concept sets further visual signals. It includes dark-tinted LED lights integrated into the front spoiler edges. Even more dominant are the black Brabus xenon headlights and daytime running lights with integrated turn-signal function for all current models of the venerable off-roader. The now obsolete production turn signals on top of the fenders are replaced with clear-coated matt carbon-fiber covers. In conjunction with the matt carbon-fiber structure on the hood and the carbon-fiber shells for the exterior mirrors they round out the belligerent 6x6 look to full effect.

Another focus of the Brabus refinement for the mightiest G model ever is in the cockpit. The company upholstery shop meticulously crafted an exclusive Brabus fine leather ambiance from a combination of fiery red and black leather and Alcantara.

The great love of detail and the quality of the upholsterers' craftsmanship is evident in the pinpoint precision of the topstitching of the leather floor and the headliner. The passengers are welcomed by stainless-steel scuff plates with backlit Brabus logo. The Brabus interior designers add some pronounced accents with aluminum components such as pedals and door-lock pins.

Bugatti Veyron Jean Bugatti, 2013

 

 

 

 

Following the successful launch of its "Les Légendes de Bugatti" (Bugatti Legends) series at 2013 Pebble Beach in California, Bugatti presents the second vehicle in this exclusive edition as a world premiere at the 2013 International Motor Show in Frankfurt. The French luxury car manufacturer intends the Bugatti Grand Sport Vitesse "Jean Bugatti" to be a celebration of the oldest son of company founder Ettore Bugatti and his most famous creation, the Type 57SC Atlantic. Like all other five models in the Legend series, the "Jean Bugatti" is limited to three vehicles. It costs 2.28 million euros (plus tax and other charges).

With its "Jean Bugatti" Legend model, Bugatti pays homage to a prominent figure in 20th century automotive history. Gianoberto Carlo Rembrandt Ettore Bugatti, known as Jean, was the eldest son of Ettore Bugatti and the most gifted of his four children. From the late 1920s onwards, Jean used his own structural and design ideas to exert more and more influence over the development of the company located in Molsheim, Alsace. In 1936, he took over as head of the company at the age of 27. By the time of his tragic accidental death in 1939, Jean had secured his place in automotive history thanks to his pioneering engine and chassis designs and concepts for vehicle bodies.

One of the most extraordinary designs created by Jean Bugatti has to be the Type 57SC Atlantic, one of the most exclusive and exceptional sport coupés ever built and ranking among the most expensive vintage cars in the world. The Legend vehicle to be unveiled in Frankfurt is a call back to La Voiture Noire ('The Black Car'), an Atlantic model which was driven by Jean Bugatti himself and has been lost since the Second World War.

The technology in the Bugatti Legend Edition "Jean Bugatti" is based on the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse, whose 8-litre W16 engine generates an enormous 1,200 PS and an unparalleled 1,500 Nm torque at 3,000 to 5,000 rpm, and which can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.6 seconds.

Design
For the first time ever, the Bugatti horseshoe sparkles in precious platinum.

In developing the Jean Bugatti Legend Edition, the designers at Bugatti aimed to follow the concept of its historic predecessor, the Type 57SC Atlantic La Voiture Noire, as closely as possible.

Exterior
The body of the Jean Bugatti Vitesse Legend Edition is constructed entirely from jet black, clear-coated carbon fibre, making it the embodiment of elegance and the apex of technical engineering. The use of platinum lends an air of extravagance to the vehicle, with the famous Bugatti horseshoe on the front grille and the EB logo on the rear taking on a resplendent appearance. Bugatti is using this precious material for the very first time on the exterior of one of its modern models.

The vehicle's elegant, minimalist appearance is further punctuated by its wheels, which feature black diamond-cut rims.

In reference to the Legend Edition's namesake, the signature of Jean Bugatti has been lasered onto the petrol and oil cap and painted Arctic grey.

Interior
The designers also took care to adhere to the motif of the historic La Voiture Noire as much as possible for the interior of the Vitesse Jean Bugatti Legend Edition. As such, it has been fully fitted out in leather. The Vitesse will also feature the same beige and brown tones that were present in the Type 57SC Atlantic. The seats, instrument panel, steering wheel, dash panel, centre console, door trim panels and windscreen crossmember are all rendered in chocolate brown.

As in the original vehicle, the chocolate brown is contrasted against the leather upholstery in a light beige silk colour across the extended centre console. This upholstery is continued in the footwell, the outer door trim panels and the handle recesses. The colour of the decorative stitching in the vehicle has been selected to complement the leather used.

The intricate, particularly eye-catching embroidery on the doors and the cover of the rear storage compartment once again harks back to the vehicle's legendary predecessor, given that the side silhouette of the Type 57SC was embroidered onto the chocolate brown doors using contrasting beige silk thread. From a bird's eye view, the Atlantic's silhouette is immortalised using brown thread for decorative stitching on the rear beige-coloured storage compartment.

The results of this passion for detail and the desire to use the finest materials throughout the engineering process can be observed in the interior's steering wheel as well - as for the exterior of the vehicle, the EB logo has been styled in gleaming platinum. Also staying true to the original Type 57SC is the selector lever, which is rendered in valuable rosewood.

Additional specific Legend Edition features in the vehicle include a leather insert embossed with the lettering "Les Légendes de Bugatti" in the extended section of the centre console, and door sill plate displaying the likeness and signature of Jean Bugatti.

A historic predecessor: the "Voiture Noire"
Just four Type 57SC Atlantic vehicles in total were built between 1936 and 1938. Only two of these vehicles still exist today in their original condition. The Atlantic is the most famous version of the Type 57. At the time, Jean Bugatti wanted to offer a motorsport version of the standard model, thereby resulting in production of the SC version (SC stands for supercharged).

Jean Bugatti, whose skill in developing unique body designs was already proven by the Type 41 Royale, Type 55 Roadster and Type 50, was responsible for the shape and style of the Atlantic, which was intended to be extremely light and aerodynamic. Aluminium was the material chosen, giving the Atlantic its unmistakable design feature - a clearly accentuated dorsal seam which runs at a right angle from the windscreen to the rear bumper and effectively welds the two halves of the aluminium body together. This element continues to play a fundamental role in vehicles designed by Bugatti even today. As the floor of the vehicle sits between the longitudinal chassis members rather than on the frame itself, this means that the wheels are offset from the body and accentuated by enormous wings, thereby providing the car with a footwell. Seen from above, the extremely long bonnet flows to the rear of the vehicle in an oval shape, further highlighting the graceful and elegant design of the Atlantic.

The sport coupé was equipped with a straight-eight engine with 3,257 cm³ displacement, which produced 200 PS. However, even though it was able to reach speeds of over 200 km/h at the time, it was never entered into a race.

The specific Atlantic which served as the godfather of the Jean Bugatti Legend Edition is the legendary La Voiture Noire, which was the first of four vehicles produced in total. It belonged to Bugatti and was lost in transit amid the confusion of World War Two. The location and circumstances surrounding its disappearance are still shrouded in mystery.