Tuesday, April 12, 2011

2011 PORSCHE Boxster S Black Edition

Click Thumbnail to download (size 1600 x 1200 pixels)


The Porsche Boxster S Black Edition combines the timeless appeal of the classic open-roofed roadster with a powerful engine and dramatic styling. Just 987 will be available worldwide, each one finished in black and with a range of special features that accentuate the driving dynamics and muscular appearance of the two-seater sportscar.

As is typical of a Porsche sportscar, at the heart of the Porsche Boxster S Black Edition beats a flat-six 'boxer' engine. Mounted in front of the rear axle behind the seats, the 3.4-litre six-cylinder engine is similar to that fitted to the Boxster S, with direct fuel injection for greater power and efficiency. In the Black Edition its output is 320 hp - 10 hp more than in the Boxster S. The revised engine reaches its rated power at 7,200 rpm, the Boxster S power pack at 6,400 rpm. Peak torque of 370 Nm - boosted by 10 Newton metres - is available at 4,750 rpm.

This increase in output and power equals more dynamics, and the Porsche Boxster S Black Edition underpins its leading position with a superior driving performance. With its standard six-speed manual transmission, it accelerates from 0-62 mph in 5.2 seconds, a tenth of a second faster than the Boxster S. This extra performance has not been achieved at the expense of fuel economy, however, for the Porsche Boxster S Black Edition contents itself with as much fuel as the Boxster S: 28.8 mpg Combined (NEDC).

As a consequence of the low centre of gravity provided by the flat-six engine, the Boxster chassis delivers an impressive level of agility. A decisive contribution to the enhanced driving dynamics of the Porsche Boxster S Black Edition is the particularly lightweight ten-spoke design alloy wheels, previously fitted to the Boxster Spyder, and which save 5kg overall. These are fitted with 235/35 ZR 19 tyres on the front axle and 265/35 ZR 19 on the rear.

When fitted with the seven-speed Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) double-clutch gearbox, dynamics and efficiency are raised even further. This shortens acceleration times from 0-62 mph to 5.1 seconds, and in combination with the Sports Chrono Package Plus with launch control this can be lowered further still to 4.9 seconds. In comparison with the manual transmission, the intelligent gear shifting strategy of PDK lowers fuel consumption to 30 mpg Combined (NEDC) and, more significantly, reduces the CO2 emissions to 221 g/km; placing the Porsche Boxster S Black Edition in vehicle excise duty Band K.

The colour concept of the Porsche Boxster S Black Edition is consistent in every detail. The model lettering painted in black on the rear luggage compartment lid identifies the Black Edition as much as the embossed Black Edition model designation on the side of the fabric hood. The roll-over bars are painted in black, together with the rear side air intake grilles and the twin tailpipe of the exhaust system.

The black theme of the exterior is continued inside. The stainless steel door entry guards feature the "Black Edition" model lettering in black. The standard, three-spoke Sport Design steering wheel has a black leather rim. The trim strips of the dashboard and of the gear shift lever or PDK selector are painted in black. The dials on the instrument cluster are black, as are the partial leather seats with the Porsche emblem embossed in the headrests. A bespoke badge on the glove compartment lid further identifies each Black Edition.

Comfort and convenience is also enhanced for the Porsche Boxster S Black Edition with standard features including anti-dazzle interior and exterior mirrors with integrated rain sensor, cruise control and a climate control system. The Porsche Communication Management (PCM) including satellite navigation module is also standard. In addition, the universal audio interface offering MP3 player compatibility and Bluetooth mobile phone preparation are also standard. The Sound Package Plus creates an impressive audio experience, and standard Bi-Xenon headlamps with dynamic cornering lights and LED daytime running lights ensure safety on dark roads.

Upon request, the Porsche Boxster S Black Edition can be individualised even further with other options. For example, the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) is an option as well as the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and the adaptive sports seats with memory function.

The Porsche Boxster S Black Edition goes on sale in the UK and Ireland from March 2011 and is priced from £47,426. Included in the purchase price is the invitation for customers to explore the dynamic attributes of their Boxster and develop their own skills behind the wheel, courtesy of a Driving Experience Programme at the Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone.

2011 PORSCHE 911 GT3 R Hybrid 2.0

Click Thumbnail to download (size 1600 x 1200 pixels)


Porsche AG will enter the Nürburgring 24 hour race on June 25, 2011, with a more advanced version of the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid. The priority for this latest edition was improvement of efficiency through the targeted optimization of hybrid components, which also resulted in a 20 percent weight reduction. Version 2.0 of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid is intended to achieve the same lap times as its predecessor but with less fuel consumption.

The general layout of the hybrid was adopted from the previous model. A portal axle with two electric motors drives the front wheels and supplements the four-liter - depending on the balance of performance classification - approximately 470 hp, six-cylinder boxer engine at the rear. The output of both electric motors has increased from 60 to 75 kilowatts each. For bursts of multiple seconds at a time, drivers now have almost an additional 200 hp at their disposal with the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid 2.0. Depending on the programming, this power is automatically activated through use of the throttle pedal. Moreover, pilots can manually call up this extra power, for instance when overtaking.

The electric flywheel accumulator, with its rotor spinning up to 40,000 rpm and storing energy mechanically as rotational energy, is now housed with the other hybrid components in a carbon fiber safety cell on the passenger's side.

At first glance, the new GT3 R Hybrid is clearly distinguishable from the previous model. Thanks to the optimization of the hybrid system's high voltage components, the large louvers in front of the rear fenders were no longer necessary. This reduces drag and also lowers fuel consumption. All in all, the weight of the vehicle decreased from 1,350 to 1,300 kilograms.

"We've collected a great deal of information from our races on the Nürburgring, at the ALMS race at Road Atlanta, as well as from the ILMC race on China's Zhuhai circuit. The data was invaluable for the further development of our racing laboratory," says Hartmut Kristen, head of Porsche motorsport. "The emphasis of our work was on improving efficiency. That means we want to keep the lap times consistent with 2010 but use less energy, hence less fuel. In this way, we support future developments of road-going, sporting hybrid vehicles."

The cockpit of the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid has also been completely revised. Most of the displays and controls have moved to the steering wheel. Drivers can operate the rest of the functions via backlit buttons now situated on the centre console. Priority was placed on the ergonomics and the clear layout for pilots - particularly in darkness.

The new Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid is a perfect example of the 'Porsche Intelligent Performance' philosophy, a principle found in every Porsche - more power on less fuel, more efficiency and lower CO2 emissions - on the race track and on the road.

2012 BMW 6-Series Coupe

Click Thumbnail to download (size 1600 x 1200 pixels)






The hearts of sports car aficionados with an eye for beauty and a thirst for luxury and innovative technology will beat a little faster with the arrival of the new BMW 6-Series Coupe. The third generation of the top-class Coupe sees premium carmaker BMW adding another intoxicating chapter to its decades-long tradition in the production of exclusive dream cars. The new BMW 6-Series Coupe impresses with its irresistible design and inspires with even sharper driving dynamics than its predecessor, noticeably optimised comfort levels and extra space. This is the only car in the segment to offer the combination of top-class sporting ability, exclusive touring comfort and a 460-litre (16.24 cu. ft) luggage space. Also on board to deliver the BMW 6-Series Coupe's signature driving experience are a range of innovative driver assistance systems and BMW ConnectedDrive infotainment features. The new car therefore meets the highest - not to mention the broadest - expectations of driving pleasure in a large, premium 2+2-seater in incomparable style.

Its unmistakable design language gives the new BMW 6-Series Coupe an aura of athletic elegance. The sweeping bonnet, short front overhang and set-back passenger compartment team up with a 74-millimetre increase in body length (4,894 mm) over its predecessor and a 75-millimetre longer wheelbase (2,855 mm) to create the hallmark proportions of a BMW Coupe. Meanwhile, the extra width of the new car - it is now 39 millimetres wider (at 1,894 mm) thanks to its increased track width - makes for an exceptionally powerful stance that emphasises its impressive roadholding. All of which ensures that observers are struck by the car's dynamic forward-surging presence and promise of majestic driving ability the moment they set eyes on it. The faithful reflection of the car's character in its exterior styling is given particular appeal by the lines running along the full length of the body and its harmoniously curved surfaces. The inspiration for these design features was the natural movement of waves. In the same way as water is parted by an object in flowing water, the car body's shaping lines fan out from the BMW badge on the bonnet to both sides of the body.

2011 FORD Mad Max Concept

Click Thumbnail to download (size 1600 x 1200 pixels)



Ford Australia, in partnership with TopGear Australia magazine, has unveiled not one, but two spectacular new Mad Max Interceptors.

The 21st century concepts have been designed by Ford's designers for TopGear Magazine Australia to help celebrate the revival of the Mad Max action movie genre.

It is more than 30 years since Hollywood director, George Miller's original Mad Max movie - starring Mel Gibson and a jet black Ford XB coupe-based Interceptor - hit movie screens around the world.

Ford Australia's Melbourne-based Asia, Pacific and Australia Design Director, Chris Svensson, jumped at the chance to design a new Interceptor and has since thrown the full weight of Ford Australia's Research Centre behind the project, with stunning results.

"Our entire team was very excited to be involved in this after-hours project and they approached it with a great deal of enthusiasm - even those that were too young to remember the first Mad Max movie," Svensson said. "We had a special screening of the original movie so they could understand it."

Led by chief designer passenger cars Asia, Pacific and Africa, Todd Willing, the team created several way-out concepts that pay homage to styling cues from the original XB Coupe Interceptor.

Out of the concepts two have been chosen by the magazine to feature in the April issue of TopGear Australia magazine, on sale now, because they take body design, power sources and weaponry to a futuristic level.

TopGear Australia magazine readers will be invited to vote on which design Ford should take to the next level.

The winning car will be turned into a clay model, and then a scale version, which is expected to be revealed later this year.

The two competing designs - by designers Nima Nourian and Simon Brook - are limitless in their imagination, technology and weaponry. Among the weaponry is an industrial-strength "taser" mounted to the bonnet to zap bad guys on bikes straight off the road.

Other futuristic movie features include a titanium-lined body shell to interrupt police scanners and wheels with extendable spikes to shred enemy vehicles.

Nourian said his design paid tribute to the 1970s Interceptor, but also drags the car into the future.

"There are some great scenes in the first movie with high-speed chases and clashes with the bad guys, and I thought I'd take that one step further," he said. "So instead of having weapons and machine guns, we've got an industrial strength taser that'll zap cars dead and out of the way.

Brook's car was equally threatening. "During high-speed pursuits, the wheel's inner spokes on my design would pop out and start ripping up other cars," Brook said. "They'd do some serious damage to other people's vehicles."

Brook's design takes cues from the current FG Falcon but advances it further into Armageddon-land, while adding touches of the retro Interceptor as well. "I wanted to keep it clean and aerodynamic in its essence, but still brutal and tough."

Thursday, March 17, 2011

2012 LAMBORGHINI Aventador LP700-4

Click Thumbnail to download (size 1600 x 1200 pixels)





With the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4, Automobili Lamborghini is redefining the very pinnacle of the world super sports car market - brutal power, outstanding lightweight engineering and phenomenal handling precision are combined with peerless design and the very finest equipment to deliver an unparalleled driving experience. With the Aventador, Lamborghini is taking a big step into the future - and building on the glorious history of the brand with the next automotive legend. The first customers will take delivery of the new Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 in late summer 2011.
 The technology package of the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 is utterly unique. It is based on an innovative monocoque made from carbon-fiber that combines exceptional lightweight engineering with the highest levels of stiffness and safety. The new twelve-cylinder with 6.5 liters' displacement and 515 kW / 700 hp brings together the ultimate in high-revving pleasure with astonishing low-end torque. Thanks to a dry weight of only 1,575 kilograms (3,472 lb), which is extremely low for this class of vehicle, the weight-to-power ratio stands at only 2.25 kilograms per hp (4.96 lb/hp). Even the fantastic 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration figure of just 2.9 seconds and the top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph) do not fully describe the Aventador's extreme performance. And yet, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are down by around 20 percent compared with its predecessor, despite the considerable increase in power (+8%).

The ISR transmission is unique among road-going vehicles, guaranteeing the fastest shifting time (only 50 milliseconds) and a highly emotional shift feel, while the lightweight chassis with pushrod suspension delivers absolute handling precision and competition-level performance. The expressively-designed interior offers hi-tech features ranging from the TFT cockpit display with Drive Select Mode system. The Aventador will be built to the very highest quality standards in an all-new production facility in Sant'Agata Bolognese.

2011 MITSUBISHI Lancer Evolution MR

Click Thumbnail to download (size 1600 x 1200 pixels)




With its rally racing-inspired design, electronic driver aids and potent turbocharged power, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is one of the most capable high-performance sports sedans in the marketplace. But the lusty appeal of this instantly recognizable 4-door is not limited just to the North American market; the "Evo" has a rabid fan following throughout the world.

Two versions of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution will be offered in the U.S. market for the 2011 model year: the GSR model that features a short-throw 5-speed manual transmission along with a long list of standard features as well as numerous advanced electronic driver aids including the advanced Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) full-time all-wheel drive system and an even better equipped MR edition that includes Mitsubishi's remarkable 6-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic-Shift Transmission (TC-SST).

Mitsubishi's FUSE Hands-free Link System
This innovative technology gives users the ability to access their Bluetooth-enabled cell phone, iPod or USB drive with the sound of their voice. By using simple voice commands, users can make hands-free phone calls and play their favorite songs by artist, genre, album or playlist. What's more, the Gracenote® software that recognizes the names of musical artists and their songs can be updated for free so that as consumers add more and more new music, the FUSE system will recognize these new voice commands.
 
 Mitsubishi's FUSE Hands-free Link System
This innovative technology gives users the ability to access their Bluetooth-enabled cell phone, iPod or USB drive with the sound of their voice. By using simple voice commands, users can make hands-free phone calls and play their favorite songs by artist, genre, album or playlist. What's more, the Gracenote® software that recognizes the names of musical artists and their songs can be updated for free so that as consumers add more and more new music, the FUSE system will recognize these new voice commands.

Real-Time Traffic (RTT)
A very convenient and informative real-time traffic (RTT) function has been added to the available 40GB HDD navigation system.

Retuned Exhaust
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution's exhaust system has been tuned for an even more sporty-sounding exhaust note.

Sporty-looking Rear Spoilers
All Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR models now include a large rear spoiler at no additional cost to the consumer, with the MR version receiving a stylish low-key rear lip spoiler.

USB auxiliary input
Every Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution features a convenient USB port that is easily accessed inside the storage bin between the two front seats.
Aggressive Racing Car-Inspired Styling
Automotive enthusiasts - especially fans of motorsports - have long appreciated the distinctive and aggressive body lines that have been a trademark characteristic throughout the years for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution sports sedan. The current 10th-generation car continues to carry this trend but does so with a design aesthetic that is arguably the most refined interpretation of this legendary high-performance sports sedan's long and storied sporting history.

Inspired by the air intakes on jet fighters, the tall and wide openings of the car's front fascia not only lend the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution an imposing face but also flow vast volumes of air into the engine compartment to provide beneficial cooling to the radiator and intercooler, helping to maximize power production. Vents located atop the lightweight aluminum hood and on the sheetmetal aft of the front wheels are as functional as they are stylish as they help to evacuate hot air from within the engine compartment.

Protruding fenders at all four corners, a relatively tall beltline that slopes slightly downward towards the front of the vehicle and the car's short rear deck lid all combine to give the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution a stance that is both muscular and attractive-looking.

A tall trunk lid-mounted rear spoiler (GSR model) or a low-profile rear lip spoiler (MR model) round out the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution's exciting race car-inspired exterior styling.

Exhilarating Turbocharged/Intercooled 2.0-Liter Engine
The well-engineered 4B11 T/C engine is at the heart of every Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution's fast-paced athleticism - it can get the pulse racing of even the most jaded automotive enthusiast with its ultra-quick acceleration and loads of instantaneous power on tap at seemingly any point of the tachometer's rev range.

Though only 2.0-liters (1,997 cc) in displacement, this hearty DOHC 16-valve inline-4 powerplant consists of an all-aluminum engine block and cylinder head (for high-strength and light weight) and a bore and stroke that both measure exactly 86.0 mm (3.4 in.), making it a "square" design as its bore-stroke ratio is 1.0. Power ratings for this engine are 291 horsepower at 6,500 rpm with a full 300 lb.-ft. of torque produced at a much lower 4,000 rpm. Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system (MIVEC) works on both the intake and exhaust camshafts for optimized power production and cleaner exhaust emissions. This turbocharged/intercooled engine's compression ratio is 9.0:1.

Short-Throw 5-speed Manual or Rapid-Fire 6-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic-Shift Transmission
As standard equipment on the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR, the 5-speed manual gearbox is a driver's delight.

Its shift lever navigates through the gates with rifle bolt-like precision with each short, satisfying throw. The driver will also find that the lightweight clutch pedal operates in a similar manner. The functionality of both the shifter and the clutch pedal reward the operator with a high degree of mechanical feel - precisely what one wants from a high-performance sports car.

But while the smooth operation and tactile feel of the manual transmission found in the GSR model offers satisfying performance, the hard-core driving enthusiast will surely opt for the high-tech transmission included in every Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR model.

Mitsubishi's revolutionary Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST) is nothing short of an engineering marvel.

The TC-SST allows the driver to perform shifts in a fraction of the time that they could be performed with a standard manual transmission. The system also allows the driver to make these shifts via the console-mounted shift lever or even more conveniently by magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters. What's more, this close-ratio 6-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission can operate in a fully automated mode, just like the typical automatic transmission. In either manual or automatic mode, each up or down shift takes place instantaneously with no perceptible lag time, with the engine management system "blipping" the throttle with every downshift, matching the engine and transmission speeds perfectly.

Supercar Performance from Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC)
Mitsubishi's Lancer Evolution has always been known for its exceptional handling prowess. But the advanced electronic driver aids on the current generation vehicle - especially the company's superb Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system - have taken the Evolution's road hugging maneuverability to an astonishingly high level.

Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) is not one specific device but a network of technologically-advanced dynamic systems that constantly communicate with each other to provide optimized tractability. These include Active Stability Control (ASC), an Active Center Differential (ACD), an Active Yaw Control (AYC) rear differential, and Sport ABS brakes. Working in concert, Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) modulates torque delivery to each wheel in real-time for maximum control.

The Active Stability Control (ASC) includes the vehicle's traction control and stability control systems and helps to regulate brake force and engine power distribution at each individual wheel.

The Active Center Differential (ACD) uses an electronically-controlled hydraulic multi-plate clutch to split engine torque (up to 50:50) between the front and rear wheels. This routing of engine power between the front and rear of the vehicle is determined by data collected from a variety of sensors including individual wheel speeds, throttle opening, steering wheel angle, and the vehicle's lateral and longitudinal positioning.

Acting in a similar fashion to a conventional limited-slip differential, the Active Yaw Control (AYC) rear differential utilizes a planetary gear differential, yaw rate sensor and brake force control via the Active Stability Control (ASC) system to control rear wheel torque for improved traction and stability in slippery road conditions and high-speed cornering.

And thanks to advanced brake pressure and yaw rate sensors, the Sport Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) helps the driver to maintain better steering control on slippery surfaces or under very heavy braking.

Advanced Sport-Tuned Chassis and Suspension
A highly rigid structure, strong but lightweight components and a superbly-tuned independent suspension system make up the foundation of every Lancer Evolution.

The Evo's platform features ample use of ultra-strong yet lightweight high-tensile steel along with a hood, greenhouse and front fenders composed entirely of lightweight aluminum. Mitsubishi engineers cleverly placed the car's battery and windshield washer fluid reservoir in the trunk to help improve overall vehicle weight distribution.

The suspension consists of a McPherson type strut (inverted strut) design at the front of the vehicle with a multi-link suspension employed at the rear. To improve unsprung weight, the control arms for both the front and rear suspensions are constructed of forged aluminum. Another Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution strong suit is its incredible braking ability, thanks to a Brembo braking system that uses 4-channel Sport ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and large ventilated rotors at all four corners (13.8-in. diameter with 4-piston calipers up front and 13.0-in. diameter with 2-piston calipers in back). The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR model's brakes are even more advanced as they employ a two-piece rotor design for reduced weight. Super-sticky 245/40R18 Yokohama ADVAN asymmetrical performance tires wrapped around 18 x 8.5-in. wheels (Enkei® cast-alloy on the GSR and BBS® forged-alloy on the MR) round out the ultra-high-performance componentry and design that make this sensational performance car every bit as capable on the racetrack as it is comfortable for driving in the real world.

World-Class Daily Driver
Having made its mark on the world in motorsports competition including multiple championships in the grueling World Rally Championship (WRC) where combatants battle it out on courses that include sand, gravel and paved roads, the current Lancer Evolution is a delightful vehicle to live with on a daily basis thanks to its excellent ergonomics and thoughtful amenities.

Supportive yet comfortable RECARO® front bucket sports seats work well for either quick trips or long daily commutes, while a sumptuous-sounding 6-speaker 140-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with digital signal processor, cruise control, automatic climate control, remote keyless entry and power windows, side mirrors and door locks help make extended time behind the wheel very pleasurable.

A Touring package is also available for the MR that consists of a power glass sunroof; leather seating surfaces for the RECARO® seats; improved sound insulation; rain-sensing wipers; automatic on/off headlamps and heated front seats and door mirrors.

Advanced Safety Technologies
The 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution features numerous innovative safety technologies to help protect all of the vehicle's occupants.

Every Evolution is endowed with Mitsubishi's next-generation Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) unibody platform that, in the event of side or rear collisions, helps to dissipate energy away from the vehicle's occupants to improve protection from injury; the RISE system also helps to protect the fuel system from rear impacts.

Seven air bags are also included: Advanced dual front air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with occupant sensors, front seat-mounted side-impact air bags, side curtain air bags and a driver's side knee air bag. A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and anti-lock braking system (advanced Sport ABS included on the Lancer Evolution) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) are also included.

2010 RENAULT Megane Estate

Click Thumbnail to download (size 1600 x 1200 pixels)




The Renault Mégane family has been extended to include a new model which features its own distinct personality: New Renault Mégane Estate. New Renault Mégane Estate boasts vast carrying capacity and could hardly be more driverfriendly, while its dynamic, elegant lines give it undeniable sporting appeal. The newcomer boasts a raft of high-tech equipment, too, including Carminat TomTom®, a new, fullyintegrated satnav system for a pioneering price of less than €500. Compared with New Renault Mégane Hatchback, the extended wheelbase and rear overhang have freed up additional cabin space for occupants, as well as extra carrying capacity. New Renault Mégane Estate comes with a wide choice of engines which combine performance and respect for the environment, including the new TCe 130 petrol unit.
 
DYNAMIC STYLING
In addition to its dynamic looks, New Renault Mégane Estate has a distinctive character and lives up to the pledge made at the time of the hatchback version's release that every member of the New Renault Mégane family would have its own, clear-cut personality.

New Renault Mégane Estate features identical front-end styling to that of the hatchback version, including the characteristic lines that swoop down from the windscreen pillars to converge on the logo at the centre of the bonnet. Seen from the side, however, New Renault Mégane Estate is very different thanks to its extended wheelbase compared with the hatchback version (+62mm). The newcomer's total length (4,558mm) is also 263mm longer than that of New Renault Mégane Hatchback, and its width stands at 1,808mm. Following this increase in wheelbase and rear overhang, special care has been taken to maintain balanced, dynamic proportions: the slope of the roofline, the steeply-raked rear screen and the elongated, rearward-sweeping side windows give New Renault Mégane Estate an elegant, racy profile, and these fluid lines are set off by the longitudinal roof bars.

The broad shoulders exude sporting appeal and an impression of robustness reinforced by the car's generous forms and low positioning of the side protective mouldings. New Mégane Estate's unique character is further expressed by features such as its rear light clusters and the form of the rear screen, the bottom edge of which picks out the Renault logo.

Special attention has been paid to perceived quality thanks to a careful choice of forms and materials. In the cabin, the accent has been on the durability and quality of the materials - which have been selected to be pleasant to the touch - and on exemplary fit-and-finish.

Thanks to its generous dimensions and elegant, dynamic styling, New Renault Mégane Estate exudes sporting appeal without detracting in any way from its user-friendliness or carrying capacity.

PRATICAL AND TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED
New Renault Mégane Estate's boot volume of 524dm3 (up to parcel shelf) ranks it among the best in its segment. Total carrying capacity can be extended up to 1,595dm3 with the rear benchseat fully folded, while access to the boot is facilitated by its low sill height: 561mm, the lowest of its segment.

In addition to its generous proportions, New Renault Mégane Estate's boot is practical, too, and gives owners the ability to divide it into two separate zones: one large compartment, and a smaller compartment at the rear which enables the boot's layout to be adapted to the needs of the moment.

For example, a small item can easily be slipped into the smaller compartment, which has the double advantage of preventing it from sliding about and ensuring that it is readily accessible. Two additional stowage bins are available under the floor of the rearmost compartment.

Tipping the front passenger seat and rear benchseat forward enables items of up to 2,550mm in length to be carried. To facilitate the loading of lengthy objects, the foremost part of the boot floor is raised when the rear benchseat is folded to produce a single, uninterrupted surface. This clever feature frees up space for the baggage cover in a compartment underneath the boot floor behind the rear seats.

Rear passengers also profit from the extended wheelbase since they benefit from comfortable kneeroom of 218mm.

The driver, meanwhile, will appreciate the comfortable, practical driving environment. Front elbow room figures among the segment's best at 1,476mm, and the height-adjustable driver's seat travels through a segment-topping 70mm.

Like New Renault Mégane Hatchback and New Renault Mégane Coupé, the New Renault Mégane Estate catalogue features a raft of equipment, most of which is more commonly associated with the next segment up:
hands-free card with automatic central locking when the driver walks away from the car,automatic parking brake,dual-zone automatic climate control with three temperature adjustment modes (Soft-Auto-Fast),directional bi-Xenon headlamps,innovative combined digital/analogue instrument display,new colour-coded interface for the cruise control with speed limiter,customization of the activation and adjustment of certain functions (daytime running lights, volume of audible parking proximity sensor warning),3D Sound by Arkamys® audio system,connectivity: standard RCA socket and optional "Plug & Music" system (USB and jack connections).

PRECISE, REASSURING ROADHOLDING
All the handling-related enhancements seen on New Renault Mégane Hatchback have been carried over to New Renault Mégane Estate Technically, New Renault Mégane Estate shares the same genes as the rest of the New Mégane family, including MacPherson-type front suspension combined with a horned subframe, plus a closedsection torsion beam at the rear, while New Renault Mégane Estate's extended wheelbase also contributes to its remarkable stability. The electric power steering has been entirely revised for enhanced response and driving comfort thanks to more reliable feedback of information from the road. Together, these improvements ensure a precise, reassuring ride and best-level cornering stability.

New Renault Mégane Estate is available with a wide choice of powerplants, including three diesel engines that boast CO2 emissions of less than or equal to 120g/km. The petrol engine line-up comprises six powertrains, including the new TCe 130 engine which is available from launch. Developed within the framework of the Renault-Nissan Alliance, the TCe 130 showcases the expertise that the brand has acquired in the field known as downsizing. This 1.4-litre unit boasts the torque of a 2-litre engine and the power of a 1.8, yet its CO2 emissions are less than those of a 1.6. The TCe 130 also figures at the top-end of its class in terms of running and maintenance costs. Its reliable, durable timing chain favours acoustic comfort, while oil change intervals are every 30,000km (or every two years).

New Renault Mégane Estate can also be ordered with 100hp and 110hp 1.6 litre engines that drive through manual five- or six-speed gearboxes respectively. In certain markets, this engine is available in a bioethanol-compatible version.

The 2.0 140hp engine is available with gearshift-free CVT (continuously variable transmission) for even greater driving comfort.

The petrol engine line-up is rounded off by the TCe 180, an evolution of the 2.0 block which combines outstanding response with outstanding flexibility at low revs.

The extensive range of diesel engines available for New Renault Mégane Estate illustrates the ongoing work Renault continues to put in to ensure that its customers profit from the market's best trade-off between performance and fuel consumption, as well as lower running and maintenance costs and longer servicing intervals.

The 1.5 litre dCi engine comes in a choice of four power outputs, with or without a particulate filter (dCi 85, dCi 90 DPF, dCi 105 and dCi 110 DPF). In addition to their sprightly performance, all these engines stand out through their low CO2 emissions (118g/km for the dCi 85 and dCi 90 DPF, 120g/km for the dCi 105).

The dCi 130 engine, which is also available with or without a particulate filter, is the only engine of its class to claim CO2 emissions of less than 140g/km, which consequently qualifies it for tax incentives in certain countries.

The dCi 90 DPF, dCi 105, dCi 110 DPF, dCi 130 and dCi 130 DPF engines all figure among the best in their class in terms of running and maintenance costs, with oil changes recommended every 30,000km (or two years) and timing belt changes every 160,000km. The particulate filters now benefit from a lifetime warranty.

The diesel engine range is topped by the 2.0 dCi which is available in a choice of power outputs, namely 160hp (mated to a manual six-speed gearbox) or a 150hp version with six-speed automatic transmission that will become available in the course of the second half of 2009).

NEW RENAULT MEGANE ESTATE PROFITS FULLY FROM RENAULT'S QUALITY AND SAFETY EXPERTISE
Like all the members of the new Mégane family, New Renault Mégane Estate has been designed to deliver impeccable passive and active safety. A long list of equipment is available to help drivers anticipate risk situations:
seatbelt reminder warning lights for all five seats,tyre pressure monitoring system,bi-Xenon headlamps with cornering lights,automatic headlamp activation,automatic windscreen wiper activation,cruise control with speed limiter.

New Renault Mégane Estate is equipped with the full range of driver aids: ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency brake assist and ESC with understeer control.

New Renault Mégane Estate also comes with the same passive safety features and systems that helped New Renault Mégane Hatchback score the maximum possible score of 37 points (from 37) in the EuroNCAP crash tests, namely a programmed deformation structure combined with the third-generation Renault System for Restraint and Protection (SRP3) which affords best-level protection in accidents for all occupants. New Mégane Estate also comes with the innovative twin side-impact sensors first seen on New Laguna. This system halves the time required to trigger the dual-chamber thorax/groin airbags for even greater occupant protection.

New Renault Mégane Estate benefits fully from the considerable progress achieved by Renault in terms of quality and durability. For example: as seen on New Laguna, the hands-free card - complete with automatic central locking as the driver walks away from the car - has been redesigned to make it even more robust. The battery is now located in a sealed compartment to enable it to stand up to the increasingly demanding validation tests (e.g. washing machine test).
 

2011 RENAULT Captur Concept

Click Thumbnail to download (size 1600 x 1200 pixels)



At the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, Renault revealed its new brand identity which puts people at the forefront of its concerns. The new and ambitious design strategy which resulted from this is founded on different stages of the human life cycle, with each phase taking the form of a specific concept car. The first, the two-seater DeZir coupé, expressed 'falling in love', the passion present at the beginning of any new adventure. Now Renault Captur Concept addresses the second phase of this cycle, that of two people exploring the world around them.

Just like its predecessor, Renault Captur defines the simple, sensuous and warm style that will be progressively extended to future Renault car designs. "Captur is a fun and sporty crossover, ideal for a young couple about to discover the world" explains director of design, Laurens Van den Acker. "It takes as its basis the fundamental design language introduced on the DeZir concept car but adds a more technical dimension - more functional but still highly sensuous," adds Axel Breun, director of concept cars.
 
A CROSSOVER THAT'S ALL MUSCLE IN MOTION
In its proportions and fluid curves, Renault Captur Concept evokes movement and lightness, yet at the same time displaying powerful and muscular all-terrain cues. Just as with DeZir, angles, corners and lines have given way to sensuous and natural forms. For the exterior designer, Julio Lozano, the main sources of inspiration were athletes and radical sports. "In designing Captur, I began with the image of a sprinter on the starting blocks, his muscles tensed, and the energy unleashed when the starting pistol is fired," he explains. The design also references equipment such as helmets, gloves and other protective gear used in radical sports, combining high technology with sophistication and lightness.

Renault Captur adopts the new frontal identity first presented by DeZir. As with DeZir, this identity has as its centrepiece a large Renault logo, set vertically against a dark surface so as to stand out as clearly as possible. Substantial, matt-finished wings reinforce the design's visual strength. LEDs relay the direction indicator signal in a wave effect running the whole length of the vehicle.

Renault Captur does more than simply stir the emotions: it is also a practical and versatile vehicle. It is fitted with a hard convertible top which, once removed, reveals a carbon fibre framework. Captur Concept can thus transform itself from a coupé to a convertible, from an urban vehicle to an off-roader, while its overall sporty appeal is reinforced by its butterfly doors and big tyres fitted to 22-inch black and white rims. With its bodywork finished in a spicy shade of orange, Renault Captur takes its cue from the red championed by DeZir. This colour appears in a variety of different shades on materials both inside and outside the vehicle.

AN INTERIOR FULLY BATHED IN WARMTH AND LIGHTNESS
The orange theme has been carried over to the cabin which also features fluorescent highlights picked out by a constant stream of light. "My main sources of inspiration were the human body, outdoor sports and urban styling," explains the colour and trim designer, Kana Watanabe. "I wanted Captur to radiate warmth and dynamism."

The interior of Renault Captur is designed to be both welcoming and occupant-friendly. The impression of lightness expressed by the exterior is dominant here, too, with the front seats attached to the centre console as if suspended in mid air. The passenger compartment is restrained and pure, with no superfluous equipment. Innovative and ingenious materials have been employed, allowing the designers to play with light and optical effects. The centre console, door casings and dashboard are formed using a translucent material rather like a second skin. At the front of the cabin, this includes a glimpse of the high-tech fibre ropes, luminescent in places, that have been used for most of the passenger compartment. "The whole of the interior is designed around this network of stretched elastic ropes which bring to mind the worlds of sailing or mountain climbing, They use graphics and light to bring rhythm to the overall design and reinforce the dynamic feel of the vehicle while also ensuring a lighter feel inside the cabin," explains the interior designer, Magali Gouraud-Borgers. The aluminium pedals, carbon bucket-style front seats and steering wheel trimmed in grey textured leather reassert the sporting side of the design, in keeping with the original brief.

The rear of the vehicle is a multipurpose area where the deck is lined with three layers of rope:

* The stretched cords are laid out in a way that allows items to be secured, thus providing a reconfigurable storage area;
* They also provide an opportunity for relaxation thanks to the supple elasticity of the structure. This is an entirely new type of comfort, a new form of seating akin to a hammock.
* Finally, it is possible to pull seatbacks from the side of the car to provide two full-sized rear seats, complete with seat belts and head restraints. This enables Captur to accommodate four passengers.

AN INNOVATIVE CROSSOVER THAT'S STRONG ON PERFORMANCE AND LIGHT ON FUEL
Renault Captur Concept makes use of the Energy dCi 160 twin-turbo engine-concept, developed from the new Energy dCi 130. Downsizing is a key element in Renault's strategy to meet its declared objective of being Europe's leading automaker with regard to CO2 emissions. The range of electric vehicles will run alongside internal-combustion engined models that combine performance with reduced fuel consumption. Energy dCi 160 twin-turbo fits perfectly within this strategy. It produces 118kW (160hp) from a capacity of 1.6 litres - that's a specific power output of 100hp per litre. Peak torque (380Nm) is available from as low as 1,750rpm, giving powerful acceleration from low revs, as well as refined performance under all driving conditions. Paired with a dual clutch EDC gearbox, this driveline promises genuinely enjoyable driving with CO2 emissions of 99 g per kilometre.

Renault Captur's performance is further enhanced by the RX2®, a novel system that improves traction at low speeds. Should one of the two driven wheels lose traction, this entirely new mechanical self-locking differential transfers all or part of the engine's torque to the wheel with the most grip. Driving on slippery roads and tracks thus remains smooth and effortless.

Renault Captur Concept also marks the debut of the Visio-system, an innovation that uses a forwardfacing camera mounted at the top of the windscreen to provide driver-assistance functions. This new technology is able to embed synthesised images into real-time images of the road ahead displayed on a central screen; this is the principle of augmented reality, aiming to enhance the driver's perception of the external world by superimposing purpose-designed elements. The system helps reduce driving stress, for a relaxed, reassuring ride.

Technical data

* Engine: Energy dCi 160 Twin-Turbo
* Power: 118 kW (160 hp)
* Capacity: 1,598 cm3
* CO2 emissions: 99 g/km (NEDC combined cycle)
* Peak torque: 380 Nm
* Top speed: 210 km/h
* Transmission: EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch)
* Tyres: 250/40 R22
* Cd: 0.31
* Kerb weight, unladen: 1,300 kg
* 0-100 km/h: 8 s
* 1,000m standing start: 29 s
* Dimensions
o Length: 4,223 mm
o Width: 1,950 mm
o Height: 1,586 mm
o Ground clearance (laden): 261 mm
o Wheelbase: 2,624 mm
o Front track: 1,684 mm
o Rear track: 1,684 mm