Monday, April 28, 2014

All-New Jeep Renegade – Build to be best in class



Just when you thought the small SUV/crossover niche couldn't get any more crowded, along comes one of the funkiest new models from a company known for producing models that are rugged, love the mud and squarely styled. The All-New Jeep Renegade takes one of the most red-blooded of American brands into the realm of the ultra-compact crossover. 
All-New Jeep Renegade

Exterior
The All-New Jeep Renegade builds on the Wrangler's powerful stance, and features fresh new styling with rugged body forms and aggressive proportions that enable best-in-class approach and departure angles purposely designed to deliver best-in-class off-road capability. The All-New Jeep Renegade offers open-air freedom with two available My Sky open-air roof systems. With a manual removable, or removable with premium power tilt/slide feature, the segment-exclusive My Sky roof-panel systems quickly bring the outdoors inside. 
 
Front headlamp design inspired by the Wrangler
Power
The Renegade offers up to 16 strategic power train combinations, the most ever in a Jeep SUV, customized to markets around the world to meet a range of performance and efficiency needs. The All-New Jeep Renegade has raised the bar, this time in the small SUV class, with the first available nine-speed automatic transmission. When paired with the 2.4-liter MultiAir2 gas engine, the nine-speed transmission delivers numerous benefits customers will appreciate, including aggressive launches, smooth power delivery at highway speeds and improved fuel efficiency versus a six-speed automatic transmission.
funky interior

Interior
The All-New Jeep Renegade interior features a rugged and energetic appearance. This interior’s design theme is defined by the intersections of soft and tactile forms with rugged and functional details. Major surfaces such as the sculpted soft-touch instrument panel are intersected with bold functional elements like the passenger grab handle borrowed from its big brother, the Jeep Wrangler. Unique design accents and inspired colours are derived from extreme sports equipment. To make sure all of the needed passenger gear fits, the All-New Jeep Renegade is designed with an efficient and flexible interior package that includes a removable, reversible, and height-adjustable cargo floor panel and fold-forward front-passenger seat.
 
Rear design
Verdict
The All-New Renegade challenges already know notions of what makes a real Jeep. However, thanks to its compact city size, rugged style, and genuine talent off-road, the All-New Jeep Renegade should easily convert non-believers.

Saturday, April 26, 2014

All-New Mercedes S-Class Coupe – The three pointed star flagship coupe



Stylistically self-assured presence, exclusive appointments, and refined sportiness - the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe combines the classic proportions of a large, sporty coupe with modern luxury and state-of-the art technology. All-New Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe replaces the luxurious CL as the flagship luxury coupe of the brand. The coupe is also one of the many new models, which will span out from the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class range.  
 
All-New Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe
Striking design
The creative interaction of diverse design elements lends the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe a superior, self-confident front. In the centre of the coupe’s front end features a three-dimensional diamond radiator grille, whose structure is defined by rectangular, chrome-plated elements. It incorporates the central Mercedes three-pointed star.
Unique front compared to its saloon sibling
The full-LED headlamps, with their iconic ‘eyebrows’ as daytime running lamps, lend it an extremely self-assured and distinctive gaze. On the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe the ‘eyebrows’ have been further refined with a semi-circular counter-curve. Standard LED headlamps add an aggressive character to the front of the coupe. The side profile is defined by the dome-shaped stretched roof line and the frameless doors. 
 
Profile
An elegant 3D continuous chrome frame surrounds the glass areas that are uninterrupted by B-pillars. The flowing profile of the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe is characterised by typical rear-wheel-drive proportions, emphasised by the hallmark dropping line.
Distinct rear lights
The long bonnet with pronounced lines, high beltline, accentuated wheel arches, as well as the large wheels (18- to 20-inch) and the broad visual effect created by the rear reinforce the Coupe's refined design. The rear end with its surfaces, broad shoulders, and distinctive character lines rounds off the emotive overall appearance. 
 
Headlamps
The designers have moved the license plate mounting to the lower part of the rear bumper. This allows the boot lid to be made especially sleek in this area. The three-pointed star is, so to say, free-standing and more prominent for greater effect. In addition it pivots outwards in order to locate the reversing camera in an elegantly functional manner. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe features a panoramic roof extending over two-thirds of the entire roof and appears almost 150 percent larger than the one on the outgoing CL model. MAGIC SKY CONTROL makes it possible to switch the transparency of the roof at the push of a button, from light to dark.
 
Reverse camera
Refined performance
The two-door car is available with a 4663 cc V8 Biturbo engine. The all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe has a nominal output of 335 kW (455 hp), its torque level peaks at 700 Nm. The sporty motoring experience is significantly enhanced by the emotional sound produced by the exhaust system.
Touch pad control
MAGIC BODY CONTROL, the first "suspension with eyes,” had its world première in the S-Class. With the curve tilting function the Coupe introduces a further world first for series-production cars: The curve tilting function makes the Coupe lean into bends in a manner similar to a motorcyclist or skier. The lateral acceleration acting upon occupants is reduced. The effect of this is that passengers can sit more comfortable and firmly during hard cornering. 
 
Front seats
Luxurious interior
Step inside the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe and your eyes are charmed by the overall design. The dashboard is divided into a very clear top-layer section with an expansive "wrap-around" effect extending to the doors, and an extremely low, sculptural "floating" lower section. This striking architecture was made possible by repositioning the airbag to a completely new low location. This concept enables the large, two-part wide-screen format TFT display to be placed in a prominent "hovering" position in front of this trim surface. 
 
Cockpit
In addition, it is stylishly highlighted with ambience lighting. Under the display, the sporty elevated centre console extends to the coupe’s rear. All lids and armrests are lavishly covered in leather. The new "Super Sport" steering wheel features galvanised spokes. The use of the finest materials, surfaces, colour combinations, and seam designs contributes towards achieving a truly exclusive car interior. Air vents, switches, belt extender decoration, and trim elements are adorned in electroplated "Silver Shadow.” Both the front and the rear seats have a pronounced sporty character, the two rear seats are designed as individual seats. 
 
Chrome detailing
The front-seat seatbelts are integrated in the rear side panelling without interrupting the waistline with windows open; seatbelt extenders make them easily accessible for the seat occupants. The optional head-up display brings important information directly into the driver's field of vision, presenting it on the windscreen to ensure less distraction from the traffic situation. The system informs about coupe’s speed, speed limits, navigation instructions and driving assistance system messages.
 
Rear design
Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe is a worthy successor to the CL. The coupe also marks the return of the ‘couped’ S-Class, which were last introduced back in the 1980’s. Before the debut of the all-new S-Class they adopted the CL name. The coupe offers opulent luxury, great performance and marks another great chapter in the ever-growing success of the redesigned S-Class range. However, the car is destined for the few buyers who have lots to spend when it comes to getting the best.  

All-New Subaru Legacy – More refined, efficient, and bigger



Introduced more than two decades ago, the Subaru Legacy is the company's longest-running nameplate. There have been five generations of the Subaru Legacy. For the sixth generation Legacy, Subaru has gone to great lengths to improve the car’s overall refinement, interior design, fuel efficiency, and safety technology. The All-New Subaru Legacy is the best-equipped ever, with all trim lines adding new standard amenities.
 
All-New Subaru Legacy
Design
Key to the sleeker, coupe-like profile is a "nosecone" front section that combines the grille and bumper into one smooth piece. An aluminium hood reduces weight over the front wheels, enhancing steering response.
Profile
The All-New Subaru Legacy maintains a footprint similar to the model it replaces. The new windshield angle, higher seating hip points, new front partition windows, and door-mounted side view mirrors help improve visibility. The U-shape tail and brake lights on all models use LED bulbs for lower power consumption and a luxurious appearance.
 
Revamped front
Performance
The All-New Subaru Legacy is available with four or six cylinder boxer engines. 2.5-liter four-cylinder BOXER unit, which debuted in 2013, features numerous enhancements for lighter weight, improved efficiency, and quieter operation. Power is increased slightly to 130 kW. Peak torque remains at 234 Nm but is spread over a broader engine speed range for more responsive performance. The six-cylinder power unit has a total volume of 3.6-litres. This particular BOXER engine produces 190 kW (256 hp) and 334 Nm of torque. Both power plants are merged with a Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) as standard. 
 
Power train
Interior
With nearly the same exterior footprint as the previous car, the All-New Subaru Legacy offers a roomier passenger cabin. The added space yields gains in shoulder, hip, elbow and leg room. However, rear passengers benefit the most from the increased cabin space. Accentuating the passenger cabin's increased room, the All-New Subaru Legacy features a new interior design that highlights horizontal themes.
Rear look
A combination of new soft-touch materials, thicker cushioning for armrests and the centre console and new trim styles give the All-New Subaru Legacy a more premium feel. A standard 60/40 split fold-down rear seat expands carrying capacity. 
 
Cockpit
Verdict
With its midsize sedan competitors showing recent redesigns, the Subaru Legacy updates its own look for 2015. A roomy cabin, an upgraded interior, and standard all-wheel drive make the All-New Subaru Legacy a solid midsize saloon. 

Mazda Hazumi – KODO goes compact



One look at Mazda's new generation models, the Mazda CX-5, Mazda 6, and Mazda 3, confirms that the KODO design is defined by a dynamic, living expression of motion. The Hazumi is yet another example of KODO's vast potential and how well it adapts to different vehicles of different sizes. The concept's name is a good fit both for the look of the car and its target market. Hazumi is a Japanese word meaning to "bound" or "spring up" and was chosen to convey an image of a small but vigorous animal, bursting with energy. 
 
Mazda Hazumi Concept
The headlamps and grille are positioned low to the ground as possible, giving the front face a sharp look. The LED guiding rings add depth and solidity to the headlamps. Another KODO trademark, the aluminium signature wing, underscores the grille before cutting through the headlamps, imparting a deeply sculptured facial expression. With its short overhangs and pillars the Hazumi displays the athletic silhouette of a sports car when viewed from the side. 
 
Profile
The aluminium wheels feature a dynamic design. The contrast between the radiant sheen produced by the aluminium milling process and the dark metallic paint give the wheels a taut, three-dimensional feel. A long line starts from the bonnet, crests over the front wheel and runs all the way to the rear, while an overlapping line peaks over the rear wheel. The firmly planted rear wheels support the high hipline and the steeply inclined back window. The distinctive oblong rear combination lamps echo the look of the headlamps. 
 
Headlamp
The Mazda Hazumi also marks the world premiere of the SKYACTIV-D 1.5. This compact and lightweight clean diesel engine is designed for ultra-efficient internal combustion just like the bigger SKYACTIV-D 2.2. The engine offers dynamic performance and great efficiency. This model also features i-ACTIVSENSE advanced safety technologies based on Mazda Proactive Safety. This is Mazda's safety philosophy aiming to maximise the range of conditions in which the driver can drive safely and minimise the risks that lead to accidents.
 
Taillight
Speed is at the essence of the interior shapes, which spread out from above the instrument cluster to the door trim and centre console. The instrument cluster is designed around the driver's centre axis. It features a single, centrally-positioned gauge with displays on either side. The passenger space begins immediately with an instrument panel shaped like the wing of an airplane, creating a comfortable feeling of openness.
Interior
The centre console is suspended like a bridge, enhancing the feeling of space and creating more room in the foot wells. The interior is designed with black leather as the base and white leather used in certain places such as the instrument panel. This modern colour-coordination, which is both bold and charming, makes the interior look youthful and refined at the same time.
 
Rear design
Destiny
The Mazda Hazumi Concept is a sneak preview at the next generation Mazda 2, also known by many as the Demio. The production version of the Hazumi Concept is already undergoing tests before its maiden debut.