The F800 Style has a spacious interior full of intelligent seating, operating, and display concepts. Another unique feature of the large sedan is an all-new multi drive platform, which accommodates electric drives with fuel cells (enabling ranges of almost 375 miles) as well as the use of Plug-in Hybrids that can drive for up to 18 miles solely on electricity. Both variants of the F800 Style therefore make locally emission-free mobility possible at the level of a premium-class automobile, while at the same time being fully suited for everyday driving and providing a dynamic driving experience.

“We are dedicated to reconciling our responsibility for the environment with practical customer utility in a fascinating automobile,” says Dr. Thomas Weber, the Daimler Board of Management member responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. “The new F800 Style research vehicle combines this commitment to providing the leading innovative drive concepts with our traditional Mercedes strengths in the areas of design, safety, comfort, and outstanding performance.”

A glance into the future of pioneering premium sedans

Within the 15.5-foot external length of the F800 Style, all of the components of the vehicle’s efficient and environmentally compatible alternative drives (Plug-in Hybrid or fuel cell drive system) are installed in a space-saving manner in the engine compartment and the gaps within the chassis. Each of the drive systems takes up comparatively little space for the installation. This applies in particular to the electric drive with fuel cell, which has been enhanced by Mercedes-Benz to be compact and powerful. The front end’s compact package was made possible through the consistent downsizing of all F-CELL components. As a result, the entire interior space is preserved and offers plenty of room for five occupants.

“For many decades now, our research vehicles have been turning pioneering concepts into reality and thereby setting future trends. We set a course on the large touring sedan segment in 2007, when we presented the F700,” says Prof. Herbert Kohler, Head of E-Drive & Future Mobility and Chief Environmental Officer at Daimler. “Characteristic features of the F800 Style are its innovations, whose development is already close to the series production stage. This is true not only of the electric drive with fuel cells but also of the Plug-in Hybrid, whose components were taken from our modular system for electric and hybrid vehicles.”

F800 Style with Plug-in Hybrid: Outstanding performance despite emissions of only 68 grams CO2 per kilometer

In combination with the very powerful Plug-in Hybrid drive system, the F800 Style is a very dynamic expression of the concept of “fascination and responsibility.” Its drive unit consists of a V6 gasoline engine with an output of 300 hp with next-generation direct injection and a hybrid module with an output 109 hp so that it delivers a total power of around 409 hp. The lithium-ion battery with a storage capacity of >10 kWh can be recharged either at a charging station or a household power socket. Thanks to its powerful and high-torque hybrid module, in the city the F800 Style can run exclusively on electricity, therefore without generating any local emissions. Because it also has high torque right from the moment it starts, the vehicle has the same driving performance as a car with a V6 gasoline engine even when operating in electric mode. The F800 Style with the Plug-in Hybrid can run purely on electricity for up to 18 miles. The F800 Style research vehicle therefore marks a further important step in the creation of a market-ready Plug-in Hybrid. Mercedes-Benz will begin series production of the S500 Plug-in Hybrid with the introduction of the next-generation S-Class.

Due to its efficient drive system and a CO2 bonus for the battery-electric driving mode, the vehicle has a certified fuel consumption of only 2.9 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers. This corresponds to extremely low CO2 emissions of only 68 grams per kilometer. However, thanks to its outstanding efficiency, the F800 Style equipped with a Plug-in Hybrid nevertheless has a driving performance comparable to a sports car (0-60 mph 4.7 s, top speed of 155 mph). When in electric mode, the F800 Style has a top speed of 75 mph, thus meeting the needs associated with long-distance driving.

Like the Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID introduced in the summer of 2009 and the Vision S500 Plug-in Hybrid, the powerful electric module (approx. 80 kW) of the F800 Style is completely integrated into the housing of the seven-speed transmission. The lithium-ion battery in the new research vehicle is located underneath the rear seat, where it takes up little space, creates a low center of gravity, and ensures maximum safety in the event of a crash.

The electric drive components in the F800 Style with the Plug-in Hybrid once again demonstrate the versatility of Mercedes-Benz’ extensively scalable modular hybrid system. The hybrid system can be expanded in various ways, depending on performance needs and the area of application. On this basis, it is possible to combine hybrid modules and batteries of different performance ratings with fuel-efficient, high-torque gasoline and diesel engines. Examples range from the current mild hybrids all the way to Plug-in Hybrids that enable pure electric driving over long distances. In developing the F800 Style with Plug-in Hybrid, the Mercedes engineers specifically focused on improving the pure electric driving in urban traffic. Thanks to high power reserves, the F800 Style in e-mode easily masters all kinds of city traffic while producing no local emissions. With the new hybrid module, the top speed of the F800 Style with Plug-in Hybrid has been increased to 75 mph in electric mode compared to the Vision S500 Plug-in Hybrid. At the same time, it emits only 68 grams of CO2 per kilometer, compared to the latter vehicle’s 74 grams per kilometer.

Flexible, secure, and fully suited to everyday use:
The F800 Style with electric drive and fuel cell technology

The F800 Style also offers clean driving pleasure in the variant equipped with an electric drive based on fuel cell technology. The vehicle’s electric motor develops around 136 hp as well as a strong torque of approximately 214 lb-ft. The fuel cell generates the traction current by chemically reacting hydrogen with oxygen onboard the vehicle, producing water vapor in the process as the only emission.

The components of the fuel cell drive are taken from the range of available e-drive modules, which Mercedes-Benz developed for a variety of different electric vehicles. These components, which are already installed in the limited edition B-Class F-CELL, can be used flexibly and are suited for a variety of different drive configurations. The F800 Style is an example of this, as it uses rear-wheel drive, in contrast to the B-Class F-CELL. The same components are also installed in commercial vehicles, with developments here being spearheaded by the new Citaro fuel cell bus, which is equipped with two of the F-CELL systems used in passenger cars.

The new Mercedes-Benz research vehicle has the fuel cell located in the front, while the compact electric motor is installed near the rear axle. The lithium-ion battery is located behind the rear seats and is protected as well as possible against the effects of accidents, as are the four hydrogen tanks. Two of the tanks are located in the transmission tunnel between the passengers, while the other two are underneath the rear seat.

F800 Style with further innovations for more comfort and safety

In addition to a multi-drive platform that is unparalleled for large sedans and the combination of different alternative drive technologies, the F800 Style features many other technological innovations, such as a new multi-function display concept and a human-machine interface (HMI) with a cam touchpad. The display shows many additional functions not typically found in conventional instrument clusters. The F800 Style’s display concept focuses for the first time primarily on electric driving functions.

HMI with cam (camera) touchpad for intuitive and precise operation

The new cam touchpad HMI is an intelligent expansion of the COMAND system. For many years now, Mercedes-Benz has been forging ahead with the development of innovative operating and display systems. A particularly user-friendly innovation is being presented in the F800 Style. The HMI unit here consists of a touchpad on the center console and a camera that records video images of the user’s hand as it works the pad. The live image of the hand is presented in transparent form in the central display above the console. The user sees the contours of his or her fingers glide across the image without covering anything, thus ensuring that all of the functions of the currently used menu remain visible so that they can be easily operated by applying slight pressure to the touchpad. Pressing the display with one’s fingers generates a feeling similar to that of touching laptop keys so that users know when they are carrying out specific actions.

The cam touchpad HMI unit recognizes finger movements on the pad surface such as wiping, pushing, turning, and zooming, thus enabling intuitive regulation of the climate control system, telephone, stereo and navigation systems, and Internet access. The unit enhances active safety as well, because it is extremely easy and convenient to use and therefore does not distract the driver as much from the actual task of driving. And unlike conventional touchscreens, the HMI cam touchpad does not get smudged with fingerprints.

Conventional touchpad units generally depict hand or finger positions only by a small point in the display. Their lack of precision makes it very risky to enter information while driving, because doing so diverts the motorist’s attention too much from the road. By contrast, the HMI with cam touchpad can be easily and safely operated even while driving. Test subjects have confirmed that the HMI with cam touchpad is extremely easy and safe to use, particularly as a result of the transparent depiction of the hand.

Range on Map: Graphic range depiction during electric operation

Another very user-friendly innovation created by the Mercedes engineers is the “Range on Map” function, which shows the remaining possible travel radius during electric vehicle operation as a 360° depiction on a map. Should municipalities only permit purely electric automobile traffic in the future, the driver can determine whether the electric range of his or her vehicle is sufficient for the journey into and out of the urban area by means of the Range on Map function. The system provides this function by combining information on the current battery charge level with data from the navigation system.

In the new operating and display concept, Mercedes-Benz has created a solution that provides an unparalleled amount of information in a system of exemplary clarity. The engineers have thus achieved the goal of successfully developing a comprehensive yet easy-to-operate information and control system for future automobiles equipped with electric or partially electric drive systems. A further-developed version of the system can also display recharging stations.

Mirror display is easy on the eyes

The mirror display of the innovative cam touchpad HMI eliminates the differences between close proximity visibility and visibility over longer distances, thus contributing to the driver’s physiological safety in a manner typical of Mercedes. The system displays driving and vehicle information via a mirror in the instrument cluster so that they appear to be farther away. The distance the eye looks into is thus extended, which means less switching between near and far focus – and therefore less fatigue – for the eyes.

New DISTRONIC PLUS Traffic Jam Assistant further reduces the stress of driving

Back in 2006, Mercedes-Benz introduced DISTRONIC PLUS, the world’s first proximity and speed control system that operates even when the car is standing still. The system substantially reduces the stress for drivers in dense traffic, as it regulates the distance from the vehicle in front even at very low speeds all the way down to a standstill. With its new DISTRONIC PLUS Traffic Jam Assistant feature in the F800 Style, Mercedes-Benz has also become the world’s first automaker to implement a system that is also capable of automatically following the vehicle in front of it into curves. The system recognizes the difference between driving along curving roads and turning, which means it does not “blindly” follow the vehicle up in front – for example, when it changes lanes in order to exit the highway.

The result is that at speeds of up to about 25 mph, the Traffic Jam Assistant function takes care of both longitudinal and transverse movements so that drivers do not have to steer themselves. The driver can just sit back and relax – with hands on the steering wheel. When the 25 mph mark is exceeded, the steering torque that keeps the vehicle in its lane is gradually reduced to a point at which the Traffic Jam Assistant smoothly disengages. Drivers can, of course, override the system at any time. Sensitive sensors notice active steering movements, thus automatically deactivating the system’s lateral control function.

“The DISTRONIC PLUS Traffic Jam Assistant is the logical continuation of the Mercedes-Benz assistance and safety philosophy. With it, we are setting another milestone on the path toward creating innovative systems, with which we will further enhance the high driving comfort that is a hallmark of Mercedes,” says Prof. Bharat Balasubramanian, Head of Product Innovations & Process Technologies at Group Research and Advanced Engineering. The required data is generated by radar distance sensors that are supplemented by a stereo camera.

PRE-SAFE 360° improves safety in rear-end collisions

While the Traffic Jam Assistant heightens comfort and active safety, the innovative protective system known as PRE-SAFE 360° further improves passive safety. PRE-SAFE 360° is based on the proactive occupant protection system PRE SAFE® developed by Mercedes-Benz. Unlike the previous system, PRE-SAFE 360° also monitors the area behind the vehicle. As a result, the system engages the brakes around 600 milliseconds before an anticipated rear-end collision occurs. The key advantage of this system is that braking a stationary vehicle helps prevent secondary accidents such as those that occur when the car is pushed uncontrolled into an intersection or a pedestrian crossing. It goes without saying that PRE-SAFE 360° also allows the driver to take control at any time. For example, the brake is immediately released if the driver hits the gas pedal, should they recognize that there is sufficient space in front of their vehicle to avoid the rear impact.

Rear pivot-and-slide doors ensure maximum entry comfort

A particularly customer-friendly innovation of the F800 Style is its rear doors. Whereas the front doors are attached to the A-pillar in a conventional manner and open wide toward the front, the rear doors slide backward when opened, as they are suspended from an interior swivel arm. Because the doors slide back close to the vehicle body, occupants find it much easier to get into and out of the automobile in tight parking spaces.

The F800 Style also has no B-pillar, making the entire space between the A and C-pillars completely accessible when the doors are opened. Despite the lack of a B-pillar, the F800 Style boasts a bodyshell that is both extremely robust and lightweight, and that meets the stringent demands for crash safety that are a hallmark of the Mercedes brand.

Reinterpretation of the typical Mercedes-Benz design idiom

The F800 Style is both a technology platform and a showcar. This research vehicle was created through close cooperation between technical research and advanced engineering departments and the advanced design studios in Sindelfingen, Germany and Como, Italy. Its exterior appearance is marked by a long wheelbase, short body overhangs, and a sensually flowing roof line.

“The exciting coupe-like roof line, and in general the vehicle’s balanced proportions, lend it a stylish sporty look that reinterprets the Mercedes-Benz design idiom and emphasizes the sculptural character of the F800 Style,” says Mercedes-Benz Head of Design Prof. Gorden Wagener. “The result is a harmonious blend of innovative form and function, which conveys a sense of great styling and authority.”

Front end with distinctive LED headlights

The vehicle’s front end features a variation of the radiator grille with the centrally placed star that is typical of Mercedes sports cars. The curved radiator grille bars softly flow around the tube holding the Mercedes-Benz brand star. Along with the wide radiator grille and the generously curved air intake openings, the model’s unique bright LED headlights emphasize the dynamic nature of the research vehicle. The headlights are divided into individual segments for daytime running lights, turn signal indicators, and primary headlights. The F800 Style’s taillights are also equipped with state-of-the-art LED units that enable an exciting interplay of indirect illumination and direct beams. The result is an attractive, unmistakable, and memorable visual effect.

Wood and light create a cozy interior

Luxurious wood surfaces and lots of light ensure a high level of comfort in the interior of the F800 Style. Occupants will immediately notice the modern sense of lightness, and functional elements like the driver area and the door armrests seem to float in space like sculptures. The innovative lightweight-construction seats in the F800 Style consist of a magnesium shell and a carbon fiber laminate shell backed with a fine yet resistant netting. The seat shell also features genuine wood veneer. For the veneer process, Mercedes-Benz engineers used a 3D surface coating procedure designed especially for the veneering of three-dimensional surfaces. This same procedure was used to create the wood finish in the center console, on the doors, and in the driver area. These wood finishing pieces are molded as 3D laminated components and are augmented by an aluminum core, which ensures that the components meet the high crash safety standards that are a hallmark of Mercedes.

Successful transfer from research to series production

Mercedes-Benz has presented 13 research vehicles since the early 1980s. The range of innovative and pioneering automobiles that was unveiled – beginning with Auto 2000 in 1981 and leading up to today’s F800 Style – offers proof of the consistency and foresight with which Mercedes-Benz engineers address the core issues of research and technology in order to develop innovative solutions for the future. Many systems that were first used in research vehicles and viewed as revolutionary at the time are now found in Mercedes-Benz production cars, including the DISTRONIC proximity-controlled cruise control, which was first installed in the F 100 in 1991 and made its series production debut in the S-Class in 1998.

The F800 Style is continuing this approach. Like its predecessors, the model features important drive, comfort, and safety system innovations, as well as an avant-garde design, all of which point the way forward for future series- production Mercedes-Benz vehicles that will continue to impressively combine fascination and responsibility.

New era SUV – lighter, more aerodynamic and fuel efficient

As has already been accomplished on the globally successful, smaller Tiguan, Volkswagen is systematically striving for sustainability on the new Touareg too. The first precondition was met: The SUV was lightened by 208 kilograms in the base version! A quantum leap. Yet, the body has five percent greater torsional rigidity, which makes it the leader in its competitive class. A second precondition was met as well: Designers attained a significantly improved Cd value. Along with aerodynamic refinement efforts, another factor at work here is that this Touareg is built lower to the ground than the previous model. Together with front end styling based on the new Volkswagen design DNA, this results in a smaller frontal area. The third precondition: All engines, now offered with a standard 8-speed automatic transmission – a first in this market segment – demonstrate significant fuel economy advantages over the previous model; in some cases the advantage is far greater than two litres per 100 kilometres.

SUV for all trails – All-wheel drive in two versions

Also modified in pursuit of reduced fuel consumption was the standard all-wheel drive. In the base version (”4Motion”), all new generation Touaregs have all-wheel drive with Torsen limited-slip differential (4MOTION; climbing ability: 31 degrees). Like the Tiguan Track & Field, the Touareg also has an “Off-road driving programme”, which – at the press of a button – tunes the ABS, EDS and ASR for off-road duty, activates Hill Descent Assist and adjusts the automatic gearshift points.

Instead of a Torsen differential, the V6 TDI can be ordered with an optional “Terrain Tech Packet” that has an even more rugged transfer case designed for off-road duty. It includes reduction gearing and centre and rear differentials, each with up to 100 percent locking (4XMOTION; climbing ability: 45 degrees). Similar to the first Touareg generation, this version also has a rotary switch the driver now uses to adapt the car to specific duty conditions over five levels: 1. “On-Road”; 2. “Off-Road” (like “Off-road driving programme” plus automatic control of the mechanical locks); 3. Low (like “Off-road” plus activation of reduced gearing, higher shift points, no automatic upshift in manual mode); 4. Addition of centre differential lock; 5. Addition of rear differential lock. Equipped like this, the Touareg can conquer any terrain on Earth.

SUV for everyday driving – more space, more innovations

Volkswagen has not only made the new Touareg lighter, more fuel efficient and an agile performer; it has also made it into an even more versatile, all-round vehicle. The new interior was made more functional, the seats more comfortable and leg room in the rear is larger. Now the rear bench seat has 160 millimetres in longitudinal adjustment, and the backrest angle can be adjusted. Electrically unlatched at the press of a button as an option, it folds down in seconds and frees up 1,642 litres of cargo space. Already standard equipment in the base version is a radio-CD and info system, which is intuitively controlled over a 6.5-inch touch-screen.

The parking brake is now activated by pushbutton. The engine (V6 versions) automatically shuts off at traffic lights and restarts as soon as the driver releases the brake pedal (Stop-Start system). As an option, the tailgate can be opened and closed by a RF remote control unit integrated in the car key. The largest panoramic sunroof of all SUVs provides for light even on overcast days. The innovative “Area View” utilises four cameras to detect the Touareg’s surroundings and this enhances safety. Also offering protection are up to nine airbags. Lane Assist ensures that the vehicle does not stray from the right path; meanwhile, Side Assist warns of vehicles approaching from the rear when changing lanes. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with integrated Front Assist can brake to a stop in an emergency and tension the seatbelts as a precautionary measure. Bi-Xenon headlights with Dynamic Light Assist perceive oncoming traffic and adjust the light beam to eliminate unwanted glare, and adaptive roll compensation ensures that the Touareg sits solidly on the street. For the first time, there will be special features on the new Touareg under the new “Exclusive” badge from Volkswagen Individual. Options that can be ordered include 19-inch alloy wheels (”Girona” type), fine wood inserts (”Olive Ash”) and a leather interior (”Nappa”) in the two-colour combinations “Dark Burgundy / Titan Black” or “Pepper Beige / Titan Black”.

Touareg – the best of two worlds

About 500,000 car drivers chose to buy the first generation of the SUV. It is a luxury sport utility vehicle that offers a high level of comfort, sporty driving properties, avant-garde styling, excellent quality and unlimited expedition capabilities – essentially the best of the passenger car and off-road worlds unified in one concept. This is now being followed up by the new Touareg – a high-end and versatile all-round vehicle that brings these two worlds together even more perfectly. The Touareg will already be available at dealers in April.

DRIVE CONCEPTS

FSI / TDI / TSI / Hybrid:
New hybrid petrol engine, new V8 TDI, extremely fuel-efficient V6 TDI

Touareg Hybrid with V6 petrol engine replaces V8 petrol in many countries
V8 TDI outputs 800 Newton-meter torque; V6 TDI has 7.4 litre fuel consumption
The new Touareg is the first Volkswagen and SUV from Europe that will be available in a Hybrid version. With its combined fuel consumption of just 8.2 l/100 km the Touareg Hybrid sets new standards among full-fledged SUVs with petrol engines. Naturally, its CO2 emissions are low too: 193 g/km. The hybrid drive as the top powertrain option combines the power of a classic eight cylinder engine with the fuel economy of a six or four cylinder engine. It replaces the previous V8 petrol engines in Europe and America and carries on Volkswagen’s successful downsizing strategy. Consequently, the V10 TDI and W12 engine versions of the previous model are no longer being offered either.

Key components of the Touareg Hybrid powertrain – equipped with a high-voltage battery – are its supercharged V6 TSI (petrol direct injection engine with 245 kW / 333 PS), 8-speed automatic transmission – ideally suited for hybrid and towing duty – and the hybrid module that is integrated between the internal combustion engine and the automatic transmission. This compact module with disengagement clutch weighs 55 kilograms. Located downstream of the V6 TSI, it integrates the disengagement clutch and E-Motor (34 kW / 47 PS) in one housing. When the V6 TSI and E-Motor work simultaneously (boosting), a total power of up to 279 kW / 380 PS is generated with a maximum torque of 580 Newton-meter as measured on the dynamometer.

Volkswagen has chosen a parallel hybrid drive configuration for the Touareg. In contrast to other potential hybrid systems, it assures excellent off-road performance and unlimited continuous climbing ability. With a maximum trailer payload of up to 3.5 tonnes, the Touareg is also an ideal towing vehicle, even in the hybrid version. Moreover, the parallel hybrid is more efficient than alternative hybrid concepts on long-distance and freeway journeys. The Touareg Hybrid attains a maximum speed of 240 km/h and accelerates to 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds.

Compared to a conventional SUV of the same size and power, the hybrid concept delivers over 25 percent fuel savings in city driving. In combined mode driving – a mix of city, highway and freeway drives – development engineers calculate an average savings of 17 percent. Essentially, four parameters were exploited to achieve this fuel efficiency on the Touareg Hybrid:

E-Motor: Electric, emission-free driving (up to 50 km/h) reduces petrol consumption. In this case, the V6 TSI is not only shut off, but is also disengaged from the 8-speed automatic by a disengagement clutch to avoid drag torque losses.

Coasting: As soon as the driver releases the accelerator pedal, the V6 TSI is disengaged from the transmission. This is even possible at higher speeds (up to 160 km/h), i.e. on the freeway as well. The Touareg “rolls” significantly longer, since drag torque losses are eliminated. When drivers adopt an anticipatory style of driving, this has a direct and positive impact on fuel economy.

Regenerative Braking: During braking, the E-Motor – now operating as a generator – recovers kinetic energy, which is then stored in the high-voltage battery (NiMH battery).

Stop-Start System: The Stop-Start system integrated in the powertrain improves fuel economy, especially in urban areas and stop-and-go traffic.

Efficient Trio – V6 FSI, V6 TDI and V8 TDI

Fuel economy and emission values are also significantly improved on the conventionally powered Touareg versions. Consider the V6 FSI, a direct injection petrol engine with 206 kW / 280 PS: At 9.9 l/100 km, the 3.6-litre engine with 360 Newton-meter torque now consumes an incredible 2.5 litres (!) less than the previous engine version. This combined fuel consumption is equivalent to CO2 emissions of 236 g/km. And that is precisely 60 g/km less than before.

The diesel engines were made more fuel efficient as well. An advanced version of the successful V6 TDI that still outputs 176 kW / 240 PS (European version) is being offered right at market launch; it offers entry into the world of the Touareg; the 550 Newton-meter strong turbo-diesel consumes a ground-breaking low 7.4 l/100 km (analogous to 195 g/km CO2), which is 1.9 litres less than before. CO2 emissions are reduced by 49 g/km compared to the previous Touareg V6 TDI and by a respectable 24 g/km compared to the previous version with BlueMotion Technology that already had very good values.

Entirely new to the Touareg programme is a V8 TDI with 4.2 litre displacement and 250 kW / 340 PS. Considering its power and fabulous maximum torque of 800 Newton-meter, the combined fuel consumption of 9.1 l/100 km (equivalent to 239 g/km CO2) is extremely good. This TDI is not offered in the USA. In some cases, the engine range will be country-specific in terms of the diesel and petrol engines offered.

BODY CONCEPT

Design & Dimensions:
New Volkswagen “Design DNA” shows vision in styling

Touareg grew longer, lower, more spacious and distinctly more dynamic
In terms of engineering, 10 percent lower weight is a quantum leap
The new Touareg clearly shows gains in the dynamic performance of its engines and running gear as well as in its looks. The latter is of course attributable to the vehicle’s new styling. In parallel, its special ratio of dimensions scores too. Background: At 4.80 meters, the new Touareg was extended by 4.3 centimetres but is now exactly 2.0 centimetres lower at 1.71 meters. Analogous to the length, the wheelbase has grown to 2.90 meters (gain of 4.0 centimetres). The width of the Touareg remained constant at 1.93 meters. With the exception of the Porsche Cayenne, no other SUV in this class is lower. And that generates a very unique dynamic of proportions.

The goal of the designers, led by Volkswagen Head of Design Klaus Bischoff, was to give the Touareg an even more elegant image based on the new Volkswagen “design DNA”. And that applies as much to the now horizontal lines of the front end with its distinctive headlights as it does to the typical Touareg rear image and its unmistakable night look of its rear lights, and a leaner, more athletic car body. This has produced an SUV that shows timeless styling that is visually sustainable. It makes a qualitative statement and a strong appearance, all while conveying an image of understated elegance and style.

Technical highlights of the car body

Although the Touareg is now more than 200 kilograms lighter, with a static rigidity of 24,800 Nm/º (five percent gain) it is the most technically advanced body in its segment. Comfort and crash behaviour benefit equally from this. Illustrating just how thoroughly the Touareg team approached design of the body-in-white is the new panoramic glass sunroof: At a size of 990 x 1,452 millimetres, the sliding/vent sunroof practically fills the entire roof area. Normally, such a large opening – a full 350 percent larger than a normal sunroof – would be expected to have a negative impact on rigidity values. But this is definitely not the case on the Touareg thanks to its fundamental rigidity and reinforcing subframe. Even at a (theoretical) speed of 260 km/h, it is still possible to close the sunroof, and it would not generate any wind noise even at 300 km/h.

Another new design feature in the Touareg is the optional (standard on the Touareg Hybrid and V8 TDI) electrically opening and closing tailgate. Not only can it be operated from inside the vehicle and outside at the tailgate; now it can also be actuated by RF remote control. Obstruction detection ensures the safety of this feature. In addition, the Touareg is the first in its vehicle class to utilise what is referred to as multiple insulating layers to isolate noise; it weighs much less than conventional insulating materials yet is more effective.

INTERIOR CONCEPT

Design & Innovations:
Visual masterpiece with practical advantages

Touareg has much more space and longitudinal adjustment of rear bench
Cockpit bridges gap between luxury class and SUV demands
The interior of the new Touareg reflects absolute perfection in the details. The basic layout brings together a remarkable clarity of lines, timeless elegance, high level of functionality and superior material quality. Generating special appeal is the interplay between SUV-typical ruggedness and the ambiance of a luxury vehicle. Another high priority on this Volkswagen was to makes its controls intuitive right from the start.

In the Touareg, the driver takes a seat in an SUV that is distinguished by well-coordinated and systematic ergonomics. This type of uncompromising excellence in user controls and seating, as well as ideally tuned human-machine interfaces, is a Volkswagen quality that has contributed to the brand’s international success. In the new Touareg – with its complex range of features – it was a special challenge to implement the same intuitive control logic as in a Polo or a Golf. The results speak for themselves.

Cockpit without compromises

Set up in front of the driver is a clearly laid out and high-end cockpit. All key information is displayed within the driver’s visual field in the precisely organised instrument cluster. Another new development – placed between the four round instruments for the speedometer, tachometer, engine temperature and fuel gage – is a seven-inch multi-functional colour display with a 15:9 aspect ratio. It is standard equipment on the Touareg Hybrid and with the V8 engines. The premium version of the display enables several viewing modes without overloading the driver with information. Rather the driver can have specific information shown or hidden by making selections from self-explanatory and colour-coded context menus (”Navigation”, “Media”, “Telephone”, “Vehicle”, “Assistance”). In the Touareg Hybrid, the colour display also indicates the drivetrain’s energy flow. The V6 FSI and V6 TDI versions of the Touareg are equipped with a five-inch display that is also new.

The classic, round analogue instruments also exhibit a high level of value and precision. They have electroplated chrome bezels and illuminated red pointers. The dials are backlit by white LEDs and have a three-dimensional look. These upgrades and special anti-reflective glass instrument covers are reminiscent of the round instruments on fine chronographs.

Centre console with clean styling and ideal ergonomics

A completely updated generation of audio/navigation systems was developed for the Touareg. Standard equipment here is the “RCD 550″ radio-CD system with 6.5 inch touch-screen and integrated 6-disc CD changer. As an option, this infotainment module can be upgraded to the “RNS 850″ navigation system with an 8-inch touch-screen; its other features include 3D map representation (building view and topographic view via “Digital Terrain Model”), a 40 Gigabyte hard drive (20 Gigabyte memory for music, movies, etc.), DVD player, speech activation and in European versions digital radio reception (DAB). Naturally, the system can also be expanded to include a Bluetooth interface for telephones, a Media Device Interface for MP3 players including iPod/iPhone, TV and a Dynaudio sound system.

Besides intuitive control by touch-screen menuing, the “RCD 550″ and “RNS 850″ offer a context-based control bar along the lower screen border. Eight keys are located here (”Radio”, “Media”, “Nav”, “Traffic”, “Phone”, “Climate”, “Car” and “Setup”) for switching between the basic menus as well as two rotary knobs. All key functions can be accessed using these two levels – touch-screen and control bar. This includes all energy flow and consumption data on the Hybrid version.

Directly under the infotainment unit – optimally visible and logically organised – are the basic controls for the draft-free two-zone climate control system (optional four zones including rear depending on the model). The gearshift grip for the 8-speed automatic is also positioned perfectly for the hand. Behind it, toward the two-part centre armrest, are the rugged and technically styled rotary switches for controlling the running gear and all-wheel modes. Integrated next to the gearshift lever are keys for the Stop-Start function and the electric parking brake.

Perfected driver and front passenger seating

The front and rear seats of the Touareg have been fully redesigned, and they offer significantly improved comfort on long journeys. Along with basic seats, Volkswagen will offer optional comfort front seats on the SUV (standard on Touareg Hybrid and V8 TDI) as well as sport seats. All adjustments on the comfort and sport seats are electrically powered. Included on these seats is a new pneumatic air cushion in the side supports of the backrests. Also standard with these seats: head restraints (front) with both height and longitudinal adjustment. They can be fitted closer to the head, reducing the risk of whiplash injury in the event of an accident. Comfort seats will also have a climate control function (ventilation of seat and backrest surfaces).

New rear seating system and more space in rear

Despite the reduced vehicle height, head room was improved in both the front and rear. Leg room on the rear bench seat also grew significantly, since it was the interior that benefited from the 40 millimetre longer wheelbase. The results: leg room grew from 68 millimetres to 104 millimetres. And this gain is quite noticeable.

In addition, the Touareg’s interior now exhibits a variability that equals the qualities of a large estate car. The reasons: First, the rear bench has 160 millimetres of longitudinal travel, and its backrests can be adjusted to three levels of tilt. As an option, the 40:60 split bench can also be conveniently unlatched electrically via a button in the cargo area or from the side of the driver’s seat. In the maximum case, the Touareg’s cargo capacity ranges from 580 to 1,642 litres depending on positioning and adjustment of the rear bench seat.

ASSISTANCE/CONVENIENCE SYSTEMS

Active & Passive Safety:
The new Touareg monitors its surroundings

New and further advanced assistance systems offer peace of mind
New ACC with Pre-Crash function and Area View to perceive surroundings
The new Touareg offers an extraordinarily large range of highly advanced technologies. Many of them are entirely new, while others were intensively upgraded. The parking brake is now activated by pushbutton. The camera-based Area View detects the Touareg’s surroundings, providing an extra measure of safety. Lane Assist ensures that the vehicle does not stray from the right path; meanwhile, Side Assist warns of vehicles approaching from the rear when changing lanes. Adaptive cruise control (ACC) can brake the vehicle to a stop in an emergency; in parallel, the seatbelts are tensioned. Bi-Xenon headlights with Dynamic Light Assist “see” oncoming traffic and adjust the high beam lights to eliminate unwanted glare. Adaptive roll compensation – a feature of the further advanced air suspension – ensures that the Touareg impressively tracks through curves like a sports car. An overview of the assistance systems:

Area View is a surroundings monitoring system being introduced for the first time at Volkswagen. Via four cameras (in the tailgate, outside mirrors and radiator grille) Area View transfers images all of the Touareg’s surroundings to the central touch-screen in the centre console. In off-road driving, for example, Area View uses front and side cameras to acquire images immediately in front of and next to the vehicle, and this is extremely helpful on extreme trails. Thanks to the “Trailer View” mode, a trailer’s movements can also be displayed as a function of the steering input.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) – The latest generation of this system with Stop-and-Go function (automatic driving / braking in stop-and-go traffic), automatic emergency braking as well as sensor-controlled Pre-Crash function (tensioning of driver and front passenger seatbelts by electric motor in anticipation of potentially hazardous situations). ACC will be offered as a component of a new driver assistance package. In this case, systems like the new Area View are also on board.
Bi-Xenon headlights with dynamic headlight range control. Dynamic headlight range control, a camera-based system, detects oncoming traffic as well as vehicles in front of the Touareg and adjusts the light pattern so that it does not produce any glare for other vehicles (area of the headlight is masked), yet it gives the driver the best possible illumination of the roadway.
Electric parking brake. This parking brake is actuated by the press of a button. It releases automatically when starting to drive again.
Air suspension with adaptive roll compensation in a further developed version. The 4-corner air suspension assures maximum comfort with minimal rolling motion of the bodywork.
Lane Assist is also camera-based. If there is a risk that the car will leave the lane without activating the turn signal, the system warns the driver by vibrating the steering wheel.
Side Assist. Radar sensors at the rear of the vehicle warn the driver of vehicles approaching from the rear when changing lanes.

FEATURES

V6 FSI / V6 TDI / V8 TDI / Hybrid:
Even base version has a touch-screen and high-tech features

V6 FSI and V6 TDI considerably better equipped than previous model
Hybrid and V8 TDI dazzle with full array of standard features
Even the Touareg V6 FSI and V6 TDI have a set of standard features that goes beyond the average. Factory installed equipment that is always aboard include electrically folding and adjustable wing mirrors, rain sensor, load sill guard in trim colour, multi-function leather-trimmed steering wheel plus cruise control, centre armrests, front and rear, four 12-Volt appliance plugs, alternative RF remote actuation of electric window lifts, automatically opening cargo cover, automatic climate control (individually adjustable, left and right), modular rear seating system, multi-function display, “RCD 550″ radio system with touch-screen control and integrated 6-disc CD changer, speed-dependent Servotronic, 17-inch alloy wheels (”Sonora” with seven spokes) with size 235 tyres, Stop/Start system and regenerative braking as well as ambient lighting for the door handles.

When it comes to safety, the following features are added: electronic stabilisation programme (ESP), trailer stabilisation, Hill Start and Hill Descent Assist, an effective network of airbags, front fog lights including static cornering lights, daytime running lights, adaptive brake lights (automatic hazard flasher at full braking), automatic door locking when vehicle is in motion (deactivatable), self-dimming rear-view mirror and illuminated entry at all doors (including tailgate).

Standard features of the Touareg Hybrid and V8 TDI

The two new top versions, the Touareg Hybrid and Touareg V8 TDI, have even more exclusive exterior and interior features. Consider the exterior: Standard features here include a chrome pack (side window frames, lower cooling air inlet, load sill guard, tread plate, door sill trim and exhaust pipe ends), Bi-Xenon headlights with dynamic cornering lights, LED daytime running lights, Coming Home and Leaving Home lighting feature, self-dimming outside mirror on the driver’s side, electrically opening and closing cargo area tailgate as well as the “Keyless Access” locking and engine starting system. The Touareg Hybrid and V8 TDI also leave the factory on 18-inch alloy wheels and size 255 tyres. On the V8 TDI, “Tacora” type wheels (ten spokes) are used, and the Hybrid has customised “Yukon” wheels with five sets of dual spokes. Visually, the Hybrid can also be recognised by its Hybrid logos on the chrome side trim at the front and rear and on the interior trim of the centre console.

Moreover, the interior of the Touareg Hybrid and V8 TDI is customised by details such as leather upholstery (”Cricket” pattern) with comfort seats, including electric 12-way seat adjustment in front, pedal caps in stainless steel look, footwell illumination, multi-function display with large colour display, storage compartments under the front seats, decorative inserts in the fine wood “Walnut Root” and tread plates with stainless steel accents. Last but not least, an anti-theft warning system is included. So this vehicle is genuinely “fully equipped”!

Quote:
“Juke brings a sense of adventure to the car market. It’s light, nimble, urban, reactive: qualities designed to grab a younger audience. It offers something entirely different to the traditional B-segment vehicles and cements Nissan as a car maker prepared to do something different.” Andy Palmer, Senior Vice President, Product Planning, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd
At a glance

* Compact SUV meets sports car….
* …..to challenge small car traditions
* Developed from Qazana concept car
* Tough on the streets…
* … yet agile and athletic
* Powerful new turbocharged direct injection petrol engine
* New torque vectoring all-wheel drive system
* Technologically advanced information system
* Conceived in Europe for a global audience
* Built in Britain at Nissan’s Sunderland plant

Overview

Nissan is set to change the urban landscape… for the third time. Following in the wheeltracks of the Murano large crossover and then the successful Qashqai – the car that three years ago introduced the concept of a crossover as an alternative to the traditional C-segment hatchback – comes its younger brother, the Nissan Juke.

Designed to bring a breath of fresh air to the B-segment, Juke is a distinctive combination of SUV toughness and sporting style. Conceived to inject some masculinity and dynamism into the small car market, Juke combines a number of seeming contradictions beneath its highly individual lines.

“It takes the best elements of an SUV and sports car and combines them,” says Pierre Loing, Vice President, Product Planning, Nissan Europe. “It’s roomy yet compact, robust yet dynamic and practical yet playful. These are qualities that seem to contradict each other, yet come together in Juke to create something that’s genuinely unique.”

Juke was created at Nissan Design Europe (NDE) in the heart of London, and refined at Nissan’s Design Centre (NDC) in Japan. Principle engineering took place in Japan with significant European input and Juke will be built in Nissan’s factory in Sunderland in the north-east of England.

“The design shows real optimism. By combining design elements from two genres to create a small, but striking Crossover that displays a genuine confidence and style. And those are qualities we also expect to find in a Juke customer,” said Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President for Design and Chief Creative Officer

From a design standpoint, the lower portion of Juke is pure SUV, with chunky wheels, wide tyres, extended ground clearance and a robust stance. But the top portion is unadulterated sports car, with a high waistline, slim visor-like side glass graphics and a coupé-style falling roofline. The coupé effect is further underlined by the rear doors which have their handles hidden in the frame of the door.

Inside, the sports car theme continues with a driver-focused cabin dominated by a centre console design inspired by a motorcycle fuel tank. Finished in a distinctive high gloss colour, the ‘bike’ console adds a sense of fun to the car. Practicality is assured by the rear-opening hatch and versatile luggage area with hidden storage opportunities.

Based on the Renault Nissan Alliance B platform, Juke has a 2530mm wheelbase. On front-wheel drive versions, suspension is by MacPherson struts at the front with a torsion beam at the rear while four-wheel drive models have a multi-link rear suspension modelled on the system found on Qashqai.

The ALL-MODE 4×4-i is a new development of Nissan’s respected electronic all-wheel drive system and now features torque vectoring technology to enhance agility and reduce understeer when cornering.

In Europe, three different engines will be available when sales start later in the year (UK sales begin in October): one diesel and two 1.6-litre petrol units, all fully Euro 5 compliant. At the top of the range is a new turbo-charged petrol engine (MR16DDT) with direct injection. The engine is one of the most powerful in its class, developing 140kW (190PS) and 240 Nm. The combination of direct injection with a turbocharger provides the power and responses expected from a 2.5-litre engine with the economy of a smaller engine.

The second petrol engine is a newly developed version from Nissan’s trusted HR-family. Designated HR16DE, the lightweight, low-friction 16-valve unit now has a unique dual injection system allowing finer metering of the fuel sprays for better combustion and develops 86kW (117PS). The K9K 81kW (110PS) 1.5-litre dCi common rail diesel offers excellent driveability – thanks as much to its heady 240 Nm of torque – with good economy and emissions.

In terms of transmissions, the two-wheel drive turbo-charged 1.6-litre petrol engine is available with a six speed manual, while a CVT transmission with a six-speed manual mode will be available on the range-topping all-wheel drive version of the turbo-charged petrol engine.

The naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol is available either with a 5-speed manual or the updated XTRONIC CVT and the 1.5-litre diesel engine is available with a 6-speed manual.

Trim and equipment options will follow the established Visia, Acenta and Tekna lines while a full range of accessories has been developed for owners who want to personalise their Juke still further.

“Juke is not a traditional B-segment car, and that is quite deliberate. It was born in an urban environment and that is where it will spend most of its life. Fittingly, its combination of agility and toughness make it one of the most streetwise cars around.

“Juke joins Murano and Qashqai to cement Nissan’s position as the leading brand in the crossover market,” said Simon Thomas, Nissan’s European Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing.
Juke in detail

Juke in Detail

Exterior design

First revealed as the Qazana show car – unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show – Juke was created at the London-based Nissan Design Europe and refined at Nissan’s Design Centre (NDC) in Japan. Qashqai, also created at NDE, is sold in Europe, Asia and Australia while Juke will be marketed in Europe, Japan and the United States.

“The outcome of this global collaboration is a car that comes from where East meets West, with vital contributions from NDE and NDC being key to creating such a striking design,” said Shiro Nakamura.

Its highly individual lines are carried over virtually intact from Qazana. The boldness of the design reflects the significance of the B-segment in the European market: Europe is expected to take the lion’s share of sales ahead of the other main markets, including North America and Japan.

The design team drew inspiration for Juke’s design from a number of unusual sources. They looked back at a number of vehicles synonymous with an active and sporting life – and that list included rally cars and motorbikes. It’s clear to see where those ideas have influenced the design.

The result combines a number of different themes, but with Nissan DNA threaded through. It has a tough solid body to reflect the SUV element, yet is a very sensual car, too, with complex curves and a coupé profile accentuated by the narrow side glass and hidden rear door handles which help give the impression of two rather than four doors.

But there is also clear Nissan family DNA in the design – the boomerang rear lights, for example, from the 370Z ­ – but none of the elements are slavishly copied so while retaining Nissan DNA, Juke stands alone as a unique, almost maverick, design.

This is a key theme running through Nissan designs. Alfonso Albaisa, Vice President, Nissan Design Europe, says: “Juke has elements inspired from other cars in our range such as 370Z and even Cube, but our intention is never to make obvious links between our cars but natural ones. Cube is a cool car, for example, and that coolness can also be found in Juke.”

With generous ground clearance, big wheels and tyres, a high waistline and a broad shoulder line, the bottom ‘half’ of the car appears to be pure SUV. The impression is accentuated by typical SUV features such as the contrasting black sill and wheel arch finishers while at the front and rear, the lower bodywork emerges from underneath the car, resembling underbody protection.

At the front, the ‘sump guard’ forms part of the air intake assembly but rather than use a simple meshed grille, the design team have developed the moulding into a series of circular slots… which are suggestive of biotic elements.

Above the waistline, however, Juke shows its sporting credentials. A heavily raked windscreen, complete with Nissan’s signature Crossover upswept flick to the rearmost side window – and sloped roof-line provide a profile reminiscent of an aircraft’s canopy.

The rear of the roof incorporates an integral spoiler to reduce aerodynamic lift to help high speed stability. The neat duck-tail ridge was perfected with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and tests in the wind tunnel.

The lights also reflect the car’s sporting agility. At the front these are split into two distinct elements. Framing the upper half of the bonnet, thin slashes contain running lights and turn indicators, while the main and dipped beams mounted lower on the nose of the car were inspired by the auxiliary lamps fitted to rally cars in the sixties and seventies. At the rear, the tail-lights put their own spin on the boomerang shaped lamps found on the 370Z.

In total, a nine colour palette of exterior colours is planned, including two whites, a solid and a pearl, and three shades unique to Juke – Force Red, Haptic Blue and Machine Brown, though the total availability will depend on region.

Seiji Watanabe, Associate Product Chief Designer: “We want our cars, our crossovers in particular, to have a spirit of agility, to be seen as light, nimble, reactive. Juke displays all these attributes and delivers a real sense of optimism.”

Interior design

Juke’s active, sporting exterior is matched by its interior… where the dominant feature also displays a sense of fun: the centre console, finished in a high gloss paint, resembles a motorcycle fuel tank.

“It’s unexpected,” says Alfonso Albaisa. “And that gives the interior a certain sexiness.”

Reflecting the exterior’s blending of SUV and sports car attributes, the interior provides the commanding driving position but with all the attributes expected of a sports car. The gear shift sits on the top of the ‘motorbiketank’ to guarantee slick changes while the tank itself is no mere styling statement but also provides a bracing point for the driver’s knee during spirited cornering.

Similarly, the central stack – which incorporates the new Nissan Dynamic Control System – is ergonomically designed to ensure the driver has instant access to the information and drive mode controls.

Attention to detail is evident everywhere. Chrome fittings and high quality materials are used throughout while the interior colours – red or gun metal grey for the central console are available, depending on the grade; black, silver or red accents to the leather or honeycomb ‘sports’ fabrics – underscore the car’s sporting attitude. Even the door arm rests, shaped like flippers used by scuba divers, reflect an active outlook.

Despite its overall compact dimensions, the roomy interior offers competitive levels of space inside: front head room and rear knee room will be sufficient for most occupants. Unlike the Qazana show car, Juke is a full five seater.

The practical luggage area is large enough to take a nine inch golf bag or a maximum size suitcase and it also includes an underfloor storage area (4wd versions excepted) which takes its potential capacity to 251 litres (VDA). In addition, the rear seats split 60:40, and also fold in one simple movement to provide a totally flat loading floor.

To hide luggage away from prying eyes, the trunk area has an integral tonneau cover which differs from the conventional by being attached to the tailgate and rises with the door when the trunk is opened.

“The interior displays a number of attributes which really sum up the entire car. There’s a lot of emotion here, a real sense of fun and a genuine quality,” says Albaisa.

Platform

Juke is based on Renault Nissan Alliance B-Platform and has a 2530mm wheelbase, is 4135mm long, 1765mm wide and 1570mm tall. To allow the top of the range to use 17-inch wheels and 215/55 R17 tyres, the track front and rear is 1525mm, the widest yet seen on the Alliance B-platform.

As new models evolve so a platform will undergo a number of changes, and Juke’s underpinnings are no exception. For its application on Juke, it has been lengthened, widened and significantly strengthened and lightened to enhance safety, refinement, and fuel efficiency.

Although the basic suspension system mirrors that found on other B-segment cars, with MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the back, a new cradle-type front subframe has enhanced the lateral stiffness of the assembly. Along with revised front suspension geometry, this has helped to promote better handling and ride comfort along with greater refinement.

The 4wd versions of Juke further benefit from a new multi-link rear suspension. When coupled to Nissan’s newly developed torque vectoring four-wheel drive technology to limit understeer, Juke’s handling is at the top of the class in spite of its higher ground clearance while comfort has been preserved.

In an urban environment, the combination of higher ground clearance and large tyres mean that speed bumps and poor road surfaces will not cause as much discomfort – or damage – as they would to a conventional sports hatchback.

Despite its SUV looks and the comparatively high eye-point, Juke’s front and rear roll centre heights are as low as possible – closer to a conventional hatchback than a typical SUV – to reduce body roll in corners.

Agile handling is also helped by speed sensitive electric power steering, standard on all models, and by increased upper body strength and stiffness. Juke incorporates a newly developed ring structure which connects the upper body to the rear suspension, thus increasing torsional rigidity.

Engines and drivetrains

In Europe, there will be three engine and manual or CVT transmission choices when Juke sales start in the second half of the year. At the top of the range is a newly developed 1.6-litre Direct Injection Gasoline turbocharged engine which develops 140kW (190PS) and 240Nm.

A low friction and lightweight design, the 16 valve engine uses direct injection to improve combustion to optimise power and torque, economy and emissions. The addition of a turbocharger and intercooler helps to boost power – this engine is one of the most powerful in its class – while variable timing control for both intake and exhaust cycles (twin VTC) improves low end engine response. A degree of overlap allows exhaust gas recirculation.

Low friction techniques include the adoption of diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating for the valve lifters and mirror finish camshafts. The result is an engine delivering the performance levels of a normally aspirated 2.5-litre engine but with the fuel economy of a smaller engine.

The Direct Injection Gasoline engine in two-wheel drive versions of Juke will be coupled to a six-speed manual transmission. On the four-wheel drive version, it will be mated to Nissan’s XTRONIC CVT transmission, with six-speed manual mode.

The second petrol engine, which also displaces 1.6-litres and has four valves per cylinder, is an extensively reworked member of the HR family. Designated HR16DE, it has undergone a number of significant changes with a larger exhaust manifold, a retuned intake manifold, twin VTC, improved intake tumble flow and new catalyst with a hexagon cell formation.

New pistons with revised crowns and integral oil jet cooling have been adopted along with low friction techniques such as diamond-like carbon coating on the valve lifters.

But the most significant change has been the development of a dual injector system – a world first – which has two injectors for each cylinder, each with smaller nozzles to deliver finer, more closely targeted sprays of fuel into the cylinders for more efficient atomisation and more complete combustion.

Together the changes have led to significant improvements in power, torque and fuel economy. The engine produces 86kW (117PS), representing a six per cent improvement over previous versions of the engine. Torque has improved by three per cent to 157Nm while economy figures show a 5.6 per cent improvement. The normally aspirated petrol engine powers two-wheel drive versions only, and will be available with either the five-speed manual or the updated XTRONIC CVT transmission option, a different CVT transmission to the one used with the DIG engine.

The final engine choice is the familiar Alliance developed K9K 1.5-litre dCi turbocharged common rail diesel. The 1,461cc eight-valve engine delivers good fuel economy, low emissions and running costs with excellent driveability.

With power rated at 81kW (110PS) at 4,000 rpm and torque at an impressive 240 Nm at 1,750 rpm this unit features a fuel return rail and control unit for improved fuel efficiency. Injection pressure is 1,600 bar. Improved glow plug performance speeds up cold start performance. Emission control systems include a diesel particulate filter (DPF), with a fifth injector for regeneration and cooled exhaust gas recirculation while the turbocharger layout altered to make the distance between it and the DPF as short as possible.

The diesel will be available on two-wheel drive models with the six-speed manual transmission. For Europe, all the engines are fully Euro 5 compliant.

While the manual transmission has been carried over largely unchanged from Qashqai, both XTRONIC CVT systems feature a number of key technologies that promise significant improvements in weight, packaging, performance and fuel efficiency.

The updated XTRONIC CVT unit, used with the conventional 1.6-litre petrol engine, is 10 per cent shorter than before and 13 per cent lighter while internal friction has been reduced by a remarkable 30 per cent. This unit is the world’s first CVT with a sub planetary gear which allows a far higher transmission ratio – 7.3:1 – than previous Nissan CVTs. Smaller, lighter pulleys, a flexible lock up damper and a more efficient oil pump all promote great fuel efficiency.

The XTRONIC CVT with 6-speed manual mode in the turbocharged petrol-engined Juke has been tuned for a more sporting performance with revised manual modes for sharper acceleration while the management system has been reprogrammed to enhance fuel efficiency. Both CVTs have adaptive shift control systems that can be selected via the Nissan Dynamic Control System.

Unusually in its class, Juke will be available with the option of four-wheel drive in addition to conventional front-wheel drive. A newly developed all-wheel drive system is based on Nissan’s ALL-MODE 4×4-i electronic technology but which now adds a lateral torque-vectoring capability to its armoury.

As well splitting torque front to rear – upto a maximum of 50:50, it can now be split from side to side across the rear axle, too. By monitoring vehicle speed, wheel speed, gear position, steering angle, lateral G forces and now vehicle yaw rate, torque distribution can be increased to the outside rear wheel in corners to cut understeer and enhance the car’s cornering ability. In total, upto 50% of the total available engine torque can be sent to either rear wheel.

The new rear axle incorporates electric couplings at either end plus a new final drive The inclusion of this innovation is a first in the small car segment – a technology that has, until now, only been found on top-of-the-range, premium vehicles.

The new system is noticeably lighter and more compact than similar systems used by some other manufacturers.

Range availability is as follows:

Engine Power Fuel Drive Transmission
1.5 dCi 81kW Diesel 2wd 6-speed manual
1.6i 86kW Petrol 2wd 5-speed manual
1.6i 86kW Petrol 2wd Updated XTRONIC CVT
1.6i Turbo 140kW Petrol 2wd 6-speed manual
1.6i Turbo 140kW Petrol 4wd XTRONIC CVT M6

Equipment and model lines

Just about the only conventional aspect to Juke is the model line-up, which follows Nissan’s established Visia, Acenta and Tekna lines. Lists of standard and optional equipment will be released nearer the on sale date, but expected items such as climate control, leather upholstery, rear view camera and Intelligent Key will all be available to Juke customers along with some more unusual features.

One such is Nissan Dynamic Control System, a central command and display module which allows the driver to alter dynamic drive settings as well as make changes to more obvious functions such as climate control.

Cleverly, the module adopts different displays, colours and functions depending on how it is being used. In Climate mode, the display shows the interior temperature setting while the ‘buttons’ display air-flow preferences.

But in D-Mode, the buttons change to Normal, Sport and Eco driving modes, altering throttle maps, torque availability, CVT shift schedules, steering effort and even air conditioning performance to suit the conditions. The display, meanwhile, shows engine and drive related dials and information.

Car settings, such as the sensitivity of automatic headlights, can also be adjusted via the system, while the display changes colour to signify what type of information is being displayed. Driving information incorporates panels giving average speed, fuel economy, journey times and so on. Overall, the display is designed to add a feeling of cool, engaging technology to the interior.

Accessories

Although Juke has a long list of standard equipment, Nissan has developed a full range of accessories enabling owners to personalise their cars still further. Among the items on offer are different designs of alloy wheel as well as front and rear under body protectors to accentuate the SUV element of the design.

Other exterior features include exhaust finishers, a roof spoiler and wind deflectors on the doors, while inside an owner can add illuminated door sills and interior accent lighting. Practical touches include advanced security systems as well as extra storage opportunities in the front armrest and in the luggage area. .

European Customers

“The incredible success of our Qashqai compact crossover – we’ve recently passed half a million sales in Europe alone – has shown that customers are fed up with conventional cars. Juke is even bolder, even more adventurous than Qashqai and is set to confirm Nissan’s position as a pioneer of crossover in Europe and, indeed, globally,” says Simon Thomas.

Juke has been conceived with the specific intention to fulfil unmet customer expectations by adding much dynamism and masculinity to the sober, safe small car market. Who does Nissan imagine will buy Juke in Europe?

Clearly Urbanite, male customers are expected to be predominant but a significant proportion of buyers are anticipated to be women – one third according to Nissan’s estimates. Nissan Juke will attract a younger audience than average Nissan customers (under half will be below 40), these estimates shows that Juke will have a broad appeal, supporting Nissan’s research that there is widespread disillusionment at the lack of excitement in the small car sector in Europe.

Sales of Juke will come largely from the B-segment and is also expecting to attract C-segment customers, with people trading down to enjoy something more radical and inspirational. As with the successful Nissan Qashqai, a large majority of Juke customers will be new to the Nissan brand.

2010 Valmet Eva Concept

The new electric concept vehicle of Valmet Automotive gets its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show on March 2–14th. “Eva” represents the company’s latest know-how in new ecological vehicle technologies.

The concept vehicle is a 2+2 seat electric city car with a range of up to 160 km per one charge. In engineering the vehicle, lightweight and safe body structures have been combined with innovative electric and recharging systems.

Fortum, a leading energy company focusing on the Nordic countries, Russia and the Baltic Rim area, brought to the project its extensive know-how in recharging systems. Thanks to the cooperation with Nokia, the car is equipped with a pioneering Human Machine Interface through mobile handset connectivity. The booth will also showcase a demo based on NAVTEQ’s high-quality map data and content which enables green routing and driving functionality use cases.

Valmet Automotive is a forerunner in engineering and manufacturing electric vehicles. Already last year the company started the series production of one of the world’s first urban electric vehicle, the THINK City, as well as the luxury Golf Car Garia. Valmet Automotive is also an engineering and manufacturing partner of the world’s first premium plug-in hybrid electric vehicle Fisker Karma. The production of the Karma will start later this year.

The manufacturing of Porsche Boxster and Porsche Cayman represents Valmet Automotive’s experience and recognized know-how in the production of premium vehicles.

In line with its new strategy, Valmet Automotive today offers to its automotive customers a large portfolio of services from product and process engineering up to series manufacturing and business services.

The price of Renault Twingo Gordini RS is just €17,750, which represents a saving of €940 over a similarly-equipped Twingo Renault Sport.

Compared with the standard Twingo Renault Sport, Renault Twingo Gordini RS comes with:

- Malte Blue or Pearlescent Black metallic paint, with Gordini white stripes (over the bonnet, roof and hatch),
- gloss black front and rear bumper inserts,
- Glacier White foglamp surrounds, exterior mirror housings and rear lip spoiler, plus ‘Gordini Series’ badging on the sides,
- 17-inch diamond-effect aluminium alloy wheels with black inserts,
- Gordini-embossed blue and black stiched leather upholstery,
- blue door panel inserts,
- blue and black leather-trimmed steering wheel with two white stripes to indicate the
straight-ahead position,
- blue gear lever gaiter and Gordini-badged gear lever knob,
- numbered plaque in front of gear lever,
- white-rimmed blue rev-counter, with white and blue background,
- gloss black centre console,
- trimmed dashboard cowl with visible stitching,
- Gordini-badged carpet mats,
- automatic climate control,
- cruise control with speed limiter.

Renault Twingo Gordini RS’s extensive equipment specification builds on the existing performance/equipment package of Twingo Renault Sport:

- 1.6-litre, 133 horsepower engine,
- ‘Sport’ chassis,
- 80W radio-CD with MP3 playback, steering wheel-mounted fingertip remote control, separate display and jack socket,
- independent, sliding rear seats,
- Renault Sport front seats with additional lateral support,
- automatic headlamp and windscreen-wiper activation,
- extra-tinted rear glass,
- foglamps,
- Renault Sport kick plates
- fully-disconnectable ESP,
- boot capacity ranging from 285 to 959dm3 VDA.
Also available as options are:

- Cup chassis €450
- Radio-CD with MP3 playback, steering wheel-mounted fingertip remote control, and Bluetooth® and Plug & Music connectivity €200
- Curtain airbags €250
- Electric opening glass sunroof €590
- Without Gordini stripes (white stripes removed from bonnet, roof and hatch) No charge

-With 550 horsepower and 510 ft.-lb. of torque, Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) delivers the new Shelby GT500® with a 10 horsepower increase; an all-new 5.4-liter all-aluminum engine is 102 pounds lighter than the previous cast-iron engine and uses Ford-patented plasma-coating technology

-For 2011, Shelby GT500 offers EPA-projected improved fuel economy in city and highway from 2010, eliminating the gas guzzler tax

-The addition of Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS), a new optional SVT Performance Package, enhanced convertible rigidity and a lowered ride height contribute to improved driving dynamics and handling

“The SVT team continues to push the performance standards of the Shelby to even higher levels and better refinement,” said Jost Capito, director of global performance vehicles and motorsports business development. “All the changes we made reflect a desire for even better handling and outstanding driving dynamics – from weight savings to improved balance.”

Weight savings, new technology headline all-new aluminum engine
The 2011 Shelby GT500 is powered by an all-new aluminum-block 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 engine, which produces 550 horsepower and 510 ft.-lb. of torque, a 10 horsepower increase versus the 2010 model. The engine also is 102 pounds lighter than its predecessor, delivering a better power-to-weight ratio, improved fuel economy, acceleration, handling and steering precision.

“Cutting weight to improve performance is a tradition among hot rodders,” said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby American. “It might not be as sexy as adding more horsepower or bigger brakes, but shaving pounds off of a car is the single smartest move you can make.”

The new engine uses state-of-the-art Plasma Transferred Wire Arc (PTWA) liner coating, a process that applies a 150-micron composite coating that contains nanoparticles on the internal surfaces of engine cylinder bores, replacing cast-iron liners typically used in aluminum engine blocks. The Intellectual Property Owners Education Foundation honored the inventors of the Ford-patented PTWA technology with the 2009 National Inventor of the Year Award.

This is the first Ford application of the technology, and it offers improved overall performance and durability, along with functional benefits of reduced friction between piston rings and cylinder bores, improved heat transfer due to increased surface contact area and a weight savings of 8.5 pounds compared to a typical steel-sleeved aluminum block. A mechanical roughening process provides higher material adhesion for the spray coating.

The PTWA process uses air and electricity to create a plasma jet of 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which melts a steel wire that is fed into a rotating spray gun. Using atomized air, the melted steel wire is blown into a specially machined surface of the aluminum-block engine cylinder bore. In the process of melting and applying the metal to the surface, the steel wire oxidizes, creating a composite coating consisting of both iron and iron oxide.

“Ford’s Global Research and Advanced Engineering looks to all industries for advanced technologies – and this comes from aerospace. It’s the same technology you would find on aircraft engines,” said Glenn Jorgensen, SVT powertrain team leader. “We’ve invented a coating as a replacement for cast iron that delivers improvements in power and performance and fuel economy.”

The new engine also has its roots in the iconic Ford GT. The new 5.4-liter engine is an evolution of the GT engine, with improved block structure through the use of a unique bulkhead chilled process and six-bolt billet main bearing caps. This new advanced engine will exceed Ford GT performance with its traditional supercharger technology.

“The Ford GT has solidified itself as one of the world’s most coveted supercars. To make improvements to the engine from this supercar and make it available in a Mustang is impressive,” said Kerry Baldori, SVT global performance vehicle chief functional engineer. “The aluminum-block engine is robust and strong enough to produce the performance numbers and durability our customers demand.”

Increased power and increased fuel economy
The 2011 Shelby GT500 combines power and fuel economy into one impressive package. This 2011 Shelby GT500 will be the first modern Shelby without the gas guzzler tax, thanks to the EPA-projected 23 mpg highway and 15 mpg city it will deliver. This is up from 22 mpg highway and 14 mpg city for the 2010 model.

The 5.4-liter V-8 achieves 80 percent of its torque between 1,750 and 6,250 rpm, giving the car a higher level of performance feel. A larger two-row intercooler for the supercharger system has 40 percent more cooling capacity, helping to make power more consistent in higher ambient conditions.

Fuel economy gains come from the new 102-pound-lighter aluminum-block engine, EPAS and detailed aerodynamic changes to the underside of the vehicle.

Dramatic performance upgrades
New for 2011 is an SVT Performance Package for enthusiasts who want even more performance out of their Shelby GT500 for racetrack-ready driving dynamics. Complete with all-new Goodyear Eagle® F1 SuperCar G: 2 tires that SVT engineers worked directly with Goodyear to develop, the car is ready to race. The tires offer superb dry traction and precise handling, complete with a race-inspired high-performance tread compound.

The optional package also offers unique styling, lighter wheels, a higher rear axle ratio and stiffer springs, and it is available on both the convertible and coupe. Data show the 2011 coupe with the SVT Performance Package is 3.0 seconds faster per lap than the 2010 Shelby GT500 on a 2.3-mile test track.

Carried over from 2010, the 2011 Shelby GT500 features AdvanceTrac®, Ford’s stability control system with several options for performance. Calibration of the system for the 2011 Shelby has been uniquely tailored to each vehicle configuration (base or optional) to optimize the performance.

SVT has worked very hard to make EPAS better than the outgoing hydraulic steering system. The addition of EPAS makes for a dramatic contribution to Shelby GT500 driving dynamics, with improved torque build-up and road feel that delivers quicker and more precise steering, increased effort on the racetrack or winding roads, and reduced effort in low-speed parking maneuvers.

Slotted brake dust shields were added to improve brake cooling and handling, and a new pedal box improves clutch and pedal efforts even more. A lowered ride height of 11 millimeters in front and 8 millimeters at the rear provides a sportier attitude and improved handling.

More engine sound, less road noise
For 2011, Shelby GT500 also benefits from NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) improvements. Overall road noise is reduced by 20 percent versus the 2010 Shelby. Actions undertaken to achieve this improvement include additional sound-deadening material on either side of the instrument panel, additional sound absorption behind interior trim panels, and a rear wheel arch liner to reduce noise on gravel or wet surfaces – all resulting in the driver hearing more exhaust and engine sound and less road and air noise.

The Shelby GT500 convertible model features enhanced structural rigidity, with lateral stiffness improved by 12 percent versus the 2010 model. The V-brace has been stiffened by adding gussets. The secondary crossmember also has been stiffened, while a front Z-brace has been added, connecting primary and secondary crossmembers. A-pillar stiffening foam has been added to increase rigidity.

The structural improvements to the convertible gave SVT the opportunity to be more sport-oriented in the chassis tuning, without trading comfort. Along with the chassis and structural improvements, the 2011 model also will get standard 19-inch aluminum wheels.

“One of the biggest changes for this Shelby is that the convertible acts and feels like a coupe,” said Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief nameplate engineer. “Before, they had a very different character, and the convertible is taking a big step in the sportiness and handling precision area, without degrading the ride.”

GT500 gets a new exhaust for 2011, roaring with an even more aggressive sound than the 2010 model. The 2.75-inch exhaust with all-new tuning helped to deliver the additional 10 horsepower.

Added convenience content
New for 2011 is an optional glass roof, providing customers with a less expensive option than a convertible and without compromising the coupe’s versatility, headroom or climate-controlled environment.

The specially formulated glass also protects interior fabric material from solar radiation deterioration and discoloration by reducing solar light transmittance. To help improve acoustics and interior quietness, the glass features a layer of vinyl that reduces noise, vibration and harshness.

Other new convenience technologies include:

Standard HID (high-intensity discharge) headlamps
MyKeyTM programmable vehicle key
Integrated spotter mirror
Fold-down rear headrests
“Whether you’re looking to take the GT500 out on the streets or have some fun at the track,” Capito says, “this car will satisfy the most discriminating performance driving enthusiasts.”

Benefiting from High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, SIRIUS Satellite Radio and leather-trimmed seats, the Limited models cost only $1,000 more than the Premium versions Impreza WRX. The recently announced model combines: matchless performance, maximum safety features, and great efficiency with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. It is further packed with a 265 horsepower turbocharged SUBARU BOXER power-plant.

2010 Subaru Impreza models price list:

2.5i 5MT $17,495 $18,190
2.5i Auto $18,495 $19,190
2.5i Premium 5MT $18,495 $19,190
2.5i Premium Auto $19,495 $20,190
2.5GT Auto $26,995 $27,690
WRX 5MT $24,995 $25,690
WRX Premium 5MT $27,495 $28,190
WRX Limited 5MT $28,495 $29,190
Impreza 5-Door Models
2.5i 5MT $17,995 $18,690
2.5i Auto $18,995 $19,690
2.5i Premium 5MT $18,995 $19,690
2.5i Premium Auto $19,995 $20,690
Outback Sport 5MT $19,995 $20,690
Outback Sport Auto $20,995 $21,690
2.5GT Auto $27,495 $28,190
WRX 5MT $25,495 $26,190
WRX Premium 5MT $27,995 $28,690
WRX Limited 5MT $28,995 $29,690

Embodying Kia’s new visual dynamism, all-new Sportage is a fresh, bold, athletic and sporty design that blends the key features of an SUV – the commanding driving position, heightened sense of security and raised ground clearance – in a sleek and urban-friendly design.

Longer, lower and wider than the previous generation model, all-new Sportage will offer more space for people and cargo, with improved ride quality thanks to a longer wheelbase.

Michael Cole, Managing Director of Kia Motors (UK) Ltd., said: “Sportage was the car that really made the breakthrough for Kia in Europe and the all-new version will make people sit up and take notice just as the original did. I am convinced it will begin a remarkable new chapter in the Kia story.”

The all-new Sportage comes to the UK later this year, with a range of highly competitive diesel and petrol engines.

The world premiere of the all-new Sportage will take place at 08.45 on 2 March, 2010 on the Kia Stand (No 6441) in Hall 6 at the Geneva International Motor Show.

-Only 250 Peugeot 207 S16s will be produced
-Powered by a 1.6 litre 120 bhp VTi petrol engine
-£1,200 of additional specification compared to a standard Sports model
-On-the-road price £14,695

To recognise this achievement and that of Kris Meeke in winning the 2009 IRC drivers’ title, Peugeot has created the Special Edition 207 S16.

Based on the 207 Sport 1.6 VTi 3dr, only 250 examples of this car will be produced. The S16 adds to the already comprehensive standard equipment of the 207 sport model:

-Bianca White exterior body colour
-Full 207 RC Cup bodykit comprising front and rear spoilers, side skirts and a pseudo rear diffuser
-17″ Hockenheim Alloy Wheels
-SP Sports mesh grille
-Dark tinted rear windows from the 207 GTi model
-Special interior badge signed by Kris Meeke
-Optional free of charge vinyl rally graphics which mimic those found on Kris Meeke’s IRC winning 207 S2000 rally car.

The 207 S16 benefits from over £1,200 worth of additional specification compared to a standard Sport model and is priced at £14,695.

To further enhance the appeal of the 207 S16 an optional leather interior is also available priced at £684.21. It is available in black with either black or silver Grey stitching.

Technical Data

Top Speed
125 mph

0 to 62 mph
10.7 seconds

Urban drive cycle
35.3 mpg

Extra urban drive cycle
57.6 mpg

Combined drive cycle
47.1 mpg

Regulated Emission Standard
Euro 5

CO2 Emissions
139 g/km

VED Rate
£120.00