Ford Fusion Energi, 2013

 

 

•  Ford Fusion Energi, 2013

The All-new Ford Fusion brings alive the next generation of more expressive vehicles from Ford and is the first sedan to offer gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions - each expected to deliver top fuel economy and an engaging driving experience.

Featuring a sleek silhouette and fresh face, the all-new Fusion is the latest in a series of vehicles from Ford - following the 2011 Fiesta subcompact and 2012 Focus small cars - developed to satisfy customers everywhere who want leading fuel efficiency, helpful technologies and game-changing looks.

Ford Fusion is revealed in North America in S, SE and range-topping Titanium series and points to the next Ford Mondeo for world markets.

Triple-crown fuel efficiency
The new Fusion is expected to deliver best-in-class fuel economy across customers' choice of gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid sub-segments, following through with the commitment by Ford to be the fuel-efficiency leader - or among the leaders - with each new model brought to market.

Ford Fusion brings the broadest selection of fuel-efficient powertrains in the midsize car segment. It offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid alternatives, a pair of EcoBoost� four-cylinder engines, a normally aspirated four-cylinder engine, an automatic start stop system to shut off the engine at stationary idle, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive applications, and a choice between automatic and manually shifted six-speed transmissions.

The 1.6-liter EcoBoost is expected to deliver best-in-class four-cylinder non-hybrid fuel efficiency of 26 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine - paired with a paddle-shifted six-speed SelectShift Automatic� transmission, available 19-inch wheels and tires, and all-wheel drive with the ability to send additional torque to the rear - is the Fusion performance option.

The Fusion Hybrid - 2010 North American Car of the Year - continues to innovate and evolve with all-new lithium-ion batteries that save weight and generate more power than previous nickel-metal hydride batteries, while raising maximum speed under electric-only power from 47 mph to 62 mph.

Ford Fusion Hybrid also features an all-new 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine, significantly downsized from the previous 2.5-liter unit while maintaining performance standards. This innovative powertrain is anticipated to deliver best-in-class fuel economy of 47 mpg in city driving and 44 mpg on the highway.

Ford Fusion Hybrid fuel economy stands to outperform the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid by 4 mpg city and 5 mpg highway and the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid by 12 mpg and 4 mpg, respectively.

Topping the fuel-efficiency ladder is the Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid, aiming to be the most fuel-efficient midsize car in the world. Arriving this fall, Fusion Energi is anticipated to deliver more than 100 MPGe, a mile per gallon equivalency metric for electrified vehicles. This is 8 MPGe more than the Chevrolet Volt and 13 MPGe more than the projected efficiency of the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid model.

The next-generation Fusion 1.6-liter is the first automatic-transmission Ford product offered with an automatic start stop system. It shuts off engine power smoothly when the car is stopped and seamlessly restarts as the driver releases the brake pedal, helping Fusion to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by approximately 3.5 percent.

Ford Fusion looks out for you
The all-new Fusion offers an unprecedented portfolio of driver assistance and convenience technologies based on sensors, cameras and radar that enable the car to see and respond.

Ford Fusion can help drivers maintain proper lane position, adjust vehicle speed to changing traffic conditions, identify suitable parking spaces and help park, even aiding drivers backing out of parking space where visibility is obstructed. Specific technologies include:

• Lane Keeping System: This class-exclusive technology consists of three elements to help a driver maintain proper lane position. Using a small, forward-facing camera behind the inside rearview mirror, the system "looks" down the road, monitoring lane lines to determine that the car is on course. The system will alert a driver if drowsiness or erratic lane-keeping is detected. The second element warns a driver with a steering wheel vibration if the Fusion drifts too close to lane markings. Finally, lane keeping aid will actually apply pressure on the steering to help bring the car back into proper lane position
• Adaptive cruise control: Using forward-looking radar, this system "looks" down the road when activated, slowing the Fusion when slower traffic is detected ahead. Adaptive cruise control enables collision warning with brake support to help slow the car if the potential of a crash is detected
• Active park assist: Employing sensors, this technology can identify a suitable parallel parking space, calculate the trajectory and steer the car to properly position it within the spot. All a driver need do is operate accelerator and brake pedals
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert: Sensors in both Fusion rear quarter-panels are able to detect traffic in a driver's blind spot, providing both audible and visual warnings if traffic - unseen by the driver - is detected. BLIS technology enables cross-traffic alert, warning the driver of oncoming traffic when backing out of a parking space with obstructed views, such as between two large vans

The power of voice
The all-new Fusion offers the latest iteration of Ford's award-winning, industry-exclusive SYNC communications and entertainment system, which enables voice-activated communication through a driver's mobile phone and interaction with the car's audio system.

Fusion also offers the latest version of MyFord Touch, allowing a driver to interact with vehicle systems through voice control, a touch screen tap or a conventional button.
Both SYNC and MyFord Touch - powered by SYNC - help reduce the potential for driver distraction through voice-controlled functionality, allowing drivers to keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Different, by design
These five elements provided direction for the design team behind the all-new Ford Fusion:

• Silhouette innovation: Fusion's sleek profile sets it apart from the powertrain/cabin/trunk "three-box" designs synonymous with midsize sedans
• Perceived efficiency: Fusion character lines sweeping to the rear and thin roof pillars suggest the car is nimble and light on its feet
• Refined surface language: Fusion demonstrates that a tasteful, well-executed design does not require add-ons or visual clutter
• Technical graphics: Fusion's functional design elements such as headlamps, LED taillamps and polished exhaust tips communicate enhanced technological capability
• New face: Fusion signals the next evolution in Ford global design language for midsize cars and smaller

Inside, the new Fusion offers a sporty, driver-oriented environment with next-generation seating that brings expanded functionality. A higher center console supports the driver-centric theme and yields clever storage for items a driver wants to keep handy.

Additional passenger space was designed-in by moving the instrument panel toward the windshield, contributing to the cabin's airy, open environment. Thinner, lighter frames support the comfortable next-generation seats trimmed with fabric using recycled sustainable yarns.

Craftsmanship plus dynamics equals feel
Ford Fusion design delivers on the promise of high visual quality, with improved materials, elevated levels of craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Interior surfaces are softer to the touch and interior and exterior gaps are minimized, while extra care has been taken to upholster or cover each edge and every surface a customer can touch. When the trunk lid is opened, for example, a spring-loaded cover automatically conceals the trunk latch hardware.

Key contributors to how the Fusion feelsare the ride and handling components that maximize vehicle dynamics.
Careful tuning by Ford's vehicle handling and ride team has yielded a Fusion with a dynamic character that will please a well-seasoned enthusiast while increasing the confidence level of less-experienced drivers.

Ford Fusion interior quiet reaches a new level with acoustic underbody shields and weight-saving sound-absorption material; both minimize road and powertrain noise while boosting aerodynamic efficiency to help save fuel. The all-new model adds content such as a full-perimeter hood seal to be among the midsize sedan segment leaders in giving drivers a quiet ride.

Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi models also are equipped with active noise control. This feature uses the audio system to mitigate extraneous road noise while enhancing powertrain sounds.

Strength and safety
Fusion is designed with customer safety in mind. Engineers increased its body strength by 10 percent, using more high-strength steels such as boron, and added dual first-row knee airbags and adaptive front airbags that vent and tether to conform to a specific occupant's size, position and seatbelt usage.

The Fusion safety team targeted top-of-the-line ratings in each public domain safety benchmark, including National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ratings, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick and top ratings in world markets where the car will be sold.

The most prominent example is Ford Fusion's front-end architecture, as the same car must face simultaneous - and seemingly conflictive - standards across regions. The car's front end is equipped to meet head-on and offset barrier standards for North America while still conforming to European standards for pedestrian protection - thanks to hours of computer modeling and 180 validating crash tests.

Ford Fusion will be produced at Ford's Hermosillo, Mexico, manufacturing facility, soon adding production at AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The car will appear in Ford showrooms in North America and South America later in 2012. Mondeo will be introduced in 2013 in Asia and Europe.

Hyundai i20, 2013

 

 

• Hyundai i20, 2013

The Hyundai is enhancing its European model line-up by unveiling the All New i20 at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. The popular supermini has been revised and refreshed both inside and out, and is intended to appeal to a new, younger group of car buyers across the continent.

Building on the success of the original Hyundai i20 five-door hatchback, the all-new model progresses the development of Hyundai's passenger vehicle range, which continues to benefit from recent advances in powertrain and design.

Among the four powertrain options available to buyers of the All New i20 will be the new 1,1-litre, 3-cylinder 'U-II' diesel engine that generates 75 ps. When mated to technologies from Hyundai's Blue Drive sub-brand, this derivative emits just 84 g/km of CO2, a figure lower than any other car powered by a conventional powertrain on sale today. The engine was developed at Hyundai's Diesel Centre of Excellence - part of the European R&D set-up in R�sselsheim, Germany - and showcases Hyundai expertise in clean diesel technology.

The ground-breaking new engine will be offered alongside another sub-100 g/km diesel. When combined with Blue Drive technologies, the upgraded 1,4-litre 'U-II' 90 ps engine emits 96 g/km.

The All New i20 takes its design cues from Hyundai's 'fluidic sculpture' design language, including the hexagonal grille common to all new Hyundai models. A sculpted body shape with bold lines invokes the appearance of constant motion, while LED headlamps with daytime running lights give a sense of luxury and technological sophistication.

All New Hyundai i20 has slightly increased length and the cabin benefits from upgraded materials and high-tech specification that represent a significant improvement over the original.

As with all newly-launched models in Europe, the All New i20 comes with Five Year Triple Care, comprising a five-year unlimited warranty, five years of roadside assistance, and five years of vehicle health checks.

Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, Allan Rushforth, commented, "The i20 has been very popular with European buyers since it came to market in 2009, thanks to its combination of efficiency, quality, practicality and value. With an enhanced powertrain line-up that includes the lowest CO2emissions for any internal combustion engine, and sharper styling influenced by fluidic sculpture, the All New i20 will appeal to a broader range of buyers, including younger consumers. The assurance of our industry-best, comprehensive Five Year Triple Care package will make All New i20 an even more attractive ownership proposition."

STYLING & DESIGN
Re-designed at Hyundai's European headquarters in Germany, the 4-metre long All New i20 has been styled using Hyundai's signature design language, 'fluidic sculpture'.

The front-end has been updated to feature a design element common to all new Hyundai models - the hexagonal-shaped grille. New headlights have been added to give the All New i20 a contemporary look. The hood, fender, front bumper - which incorporates fog lights - and wheel design have been updated, to bring this new model visually into line with the rest of the i-range.

At the rear, Hyundai's designers have modernised the car with a make-over that includes an updated bumper design, integrating a rear parking assist system. The rear lamps have also been restyled to ensure that design harmony is optimised all around the car.

For the European market, All New i20 will be manufactured in Turkey and India, and made available with a range of 10 exterior colours - two solid and eight metallic or pearl. Customer choices include Coral White, Twilight Blue, Electric Red, Black Diamond and Ember Grey.

The redesigned bumpers at the fore and rear of All New Hyundai i20 have added 55mm to the length (30mm at the front and 25mm at the rear), taking the overall length to 3.995mm. The overall width, height and wheelbase remain the same as the outgoing model, maintaining its dynamic proportions.

COMFORT & CONVENIENCE
Inside, All New i20 has been redesigned to provide drivers and passengers with an enhanced level of interior comfort and roominess.

Redesigned seat trim is available in either cloth or leather and cloth combination, with a grey cloth option offered for the first time. Furthermore, the centre fascia has been thoroughly reworked to incorporate more sophisticated switchgear. Stylish black, high-gloss inserts on the dashboard now benefit from a soft-touch finish, applied through the use of Nano P.U. cell paint.

All New i20's interior benefits not only from material upgrades, it also provides outstanding levels of roominess front and rear for a B-segment car - just like the original vehicle. Headroom in the front is a generous 1.005mm and 970mm in the rear. There is also 1.350mm of shoulder room in the front and 1.340 in the rear, while legroom is generous, providing 1.074 mm in the front and 845mm in the rear. The cargo bay has a capacity of 295 litres (seats upright).

Other new features available on All New Hyundai i20 include a smart key and engine start / stop button, one-touch triple-blink turn indicators, automatic lights, rain-sensing wipers and a rear-view camera display, displayed on the rear-view mirror.

The ENGINES
All of the powertrains available for All New i20 have been developed with European consumer expectations in mind. They deliver class-leading fuel efficiency and emissions, yet do not compromise on power or drivability.

In the pursuit of improved efficiency and reduced CO2emissions, Hyundai has rationalised the engine range offered with All New i20 to four highly developed, upgraded units - two diesel and two gasoline with power outputs ranging from 75 to 100 ps.

Both of the 1,6-litre engines (diesel and gasoline) offered in the previous generation model have been dropped to make way for smaller, greener powerplants.

With market leading environmental credentials in mind, Hyundai has developed a super-efficient three cylinder 1,1-litre diesel that produces 75 ps and 180 Nm (18,4 kg/m) of torque. When combined with Hyundai's Integrated Stop and Go system, this powerplant is the lowest-emitting unit currently available on the market, with CO2emissions of just 84 g/km (standard model produces 99 g/km).

The rest of the engine range is similarly environmentally friendly. For example, the upgraded 1,4-litre, 90 ps diesel emits just 96 g/km and the 1,25-litre, 85 ps gasoline unit produces 109 g/km (Standard model produces 114 g/km).

The most powerful engine in the range is the 100 ps 1,4-litre gasoline engine which gives the All New Hyundai i20 lively performance (0-to-100 kph in 11,6 seconds), yet maintains high fuel economy.

TRANSMISSIONS
In order to extract the best balance of performance, emissions and fuel economy from each engine, Hyundai is offering buyers transmissions that best-suit their chosen powertrain. Depending on the engine selected, the All New i20 will come with a five- or six-speed manual transmission, or the option of a four-speed automatic.

The manual transmissions available on the All New Hyundai i20 have been refined to provide a more precise gear shift for maximum ease and feel. Gear ratios have been optimised to ensure that the engines they are mated to operate at their most efficient speed for the longest period of time.

The 1,2-litre gasoline engine is fitted with a 5-speed manual transmission to provide optimum performance and emissions, which are as low as 109 g/km of CO2when mated to Hyundai's Blue Drive technologies (including Integrated Stop Go (ISG), low-rolling resistance tyres and alternator management system). The 1,4-litre gasoline can be specified with either a six-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.

Both diesel engines are equipped with a six-speed manual transmission to reduce fuel consumption and lower CO2emissions while maximising the available performance.

With the aid of Blue Drive technologies, the 1,1-litre diesel produces just 84 g/km of CO2emissions. This means that All New i20 is not just the B-segment supermini with the lowest emissions; it represents the lowest polluting car currently available in Europe with a conventional powertrain.

RUNNING GEAR
In keeping with its dynamic re-styling, the All New i20 rides on a revised platform that delivers an agile driving experience combined with remarkable refinement.

Much of the car's ride and handling development work was undertaken on European roads, developing the benchmark set by the original model. As a result, Hyundai's ride and handling engineers have been able to fine tune the All New i20's front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam suspension to deliver the taut and alert driving dynamics demanded by the European market. Thanks to these chassis developments, the All New Hyundai i20 yields a fun-to-drive, dynamic ride as well as real world predictability.

The electrically assisted rack and pinion steering has a new setup and has also been retuned to deliver quick and accurate responses resulting in excellent urban agility.

REFINEMENT
Through computer simulation and practical testing, NVH (noise vibration harshness) level of All New i20 has been drastically reduced over its predecessor. Road transmitted vibration, wind resonance, intake, exhaust and engine noise have all been reduced.

All New i20 has been developed to deliver comfort to all occupants, and by applying structural reinforcements in the dashboard panel, steering column mounting and cowl cross member, reduction in road vibrations has been achieved.

Further vibration enhancements are made thanks to a 3-point inertia engine and transmission support, not only strengthening the structure, but minimising parts and reducing weight.

The extensive use of advanced noise reduction materials throughout the development process - particularly in the diesel-powered models - has resulted in exceptionally high levels of refinement, giving the all New Hyundai i20 a cosseting cabin ambience.
Simplifying the exhaust system by removing the centre muffler has reduced weight and offers a dramatic decrease in exhaust booming noise.

SAFETY
Designed to be among the safest cars in its class, All New i20 debuts with exceptionally high levels of active and passive safety equipment.

All New Hyundai i20 comes standard with Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) including Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) across the range.

Its outright agility and responsiveness, as well as non-intrusive electronic aids will play a key role in helping to keep occupants safe. However, in the event of a collision, protection is offered by the extensive use of high-tensile steel in the robust bodyshell structure, while front, side and curtain airbags optimise occupant protection.

The safety package is further enhanced by ISOFIX mounting points in the rear and seatbelt reminders for all five occupants. As a result of these measures, the All New i20 continues to offer unrivalled levels of active and passive safety in the class and, more important, maintaining the 5-star Euro NCAP rating achieved by the outgoing model.

Chevrolet Sonic RS, 2013

 

 

•  Chevrolet Sonic RS, 2013

A hotter Chevrolet Sonic is about to sound off - the 2013 Sonic RS. It goes on sale in late 2012, after making its public debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show.

The new RS amplifies the Sonic's youthful style and driving experience with unique exterior and interior features matched with a 138-horsepower (103 kW) Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine. Sonic is the only vehicle in its segment to offer a turbocharged powertrain.

The Chevrolet Sonic RS is offered exclusively in the five-door body style. Chevrolet's exclusive MyLink infotainment system is standard. It enables navigation directions downloaded through a smart phone to be shown on the radio's large display, and offers the personalized connectivity of Pandora and Stitcher Internet radio.

Chevrolet Sonic RS exterior features

•     New front fascia with new fog lamp design
•     New RS-specific grille
•     New rear fascia
•     New rear spoiler
•     New rocker moldings
•     Unique mirror cap finish
•     Retuned sport exhaust with chrome outlet
•     Unique 17-inch five-spoke wheel design
•     Lowered and stiffened suspension with performance-tuned dampers
•     RS badging.

The more-aggressive look of the Chevrolet Sonic RS is inspired by the concept that debuted in Detroit in 2010. The Sonic RS will be available in Victory Red, Summit White, Cyber Gray Metallic and Black Granite Metallic, which is a new exterior color for the 2013 Sonic.

One of the most-dramatic cues from the concept carried into the production model is the Chevrolet Sonic RS's front fascia, which has a deep air dam design that enhances the car's road-hugging stance. Vertical intakes at the edges of the fascia reinforce the wide, low proportion and house the fog lamps.

Sonic RS interior features
    New front sport seats
    New sport steering wheel with thicker rim and racing-inspired flat-bottom design
    New shifter knob (manual transmission)
    New aluminum sport pedals
    Specific instrument panel cluster graphics
    RS-specific interior trim color for the instrument panel and door trim inserts.

The Chevrolet Sonic RS's interior is a connected environment, with the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment seven-inch color touch screen radio. This system allows customers to bring customized music libraries into the vehicle and use their smart phones and Bluetooth connectivity to access Pandora and Stitcher Internet radio and navigation. Navigation directions downloaded through a smart phone can be displayed on the screen and, when the vehicle is stopped, users can project video and even personal photo albums onto the screen from their phone.

Sonic RS performance
The Sonic RS is powered by a standard Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine that is rated at 138 horsepower (103 kW) and 148 lb.-ft. of torque (200 Nm) - and provides an immediate feeling of power that is sustained across the rpm band, for a greater feeling of performance at lower rpm. It's matched with a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic.

Unique gear ratios for the six-speed manual transmission and unique final drive ratio for the automatic give the Chevrolet Sonic RS a sportier feel than non-RS models.

Complementing the segment-exclusive turbocharged powertrain is MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and stabilizer bar, and a semi-independent, torsion beam axle-mount compound link-type rear suspension - featuring a robust, tubular V-shape beam - with gas-charged shocks. The front and rear tracks are identical at 59.4 inches (1,509 mm), for well-planted stability and balance.

The new RS is the only Sonic model offered with four-wheel disc brakes, which are partnered with a four-channel anti-lock braking system. The four-sensor system - one at each wheel - incorporates electronic brake force distribution, which balances braking performance based on such factors as road conditions and the weight of passengers and/or cargo.

Electric power steering is standard and features a wear compensator that continually adjusts the system interaction with the steering gear to ensure precise steering action over the life of the system.

Sonic lineup at a glance
The Chevrolet Sonic is offered in two body styles: a four-door sedan and a five-door, with a starting price of $14,495 (including destination charge). Each body style delivers class-leading, rear-seat roominess and cargo space. Vehicle highlights:

• Standard Ecotec 1.8L engine (non-RS models) paired with five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions
• Standard electric power steering and StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover sensing
• Sedan offers trunk capacity that is greater than most compact cars; hatchback and sedan offer better rear-seat roominess than Ford Fiesta. With a rear seat that folds nearly flat, the Sonic hatchback has greater cargo capacity than Fiesta
• Connectivity includes OnStar with six months of Turn-by-Turn navigation. Available features include XM Satellite Radio, USB and Bluetooth functionality and MyChevrolet mobile application
• Remote start, heated front seats and sunroof - all rarities in the segment
• Ten standard air bags, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and OnStar with Automatic Crash Response.

Sonic is built at the General Motors' Orion Assembly Center in Michigan, which received a $545-million investment in upgrades and retooling and helped restore approximately 1,000 jobs in the metropolitan Detroit area.