Lincoln Continental Concept Revealed! (It is Already Headed for Production)

Take a Ford Taurus, rub it sparingly with the sad ham of luxury appliqué, and you get the Lincoln MKS. In reality, there may not have been a automobile more cynical in Ford’s repertoire given that post-Malaise downsizing of the 1980s. Finally, Lincoln has decided to erase this blight upon its name, and if the new Continental idea car is not the blocky, presidential pomp machine the fashionably tattooed were hoping for, it is undoubtedly a step away from the baleen-waterfall-stache visual grammar Lincoln has been selling of late.

Officially, the Continental is a notion. But you will see a production version next year. Our sources suggest that the new Conti will not ride on the MKS/Taurus platform, which is also shared with the Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex, but rather on an enlarged version of the CD4 platform, which underpins the Fusion and MKZ.

Ford is playing coy with regards to the concept’s powertrain specifics beyond the reality that it makes use of a 3.-liter EcoBoost V-6, a slightly enlarged variant of the 2.7 Nano. However, we hear that the 2.7 would be a base engine, at least here in the United States. China would likely get an even smaller sized 4-cylinder option. The thrilling bit is that the Continental is rumored to use the very same trick all-wheel-drive system employed in the new Ford Concentrate RS.

We presume the emphasis is on certain-footedness rather than out-and-out stoplight drags or gymkhana-fied acrobatics. Throughout the car’s unveiling at a preview in New York, FoMoCo honcho Mark Fields and Lincoln chief Kumar Galhotra repeated Lincoln’s “quiet luxury” mantra ad infinitum. So considerably so that we identified ourselves lulled into an alpha state by the sense memory of Matthew McConaughey’s laid-back twang. It is all just sounds, man. It is not even like . . . words.

One look at the back seat affirms this. Tap the underside of the chromed handle sticking out of the windowsill and the door pops open. It is a big honking door. It is a Maybach-ian, Chinese-energy-broker-grade door. The sunroof is electrochromatic—changing from opaque to clear at the press of a button—and Ford has taken out 50 patents on the seats in this point. The seats function 30-way adjustment, and a single of the joys is an outer side bolster that deflates to aid ingress and egress. Also, we want a girlfriend produced of the plush, plush carpet. Or at least a cat—a cat would almost certainly be a lot more acceptable. The complete interior therapy, resplendent in dark blue and chrome, suggests the glory of the jet age without having getting slavishly retro. We dare Lincoln not to dumb it down any much more than is necessary to pass crash standards for production, since it is as good as anything south of $ 200,000.

The exterior has its moments. In profile, it’s somewhat Mulsanne/Phantom-esque. From the rear, it’s aces. We specifically like the quad exhaust with asymmetrical outer guidelines. The front finish screams Jag-ura, with its RLX-style headlamps and XE/XJ-mimicking grille. Even though it’s a far better appear than the prior remedy, it is a lot more Euro-Japanese derivative than we’d like to see from an American brand. We do, even so, really like the peaked hood. The headlamps, by the way, are of the matrix-LED style that Audi can’t sell to us maybe an American organization futzing with the tech can lastly get it legalized.

All in all, the new Continental comes off as a slightly mixed bag. That is an improvement more than the MKS, which was not the sort of bag that James Brown would ever have been pleased to own brand-new. But this Continental? He may well just have liked this.

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Lincoln Continental Concept Revealed! (It is Already Headed for Production)

ten minutes grace at council automobile parks – a great concept?

There’s nothing at all quite like the panic felt when rushing back to your car to attempt and beat the parking meter.

And nothing very like the anger felt when you arrive at your car a couple of minutes late only to uncover it’s already been slapped with a ticket.

All that is about to adjust though…

10 much more minutes

Drivers in England will be offered 10 minutes’ grace ahead of getting hit with a fine if they remain also lengthy in council-owned automobile parking spaces.

The government has announced the grace period will kick in later this month, along with other measures created to quit councils generating funds from parking fines.

Local authorities in England have been under fire in current years after it emerged they had been collectively producing millions of pounds in profit out of parking fines – figures from the RAC Foundation show councils in England produced a combined profit of £667million from on and off-street parking in 2103-14 alone.

The new measures contain:

• guidance for councils reminding them they are banned from “using parking to generate profit”


• a right for residents and businesses to demand – by a petition – that a council “reviews parking in their area”


• new powers for parking adjudicators so they can “hold councils to account”


• protection to cease drivers being fined following parking at out-of-order meters


• a ban on the use of CCTV “spy cars” except in no-parking places such as bus lanes and near schools.

BEEN HIT WITH A COUNCIL PARKING FINE? HERE’S HOW TO APPEAL!

Pickles’ parking strategy

Eric Pickles MP, communities secretary, announced the plans last year as part of measures created to encourage us to return to our neighborhood higher streets to do our purchasing and enhance neighborhood economies.

Mr Pickles said: “We are ending the war on drivers who basically want to go about their day-to-day enterprise. For too lengthy parking rules have created law-abiding motorists really feel like criminals, and triggered huge harm to shops and businesses.”

He added: “Slapping individuals with hefty fines is akin to criminalising shoppers and tends to make high streets or parades no-go zones for drivers. More than-zealous parking enforcement and unreasonable stealth fines by post undermine the high street.”

Safety 1st?

On the flipside, there is an argument this legislation is getting rushed by means of to curry favour with voters before the general election.

And there are fears that the choice to drop CCTV cameras from zebra crossings could compromise pedestrian safety.

Councillor David Sparks, chairman of the Local Government Association, stated: “We are concerned that government has rushed through today’s announcement and failed to totally consult councils on the detail of the regulation.”

He added: “Beyond the headlines, what is especially worrying is the detail of these proposals which could make roads much less safe for vulnerable pedestrians and inconvenience millions of motorists and commuters.”

What do YOU consider? A good notion or 1 that will be abused by motorists and affect road security? Let us know.

ten minutes grace at council automobile parks – a great concept?

EDAG, Yo: German Engineering Firm Creates Odd “Light Cocoon” Concept

EDAG, Yo: German Engineering Firm Creates Odd “Light Cocoon” Concept

Kia Sportspace Concept Debuts, Is the Optima Wagon of Our Dreams

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The Power to Surprise? That’;s an understatement . . .

Kia’s Sportspace wagon idea is so damn gorgeous and close to excellent that we count just 3 items we don’t like about it. 1st, the big ventlike things in the rear fascia look out of place second, the rear license-plate mount requirements to be relocated from the otherwise gloriously spare tailgate and third, the front running-lamp/vent pieces appear to riff a bit as well hard from Volvo’s playbook. Seriously, that is it—we’d eat up the rest of the Sportspace in a single bite, chewing optional.

Now this is the portion where we tell you that the Sportspace is just one more piece of vaporware, one more heart-tugging preview of a Europe-market place-only station wagon that we’ll in no way be in a position to purchase. Properly, that’s only partially true, as far as we know. What we’re hunting at right here, people, is very probably the subsequent-generation Kia Optima mid-size sedan, gussied up in station-wagon clothes in a bid to capture the interest of European types at the 2015 Geneva auto show.

Follow along with us here: The Optima sedan is at the moment sold in Europe in generally the same kind it is sold in right here, and a redesigned version of the car is due this year. It is quite easy to connect the 2 dots with a extremely straight line and assume that this is the new Optima, as we did when Kia teased the Sportspace last week.

Having shown the car in this kind, nonetheless, it would appear as although Kia is at least thinking about adding a liftback model to its European Optima lineup. We’re also glad it does not seem to be following the lead of corporate sibling Hyundai in dialing back the hotness of its mid-size offering. The present Optima wowed the automotive planet with its daring and remarkably upscale style in 2010, and the Sportspace is even a lot more impressive.

Details surrounding the car’s powertrain and interior are forthcoming—we’ll know much more when we see it in particular person next month in Geneva. Our inner nerds have our fingers crossed for some sort of diesel-electric hybrid setup like that in the Optima T-Hybrid concept from the 2014 Paris auto show, but a turbocharged 2.-liter 4-cylinder would much better match the sporty vibe. It is practically definitely front-drive, but all-wheel drive would come in handy when traversing the snowy backdrop in the press images.

Should the next Optima spring forth from the scorching Sportspace comparatively intact, it would right away render Toyota’s newly stylized Camry boring, let alone the conservative 4-doors from Honda, Hyundai, and Chevrolet. The Kia would give even Mazda’s drop-dead-gorgeous 6 a run for its funds. We have our fingers crossed that we can get in on the wagon action—after all, the last Kia-badged station wagon sold in the U.S. was the somewhat dumpy Rio Cinco from the early 2000s, and that is a terrible way to close the book on the physique style.

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Kia Sportspace Concept Debuts, Is the Optima Wagon of Our Dreams

Volvo Cars reveals 330 kW High Performance Drive-E Powertrain Concept

450 Horsepower Drive E

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• Triple Boost Technology takes Volvo’s 4-cylinder Drive-E Powertrain petrol engine to 330 kW (450 BHP)

Following the successful introduction of Volvo’s Drive-E Powertrain range in 2013, Volvo’s powertrain team once again demonstrates its technological leadership in emissions-reducing turbo technology.

“When we launched the Drive-E powertrain family, our aim was to deliver the most advanced 4-cylinder engines in the industry based on emissions and fuel consumption relative to performance and drivability. We knew that the 242 kW in our petrol configuration was just a starting point. The 330 kW High Performance Drive-E Powertrain Concept, demonstrates this ambition and the versatility of the Drive-E Powertrains,” says Dr. Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President for Research and Development at Volvo Car Group.

The 330 kW High Performance Drive-E Powertrain Concept is based on a set of technologies not usually found in a 4 cylinder engine. The engine utilizes 2 parallel turbochargers, which are fed by an electrically powered turbo-compressor. The compressed air from this unit, rather than being fed to the cylinders, is instead used to spool up the 2 parallel turbochargers. Fuel is fed by a dual fuel pump working at 250 bar pressure. With this kind of power density, this triple boost installation and unique fuel system, enables a very dynamic drivability without any turbo lag, compared to a mono-turbo.

“There are several high power small size applications where one large turbo is used to create a high level of power available from other manufacturers, but the driving experience suffers due to slow engine response. We felt that with our heritage of being among the first car companies to embrace and offer a broad range of turbo technology since 1981, that we could improve this,” says Michael Fleiss, Vice President of Powertrain Engineering at Volvo Car Group.

The High Performance Drive-E Powertrain Concept attracted the attention and involvement of Volvo Cars suppliers AVL, Denso and Volvo Polestar Racing at an early stage, which allowed theories and technologies from racing applications to be infused in the development process.

“This was a very exciting project as we pioneered a combination of technologies in the same application, and the result is a quite unique engine with its high power yet quick response. Above all, its compact size improves weight distribution between the front and rear axle and lowers the centre of gravity – 2 factors that have a significant effect on the handling, whether it is a race car or a street car,” said Mattias Evensson, Race Engine Director at Volvo Polestar Racing.

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“It may sound odd, but this 330 kW powertrain concept is an important part of the Drive-E development program. Down-sizing must offer customers attractive and usable power for broad scale emissions reduction to work. By developing compact powertrains we free up space and weight in the structure of the car, which can be used for electrification and even further emissions reduction. And that is our ultimate ambition,” concludes Dr. Mertens.

In South Africa, Volvo’s new Drive-E engines have been introduced across the range.

More about Volvo Cars’ DRIVE-E powertrains

Volvo Cars’ Drive-E range of powertrains takes efficient driving pleasure to a new dimension in which output and efficiency – rather than the number of cylinders – determine the quality of performance.

Why the big fuss?

With Drive-E, Volvo’s outgoing 8 engine architectures are gradually being replaced by only 2: a 4-cylinder Drive-E petrol engine and a 4-cylinder Drive-E diesel. These 2 engines can be configured to meet the power / output needs of the entire Volvo range.

Volvo Cars’ powertrain experts have developed the engines in-house. They are being built at Volvo Car Group’s high-tech engine plant in Skövde, Sweden.

Drive-E stats and facts:

• Replaces 8 existing engine architectures in 3 platforms.


• These engines are fully developed, tested and produced by Volvo.


• Developed by Volvo in Gothenburg and manufactured in Skövde.


• One architecture prepared for 2 fuels (Petrol and Diesel) in 8 power derivatives


• New 8-speed Auto gearbox produced alongside the new engines


• Complies with all 2013-2017 emission legislations Worldwide


• Reduces fuel consumption by 15 – 35%


• Delivers powertrain weight savings of 30-50 kg

Prepared for electrification

The Drive-E engines are prepared for future electrification from the start. Key components, such as the Integrated Starter Generator, can be connected easily – and the compact size of the 4-cylinder engines means that the electric motor can be fitted in the front or rear of the vehicle. The battery pack will be located in the centre of the car.

Downsizing without compromises

Volvo Car Group is highly confident that the focus on 4-cylinder Drive-E powertrains is the right way to create the desirable blend of power, drivability and fuel efficiency.

*Descriptions and facts in this press material relate to Volvo Car Group’;s international car range. Described features might be optional. Vehicle specifications may vary from one country to another and may be altered without prior notification

 

 

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Volvo Cars reveals 330 kW High Performance Drive-E Powertrain Concept

Toyota keeps it simple, makes it clever with new U2 Concept

Calty design studio creates a vehicle inspired by America’;s new urban DIY movement

While Toyota is preparing to dazzle visitors to the Paris Motor Show with the C-HR compact SUV concept, on the other side of the pond Toyota’;s Calty design studio in California has come up another new breed of SUV – the Urban Utility concept car or U².

With “do-it-yourself” enjoying a big revival in American cities, where a new kind of entrepreneur is taking a can-do approach to urban regeneration, Toyota’;s Calty design studio has researched the movement by speaking to people attending the hugely popular Maker Faires across the country and has used their views to help create the U² concept.

The U² has an open architecture and is made from robust materials that reflect a no-nonsense urban style. It has practicality built-in, with a roll-back roof and a tailgate that can be folded down to create a ramp. A rail system makes it easy for owners to customise the interior just the way they want it.

Kevin Hunter, Calty President, said: “Toyota saw an opportunity for a new approach to an urban vehicle, based on the increasing re-urbanisation of our cities, and on urban drivers’; desire for flexibility, fun and manoeuvrability.

“Calty keeps a number of projects concealed while it explores ideas and projects. Revealing something like the U² gives people a window onto the constant innovation that is happening inside Toyota and our studios, and a possible future vision for urban mobility.”

Customisable interior

The Calty team conceived U² as a flexible, functional gadget, drawing their inspiration from modern entrepreneurship and Americans’; traditional love of adventure and outdoor pursuits that involve plenty of gear and equipment. It needed to be easily adaptable for individual on-the-go needs, witnessed in details such as a retractable utility bar that can do anything from hold a desk to provide hooks for shopping bags. The side windows flip up, so it’;s easy to reach in from the roadside.

Other highlights include: -

• Folding, removable front passenger seat


• Fold-up rear seats


• New shift design with an intuitive switch for park, drive and reverse


• New colour and trim material choices

Toyota research found the fast-growing market for small SUVs seeks greater usefulness, but a smaller vehicle footprint. U² is the size of a compact car, but has the functionality of a traditional pick-up and the spaciousness of a cargo van. It also answers other urban driver priorities in delivering good fuel economy and being easy to manoeuvre, load and unload.

Exterior designed for city life

City streets call for a vehicle that can deal with bumper-to-traffic, potholes and tight turns. Toyota’;s U² concept tackles these demands with a highly durable underbody and bodywork that’;s tough as a hand tool and which comes with customisable side panels. The look is modern and characterful, too, evident in details such as the slightly chunky proportions and circular door handles.

Exterior highlights include: -

• Retracting roof panels


• Opening rear glass that slides into the tailgate


• Drop-down tailgate that forms a load ramp


• Replaceable protective ridges on the tailgate

Appropriately, U² makes its public debut at the World Maker Faire which is currently being held in New York.

Toyota keeps it simple, makes it clever with new U2 Concept

Toyota keeps it simple, makes it clever with new U2 Concept

Calty design studio creates a vehicle inspired by America’;s new urban DIY movement

While Toyota is preparing to dazzle visitors to the Paris Motor Show with the C-HR compact SUV concept, on the other side of the pond Toyota’;s Calty design studio in California has come up another new breed of SUV – the Urban Utility concept car or U².

With “do-it-yourself” enjoying a big revival in American cities, where a new kind of entrepreneur is taking a can-do approach to urban regeneration, Toyota’;s Calty design studio has researched the movement by speaking to people attending the hugely popular Maker Faires across the country and has used their views to help create the U² concept.

The U² has an open architecture and is made from robust materials that reflect a no-nonsense urban style. It has practicality built-in, with a roll-back roof and a tailgate that can be folded down to create a ramp. A rail system makes it easy for owners to customise the interior just the way they want it.

Kevin Hunter, Calty President, said: “Toyota saw an opportunity for a new approach to an urban vehicle, based on the increasing re-urbanisation of our cities, and on urban drivers’; desire for flexibility, fun and manoeuvrability.

“Calty keeps a number of projects concealed while it explores ideas and projects. Revealing something like the U² gives people a window onto the constant innovation that is happening inside Toyota and our studios, and a possible future vision for urban mobility.”

Customisable interior

The Calty team conceived U² as a flexible, functional gadget, drawing their inspiration from modern entrepreneurship and Americans’; traditional love of adventure and outdoor pursuits that involve plenty of gear and equipment. It needed to be easily adaptable for individual on-the-go needs, witnessed in details such as a retractable utility bar that can do anything from hold a desk to provide hooks for shopping bags. The side windows flip up, so it’;s easy to reach in from the roadside.

Other highlights include: -

• Folding, removable front passenger seat


• Fold-up rear seats


• New shift design with an intuitive switch for park, drive and reverse


• New colour and trim material choices

Toyota research found the fast-growing market for small SUVs seeks greater usefulness, but a smaller vehicle footprint. U² is the size of a compact car, but has the functionality of a traditional pick-up and the spaciousness of a cargo van. It also answers other urban driver priorities in delivering good fuel economy and being easy to manoeuvre, load and unload.

Exterior designed for city life

City streets call for a vehicle that can deal with bumper-to-traffic, potholes and tight turns. Toyota’;s U² concept tackles these demands with a highly durable underbody and bodywork that’;s tough as a hand tool and which comes with customisable side panels. The look is modern and characterful, too, evident in details such as the slightly chunky proportions and circular door handles.

Exterior highlights include: -

• Retracting roof panels


• Opening rear glass that slides into the tailgate


• Drop-down tailgate that forms a load ramp


• Replaceable protective ridges on the tailgate

Appropriately, U² makes its public debut at the World Maker Faire which is currently being held in New York.

Toyota keeps it simple, makes it clever with new U2 Concept