Range Rover

Toyota has unveiling the iQ concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon.The Toyota have taken the opportunity to showcase what can be achieved with their production models, the iQ, Yaris, and GT 86 (on sale in the UK from June).

The GRMN (Gazoo Racing tuned by MN) iQ Supercharger prototype with 1.33-liter engine was first presented at last year's Tokyo Auto Salon with 119 hp (89 kW / 121 PS) and 158 Nm (117 lb-ft).
Now after a few tweaks, the revised iQ Supercharger prototype produces 128 hp (95 kW / 130 PS) and 180 Nm (133 lb-ft). Not exactly a huge gain but in the tiny city car that weighs only 990 kg (2183 lbs), it could be noticeable.

The exterior boasts complete body kit including new front and rear bumpers, a pair of side skirts and a rear spoiler. The stance is completed by a set of 16” Enkei alloy wheels. The 

Just a palm shorter than three meters in length – at 2.98 meters precisely – the iQ concept is a radical new approach to vehicle packaging and design. It challenges the current limitations of ultra-compact urban transport by offering an interior capable of seating four adults or three adults and luggage space – a unique versatility within a minimal footprint. 






Press Release

'GRMN', 'G's' Concepts Debut at Tokyo Auto Salon 2012

'GRMN iQ Supercharger' to be Launched Summer 2012

Toyota City, Japan, January 13, 2012-Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) is displaying a total of 15 vehicles, including five concept vehicles from "GAZOO Racing tuned by MN" (GRMN) and "G Sports"1 (G's), plus production vehicles, at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2012 with NAPAC2. The Tokyo Auto Salon, the world's largest customized car exhibition, is being held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba City from today through January 153.

TMC views the Tokyo Auto Salon as a place where peoples' dreams about automobiles convene, and as such has actively exhibited there. Building on last year's show, TMC hopes to spark an even wider range of people's interest in the joy of owning, driving and discussing automobiles developed through GAZOO Racing4 activities.

The main concept vehicle on display is the "GRMN iQ Supercharger" prototype, a second-generation GRMN supercharged ultra compact scheduled for a limited 100-unit launch5 this summer. Based on the "iQ 130G MT "6, the GRMN iQ Supercharger features enhanced driving performance and seeks a feeling of integration between vehicle and driver. Also on display from the GRMN series are the "GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II" and the "GRMN Vitz Turbo Concept", as well as the G's series' "Mark X G Sports Concept II" and "Vellfire G Sports Concept" sports-conversion models.

Part of TMC's exhibition space is an area devoted to custom versions of the compact, rear-wheel-drive sports car "86" ("hachi-roku"), a vehicle extremely popular at the Tokyo Motor Show 2011. On display are two custom models and also the "GAZOO Racing Toyota FT-86" that competed in the 2011 Nürburgring endurance race. (TMC plans to compete again this year with an 86 from GAZOO Racing.) The display will also feature aerodynamic parts, wheels and other accessories to give consumers a clear idea of the 86's expansive customization possibilities.

During the exhibition, TMC is holding virtual events on GAZOO Metapolis7, a Japanese-language website featuring a virtual city (http://metapolis.toyota.co.jp). Also, the GAZOO website (in Japanese) has a special, exhibition-focused section (http://gazoo.com/racing/event/autosalon2012). Videos from the venue will be posted on Ustream and information will be available on web-based social-media sites such as Facebook and Twitter to enhance the dialogue between car enthusiasts both inside and outside the exhibition.

To further expand its GAZOO activities, TMC established a full-time GAZOO department this January to create more opportunities for people to easily experience the joy of automobiles. The department will continue to actively conduct various grass-roots motorsports events such as the GAZOO Racing "Waku Doki" circuit events8 and the Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival (TGRF)9.

Key Specifications of GRMN iQ Supercharger (Prototype Model)

Base vehicle IQ 130G MT (arrow pronounced "go")

Length/width/height 3,140 mm/1,705 mm/1,470 mm

Wheelbase 2,000 mm

Weight 990 kg

Seating 4

Driveline Front-wheel drive

Engine 1NR-FE + supercharger

Displacement 1,329 cc

Maximum output 95 kW (130 PS)/5,200 rpm

Maximum torque 180 N-m (18.3 kgf-m)/4,400 rpm

Transmission Six-speed manual transmission (close ratio)

Tires 195/55R16

Main features Performance - Specially-tuned suspension

- Exclusive brake pads & rotors

- Specially-tuned mufflers (dual)

- Lower gear reduction ratio

Exterior - Blister fenders

- Exclusive bumpers (front & rear)

- Exclusive rear spoiler

- Aluminum wheels (by Enkei)

Interior - Exclusive sport seats

- Exclusive gauges (200 km/h scale)

Toyota has released photos and details for 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser facelift, which was introduced on the Japanese Domestic Market in December, is set to arrive in the US later this year.

The exterior of the 2013 Land Cruiser keeps its “Advanced and Rugged” theme with larger front and rear fenders as well as an updated front grille, headlights and taillights.

The interior is updated to include leather upholstery, a new wood trim, a heated steering wheel and chrome outlines for the air vents.

2013 Toyota Land Cruiser is powered by a 5.7-liter engine great V8 with 381 hp DOHC power at 5600 rpm and of torque 544 NM at 3600 rpm. Ninety percent of peak torque is only achieved at 2200 rpm.

Pricing for the 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser was not announced, but that could change in case this facelifted version decides to show its face at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show next week.




Press Release

Legendary Toyota Land Cruiser Receives Significant Enhancements for 2013

• Updated Exterior Styling
• Standard Premium HDD Navigation System With EntuneTM Multi-media
• New Dynamic Performance and Safety Features
• Popular Options Become Standard Equipment

The legendary Toyota Land Cruiser recently celebrated its 60th anniversary since its original launch in Japan and has remained constant in Toyota's U.S. model lineup for more than 50 years.

Land Cruiser has evolved over time from a basic four-wheel-drive utility vehicle in its early years to an upscale eight-passenger sport utility vehicle (SUV) sold in 188 countries. Yet, this iconic vehicle has retained a loyal following as it remains true to its off-road heritage with uncompromising go-anywhere capability.

For the 2013 model year, Land Cruiser receives exterior and interior styling enhancements. Additionally, Land Cruiser will now come with all features as standard equipment, including new driving performance features, and an array of significant safety and convenience features. Among the many popular features that were formerly available as options, but are now standard, are rear-seat DVD entertainment system, color-keyed rear spoiler, rain-sensing windshield wipers, center-console cooler box, headlamp cleaners, leather-trimmed steering wheel, multi-information display, voice and Bluetooth® hands-free controls, leather-trimmed shift lever and heated second row seats. Toyota's Premium Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Navigation with Entune multi-media system and JBL® audio is also standard.

Exterior Design
The 2013 Land Cruiser receives refreshed exterior styling that includes an updated front grille and headlamps with HID low-beams. Additional new features include LED Daytime Running Lights, chrome side molding, redesigned outer side mirrors and tail lamps. The design continues to convey an "Advanced and Rugged" theme with enlarged front and rear fenders. The new grille and headlamps maintain Land Cruiser's steady and confident appearance, while the hood flows gracefully into the grille and beltlines.

Character lines in the front, the area around the rear door handles, and the back door panels suggest strength. Foam-filled A-pillars and a "bifacial" molding between the windshield and the body both help reduce wind noise.

Underbody panels behind the front bumper and extending under the engine, and behind the rear wheels, are designed to protect the engine and transmission and to help the vehicle traverse rocky terrain smoothly. These underbody panels also smooth the airflow under the vehicle to help minimize drag and turbulence.

Land Cruiser is available in seven exterior colors, including Pearl White, which is new to the palette. Additional colors include Classic Silver Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Salsa Red Pearl, Sonora Gold Pearl, Amazon Green Metallic and Black.

Interior Design
Complementing the freshened exterior, Land Cruiser receives an updated interior available in either Sandstone or Black. Additional refinements include perforated leather trim with ventilated front seats, a higher gloss wood grain finish, brighter silver instrument panel ornamentation, chrome-plated air registers and updated meter-cluster lighting. New interior convenience features include a Multi-terrain Monitor with front, side or rear selectable views; a new Multi-information Display; an Eco Driving Indicator light and zone display; a heated steering wheel; Dynamic Radar Cruise Control; an additional power outlet (DC 12V) at the rear of the center console; and a rear cargo deck power outlet that has been changed to AC 120V from AC 115V.

Land Cruiser seats up to eight, with three-across seating in the second and third rows. The instrument panel features a set of bright Optitron gauges with white illumination. Beneath these gauges, a multi-informational display shows gear selection, odometer, tripmeter, fuel consumption, individual tire pressures and cruising range. The vehicle's center console features a gate-type shifter with sequential-shift-mode operation, the parking brake, center-console cooler box, USB port and cup holders.

The passenger-side second-row seat features a one-touch tumble mechanism for easier third-row ingress and egress. The second-row seats slide forward and aft 4.1 inches for more passenger comfort and cargo storage versatility. The second row also provides the Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child seat attachment system.

Performance
The Land Cruiser's 5.7-liter V8 DOHC engine produces 381 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 401 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. Ninety percent of peak torque is available at just 2,200 rpm, helping make it an outstanding tow vehicle. The Land Cruiser uses regular-grade (87 AKI) gasoline and is ULEV-II certified.

The V8's advanced dual independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) system controls valve timing and overlap on both the intake and exhaust valves, which helps to optimize power, fuel efficiency and emissions. The Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS) switches the length of the intake tract in two stages, based on RPM and throttle angle, to improve torque across the engine speed range. Stainless steel exhaust manifolds flow into a full stainless steel exhaust system. A water-cooled oil cooler helps control oil temperature while towing.

The Land Cruiser's six-speed automatic transmission is designed to handle high torque while performing with luxurious smoothness. Fourth gear is direct drive, and both fifth and sixth gears are overdrive ratios. The transmission's control unit estimates road conditions to select the appropriate gear ratio for the vehicle's speed and driving conditions. A sequential shift mode allows the driver to select gears manually.

Capability, Handling and Ride
The Land Cruiser's body-on-frame construction provides rugged durability in extreme driving conditions, plus impressive towing capability and ride isolation characteristics. The front of the frame features a three-stage crush structure, so frame damage to other areas of the vehicle is minimized in the case of frontal impact.

The Land Cruiser's high-mount double-wishbone front-suspension system uses gas-pressure shock absorbers, a hollow stabilizer bar, and coil springs. This system provides a high level of off-road driving capability and suspension control while maintaining outstanding on-road driving comfort. Approach and departure angles are 30 degrees and 20 degrees, respectively. At the rear, the reliable and proven four-link, coil-spring with lateral-rod format provides a long suspension stroke and also features gas-pressure shock absorbers and a hollow stabilizer bar.

The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) adjusts the lean resistance provided by the front and rear stabilizer bars. KDSS may reduce maximum body-sway angle by as much as 50 percent to help enhance both on-road handling response and off-highway capability. By using hydraulic cylinders acting on each stabilizer bar and linked by a pressure-sensing valve, KDSS reduces the degree of sway stiffness provided by the stabilizer bars in response to changing road conditions and driver inputs.

In off-road driving situations, KDSS allows the wheels on each axle to move with a larger degree of side-to-side independence, helping to minimize any tendency for wheel lift. During cornering, when both front and rear cylinders are compressed, no fluid is flowing in the system, and the stabilizer bars work conventionally to help reduce body lean. When an uneven surface is encountered, one compressed cylinder causes fluid to flow between the front and rear cylinders, allowing the stabilizer bars to move freely. This action increases wheel articulation and travel, and it also helps to equalize wheel loading. By allowing the stabilizer bars to disengage in certain situations, the nominal stiffness of the bars can be notably increased, thereby reducing body lean and improving handling without negatively affecting ride comfort or off-road performance.

New on Land Cruiser is a Multi-terrain Select system that dials in wheel slip control to match the terrain. In loose terrain such as mud and sand, more-than-normal wheel slip is permitted, allowing wheel-spin to work in the vehicle's favor. On bumpy moguls, or solid rock, wheel slip is minimized and the system acts more like a limited slip differential. The Mogul setting is for any extremely uneven terrain, such as V-ditches, slopes, and ridges, uphill or down.

Land Cruiser rides on P285/60 R18 mud-and-snow steel-belted radial tires mounted on new 18 x 8.0-inch aluminum alloy wheels with a high-gloss finish (including a full-size spare). The brake system employs 13.4-inch ventilated discs with four-piston calipers up front and 13.6-inch ventilated discs at the rear. Variable gear ratio power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering requires just 3.1 turns lock-to-lock. Gear ratio is set larger around the steering center and smaller around the end position.

The lightweight, compact transfer case provides full-time four-wheel drive with a low-range 2.618:1 ratio for traversing challenging driving surfaces, such as steep inclines. The system uses a TORSEN® limited-slip locking center differential to distribute power 40:60 front-to-rear, directing more power to the wheels with the best grip should slippage occur. Traction control (TRAC) employs both brake and throttle intervention to help control wheel spin. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), with a cut-off switch, helps maintain directional control during cornering.

A new five-speed CRAWL Control with an Off-Road Turn Assist feature helps make traversing difficult terrain easier. With the transfer case shifted into low range, CRAWL Control regulates engine speed and output (along with braking force), to propel the vehicle forward or in reverse at one of five low-speed settings. This allows the driver to maintain focus on steering over extremely rough level ground or steep grades, without having to also modulate the throttle or brake pedals. The Off-Road Turn Assist feature pulses the rear corner brakes to help the vehicle make sharper turns when maneuvering through tight quarters on rugged terrain. CRAWL Control with Off-Road Turn Assist includes Downhill Assist Control (DAC), which is designed to augment the low-speed descending ability of low-range by helping to hold the vehicle to a target speed with practically no driver intervention. Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) provides additional control for off-road driving by helping to keep the vehicle stationary while starting on a steep incline or slippery surface.

For towing convenience, the Land Cruiser has a towing connector and sub-wiring harness to connect a commercial trailer-brake controller. New for Land Cruiser is a Trailer Sway Control that uses the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) to help counteract handling forces applied to the truck in an effort to minimize the impact of trailer sway.

Safety
The Land Cruiser utilizes welded high-strength sheet steel, especially in the A-, B-, C- and D-pillars, and in the rocker area to increase rigidity and reduce weight. The B-pillars are designed to help absorb side impacts and help dissipate into the rest of the body structure.

For driver and passenger peace-of-mind every Land Cruiser is equipped with the Safety ConnectTM telematics system.

Available by subscription (first year of service is included in the new vehicle purchase price), the Safety Connect telematics system offers four safety and security features: Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Location, Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), and enhanced Roadside Assistance, which adds GPS data to the already-included warranty-based Toyota roadside service.

In case of either airbag deployment or severe rear-end collision; Automatic Collision Notification is designed to automatically call the response center. If the response agent cannot communicate with the occupants, the agent can contact the nearest emergency-services provider to dispatch assistance.

Pushing the "SOS" button can summon help in an emergency and for a wide range of roadside assistance needs. If a Land Cruiser equipped with Safety Connect is stolen, the system can help local authorities locate it.

Like all Toyotas, the Land Cruiser comes standard with the STAR Safety SystemTM. A new, four-wheel multi-terrain anti-lock braking system (ABS) automatically selects the optimal ABS profile to provide the most suitable brake force for on- and off-road driving surfaces. Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) balances braking forces between the front and rear brakes, while Brake Assist (BA) provides auxiliary force to assist the driver during emergency braking. Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) helps maintain traction during acceleration by controlling engine output and braking forces to the wheel, distributing the drive force that might have been lost to the wheels and tires that have traction. VSC (with a cut-off switch) helps maintain directional control during cornering by manipulating engine torque and individual wheel-braking influence if it detects tire slippage.

Land Cruiser features 10 standards airbags: driver and front passenger dual-stage advanced airbags; driver and front passenger knee airbags; front- and second-row seat-mounted side airbags; and three-row roll-sensing side curtain airbags with a roll-sensing cutoff switch.

A direct tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) helps to alert the driver to severe pressure drops in any of the tires, including the full-size spare. A parking sonar system uses ultrasonic sensors on the front and rear bumpers to sense obstacles.

All eight seating positions feature three-point seatbelts. Active headrests on the driver and front passenger seats move up and forward almost instantly in the event of certain rear-end collisions to help reduce the distance between the occupant's head and the headrest. An available advanced seatbelt system is designed to retract the front seatbelts when the brakes are suddenly applied or when tire slippage is detected by the VSC system. New for Land Cruiser is a Pre-Collision System designed to detect other vehicles and obstacles in its path and help optimize the restraining performance of the front passenger seatbelts if a collision is imminent.

EntuneTM
Land Cruiser will come standard with Toyota's new Premium HDD Navigation system with EntuneTM and JBL®. The system includes an eight-inch touch/spilt-screen with an integrated backup camera display, AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, 14 JBL speakers including subwoofer, SiriusXMTM Satellite Radio capability (includes three-month trial subscription to XM Select Package); HD RadioTM with iTunes® Tagging, USB port with iPod® connectivity and control, vehicle information, hands-free phone capability, phone book access, advanced voice recognition, and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology.

Toyota's new Entune multimedia system leverages the mobile smartphone to provide a richer in-vehicle experience with fully integrated access to navigation, entertainment and information services.

Toyota Entune debuts the Land Cruiser's first-ever support for engaging mobile apps, such as Bing, OpenTable, and movietickets.com, along with accessing useful travel-related services, such as live weather, traffic, fuel information (location and price), stocks, and sports. Entune brings one of the largest selection of music options available to a vehicle, including iHeartRadio's 750+ stations, and Pandora's personalized music service (access to Entune services is complimentary for three years).

The audio systems combined with Entune feature an advanced conversational voice recognition system that helps the driver to stay focused on the road by eliminating the need to memorize thousands of voice commands.

Comfort and Convenience
With 28 total air vents, the four-zone climate control system is designed to bathe occupants in comfortable air -- even during extreme heat -- rather than simply projecting streams of cool air at them. For extreme cold situations, the Land Cruiser's auxiliary Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater warms air instantly by passing it over an electrically heated ceramic element. The system also includes a micro-dust and pollen filter, and seven-level blower control.

The Land Cruiser comes luxuriously equipped, with standard features that include rear privacy glass, Smart Key keyless entry with push-button start that allows the driver to unlock or start the vehicle without inserting a conventional key; anti-theft security system; engine immobilizer; cruise control; power moonroof; auto-dimming rearview and side mirrors; HomeLink® universal garage-door/gate opening system; steering wheel-mounted audio controls; heated, power front seats with driver's memory; and power tilt and telescopic steering column with memory.

Limited Warranty
Toyota's 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. Toyota dealers have complete details on the limited warranty.

The Land Cruiser will also come standard with Toyota Care, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Nissan has announced a new 2012 Nissan X-Trail Platinum Edition for the UK market. The new X-Trail Platinum Edition will be distinguished by protection and style for both front and rear, with the fitment of additional protection plates located below the bumpers. The SUV has also received numerous chrome protections on the side steps and the door protection mouldings.

The Platinum is powered by the X-TRAIL’s advanced 2.0dCi diesel engine with a pick from either manual or automatic transmissions. The manual can deliver 173PS but it’s still capable of returning an average of 44.1mpg. But consumers would be surprised to know that the X-TRAIL Platinum is highly affordable. In fact, it is priced lower than the Tekna version on which it’s based.

Inside the cabin, various accessories Platinum is also more pronounced. Who already have seats with heating feature, a screen capable of displaying navigation satellites to connect to a variety of gadgets such as iPods and mobile driver can be possible. There is also a rear camera that will assist the driver when parked.

Price the 2012 Nissan X-Trail Platinum Edition at £29,180 or $45,700 for the manual and £30,560 or $47,900 for the automatic version, will be limited to only 200 units.




Press Release

X-TRAIL PLATINUM EDITION SHOWS ITS METAL

• New special edition luxury version of X-TRAIL 4x4
• Enhanced, range-topping specification
• Available to order now starting at £29,180

Platinum is a special kind of metal, offering both beauty and toughness. It's the inspiration behind a new special version of Nissan's X-TRAIL4x4.

As the name suggests, the new Platinum edition X-TRAIL is a real luxury item, with additional equipment not seen on any of the other models in the range and a touch more glamour too.

The front and rear of the vehicle gets extra protection and style with the fitment of additional protection plates located below the bumpers. The side is treated to chrome side steps and chrome door protection mouldings.

On the inside the Platinum features leather upholstery and electrically-adjustable, heated front seats. A sophisticated new touch screen communication unit features satellite navigation, iPod connectivity and Bluetooth. To help protect your investment there's also a reversing camera, with the image transmitted onto a small screen incorporated into the rear view mirror.

Powering the Platinum is the X-TRAIL's advanced 2.0dCi diesel engine with a choice of either manual or automatic transmissions. The manual produces a healthy 173PS and yet can return an average of 44.1mpg.

But unlike its precious inspiration, the X-TRAIL Platinum is not expensive. In fact it costs less than the Tekna version on which it's based, starting at £29,180 for the manual and £30,560 for the automatic.

Orders are now being taken now, but Platinum is a real rarity, with just 200 being produced.

Kia has launch its Ray EV in Korea, which is based on the Ray CUV that went on sale earlier in 2011. The automaker plans to manufacture 2,500 units for government departments and public offices in 2012.

The Ray EV is based on the gas-engined Kia Ray, which also is not available here. It trades the standard car’s 1.0-liter engine for a 67-hp electric motor that can produce 123 lb-ft of torque. Energy comes from a 16.4-kWh lithium-ion battery that needs six hours to charge at 220 volts, or 25 minutes using a super-high-voltage quick charger. Kia claims it will have a range of about 86 miles.

The Ray EV weighs 187 kg more than the gasoline model, but the 167 Nm on call ensures responsive performance, Kia says. In terms of performance, the Ray EV does the 0-100 km/h run in 15.9 seconds, while top speed is 130 km/h. As for recharging times, it’s six hours using a 220V household supply and just 25 minutes in fast-charge mode.

Other features include a regenerative braking system, Virtual Engine Sound System for speeds below 20 kph (12 mph), Hill Assist Control to prevent roll-back and two inlet charging ports located in the front grille and fuel filler cap (for regular models) for normal and fast charging.




Press Release

Kia introduces Korea's first production electric vehicle

• Kia Ray EV marks beginning of new era in Korean motoring
• EV assembled on same production lines as regular models
• Range up to 139 km (86 miles) with fast-charging in 25 minutes
• Unique EV navigation system locates closest recharging stations
• 2,500 units to be produced in 2012 for use by government agencies

(SEOUL) December 22, 2011 - Kia Motors introduced Korea's first electric vehicle today (Thursday), with the launch of the new Kia Ray EV - a zero-emissions city car with lively performance and a range of up to 139 km (86 miles) on a single charge.

For supply exclusively to the domestic Korean market, the Kia Ray EV is a close relative of Kia's 1.0-liter gasoline powered Ray CUV, which went on sale in Korea last month. It shares that model's major dimensions and, in a global first for an EV manufacturer, can share a production line with conventional combustion-engine cars.

The front-wheel drive Ray EV is powered by a 50kW electric motor and a high-capacity 16.4 kWh lithium ion polymer battery pack that is engineered for a 10-year life cycle and skillfully packaged under the rear seat and cabin floor.

Although the Ray EV weighs 187 kg more than the gasoline model, the electric motor's generous torque - 167 Nm (an increase of 77%) - ensures responsive performance. The EV's acceleration is brisker than the gasoline models (0-to-100 kph in 15.9 seconds), while top speed is 130 kph (81 mph). Recharging times are six hours using a 220V household supply and just 25 minutes in fast-charge mode.

The Ray EV's automatic transmission offers the driver a choice of two modes while in ‘D' drive. ‘E' (or ‘eco') mode optimizes the delivery of the motor's torque to achieve minimum battery consumption and maximum driving range. ‘B' (or ‘brake') mode can be selected when driving downhill on highways and on mountain roads to maximize braking power.

Bearing the same striking exterior styling as its gasoline cousin, the Kia Ray EV has four small distinguishing points. A flap in the front radiator grille covers an electricity inlet for a 220V supply for the slow recharge mode, another inlet (for the fast recharge mode) is fitted in the same location as the fuel intake of the regular models, special decals on each front door proclaim the ‘Zero Emissions EV' message and super-smooth 14-inch alloy wheels improve aerodynamic performance by minimizing drag.

Inside, the Ray EV features a unique instrument cluster, displaying electric motor operation, battery status and distance to recharge. It is also equipped with the first-ever EV-specific navigation system that features a 7-inch screen and provides crucial information for EV drivers such as the nearest locations of the slow/fast recharging stations. The display shows a circular shaped area in which the model can travel with its current level of battery power, so that drivers can see which destinations are reachable without a recharge.

Currently there are 500 slow/fast recharge stations in Korea, and the government plans to increase that figure to 3,100 stations by the end of 2012.

The Kia Ray EV embodies numerous innovations. The electric motor achieves 93% efficiency, which is the best in its segment. The lithium ion polymer battery's cell is optimized and highly integrated, which has enabled its weight to be reduced by 13% and its energy density to be increased by 15% compared to competitors' systems.

The on-board charger, current inverter, high-low voltage converter and EV-specific VCU (vehicle control unit) each features advances over previous equipment.

Ray EV is also equipped with a new type of regenerative braking system featuring an Active Hydraulic Booster that utilizes the electric motor, instead of the gasoline engine in the regular model, to create hydraulic pressure for the brake system. The result is consistent brake pedal force throughout a wide variety of driving conditions and the ability to harvest excess energy and use it to recharge the car's battery.

Unlike regular gasoline vehicles, Ray EV generates no engine noise, which can be a potential problem with pedestrians being unaware of the approaching car. To prevent accidents, Kia has fitted Ray EV with a VESS (Virtual Engine Sound System). When driven at speeds below 20 kph (12 mph) this system delivers a mixture of recorded gasoline engine noises, which are also emitted whenever the car is backing up.

Japan and the USA are already considering the introduction of a legal requirement for EVs to have a virtual engine sound, and Kia has taken the first step to commercialize this system in order to anticipate the global industry's trend.

To ensure that the Ray EV is as safe as gasoline cars, it is equipped with six air-bags, and electronic stability features - VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) and HAC (Hill Assist Control, to prevent roll-back) - as standard.

During 2012, Kia is planning to manufacture 2,500 units of the Ray EV, which will be provided to government departments and public offices as part of Kia's long-term real-world research and development program to provide environmentally friendly transport to Kia customers around the world during the next decade.

p { margin-bottom: 0.08in; }

Kia Ray EV / Technical Specification

DIMENSIONS

Length 3593 mm Width 1595 mm

Height 1700 mm Wheelbase 2520 mm

Kerb weight 1185 kg

POWERTRAIN

Electric motor 50 kW

Max power 68 ps Max torque 167 Nm (17.0 g/km)

BATTERY

Power 330V Lithium ion polymer

Capacity 16.4 kWh

Charge time 6.0 hrs (slow) / 25 minutes (fast)

PERFORMANCE

0-to-100 kph 15.9 sec (to 62 mph)

Max speed 130 kph (81 mph)

Max range 139 km (86 miles)

Additional Kia Ray EV images as well as other Kia related video, stills and other press material are available at Kia Motors' Multimedia Library (http://kia.synapticdigital.com), powered by Synaptic Digital. Content is available in HD, broadcast, and streaming-quality formats, including PAL and NTSC, and can be downloaded utilizing the industry's fastest download technology.

Volkswagen has releases photos and details for the Cross Coupe concept, which will debut at the Tokyo Motor Show this week.

The Cross Coupe is smaller than a Tiguan at 171.1 inches in overall length, although VW says it stretches a bit longer than a standard Golf. However, its 103.5-inch wheelbase is long for the A segment, which combines with its wide track to give it an especially poised style.

The concept is a four-seater featuring bucket seats with integrated headrests. Adding versatility, both the back seats and front passenger seat can be folded flat to increase cargo capacity. While subcompact trunk space is only 13.4 cubic feet, cargo capacity increases to 43.4 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded.

The specific displacement of the engine wasn’t divulged in the release, but based on the power output of 148 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque, we’re lead to believe it’s the company’s 1.4-liter TSI gasoline turbo engine.

German tuner AC Schnitzer will introduce their new tuning program for the BMW 6-Series Coupe at the Essen Motor Show. The Aachen-based tuners have given the coupe an aerodynamic body kit, complete with a new front bumper lip spoiler and a chrome bumper grille to finish the front

Toyota UK announced pricing and details for the new 2012 Avensis.

The new Avensis has some canny changes across the range including sharper styling, better driving dynamics and a quieter cabin. The top-selling 2.0-litre D-4D engine has lower CO2 emissions at 119g/km, which will certainly help with its ongoing appeal to fleet buyers.

On the engine and performance part, the 2012 Avensis facelifted sedan is powered by 2.0LD-4D turbodiesel which has CO3 emission figure at 119g/km.

The automaker announced that the new range starts at £18,450 for the 1.8 Valvematic T2 sedans with six-speed manual transmission, up to £28,885 for the 2.2 D-CAT 150 6AT T Spirit variant.
The 2012 Avensis model will reach showrooms early next year.




Press Release

The start of production of the new Avensis at Toyota’s Burnaston factory brings some welcome good news for Britain’s manufacturing industry. And as the first cars come off the line, Toyota is announcing prices for the new car which match those for the current model, in spite of the extra equipment, new styling and improved performance on offer.

Tony Walker, Toyota Manufacturing UK Deputy Managing Director, said: “This is great news for Burnaston, we are proud to be starting work on the new Avensis, a car that is central to Toyota’s European strategy and a key model for the UK. British-built, and with petrol engines sourced from Toyota’s Deeside factory plus ultra-efficient diesels, it is a stronger market contender than ever before.”

Unveiled at this year’s Frankfurt motor show, the new-look Avensis builds on the spaciousness, practicality and fuel efficiency that are the established hallmark qualities of the model, delivering sharper contemporary styling, a quieter and more comfortable cabin and improved driving dynamics. In addition, its top-selling 2.0-litre D-4D engine has been significantly revised to achieve lower emissions and better fuel economy: with CO2 levels brought down to 119g/km, it strengthens Avensis’s appeal as a high value proposition, particularly for fleet operators and company car drivers.