Showing posts with label 2010. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2010. Show all posts

Friday, January 7, 2011

Hyundai i-flow Concept, 2010

Hyundai i-flow Concept, 2010

 
 
 
 Making its global debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the Hyundai i-flow Concept car carries forward the company's evocative new form language, 'fluidic sculpture'. The flowing, elegant lines not only create a bionic, futuristic shape, but also contribute to exceptional aerodynamics, helping to reduce the car's CO2 output to just 85g/km and fuel consumption to only 3l/100km.

Hyundai's first diesel hybrid powertrain is also a key factor in delivering such an environmentally-conscious return, as is the application of next-generation materials and technologies developed in cooperation with leading chemical company BASF.

Previewing a future D-segment contender
With an overall length of 4.780mm and a 2.800mm wheelbase, the Hyundai i-flow Concept brings new ideas and a pioneering form to the traditional European D-segment. The dramatically-sculpted forms of the interior and exterior make for a striking sports sedan, and its width and height (1.850mm and 1.420mm respectively) give it an athletic stance.

The name i-flow reflects the exceptionally aerodynamic shape and the flowing lines of the concept car's eye-catching styling, and retains the 'i' prefix of Hyundai's established alphanumeric nomenclature for Europe. In 2011 Hyundai will bring into production a new challenger in the segment, drawing on the Hyundai i-flow Concept's sleek styling and innovative technology.

Inside: minimum weight, maximum space and a bionic feel
The interior of Hyundai i-flow Concept redefines the perception of space in a sedan bodystyle. Fundamental elements, such as the seats and center console, were crafted for minimal weight and volume using cutting-edge materials from BASF - one of the world's leading automotive suppliers.

The seats, for example, were developed in conjunction with BASF using advanced stress analysis, which highlighted the unnecessary mass areas and pointed towards an optimized lightweight seat structure. 'Steron', a BASF material, gives the seats a highly-resilient quality, excellent breathability and a high-tech touch.

The upper dashboard, meanwhile, is treated with Elastoskin, a sprayed skin from BASF for a sophisticated, shimmering finish.
This technical, meticulous approach combines with an abundance of natural materials to engender a bionic feel in the cabin, further symbolized by the green color tones and the leaf-like shadows projected from the roof's semi-transparent dye-sensitized solar cells.

The cockpit's main interface centers around an expansive, contoured screen, which recognizes not only touch but also gestural inputs along its fascia-wide display. The fluidic forms of the exterior are echoed in the Hyundai i-flow Concept's cabin, where continuous lines sweep from the dashboard, through the doors to the open storage area at the rear.

Energy Conservation
BASF and Hyundai R&D engineers have developed thermal engine encapsulation, which ensures that the engine reaches optimum operating temperature more quickly, by retaining heat when the car is at idle. Where a non-insulated engine would take three hours to drop to 40°C, the Hyundai i-flow Concept will stay above that temperature for 14 hours. This translates into fuel savings and emissions cuts of 5 per cent during summer and up to 9 per cent during winter.

Energy Harvesting
Another pioneering technique introduced in collaboration with BASF is thermo-electric waste heat recovery. This process equates to further reductions in fuel consumption, 5% at highest driving. In fact, up to half of the electrical energy consumed by Hyundai i-flow Concept at 80kph - 250 watts - can be recovered through the work of a thermo-electric generator. Harvested energy from hot exhaust gases is recaptured by this generator which is fitted into the exhaust manifold. The thermal electric generator then converts the wasted heat into useful electrical energy to help power auxiliary systems.

Liquid Metal, a coating with the appearance of a glossy skin made of liquid metal, has been developed by BASF Coatings. Special effect pigments in this eco-friendly waterborne coating system let the surface appear as polished metal with targeted mirror like reflections - this gives a liquid skin appearance to the car's exterior and increases the tension of the surface in the same time. The high color saturation on the Hyundai i-flow Concept adds an energizing charisma to the Hyundai concept car. The typical high contrast between highlight and flop underlines the sculptural impact of the Hyundai i-flow Concept.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Alfa Romeo 159 1750 TBi, 2010

Alfa Romeo 159 1750 TBi, 2010

 

The new 159 is designed to express a sporting yet seductive personality and boasts road holding and performance that set new standards for this class of car. Two new engines in particular (a 200 HP, 1750 cc turbocharged petrol engine and a 170 HP 2.0 JTDM diesel) place the Alfa Romeo 159, in the power range that accounts for over half of Alfa Romeo sales.

Under their fascinating and highly personal exterior, all Alfa Romeos a choice of superb engines, all packed with the latest technology and bursting with performance. Alfa Romeo engines are the perfect embodiment of the sporting soul that has always set the marque apart from the competition. The Alfa Romeo 159 is certainly no exception.

The new 1750 cc turbo petrol engine (manufactured by FPT - Fiat Powertrain Technologies) comes combined with a six speed manual gearbox and boasts advanced ignition control solutions including direct fuel injection, two continuously variable valve timing units, a turbocharger and a revolutionary scavenging control system. The resulting performance is comparable to - or better than - that of many 3 litre engines while still delivering fuel consumption typical of a compact four cylinder unit.

The force behind the development of any Alfa Romeo engine is the company's determination to use technology to enhance driving pleasure. This certainly applies to the development of the new, Euro 5, "1750 Turbo Benzina 200 CV" unit destined immediately for the Alfa Romeo 159 and later on for the Alfa Romeo Brera, Spider and 159 Sportwagon.

The engine takes the Alfa Romeo 159, with its refined Italian styling and typical sporting elegance to an impressive top speed of 235 kph and accelerates it from 0 to 100 kph in just 7.7 seconds. The 200 HP Alfa Romeo 159 1750 TBi is therefore a true representative of Alfa's exclusive motoring lifestyle. Far from being a mere 'means of transport', the new 159 is a real driver's car. It delivers genuine sports performance and muscular acceleration thanks to generous torque and smooth response even at low revs and the extended power band of a modern, advanced petrol engine that minimises the need for you to 'work' the gearbox. The engine sound too is inspiring without ever becoming tiresome.

Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept, 2010

Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept, 2010

 
 


To mark its 80th anniversary, Pininfarina proposes an "open" Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept that is exciting and a delight to drive. For those who still like to dream in a car. For those looking for a mixture of vanity, entertainment, and the pleasure of life in the open air. For those who love icons as the greatest expression of the age we live in. For those who want their cars to be an uncommon sensory experience in terms of both style and driving, without being obsessed by performance. For those who want to be excited by a dynamic, sporty car that transmits the exclusiveness and refinement typical of an Alfa Romeo spider designed by Pininfarina.

2uettottanta: a name that evokes the legendary Duetto, but also the years of activity at Pininfarina, which launches the celebrations for its 80th anniversary with this concept car. And it has decided to do so with a type of car that is by definition, the work of Pininfarina: an Alfa Romeo spider. A very Italian product, which has become an export brand, representing the inexhaustible talent that the whole world associates with Italy.

The Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept reflects Pininfarina's determination to look to the future with optimism following tradition, restating its excellence in design and its acknowledged capacity for aesthetic and technological innovation. It is a concept that represents an innovative approach, projected into the third millennium, to a topic that is firmly rooted in Pininfarina history, the 2-seater spider. And like the best Alfa Romeo sports cars to come from Pininfarina's pencil, the Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept exalts the driving experience and concentrates on the excitement of being at the wheel of an open car with a great aesthetic personality. It is a car that can make people dream and excites even after many years. The icon of a lifestyle that harks back to a lively, tumultuous period. Like the Duetto of the Sixties, which helped to establish a trend based on the themes of rebellion and escape, thanks to the film "The Graduate".
Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept

The Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept is also a tribute to Alfa Romeo, which celebrates its centenary in 2010: the alliance between Alfa Romeo and Pininfarina is one of the most significant and durable in the history of the car, one of men and of passion, of design and cutting-edge technical solutions, which has generated an inestimable number of good-looking, innovative cars with plenty of temperament. With a predilection for sports cars and convertibles. The aim is to replicate all this with the Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept. So a clean, elegant line was chosen for this "simple 2-seater", which is proposed with a 1750 cc turbo engine positioned longitudinally, an obvious reference to the "1750 Veloce" of 1968, one of the many versions derived from the famous "Osso di Seppia" (Cuttlefish). With its red bodywork, inspired by the typical Alfa Romeo paintwork, the 2uettottanta is 1797 mm wide, 4212.6 mm long, 1280 mm high and has a wheelbase of 2500 mm.

The pleasure of driving and feeling in harmony with nature is transformed into light, sleek, refined volumes, and shapes that seem to slip through the air easily. This generates the theme of this concept: the expression of a single volume, which is some way from the ground and suspended. The Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept almost seems to lift up from the ground "going further". It is an optical effect achieved thanks to a line that crosses the whole car horizontally. An uninterrupted sign applied to dynamic, sporty proportions - typical of Alfa Romeo spiders - accentuated by the configuration of the passenger compartment, which is shifted significantly to the rear. The force of the design lies in its exaltation of simplicity, which does not need to show its muscles but concentrates purely on agility and harmony.

The front end of the Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept underlines its true Alfa Romeo character. The design is simple, with a central line that runs smoothly along the nose of the car, while the execution of the surfaces is more sophisticated. At the centre, in full view, and anything but a purely decorative element, is the Alfa Romeo shield, which seems to emerge from the heart of the car and to stretch outwards, in Pininfarina's futuristic, three-dimensional approach. The shield is made of aluminium and incorporates floating horizontal flaps. On either side are the two triangular lateral air intakes. The two elements impressed on the imposing bonnet create a natural link between the logo and the large windscreen, which has been designed as a ring in hand-beaten aluminium that emerges from the body of the car without interrupting its flow. The front headlights, which adopt the latest LED technologies, are embedded under the line that gives the whole car its character. A strip of carbon in the lower part of the front acts as an air splitter, channelling the air to the rear end of the car.

The side view of the car, where the theme of the single volume is repeated, highlights the flowing line of the whole, with the shapes merging naturally. The horizontal line "cut" into the sides gives a sense of great dynamism; it starts from the front wheelarch and extends back to the rear wheel. Like an athlete, for a car, being slim also means achieving aerodynamic efficiency. Pininfarina has always strived for natural shapes that can convey efficiency and respect of the environment, an approach confirmed by its great commitment to the theme of eco-sustainable mobility. The Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept is in perfect harmony with nature, becoming the formal expression of a response to the needs of our day: it is an arrow that flies through the wind almost without encountering resistance.

Smooth, essential, soft surfaces even at the rear, which echoes the front, albeit with slightly more emphasis on the muscles. The design combines stylistic simplicity with a strong character in the volumes and proportions, with details designed to underline the car's dynamic, light personality. The two bumps seem to emerge from the volume, becoming floating wings that create the roll-over bars behind the seats. At either end, these bars generate an appendix designed to hold the seat belts. Even at the rear the light clusters are slender and embedded under the line that defines the whole section.

Great attention went into the design of the interior. The result is a spacious, comfortable passenger compartment, conceived with light, dynamic volumes, which envelop the occupants in a strong, reassuring embrace. The shapes are sewn into the leather, incorporating the touch controls: in its functions, the Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept is faithful to its vocation as a car designed to be a delight to drive. The facia extends fluidly to the sides merging into the doorway as the natural continuation of the volume of the car, thus creating a perfect symbiosis between exterior and interior. The dashboard has a driver-oriented configuration with an innovative approach to the classical circular Alfa Romeo "tubes" that contain the instruments. The tunnel contains the Alfa DNA gear selector in an ergonomic position; this varies the set-up of the car in three modes, Dynamic, Normal and All Weather, adapting the behaviour of the various systems on the vehicle (engine, transmission, suspension, steering, brakes, etc.) to the demands of the driver and the different driving conditions. The tunnel runs through the passenger compartment and it gives structure to the chassis, revealing the carbon elements: the choice of this material reflects Pininfarina's constant research into alternative materials that can make vehicles lighter, reducing consumption and emissions. Another strong element of the interior is the steering wheel, which is a modern interpretation of the Duetto's perforated three-spoke wheel, with the addition of a shift paddle for sequential control of the dual-clutch gearbox. An enjoyable drive and comfort are also guaranteed by the anatomical sporty seats. All the interior of the car "floats": the ventilation ducts are positioned between the passenger compartment and the hull.

The size and design of the tyres, which were created specifically for the Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept in collaboration with Dunlop, accentuate the impression of strong character and force given by the car. The tyres are of the low profile type, right on the extreme edges of the plane view: designed by Pininfarina to incorporate the innovative technologies developed by Dunlop, their graphics reflect those of the car. Their aerodynamic shape and very smooth lateral profile, guarantee better roadholding and less resistance to air, thus reducing consumption. The rims are treated in aluminium in harmony with the rest of the car, and are a free interpretation of the classic five-circle Alfa Romeo pattern, revealing the high performance carbo-ceramic Alfa Romeo brakes by Brembo.

The Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept is not a pure styling exercise, but also a project and research: the goal is to grasp the spirit of the spider in the configuration, the proportions and the conception of the car as well as in its stylistic imprint. This working method is part of Pininfarina's genes. For this project, the Pininfarina creative team were given carte blanche to express the values inherent in the Alfa spider "by Pininfarina", the values that are deemed to have made the Giulietta Spider or the Duetto all-time classics. To achieve this result, the car was given a particular set-up, with a low centre of gravity and a passenger compartment that is very exposed so as not to isolate the occupants from the surrounding environment. The result is to bring the road "nearer" to the eyes of the driver and to increase the sense of dynamism even at low speed.

What is the 2uettottanta effect? Desire. Whoever sees it "must" possess it, drive it, enjoy it. Because the 2uettottanta is not an unattainable dream. Nor does the 2uettottanta only want to impress at first glance, but to achieve a beauty that does not strive solely for immediate confirmation, but gradually reveals all its values and transfers them to the future, making the style eternal. As it did in the case of the Duetto, which continues to be celebrated as an icon of design after more than 40 years.

Monday, April 12, 2010

2010 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom XL1200C








2010 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom XL1200C

The Sportster® 1200 Custom shimmers with style, offering just the right mix of chrome components and a 21-inch laced front wheel
. Forward controls and a pull-back handlebar riser put the rider in a cool cruising position on the saddle.

Born on the gritty dirt tracks and drag strips of the 1950s, the Harley-Davidson® Sportster represents the uninhibited essence of motorcycling. Today's Sportster combines soulful styling with the flat torque delivery and distinctive sound of an American V-Twin engine. Among the most-affordable Harley-Davidson models, Sportster motorcycles offer a low, comfortable seat and smooth clutch effort.



Model Highlights

• Black powder-coated engine with chrome covers
• Chrome exhaust with dual staggered shorty mufflers
• Stretched 4.5-gallon Sportster® fuel tank with polished stainless steel console
• Chrome, Laced Steel front wheel
• Chrome, Slotted Disc Cast Aluminum rear wheel
• Full-coverage rear fender with chrome supports
• One-piece, two-up Sportster® classic seat
• Chrome bullet headlamp
• Stainless steel, low-rise handlebar and chrome pull-back riser



Key Features

The Sportster® 1200 Custom shimmers with style, offering just the right mix of chrome components and a 21-inch laced front wheel.

Forward controls and a pull-back handlebar riser put the rider in a cool cruising position on the saddle.

Born on the gritty dirt tracks and drag strips of the 1950s, the Harley-Davidson® Sportster represents the uninhibited essence of motorcycling. Today’s Sportster combines soulful styling with the flat torque delivery and distinctive sound of an American V-Twin engine.

Among the most-affordable Harley-Davidson models, Sportster motorcycles offer a low, comfortable seat and smooth clutch effort.

• Evolution® V-Twin powertrain with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
• Rubber-mounted powertrain to reduce vibration
• 5-speed transmission
• Dual staggered exhaust
• Disc brakes
• Forward-mounted foot controls and passenger footpegs
• Handlebar-mounted electronic speedometer
• Optional Harley-Davidson® Smart Security System with hands-free security fob
• Optional Chrome, Profile Laced Aluminum wheels
• Optional Original Equipment Custom Color paint program







2010 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom XL1200C - Specifications
USA MSRP: Vivid Black $9,999, Solids $10,289, Two-Tones $10,499, Custom Colors $10,699
Canada MSRP: See Local Canadian Dealer For Pricing

Engine
Engine3 Air-cooled, Evolution®
Valves Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke 3.50 in. x 3.81 in. (88.90 mm x 96.82 mm)
Displacement3 73.30 cu. in. (1200 cc)
Compression Ratio 9.7:1
Fuel System4 Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Air Cleaner Paper cartridge type
Lubrication System Dry-sump

Drivetrain
Primary Drive Chain, 57/38 ratio
Final Drive Belt, 68/29 ratio
Clutch Multi-plate, wet
Transmission 5-speed
U.S. Gear Ratios (overall):
o 1st 9.315
o 2nd 6.653
o 3rd 4.948
o 4th 4.102
o 5th 3.517

Chassis
Frame Mild steel, tubular frame; circular sections; cast junctions
Swingarm Mild steel, rectangular tube section, stamped junctions; MIG welded
Front Forks 39 mm
Rear Shocks Coil-over; preload dual-adjustable
Wheels5 (Chrome, Profile Laced Aluminum option):
o Front Chrome, Laced Steel 21 in. x 2.15 in. (533.40 mm x 54.61 mm)
o Rear Chrome, Slotted Disc Cast Aluminum 16 in. x 3 in. (406.40 mm x 76.20 mm)
Brakes:
o Caliper Type Dual-piston front, single-piston rear
o Rotor Type (diameter x width): Patented, uniform expansion rotors
o Front 11.50 in. x .20 in. (292.10 mm x 5.08 mm)
o Rear 11.50 in. x .23 in. (292.10 mm x 5.84 mm)
Suspension Travel:
o Front Wheel 5.69 in. (144.53 mm)
o Rear Wheel 2.12 in. (53.85 mm)

Performance
Engine Torque6 (per SAE J1349):
o North America 79 ft. lbs. @ 4000 rpm (107.11 Nm @ 4000 rpm)
Lean Angle (per SAE J1168):
o Right 29°
o Left 31°

Fuel Economy7
(EPA urban/highway test) 42/57 mpg (5.60/4.13 L/100 km)

Electric
Battery (per Battery Council International Rating) Sealed, maintenance-free, 12V, 12-amp/hour, 200 cca
Charging Single-phase, 30-amp system (357W @ 13.5V, 2000 rpm, 405W max power @ 13.5V)
Starting 1.2 kW electric with solenoid shift starter motor engagement
Lights (as per country regulation):
o Headlamp (quartz halogen) 55-watt low beam, 60-watt high beam
o Tail/Stop Lights 8W/28W (5W/21W)
o Turn Signal Lights 28W (21W) self-canceling
o Indicator Lamps High beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warning, low battery, security system8 (optional)

Dimensions
Length 90.30 in. (2293.62 mm)
Overall Width 32.70 in. (830.58 mm)
Overall Height 45.70 in. (1160.78 mm)
Seat Height:
o Laden2 26.50 in. (673.10 mm)
o Unladen 28.0 in. (711.20 mm)
Ground Clearance 4.40 in. (111.76 mm)
Rake (steering head) 30.1°
Fork Angle 30.1°
Trail 4.70 in. (119.38 mm)
Wheelbase 60.40 in. (1534.16 mm)
Tires (Dunlop® Harley-Davidson Series, blackwall):
o Front - D402F MH90-21 54H
o Rear - D401 150/80B16 71H
Fuel Capacity 4.50 gal. (17.03 L) (warning light at approximately 1 gal.)
Oil Capacity (w/filter) 2.80 qts. (2.65 L)
Transmission Capacity 1 qts. (0.95 L)

Weight:
o As Shipped 562 lbs. (254.92 kg)
o In Running Order 589 lbs. (267.17 kg)
o Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 1000 lbs. (453.60 kg)
o Gross Axle Weight Rating
o Front 335 lbs. (151.96 kg)
o Rear 665 lbs. (301.64 kg)
Color Options
Solids
• Vivid Black
• Red Hot Sunglo

Two-Tones
• Scarlet Red/Vivid Black
• Flame Blue Pearl/Brilliant Silver Pearl

Custom Colors
• Merlot Sunglo/Cherry Red Sunglo
• White Ice Pearl/Black Ice Pearl

U.S. MSRP
Vivid Black $9,999
Solids $10,289
Two-Tones $10,499
Custom Colors $10,699


Warranty
Warranty9 24 months (unlimited mileage)
Service Interval First 1,000 miles (1,600 km), every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) thereafter


Vehicles depicted may differ from vehicles manufactured and delivered. Specifications and prices listed may differ from specifications and prices of vehicles manufactured and delivered. All product descriptions (including depictions, specifications, dimensions, measurements, ratings and competitive comparisons) are based on available information at the time of publication. Although such descriptions are believed correct, errors and changes can occur and complete accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Harley-Davidson may make changes at any time to prices and specifications, and may change or discontinue models, without notice and without incurring any obligation. Attention: Vehicles in the configurations shown and many of the accessories described in this catalog may not be available for sale or use in some locations. Please check with your dealer for complete product details and the latest information. All models feature 6-speed transmission (VRSC™ models and Sportster® models are 5-speed) and carbon fiber belt final drive; multi-plate clutch with diaphragm spring in oil bath; and 2-year unlimited mileage warranty.

Thursday, April 16, 2009