2009 Cadillac Converj Concept

Converj: the "Cadillac" FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES

luxury coupe concept continues GM's leadership in the electrification of the automobile

DETROIT - General Motors unveiled a more potential of electric propulsion today, this time in the form of luxury transportation with the Concept Cadillac Converj. Cadillac Converj was developed as a grand touring coupe well appointed with bold design and a host of interactive technologies.

The concept of four passengers Converj is intended to show how GM's revolutionary electric propulsion - Voltec called - can supply a luxury coupe with a typical Cadillac "no compromise" design. The technology allows up to 40 miles of electrical conduit and gas emissions-free with extended-range capability of hundreds of miles.

Bob Lutz, GM’s vice chairman of Global Product Development, said the Converj concept has production substance. “It’s a logical extension of our plan to reinvent the automobile,” he said. “It clearly shows what a Cadillac electric vehicle could look like, and clearly indicates that global luxury customers can have a car that has both strong design and electric propulsion with a total range of hundreds of anxiety-free miles.”

Cadillac’s extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) concept has a new body style that is an evolution of the brand’s traditional Art and Science design theme. An aggressive, forward-leaning arc profile is the foundation for the sporting stance. And more than a Cadillac in form, Converj is also intended to be a Cadillac in substance, with the premium materials, technology and driving dynamics that are hallmarks of the brand.

Voltec – innovative propulsion technology
The Cadillac Converj’s Voltec electric propulsion system is made up of a 16-kWh, T-shaped battery, an electric drive unit, and a four-cylinder engine-generator. It uses electricity as its primary source to drive the car.

A thermally managed battery pack contains more than 220 lithium-ion cells that provide the primary power to drive the Converj electrically up to 40 miles without using fuel or producing tailpipe emissions. The battery is integrated into the Converj’s chassis and stores electricity from the grid when the vehicle is plugged in. It takes less than three hours to recharge the battery at 240V, or about eight hours from a 120V outlet.

When the battery’s energy is low, the Converj seamlessly switches to extended-range mode. During this secondary level of operation, electricity needed to power the vehicle is created on-board by a flex-fuel-powered engine that operates much like a home generator to create electricity. The engine-generator ensures a constant supply of power for hundreds of miles until the car is refueled or plugged in to recharge the battery. This extended-range mode eliminates the range anxiety that comes with driving pure electric vehicles that offer no backup power when the battery charge is low.

Whether in electric or extended-range mode, the Converj is propelled all the time by an electric drive unit. It converts electrical energy from the battery or the engine-generator into mechanical energy to drive the front wheels. It also delivers 273 lb.-ft. (370 Nm) of instant torque, for a quick launch, and 120 kW of power. The top speed is 100 mph.

There is no compromise in vehicle performance in either mode of operation. To enhance the ride feel, the Converj also features GM’s Magnetic Ride Control; and for even greater efficiency, energy during braking is captured and stored in the battery.

Pure Cadillac design
There’s no mistaking the Converj for anything but a Cadillac, according to Lutz. “An aggressive, forward-leaning profile hints at a new, progressive theme and proportion in Cadillac’s design evolution,” he says. “The new proportion showcases a uniquely shaped, modern vision of a personal luxury 2+2.”

The overall shape is reinforced by a prominent, sweeping body line with large, 21-inch (front) and 22-inch (rear) wheels pushed to the edges of the body. The Converj exterior is painted a dark silver tri-coat that GM designers dubbed “Reaction.”

An all-glass roof incorporates solar panels that help offset power drain from the vehicle’s accessories. Additionally, several aerodynamic and design efficiencies were incorporated to enhance the driving range, including:
A full under-vehicle cover (belly pan)
Minimal grille openings that reduce drag at the front of the vehicle
Low-profile rearview cameras replace conventional outside mirrors to reduce drag
Wheels are shaped to push air outward for smoother body side airflow

The Converj also incorporates vertical headlamp and taillamp elements, with light pipe technology.

“Vertical lamps are Cadillac signatures and the Converj builds on the brand’s light pipe technology with bolder light emitting diode (LED) and high-intensity discharge elements front and rear,” said Clay Dean, global design director for Cadillac. “There is also a unique daylight light ’spear’ at the top of the headlamps.”

Luxury meets technology inside
The Converj’s interior has advanced features and luxurious appointments blending efficiency and environmental consciousness. The 2+2 configuration is trimmed in contrasting Winter White synthetic suede – including the top of the instrument panel – and Midnight Black leather, with polished aluminum and wood grain accents. Renewable materials are used throughout such as wool-blend carpeting, a headliner made from silk, suede made from post-industrial content and more.

A technologically advanced driver center increases efficiency and reduces the draw on the battery. Features include:
New, organic light-emitting diode technology used on reconfigurable instrument cluster
Touch-screen navigation, climate, center-stack controls and audio systems
Adjustable, overhead white ambient lighting
Unique “power on” sequence featuring blue-lit console graphics
Screen displays for features including regenerative braking, battery charge level and power output
No inside rearview or outside mirrors; cameras provide surrounding images on a screen placed high on the instrument panel for a full, panoramic view
Push-button ignition and power-folding front seats

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world’s largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 77 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 252,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 34 countries. In 2007, nearly 9.37 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services.

SPECIFICATIONS
General
Vehicle type:
2-door, front-wheel-drive 2+2 coupe
Category:
extended-range electric vehicle
Chassis:
independent McPherson struts, front magnetic ride, compound crank twist axle rear, four-wheel disc brakes, full regenerative brakes to maximize energy capture, electric power-assist steering
Seating capacity:
four

Performance
Top speed (mph / km/h):
100 / 161
EV range, city and highway (miles):
Up to 40, based on EPA cycle

Dimensions
Wheelbase (in / mm):
108 / 2742
Length (in / mm):
182 / 4620
Width (in / mm):
74 / 1883
Height (in / mm):
55 / 1386

Battery system
Type:
lithium-ion (w/ liquid-controlled thermal management system)
Energy (kWh):
16
Charge time:
Less than 3 hours at 240V/8 hours at 120V

Electric drive unit
Power (kW):
120
Torque (lb-ft / Nm):
273 / 370

Exterior
Tire size:
specially developed low rolling resistance tires on 21- and 22-inch forged aluminum wheels

SUV Car: Porsche Cayenne Diesel

Porsche Cayenne equips with three-liter V6 turbo diesel engine with 240 hp (176 kW) supplied by Audi AG, a subsidiary of VW. Cayenne Diesel consumption average is 9.3 liters for 100 kilometers, with 244 g CO2 per kilometer. Spontaneous reaction gas and high torque of the diesel engine to deliver the required level of performance for all sport-utility vehicle, as the Cayenne. Substantial torque than 550 meters Newton as a sports chassis dynamics and provides a high degree of control offer driving pleasure which is typical of Porsche.

In response to customer demand, the new Cayenne model will initially be offered in Europe. Preparations for market introduction in other countries are underway.



New diesel-powered Cayenne will be available from retailers from February 2009. Equipped with proven Tiptronic S automatic transmission, as standard, the basic price in euro EUR 47250th In Germany, the Cayenne with a diesel engine, including 19 percent VAT and country-specific equipment costs EUR 56436th.

Demand for cool cars down in the recession

Could the recession mean the end of cool cars over substance for the motoring industry? This may seem a little over the top, but a number of news stories have emerged in the UK press recently concerning how consumers are being deterred from buying cool flash cars instead of those which are considered more practical, and are refraining from adding sporty extras to their existing cars. So are necessities such as car insurance and fuel economy taking the place of the look and style of the UK’s vehicles?

According to an article at justgoodcars.com, industry research has found that 36% of motorists surveyed said that their limited budgets are the most important factor when considering the purchase of a new car. Additionally, the reliability of the vehicle was also said to be influential in the decision, with one in five buying because of their trust in the manufacturer as opposed to the style or look of the vehicle itself.

Additionally, drivers who have bought cars with the intention of modifying or ‘souping’ them up in the last year have been forced to think twice as research published at myfinances.co.uk highlights the added expense to insurance costs. For example, the added cost of a new spoiler on a 2000 Ford Focus for a 17 year old will be a massive £688.84 a year, whilst something as innocuous as decals and stickers could push the yearly extra cost up by another £6225.22!

According to Gerry Bucke of Adrian Flux Insurance there is an intriguing irony with the latter. He stated: "Young drivers of modified cars are on average 20% less likely to have an accident and make a claim than young drivers in cars with a standard specification. The truth is, guys who modify their cars tend to be involved in fewer accidents. They invest heavily in their cars and take more care of them."

So what does this say for the motoring industry? Are we likely to see an end, or at least a pause, of people spending money on car style? The reports in the press would certainly suggest so, but whilst we might be gradually letting superficial aspects of our vehicles slide, with credit crunch cut-backs we will no doubt see individuals opting for cheaper cars rather than greener ones also. If manufacturers really want to sell new cars they will need to be able to offer cheap simplicity in order to match those that can be bought second hand.

New Mégane Coupé Cabriolet with Elegant Interior Design

New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet completes the renewal style of the New Mégane family which is built on the strengths that forged the success of its predecessor. Its new appearance is supported by the large folding glass roof, high-gloss finish, black glass roof contrasts with the satin-effect chrome windscreen frame exterior, and the dark red taillights featuring a linear lighting pattern and LED brake lights to provide a distinctive rear lighting character.
With it’s new style, New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet goes further by offering customers with unruffled open-top motoring supported by the forward position of the windscreen and a fixed glass, outstanding handling performance with a stiffer chassis and a new electric power steering system, and a broad choice of efficient and eco-friendly powertrains including the all-new automatic EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) transmission.
The interior of this New Mégane family still presents the same layout with high standard finish of qualified materials available in three choices of trim, which range from dark charcoal and light beige to the charcoal and red two-tone finish with leather seats. Although the dashboard is identical to that of New Mégane Hatchback, the seats offer additional lateral support, while the ‘butterfly wing’ door trim panel is specific to New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet.
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is available with a choice of seven efficient and eco-friendly petrol and diesel powertrain configurations (depending on the market). The available petrol engines are, the 1.6 16V 110hp engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, the TCe 130 (Turbo Control efficiency) driving through a six-speed manual gearbox, and the 2.0 16V 140hp engine available with the new continuously variable transmission (CVT) for even greater driving comfort thanks to smooth, step-less gearshifts. While the diesel engine range, which comprises the Euro5-homologated powerplants are the dCi 110 DPF, mated either to the brand new six-speed EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) dual-clutch automatic transmission (see below) or to a manual six-speed gearbox, the dCi 130 DPF which drives through a six-speed manual gearbox, and the dCi 160 DPF also with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Public will get their first opportunity to see this New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet when it is unveiled at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show (March 4-14). It will also be displayed at L’Atelier Renault on the Champs-Elysées in Paris.
Rounding off the new Megane family is the Coupe-Cabriolet that was formally introduced today ahead of its world premiere at next month's Geneva Salon. Like its predecessor, the new Megane CC is a two door model with an electric folding top that's mostly covered in smoked glass

The French carmaker claims the Megane CC's transparent glazed area of 0.47 sq. metres is the largest in the segment that includes cars like the Pininfarina-styled Ford Focus CC and the Peugeot 308 CC.
The four-seater convertible version of the new Megane also gets a fixed glass wind deflector located behind the back seat headrests that is said to allow draft-free driving at speeds of up to 90km/h or 56mph.
The fully-automatic, electro-hydraulic operated two-piece glass top goes up or down in 21 seconds at the press of a button with the Megane CC's boot capacity standing at 417 litres with the roof closed, and 211 litres when open.

Depending on the market, the new Megane Coupe-Cabriolet will be available with a choice of up to seven gasoline and diesel powertrains.
The petrol line includes a 110HP 1.6-liter unit linked to a six-speed manual, a 1.4-liter TCe turbo with 130HP matted to a six-speed manual and a 140HP 2.0-liter with a CVT.
Diesel options include the 110HP dCi matted to either a new 6-speed dual clutch automatic transmission or to 6-speed manual gearbox and the 130HP dCi and 160HP dCi that both drive the front wheels through a six-speed manual.

European sales of next generation Megane Coupe-Cabriolet will begin this spring.

Interior design of megane cabrioet pict images

New Mégane Coupé Cabriolet with Elegant Interior Design

New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet completes the renewal style of the New Mégane family which is built on the strengths that forged the success of its predecessor. Its new appearance is supported by the large folding glass roof, high-gloss finish, black glass roof contrasts with the satin-effect chrome windscreen frame exterior, and the dark red taillights featuring a linear lighting pattern and LED brake lights to provide a distinctive rear lighting character.
With it’s new style, New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet goes further by offering customers with unruffled open-top motoring supported by the forward position of the windscreen and a fixed glass, outstanding handling performance with a stiffer chassis and a new electric power steering system, and a broad choice of efficient and eco-friendly powertrains including the all-new automatic EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) transmission.
The interior of this New Mégane family still presents the same layout with high standard finish of qualified materials available in three choices of trim, which range from dark charcoal and light beige to the charcoal and red two-tone finish with leather seats. Although the dashboard is identical to that of New Mégane Hatchback, the seats offer additional lateral support, while the ‘butterfly wing’ door trim panel is specific to New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet.
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is available with a choice of seven efficient and eco-friendly petrol and diesel powertrain configurations (depending on the market). The available petrol engines are, the 1.6 16V 110hp engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, the TCe 130 (Turbo Control efficiency) driving through a six-speed manual gearbox, and the 2.0 16V 140hp engine available with the new continuously variable transmission (CVT) for even greater driving comfort thanks to smooth, step-less gearshifts. While the diesel engine range, which comprises the Euro5-homologated powerplants are the dCi 110 DPF, mated either to the brand new six-speed EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) dual-clutch automatic transmission (see below) or to a manual six-speed gearbox, the dCi 130 DPF which drives through a six-speed manual gearbox, and the dCi 160 DPF also with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Public will get their first opportunity to see this New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet when it is unveiled at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show (March 4-14). It will also be displayed at L’Atelier Renault on the Champs-Elysées in Paris.
Rounding off the new Megane family is the Coupe-Cabriolet that was formally introduced today ahead of its world premiere at next month's Geneva Salon. Like its predecessor, the new Megane CC is a two door model with an electric folding top that's mostly covered in smoked glass

The French carmaker claims the Megane CC's transparent glazed area of 0.47 sq. metres is the largest in the segment that includes cars like the Pininfarina-styled Ford Focus CC and the Peugeot 308 CC.
The four-seater convertible version of the new Megane also gets a fixed glass wind deflector located behind the back seat headrests that is said to allow draft-free driving at speeds of up to 90km/h or 56mph.
The fully-automatic, electro-hydraulic operated two-piece glass top goes up or down in 21 seconds at the press of a button with the Megane CC's boot capacity standing at 417 litres with the roof closed, and 211 litres when open.

Depending on the market, the new Megane Coupe-Cabriolet will be available with a choice of up to seven gasoline and diesel powertrains.
The petrol line includes a 110HP 1.6-liter unit linked to a six-speed manual, a 1.4-liter TCe turbo with 130HP matted to a six-speed manual and a 140HP 2.0-liter with a CVT.
Diesel options include the 110HP dCi matted to either a new 6-speed dual clutch automatic transmission or to 6-speed manual gearbox and the 130HP dCi and 160HP dCi that both drive the front wheels through a six-speed manual.

European sales of next generation Megane Coupe-Cabriolet will begin this spring.

Interior design of megane cabrioet pict images

New Peugeot 207 S16 Special Edition 2010

2010 Peugeot 207 S16 Special Edition - Rear Side View

This Picture for new Peugeot 207 S16 Special Edition is a limited run that will be exclusive to the UK. Anyone from the UK will be able to appreciate the colors here that are used on the paint job. It will come with front and rear spoilers, aerodynamic side skirts, and a faux rear diffuser.

Peugeot has created the Special Edition 207 S16 which is based on the 207 Sport 1.6 VTi 3dr, only 250 examples of this car will be produced. The S16 adds to the already comprehensive standard equipment of the 207 sport model: Bianca White exterior body colour, Full 207 RC Cup bodykit comprising front and rear spoilers, side skirts and a pseudo rear diffuser, 17″ Hockenheim Alloy Wheels, SP Sports mesh grille, Dark tinted rear windows from the 207 GTi model, Special interior badge signed by Kris Meeke, Optional free of charge vinyl rally graphics which mimic those found on Kris Meeke’s IRC winning 207 S2000 rally car.
The 207 S16 benefits from over £1,200 worth of additional specification compared to a standard Car Sport model and is priced at £14,695.

2010 Peugeot 207 S16 Special Edition - Front Side View

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

New Peugeot 207 S16 Special Edition 2010

2010 Peugeot 207 S16 Special Edition - Rear Side View

This Picture for new Peugeot 207 S16 Special Edition is a limited run that will be exclusive to the UK. Anyone from the UK will be able to appreciate the colors here that are used on the paint job. It will come with front and rear spoilers, aerodynamic side skirts, and a faux rear diffuser.

Peugeot has created the Special Edition 207 S16 which is based on the 207 Sport 1.6 VTi 3dr, only 250 examples of this car will be produced. The S16 adds to the already comprehensive standard equipment of the 207 sport model: Bianca White exterior body colour, Full 207 RC Cup bodykit comprising front and rear spoilers, side skirts and a pseudo rear diffuser, 17″ Hockenheim Alloy Wheels, SP Sports mesh grille, Dark tinted rear windows from the 207 GTi model, Special interior badge signed by Kris Meeke, Optional free of charge vinyl rally graphics which mimic those found on Kris Meeke’s IRC winning 207 S2000 rally car.
The 207 S16 benefits from over £1,200 worth of additional specification compared to a standard Car Sport model and is priced at £14,695.

2010 Peugeot 207 S16 Special Edition - Front Side View

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

New Carlsson 2010 - C25 Super GT Modification Concept

Carlsson presents an own developed automobile at this year’s Geneva Motor Show – the Carlsson C25 Limited Super-GT. The concept of this Super-GT is based on the vision of combining maximum driving performance with an entirely new design and high exclusiveness. The result is a breathtaking and beautiful sports coupé with 753 hp in a limited edition of only 25 cars world-wide.
The performance data of the six litre V12 Bi-Turbo is impressive. The high-performance aggregate with a motor management optimisation patented by Carlsson renders 753 hp (554 kW) and allows fast acceleration as well as smooth travels at lower speeds. Also responsible for the perfect performance evolvement is the elaborately developed stainless steel exhaust system with ends in four edgy pipes at the back. The power catapults the C25 with a torque of 1320 Newton metres at 3750 r.p.m. which is electronically limited to 1,150 Newton metres from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.7 seconds and achieves a maximum speed of 352 km/h.
The Carlsson C25 Super-GT Concept also comes with an ultra-light and forged wheels 1/10 UL in the dimensions 9,5×20 and 12×20 inches have been especially designed for the C25 and are equipped with high performance tyres measuring 265/30 at the front and 325/25 at the rear live axle.