2010 New York Auto Show: New Kia Optima

The next stage of Kia's transformation from design also-ran to serious contender will kick off at the New York Auto Show in few weeks. After launching the Forte sedan and Koup, the new Sorento and, most recently, the Sportage, Kia's new design language is being applied to the Optima. The all-new 2011 Kia Optima is longer, wider and lower than the car it replaces although we don't know by how much. While it's not as aggressive as the sketches released a few weeks ago, this Optima is certainly a huge step forward.

• Kia will formally unveil its new 2011 Optima at the 2010 New York Auto Show.

• Only two photos of the future Optima have been released.

• Pricing has not yet been announced, but is likely to be similar to the outgoing Optima.

The base 2010 Kia Optima LX starts at $18,690, including a $695 destination charge.
via:autoblog

Press Release

Next generation Kia Optima to showcase confident new design direction
World premiere to be held at 2010 New York Motor Show

(SEOUL) March 14, 2010 – The next generation Kia Optima (currently, also known as 'Magentis' in some markets) is set to make its world premiere next month at the 2010 New York International Auto Show.

"The next generation Optima possesses the power to surprise," says Peter Schreyer, Kia's Chief Design Officer. "It's a car that people will simply not expect from Kia – and that's exactly what we set out to achieve."

The Optima exudes an athletic confidence from every angle and shutline – its raked roofline, the high and pronounced shoulder line of its sculpted flanks and its extended wheelbase are complemented by boldly flared wheelarches and a shallow glasshouse that create a saloon with a muscular and self-assured stance.

The striking visage of the Optima features a new interpretation of Kia's bold 'tiger' family face that's edged by piercing projector headlamps.

Longer, wider and lower than before, the Kia's coupe-like profile is enhanced by the sweeping chrome arc that flows from A to C pillar, a distinctive design motif that visually lowers the car further still and enhances its cab-backwards proportions.

Spacious, and with class-leading levels of safety and luxury equipment, the Optima's intelligently configured and driver-oriented cabin underlines this newfound poise and presence.

"The Optima embodies Kia's confident new design direction," says Schreyer. "It's a global car with individual appeal."

The Kia Motors press conference for the New York International Auto Show will take place on April 1, 2010 from 10:10-10:35 a.m. at the Kia Stand on Level 1 of the 'Jacob Javits Center' located between 34-39 Streets on 11th Avenue in New York City.

Geneva Preview: Techart GTStreet R based on Porsche 911 Turbo

The TECHART GTStreet program has been recognised for years as a success formula with its sights firmly set on dynamics and incorporating racing engineering to create vehicles that stand for pure driving pleasure as well as full on-track capability. The latest example is the GTStreet R based on the 911 Turbo; it is now undergoing its world premiere. Its road performance statistic, 660hp and 860Nm, is highly impressive - developed by the TECHART engineers who are driven by the ambition of not submitting compromises. And just as uncompromising is the vehicle's suitability for everyday use, thanks to its day-driving light and integrated TECHART nose-lift system.


High-End Performance

The impressive performance is primarily down to the TECHART TA 097/T3.1 performance kit, which raises the power of the standard model from 500 to 660 hp. At 4,500rpm, this means that a maximum torque of 860Nm can be transmitted to the permanent four-wheel drive system. TECHART's sport clutch and modifications to the transmission ratio of the standard 6-speed gearbox results in the GTStreet R's sprint performance of 0 to 100km/h in 3.5 seconds. The permanent dynamic propulsion only reaches its limit at 345km/h.

The essential power driver of the vehicle design is the TECHART GTStreet R aerodynamic kit. The significantly lowered front apron with carbon splitter provides downthrust on the front axle and improved airflow to the brakes and intercooler. The adjustable rear spoiler with air inlets and rear apron with integrated carbon diffuser contribute to the high level of downthrust on the rear axle while ensuring an optimum drag coefficient. Handling in extreme conditions is significantly smoother as a result. The TECHART multifunctional day-driving light system, integrated in the front apron, has E approval and fulfils ECE R87 regulations. It is much more than just a sophisticated design feature – it also makes an all-round constant contribution to safety, both day and night. The LED system unit integrates the day-driving light, sidelights, parking lights and indicators in a single housing, and merges harmonically with the general design of the vehicle's front end. The output intensity of the light is automatically modified in line with the selected driving light circuit.


Maximum grip and everyday suitability

The TECHART Formula 5-spoke light alloy wheels in dimensions of 19" and 20" transfer the enormous level of available power securely to the tarmac. For optimum road holding, TECHART recommends fitting either Conti Sport Contact 3 or Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Plus tires. The TECHART VarioPlus threaded chassis design means that it is possible to adjust the chassis height by up to 25 millimetres, to suit the route conditions. The TECHART nose-lift system allows the driver to raise the vehicle by up to 60 millimetres at the front axle, at the touch of a button, to avoid unpleasant contact with kerb edges or steeply inclined upward road surfaces.


High end down to the last detail

Passion and love of detail – the exclusive TECHART character is also reflected in the interior of the sports car. TECHART's complete leather furnishings, including the door and side panels, emanate a unique feel, in combination with the delicately fashioned and custom-coloured decorative stitching on the centre console and bucket seats, and in other places too. Individual decorative components made of carbon fibre, the aluminium pedals, and the illuminated entrance sills serve to further enhance the uniquely athletic appearance of the interior. All in all, TECHART offers a virtually unlimited degree of freedom when it comes to customising the interior – with passion down to the last detail.


Keeping 680 hp tamed for two weeks

TECHART is displaying the GTStreet R based on the Porsche 911 Turbo in black and phantom grey at the Geneva Motor Show. Although the vehicle is forced to remain stationary during the two-week show, the incredible power of the 660bhp athlete is quite evident. The GTR front spoiler is seamlessly incorporated in the shape of the bumper, conveying its pure sporting character the moment you first look at it. The black leather interior is further proof that TECHART knows a few things about convincing design. The car's uncompromising athleticism is immediately visible from the high-grip, hand-stitched TECHART 3-spoke sport steering wheel, the sport pedals and TECHART gear lever, and further enhanced by the delicate, red stitching.

Another element which is GTStreet R through and through are the TECHART leather sport seats, which not only ensure an uncommonly high level of comfort and excellent side support, but are also fashioned from high-class materials. Such as the hand-made seat covering made of fine and durable leather and the backrests finished in the vehicle colour with the GTstreet R logo.


TECHART Concept One – Design Study Individualization Porsche Panamera

Individuality and personality, passion and perfection are concepts that substantially stand for TECHART. Yet TECHART is also defined by innovation and richness of ideas, by identification and instinct. At the 80th Motor-Show in Geneva, TECHART proves this once again by presenting the world premiere of the Concept One individualization study. Thomas Behringer, general manager of TECHART Automobildesign GmbH, says: "Concept One provides an exclusive outlook on our second individualization level for the Porsche Panamera model range, which is noticeably different from the first subtle program. The study is defined by concepts such as strength, individuality and self-consciousness, and clearly reflects our customers' requirements for uniqueness and sportiness. The Motor-Show in Geneva is precisely the perfect platform for presenting the design concept to the world's public."


Impressive exterior

In OE quality and fully manufactured from high-quality PU-RIM, the carrara white exterior package convinces owing to its massive and white characteristics. The front apron with integrated air inlets self-consciously emphasizes the design of the sporty 4-seater and also provides an improved air flow of the charge air intercoolers as well as improved brake cooling. A highlight is the distinct, extravagantly designed bonnet with inwrought air outlets. Powerful fenders and side skirts ensure a seamless transition among the wide wheel arches. Trim strips and elegant trim frames in the windows show the individualization down to the smallest detail typical of TECHART. The rear apron with integrated air openings and matching diffuser, together with the height-adjustable rear spoiler, rounds off the distinct exterior design. The double flow, black tail pipe of the TECHART stainless steel sports exhaust system also provide sporty accents in the striking rear of the vehicle. 22-inch TECHART Formula III forged light alloy wheels in exclusive dull platinum gray with Continental Sport Contact 3 tires fit seamlessly into the Porsche Panamera color combination and underline its self-conscious appearance.

A look under the bonnet also knows how to convince the study. The TECHART engine optic package with carbon fiber engine covering, TECHART logotype and flash red coating already makes the visitor to the trade fair stand feel the power of the Panamera Turbo – increased once again by TECHART with a power thrust of up to 150 hp.


Convincing peak performances

The overall design concept for the exterior with a 21-mm wider front axis and a 42-mm wider rear axis compared to the serial model is convincing owing to the TECHART-typical suitability for everyday use. The multifunctional TECHART daylight driving headlight system contributes essentially to the active safety of the driver by combining daylight headlights, parking lights and turn signal lights as an LED system unit in one common housing that seamlessly fits into the vehicle front design. The intensity of the lights adjusts automatically to the selected headlight circuit. Additionally, the headlight can also be dimmed for improving the effect of the turn signal lights, even while turning off.


TECHART sets standards in the interior

TECHART sets standards in the finishing of automobile interiors. As in the areas of technical revision, aerodynamic optimization and exterior design, the passion for perfection is here once again in the sports car that can make the individual ideas of the TECHART customers a reality. TECHART's saddlery, well-known for valuable manufactured work, convinces in the study's interior through its unique internal finishing. The TECHART full leather finish in the cocoa and white color combination, leather applications on trim parts in cerbero as well as manually processed decorative stitching in phosphor green masterly reflect the unique external appearance in the interior as well. White carpeting in the vehicle's interior and trunk, the roof liner in alcantara and the white face with phosphor green digits complete the unusual individualization.


TECHART's top-class interior options

For the first time in the Concept One Study, TECHART presents the 3-spoke PDK sports steering wheel with shift paddles. The driver can now shift one gear upwards with one hand and one gear downwards with the other one.

In addition, the study also shows some exclusive extras: A 10.2-inch ceiling monitor with integrated DVD player, a rear center console and two high-quality folding tables built into the front seats will also help pass the time in the back seat of the Panamera – whether for entertainment or work – this is left to the customer's personal imagination – as is almost everything at TECHART.
Source: Techart;More Photos

WORLD DEBUT FOR NEXT KIA MAGENTIS AT NEW YORK

The next generation Kia Magentis will make its public world premiere at the New York International Auto Show on Friday 2 April 2010.

A fresh design from the ground up, Kia's all-new version of its popular mid-size saloon is completely transformed and embodies a bold, athletic and sporty visual energy.

Longer, lower and wider than the previous model, the new Magentis features a significantly longer wheelbase and will offer considerably more space for both people and luggage.


The new Magentis will go on sale in the USA and in non-European markets – where it is known as Optima - from autumn 2010, while sales in Europe are expected to begin in the Spring of 2011. No on-sale date for the UK has yet been announced – keep an eye on www.kia.co.uk for details in due course.


The world premiere of the next generation Magentis will take place at the Kia Stand on Level 1 of the 'Jacob Javits Center' located between 34-39 Streets on 11th Avenue in New York City.
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Geneva Preview: Mercedes-Benz F800 Style concept car

Efficiency paired with elegance:
Pioneering premium sedan with "green" technology and avant-garde design

• A reinterpretation of the concept of "fascination and responsibility"

• Multi-drive platform enables use of two alternative drive systems - either Plug-in Hybrid or fuel cell

• Intelligent display concept focusing on "electric driving"

• HMI with cam touchpad for intuitive and precise operation

• Traffic Jam Assistant for increased comfort and safety

Mercedes-Benz' F800 Style research vehicle is showing the future of premium automobiles from a new perspective, as the five-seat premium sedan combines highly efficient drive technologies with unparalleled safety and convenience features and an emotive design idiom, which interprets current Mercedes-Benz styling in line with the brand's hallmark attribute of refined performance.

The F800 Style has a spacious interior full of intelligent seating, operating, and display concepts. Another unique feature of the large sedan is an all-new multi drive platform, which accommodates electric drives with fuel cells (enabling ranges of almost 375 miles) as well as the use of Plug-in Hybrids that can drive for up to 18 miles solely on electricity. Both variants of the F800 Style therefore make locally emission-free mobility possible at the level of a premium-class automobile, while at the same time being fully suited for everyday driving and providing a dynamic driving experience.

"We are dedicated to reconciling our responsibility for the environment with practical customer utility in a fascinating automobile," says Dr. Thomas Weber, the Daimler Board of Management member responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. "The new F800 Style research vehicle combines this commitment to providing the leading innovative drive concepts with our traditional Mercedes strengths in the areas of design, safety, comfort, and outstanding performance."


A glance into the future of pioneering premium sedans

Within the 15.5-foot external length of the F800 Style, all of the components of the vehicle's efficient and environmentally compatible alternative drives (Plug-in Hybrid or fuel cell drive system) are installed in a space-saving manner in the engine compartment and the gaps within the chassis. Each of the drive systems takes up comparatively little space for the installation. This applies in particular to the electric drive with fuel cell, which has been enhanced by Mercedes-Benz to be compact and powerful. The front end's compact package was made possible through the consistent downsizing of all F-CELL components. As a result, the entire interior space is preserved and offers plenty of room for five occupants.

"For many decades now, our research vehicles have been turning pioneering concepts into reality and thereby setting future trends. We set a course on the large touring sedan segment in 2007, when we presented the F700," says Prof. Herbert Kohler, Head of E-Drive & Future Mobility and Chief Environmental Officer at Daimler. "Characteristic features of the F800 Style are its innovations, whose development is already close to the series production stage. This is true not only of the electric drive with fuel cells but also of the Plug-in Hybrid, whose components were taken from our modular system for electric and hybrid vehicles."


F800 Style with Plug-in Hybrid: Outstanding performance despite emissions of only 68 grams CO2 per kilometer

In combination with the very powerful Plug-in Hybrid drive system, the F800 Style is a very dynamic expression of the concept of "fascination and responsibility." Its drive unit consists of a V6 gasoline engine with an output of 300 hp with next-generation direct injection and a hybrid module with an output 109 hp so that it delivers a total power of around 409 hp. The lithium-ion battery with a storage capacity of >10 kWh can be recharged either at a charging station or a household power socket. Thanks to its powerful and high-torque hybrid module, in the city the F800 Style can run exclusively on electricity, therefore without generating any local emissions. Because it also has high torque right from the moment it starts, the vehicle has the same driving performance as a car with a V6 gasoline engine even when operating in electric mode. The F800 Style with the Plug-in Hybrid can run purely on electricity for up to 18 miles. The F800 Style research vehicle therefore marks a further important step in the creation of a market-ready Plug-in Hybrid. Mercedes-Benz will begin series production of the S500 Plug-in Hybrid with the introduction of the next-generation S-Class.

Due to its efficient drive system and a CO2 bonus for the battery-electric driving mode, the vehicle has a certified fuel consumption of only 2.9 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers. This corresponds to extremely low CO2 emissions of only 68 grams per kilometer. However, thanks to its outstanding efficiency, the F800 Style equipped with a Plug-in Hybrid nevertheless has a driving performance comparable to a sports car (0-60 mph 4.7 s, top speed of 155 mph). When in electric mode, the F800 Style has a top speed of 75 mph, thus meeting the needs associated with long-distance driving.

Like the Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID introduced in the summer of 2009 and the Vision S500 Plug-in Hybrid, the powerful electric module (approx. 80 kW) of the F800 Style is completely integrated into the housing of the seven-speed transmission. The lithium-ion battery in the new research vehicle is located underneath the rear seat, where it takes up little space, creates a low center of gravity, and ensures maximum safety in the event of a crash.

The electric drive components in the F800 Style with the Plug-in Hybrid once again demonstrate the versatility of Mercedes-Benz' extensively scalable modular hybrid system. The hybrid system can be expanded in various ways, depending on performance needs and the area of application. On this basis, it is possible to combine hybrid modules and batteries of different performance ratings with fuel-efficient, high-torque gasoline and diesel engines. Examples range from the current mild hybrids all the way to Plug-in Hybrids that enable pure electric driving over long distances. In developing the F800 Style with Plug-in Hybrid, the Mercedes engineers specifically focused on improving the pure electric driving in urban traffic. Thanks to high power reserves, the F800 Style in e-mode easily masters all kinds of city traffic while producing no local emissions. With the new hybrid module, the top speed of the F800 Style with Plug-in Hybrid has been increased to 75 mph in electric mode compared to the Vision S500 Plug-in Hybrid. At the same time, it emits only 68 grams of CO2 per kilometer, compared to the latter vehicle's 74 grams per kilometer.


Flexible, secure, and fully suited to everyday use:
The F800 Style with electric drive and fuel cell technology

The F800 Style also offers clean driving pleasure in the variant equipped with an electric drive based on fuel cell technology. The vehicle's electric motor develops around 136 hp as well as a strong torque of approximately 214 lb-ft. The fuel cell generates the traction current by chemically reacting hydrogen with oxygen onboard the vehicle, producing water vapor in the process as the only emission.

The components of the fuel cell drive are taken from the range of available e-drive modules, which Mercedes-Benz developed for a variety of different electric vehicles. These components, which are already installed in the limited edition B-Class F-CELL, can be used flexibly and are suited for a variety of different drive configurations. The F800 Style is an example of this, as it uses rear-wheel drive, in contrast to the B-Class F-CELL. The same components are also installed in commercial vehicles, with developments here being spearheaded by the new Citaro fuel cell bus, which is equipped with two of the F-CELL systems used in passenger cars.

The new Mercedes-Benz research vehicle has the fuel cell located in the front, while the compact electric motor is installed near the rear axle. The lithium-ion battery is located behind the rear seats and is protected as well as possible against the effects of accidents, as are the four hydrogen tanks. Two of the tanks are located in the transmission tunnel between the passengers, while the other two are underneath the rear seat.

F800 Style with further innovations for more comfort and safety

In addition to a multi-drive platform that is unparalleled for large sedans and the combination of different alternative drive technologies, the F800 Style features many other technological innovations, such as a new multi-function display concept and a human-machine interface (HMI) with a cam touchpad. The display shows many additional functions not typically found in conventional instrument clusters. The F800 Style's display concept focuses for the first time primarily on electric driving functions.


HMI with cam (camera) touchpad for intuitive and precise operation

The new cam touchpad HMI is an intelligent expansion of the COMAND system. For many years now, Mercedes-Benz has been forging ahead with the development of innovative operating and display systems. A particularly user-friendly innovation is being presented in the F800 Style. The HMI unit here consists of a touchpad on the center console and a camera that records video images of the user's hand as it works the pad. The live image of the hand is presented in transparent form in the central display above the console. The user sees the contours of his or her fingers glide across the image without covering anything, thus ensuring that all of the functions of the currently used menu remain visible so that they can be easily operated by applying slight pressure to the touchpad. Pressing the display with one's fingers generates a feeling similar to that of touching laptop keys so that users know when they are carrying out specific actions.

The cam touchpad HMI unit recognizes finger movements on the pad surface such as wiping, pushing, turning, and zooming, thus enabling intuitive regulation of the climate control system, telephone, stereo and navigation systems, and Internet access. The unit enhances active safety as well, because it is extremely easy and convenient to use and therefore does not distract the driver as much from the actual task of driving. And unlike conventional touchscreens, the HMI cam touchpad does not get smudged with fingerprints.

Conventional touchpad units generally depict hand or finger positions only by a small point in the display. Their lack of precision makes it very risky to enter information while driving, because doing so diverts the motorist's attention too much from the road. By contrast, the HMI with cam touchpad can be easily and safely operated even while driving. Test subjects have confirmed that the HMI with cam touchpad is extremely easy and safe to use, particularly as a result of the transparent depiction of the hand.

Range on Map: Graphic range depiction during electric operation

Another very user-friendly innovation created by the Mercedes engineers is the "Range on Map" function, which shows the remaining possible travel radius during electric vehicle operation as a 360° depiction on a map. Should municipalities only permit purely electric automobile traffic in the future, the driver can determine whether the electric range of his or her vehicle is sufficient for the journey into and out of the urban area by means of the Range on Map function. The system provides this function by combining information on the current battery charge level with data from the navigation system.

In the new operating and display concept, Mercedes-Benz has created a solution that provides an unparalleled amount of information in a system of exemplary clarity. The engineers have thus achieved the goal of successfully developing a comprehensive yet easy-to-operate information and control system for future automobiles equipped with electric or partially electric drive systems. A further-developed version of the system can also display recharging stations.


Mirror display is easy on the eyes

The mirror display of the innovative cam touchpad HMI eliminates the differences between close proximity visibility and visibility over longer distances, thus contributing to the driver's physiological safety in a manner typical of Mercedes. The system displays driving and vehicle information via a mirror in the instrument cluster so that they appear to be farther away. The distance the eye looks into is thus extended, which means less switching between near and far focus - and therefore less fatigue - for the eyes.

New DISTRONIC PLUS Traffic Jam Assistant further reduces the stress of driving

Back in 2006, Mercedes-Benz introduced DISTRONIC PLUS, the world's first proximity and speed control system that operates even when the car is standing still. The system substantially reduces the stress for drivers in dense traffic, as it regulates the distance from the vehicle in front even at very low speeds all the way down to a standstill. With its new DISTRONIC PLUS Traffic Jam Assistant feature in the F800 Style, Mercedes-Benz has also become the world's first automaker to implement a system that is also capable of automatically following the vehicle in front of it into curves. The system recognizes the difference between driving along curving roads and turning, which means it does not "blindly" follow the vehicle up in front - for example, when it changes lanes in order to exit the highway.

The result is that at speeds of up to about 25 mph, the Traffic Jam Assistant function takes care of both longitudinal and transverse movements so that drivers do not have to steer themselves. The driver can just sit back and relax - with hands on the steering wheel. When the 25 mph mark is exceeded, the steering torque that keeps the vehicle in its lane is gradually reduced to a point at which the Traffic Jam Assistant smoothly disengages. Drivers can, of course, override the system at any time. Sensitive sensors notice active steering movements, thus automatically deactivating the system's lateral control function.

"The DISTRONIC PLUS Traffic Jam Assistant is the logical continuation of the Mercedes-Benz assistance and safety philosophy. With it, we are setting another milestone on the path toward creating innovative systems, with which we will further enhance the high driving comfort that is a hallmark of Mercedes," says Prof. Bharat Balasubramanian, Head of Product Innovations & Process Technologies at Group Research and Advanced Engineering. The required data is generated by radar distance sensors that are supplemented by a stereo camera.


PRE-SAFE 360° improves safety in rear-end collisions

While the Traffic Jam Assistant heightens comfort and active safety, the innovative protective system known as PRE-SAFE 360° further improves passive safety. PRE-SAFE 360° is based on the proactive occupant protection system PRE SAFE® developed by Mercedes-Benz. Unlike the previous system, PRE-SAFE 360° also monitors the area behind the vehicle. As a result, the system engages the brakes around 600 milliseconds before an anticipated rear-end collision occurs. The key advantage of this system is that braking a stationary vehicle helps prevent secondary accidents such as those that occur when the car is pushed uncontrolled into an intersection or a pedestrian crossing. It goes without saying that PRE-SAFE 360° also allows the driver to take control at any time. For example, the brake is immediately released if the driver hits the gas pedal, should they recognize that there is sufficient space in front of their vehicle to avoid the rear impact.

Rear pivot-and-slide doors ensure maximum entry comfort

A particularly customer-friendly innovation of the F800 Style is its rear doors. Whereas the front doors are attached to the A-pillar in a conventional manner and open wide toward the front, the rear doors slide backward when opened, as they are suspended from an interior swivel arm. Because the doors slide back close to the vehicle body, occupants find it much easier to get into and out of the automobile in tight parking spaces.

The F800 Style also has no B-pillar, making the entire space between the A and C-pillars completely accessible when the doors are opened. Despite the lack of a B-pillar, the F800 Style boasts a bodyshell that is both extremely robust and lightweight, and that meets the stringent demands for crash safety that are a hallmark of the Mercedes brand.

Reinterpretation of the typical Mercedes-Benz design idiom

The F800 Style is both a technology platform and a showcar. This research vehicle was created through close cooperation between technical research and advanced engineering departments and the advanced design studios in Sindelfingen, Germany and Como, Italy. Its exterior appearance is marked by a long wheelbase, short body overhangs, and a sensually flowing roof line.

"The exciting coupe-like roof line, and in general the vehicle's balanced proportions, lend it a stylish sporty look that reinterprets the Mercedes-Benz design idiom and emphasizes the sculptural character of the F800 Style," says Mercedes-Benz Head of Design Prof. Gorden Wagener. "The result is a harmonious blend of innovative form and function, which conveys a sense of great styling and authority."


Front end with distinctive LED headlights

The vehicle's front end features a variation of the radiator grille with the centrally placed star that is typical of Mercedes sports cars. The curved radiator grille bars softly flow around the tube holding the Mercedes-Benz brand star. Along with the wide radiator grille and the generously curved air intake openings, the model's unique bright LED headlights emphasize the dynamic nature of the research vehicle. The headlights are divided into individual segments for daytime running lights, turn signal indicators, and primary headlights. The F800 Style's taillights are also equipped with state-of-the-art LED units that enable an exciting interplay of indirect illumination and direct beams. The result is an attractive, unmistakable, and memorable visual effect.

Wood and light create a cozy interior

Luxurious wood surfaces and lots of light ensure a high level of comfort in the interior of the F800 Style. Occupants will immediately notice the modern sense of lightness, and functional elements like the driver area and the door armrests seem to float in space like sculptures. The innovative lightweight-construction seats in the F800 Style consist of a magnesium shell and a carbon fiber laminate shell backed with a fine yet resistant netting. The seat shell also features genuine wood veneer. For the veneer process, Mercedes-Benz engineers used a 3D surface coating procedure designed especially for the veneering of three-dimensional surfaces. This same procedure was used to create the wood finish in the center console, on the doors, and in the driver area. These wood finishing pieces are molded as 3D laminated components and are augmented by an aluminum core, which ensures that the components meet the high crash safety standards that are a hallmark of Mercedes.

Successful transfer from research to series production

Mercedes-Benz has presented 13 research vehicles since the early 1980s. The range of innovative and pioneering automobiles that was unveiled - beginning with Auto 2000 in 1981 and leading up to today's F800 Style - offers proof of the consistency and foresight with which Mercedes-Benz engineers address the core issues of research and technology in order to develop innovative solutions for the future. Many systems that were first used in research vehicles and viewed as revolutionary at the time are now found in Mercedes-Benz production cars, including the DISTRONIC proximity-controlled cruise control, which was first installed in the F 100 in 1991 and made its series production debut in the S-Class in 1998.

The F800 Style is continuing this approach. Like its predecessors, the model features important drive, comfort, and safety system innovations, as well as an avant-garde design, all of which point the way forward for future series- production Mercedes-Benz vehicles that will continue to impressively combine fascination and responsibility.
Source: Mercedes-Benz;Photos autoblog

2010 Volkswagens Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition

Three All-New Special Edition Volkswagens Now Available in Dealer Showrooms

The 2010 CC R-Line, 2010 Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition, And 2010 New Beetle Red Rock Edition add performance and individuality

HERNDON, Va., Feb. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced that three all-new 2010 special edition models are now available in dealer showrooms. The CC R-Line, Jetta TDI® Cup Street Edition, and New Beetle Red Rock Edition all build on the already great features of their standard versions, with unique elements and design cues exclusive to these special models.

"Volkswagen constantly looks for ways of providing our customers special limited edition models that provide the opportunity of owning something unique," said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "The CC R-Line, Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition, and Red Rock Edition New Beetle demonstrate our brands ability to provide our customers something truly special."


The 2010 CC R-Line

Volkswagen's CC is one of the most stylish and sporty coupe sedans currently available in the market today. For drivers who want a more aggressive look to match, the new CC R-Line comes outfitted with a number of visual enhancements for a decidedly sporty look. A body kit with side skirts and a new front bumper, including an integrated chin spoiler, give a more aggressive appearance. Special 18-inch "Mallory" wheels, R-Line badges on the front fenders, and smoked taillamps complete the exterior upgrades. Brushed aluminum door sills are added to the interior. The CC R-Line is powered by the highly acclaimed, performance-bred 2.0T engine, mated to either a six-speed manual transmission, or a six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG®) equipped with paddle shifters.


The 2010 Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition

Born from the popularity of Volkswagen's groundbreaking Jetta TDI Cup race series – now entering its 3rd season – and enthusiast demand for a race-inspired version of the popular Jetta TDI, comes the 2010 Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition. Various modifications inside and out ensure the Street Edition is instantly connected to the TDI Cup cars racing on tracks throughout North America. The Street Edition offers the same full body kit found on the TDI Cup race cars with an aerodynamic front bumper, side skirts, and rear valance. Also included are 18-inch "Charleston" wheels with high-performance tires, larger GLI brakes with red painted calipers, and the European-tuned sport suspension from the GLI. Sport seats with Interlagos cloth, a leather-wrapped, multi-function steering wheel, and brushed aluminum door sills mark the interior. Volkswagen's proven 2.0L TDI Clean Diesel engine makes 140 horsepower and 236 lbs.-ft. of torque, sent through either a six-speed manual, or a six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG®) transmission.


The 2010 New Beetle Red Rock Edition

The charm and passion of Volkswagen's iconic New Beetle, which was unveiled at the 1998 North American International Auto Show, continues with the 2010 New Beetle Red Rock Edition. Only 750 of the custom coupes will be available, each with a unique, two-toned exterior comprised of Red Rock metallic paint and a painted black roof. An all black interior complements the overall color scheme, while select 17-inch wheels and a full sport suspension improve driving excitement out on the open road.

The 2010 CC R-Line (starting at $29,590), the 2010 Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition (starting at $24,990), and the 2010 New Beetle Red Rock Edition ($20,390) are all available now.

To learn more about these and other Volkswagen models, please visit www.vw.com.


About Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Golf, GTI, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Eos, Passat, Passat Wagon, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2010 Volkswagens come standard-equipped with Electronic Stabilization Program. This is important because the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called ESC the most effective new vehicle safety technology since the safety belt. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or www.media.vw.com to learn more.

SOURCE Volkswagen of America, Inc.
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