Morgan Aero Coupe, 2012

 

 

•  Morgan Aero Coupe, 2012

The Morgan Aero Coupe is an advanced supercar designed for practical long distance touring. The strong and rigid vehicle is inspired by the GT3 Aero that has enjoyed a number of racing victories. The enclosed cockpit of the Coupe body style takes the Aero experience onto the next level in terms of comfort with a large and secure boot in the rear for luggage.

Constructed entirely from aluminium which is a third of the weight of steel, the Morgan Aero Coupe combines performance with environmental responsibility and a high level of safety. The fixed roof and enclosed cabin give a sense of security and silence which is only interrupted by the intoxicating purr of the BMW V8. A stiff aluminium chassis cradles the 4.8 litre BMW V8 engine and the 6 speed manual or automatic transmission. The individual alloy parts are formed from tooling and hand assembled by skilled craftsmen at the foot of the Malvern hills. The pioneering Aero platform continues to demonstrate British engineering at its very best and over 1000 examples of this technology are in regular use by drivers around the world.

A Morgan Aero Coupe is a car that is designed to be durable with proven chemical coating and treatments of the rigid bonded chassis and body. Following research by the company on the road, the race track and in automotive laboratories the design of this versatile platform has been consistently improved and re-engineered. Now the Morgan Motor Company is a class leader in this chassis and car body technology.

The cockpit of the Morgan Aero Coupe is a delightful place to be. The sensation of speed is exaggerated by the enticing view down the elegant bonnet. The view to the rear makes the car easy to manoeuvre and to park. Every detail is special to Morgan and is a pleasure to behold. Ash hardwood surrounding the cockpit and doors can be hand polished in a colour of your choosing. The controls are luxurious to touch. The leather work is stitched with twin needles and combined with suede effect panels for contrast and a dynamic sporty feel. Pressure point reclining seats support the occupants strongly and great care has been taken to ensure that the driver has a masterful position from which to control the car. Reliability is ensured with the BMW V8 and a six speed automatic transmission. This can be operated in two modes, 'Sport' and 'Auto'. In 'Sport' mode the engine holds its gear to 6500 rpm and 'blips' the throttle before making a down shift. The power to weight ratio is around 320 bhp per tonne and a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) of 4.5 seconds combined with a top speed of 170 mph (273 km/h) is effortlessly achievable. The Morgan Aero Coupe comes with a full specification as standard. A powerful standard sound system creates audio definition as crisp as the lines of the exterior. However the Morgan Aero Coupe can also be customized to a person's individual taste and the choices are virtually inexhaustible.

Technical Specification
    Manual Transmission
        Engine: 4799 cc v8
        Max power: 270 kW (367 bhp) or 291 kW (390 bhp) with sports exhaust
        Max torque: 490 Nm (370 lb/ft)
        Power to Weight: 311 bhp/tonne or 330 bhp/tonne with sports exhaust
        Performance: 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.5 seconds
        Top speed: 170 mph (273 km/h)
        Fuel tank: 55 litres
        Fuel consumption
            Urban: 16 mpg (18.2 l / 100km)
            Extra urban: 32 mpg (8.7 l / 100km)
            Combined: 23 mpg (12.1 l / 100km)
        CO2: 282 g/km
        Chassis: Aluminium bonded and riveted

        Dimensions
            Length: 4147 mm
            Width: 1751 mm
            Height: 1248 mm
            Dry weight: 1175 kg

    Automatic Transmission
        Engine: 4799 cc v8
        Max power: 270 kW (368 bhp) 291 kW (390 bhp) with sports exhaust
        Max torque: 490 Nm (370 lb/ft)
        Power to weight: 312 bhp / tonne
        Performance: 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.2 seconds
        Top speed 170 mph (273 kph)
        Fuel tank: 55 litres
        Fuel consumption
            Urban: 17 mpg (16.4 l / 100km)
            Extra urban: 36 mpg (7.9 l / 100km)
            Combined: 26 mpg (11.0 l / 100km)
        CO2: 256 g/km
        Chassis: Aluminium bonded and riveted

        Dimensions
            Length: 4147 mm
            Width: 1751 mm
            Height: 1248 mm
            Dry weight: 1180 kg

Nissan e-NV200 Concept, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

• Nissan e-NV200 Concept, 2012

The innovative Nissan e-NV200 Concept, which made it world debut at the 2012 North American Auto Show in Detroit, serves as more evidence of Nissan's leadership position in the zero-emission automotive industry. Based on the popular Nissan NV200 multi-usage vehicle, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept previews a near-future production version of a full electric vehicle designed to provide businesses or families with flexible, roomy interior space, while achieving a dramatic CO2 footprint reduction.

NV200 Functionality, Nissan EV Identity
The Nissan e-NV200 Concept exterior starts with a foundation of a production Nissan NV200, then adds strong visual cues from the breakthrough Nissan LEAF EV. The versatile and highly acclaimed NV200 light commercial vehicle won the 2010 International Van of the Year award for Nissan, as well as the 2011 Universal Design Award from Universal Design GMbH, an organization dedicated to promoting the convergence of design and the emerging importance of customer needs. On top of those, it received the CDV of the 2010 Year award in China, while also establishing its presence in Japan as segment leader with a wide-ranging lineup that includes a taxi version.

The Nissan e-NV200 Concept's EV-style identity starts with its front "face." The wide hood is accented by a large central charging port door, the blue-accented Nissan badge, and sweeping headlights with LED illuminated accents. The exterior is highlighted by the interaction of the strong main character lines and its broad body surfaces. Large front windows and long rear greenhouse combine with a pair of large glass roof panels to create an airy, open interior environment. The exterior is painted in a customized color, following the concept of the Nissan LEAF's Aqua Blue, which expresses a sense of environmental friendliness.

Inside, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept interior depicts a clean, modern Nissan EV identity through use of the EV meters, blue colored accents and bright interior color palette, while also retaining the NV200's strong functional feeling. The Nissan e-NV200 Concept interior also features advanced telematics and a flat C-cluster display that resembles and responds to user input like a tablet computer.

Zero Emission Drivetrain
The Nissan e-NV200 Concept shares its major drivetrain components with the innovative Nissan LEAF.
Silent, zero emission power is supplied is by a lithium-ion battery composed of 48 compact modules and a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 207 lb-ft (280 N-m/rpm) of torque. Unlike a conventional internal combustion engine, the motor delivers 100% of its torque from start with immediate response bringing excellent acceleration and smooth, comfortable driving feel.

And, like the Nissan LEAF, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept offers a highly responsive, fun-to-drive experience that is in keeping with what consumers have come to expect from traditional, gasoline-powered vehicles. In line with the Nissan LEAF, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept offers excellent projected fuel economy - a critical factor for commercial vehicle operators.

Real World Testing Underway
In addition to the global debut of the Nissan e-NV200 Concept, evaluations of prototype NV200-based electric vehicles are currently being conducted to provide real-world feedback from delivery and other companies in various global markets. The initial trial was conducted in summer 2011 by the Japan Post Service, which used a single prototype for delivery and collection duties in Yokohama, Japan. Additional testing began in London last month in conjunction with FedEx. Feedback will help Nissan tailor future battery-powered light commercial vehicles to better fulfilll exact customer requirements.

Nissan's New York "Taxi of Tomorrow"
As a true global product, the Nissan NV200 is produced in Japan, Europe and China, and is currently available in 40 countries. Future launches are planned for North America and India. Undoubtedly its most visible role to date begin in late 2013 when the Nissan NV200 becomes the foundation for New York City's new designated yellow cab, serving an estimated 600,000 passengers a day.

Selected over other global manufacturers for its combination of compact exterior and maximum interior space in a multi-year "Taxi of Tomorrow" competition, the all-new Nissan NV200 Taxi design reflects the input of hundreds of taxi owners and drivers, and thousands of passengers who shared their ideas and priorities with Nissan designers and engineers.

Interior features planned for the Nissan NV200 Taxi include a spacious cargo area to accommodate luggage for four passengers, sliding doors with entry step and grab handles for easy entry and exit, passenger-controlled rear-seat heat/air conditioning with a Grape Polyphenol filter to improve cabin air quality, enhanced interior materials intended to help passenger cabin smell fresher, and breathable, anti-microbial, easy-to-clean and environmentally friendly seat upholstery.