Infiniti Q30 Concept, 2013

 

 

 

•  Infiniti Q30 Concept, 2013

Bodystyle Mix: Best of Coupe, Crossover and Hatch
The Infiniti Q30 Concept deliberately challenges categorisation - not a coupe, not a hatch and not a crossover - to appeal to younger customers who are less likely to follow tradition and actually desire to disrupt convention to create their own unique experiences.

The design concept reflects that, by the end of this decade, Gen X and Gen Y will represent 80 per cent of buyers in the premium segment, bringing new, more contemporary expectations for premiumness.

Its uplifted shape resonates with younger premium customers, who tend to be more urban, by providing a higher visual perspective in heavy traffic and in parking maneuvers.

Infiniti Q30 Concept's sensual design connects spontaneously to forge a strong emotional bond with a new wave of consumers less likely to conform to traditional fashion dictats and not willing to be defined by their vehicle's body type.

Sculptural, stretched, dynamic
From the sculpted fluidity of its contours and dynamic, stretched silhouette to the artistry, ambition and authenticity of its interior, Q30 Concept represents a coherent design vision.

The Infiniti Q30 Concept design language creates a unique place for Infiniti, reflecting the brand's intent to deliver outstanding product substance in terms of design, materials, fit and finish, craftsmanship and performance.

Bold sections and intersecting lines of its body side play with light and shadow. Its muscular body surfaces evoke lithe and graceful cats, such as the cheetah's movements of floating grace.

Infiniti designers, led by Executive Design Director Alfonso Albaisa, took a disciplined artistic approach to sculpt the vehicle as would metal craftsmen in a classical Italian carrozzerie. Yet the designers were inspired by the use of lightweight composites and carbon fibre to create an air of lightness and effortless performance.

Evolving Infiniti Design Language
Just as younger premium customers want freedom to disrupt convention, Infiniti designers are stretching out to challenge - even to provoke - the design conventions of the premium car segment with new, more contemporary ideas.

Infiniti Q30 Concept represents the latest evolution of the Infiniti design philosophy introduced with the Infiniti Q50. Yet Infiniti designers had the freedom to explore bolder, even more sensual sculpting, enhanced muscularity and playfulness, reflecting Infiniti's approach as the seductive alternative to traditional premium automobile brands.

Infiniti Q30 Concept also incorporates dramatic design cues from visionary Infiniti concept vehicles - Essence, Etherea and Emerg-e - in a realistic vision of what a future production compact premium car in the Infiniti lineup could be.

Building on Infiniti's reputation for precision, the Q30 Concept envisions a finely crafted body shape reflecting engineering quality in terms of body shut lines, consistently tight panel gaps and torsional rigidity.

Infiniti Performance Imagery
The enhanced muscularity and athleticism of the Infiniti Q30 Concept - with its sleek profile and wheels-at-the-corners stance - offers the visual promise of engaging performance and dynamics.

Infiniti's forthcoming compact premium entry will be the first Infiniti model Sebastian Vettel, Infiniti's Director of Performance, will influence from its inception.

The three-time Formula One world champion from Infiniti Red Bull Racing has engaged with Infiniti's technical teams around the world as part of Infiniti's commitment to infuse its brand with a performance pedigree.

Bespoke Interior Introduces Dissymmetry
The bespoke feel of the interior design envisions Infiniti's ambition of interior design and quality leading the premium segment.

Q30 Concept signals Infiniti's intent to achieve that goal by charting its own design path as a premium brand exemplified by its interior design, with its warm, inviting and emotionally engaging experience for the vehicle occupants, eschewing the more clinical approach found in other premium brands.

Designers achieved this through pursuing greater artistic freedom to create highly sculptural shapes, featuring a unique execution of Infiniti's "dual wave" effect and pursuing the notion of dissymmetry.

Dissymmetry, an unconventional approach, orients design features - from air vents and armrests to the instrument clusters - for more sculpted visual appeal. The technique creates an interior design for Q30 Concept markedly in contrast to any found in premium car products from traditional market leaders.

Insight about younger and younger-minded premium customers inspired the Infiniti Q30 Concept design team.

Freeing themselves for premium car traditions, the Q30 Concept design team discovered that applying dissymmetry to the interior design created far more harmony and emotional warmth.

The overall effect is enhanced by the harmonious contrast of materials in the cabin. The initial impression is a black-and-white theme, but closer examination reveals a richer feel characterised by creme leathers and a slight bronze effect adding warmth to blacks, creating sumptuous warmth.

As younger premium customers have embraced furniture design, fashion and clothing, Q30 Concept's interior conveys an understated expression of personality for its target customer. The careful choices of colors, materials, contrasts and accents express thoughtful coordination.

Authentic Materials
Reflecting Infiniti's philosophy that premium character begins with genuine materials, the Infiniti Q30 Concept makes creative use of ceramic, leather and metallurgical artistry in the vehicle interior:

• Sculpted ceramic, integrated in the upper front seatbacks, is used to house speakers for the audio system not only due to its design appeal but its special audiophile properties.
• Metalwork throughout the interior features genuine metal crafted with a high degree of finishing art. Metal surfaces, in the centre console, door panels, seats, vent bezels and controls, feature contrasting matte and gloss finishes.
• Leather features bespoke-tailoring with the selective use of Infiniti-signature violet stitching, particularly the instrument panel and seats.
• The Q30 Concept exterior incorporates genuine carbon fibre - inspired by the Infiniti Red Bull Racing RB9 Formula One Car - in the grille and the lower sill on the body sides. Subtle use of Infiniti violet highlighting on selected surfaces of these carbon fibre elements adds another Infiniti design cue, communicates lightweight performance character and contributes an edgy attitude.

The inner spokes of Infiniti Q30 Concept's 20-inch wheels also feature violet accents graduated in intensity from inner to outer. This graduated approach can be found elsewhere in the vehicle, particularly the precise melding of contrasting materials in the seats.

Design for the Future
Infiniti Q30 Concept is the design precursor for Infiniti's future compact premium entry. Infiniti has previously announced plans to produce a compact model in Sunderland, United Kingdom, starting in 2015.

As envisioned by the Q30 Concept, Infiniti has a clear strategy to grow in key global markets, particularly China and Europe, and expand its offering in established markets such as the United States.

The Infiniti Q30 Concept's design appeal and compact footprint represent Infiniti's philosophy of how to extend its brand to a more urban customer base, such as that found in many Asian markets, as well as Europe.

Infiniti expects compact premium products to become a significant facet of its offering in the years ahead. Infiniti's portfolio is expected to broaden, from covering about 60 per cent of the premium sector today to beyond 85 per cent in the future.

Icona Vulcano, 2013

 

 

•  Icona Vulcano, 2013

The Icona Vulcano embodies the best in Italian design and engineering. Reaching up to 950 horsepower through an ingenious combination of combustion engine and electric motors, all encased in a beautiful design featuring voluptuous and harmonious shapes, this is the car which brings together the Beauty and the Beast. The Icona Vulcano was designed by Icona Director of Design, Samuel Chuffart.

The idea for the Vulcano first emerged in 2012, when Icona was invited to exhibit its acclaimed electric concept car the Fuselage at the 27th Festival Automobile International in Paris as a finalist in the World's Most Beautiful Concept Car competition. A new goal was set: if Icona could win hearts with the Fuselage, a four seater sedan, how many more people could they win over with a glamorous two seater super sport? The idea for the Icona Vulcano was born.

The Icona Vulcano is a front engine V12 two-door two-seater car; the top speed around 350 km/h, and 0-200 km/h will be well under ten seconds. The powertrain of the Icona Vulcano is the work of well-known Claudio Lombardi, former powertrain technical director of Ferrari and mastermind of numerous world champion cars. Claudio Lombardi has engineered two available configurations for the Icona Vulcano. The first is an impressive rear wheel drive V12 associated to an advanced technology gearbox that includes a hybrid system: its electric motor synchronises the single clutch for fast gear change and balances the torque for smooth and optimal acceleration while its additional power increases the total power of the car to 950 HP.

Based on further development of this advanced technology, the Icona Vulcano will also be available in a four wheel drive alternative: this time a twin turbo V6 engine coupled with two electric motors for front traction will deliver a total power of 870 HP, and in an overall set up made to be a record beating Nürburgring champion. This masterful combination was successfully tested only a few months ago at San Marino with the Lancia 037 (Ex World Champion Rally) transformed by Beppe Volta into a 4WD hybrid. Made by ACTUA together with Italtecnica, the Lancia 037 4WD-H beat its previous record in every way.

The wheels of the Icona Vulcano are forged aluminium, 20 x 10" in the front and 21 x 12.5" in the rear. These wheels started life as T6-6061 aerospace grade forged aluminum. To handle this power, Icona has selected Pirelli P Zero ultra high performance tyres. With a 355mm section in the rear and 285mm section in the front, these tyres have been developed using a new high-grip compound with nano-composites and an innovative racing tread. The Icona Vulcano braking system has been supplied by Brembo. The GT-R brakes are the finest high-performance aftermarket braking system ever engineered for production. Lighter and stiffer with excellent heat rejection, the 6 piston calipers are machined entirely from billet. Lightweight carbon ceramic discs of 380mm all round reduce inertia while dissipating heat exceptionally fast.

Founded in early 2010, Icona is unique among European design studios. For easy and convenient communication with its Chinese clients, the entire Icona team - and not just its commercial office - is based permanently in the heart of Shanghai's Lujiazui district. With a growing design team from eight different nationalities, Icona provides design services to the most respected automakers in China. Through its integrated partnership with sector leaders Tecnocad Progetti and Cecomp located in Torino (Italy), Icona brings together the best of European design, engineering, modeling and prototyping experience.

Talented young French designer Samuel Chuffart brings exceptional international experience to his role as design director of Icona. During his eight year tenure at Nissan Design in Europe and the US, Mr. Chuffart played an instrumental role in the creation and realization of the Nissan DNA which is known today. Mr. Chuffart then moved to Jaguar-Land Rover, before being selected for the position of Chief Designer at a leading design house in Italy in 2008, successfully developing numerous production cars soon to be seen on the road.

Claudio Lombardi is one of the most successful Italian motor engineers: racing director of Lancia who won seven World Rally Championships with 037 Rally and Delta S4 from 1982 to 1991, power train technical director of Ferrari for Formula One and GT cars from 1991 to 2000, and project leader of Aprilia to win the Superbike World Championship in 2010 with Max Biaggi, using one of the most powerful and light engines ever developed in its category.

The Icona Vulcano is coach built by Cecomp, founding partner of Icona Shanghai and one of the global leaders in modeling and prototyping in the automotive industry. For over thirty years, Cecomp has been giving shape to ideas developed by designers, style centres and research and development institutes for vehicle manufacturers worldwide. Today, Cecomp is involved in all stages of the vehicle life cycle: style development, building prototypes, pre-industrialization and industrialization, from the latest BMW Z4 Coupe Zagato and the Ferrari 575M Super America to the production of the Bollore Electric car.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
    Dimensions
        Length: 4450mm
        Width: 1940mm
        Wheelbase: 2698mm
        Mass: 1595kg (V12-RWD), 1635kg (V6-AWD)

    Tires
        Front: 285/30 20
        Rear: 355/25 21

    Braking System
        Front: 380mm CCM-Rdisk, GT-R Calipers
        Rear: 380mm CCM-Rdisk, GT-R Calipers

    H-TURISMO V12
        Total power: 950 HP
        0-100 km/h: under 2.0s
        0-400m: 9.7s
        Top speed: 350 km/h (est)

        INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
            Type: 12 cylinder-V 65°
            Displacement: 5998 cm3
            Material: Full alloy
            Lubrification: Dry Sump
            Valvetrain: 48 valve, DOHC
            Fuel system: Port Injection
            Power: 790 HP @ 8300 rpm
            Torque: 650 Nm @ 5500 rpm

        ELECTRIC MOTOR
            Type: Brushless
            Nominal Voltage: 450 Vdc
            Maximum Torque: 200 Nm @ 0-3000 rpm
            Maximum Power: 160 HP @ 3000-10000 rpm
            Max rpm: 18000

        TRASMISSION
            Type: AMT with torque infill
            Configuration: 6-Speed

    H-COMPETIZIONE
        Total power: 870 HP
        0-100 km/h: 2.9s
        0-400m: 9.2s
        Top speed: 350 km/h (est)

        INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
            Type: 6 cylinder-V 60°, Twin Turbo
            Displacement: 3800 cm3
            Material: Full Alloy
            Lubrification: Dry Sump
            Valvetrain: 24 valve, DOHC, VVT
            Fuel system: Port injection
            Power: 550 HP @ 6400 rpm
            Torque: 630 Nm @ 3200-5800 rpm

        Front and Rear Electric motors
            Type: Brushless
            Nominal Voltage: 450 Vdc
            Maximum Torque: 200 Nm @ 0-3000 rpm
            Maximum Power: 160 HP @ 3000-10000 rpm
            Max rpm: 18000

        Rear Transmission
            Type: AMT with torque infill
            Configuration: 6-Speed

        Front Transmission
            Type: Single stage cylindrical gear/bevel set
            Differential: Self locking differential
            Ratio: Fixed Ratio 9.57

Hyundai HB20S, 2013

 

 

•  Hyundai HB20S, 2013

The Hyundai Motor Brasil, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company, unveiled its latest localized model, the HB20S, at th Iguazu National Park, Brazil. 

The HB20S completes Hyundai's Brazil-exclusive HB20 line-up along with the award-winning HB20 hatchback, which won the '2013 Brazilian Car of the Year,' and its crossover version, HB20X. 

The three HB family of cars are expected to further boost Hyundai's presence in one of the world's fastest growing markets.

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse WRC, 2013

 

 

 

•  Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse WRC, 2013

Bugatti is presenting the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse fresh from its record-breaking 408.84 km/h drive. Its appearance at China's biggest motor show will be the first time that enthusiasts from all over the world get the chance to see the world record holder for the fastest production roadster. China is one of the most important markets in the French luxury marque's future strategy. The new world record has inspired Bugatti to design a World Record Car (WRC) edition, the production of which will be limited to just eight vehicles.

The time has come to unveil the fastest production roadster the world has ever seen: just a few days after setting a world speed record, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse is celebrating its world debut at China's biggest automotive show, Auto Shanghai 2013. After reaching a top speed of 408.84 km/h, which was gauged and confirmed by the renowned independent German organisation for Technical Inspection and Certification TÜV, the car has officially been crowned the world's fastest open-top production sports car. The 1,200 PS Vitesse was unveiled in Shanghai by the President of Bugatti, Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, and Chinese entrepreneur and world record setting driver, Anthony Liu.

The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse has been on the market since spring 2012. None of the technology in the vehicle was modified for its record-breaking trip. Its power comes from an 8-litre W16 engine, which hits the streets with 1,200 PS and a torque of 1,500 Mm at 3,000 to 5,000 rpm. Its high performance handling can be attributed to a racing chassis which, together with extremely fast-acting shock absorbers and reinforced anti-roll bars, guarantees exact control of both the four-wheel-drive system and the entire vehicle. Other factors that help to push the car to the upper limits of performance include a standard carbon monocoque with high torsional rigidity and an outer shell made entirely of carbon fibre.

Keeping wind noise and air turbulence to a minimum in the vehicle's interior is a particular concern with open-top vehicles. The Vitesse is equipped with a specially developed roof spoiler along with an intricately designed windbreak to guarantee calm open-top driving. These features were key in helping the car reach the record-breaking speed of 408.84 km/h.

World record-breaking Vitesse with dynamic styling
For its record-breaking drive, the Vitesse has been made over with a powerful dual-colour scheme in black and a bright Arancia orange, perfectly blending its inner qualities into its exterior appearance.

The entire vehicle exterior, including its air ducts and the fuel and oil cap, are made out of black visible carbon. The Arancia orange paintwork, which glides from the bumper, across the wing to the behind the door, ensures that the car turns heads wherever it goes. Fine details, such as the Arancia paintwork on the bottom of the rear wing and the inside of the striking double diffuser, accentuate the car's eye-catching design. The strong colour scheme is also mirrored in the orange EB logo on the fuel and oil cap and the Vitesse lettering on the engine cover, while the classic Bugatti horseshoe radiator grill is framed in Arancia for this special edition design. The car's distinctive look is rounded off by striking wheel rims also in eye-catching orange, a feature that is only available in the Vitesse World Record edition. A black version of the famous Bugatti emblem, known in French as the Macaron, on the front of the car and a stylish black carbon EB logo framed in aluminium add another touch of elegance to the design.

Interior
The black and orange motif continues into the vehicle's interior where the black inner parts of the leather seats are highlighted with orange leather on their sides. An orange quilting stitch on the black areas of the seats and orange seatbelts add another splash of colour. The colour scheme continues in the contrast and quilting stitch on the centre tunnel, on the selector lever, and in the trim of the door pockets and door handle recesses. The striking Arancia orange also highlights the Vitesse lettering on the headrests and knee bolsters.

An orange stitching trim adds a dash of detail to the black leather steering wheel, which features a ring of visible carbon at the 12 o'clock position. The concept of bringing the vehicle's carbon exterior into its interior design is also visible in the door inserts, the extension of the centre console, the edging of the iPad console and the belt outlet trims on the seats. The EB logo in the leather back panel is also made of visible carbon.

Production of the World Record Car (WRC) Edition of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse is limited to just eight vehicles. The price per vehicle is €1.99 million (plus tax).

Brabus 800 Roadster, 2013

 

 

 

 

• Brabus 800 Roadster, 2013

The Brabus 800 Roadster - based on the Mercedes SL65 AMG - Brabus builds the world's most powerful roadster. The two-seater is powered by a 12-cylinder Biturbo engine uprated by Brabus T65 RS tuning. It produces 588 kW / 800 hp (788 bhp) of power and a peak torque of 1,420 Nm. A sprint time of 3.7 seconds from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) and of 9.8 seconds to 200 km/h (124 mph) are impressive testaments to the car's special status that is further bolstered by an electronically limited top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph). The exclusive equipment features also include Brabus carbon-fiber bodywork components designed for maximum aerodynamic efficiency, custom-tailored Brabus wheels with diameters up to 20 inches and exclusive options for the cockpit.

The Brabus T65 RS tuning unleashes the latent power reserves of the six-liter V12 engine. To this end, the Brabus engine professionals have developed a Brabus high-tech Biturbo system with custom high-performance manifolds that feature integrated turbine housings and high-performance turbochargers. The tuning also includes four water-to-air intercoolers, housed in space provided by the Brabus carbon-fiber hood scoop. Another custom development for the SL65 power upgrade is the special Brabus stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system. It features free-flow metal catalysts and ceramic-coated tailpipes with distinctive Brabus design. An integrated butterfly valve in the exhaust provides an active sound management on the steering wheel: at the push of a button the driver can chose between a discrete "coming home" and a markedly sporty exhaust note.

The newly calibrated engine electronics complete with high-performance mapping for injection and ignition coordinate the perfect interaction of the high-end components while also ensuring compliance with Euro V emission standards. The high-tech lubricants for the entire powertrain are supplied by technology partner Motul.

The Brabus T65 RS engine produces 588 kW / 800 hp (788 bhp) of power at 5,500 rpm and an even more impressive peak torque of 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft), available from a low 2,100 rpm. In the car, peak torque is limited electronically to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).

In conjunction with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission, whose gears can be shifted automatically or manually with the Brabus aluminum shift paddles on the steering wheel, the Brabus 800 Roadster rises to the become the most powerful of its kind. From rest the sports car weighing in at about two metric tons (2.2 tons) sprints to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.7 seconds. The two-door car reaches a speed of 200 km/h (124 mph) after just 9.8 seconds. Top speed is limited electronically to 350 km/h (217 mph).

The Brabus front spoiler attaches to the lower section of the bumper. It lends the roadster a more sporty appearance and reduces lift on the front axle. Brabus covers for the side air vents round out the striking front for the SL65 AMG.

The sides are refined with custom-tailored attachments for the air vents integrated into the front fenders and with rocker panels.

To achieve an optimal aerodynamic balance, the rear section is upgraded with a diffuser insert for the fascia.

As an alternative to the 19-inch stock tires of the SL 65, the Brabus suspension engineers have developed an exclusive 20-inch high-tech variant. The new Brabus Monoblock R "Platinum Edition" forged wheel offers the perfect symbiosis of lightweight construction and maximum strength thanks to state-of-the-art manufacturing technology. In addition to the innovative construction, this wheel design also offers unique looks with ten double spokes arranged in two matt titanium and fully polished planes. The front axle is fitted with wheels in size 9Jx20 shod with size 255/30 ZR 20 tires. In the rear, tires in size 305/25 ZR 20 mounted on size 10.5Jx20 wheels transfer the Brabus 800 Roadster's power of 800 horses to the asphalt. Brabus recommends high-performance tires from Continental, Pirelli and YOKOHAMA.

To give the two-seater even more agile handling, Brabus developed a special control module for the ABC suspension of the SL65 AMG. It lowers the ride height by about 25 millimeters (1.0 inches).

The Brabus limited-slip rear differential with a locking rate of 40 percent can enhance handling performance further still.

Brabus adds even more luxury and custom features to the two-seat interior upon request as well. The product portfolio ranges from scuff plates with backlit Brabus logo and a speedometer with 360-km/h dial (220 mph) to carbon-fiber and wood trim sets in any color imaginable and with a variety of surface finishes.

The company upholstery shop crafts exquisite Brabus interiors from especially soft yet durable Brabus Mastik leather and Alcantara. A prime example for the precision craftsmanship is the leather-clad trunk of the show car at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show that features meticulous and precise honeycomb stitching throughout.

Aston Martin Vantage SP10, 2013

 

•  Aston Martin Vantage SP10, 2013

The Aston Martin is launching a very special edition V8 Vantage S in Continental Europe that takes its inspiration from the brand's numerous successes on the race track.

Inspired by its successful motorsport activities in the GT4 racing series - particularly in the VLN endurance championship at the Nürburgring - the new car is a road model that has been engineered in the style of the luxury sports car maker's GT4 racers.

With 436 PS and a top speed of 305 km/h, Aston Martin has named the new special edition model Vantage SP10. The inspiration behind it is its namesake class SP10 in the VLN series, in which GT4 racing cars compete at the Nürburgring.

Impressive performance and, for the first time, manual six-speed transmission
Technically, the Vantage SP10 is almost identical to the V8 Vantage S but with the addition, for the first time, of a six-speed manual transmission.

Since its market launch in 2011, the V8 Vantage S has developed into a popular model for Aston Martin customers, a model that places an even greater emphasis on sportiness. With its 4.7-litre V8 engine, which produces 436 PS and 490 Nm on the road, the V8 Vantage S manages 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 305 km/h. This sportiness is enhanced by its striking appearance, which took inspiration from the V12 Vantage, and the sensational sound from the engine, which comes thanks to the sports exhaust with active bypass valves which was specifically developed for this model.

The Aston Martin Vantage SP10 is the first V8 Vantage S to feature a six-speed manual transmission. This manual gearbox is offered as standard and, as with the V8 Vantage, will impress those who enjoy pure sports car driving.

Customers can choose the optional Sportshift™ II automated manual seven-speed transmission that was developed for the introduction of the V8 Vantage S. This transmission allows for gear changes that are around 20% quicker than the previous transmission, which worked with six gears. This additional gear brings about shorter transmission ratios and optimum gear shifting. And the result: faster acceleration and a more sporty driving experience.

With the V8 Vantage S, Aston Martin has further closed the gap between road cars and racing cars. Like its role model, the Vantage GT4 racing car, it has an extremely rigid aluminium chassis - the ideal platform for a racing car but also the perfect basis for a sporty road car.

Impressive performance, dynamic driving characteristics and superb handling transform the V8 Vantage S, and thus the Vantage SP10, into a sports car that delivers a true 'fun factor' for enthusiast drivers of all kinds.

Design inspired by motorsport
The Aston Martin Vantage SP10 has a purposeful appearance that showcases its agility and performance and transfers the visual dynamics from motorsport to the road.

Both the Coupé and the Roadster are available in Ceramic Grey Metallic. The convertible top of the Roadster is Titan Grey. Its 19-inch cast alloy rims with V-shaped spokes in a diamond turn finish and painted in high-gloss black, and the black brake callipers, emphasise the muscular look of the car. The special paint on the rims is offered exclusively for the special Vantage SP10 model.

Other visual and functional details from the world of motorsport include the front splitter and the carbon rear diffuser - both come as part of the Vantage SP10 standard equipment, along with the clear rear lamps.

Black is the dominant colour in the vehicle interior. Entirely in line with its motorsport pedigree, the Coupé features characteristic Vantage S seat and backrest covers and a sports steering wheel in Black Alcantara.

The silver stitching offers a strong contrast. And the interior is rounded off by a roof liner in Black Alcantara. In contrast to the Coupé, the Roadster features black leather seat and backrest covers and a black leather steering wheel, also with silver stitching.

Both versions are equipped with a centre console in Piano Black. The instrument panel is trimmed entirely with leather and embellished with silver stitching.

Extensive combinations of features for more luxury and practicality
Like the V8 Vantage S, the Vantage SP10 is more than just a distinctive sports model. Thanks to its features, it will prove itself to be outstanding in everyday use.

Electrically operated seats, satellite navigation, cruise control and Bluetooth telephone preparation are just a few examples of the luxurious list of standard equipment that makes the Vantage SP10 a pleasant companion for everyday life. And with the 750W Premium Audio Sound System which is even part of the standard equipment in the Vantage SP10, music lovers can also make the most of this car.

The high-fidelity sound can be enhanced further by choosing the 1000W Bang & Olufsen BeoSound Audio System as an optional extra. This and other additional equipment features, such as a reversing camera, sports suspension (on the Coupé only) or lightweight carbon seats, guarantee even higher levels of comfort and luxury.

One particularly distinctive feature of this special model is a badge on the engine block that features the inscription "Aston Martin Vantage SP10" and which, of course, comes as standard.

Aston Martin Vanquish Centenary Edition, 2013

 

 

• Aston Martin Vanquish Centenary Edition, 2013

The iconic British sports car brand Aston Martin is marking the start of its 100th birthday celebrations - 15 January - with the unveiling of a bespoke new Aston Martin Vanquish Centenary Edition.

The luxury brand's ultimate GT car showcases a painstakingly created Centenary Edition specification that will be available worldwide on just 100 examples of each of the car maker's model lines: V8 Vantage, DB9, Rapide and Vanquish.

Featuring a unique graduated paint finish, solid sterling silver Aston Martin wing badges with tailored 'trans flux' enamel inlay and a special Aston Martin hallmark, the exterior represents an exclusive new celebration of the company's 100-year history.

A Centenary Edition Aston Martin is identified inside by its exclusive and luxurious treatment. Deep Soft black leather - previously featuring only in the One-77 hypercar - with contrasting silver stitching, a special silver thread embroidery of the Aston Martin wings in the head restraints and solid sterling silver sill plaques individually numbered with an Aston Martin hallmark are among the features unique to the car.

Each Centenary Edition model will also be supplied with a unique presentation box containing a number of exclusive gifts to mark the first 100 years of the company. These include two glass keys, two bespoke key pouches made from leather matching the car's interior trim, solid silver cufflinks featuring the Aston Martin script, solid silver Rollerball pen and high quality Bang & Olufsen headphones.

The gift box will also include a silver polishing cloth to help owners ensure the silver centenary wings badges and sill plaques on their car keep their lustre.

Some specification details will vary market by market around the world but all cars will, as ever, be painstakingly handcrafted at Aston Martin's global headquarters and state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Gaydon, in Warwickshire.

The process of creating the unique Centenary Edition paint finish, for instance, clearly demonstrates the brand's commitment to bespoke luxury. Adding an average of 18 hours to a paint process that can already take more than 50 hours to complete, the unique graduated finish is meticulously built by adding special 'tinters' to create the darker inner colour. This custom-made mixture is then applied to each panel by hand, using a special mini-jet spray gun.

Alfa Romeo Gloria Concept, 2013

• Alfa Romeo Gloria Concept, 2013

The European Design Institute of Turin, thanks to the support of and vicinity to the Fiat-Chrysler EMEA Design Center, has had the opportunity of 'training' its young car designers on the subject of: "conceiving an Alfa Romeo saloon to communicate to the American and Asian markets". In effect, the saloon remains a symbol of elegance and prestige for these markets, associated with the idea of comfortable space both at the front and the rear, expressed by the length of the model. In particular, the Alfa Romeo Style Centre participated with passion in the various phases of the project: from the product brief to the brand's historic collection, and from the first style proposals up to the development, in clay, of the model in 1:1 scale.

At the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, the European Design Institute (IED) of Turin is presenting the world première of 'Gloria', the concept by the Master in Transportation Design in collaboration with the Alfa Romeo Style Centre. The prototype represents the sports spirit and Italian style of a brand with powerful international appeal, whose products have brought the beauty of Italian design into the wider world. It was 1966 when the Spider Duetto in the film The Graduate reinforced the mythical image of the car manufacturer in the United States. Today, the Alfa Romeo Gloria Concept is intended as another international challenge, again looking overseas, to the American and Asian markets.

4700 mm long, 1920 mm wide, 1320 mm high and with a wheelbase of 2900 mm, Alfa Romeo Gloria Concept is a sports saloon with decisive lines that run down the side to the rear end. It would be propelled by a state-of-the-art V6 or V8 biturbo engine on the road. The bonnet powerfully evokes the Alfa Romeo shield through the lines of the car, which highlight the three-dimensional aspects of its form. The leather strips at the front recall the memorable leather straps for the luggage compartments of the brand's historic cars.

The Alfa Romeo Gloria Concept springs from the work of twenty students on the Master programme (2011/2012 academic year) from both Italy and other countries and cultures. The concept is the result of a process that simulated a real work situation: from the brief of the Alfa Romeo Style Centre and the style research up to the twenty design proposals developed in 1:4-scale clay models. From all the models, the one that corresponded most closely to the initial brief provided by Alfa Romeo was chosen. The entire class of students, divided into groups but highly involved and motivated, then worked on the final project in full scale.

The 'Master of Arts in Transportation Design - work experience' is a highly specialised educational course, which prepares skilled automotive professionals who can tackle the world of work thanks to an ongoing relationship with style centres and companies. In fact, the model was created thanks to the contribution of Cecomp, 2013 main sponsor and an important enterprise in the area which has collaborated with the Institute in prototyping processes for many years.

Having reached its tenth attendance at Geneva, for 2013 the European Design Institute offers the possibility of experiencing at the stand the integration of the full-scale model with augmented reality. The concept will be reproduced on the iPad in a virtual environment, where it will be possible to interact with it, choosing between five models of rims and five body colours to try out, replacing the real ones. The five rims are the result of a teaching project developed in collaboration with OZ Racing who, as sponsor of the Gloria's 20" rims, asked the Master students to design a series of proposals. Five of these were selected for the virtual interactivity. The five rims will also feature in a kind of talent contest that IED and OZ Racing will launch at the stand via the app and on the web to decide the winning project, with the most interesting design.

Acura SUV-X Concept, 2013

 

 

 

•  Acura SUV-X Concept, 2013

The Acura Concept SUV-X is a global concept vehicle for a small SUV developing primarily for the Chinese market. This is the first time for Acura to introduce the world premiere of a concept model outside of North America. Emotional and sharp styling and driving performance, together with the environmental performance of a small vehicle and excellent utility of an SUV are all fused together at a high level in this vehicle. Acura is planning to begin local production and sales in China of a mass-production model based on this concept vehicle for its market in about next three years.