When Mazda invited us to Milan to see its new concept car, we knew it must be something important. Normally concept cars get their 15 minutes of fame at an auto show, and then it’s off to the next press conference to see what the following automaker will introduce. Not so with Mazda’s latest styling endeavor. The Japanese automaker wanted our full and undivided attention, with the center of international design and fashion in Italy as a fitting backdrop.

The Shinari concept, which roughly translates to “resistance to being bent,” will serve as a the basis for Mazda’s new design language, and many of the styling cues will make it to future production vehicles. That means that the Shinari will essentially affect the design of every vehicle coming from the Japanese automaker for the next several years. An important car for Mazda? You bet.

The Shinari was officially unveiled earlier today, and we spent several hours talking with Mazda’s artists about the design and how it will affect the automaker’s forthcoming vehicles. Follow the jump to learn more about the Shinari and what it means for the brand’s future.

The creation of the Shinari Concept starts with Ikuo Maeda, Mazda’s global head of design. Maeda was the chief designer of the RX-8 and the Mazda2 and has been with the company for nearly 30 years, but his connection with the brand goes back even further than that. His father, Matasaburo Maeda, headed the design of the first generation RX-7 back in the 1970s. Mazda runs in the Maeda family’s blood and there’s no one more qualified to define the look of Mazda’s next generation vehicles.

While Maeda has had an influence on Mazda design in the past, 2010 is the first year in which he’s had full control. The Shinari Concept represents the first styling concept under his new design theme, KODO, which replaces the controversial Nagare them from the past several years. While the Nagare-styled cars were represented by wavy, flowing lines, a trait that looked great on concepts but was tough to implement on production cars (see Mazda3), KODO is more of an organic style that still takes cues from the natural world, but in a much more solidified and powerful sense. Maeda describes KODO as form with a soul, or bringing form to life, with the three key terms defining the theme being speed, tension and alluring. “There are few products of industrial design that can be compared to living entities which convey energetic motion and which invite affection,” he says. “It is this intrinsically emotional appeal of the car that I wish to express when creating Mazda cars.”

While Maeda created the theme for the new stylistic direction, the development of the Shinari Concept was actually a collaboration between three of Mazda’s design centers in Japan, Germany and the United States. The goal was to make the exterior a product of Japan, while the interior was left to the automaker’s Irvine studio. However, each team had input on the final product.

Looking at the exterior, it’s easy to tell that the Shinari shares little in common with Mazda’s recent designs, although like almost every sedan built today, it has similarities to vehicles from other brands. It’s almost as if the Aston Martin Rapide and a Mazda RX-8 cued up some Barry White, enjoyed a romantic evening and the Shinari came out nine months later. That’s obviously a compliment, as the Rapide is a stunningly beautiful car and the RX-8 – even this far into its lifecycle – is still a looker. However, the Shinari has a much more complicated design, with more intersecting lines and a surface area that’s constantly moving and changing depending on the lighting.

Those who dislike the smiling face of the current Mazda lineup will be glad to know it won’t be a feature in future models (Huzzah! – Ed.). The Shinari front end features a “signature wing” that will become a new styling cue for the brand. The wing is formed by a thin aluminum band that starts from the bottom of the grille and goes out and up through the headlamps and continues with a bold fender line moving out onto the sides.

The most impressive aspect of the exterior design was the devotion to the theme in nearly every inch of the concept. The various aluminum pieces found on the exterior have a “twisted tension”, and even the slots in the disc brakes follow the same theme. In addition, items like the headlights were designed to have a more natural look and fashioned to mimic the iris of an animal’s eye. We’re also big fans of the stylish rear view cameras in place of the standard mirrors as well as the trick door handles (although “button” might be a more appropriate description) that require only a simple press to open.
Those who dislike the smiling face of the current Mazda lineup will be glad to know it won’t be a feature in future models (Huzzah! – Ed.). The Shinari front end features a “signature wing” that will become a new styling cue for the brand. The wing is formed by a thin aluminum band that starts from the bottom of the grille and goes out and up through the headlamps and continues with a bold fender line moving out onto the sides.

The most impressive aspect of the exterior design was the devotion to the theme in nearly every inch of the concept. The various aluminum pieces found on the exterior have a “twisted tension”, and even the slots in the disc brakes follow the same theme. In addition, items like the headlights were designed to have a more natural look and fashioned to mimic the iris of an animal’s eye. We’re also big fans of the stylish rear view cameras in place of the standard mirrors as well as the trick door handles (although “button” might be a more appropriate description) that require only a simple press to open.
While the exterior is certainly a departure from previous designs, the interior is perhaps the most surprising aspect of the Shinari. Easily the most attractive and stylish interior we’ve seen in a Mazda (concept or not), it’s swathed in authentic aluminum trim, leather-covered surfaces and double stitching at nearly every turn and twist. We’re again drawn to the Aston Martin Rapide comparison, especially with the design of the deep rear bucket seats. The gauges, modeled after popular watch designs, up the class quotient and the massive glass roof helps make the interior feel open and airy.

We know many of these elements won’t make it into a production car, but Mazda’s North American director of design, Derek Jenkins, who oversaw the development of the Shinari’s interior, says it’s Mazda’s goal to add sophistication to future models. “Mazda is really an aspirational type of brand,” he says. “Even though we are a mainstream brand we have a customer that wants a little bit more. We monitor premium segments, we monitor premium trends, and the question is ultimately how can get some of that feeling into a more affordable vehicle. We think our customer wants a little bit more sophistication.”

One thing that can definitely be seen in future Mazda interiors is a driver-focused cockpit. A close look at the Shinari’s interior reveals an asymmetric design that snugly surrounds the driver’s seat while leaving the passenger seat more open and relaxed. Jenkins says this will be theme of upcoming Mazda vehicles and help set the brand apart.

Finally, the Shinari also features quite a bit of technology that looks forward to the new applications of driver-automobile interactions. The Human Machine Interface (HMI) is split up into three modes: Business, Pleasure and Sport. Potential uses range from looking up bios of a business contact before a meeting to a rally-style co-pilot feature that could alert the driver of the characteristics of upcoming turns. It’s nothing too far-fetched given the current levels of technology, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see some of it implemented in the near future.

But more than the tech and the attention to detail, it’s the Shinari’s overall cohesion that impresses the most. Unlike other pie-in-the-sky concepts, the Sinari is a smart, well executed styling exercise that should be a solid design platform for future models. The muscular lines should translate well into a production car, and customers will always appreciate a more sophisticated interior. And what about the potential of a four-door sports coupe like the Shinari making it to production? Mazda wouldn’t tell us whether one is in the works, but they did mention that the “business side of it” was considered when the Shinari was under development. That definitely means there’s a chance, and we sure like the sound of a Mazda RX-9.

[Source:Autoblog]

With the departure of Laurens van den Acker to Renault, Mazda’s loved or loathed Nagare design language has been dispatched, and in its place is a new designer (Ikuo Maeda) a new theme, a new concept and a new name: Kodo.

Set to debut at the Paris Motor Show later this month, the Shinari concept is our first glimpse at the future of Mazda styling. The four-door design exercise evolves the Nagare theme into a more cohesive and – dare we say – production-ready form, toning down the massive grin currently found on the Mazda3 and other models, while incorporating new aluminum accents that are expected to proliferate through Mazda’s future products.

Until the Paris show, these leaked image are all we have to go on, but judging by the hit-or-miss nature of Nagare, we like what we’re seeing thus far. And if you’re wondering, “Kodo” translates roughly to “soul of motion.”

[Source:Autoblog]

The internets are aflame with word that General Motors will unveil a new Cruze hatchback at this year’s Paris Motor Show. According to Go Auto, the concept was worked up by none other than The General’s Down Under contingent at Holden. Now, before you start hoping for a more functional version of the Chevrolet Cruze to show up in a showroom near you, know that the production version of the car will be built in Australia and sold to, you guessed it, Australians. Chances are looking slim that the long-roof Cruze will ever make it to the Land of the Free in any official capacity.

Shucks.

GM has made it clear that it will debut no less than four new models in Paris, including production versions of the Chevrolet Aveo and Chevrolet Orlando. While the Orlando is another piece of forbidden fruit from the General, buyers in the U.S. can look forward to getting their hands on the Ford Fiesta-fighting Aveo sometime soon. From what we’ve seen of the new subcompact, the car looks galaxies better than the outgoing model – of course, that’s not hard…

[Source:Autoblog]

When the Paris Motor Show opens up next month, Kia will roll out a new battery powered commuter concept.

Thus far, Kia has only released a few details about its door-stop-shaped Pop Concept, including its sub-10-foot length and its three-seat layout. Interestingly, Kia has gone with a bench with the driver on the left rather than a central driver layout like the Gordon Murray-designed T.25. For a tiny car like this, it would seem like putting the driver in the middle would be more space efficient, allowing the driver to be shifted forward between the front wheels for better legroom. Perhaps Kia is going for a more traditional motoring experience, however, or they may have some other spacial tricks up their sleeves.

Either way, it’s too early to tell if the Pop EV concept is a precursor of Kia’s future styling, but this is certainly a different look. Check out the images in our high-res gallery below and visit the jump for the Korean automaker’s official press release.

ELECTRIC KIA POP CONCEPT TO SPARK INTEREST AT PARIS

Kia Motors will continue its tradition of unveiling convention-challenging and design-led concept vehicles at motor shows when it reveals an all-new electric concept car at the Paris Motor Show on the 30th September.

Called the ‘POP’, Kia’s latest concept car boasts zero-emissions – whilst in use – and at three metres long, yet with a three seat layout, brings innovative design chic and dramatic styling to the city car segment.

Further information will be released in due course. The 2010 Paris Motor Show runs from the 30th September to the 17th October

ENDS

[Source:Autoblog]

The Morgan Motor Company has been making new cars all along, but some people seem to have forgotten that fact as most of their “new” models looked a heckuva lot like their old models. That started to change with the introduction of their Aero cars a few years ago – and we predict the name “Morgan” will be a little more common once their latest concept hits showrooms. The company took the wraps off their new EvaGT in Pebble Beach on Sunday, right in front of the Pebble Beach Lodge on the concept lawn of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. We had seen a partial sketch a few weeks ago, but holy wow is this car stunning in person. There’s a full press release after the jump and a gallery of high-res pics for you too, but the basic stats are these: It uses a 3.0-liter BMW straight six that produces 306 horsepower, a six-speed automatic or manual transmission, weighs just 2,755 pounds, gets 40 miles per gallon (Imperial) and can scoot from 0-60 in 4.5 seconds.

Morgan EvaGT

* How to order your Morgan EvaGT

Order your MorganEvaGT or register your interest by downloading the Reservation Form at the foot of this page.

At a time of global conservation with a drive towards improved fuel economy the Morgan Motor Company introduces a new concept for a sporting family, the Morgan EvaGT. The four seater Coupe takes its inspiration from the British sports saloons of the early 1950’s. Among these were the Bristol 400 series and the Frazer Nash BMW 328. After the Second World War rationing forced designers to conserve and make the most of the materials at their disposal. However the pressure cooker of war had also led to an abundance of innovative engineering ideas. Steel was scarce so lightweight aluminium was used for bodywork. Smooth “in-line” straight six cylinder engines were fitted to give long distance comfort and reliability. Because the engineers had often worked on aircraft development during the war aerodynamics contributed to high but economical cruising speeds.

The Morgan Motor Company is the last survivor of these British sports car manufacturers. Of course the company is lucky enough to have 100 years of continuous success behind it and like Bristol and Frazer Nash; Morgan has a history of successful collaborations with German suppliers BMW, Siemens and Bosch. But Morgan also works with a number of young engineering companies in the United Kingdom and with world class British university research departments.

The new challenge is to make cars that are more efficient than any we have seen so far. The Morgan Motor Company is in a good position to respond to this challenge because the company is small and flexible with a proven track record of fast development cycles. It currently manufactures one of the greenest sports cars in the world, the Morgan Four Four Sport. Morgan achieves this result with the use of the new Ford 1.6 Sigma engine coupled with a light chassis. Morgan currently has a young well qualified technical team working towards a potential 5 engineering PHD’s, who will make full use of research departments at the University of Oxford, Cranfield and Birmingham City to tap into a technical knowledge network to make more efficient cars. This team is helping to develop a high torque electric motor twice as powerful as others of the same weight and size and a powerful lithium phosphate battery with a higher charge density to achieve the most efficient performance for weight so far.

The dynamic team at Morgan has made a commitment from 2010 that they will bring out a new model every two years. The legendary sports car manufacturer will target new niches…..electric sports cars, a fun weekend vehicle and the first of the new cars will be the Morgan EvaGT, a four seater Coupe aimed at young families, with a bit of drama or automotive theatre as we like to call it. This is a revolution for a car company famous for making the same car for 50 years!

The Morgan EvaGT

Brief provisional specification

Chassis:
The Morgan EvaGT makes full use of clever technologies that the Morgan Motor Company has developed to manufacture a lightweight car. Morgan was one of the first car companies to see the advantage of a bonded aluminium chassis to give rigidity but also to save weight. The EvaGT uses a further developed version of the bonded aluminium chassis of the Morgan Aero SuperSports, a chassis that successfully competes in International GT3 Sports Car Racing. Compliant with European and US safety approvals.

Bodywork:
Morgan was the first car company in 1995 to see the benefit of superformed aluminium, an aircraft technology, to manufacture smooth accurate body parts. Morgan Design have sculpted a new shape for the Morgan EvaGT that focuses on natural materials and understands their unique technical properties. Using computer technology in design and in manufacture to ensure accuracy, the parts are then hand finished to make sure they feel as good as they look. A perfect “A” class surface, minimal shut lines, hidden wipers, flush door handles and sharp creases deflect air over the surface of the car. The new Morgan EvaGT represents a philosophy of lightweight luxury that embraces authenticity, sustainability and innovation achieving its final result through the process of skilled craftsmanship.

Technical Specification (subject to change):

BMW 3 litre straight six mono twin turbo with direct petrol injection 306bhp and 400nm torque

1. Euro 5 and 6 compliant at 200 gms Co2/km, US FMVSS, CARB and EPA approved.
2. 40 mpg / 7.06 litres/100kms
3. 6 speed sport automatic or 6 speed manual gearbox.
4. Rear wheel drive with fully independent intelligent suspension
5. Aluminium body panels with a laminated internal safety structure.
6. Predicted weight of 2755 lbs/1250 kg
7. Predicted 0-60 mph 4.5 seconds/ 0-100km/h 4.5 seconds
8. Predicted top speed 170mph / 273 km/h

Launch
The first public view of the Morgan EvaGT will be at the 60th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, California, USA on the 15th August 2010.

The Morgan Motor Company will be taking orders worldwide with a request for a deposit of £5000 from prospective clients for an allocated build slot. The first 100 cars of a limited run are planned to begin production mid 2012 and the “on-road” price will be competitive for a car of this class.

[Source:Autoblog]

As expected, the Porsche supervisory board has approved the development of the 918 Spyder concept into a series production model. The 918 debuted as a concept at this year’s Geneva Motor Show with a plug-in hybrid powertrain claimed to provide 78 miles per gallon.

The concept used a 500-horsepower V8 along with a pair of electric motors with 109 hp each and a lithium ion battery that can provide 16 miles of emissions-free driving from grid energy. The powertrain is not expected to be changed much for production and Porsche has not announced when 918 will be available. There has been speculation that the production model could cost up to €500,000 (about $650,000 USD), although if it comes to the States, it should be eligible for a federal tax credit. Even with up to $7,500 it still makes the Chevrolet Volt look downright cheap.

Before you start looking in your couch cushions for a down payment, check out the official press release after the jump and our high-res gallery below.

Green Light for Series Development of the 918 Spyder

Stuttgart. In its session today, the Supervisory Board of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, gave the green light for series development of the Porsche 918 Spyder. Reflecting the overwhelming response from the public and customers to the Concept Study, the Supervisory Board gave Porsche’s Board of Management the mission to develop a production model based on the car already presented. This concept version of an ultra-high-performance mid-engined sports car with plug-in hybrid technology made its debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show and at Auto China in Bejing, hitting the headlines worldwide.

Michael Macht, President and Chairman of the Board of Management of Porsche AG: “Production of the 918 Spyder in a limited series proves that we are taking the right approach with Porsche Intelligent Performance featuring the combination of supreme performance and efficient drivetrain concepts. We will develop the 918 Spyder in Weissach and assemble it in Zuffenhausen. This is also a very important commitment to Germany as a manufacturing base.”

The Concept Study of the 918 Spyder allows CO2 emissions of just 70 g/km, corresponding to fuel consumption of 3.0 litre/100 km (94.1 mpg imp) in the NEDC, on the one hand, and the performance of a super-sports car, on the other. This extremely efficient drivetrain technology then forms a symbiosis in the 918 Spyder with truly outstanding design and high-tech motorsport achievements. Further product details of the 918 Spyder will be disclosed in the months to come.

[Source:Autoblog]

Brace yourself for big ol’ dose of sexy. Ferrari hasn’t exactly made a secret that this is the last year for the F430 GT in the American Le Mans Series. With its days numbered, more than a few souls have begun meditating on what will come next for the Prancing Horse’s ALMS teams. Most have settled on the notion that the new 458 Italia will make its way to the paddock in race guise, resulting in a 458 GT. Fortunately for us, one of those contemplative souls just happens to be the design guru Jon Sibal.

Sibal worked up a quick rendering of what the new bruiser would look like, and we have to say we’re smitten. The lunging lines of 458 Italia lend themselves well to an even more low-slung race stance. Throw in a few aerodynamic tweaks, a new set of shoes and proper rubber and you’ve got a genuine heart throb. Sibal says the rendering is just a quick shot at what the car looks like – we’d can’t wait to see what happens when he takes his time with the car.

[Source:Autoblog]

Say what you will about Porsche, its diversification into four-door sedans and SUVs at the cost of its racing program, and its plot to take over the world. Push come to shove, the German automaker isn’t the type to roll out a show car just to raise some eyebrows before relegating it to a museum somewhere – nice as its new museum is. So when Porsche took the wraps off the 918 Spyder concept in Geneva, people took notice.

How many people, and to what extent, exactly? Bloomberg reported back in April – mere weeks after the car’s debut – that Porsche had already received expressions of interest from 900 well-heeled folks. Now Bloomberg is back on the record saying that, over the past few months, that number has ballooned to over 2,000.

Having built 1,500 examples of the Carrera GT, Porsche will reportedly put the 918 Spyder into production with 1,000 firm orders in place. So if half those interested parties put their money where their proverbial mouths are, production looks like a distinct possibility. And just as the 918 Spyder is tipped to eclipse the Carrera GT’s performance (to say nothing of its environmental credentials), so is the 918 expected to trounce its predecessor’s price: at half a million euros (approximately $630,000), the production 918 Spyder would be the most expensive vehicle ever offered by Zuffenhausen.

[Source:Autoblog]

Renault’s home auto show in Paris this Fall will mark the beginning of a new styling direction for the brand, and that means a new concept car. The DeZir is the first major project under new design vice president Laurens van den Acker and according to Renault, it represents the vision of ’simple’, ’sensuous’ and ‘warm.’ From where we sit, the shape certainly fulfills the first two elements and the bright red finish is downright hot.

The DeZir wouldn’t be a modern Renault concept if it wasn’t powered by electrons, and such is the case for this coupe. Energy storage comes by way of the same size 24 kilowatt-hour lithium ion battery pack that sits under the Nissan Leaf, and the driving range remains the same 100 miles. Unlike the Leaf, the pack in the concept is configured for Quick Drop exchanges.

Propulsion is provided by a 110 kilowatt electric motor spinning the rear wheels and pushing the 1,830 pound concept to 60 mph in 5 seconds (at least according to the spec sheet). Kevlar body panels (including a pair of trick reverse-hinged butterfly doors) are wrapped around a steel tube frame chassis with double wishbones at all four corners. Renault hasn’t given any indication yet if the DeZir will be produced. High-res gallery below, full details in the press release after the jump.

From DeZir to Reality

Renault has provided a first glimpse of its latest concept car, DeZir, ahead of this year’s Paris Motor Show. DeZir stands out as an illustration of the brand’s commitment to more emotional styling.

DeZir’s sensuous lines and bright red finish express passion. Powered by an electric motor, DeZir is proof that electric vehicles and a love of cars are by no means incompatible.

The DeZir project is the first to have been led by Laurens van den Acker and marks the start of a sequence of concept cars that will provide an insight into Renault Design’s new vision for the future. It also lays the foundations for the styling cues of Renault’s forthcoming vehicles.

The public will get its first opportunity to see DeZir at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.

DEZIR: THE FIRST EVIDENCE OF RENAULT DESIGN’S NEW VISION FOR THE FUTURE

Under the leadership of Laurens van den Acker, Renault’s Design Department has taken its inspiration from the brand’s new signature ‘Drive the Change’ and explores Renault’s styling roots to express the company’s powerful human dimension via a new strategy founded on the notion of the ‘life cycle’. This vision also builds on the bonds that are gradually forged between the brand and its customers at watershed moments of their lives, such as when they fall inlove, begin to explore the world, start a family, begin work, take time out to play and gain wisdom.

This approach coincides with the introduction of a new Renault design language that takes its inspiration from the three keywords which communicate the brand’s vision, namely ’simple’, ’sensuous’ and ‘warm’.

In keeping with this strategy, Renault’s concept cars will progressively express this vision, paving the way for a product plan based on a range of rational, user-friendly cars.

To implement this, Renault Design has revised its methodology, and a single team of designers will now be responsible for each new concept car and for the subsequent production model it previews.

FALLING IN LOVE

DeZir is the first project to be led by Laurens van den Acker and exemplifies the brand’s new philosophy with regard to design. It also marks the implementation of the strategy based on the notion of a ‘life cycle’. The first step involves falling in love, an experience that is perfectly illustrated by DeZir’s powerful, sensuous styling and bright red finish; red being the colour associated with passion.

“DeZir is a statement of our new formal design language which conveys notions such as movement, sensuality and emotion through ideal proportions, in much the same way as an object whose forms have been honed by nature. The result is a warm, stimulating design that says ‘Renault’,” explains Axel Breun, Renault’s Director of Concept Car and Show Car Design.

Fluidity was an overriding theme from the initial preliminary sketches, and was expressed by a blend of simple forms and generous volumes. “My early source of inspiration stemmed from the liquid sensation, wave-like movement and contrasts in light associated with certain rippled surfaces,” observes Yann Jarsalle, who was in charge of DeZir’s exterior styling. “By directly laying out volumes and not just joining together a number of surfaces by lines, I felt more in tune with the world of sculpture than with that of architecture.”

The result is a two-seater coupé which is both sculptural in spirit yet perfectly harmonious.

DeZir’s shape features prominent wheel arches that accommodate 21-inch wheels, the design of which took its inspiration from the notion of movement.

Meanwhile, the sides feature a combination of flush and recessed forms that play on contrasting light patterns.

Behind the beauty, an electric car

The ‘Z’ in the name DeZir is a direct reference to Renault’s zero-emission Z.E. signature, and several features of its design are suggestive of two qualities readily associated with electric mobility, namely advanced technology and light weight. Indeed, the recessed, linear styling of the front air intake and the entire rear-end convey an impression of lightness in addition to efficiently channelling battery-cooling air from the front to the rear.

To provide rhythm and balance to the overall package, this smooth, fluid skin contrasts with the ripple effect seen on the aluminium side panels, roof and headlight ‘eyelids’. The design of these features alludes to the ripples which can form when a breeze blows over water, while the geometric pattern adds an unmistakable high-tech feel. The prevailing bright red colour of the body interacts with the graphical forms of the cross-drilled aluminium side panels which equally exude a sense of light weight and technology.

The geometric forms of the glazed areas also contribute to DeZir’s overall design and are reminiscent of a fighter-plane cockpit or certain endurance racing prototypes. The absence of a rear window is overcome by the fitment of two rear-facing cameras which provide the driver with a panoramic view of what is happening behind the car.

The creative thinking behind the design of the front end was aimed at recalling Renault’s styling heritage, while at the same time paving the way for the design trends of the brand’s forthcoming models.

DeZir’s front end features a full-width air-intake which strikes out either side of a large, vertically-positioned Renault logo that proudly displays the car’s brand pedigree. Meanwhile, the chrome finish of the lozenge contrasts with the dark aspect of the grille to express the statement still further. The air scoops situated at the outer extremities of the front air intake are a legacy of Renault’s formal styling language and form an integral part of the air intake’s design, as do the headlights which sit above these scoops.

The front-end design previews the new front-end identity that is poised to become a feature of all Renault models in the future.

The headlights take the form of backlit prisms, which make them a highly graphic feature. The perforated ‘eyelids’ add to this high-tech feel and contribute to DeZir’s specific lighting signature. Rear lighting is provided by an illuminated, seemingly floating strip that extends across the full width of the car. The Renault logo is highlighted by backlighting through the fins of the grille and consequently appears to hover in the middle of this space.

The gull-wing doors are another feature that embody automotive passion and reveal a refined interior, while the fact that the left- and right-hand doors open in opposite directions symbolises a ying and yang-style amorous harmony.

The interior design also suggests lightness. “Love is a sentiment that lifts you; gives you wings,” says Stéphane Maïore, who was in charge of DeZir’s interior styling. “Inside DeZir, you feel like you’re floating on a cloud,” adds Stéphanie Petit, Colours and Materials Designer.

The forms are soft and light, while the predominant colour is white, although there are also echoes of the same passionate red used for the exterior. The materials employed for the interior, like the senses they awaken, are precious, with white leather upholstery and trimming for the seats, dashboard and floor, along with a red lacquered finish for the console and accessories.

The one-piece, two-seater front benchseat provides cocoon-like comfort. To emphasise the sensation of shared passion and lightness, it comprises a number of interlocking elements trimmed in white leather, with a quilted pattern on the passenger’s side, and a contrasting uniform finish on the driver’s side, as if to suggest an inexorable attraction between the two.

The embroidered pattern on the leather is based on a graphical representation of the Renault logo and is an example of refined of couture a la française. This technique also provides an indication of the forthcoming trend for future production models.

The interior styling takes its inspiration from the idea of an amorous encounter and is based on a coming together of opposites:

* the cockpit-style driver’s environment contrasts with the ethereal lightness of the dashboard and the feel of the white leather bench seat
* the driver’s door features a bright red lacquered finish, while the panel of the passenger-side door is trimmed in white leather
* the dashboard, too, features contrasting finishes, with one part trimmed in white leather and another which exudes a more high-tech feel, with a rippled effect
* the white benchseat seems to float on a red-hued bed of light which, once again, symbolises passion. This lighting gently pulses to a rhythm that suggests a beating heart

But couples also seek to protect one another, and the forms of the interior are suggestive of this notion of protection:

* the centre console houses the transmission-mode selection lever
* the housing of the transmission-mode selection lever reveals luminous petals which indicate the selected mode
* the steering column is shrouded in a red housing that extends up to the steering wheel hub itself

AN ELECTRIC BEAUTY

DeZir is powered by an electric motor mounted in a mid-rear position to optimise weight distribution over the front and rear wheels. The vertically-mounted 24kWh lithium-ion battery is located behind the benchseat and provides the car with a range of 100 miles.

Batterycooling is ensured not only by the air channelled from the front to the back of the car, but also – and above all – by the flow of air that enters through the lateral scoops concealed behind the aluminium panels on either side of the body.

The basic motor is the same as the unit used for Renault’s production electric cars, although an evolution has enabled its power and torque to be uprated to 110kW (150ch) and 226Nm respectively.

Three battery-charging methods can be employed:

* a standard charge using a conventional household plug (fully charges the battery in eight hours)
* a fast charge using a 400V three-phase current (charges the battery to 80 per cent of its capacity in 20 minutes)
* a fast battery exchange thanks to Renault’s Quick Drop technology

In order to optimise range and dynamic performance, Renault Design’s technical teams have kept DeZir’s weight to a minimum: its body is made from Kevlar, while its tubular steel frame is similar to that employed for the Mégane Trophy race car.

DeZir’s suspension also shares certain features with that of Mégane Trophy – including a double wishbone arrangement – to deliver a particularly high standard of handling precision.

DeZir’s aerodynamics have been carefully honed, too, thanks to full underbody fairing and a rear diffuser. The result of this work is a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.25, as well as outstanding acceleration, with DeZir capable of accelerating from rest to 62mph in just five seconds.

DeZir’s energy efficiency package also includes the recovery of deceleration energy. The technology it employs is based on the same principles as the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) seen in Formula 1. When the car decelerates, kinetic energy is recovered and stored in the battery. In the case of DeZir, this energy can then be employed by the driver to provide a temporary power boost at the moment he or she chooses, using a button located on the steering wheel.

Driving pleasure is further enhanced by the design of the driver interface. The dashboard visually mirrors the sensations felt at the wheel by means of a graphic display of data received from the accelerometer and speed sensors.

The central touchscreen display incorporates a smart navigation system that synchronises journey information with the driver’s diary in order to optimise task management and itineraries. Software incorporated in the dashboard provides drivers with a real-time indication of their energy management ability via a fun interface that uses video-game style graphics.

A DeZir for music

Within the framework of the creation of an audio signature for the brand’s upcoming electric vehicles, Renault has been working closely with the highly-regarded IRCAM (Institut de Recherche et Coordination Acoustique/Musique, founded by Pierre Boulez in 1969) to define the sound that best reflects DeZir’s personality.

Dimensions - mm
Length 4,225
Width 1,986
Height 1,163
Height – with doors open 2,256
Width – with doors open 2,682
Ground clearance 110
Wheelbase 2,582
Front track 1,600
Rear track 1,705

Technical data
Motor Electric synchronous motor
Maximum power 110kW c/ 150hp
Maximum torque 226Nm
Top speed 112mph
0-62mph 5 seconds
Battery Lithium-ion (24 kW/h)
Range 100 miles
Transmission Rear wheel drive
Drive Electric with active differential
Chassis Tubular steel frame
Tyres 245/35 R 21
Brakes 356mm ventilated discs
Cd 0.25
Kerb weight 830kg

Partners
Body G Studio
Tyres Michelin
Acoustics IRCAM

[Source:Autoblog]

During a marathon presentation on Tuesday, General Motors Vice Chairman Tom Stephens showed off slides of a new family van based on the company’s compact car platform. The van and other vehicles were shown as part of the session detailing a new Chevrolet SUV, a compact car concept and a three-row Buick van for the Chinese market. The images shown were not released to journalists.

While executives were intentionally vague about the new van, the production version of the Chevrolet Orlando immediately springs to mind, as it would seem to fit that description. Based on product-man Stephens’ assertion that the van will launch soon in multiple markets around the world, the Cruze-based Orlando seems a logical assumption. The Cruze is already on sale in Europe and Asia, so production kinks have been smoothed, and a platform variant seems like the most likely step. Worldwide markets have plenty of MPV options, and the Orlando slots right in. GM’s moves have defied logic in the past, but CEO Ed Whitacre characterized yesterday’s presentation as an introduction of a new GM. We’ve heard talk like this before, of course, but maybe this time they mean it.

[Source:Autoblog]