Volvo XC90, the next generation 2015

Volvo XC90, the next generation 2015

Volvo looking ahead. During the next twelve months will be presenting no fewer than nine different news in the form of new models and updates to existing ones. The new Volvo XC90 is one of them.

Volvo aims to sell 800,000 cars in 2020. So far, it is far from that figure. In 2012, sales fell by six percent to 421,951 cars (where the XC60 was the best model with 106,203 copies sold). A strong reason for the decline was the European market was tough for almost everyone. 

One step to achieve higher sales levels is to launch more models and ensure that existing updated more frequently, which is also in the pipeline. Within the next twelve months, Volvo launch no less than a new model and eight updates to existing models. 

British Autocar had a chat with Volvo's new CEO Hakan Samuelsson during the Detroit Auto Show. where he talked about how it will look in the future. 

The updates include exterior changes on the S60, V60, V70, XC70, but we know that even the S80 and the XC60 is going on with the facelift, which we already thief looked at (if you missed it, click on the two links). The other update news related to new engines will be installed in the majority of Volvo models. 

The biggest news is the new generation of the Volvo XC90 , the Volvo very important model, especially in the important U.S. market. XC90 is the first model that is based on new, flexible SVP architecture (Scale Variable Platform Architecture). SPA will later serve as a base for all Volvo models in S/V60-storlek and up. 

The new XC90 will be launched late 2014th But since it is counted as a new model of the next twelve months, we can probably expect it to be presented at the Detroit Auto Show next year, if not earlier. Maybe in Los Angeles this fall? 

Volvo is also preparing to replace the Ford-based S40 and V50, which are no longer in production. The deputies will not during the first half of the current decade. 

Volvo has been looking for a partner to develop a new platform for these smaller models, but likely it is that they develop this themselves, possibly with some components shared with the owner Geely. 

Volvo XC90, the next generation 2015

Volvo XC90, the next generation 2015

Volvo XC90, the next generation 2015

Volvo XC90, the next generation 2015

Volvo XC90, the next generation 2015

Honda confirms NSX concept for Detroit

Honda Gear Concept

Honda's stand in Detroit offers among other things a new suvkoncept and half old NSX concept car. A third Honda news can be found also in the more anonymous Auto Show in Montreal.

Well, Canada has actually own showrooms. The problem is that no one has heard of it and it may be that it is held the same week as the much larger salon in Detroit. Anyway keep Montreal Auto Show Open January 18 to 27 and offers a world first in terms of the concept car Honda Gear. 

Honda describes Gear as a study of what a future compact city car might look like. The target group is said to be young, urban people in the so-called Y-generation. Honda explains that the inspiration for the concept has been taken from the so-called fixed gear bikes that have neither brakes or gears. 

- Small cars are usually practical but boring or fun but impractical and too expensive for the Y-generation car buyers. Gear is however convenient, fun, customizable and affordable. All that young discerning buyers want in a car, said Dave Marek who is head of design at Honda's U.S. Title.

Honda Gear Concept

Honda Gear Concept

Honda Gear Concept

Honda Gear Concept

Via Motors X-Truck

Via Motors X-Truck

Can a big pickup truck with a V8 engine ever be as efficient as a Prius? Yes, I think Bob Lutz and in Detroit, he shows up a car allegedly there.

At Detroit Auto Show major exhibition floor can among other things find a very large Chevrolet Silverado that looks a little different. It is not in the Chevrolet but with a newly automakers named Via Motors. In addition to 13 centimeters higher ground clearance, the car is called X-Truck got her own and very indiscreet front. The interesting thing here is that the X-truck allegedly about as efficient as a Toyota Prius. 

Via Motors has not produced any official consumption figures yet but says that X-Truck will not draw more than 100 mpg, which corresponds to 0.24 l / mil. Behind the giant grill is the same 5.3-liter V8 that sits everyday in Silverado, but the X-Truck, the company of an electric motor and a pack of lithium-ion batteries at 24 kWh. Besides being able to run as a conventional pickup, ie on gasoline can X-truck run solely on electricity for up to 56 kilometers. 

One of Via Motors founder is GM veteran Bob Lutz who also is involved in VL Automotive Destino . X-truck is not the only product from Via Motors, whose mission is to convert the Chevrolet cars to hybrid power. The first hybridchevan from Via Motors will go on sale in mid 2014 and be powered by a hybrid system consisting of an electric motor and a petrol V6 for a total of 402 horsepower. It will have an electric range of about 64 miles and the price is expected to be approximately double that of the conventionally-powered base model. Via Motors still expect that the cost of ownership over the life of the vehicle will be considerably lower. Via Motors is aimed primarily at business owners who use the car as a tool and can benefit from having a large battery in the car.

Via Motors X-Truck

Via Motors X-Truck

Via Motors X-Truck

Via Motors X-Truck

Via Motors X-Truck

Via Motors X-Truck

2014 Lexus IS 300h

2014 Lexus IS 300h

A new generation of the Lexus IS graders between stands right now, and premiere on the motor show in Detroit. One of the changes is that the IS for the first time with hybrid drive. Now we know how efficient it becomes.

Lexus has in recent years become a typical hybrid brand but the IS model has nevertheless never gone to the combination of electricity + gas. 

IS 300h gets a newly developed full-hybrid system with a four-cylinder 2.5-liter petrol engine and an electric motor that produces a combined fuel consumption of 0.43 l / mil and over 100 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer. The powertrain provides a total of 220 horsepower and 215 newton meters. The hybrid system also allows the trunk decreases from 480 to 450 liters. Frequently IS 250 driven its part of a 2.5-liter V6 at 207 horsepower and 250 Newton meters which is coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission. 

The latest generation of IS has grown seven inches between the axles to provide more space for rear passengers. For the same reason, the front seats thinner, allowing the rear legroom is 8.5 inches longer than before. 

IS is of course also become a safer car. In order to protect pedestrians in an accident pushed the hood up and security systems such as high beam assistant, fescue warning, blind-spot-warning and alert systems for rear-end collisions are some of the news.

2014 Lexus IS 300h

2014 Lexus IS 300h

2014 Lexus IS 300h

2014 Lexus IS 300h

2014 Lexus IS 300h

2014 Lexus IS 300h

2014 Lexus IS 300h

2014 Lexus IS 300h

2014 Lexus IS 300h

2014 Lexus IS 300h

Honda NSX again - what's new?

Acura NSX Concept 2013

How is it for Honda with the NSX project really. At this year's Detroit Auto Show is the same concept as last year, but now we get to see the inside.

Get your car is as infamous and highly anticipated as the next-generation Honda NSX. For years we have heard rumors that a new NSX is on the way and when the concept car Acura NSX (Acura is Honda's luxury brand in the U.S.) at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show we sniffed morning air. The car looked almost production ready Honda out and told me that the rear wheels powered by a V6 engine, while the front wheels are driven by an electric motor. 

At this year's Detroit Auto Show appear Acura NSX Concept again and it's happened ... basically nothing. NSX developed mainly in the U.S. and according Acura representatives are supposed to show up the concept again, just to show that it has not happened with any design. Acura simply dare not change anything because the design has been so well received, but the series is still two years away and the question is how the design will be perceived as. 

The novelty of NSX this year is that we get to see the inside. The interior is characterized by red and gray suede as well as a variety of carbon fiber panels. The key design element is the two sturdy carbon fiber rod that comes out of the center console and extends up to the dashboard. Although the interior looks production rate during stress Acura interior design that is only in its first stage and could be further developed before it is time for series production.

Acura NSX Concept 2013

Acura NSX Concept 2013

Acura NSX Concept 2013

Acura NSX Concept 2013

Acura NSX Concept 2013

2013 Nissan Resonance Concept

2013 Nissan Resonance Concept

When the U.S. producers will continue to feature tracks with pickups and V8s, it is instead the Japanese who shines in Detroit with smart and stylish concept. Nissan offers its crossover future in the form of resonance.

Chevrolet Corvette , Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Atlas. No, much innovation offers the American giants not in Detroit. The Germans are not much better even with the horsepower monsters such RS7 and E 63 AMG. The sensible and level-headed will instead from Japan that shows up concept car Nissan Resonance. 

Resonance provides insight into how Nissan's next generation crossovers might look like, such as new Qashqais but especially next Murano. Nissan calls the design V-Motion and explains it by the whole body is characterized by a V-shape that starts in the grill and continue backwards. 

If it really is so that resonance gives us a glimpse of the next Murano so it seems that it will be hybrid-powered. Resonance has at least a four-wheel drive hybrid powertrain consisting of the gasoline engine, electric motor, CVT transmission and lithium-ion batteries. Once it comes time for a new Murano hope we understood that Nissan dares to build a new generation of the ultimate crossover .

2013 Nissan Resonance Concept

2013 Nissan Resonance Concept

2013 Nissan Resonance Concept

2013 Nissan Resonance Concept

Bentley Power Convertible

Bentley Continental GT Speed Cabrio 2013

Detroit in 2013 unveiled the Bentley Continental GT Convertible. The name says it all: With 625 hp creates the open four-seater more than 300 km / h!

Bentley launches the new Continental Speed ​​Convertible a convertible version of the 2012 featured coupes on the market. On 14 January 2013 the British want to reveal in the Detroit Auto Show its new super-convertible officially. The 2.5 tonne and crammed with every imaginable luxury four-seater sprints in 4.4 seconds to 100 and creates 325 km / h top. Visually, the Continental GT Convertible are by special 21-inch alloy wheels, dark tinted to recognize mesh grille at the front and the special tailpipes of the exhaust system.

Bentley Continental GT Speed Cabrio 2013

Befitting for driving the W12 engine with six-liter, twin-turbocharged and 625 hp.

Anyone who takes a look under the hood seen, also has a black painted intake manifold, which is found exclusively in theContinental Speed ​​models. The interior of the GT Speed ​​Bentley convertible, according to provide an "elegant symbiosis of modern luxury and distinctive dynamics." Responsible for drawing include the quilted diamond pattern leather surfaces, exclusive door sill trims and the dashboard surface of dark-tinted.

Bentley Continental GT Speed Cabrio 2013

 The chassis has been lowered compared with the 50 hp weaker Continental GTC by ten millimeters.

As the speed coupe and the fresh air from the four-seater strengthened W12 engine with six-liter, twin-turbocharged 625 hp and is driven. The automatically controlled chassis is compared to the 575-hp Continental GTC is lowered by ten millimeters and adapted sports. The eight-speed ZF automatic transmission is capable of both the discipline as well as the Quick Shift block-shifting. In plain language this means: Who in the new Bentley Continental GT Convertible takes a sportier stance, who may have extremely short switching times forward (Quick Shift). Who the accelerator pedal abruptly passes will be rewarded with the immediate return of several courses (block-shifting).

Bentley Continental GT Speed Cabrio 2013

Bentley Continental GT Speed Cabrio 2013

Bentley Continental GT Speed Cabrio 2013

Bentley Continental GT Speed Cabrio 2013