My thoughts on all things motoring, press releases, reviews & techie stuff, from around the world.
Please note that the pictures of vehicles within this blog are used as examples of the specific press releases, on occasions, due to the lack of available official pictures, examples are re-produced.
ANY AND ALL PROFANITIES WILL BE REMOVED AND THE PERSON/S RESPONSIBLE WILL BE BANNED, NO EXCEPTIONS.
Purpose
I will try my best to provide detailed info on various cars and what is like to live with them, I have already produced a few for Jaguar-car-forums, I will do my best to be unbiased, but it will be hard for some cars. I will re-produce press releases and copy from other motoring news.
ŠKODA KODIAQ transfers the brand’s new design language into the SUV segment
The new SUV model offers a generous amount of space, great functionality, state-of-the art assistance systems and innovative connectivity solutions
World premiere of the ŠKODA KODIAQ set for 1 September 2016, in Berlin
Ahead of its world premiere on 1 September in Berlin, ŠKODA has revealed images of the KODIAQ, its new, large SUV model. They give an impression of how ŠKODA will transfer the brand’s new expressive design language into the SUV segment.
The ŠKODA KODIAQ aim to impress: the wide, three-dimensional radiator grille gives the KODIAQ a striking presence. In combination with the narrow, raked headlights, which are available with full-LED technology for the first time, the brand’s first large SUV will be instantly recognisable on the road.
The side and rear views are also sharp: the doors are athletically shaped and the tailgate is expressively sculptured. The rear lights, with LED technology as standard, shine in the typical ŠKODA C-shape.
As one would expect from a ŠKODA, the KODIAQ offers an exceptional amount of space, with a capacity of 720 to 2,065 litres (with the rear seats folded down), offering the largest boot within its class. For first time ever, ŠKODA will offer a seven seat option. Using the position of the seats and angle adjustment, KODIAQ can be adapted to offer a wide range of seating and loading solutions. With the front passenger seat down, the car can transport items up to 2.9 metres long.
The latest driver assistance systems ensure improved safety and comfort. Area View, using surround-view cameras with wide-angle lenses at the front and the rear as well as in the wing mirrors, displays various views of the car’s immediate surroundings on the in-car monitor. These include a virtual top-down view and 180-degree pictures from the areas to the front and rear. Tow Assist is also new to the range: When towing, the system takes over steering when reversing slowly. Additionally, while reversing, the new Manoeuvre Assist will brake as soon as an obstacle is detected behind the vehicle.
The ŠKODA Connect mobile online services are another innovation. They are divided into two categories: the Infotainment Online services ensure more information and navigation in real time, and the Care Connect services provide remote access as well as assistance.
The centrepiece of the Care Connect services is the emergency call following an accident: if an airbag is activated, a so-called Emergency Call (e-Call) automatically connects to an emergency call centre.
The ŠKODA KODIAQ will celebrate its world premiere on 1stSeptember 2016, in Berlin.
ŠKODA transfers its distinctive new design language into the SUV segment
Largest boot capacity within class
Available with up to seven seats
Latest infotainment, connectivity, and assistance system technology
Three TSI and two TDI engines
Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) as well as off-road function for 4×4 variants
ŠKODA has kicked off its major SUV campaign with the new Kodiaq. The 4.7m long SUV is a versatile all-rounder. It offers the largest boot capacity within its class and will be available with the option of a third row of seats. The Kodiaq places a new brand emphasis on infotainment, assistance systems and connectivity, and goes on sale at the beginning of 2017.
With the Kodiaq, ŠKODA is entering a new market segment that is growing quickly across the world – the large SUV class. With this campaign, the brand wants to engage new customer groups, increase its market share and further strengthen its position in international markets.
The ŠKODA Kodiaq demonstrates where ŠKODA stands today, and points to its future – with a variety of new technology and future-oriented features in terms of connectivity, including mobile online services.
“Our new ŠKODA Kodiaq SUV is a great all-rounder”, said ŠKODA CEO, Bernhard Maier. “It combines an active sense of vitality with the brand’s classic qualities – a high degree of functionality and an outstanding amount of space.
As always, in the design process we have focused on offering a little bit more car, and as a result, the best vehicle in the segment. In addition, with its emotive design, the ŠKODA Kodiaq is a strong presence on the road.”
Full of character: transfer of design language into the SUV segment
Even at first glance, the ŠKODA Kodiaq is a true ŠKODA: with a design that is full of character and emotion, its brings the brand’s new design language into the SUV segment. In day-to-day use, it offers a variety of qualities for family, leisure and business.
Whether as a five- or seven-seater, the ŠKODA KODIAQ has plenty of space. With a capacity of up to 2,065 litres, the five-seater boasts the largest boot within its class. Adjustable rear seats come as standard, with backrests that can be tilted as required.
Ease of use, outstanding quality and the ‘Simply Clever’ philosophy are ŠKODA’s defining characteristics. The ŠKODA Kodiaq introduces new and extraordinary concepts, including door-edge protection that deploys automatically to avoid damaging the vehicle in garages or car parks. There is an electric child safety lock for the youngest passengers, as well as a sleep comfort package with special headrests for long trips.
At the top of the segment: connectivity solutions
With innovative connectivity solutions, the ŠKODA Kodiaq is at the top end of its segment. The infotainment elements originate from Volkswagen Group’s second-generation Modular Infotainment Matrix. They offer numerous functions and interfaces, and are all equipped with capacitive touchscreens.
The top-of-the-range Columbus and Amundsen systems come with a WiFi hotspot. As an optional extra, there is an LTE module for the Columbus system – which establishes an internet connection using the fastest mobile communications standard currently available.
Passengers can use this to browse online content and send emails using their mobile phones or tablets.
The new mobile online services from ŠKODA are compatible with LTE, and are divided into two categories: the Infotainment Online services provide information and navigation, and the Care Connect services provide breakdown and emergency assistance.
An eCall emergency button, which will be required for all new cars in Europe from 2018, is already now part of the Care Connect service.
Other online services run via the ŠKODA Connect app. They can be used to check, configure and find a car from afar via a smartphone.
The ŠKODA Kodiaq reaches a new level when it comes to the intelligent pairing of car and smartphone.
The SmartLink platform, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, MirrorLinkTM and SmartGate, is optional for the entry-level Swing infotainment system but a standard feature for the more advanced infotainment systems.
A Phonebox with inductive charging connects the smartphone to the roof aerial and charges it wirelessly.
Reliable support: driver assistance systems
The ŠKODA Kodiaq features a wide range of driving assistance systems. The Area View cameras, new for ŠKODA, display the car’s immediate surroundings on the monitor. When a trailer is attached to the large SUV, the Tow Assist system takes over manoeuvring when reversing slowly.
The new predictive pedestrian protection function compliments Front Assist. Parking Distance Control with braking function, also new, provides support with parking manoeuvres – the Kodiaq brakes automatically as soon as it detects an obstacle.
Additional driver assistance systems are also available for the ŠKODA Kodiaq. They keep the car at a safe distance from vehicles in front, make it easier for the driver to change and stay in lane, alert the driver to important traffic signs and assist when parking.
Powerful and agile:engines and chassis
When the Kodiaq launches at the beginning of 2017, it will be available in a choice of five engines: two TDIs and three TSIs. The most powerful petrol engine, the 2.0-litre TSI, provides dynamic driving performance with a power output of 132 kW (180 PS); it works just as efficiently as a lower capacity powertrain thanks to a newly developed combustion process.
A range of transmission options are available – six-speed manual gearbox, DSG transmission, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The large SUV from the Czech Republic negotiates all types of roads in a balanced and comfortable, yet dynamic and nimble way.
The driving experience becomes even more appealing when the car features Driving Mode Select and Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC). Using these, operation of the steering, accelerator, DSG transmission and suspension can be configured in multiple modes.
The new ŠKODA Kodiaq feels equally at home on rough terrain. Upon reaching the end of the road, an off-road mode supports the driver when using four-wheel drive.
At the touch of a button, all the relevant systems – engine management, assistance systems, electronic chassis systems, such as ABS and ESC, as well as the suspension if combined with the optional DCC – automatically adjust to off-road conditions.
A Stretch Limo That Stretches the Limits of What a Full-Size Pickup Can Become
Toyota takes the Tundra pickup to new places in luxury and length with its Tundrasine concept, which made its global debut today as part of Toyota’s 2015 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show display.
“SEMA members take their vehicles to extremes, and Toyota definitely goes to a new extreme with the Tundrasine. It stretches beyond what is normally expected of a stock Tundra,” said Steve Appelbaum, National Engagement Marketing Manager, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. “SEMA is the perfect event to debut this concept vehicle that takes the best of Tundra and turns it into the pinnacle in executive transport . . . limo style.”
The vehicle started out as a Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition 4×4 CrewMax 5.7L V8 pickup. Toyota then transformed that full-size Tundra into a larger-than-life-size limousine—hence the Tundrasine’s portmanteau name.
The Tundrasine is over 26 feet in length and has a wheelbase of 235.9 inches. The exterior is painted Midnight Black Metallic, and its eight doors open to reveal a custom and functional brown leather interior, inspired by the cockpits and passenger compartments of luxury private jets.
“People have seen plenty of limousines before, but never one quite like the Tundrasine,” said Appelbaum.
The Tundra that serves as the basis for this chauffeur-driven showstopper was—like all Toyota Tundras—assembled at the company’s facility in San Antonio. “They say everything’s bigger in Texas,” Appelbaum said, “and the Tundrasine really drives that point home—or anywhere you want to go.”
The Tundrasine can be seen November 3-6, 2015, in the Toyota display booth (#24700) located in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center at the 2015 SEMA Show.
Fast Facts
Base vehicle: Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition 4×4 CrewMax 5.7LV8
Exterior color: Midnight Black Metallic
Interior color: Brown leather
Wheelbase: 235.9" (+ 90.2" vs. stock Tundra CrewMax)
