ITALY - Porsche upgrades the Macan Crossover with more tech and more luxury.

Translated by Google - Apologies for an errors caused.

Porsche further enhances the Macan. With the world debut of the Macan GTS (1) at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2015, the new model year of the compact SUV will offer, immediately, comfort and infotainment systems optimized: the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM), which has just he celebrated his debut in the 911 (2), is now also used in the Macan. 

Features: real-time traffic information (optional) simplified controls and an integrated WLAN hotspot.

In addition, all models of the sporty SUV, Porsche offers on demand new full-LED headlights that provide greater comfort and functionality and sportiness even higher. 

An improved system of steering adjustment ensures a more direct driving pleasure and better contact with the road. Exclusively for the Macan Turbo (3) are optionally available packages for the interior and the exterior enlarged. Now, customers can further customize the configuration of their car. 

The latest PCM: simple controls and better connectivity 

Heart of the infotainment system, is standard on all models Macan, is the new touch screen 7-inch high-resolution The surface of use perfected allows for intuitive operation similar to that of smartphones. If the sensor recognizes the proximity to enter a command, the screen overlay the main contents of the menu, the driver can manage through finger touches on several points of the multitouch screen. Interfaces Bluetooth, USB and SD cards allow for the integration of smart phones and storage media with PCM.  

A novelty in infotainment series of compact SUVs: the customer can choose, depending on the needs and preferences, in three different options for connecting the Macan with the outside world: the "Connect module" includes a compartment for smartphones integrated into the center console armrest that can save battery power and ensure an improved reception of the phone. Also new is the ability to connect the iPhone with PCM for using AppleCar Play®, including voice recognition Siri®. The "Connect module" also includes the familiar Porsche Car Connect. 

In addition, it is available the "navigation module": the new navigation system convinces for the representation of the high-resolution maps, provided for the first time, depending on the area, even in 3D. And you can easily start the path management by voice command. 

For the use of increasingly complex offers connectivity, Porsche developed the "module Connect Plus": real-time traffic information available online and the representation of Google services, ensure the Macan to reach the first destination, and not only thanks to its driving dynamics. 

The use of PCM as a WLAN hotspot and even more extensive integration of smartphones in the car do not leave nothing to be desired in terms of networking. The new addition to Porsche Connect App that allows, among other things, to transfer items smartphone directly to PCM to start a management way. 

LED main headlights in dynamic design 

For the first time, in combination with Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus) option, the Macan has full-LED headlights. The new headlights convince tone similar to that of daylight and the depth of illumination optimized compared with a low power consumption.  

The daytime running lights are characterized by lighting design with four points, the Porsche family. The dynamic design of the lights is further underlined by the inner headlight in dark color and the four diodes LED in silver anodized. Set in a chrome frame profile marked, the main projector in black acquires a particular three-dimensional configuration. Instead of the bi-xenon headlights with projection lenses round and additional lights, the LED version has a projection module placed in the center for the low beam and high beam. Additional light modules provide other features such as the cornering light system and assistance at intersections.  

The PDLS Plus includes popular features of "dynamic curve light" and "light roads", as well as a specific mode for journeys and the motorway 'illumination of the road in case of poor visibility. The high beam dynamics, based on camera, allow a more relaxed thanks to the automatic adjustment of the headlight beam when driving at night. Based on the navigation data provided by PCM, the care system at intersections activates a light module additional near a junction for optimum illumination of the intersection.  

For a particularly sporty look: packages Macan Turbo  Inspired by GTS models, Porsche offers, for the first time for the Turbo Macan, additional packages for the interior and to the exterior. Several design elements into the body give the powerful SUV to sporty handling: 21-inch 911 Turbo design shine in the exclusive two-tone combination. The door mirrors Sport Design, markedly dynamic, and hubcaps with color Porsche Crest add aesthetic accents. 

Elements in contrasting colors in glossy black adorn the vents and sideblade, as well as the side window surrounds and the lower part of the rear bumper. In chromatic harmony and perfectly matched to the molding rear Sport Design, the sports exhaust system terminal displays in black. The rear lights dark complete the custom look of the flagship model.  

Traditionally, GTS models offer drivers sporting visual and tactile sensations particularly valuable in the cockpit, distinguished elements in Alcantara and seams in contrasting colors: Alcantara, a fabric used in sports competitions, plays the seat center, the armrest of the center console and door trim. Decorative stitching in silver rhodium or garnet red in the instrument cluster, on the seats and the door trim generate additional color accents. Turbo lettering in contrasting color on the headrests and door sill guards in carbon, illuminated, announce between journeys power from 400 hp top model.  

Both packages can be ordered separately, but each combines equally sporty and exclusivity. For all versions the Macan also features new exterior colors. Decorative stitching in contrasting colors and seat center in different color still leave more room for customization. In addition, the steering wheel in Alcantara, available as an option, heated, offers more comfort in cold weather and a secure grip in the case of sports driving. The new models will be available at retailers Macan Porsche since the beginning of 2016, but as of now be ordered in Italy at the following prices (including VAT):  

• Macan S 64,279 Euro 

• Macan S Diesel 63,669 Euro 

• Macan GTS 76845 € 

• Macan Turbo 87,413 Euro 

(1) Macan GTS *: Consumption (l / 100 km) 11.8 to 11.4 urban, suburban 7.8 to 7.4, 9.2 to 8.8 combined; CO2 emissions from 215 to 207 g / km; Efficiency class (Germany): E-D. 

(2) Series 911: Consumption combined from 12.7 to 7.4 l / 100 km; CO2 emissions: 296 to 169 g / km, Efficiency class (Germany): G-D. 

(3) Macan Turbo *: Consumption (l / 100 km) 11.8 to 11.5 urban, suburban 7,8 7.5, combined 9.2 to 8.9; CO2 emissions from 216 to 208 g / km; Efficiency class (Germany): E-D. 

(4) Series Macan: Consumption combined: 9.2 to 6.1 l / 100 km; CO2 emissions from 216 to 159 g / km;Efficiency class (Germany): E-B. 

*) Range of values ​​depending on the type of tires fitted. 

iStream® Carbon is being shown for the first time at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show.

iStream® Carbon is being shown for the first time at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show and is the chassis technology used for the Yamaha 'Sports Ride Concept' sports car project.

The 'Sports Ride Concept' is an in house Yamaha concept design based on an iStream® Carbon chassis developed at Gordon Murray Design working with the Yamaha team.

iStream® Carbon is the world's first affordable high volume carbon fibre chassis structure bringing Formula One materials and technology within reach of the everyday motorist.

iStream® Carbon sets new standards in the Automotive industry for chassis light weighting, rigidity and safety.

iStream® Carbon is derived directly from Gordon Murray Design's highly successful iStream® Manufacturing System.

iStream® offers manufacturers:

• A lightweight chassis system without the cost increases associated with all current light weighting technologies.
• A large reduction in capital investment.
• A significant reduction in manufacturing energy.
• New levels of product flexibility from a single platform.
• New levels of chassis rigidity and durability and corrosion resistance.
• New levels of safety.

The new system replaces the glass content in iStream® with carbon fibre which offers even more performance for lightweight and rigidity.  Gordon Murray Design Limited has been developing iStream® Carbon for the last 2 years with partners Toray Industries, Innovate UK and ELG, and the process is now fully industrialised.

Unlike any other carbon fibre chassis technology, iStream® Carbon is a fully mechanised system with a cycle time of just 100 seconds.  iStream® Carbon is true Formula One racing technology utilising two carbon skins sandwiching a honeycomb core, unlike many expensive handmade supercars which employ monolithic  (single skin carbon panels). 

The low cost investment and piece part cost of iStream® Carbon components will enable it to be used in sub premium market segments.

iStream® and iStream® Carbon can cater with annual production volumes between 1,000 and 350,000 units per year at a cycle time of 100 seconds and can reduce capital investment by up to 80% reducing manufacturing energy by up to 60% whilst offering new levels of rigidity, corrosion resistance, safety, durability and low cost light weighting.

iStream® and iStream® Carbon represent a major step change in automotive manufacturing.

Gordon Murray Design Chairman - Professor Gordon Murray said:

"Light weighting is the final frontier in the automotive industry fight to lower emissions. There have been great strides forward in engine design, electrical control systems, tyre design and transmission technology, but we are now experiencing a plateau in the advance of technology where the law of diminishing returns comes into play.  

A step change in vehicle weight to enable downsizing of powertrain and components is all we have left in the armoury.  Light weighting is important for internal combustion engined cars, but even more important for hybrids and electric vehicles.  iStream® and iStream® Carbon is that step change and is the world's first affordable, high volume bonded composite structure which sets new standards of safety, rigidity and durability.  

iStream® delivers performance through lightweight.  iStream® Carbon does not replace our existing iStream® manufacturing process, it sits alongside our standard system to open up more market segments for us.  We are currently working on 7 vehicles using our original iStream® technology”.

AUTOMOTIVE STRUCTURAL COMPOSITES

Gordon Murray Design have a history of innovation in structural composites.

Timeline

1974    The first composite rear wing Brabham BT44.

1976    The first use of carbon brakes on a car - Brabham BT45.

1978    The first use of carbon panels in a racing car - Brabham BT49.

1982    The first composite roll over system - Brabham BT52.

1992    The world's first all carbon road car - McLaren F.1.

1992    The first carbon clutch in a road car - McLaren F.1.

1999    The formation of a concept to use Formula One composites technology in high volume at low cost.

2003    The first productionised carbon manufacturing system in low volume - Mercedes McLaren SLR.

2008    The setting up of Gordon Murray Design Limited to develop the iStream® manufacturing system.

2010    The first iStream® vehicle shown - GMD T.25.

2011    The first iStream® electric vehicle shown - GMD T.27.

2013    The first customer iStream® vehicle shown at the Tokyo Motor Show - Yamaha MOTIV.e.

2015    The announcement of the first production customer to use iStream® - TVR.

2015    The showing of a customer sports car at the Tokyo Motor Show - Yamaha 'Sports Ride Concept'.

2015    The announcement of iStream® Carbon.

Tokyo gives Subaru the basis for showcasing the new Impreza and the look and style of all future Subaru's.

• World premiere of two Subaru design studies, the Impreza 5-Door Concept
• Japan-only WRX STI S207 limited edition with more power and quicker handling

The Subaru Impreza 5-door Concept made its world debut today at the 44^th Tokyo Motor Show today, previewing the design not only of the next-generation Impreza but Subaru’s future models as a whole.

New Impreza 5-door Concept

The Impreza 5-door Concept offers all the functionality essential to Subaru and its customers. The concept achieves a higher level of aerodynamic performance while blending form with function, resulting in thoroughly modern styling which hints at how future versions of the car will look.

The Impreza 5-door Concept’s sense of quality and modernity is achieved through the choice of a luminous silver as the exterior colour, adding a hint of lustre to the clean, sharp lines of the car. The design study exhibits a wide and low stance, suggestive of the innate stability that Subaru is famed for. The hexagonal grille develops Subaru’s visual identity further, while the concept’s front combination lamps exhibit a bold reinterpretation of Subaru’s hallmark ‘hawk-eye’ headlights.

The Impreza 5-door Concept boasts a dynamic look and stance, a result of strong, clean character lines extending from the front wheel arch to the rear shoulders. The front and rear combination lights have been designed to express a powerful, modern look, with the taut lines and compact silhouette of the car further enhancing the concept’s sportiness and stability.

New Subaru WRX STI S207 limited edition

Subaru also took the opportunity at Tokyo to launch a limited edition WRX STI, the S207. Due to go on sale in Japan towards the end of this year with just 400 cars being made, the WRX STI S207 is built off the WRX STI sports saloon, but features a specially-tuned engine with a higher power output – elevated to 328 PS. 

The car’s ultra-quick, precise handling has also been modified, with the adoption of a quicker steering ratio of 11.0:1, developing the involving and immediate character of the WRX STI. A revised front bumper design and larger rear spoiler add to the exclusive design of the S207. There are no plans to bring the special edition to Europe.

TOKYO SHOW - Mazda unveils it's latest SKYACTIV design, the RX-Vision, which features a rotary engine.

• Mazda RX-VISION features next-generation SKYACTIV-R rotary engine
• Company sees new potential in a powerplant that is synonymous with the brand

Mazda Motor Corporation unveiled the Mazda RX-VISION today at the Tokyo Motor Show. The sports car concept is powered by a next-generation SKYACTIV-R rotary engine, the unconventional technology that is perhaps the most compelling symbol of the carmaker’s challenger spirit.

Mazda RX-VISION (Reference Exhibit)

An exquisitely proportioned front-engine, rear-wheel drive model, the RX-VISION represents a “vision” of the future that could only come from Mazda. And one that countless fans of the brand around the world hope will become a reality.

Rotary engines are unique in that they generate power through the rotational motion of triangular rotors (unlike the reciprocating pistons in conventional automotive engines). Overcoming numerous technical difficulties, Mazda succeeded in commercialising rotary power, first in the Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S in 1967 and then in several other models. The most successful of these was the Mazda RX-7, the most-sold rotary car ever with more than 800,000 produced between 1978 and 2002.

Continually striving to improve output, fuel economy and durability, Mazda was the only company to ever win the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a rotary-powered race car, a feat it managed in 1991 in the Mazda 787B.

Although not currently mass-producing any rotary models, Mazda never ceased its R&D activities. The carmaker chose the SKYACTIV-R label for the next-generation rotary engine to express its determination to continue delivering its customers convention-defying technology and an uncompromising SKYACTIV experience behind the wheel.

“I look forward to talking with you more about this vision we revealed here today at the Mazda stand,” said Mazda’s Representative Director, President and CEO Masamichi Kogai. “Mazda will continue to take on new challenges in an effort to build a special bond with our customers and become their one and only brand.” The Tokyo Motor Show opens to the public from 30 October to 8 November."

TOKYO SHOW - The Vision Tokyo is the latest trailblazing spatial experience to come from Mercedes-Benz.

Mobile club lounge for young, urban trendsetters

The Vision Tokyo is the latest trailblazing spatial experience to come from Mercedes-Benz: its monolithic structure, futuristic design idiom and unique lounge ambience in the interior define it as luxurious, young and progressive – thus making it a fitting tribute to the sophisticated megacity and trendsetting metropolis that is Tokyo. 

Spatially efficient, versatile and intelligently connected, the Vision Tokyo – which is also capable of driving autonomously – is an urban transformer that reflects the growing youthfulness of the Mercedes-Benz brand. At the same time, this innovative five-seater continues a tradition of visionary design-study showcars that has included the Vision Ener-G-Force (Los Angeles, November 2012), AMG Vision Gran Turismo (Sunnyvale, 2013) and G-Code (Beijing, November 2014).  

Japan's capital city Tokyo represents home to some nine million people, in an area that is just 622 square kilometres in size – smaller than Paris but with more than four times as many people. This megacity represents a fascinating combination of tradition and contemporary high tech and is constantly defining new trends – making it the ideal location for the premiere of the Mercedes-Benz Vision Tokyo. It will be on display to an international audience for the first time at the Tokyo Motor Show (30 October to 7 November 2015).

Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Daimler AG: "The Mercedes-Benz Vision Tokyo embodies the concept of an automotive lounge for a future generation of megacities. The purity and sensuality of the Vision Tokyo's styling defines a new interpretation of modern luxury from Mercedes-Benz." 

The conceptual message of the vehicle reflects the increasingly youthful appeal of the Mercedes-Benz brand and perceptions of it as a stylistically influential design brand. The Vision Tokyo is the brainchild of the designers working within Mercedes-Benz's global network of Advanced Design Studios.

Hot on the heels of the F 015 Luxury in Motion autonomously driving luxury saloon comes the Vision Tokyo, with which Mercedes-Benz aims to show how the car of the future can be turned into a hip living space – a chill-out zone in the midst of megacity traffic mayhem.

The Vision Tokyo is a homage to the urban Generation Z, the cohort of people born since 1995 who have grown up with the new media. 

The role of the vehicle has changed for this global generation: it is no longer simply a means of getting around, but a digital, automobile companion. 

The Vision Tokyo takes things another step further: innovative algorithms allow it to evolve constantly; Deep Machine Learning and an intelligent Predictive Engine mean that, with each journey, it becomes more and more familiar with its occupants, their likes and preferences. All of which makes the Vision Tokyo the perfect partner for Generation Z.

The spaciousness of the Vision Tokyo marks a new conceptual approach for Mercedes-Benz Cars. These proportions are emphasised by the monochrome Alubeam paintwork and by side windows screen-printed in the colour of the vehicle. These give the vehicle's occupants privacy, while at the same time allowing sufficient light to penetrate into the interior and an unimpeded view out.

Surfaces and lines illuminated in blue – among them the 26-inch wheels and the side skirts – provide unexpected colour highlights and are indicative of the concept car's emission-free electric drive system. A pointer to the potential for autonomous operation and the comprehensive system of vehicle environment sensors that this requires, including a 360-degree camera, is provided by the fin on the vehicle roof.

Instead of a conventional windscreen, the Vision Tokyo features a continuous stretch of glass panelling – similar to the glazed cockpit of a powerboat. As was the case with the AMG Vision Gran Turismo, the front headlamps are set well to either side and at an angle. The area across the front of the vehicle can be used to display a series of different lighting functions. If music is playing inside the vehicle the display will, for example, visualise a sound pattern, rather like a sound analyser. The rear window is set into a surrounding ring of red LED cubes, which gives it visual depth. Once again, the LED field can be put to good use – as an indicator display or as part of the analyser function.

The dimensions of the Vision Tokyo (length/width/height: 4803/2100/1600 mm) are comparable with those of a mid-series vehicle. Up to five passengers access the interior via the upward-swinging door on the left-hand side – ideal for the right-hand-drive traffic in Japan's megacity. The conventional seating arrangement in rows is thus redundant, while there is also no "front" or "back" here: passengers take their seats instead on a large, oval-shaped couch. 

This unique lounge-style arrangement allows everyone on board to enjoy the benefits of autonomous driving. For even though the members of "Generation Z" are frequent users of social media, they nevertheless prefer personal contact whenever possible. And it is for this face to-face communication that the seat layout has been optimised. As a contemporary-style club lounge, the Vision Tokyo brings people together. With the car in autonomous driving mode they are able to chill and chat, without having to worry about steering a way through the dense traffic.

Behind the passengers are large wraparound LED screens. The perforated seats are back-lit, giving rise to a high-tech ambience that presents an intentional contrast to the soft surface finish of the pale leather. Apps, maps and displays emanating from the entertainment system are presented as three-dimensional holograms within the interior space.

Should there be a requirement for the Vision Tokyo to be controlled manually rather than it driving autonomously, a seat facing in the direction of travel can be released from the centre of the couch at the front, rather like the "jump seat" in an aircraft cockpit. The steering wheel, too, is then moved from its standby position into driving position.

The bodyshell of the Vision Tokyo has been designed to allow the crash-protected integration of a fuel cell-powered electric drive system. This is based on the trailblazing F-CELL PLUG-IN HYBRID of the F 015 Luxury in Motion and combines the on-board generation of electricity with a particularly powerful and compact high-voltage battery that can be charged contactlessly via induction. The use of pressure tanks made from CFRP is envisaged for the storage of hydrogen in the concept car. The electric hybrid system has a total range of 980 kilometres, of which some 190 kilometres are courtesy of battery-powered driving and around 790 kilometres on the electricity produced in the fuel cell.

The Vision Tokyo continues a tradition of visionary design-study showcars that has included the Vision Ener-G-Force (Los Angeles, November 2012), AMG Vision Gran Turismo (Sunnyvale, 2013) and G-Code (Beijing, November 2014). Thanks to the global nature of the Mercedes-Benz Design function, these concept vehicles take cues from local trends in design, culture and mobility and make these the focal point of the respective mobility concept. At the same time these showcars are already looking well beyond the next generation of vehicles.

Global Advanced Design – the Mercedes-Benz Design Studios

When it comes to its Advanced Design activities, Mercedes-Benz relies on a global network: designers and modellers in five Advanced Design Studios in Carlsbad (USA), Sunnyvale (USA), Como (Italy), Beijing (China) and Sindelfingen (Germany) mull over ideas for the vehicles of tomorrow – and beyond.