Subaru uses the USA for it's world debut of the new 7 seat Ascent Sports Utility Vehicle.

• Subaru confirms future 3-row SUV will be named Subaru Ascent
• The Ascent will be powered by an all-new turbocharged DI Boxer Engine
• Ascent SUV Concept showcases 7 passenger interior 

Subaru of America, Inc., which this month posted its 64th consecutive month of record-breaking sales, today made the world debut of the Subaru Ascent SUV Concept. 

The styling concept also confirms the name Ascent for the upcoming Subaru 3-row SUV. Both the design concept and the production Ascent will feature an all-new turbocharged direct injection boxer engine.

The exterior design of the concept follows Subaru’s “Dynamic x Solid” theme with powerful fender flares representing Subaru’s all-wheel drive system and a large, bluff grille denoting a true SUV look. 

The interior of the concept features a flowing dashboard design and a 7-passenger configuration with center captain’s chairs.

The Ascent production model will be based on a modified version of the Subaru Global Platform that debuted last year. The model will be built at Subaru of Indiana, Inc. in Lafayette, Indiana and will be sold exclusively in the North American market starting in 2018.

Specifications:

Body size: (Length x Width x Height) 198.8 x 78.3 x 72.4 inches

Wheelbase: 117 inches

Tire Size: 275/50 R21

Seating Capacity: 7

The name has been released for the Aston/Red Bull Hypercar - we give you VALKYRIE !

• Continuation of a naming tradition stretching back seven decades
• Joins famous lineage of Aston Martin ‘V’ cars
• Valkyrie name taken from ancient Norse mythology  

The revolutionary hypercar being co-developed by Aston Martin and Red Bull Advanced Technologies, formerly identified by its codename AM-RB 001, has now been officially named the Aston Martin Valkyrie.

The name continues a fine tradition of Aston Martin ‘V’ cars. This began back in 1951 with Vantage, which was selected as a name to distinguish high performance variants of the then current model, the DB2. 

Boasting 125bhp versus 105bhp for the standard engine, the Vantage represented a significant increase in performance and desirability. The first time the Vantage badge appeared was on the side of the DB5.

It remained a name reserved for the most potent model derivatives until 2005, when the Vantage became a model line in its own right. Twelve years later the acclaimed family of V8 and V12-powered models has made the Vantage the most successful model in Aston Martin’s history.

Virage, Vanquish and the Aston Martin Vulcan - Aston Martin’s very own God of fire - are more recent ‘V’ cars to continue this lineage. Now, seven decades after the Vantage name started it all, the Aston Martin Valkyrie propels this uniquely distinctive and lyrical family of model names to another level.

For Aston Martin’s Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman, Valkyrie perfectly captures the drama of what is not only the ultimate Aston Martin, but the ultimate expression of hypercar design, engineering and performance: “Aston Martin model names have deep meaning. They need to inspire and excite. To tell a story and enrich a narrative that stretches back some 104-years. The Aston Martin Valkyrie is an incredibly special car that demands an equally remarkable name; an uncompromising car that leaves nothing in reserve. The connotations of power and honour, of being chosen by the Gods are so evocative, and so pertinent to a car that only a fortunate few will ever experience.”  

While its name is rooted in ancient mythology, the Aston Martin Valkyrie is a pure expression of modern technology. By bringing together Aston Martin, Red Bull Advanced Technologies, project partner AF Racing and some of the world’s leading technology partners, the Aston Martin Valkyrie promises otherworldly performance befitting of its name. 

The next stage of build and information is released for the AM-RB 001 Hypercar.

• Prestigious roll call of world-leading technical partners working alongside Aston Martin and Red Bull Advanced Technologies  
• Bespoke 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine designed and built by Cosworth
• Cutting-edge 7-speed transmission developed by Ricardo Engineering
• Carbon fibre MonoCell supplied by long-time composites partner, Multimatic

With design and engineering work on the AM-RB 001 hypercar progressing apace, Aston Martin, Red Bull Advanced Technologies and project partner AF Racing today confirm some of the key technical partners for AM-RB 001.

Working to the exacting brief of both brands, the technical partners have been selected for their unrivalled expertise and willingness to push the performance boundaries. 

Together with Adrian Newey, Red Bull Racing’s Chief Technical Officer and Aston Martin’s VP and Chief Special Operations Officer, David King and his team, they will embrace the challenges inherent with delivering a car poised to redefine the limits of road car performance.

The heart of every Aston Martin is its engine. Never more so than in the AM-RB 001, which is why it has been entrusted to legendary engine builder, Cosworth. An illustrious name with an impeccable motorsport pedigree, the UK-based company will bring all its Formula One and high performance production engine experience to bear in the design and manufacture of the AM-RB 001’s bespoke, high-revving 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine.

Mated to AM-RB 001’s all-new engine is a bespoke 7-speed paddle-shift transmission. Designed and manufactured by Ricardo, to Red Bull Advanced Technologies’ specification, the gearbox will be the perfect partner to Cosworth’s V12. Conforming to the radical hypercar’s ethos of minimal mass and maximum efficiency and led by Red Bull Advanced Technologies’ simulation work, Ricardo will deploy intelligent engineering solutions to achieve Newey’s uncompromising goals.

Not content with commissioning the ultimate road-legal internal combustion engine, the AM-RB 001 also boasts a lightweight hybrid battery system supplied by Rimac. Acknowledged as world-leaders in high-performance battery technology, the Croatian-based company has showcased its capabilities with the innovative Concept-One: the world’s first - and fastest - all-electric hypercar.

With lightweight construction paramount the AM-RB 001’s MonoCell is constructed from carbon fibre by world-leading composite experts, Multimatic. A long-standing technology partner on projects such as One-77 and Aston Martin Vulcan, Multimatic will combine its unrivalled manufacturing experience with Red Bull Advanced Technologies’ knowledge gained from the design and build of ultra-competitive, championship-winning Formula One cars.

With a power-to-weight ratio of 1:1 - that’s to say one bhp for every kilogram of kerbweight - the AM-RB 001 requires a braking system that’s more than the equal of its powertrain. Step forward Alcon and Surface Transforms, who together are responsible for supplying the lightweight, high performance brake calipers and carbon discs required to deliver the stopping power.

To guarantee maximum efficiency, performance and dynamic control, electronics expert Bosch has been entrusted with developing bespoke Engine Control Unit (ECU), Traction Control Unit (TCU) and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) systems for the AM-RB 001, while UK light manufacturer, Wipac, is responsible for the hypercar’s full LED headlamps and tail lamps.

Adrian Newey, Red Bull Racing’s Chief Technical Officer, says of the technical partners supporting the AM-RB 001 project: “Much like Formula One, designing, engineering and building a car like the AM-RB 001 is a massive team effort. To achieve great things you need to surround yourself with the best people. Experience, creativity, energy, diligence and perfectionism are absolute must-have qualities in every area of the project. Having great technical partners such as those working with us is both reassuring and motivating. Together we aim to produce an innovative piece of engineering art.

David King, VP and Chief Special Operations Officer, commented: “Making the    AM-RB 001 presents huge challenges. It’s a real test of everyone involved, but that’s as it should be, for we’re genuinely raising the bar with this car. That’s what makes the project so special, and why having the right technical partners is so critical. Some of those names we’re working with are long-standing suppliers of Aston Martin, but there are some new names in there, too. Whether forging fresh partnerships or building on existing relationships, the AM-RB 001 project is a shared engineering adventure we’re all relishing.”

A maximum of 150 road going AM-RB 001s will be built, including all remaining prototypes, with 25 additional track-only versions. First deliveries are due to commence in 2019.

The AM-RB 001 hypercar to get its world and North American Show debut at the Canadian Auto Show.

The Aston Martin-Red Bull Advanced Technologies concept hypercar; AM-RB 001, will make its first appearance in North America — and global auto show debut — at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto later this month.

The unique and groundbreaking AM-RB 001, introduced in July 2016 at the Aston Martin headquarters in Gaydon, England, is an unprecedented fusion of form and function the likes of which has never before been seen in a road-legal vehicle. 

It will be accompanied to Toronto by Dr. Andy Palmer, the President and CEO of Aston Martin, who will be speaking at the Opening of Manufacturers’ Media Preview Day and the Automotive News Canada Congress on Thursday, February 16, 2017.

Aston Martin President and CEO, Dr. Andy Palmer said: “The Canadian International Auto Show marks the global auto show debut of our groundbreaking hypercar.  The AM-RB 001 is destined to become the defining hypercar of this decade and a hugely desirable investment for collectors and enthusiasts.” 

The original full-size concept model of the AM-RB 001 will be located at the Toronto Star stage on the 300 Level of the North Building at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre during the public days of the Auto Show.  Aston Martin Toronto and Aston Martin Uptown Toronto, part of the Grand Touring Automobiles Group of Companies, will also be showcasing the new Aston Martin DB11 at the Canadian International Auto Show.

The public viewing days for the Canadian International Auto Show will be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre between February 17^th and 26^th.  

USA - When considering the future FCA US LLC went to those that know all about it.

• Visit the Chrysler Portal concept microsite
• Forward-thinking interpretation of the “fifth generation” of family transportation focused toward the millennial generation
• Designed from the inside out, the interior offers the driver and passengers a “third space” – an open and serene atmosphere that bridges work and home
• The mono-volume exterior centers around an illuminated, portal-shaped articulating front, and rear doors that allow for easy ingress and egress
• The electric-powered Chrysler Portal concept is estimated to have more than 250 miles of range on a full charge
• DC Fast Charge (350 kW) recharges the battery pack with 150 miles of range in less than 20 minutes
• In-vehicle wireless network seamlessly integrates with mobile devices to enable community social sharing among passengers and internet cloud-based applications
• Suite of sensing technologies enables SAE Level Three semi-autonomous driving mode; Chrysler Portal designed to upgrade to Level Four autonomous driving, if desired
• The Chrysler Portal concept was created in collaboration with supplier partners who shared their innovations and expertise to bring to life future technologies. These partners include Adient, Magneti Marelli, Panasonic Automotive and Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

When it came to thinking about the future of family transportation, FCA US called upon the people who will own and live with such a vehicle – millennials working inside the company’s design and engineering functions – to collaborate on ideas. 

Armed with research on what the millennial generation values and desires, the team created a forward-thinking interpretation of the “fifth generation” of family transportation – the Chrysler Portal concept, created by millennials for millennials.

  

Millennials are tech savvy, environmentally aware and cost conscious. To balance those needs and to be an integral part of millennials’ lives, the Chrysler Portal concept is designed to maximize interior space with an impressive degree of flexibility between seating and cargo configurations; to enable users to include and expand their social media communities with seamless wireless integration between the vehicle and mobile devices; to take advantage of technologic advances in battery-electric powertrains and the growth of a rapid recharging network; and to deliver these capabilities in a powerful, high-tech form that uses LED lighting as a key design element, and not as a mere accent.

“The Chrysler Portal concept is backed by significant research on the millennial generation. Millennials have clearly defined that they want a vehicle that will grow with them as they experience life changes,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Car Brands – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA – North America. “FCA is a leader in family transportation and it was essential that we fully explored the idea of what a vehicle could look like for this emerging generation.”

Millennials in the millions

FCA US has been studying the millennial generation for more than 20 years, using ethnographic research to gain insight into current and emerging wants and needs.

Millennials have become the largest demographic. In the next 10-plus years, most will be at a point in their life where they will begin to start or will have started a family; 75 percent of all children will have a millennial parent and there will be 4 million more children than today. 

The millennial generation is defined as people born between 1982 – 2001.

The four modes of family transportation have been defined as station wagons, minivans, SUVs and crossovers; millennials will seek their own version of a family vehicle. 

Based on internal research, they will want a vehicle that is reflective of their personality, offers value and flexibility, integrates advanced technology and is socially responsible. 

Millennials are seeking practical and functional products that provide both capability and a sense of personal style. They also need affordability and look to own vehicles long term. 

As a result, they want a vehicle that can be upgraded as their lives change, and they expect seamless integration of technology in and out of the vehicle, including to home and other devices. 

While millennials are a broad group of consumers at varying life stages, the Chrysler Portal concept is designed and engineered with all life stages and lifestyles in mind, including active/adventure, single, married/partnered, those with newborns and older children.

The Chrysler Portal concept explores the possibility of what a family transportation vehicle could look like for the millennial generation as their lifestyles evolve. 

The flexibility, adaptability and technology features also make it ideal for business and commercial applications, such as ride hailing, car sharing and delivery services.

Designed from the inside, Chrysler Portal concept creates third space

Designed from the inside out, the interior of the Chrysler Portal concept offers the driver and passengers a “third space” – an open and serene atmosphere that provides an alternative environment between work and home. 

Spacious and modern, the interior features soft, clean, sculptural lines that are colored in a mix of neutral and grey hues accented by jewel tones; the interior space takes advantage of a tasteful and elegant mix of textures and materials.

Premium seating is standard for all occupants with thin-design seats that fold flat, fold up and slide fore/aft on a track system for ultimate flexibility. The seats mount to tracks embedded in the floor. This enables the seats to move the full length of the vehicle and, if needed, to be removed easily from the rear of the vehicle.

Battery-electric vehicle technology contributes to cabin spaciousness with a minimized engine compartment and a low, flat-load floor atop the battery pack that is ideal for transporting people and equipment for an active lifestyle.

Technology is celebrated throughout with a clean, simple high-mount instrument panel display with easy-to-use interfaces. Screens can be positioned throughout the interior for ultimate passenger engagement.

Up to eight docking stations, located in the instrument panel and seats, can be used for charging and securing mobile phones and tablet devices.

Exterior design centers around Portal doors

The Chrysler Portal concept takes a new perspective with a clean, simple yet strong design statement amplified by refined lines along the body and a strong, planted stance.  

Featuring a mono-volume form that “shrink wraps” the battery-electric vehicle (BEV) powertrain and interior packaging, the Portal’s exterior design is anchored by illuminated, portal-shaped side openings with articulating front and rear doors for easy loading and unloading of people and cargo.

The lighting on the Chrysler Portal concept is an interactive experience, as well as a communication tool. The vehicle is equipped with full-color, changing LED lighting on the front, side portals and rear. 

Not only can the light take on different colors, it can have a swiping or animated appearance. Interactive ground projection and portal lighting are available in infinite colors that can be tailored for personal, business or drive settings, such as when the vehicle is parked, locked/unlocked or in autonomous mode.

The headlamps and tail lamps feature next-generation Thin Lens LED technology with an adaptive driving beam to provide increased safety through improved visibility.

A full-length clear polycarbonate roof panel visually expands the vehicle’s interior space and admits natural light to all occupants.

Engineered for future developments

An all-electric vehicle, the Chrysler Portal concept is propelled by a single electric motor driving the front wheels. 

A lithium-ion battery pack, rated at around 100 kWh, is integrated into the vehicle underbody, which increases structural rigidity and provides a low center of gravity, which enhances handling and ride comfort. The Chrysler Portal concept is estimated to have more than 250 miles of range on a full charge.

The integrated charging port, located at the front of the vehicle, uses the industry-accepted Combined Charging System (CCS) plug for energy and communication between the vehicle and charging equipment. 

DC Fast Charging at 350 kW enables the battery pack to be recharged for 150 miles of range in less than 20 minutes. The Chrysler winged badge on the front fascia serves as a charging indicator light.

The Chrysler Portal concept is capable of SAE Level Three semi-autonomous operation and the driver has the option to turn driving control over to the vehicle under certain highway driving situations. 

The vehicle is equipped with an array of sensor technologies (LIDAR/radar/sonar/vision) that constantly monitor conditions outside and inside the vehicle. 

The Chrysler Portal concept is engineered to upgrade to higher levels of autonomy as technology progresses, and if the owner is interested in adding it to their vehicle.

Adaptable user experience anticipates needs

There are more than 20 available technologies designed to engage, inform and connect the driver and passengers. The Chrysler Portal concept provides an adaptable and upgradeable user experience that anticipates the needs and can evolve with lifestyle changes and technology advancements.

Infotainment, sensor and software systems are designed to provide a seamless user experience, including these key features: 

• Facial recognition and voice biometrics recognize the user and are able to customize individual or family settings to provide a unique drive experience based on preferred features, such as exterior and interior lighting, favorite music, enhanced audio settings, favored destinations and more
• Vehicle-to-X (V2X) communication enables the vehicle and infrastructure to "talk" to each other, such as intersection crash warning, traffic sign recognition and emergency vehicle approaching
• Personal Zoned Audio keeps the driver aware of surroundings by enhancing sound and directionality in the event of approaching emergency vehicles
• Seamless vehicle integration of personal devices, such as phones, tablets, cameras and wearables
• Community sharing enables passengers to share music, images, videos and more with other passengers

LA SHOW - Lincoln showcases the Lincoln Navigator Concept at this years Show, a real leap forward in every aspect.

• The Lincoln Motor Company’s Navigator Concept, a full-size SUV boasting the brand’s quiet luxury features, will be showcased at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Nov. 18-27, offering auto enthusiasts a glimpse into the future of the nameplate
• Lincoln’s design team drew inspiration for the SUV from luxury yachts and sailboats, resulting in clean, modern lines for the exterior, and teak finishes and a wardrobe management system inside
• Navigator concept features an array of smart technologies designed to make the vehicle increasingly efficient on a variety of road surfaces

Auto enthusiasts can catch a glimpse of the Lincoln Navigator concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Nov. 18-27, as the brand hints at what’s next for its best-known nameplate – a full-size SUV geared toward quiet luxury.

The design team at The Lincoln Motor Company was inspired by luxury yachts and sailboats. This influence can be seen in everything from the vehicle’s clean, modern lines and Storm Blue exterior, to teak finishes and exquisite detailing throughout.

“Lincoln Navigator concept reinforces our commitment to give every Lincoln client what we call quiet luxury – vehicles and experiences that are elegant and effortlessly powerful,” said Kumar Galhotra, president, The Lincoln Motor Company. 

“Quiet luxury is what sets Lincoln apart. We’re showing fans of large SUVs how we can exceed their expectations, without being the loudest statement on the road.”

Lincoln’s most spacious interior yet – a key purchase consideration among buyers of large SUVs – is delivered with outstanding refinement in the Navigator concept. A custom wardrobe management system at the rear offers spacious organization for the savvy traveler. Six Lincoln-patented Perfect Position Seats adjust 30 ways to best support various body types. The driver’s seat includes independent deployable thigh support for maximum comfort.

Monitors on the back head restraints offer passengers Wi-Fi connectivity – allowing them to wirelessly share music and content from personal devices. In addition, Lincoln’s Revel^® audio system is specially tuned for superior sound quality throughout.

The concept vehicle is equipped with several drive modes designed to improve ride and handling and allow drivers to find the experience that best suits their given terrain. Drive modes affect steering, suspension and noise levels.

A 360-degree camera and enhanced park assist features take the stress out of parallel and perpendicular parking. The system seamlessly integrates views from four cameras – creating an overhead image that allows drivers to see all around the vehicle.

Navigator concept’s Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection uses radar and camera technology to scan the road ahead. If a collision risk with a vehicle or pedestrian is detected, the system provides a warning to the driver. If the driver doesn’t respond, it can automatically apply up to full braking force to help reduce the severity of – even eliminate – some frontal collisions. A lane-keeping system vibrates the steering wheel to alert drivers straying from their lane, providing mild input to encourage them back toward the center.

Lincoln Navigator concept is accessed through distinctive power gullwing doors and deployable concertina steps. A special lighting sequence – a signature Lincoln feature – welcomes passengers for every journey.