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.
Showing posts with label New Lighting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Lighting. Show all posts

Sunday, 25 September 2016

MG Motor UK has completed an expansion project at its electrical component testing facilities in the UK.

MG Motor UK has completed an expansion project at its electrical component testing facilities in the UK. Alongside adding a third vehicle skeleton to increase pre-production testing capabilities, new lighting, cabling and display screens have been installed to further improve operational efficiencies.
Used for the development and validation of prototype technologies, the electronic component testing facility is based at MG’s UK Motor Technical Centre (SMTC) in Longbridge, Birmingham. With 22 team members and state-of-the-art testing equipment, the facilities are used to develop in-car electronics for all models manufactured by SAIC Motor Corporation Limited – the parent company of MG.

The investment will allow MG’s team of highly-skilled electrical engineers to bring new components to market and support the development of innovative technologies for the vehicles of tomorrow.
Richard McAlister, Vice Director of Electrical Engineering at the SMTC, commented: “The latest in a long line of investment projects at our UK Technical Centre in Longbridge, expanding the electrical component testing facility provides significant opportunity to test, validate and facilitate an even greater workload.
“The work undertaken in the laboratory isn’t simply about testing individual components, we have to ensure that they all integrate. The electrical architecture of a modern car means that thousands of electrical messages happen simultaneously. It’s vital that the systems all cope in different scenarios, which is why continuing to invest into the latest technologies and processes is so important.
“Thanks to facilities like our electrical component testing facility, we can now identify and solve issues long before a new car enters the pre-production stage. This saves time and vast amounts of money by streamlining the whole process.”
As an integral part of SAIC Motor Corporation Limited – the parent company of MG Motor – SMTC is responsible for key phases of the engineering, research, design and development programmes for all new MG products worldwide.

Saturday, 17 September 2016

Dacia will unveil the slightly enhanced Sandero, sandero Stepway and Logan MCV at this years Paris Motor Show.

  • Dacia will introduce three new models at the Paris Motor Show: Sandero, Sandero Stepway and Logan MCV
  • Models have been redesigned to meet Dacia customers’ expectations
  • Distinctive new front end and lighting signature shown for the first time
  • The new models will be revealed in full at the Paris Motor Show Dacia press conference on Thursday, 29 September at 10:45 CET
The Paris Motor Show provides an opportunity for Dacia to celebrate another year of new sales records and share changes made to the range line up, including: the New Sandero, Sandero Stepway and Logan MCV, which are more attractive than ever, but still the most affordable new cars in Europe.

Dacia unveils its new models
To the exterior, the front end has been reconfigured on all three models, giving a recognisable Dacia family look. The updated bumper, grille, and air vents confirm the robust nature of the range. 
The new lights, which now use LEDs, are more elegant and modern looking. They form four rectangles, creating the new Dacia lighting signature. The rear lights have also been redesigned in the same spirit. The interior has also received updates to the features, materials, ergonomics, storage areas, and more.
The new models redesigned from the inside out, including powertrains will be unveiled at the Dacia press conference at Paris Motor Show on Thursday, 29 September at 10:45 CET in Hall 1 at the Dacia stand.
This conference will be led by Jean-Christophe Kugler, Executive Vice President and Chairman of the Europe Region.

Tuesday, 15 September 2015

FRANKFURT - DS Automobiles to showcase three New cars at the show, Two for the road, one for the track.

All eyes will be on DS Automobiles at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week when the brand unveils three new models for the first time: New DS 4 & DS 4 Crossback, the DSV-01 Formula E racing car & a noteworthy surprise that will be revealed at 3.00pm on Tuesday 15 September during the DS press conference.

In a setting that will showcase elegance, French expertise, technology and the avant-garde spirit, the DS Automobiles stand will be a must-see at the 66th International Motor Show in Frankfurt. 

The DS brand has chosen this event for the world premiere of New DS 4 and New DS 4 Crossback, the DSV-01 full electric Formula E racing car and a show car that will be unveiled at 3.00pm on Tuesday 15 September during the DS press conference.

NEW DS 4 & DS 4 CROSSBACK: ONE MODEL, TWO BODY STYLES

The only car of its kind when it was launched in 2011, the original DS 4 was given the prestigious titles of ‘Most Beautiful Car of the Year’ and ‘Most Beautiful Interior’ at the International Automobile Festival.  

Now, DS 4 is gaining new impetus with the arrival of two distinct, yet complementary versions: New DS 4 is a dynamic and refined premium hatchback, and New DS 4 Crossback is a stylish adventurer with ‘go-anywhere’ looks and a 30mm higher ride height, large black wheels and specific body components including black wheel arch trims and grey roof bars.

New DS 4 and DS 4 Crossback perfectly embody the character of DS vehicles, with:
  • A new front end featuring the brand’s signature ‘DS Wings’ grille (directly inspired by the Numéro 9 concept car) and new DS LED Vision headlamps.
  • New DS 4 gaining the latest technology, including CarPlay® compatibility with the most recent Apple iPhones.
  • High-performance engines of up to 210hp with low CO2 emissions.
  • Refined interior design, including the Nappa leather upholstery and the option of ‘watch strap’ semi aniline leather seats, which is exclusive to the DS brand.
With New DS 4 and DS 4 Crossback, the DS brand is going on the offensive in the compact premium segment.

New DS 4: now with customised features, new styling & enhanced performance

With its flowing lines, touches of chrome and high-performance engines, New DS 4 has all the qualities of a premium hatchback. 

Personalisation and greater customer choice is provided by the two-tone roof/body colour option, which is new to this segment. With its luxurious, refined and even more customisable interior, New DS 4 represents a unique offering in the premium compact segment.

New DS 4 features a unique body design. 

With its new, more powerful stance, this latest version meets all the expectations of a premium hatchback, complete with the promise of performance for the driver. 

A key characteristic of today’s DS models is customisation. Initiated on DS 3 in 2010, New DS 4 introduces a two-tone offering with a choice of four colours for the roof and rear spoiler, the door mirrors and wheel centre caps. 

The optional Perla Nera Black, Whisper Purple, Virtual Blue or Tourmaline Orange finishes on the roof mean that up to 38 colour combinations are possible. There are nine body colours, including three new colours: Tourmaline Orange, Artense Grey and Platinum Grey. This new ‘bi-tone’ option is unique in the premium compact segment and allows customers to adapt their car to their personality and lifestyle. 

New DS 4 Crossback: versatile, expressive & adventurous by nature

New DS 4 Crossback is aimed at customers looking for 'urban and extra-urban adventure’. Versatile in concept and design, this new vehicle displays strong styling features including black wheel arch trims, a differentiated front end and rear spoiler also finished in black, and grey roof bars. Its status is further underlined by its black door mirrors, door sills and carpet mats and a ride height that is 30mm higher than the hatchback version. This car offers an alternative to conventional hatchbacks in this segment.

With New DS 4 & DS 4 Crossback, DS takes a huge leap forward in connectivity

New DS 4 gains a major new feature as the first DS, and the first vehicle in the PSA Group, to offer CarPlay® compatibility with the most recent Apple iPhones.


With its new 7-inch colour touch screen and latest innovations from the PSA Group in the field of MMIs (man-machine interfaces), New DS 4 delivers a high-tech driving experience. This new-generation screen provides easy access to all vehicle functions, from navigation to music, and has the added benefit of requiring 12 fewer buttons on the centre console. It is also designed to include new Mirror Screen technology, a function that duplicates Android or iOS smartphone content to the in-car screen.


The high-tech approach reflected in these new connected services (Mirror Screen and Carplay®) is also visible in other functions available on New DS 4. A reversing camera and keyless entry and start are now available, alongside blind spot monitoring for greater convenience and safety.

DS VIRGIN RACING

The International Motor Show in Frankfurt will be the setting for the first official viewing of the DSV-01, the Formula E car of the DS Virgin Racing team. The car will then set off to compete in the upcoming Formula E World Championship, starting in Beijing on 17 October, 2015.

A fully electric single-seater, the DSV-01 was born out of the partnership between Virgin Racing, which has already participated in the Formula E World Championship, and the DS brand. The automaker founded DS Performance, its motor sport division led by Yves Matton, for this very purpose. 

The DS Performance engineers have developed the electric motor and gearbox for the DSV-01. They also designed its cooling system, rear suspension and transmission. The engine management system was designed in partnership with Magneti Marelli. Much more than just an R&D laboratory, DS Performance showcases the technological expertise and avant-garde spirit of DS.

DS Performance will support DS Virgin Racing throughout the upcoming Formula E season, enabling Sam Bird and Jean-Eric Vergne to maximise the performance of the race cars.

Sunday, 6 September 2015

DS Brand launches two new models the DS4 & DS4 Crossback, one all new, the other significantly upgraded.

One model, two distinct body styles and a new front end. Unique design that embodies the spirit of avant-garde.  Even more advanced technology with refinement apparent in every detail. Introducing New DS 4 & DS 4 Crossback.   

Having sold more than 115,000 examples worldwide since its launch in 2011, DS 4 is gaining new impetus with the arrival of two complementary versions: 

New DS 4 is a dynamic and elegant hatchback for customers seeking sleek styling and driving pleasure, whilst the New DS 4 Crossback – a new version in the range – is a car with ‘go-anywhere’ looks and a higher driving position.

With this twofold offering, DS Automobiles is addressing the expectations of customers in the premium compact vehicle segment, which has seen some important changes in recent years. Crossover vehicles now make up 30% of the premium compact hatchback market.


"DS embodies the spirit of avant-garde. In the case of New DS 4, the brand's spirit is expressed through an offering made up of two body styles: a new premium hatchback and an unprecedented new offer: DS 4 Crossback, with elegant go-anywhere style. With such complementary vehicles, the DS brand is clearly stating its ambition, and its ability, to meet customer expectations." – Yves Bonnefont, CEO, DS Automobiles.

With its flowing lines, touches of chrome and high-performance engines, New DS 4 has all the qualities of a premium hatchback. Personalisation and greater customer choice is provided by the two-tone roof/body colour option, which is new to this segment. With its luxurious, refined and even more customisable interior, New DS 4 will represent a unique offering in the premium compact segment.
   
New DS 4 Crossback is an eminently versatile car. Its go-anywhere stance is reflected in its higher ride height and its large black wheels, as well as its wheel arch trims and roof bars, amongst other additional features.

New DS 4 and DS 4 Crossback perfectly embody the character of all DS vehicles. 

Their strong identity is underlined by a new front end – proudly sporting the ‘DS Wings’ grille design – new DS LED Vision headlamps, the latest technology with advanced connectivity including CarPlay® and high-performance engines with CO2 emissions of between 100g/km and 138g/km (UK specification). 

Refined features include door panels upholstered in Nappa leather and semi-aniline leather upholstery with the signature ‘watch strap’ design that is exclusive to DS Automobiles.

With a world premiere at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, these two new versions of DS 4 will be ‘on sale’ in the UK from November 2015. 

ONE MODEL, TWO BODY STYLES 

DS 4 has always been unique, and remains so today, now with two distinct, yet complementary versions. New DS 4 is a dynamic and refined premium hatchback and New DS 4 Crossback takes the form of a stylish adventurer thanks to its 30mm higher ride height, specific features and styling.

New DS 4 features a unique body design. With its new, more powerful stance, this latest version meets all the expectations of a premium hatchback, complete with the promise of performance for the driver. 

A key characteristic of today’s DS models is customisation. Initiated on DS 3 in 2010, New DS 4 introduces a two-tone offering with a choice of four colours for the roof and rear spoiler, the door mirrors and hub caps. 

The optional Perla Nera Black, Whisper Purple, Virtual Blue or Tourmaline Orange finish on the roof mean that up to 38 colour combinations are possible. 

There are nine body colours, including three new colours: Tourmaline Orange, Artense Grey and Platinum Grey. This ‘bi-tone’ option is unique in the premium compact segment and allows customers to adapt their car to their personality and lifestyle. 

The New DS 4 Crossback is aimed at customers looking for 'urban and extra-urban adventure’. Versatile in concept and design, this new vehicle displays strong styling features including wheel arch trims, a differentiated front end and rear spoiler finished in black, and grey roof bars. 

Its status is further underlined by its black door mirrors, door sills and carpet mats and a ride height that is 30mm higher than the hatchback version. This car offers an alternative to conventional hatchbacks in this segment. 

AVANT-GARDE DESIGN 

"A DS is identified first and foremost through its body style, unique proportions with a strong personality. Our choice for DS 4? A wide road-hugging body style for the New DS 4 hatchback version and an elegant go-anywhere style for DS 4 Crossback. With these two distinct vehicles, we are remaining true to our ambition: to deliver a new and exciting experience." – Thierry Metroz, Design Director, DS Automobiles. 

Introduced on New DS 5, the signature DS front end can now be seen on New DS 4. It was directly inspired by the prestigious Numéro 9 concept car, which gave birth to the overall product and style strategy of DS.

It consists of:
  • A vertical grille with the DS monogramme and the ‘DS Wings’ signature in a nod to the original DS.
  • New DS LED Vision headlamps, as with DS 3 and New DS 5. The headlamps combine three LED modules with a Xenon directional module and new LED scrolling directional indicators. These headlamps are key to the identity of the front end and deliver a crisp, powerful light beam. In total there are 84 LEDs at the front of the car.
  • Black trim on the New DS 4 Crossback and body-coloured trim with chrome inserts on the New DS 4 hatchback enables easy visual differentiation between the two vehicles.
Viewed from the side, both versions feature a chrome ‘belt’ running around the dark-tinted side windows with a tautly drawn roofline ending in a spoiler. The compact, muscular rear styling maintains its refined, distinctive design.

Another key feature to the identity of New DS 4 is the panoramic windscreen. The windscreen offers upward vision of 45° for greater visibility. Both the driver and front passenger have individual rigid blinds and folding sun shields.

A HIGH-TECH PRODUCT 

"New DS 4 and DS 4 Crossback bring together the best in DS technology. The result: two new DS vehicles with a very strong personality and an incomparable level of equipment and finishing – generally reserved for the next segment up – efficient engines that set absolute standards in terms of performance and fuel efficiency, and modern connectivity features. 

While the Crossback body style is sure to inspire surprise and enthusiasm, the New DS 4 hatchback is a real alternative to conventional premium vehicles." – Eric Apode, Vice President Products & Business Development, DS Automobiles. 

New DS 4 gains a major new feature as the first DS, and the first vehicle in the PSA Group, to offer CarPlay®compatibility with the most recent Apple iPhones.


With its new 7-inch colour touch screen and latest innovations from the PSA Group in the field of MMIs (man-machine interfaces), New DS 4 delivers a high-tech driving experience. This new-generation screen provides easy access to all vehicle functions, from navigation to music, and has the added benefit of requiring 12 fewer buttons on the centre console. It is also designed to include new Mirror Screen technology, a function that duplicates Android or iOS smartphone content to the in-car screen.


Like all the vehicles in the DS range, New DS 4 and DS 4 Crossback will be available with DS Connect Box, which includes:
  • SOS & Assistance pack: a ground-breaking automatic call system used to locate the vehicle and obtain assistance in the event of an emergency or breakdown;
  • Monitoring pack: a virtual maintenance manual with automatic mileage monitoring, notification of upcoming service operations and eco-driving tips based on technical information provided by the car;
  • Mapping pack: locates the vehicle and sends an e-mail if the vehicle enters or leaves a given geographical area;
  • Tracking pack: provides the police with the vehicle’s geographical position in the event of theft.
The high-tech approach reflected in these new connected services (Mirror Screen and Carplay®) is also visible in other functions available on New DS 4. A reversing camera and keyless entry and start are now available, alongside blind spot monitoring for greater convenience and safety.

New DS 4 will be launched in the UK in November with six engines emitting between 100 and138g/km of CO2. One PureTech, two THP and three BlueHDi power units will be available. 

New DS 4 Crossback will launch with a choice of two engines: one petrol (PureTech 130 S&S 6-speed manual) and one diesel (Blue HDi 120 S&S, with either a 6-speed manual or an EAT6 auto transmission). 

Engine output ranges from 120hp to 210hp, with torque of between 230Nm and 400Nm. Fuel consumption is also significantly reduced. Ranging 74.3 to 47.9mpg (combined), New DS 4 and DS 4 Crossback are competitive with the best in their segment.

Petrol engines

PureTech 130 S&S 6-speed manual

A member of the PureTech engine family – which was awarded an International Engine of the Year prize earlier this year – this new turbocharged PureTech 130 S&S version in New DS 4 has an output of 96kW at 5,500 rpm, an increase of 9% over its predecessor, the VTi 120. Maximum torque is 230Nm, an increase of 44% compared with the VTi 120. Maximum torque is now available from 1,750rpm instead of 4,250rpm.

At the same time, the PureTech 130 S&S 6-speed manual cuts both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 21%. As a result, New DS 4 and DS 4 Crossback equipped with the PureTech 130 S&S engine deliver economy of 55.4mpg with CO2 emissions of 119g/km with 17-inch wheels.

THP 165 S&S EAT6  

Paired to the new 6-speed EAT6 automatic gearbox, bringing faster gear changes, greater driveability and reduced internal friction, New DS 4 THP 165 S&S is an impressive performer, with fuel consumption of 50.4mpg marking a 29% improvement on the THP 160. CO2 emissions are 130g/km, with 240Nm of torque.

With maximum injection pressure of 200bar and Stop&Start technology with a reinforced starter, this engine has maximum output of 121kW at 6,000rpm. Maximum torque of 240Nm is available from 1,400rpm and remains constant to 4,000rpm, for remarkable driveability at both low and high revs.

THP 210 S&S 6-speed manual

New DS 4 will be the first DS vehicle to feature this new THP 210 S&S engine. The engine delivers a maximum output of 155kW at 6,000rpm. Maximum torque of 285Nm is available from 1,750rpm and remains constant to 4,000rpm. Fuel consumption is 47.9mpg with CO2 emissions of 138g/km.

This high-performance engine is a perfect match for the dynamic, refined style of New DS 4. For this reason, it will be available only with the hatchback version. 

Diesel engines

New DS 4 and DS 4 Crossback are available with the latest-generation Euro 6 BlueHDi diesel engines. 

BlueHDi combines advanced performance with low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. These results were achieved by working directly on the engines to find improved internal efficiency, fewer mechanical losses and by specifying an innovative and efficient exhaust system. 

The innovative and unique character of this exhaust line lies in its specific layout, with the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) module positioned upstream of the additive particulate filter, this is the only after-treatment system able to reduce NOx emissions by up to 90% as well as reducing CO2 emissions by up to 4%.

BlueHDi 120 S&S 6-speed manual or EAT6

This is the entry-level diesel engine for New DS 4. 

Paired with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or the new 6-speed automatic gearbox, it can return fuel consumption as low as 74.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 100g/km with the 6-speed manual gearbox, or 72.4mpg and 102g/km of CO2 with the EAT6, each with torque of 300Nm. With these figures, New DS 4 hatchback and DS 4 Crossback set the standard for fuel efficiency with respect to the competition.

Blue HDi 150 S&S 6-speed manual

The BlueHDi 150 S&S with a 6-speed manual gearbox is a strong performer in the DS engine range. The figures speak for themselves with fuel consumption of 72.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 103g/km, with a torque output of 370Nm. 

Based on these three criteria, New DS 4 BlueHDi 150 S&S with the 6-speed manual gearbox emerges as the segment benchmark with between 20 to 70Nm more torque than its main competitors. This engine will only be available in the New DS 4 hatchback.

BlueHDi 180 S&S EAT6 fuel economy and torque

The BlueHDi 180 S&S EAT6 delivers outstanding performance and fuel economy, with fuel consumption of 64.2mpg and CO2 emissions of 115g/km for a torque output of 400Nm. With up to 50Nm more torque than its main competitors and a best-in-class torque rating, this engine delivers outstanding driveability.

DYNAMIC, RELAXED HANDLING

To account for the variation in ride height, specific adjustments were made for the two body styles. This was to further strengthen the driving characteristics of each version in terms of comfort and handling. With a lower centre of gravity, New DS 4 is inherently agile and stable. 

Customers will enjoy the driving experience in complete comfort. With a ride height raised by 30mm, New DS 4 Crossback offers a higher driving position for better visibility and a more relaxed drive, and the ability to take on different types of terrain.

Available with both body styles, Intelligent Traction Control is a driving aid that optimises anti-skid control for the front wheels on surfaces with little grip. It also improves ‘start-up’ performance, particularly on snow-covered surfaces.

In figures:
  • 115,000 DS 4 sales since launch
  • Six turbocharged engines at launch for New DS 4, with CO2 emissions of 100-138g/km
  • Dimensions: 4.28m long, 1.81m wide and 1.50m tall for New DS 4 (154m tall for DS 4 Crossback)
  • Boot capacity of over 370 litres
  • Nine body colours, including three new choices
  • More than ten driving aids for safety and comfort