The long awaited Volvo XC60 has been revealed at Geneva - and about time too !

Volvo Cars, the premium car maker, today revealed the long-awaited new XC60 premium SUV at the Geneva Motor Show.

The new car replaces Volvo’s highly successful original XC60, which in the nine years since its launch became the best-selling premium mid-sized SUV in Europe, with nearly a million units sold globally. The XC60 today represents around 30 per cent of Volvo’s total global sales.

“We have a strong heritage in designing stylish and dynamic SUVs that offer the latest in technology. The new XC60 will be no exception. It’s the perfect car for an active lifestyle, and it represents the next step in our transformation plan,” said Håkan Samuelsson, President and Chief Executive, Volvo Car Group. 

New comfort and safety technology

The new XC60, one of the safest cars ever made, is fully loaded with new technology. Steer Assist has been added to the ground-breaking City Safety system. A new safety system called Oncoming Lane Mitigation uses Steer Assist to help mitigate head-on collisions, while Volvo’s Blind Spot Indication System (BLIS) now uses Steer Assist functionality to reduce the risk of lane-changing collisions.

“We have focused on building a car that can deliver pleasure to all of your senses – from a commanding view of the road ahead in a beautifully appointed and calm cabin, to a safe, inspired and confident ride,” said Henrik Green, Senior Vice President Product & Quality at Volvo Car Group. “We’ve paid particular attention to making life easier for our customers by providing them with the creature comforts and services that take the hassle out of everyday life.”

Pilot Assist, Volvo’s advanced semi-autonomous driver-assistance system, which takes care of steering, acceleration and braking on well-marked roads up to 130 km/h, is available in the new XC60 as an option.

Performance

The new XC60 offers Volvo’s award-winning T8 Twin Engine petrol plug-in hybrid at the top of the powertrain range, delivering 407 hp and acceleration from 0-100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds.

“We have a wide range of powertrains. The new XC60 will be launched with the diesel D4 engine at 190 hp and the D5 with PowerPulse technology delivering 235 hp. We also have the petrol-powered T5 delivering 254 hp and the T6 which, with both turbo and superchargers attached, delivers 320 hp and 400 Nm of torque,” added Henrik Green.

But it is not just under the bonnet that the new XC60 delivers healthy performance. The new CleanZone four-zone climate control system removes harmful pollutants and particles from outside the cabin to deliver Scandinavian-fresh air on the inside.

Volvo Cars’ driver infotainment and connected services offer, Sensus, and the Volvo On Call app both receive a graphical update with improved usability. As in the 90 series cars, smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is also available.

Sculpted feel

“The XC60 is an SUV not designed to look down on others but to drive. The exterior has an athletic sculpture with a subtle, timeless quality. The interior is a masterful composition of well-resolved architecture, beautiful materials and the very latest technology – all perfectly blended together. The XC60 provides a true Scandinavian experience, which will make our customers feel special,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President, Design at Volvo Car Group.

Volvo Cars’ new XC60 is set to go into production in mid-April at the Torslanda Plant in Sweden.

Note to editors:

There are no plans to offer the T6 powertrain in the UK.

Official performance and fuel consumption data is preliminary.

USA - Infiniti announces pricing and specification for the flagship QX80 Sports Utility Vehicle.

● Pricing for INFINITI’s flagship premium SUV starts at $63,850

● Driver Assistance Package adds advanced Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection – along with Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention and Blind Spot Intervention®, Backup Collision Intervention, Intelligent Cruise Control, Distance Control Assist and Predictive Forward Collision Warning

● New Trailer Sway Control added to all models, enhances QX80’s 8,500-pound standard towing capacity (when properly equipped)

● Wi-Fi capability now available in conjunction with Theater Package

INFINITI today announced pricing for the 2017 QX80, which is available now at INFINITI retailers nationwide. 

The flagship premium full-size SUV adds several new features, including available Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Trailer Sway Control and Wi-Fi capability. In addition, the Mocha Almond exterior color is now available on all models.

The QX80 is available in three well-equipped models – QX80, QX80 4WD and QX80 4WD Limited – and six five optional equipment packages. 

All models come equipped with an advanced 400-horsepower 5.6-liter DOHC V8 engine featuring Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG™) and VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) technology, along with a 7-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control and manual shift mode with Downshift Rev-Matching. 

QX80 4WD models feature INFINITI All-Mode 4WD® with computer-controlled transfer case and three settings (Auto, 4H and 4L).

Also standard are 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, LED headlights with integrated LED fog lights, rear automatic self-leveling suspension, power liftgate and integrated Class IV tow hitch (8,500-pound towing capacity, when properly equipped).

The QX80 4WD Limited’s exterior is highlighted by dark chrome 22-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, stainless steel running board caps, under running board welcome lighting, darkened headlight and taillight inner lens, dark chrome trim and exclusive exterior colors. Inside, the QX80 4WD Limited offers an extensive list of comfort, convenience and driving aid features, including semi-aniline Truffle Brown leather appointments with unique quilted pattern, and open pore matte finish ash wood trim.

As expected from INFINITI, the 2017 QX80 also offers advanced safety and driving technologies, including Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Backup Collision Intervention, Intelligent Cruise Control, Blind Spot Warning, Distance Control Assist, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention, Blind Spot Intervention and the newly added Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection.

More information on the 2017 INFINITI QX80, along with the full 2017 INFINITI lineup, is available at InfinitiNews.com.

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) for the 2017 INFINITI QX80 are:

Model	Engine/Drive	MSRP
QX80	5.6-liter V8 / RWD	$63,850 USD
QX80 4WD	5.6-liter V8 / 4WD	$66,950 USD
QX80 Limited Edition 4WD	5.6-liter V8 / 4WD	$89,450 USD

   Destination and Handling $995 USD

First glimpse of exciting new SUV concept from Infiniti with the World premiere at 2016 Beijing Auto Show.

• First glimpse of exciting new SUV concept from Infiniti
• Inspired by ‘Powerful Elegance’ form language
• World premiere at 2016 Beijing Auto Show

Infiniti has revealed a first glimpse of its daring new QX Sport Inspiration, an exploration of the brand’s vision for a next-generation, mid-size premium SUV.

Inspired by Infiniti’s ‘Powerful Elegance’ design philosophy, the QX Sport Inspiration features the brand’s design hallmarks and stands out thanks to its striking design details and sophisticated craftsmanship.

  

The concept rendering illustrates SUV-like proportions highlighted with wide muscular lines shoulders reminiscent of the Q60 Concept, floating A-pillars and extra-wide wheel arches.

Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti Executive Design Director, commented: “The QX Sport Inspiration expresses a power and purpose that is uniquely Infiniti. With a flowing, natural aesthetic, this concept demonstrates how Infiniti can offer something new and exciting with future QX SUV models.”

The Infiniti QX Sport Inspiration makes its global debut at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show (press days on April 25/26, public days from April 29 – May 4).

Latest DS model to preview at Beijing, the all new DS 6WR.

• DS 6WR, an all-new premium SUV, will be unveiled this month’s Beijing Motor Show
• Directly inspired by the Wild Rubis concept, DS 6WR features unique styling & combines SUV versatility with DS sophistication & refinement
• Powered by e-THP 160 & THP 200 engines, with 6-speed automatic transmission

DS is unveiling a sophisticated new SUV at this year’s Beijing Motor Show – DS 6WR – the first SUV for the brand.

Designed in Paris and directly inspired by the Wild Rubis concept car, DS 6WR is a premium SUV and a new approach for DS: rebellious, untamed, yet pure and sophisticated. Following on from DS 5LS, this is the first SUV for the brand and represents the next stage in the development of DS in China and around the world.

The unique body lines combine SUV styling with DS design cues. At 4.55m long, 1.86m wide and 1.61m tall, with a long wheelbase of 2.73m and 19-inch wheels, DS 6WR’s generous dimensions meet the needs of premium SUV buyers in terms of space, versatility and dynamics.

DS 6WR is specified with Grip Control – for optimised traction on all types of terrain – without the need for a four-wheel drive system. This benefits both fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. The e-THP 160 and THP 200 powerplants are mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox and feature sequential direct injection with a high-pressure pump and a twin scroll type turbocharger.

A truly modern SUV, DS 6WR’s body is wide and low with unique, charismatic styling. There is a chrome-finished side signature with aluminium bars that accentuate the impression of height and sculpted rear wings. The new front end identity, inaugurated by DS 5LS, features ‘DS Wings’, a new grille design that takes its name from the two chrome-finished wings connecting it to the headlamps. The incisive light signature features Xenon technology and DRLs that appear in a tuning-fork layout.

At the rear, the lights appear integrated into the wraparound tailgate. The glass is set in chrome, further underlining the 3D design of the lights. To complete the rear signature, DS initials are embossed on the side of each light cluster. The sculpted style of the wraparound tailgate is underlined at the base with a chrome finish and a twin exhaust.

Following DS5 in September 2013 and DS 5LS, which was launched at the end of March this year, DS 6WR will be the third DS model to be built in China at the Shenzhen site. DS 6WR will be introduced by end of the year in China in the first instance. Another locally built model will also be unveiled in the coming months. The development of DS is underpinned by an expanding network with 56 ‘DS Stores’ in the country’s biggest cities

Hyundai previews new concept for China only car - a chunkier looking i40 saloon.

• The Mistra concept, a preview of Hyundai’s latest China-exclusive model, makes its world debut at the motor show
• Hyundai to accelerate efforts in becoming a leading brand in China

Hyundai unveiled the Mistra concept at the Shanghai New International Expo Center today. The debut comes ahead of the company’s launch later this year of Mistra (Mingtu, or 名图 in Chinese), the production-version of the concept. Hyundai also introduced its Grand Santa Fe premium SUV to the Chinese market today.

The Mistra, which is positioned between the Sonata and Elantra, fully reflected Chinese customers’needs and preferences during the development process, and is expected to boost Hyundai’s presence in China’s mid-sized segment.

Despite its relatively late entry into the Chinese market in 2002 with the establishment of Beijing Hyundai Motor Co. (BHMC), a 50-50 joint venture between Hyundai Motor and Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co., Hyundai has been growing rapidly for the past ten years to become one of the country’s mainstream brands, inspiring media to coin the term ‘Hyundai Speed.’ Facing the decade ahead, Hyundai aims to accelerate its brand management for the next ten years.

“Hyundai has achieved remarkable growth in the past decade, in line with the Chinese auto market’s rapid growth,” said Sung Kee Choi, President of BHMC, during a speech. “The Mistra and Grand Santa Fe will lead us towards another successful era. We will prepare against fiercer competition in the Chinese market through our strategy of brand innovation based on quality.”

Besides the two new cars, Hyundai reinforced its modern and sophisticated image by displaying its eco-friendly models such as the ix35 Fuel Cell, and Sonata Hybrid, as well as its in-vehicle IT service, Blue Link, to promote its advanced technologies. Within its premium zone, located at the centre of the booth, Hyundai’s high-end models such as the face-lifted Equus Limousine and HCD-14 Genesis concept were exhibited. The face-lifted Equus will go on sale in China in the first half of this year.

Mistra concept

The Mistra concept, a joint project between Hyundai Motor Group’s R&D Center and the Beijing Hyundai Technical Centre, offers significant insight into the styling of the production version, which is scheduled to go on sale later this year.

The mid-sized sedan concept has an overall length of 4,710 mm, overall width of 1,820 mm and overall height of 1,470 mm, as well as a 2,770 mm-long wheelbase. It also has 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels.

The concept of its exterior design is ‘Grand,’ which consists of three sub-concepts: Modern Simplicity, Understated Sportiness and Smart Luxury. Reflecting local customers’ preferences, an enchanting and elegant jade green body colour, called ‘Frost Jade,’ was applied.  

A wide radiator grille gives a bold first impression, while unique fog lamps and a wide intake hole contribute to a stable image. The harmony among the long hood, sleek daylight opening side window and sloping side character lines complete an understated sporty profile. The voluminous rear bumper, with its two-tone colour, adds a sporty image, while the futuristic full-LED rear combination lamps give it a sophisticated look.

The source of inspiration for the name of this new upcoming strategic model, Mistra, is the beautiful city in the Laconia region of southern Greece where the ruins of the Byzantine Empire is located. Mistra signifies beauty, nobility and mystery. Its Chinese name, Mingtu, signifies integrity and quality, in hopes of presenting customers with a blueprint for a bright and successful future.

The Mistra was designed to meet the diverse needs of the mainstream urban population, providing them with even more comprehensive and diverse choices. Its main target customers are young parents in their 20s and 30s.  

Grand Santa Fe

The Grand Santa Fe, a long-wheelbase, three-row version of Hyundai’s premium SUV, Santa Fe, also made its Chinese debut today. Building on the momentum created by the third-generation Santa Fe, which has been posting strong sales in China since its launch in January this year, the Grand Santa Fe will further enhance Hyundai’s market share in the growing premium SUV segment. The Grand Santa Fe will begin sales in China in the first half of this year.

Based on the design concept of Storm Edge, which is part of Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy, the side and rear views have been redesigned with a wider quarter glass for more openness. The wider rear view offers stability and poise. It has an overall length of 4,915mm, overall width of 1,885mm, overall height of 1,690mm, and a 2,800mm wheelbase.

The Grand Santa Fe comes with three types of engines. The LambdaⅡ 3.3 GDI and 3.0 GDI engines deliver maximum outputs of 286ps and 264ps, and maximum torque of 34.4kg.m and 31.2kg.m, respectively. Hyundai also offers a 2.2-litre diesel R engine, delivering a maximum output of 197ps, and maximum torque of 44.5kg.m.

The Grand Santa Fe is 225 mm longer than the Santa Fe, giving passengers in the second and third rows more space. The luggage capacity is also increased to 630 litres, an optimal size for family trips. The independent second row seats offer more comfort, while at the same time providing easier access to third row seats.