WORLD PREMIERE : 2 MITSUBISHI CONCEPT MODELS AT 2013 GENEVA INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW

Mitsubishi Concept CA-MiEV – The Suburban EV

TOKYO : February 13, 2013 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will give the MITSUBISHI Concept GR-HEV^*1 and MITSUBISHI Concept CA-MiEV^*2 concept models their global debut at the 83rd Geneva International Motor Show which runs from March 5 through March 17 (opening to the general public on March 7). The two show models highlight MMC's next-generation advanced technologies.

Mitsubishi Concept GR-HEV – The Sport Utility Hybrid Truck

The MITSUBISHI Concept GR-HEV is a concept for a sport utility truck (SUT) which delivers high environmental and driving performance using a FR^*3 diesel-hybrid system (under development) in a pickup truck, one of the most popular vehicle categories in emerging economies. Combining a high fuel-efficiency clean diesel engine with a high-output motor and battery, the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) system achieves on-road CO2 emission levels of below 149 g/km to give it environmental performance among the best in its class. The concept also uses a next-generation 4WD system which incorporates the Super Select 4WD honed in the Pajero series and Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) vehicle dynamics integrated control systems to deliver high stability traction and driving performance under all road conditions.

The MITSUBISHI Concept CA-MiEV gives an indication of the shape MMC, which launched the i-MiEV - the world's first mass produced electric vehicle - in 2009, believes EVs will take in the near future. This concept model incorporates next-generation EV technologies under development at the company, such as high-energy density batteries and high-efficiency EV systems (motor, inverter, regenerative braking and wireless charging system). Together with a lightweight and aerodynamic body it achieves a cruising range of 300 km.

With its advanced technologies embodied in the two concept models making their world debut at the Geneva Motor Show, MMC will continues to pursue further progress both in emerging markets and in environmental technologies, two major keys to the growth of the company's business.

*1 : Grand Runner
*2 : Compact and Advanced technology
*3 : Front engine, rear-wheel drive

[Source : MITSUBISHI]

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KIA CONCEPT TO PROVOKE AT GENEVA

New KIA Concept - Teaser image 

Kia is set to deliver a provocative and racy new urban concept car at this year's Geneva Motor Show.

With the company's signature tiger-nose morphing into a mischievous, yet friendly, grille and headlight arrangement, coupled with strong styling lines that exude speed and energy from every angle, Kia's newest concept vehicle is guaranteed to attract attention.

Images : Kia concept to provoke at Geneva


[Source : KIA]

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NISSAN RESONANCE CONCEPT : EVOLVING THE CROSSOVER

Nissan Resonance concept

• Signals the future direction of Nissan crossovers with smart, edgy design
• Elevates the crossover experience with engaging aerodynamic exterior
• Features a spacious and sophisticated interior, advanced hybrid powertrain
• Global concept was created by Nissan Design America, San Diego, California

With its boldly futuristic aerodynamic styling and fuel-efficient hybrid-electric powertrain, the Nissan Resonance concept proposes an all-new dynamic and edgy design that once again leads the trend for the crossover category. The global concept makes its world debut today at the 2013 North American International Auto Show.

"When the designers were first working on the Nissan Resonance, they were inspired by scientific advancements in technology and material innovations. They also were inspired by the aspirations of those people who embrace innovation. It was about serving those people a concept vehicle that is forward-looking and fuses style with an athletic ride," said Francois Bancon, Nissan Motor Co. division general manager, Product Strategy and Planning.

Resonance was created by Nissan Design America, San Diego, CA, under the direction of Shiro Nakamura, senior vice president and chief creative officer of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

An Energetic, Premium Exterior Design that Resonates

Light on its feet, the exterior design signals that Nissan Resonance is pushing the crossover segment forward.

Nissan's designers worked to express an aerodynamic feel that was lightweight yet also protective. The front exterior design shows the V-Motion, which starts from the front grille, moves through the bonnet and resonates with the iconic boomerang shaped headlights. The body is strengthened by powerful surfaces and provocative lines and is accented by the flow through the car to the kick-up shape at the rear. These distinct details give the crossover a very advanced yet spacious impression.

The roof's unique "floating" design is created through the use of the thin, steeply raked A-pillars, a large full-length glass panel and flowing D-pillar design. The effect created gives the impression of a flowing structure carried by the large windows and overall spaciousness of the cabin.

The body colour, named Flare Orange, adds even more energy and warmth to the overall exterior design. Other exterior features include a tinted acrylic grille with Satin Chrome accents and 22-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

Inside, a Futuristic VIP Lounge

With the interior, the designers imagined what the future of first-class space travel might be: welcoming yet exclusive and high-tech yet premium. The resulting "VIP lounge," with its light, buttery leather and premium-stitched seats, exudes genuine sophistication.

Thoughtfully considered details, including sequential welcome lighting, add warmth and drama upon entering the vehicle. The dramatic interior illumination highlights the natural wood pattern in the modern cabin.

An advanced instrument panel floats on a generous console, creating a forum where the driver can access all infotainment and communication features. Technology is graphically layered to give a holographic experience and visual depth is used to separate information in order of importance.

The open glass roof gives passengers a unique panoramic view of the world and floating elements like the roof lining add to the sense of space and airy lightness. The spacious interior atmosphere is enhanced by the sculpted door panels and elegant, deep shape of the center console.

"The Resonance interior reflects the enlightened modernity of today's crossover buyer, who values an amazing experience over traditional indulgence,” continued Francois Bancon. “The architecture of the cabin is open and structured. Like the exterior, it redefines and pushes the segment beyond convention."

Sustainably Dynamic Performance

Though Resonance is presented strictly as a design concept, its efficient hybrid electric drivetrain signals the desire by crossover drivers to be respectful of the environment without sacrificing driving pleasure. The all-wheel drive Resonance includes Nissan's proprietary "one-motor, two-clutch" system that combines a smaller displacement internal combustion petrol engine with an electric motor/lithium-ion battery and advanced management system.  Resonance also features Nissan's next-generation Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission).

An Other-Worldly Concept for Real-World Customers

The bold Resonance follows Nissan's longstanding leadership in crossover design, demonstrated by such cutting-edge vehicles as Murano, Qashqai and Juke, while pushing the boundaries of design into another dimension.

"Resonance is meant to be provocative, energetic and engaging - even polarizing,” said Francois Bancon. “Its edgy yet sophisticated design, combined with an environmentally sensitive powertrain and intelligent utility provides a clear, exciting view into the future of crossover innovation.

"This design is not meant to appeal to traditional two-box SUV shoppers, but rather to those whose fashion and design choices make a statement. For Nissan, this concept makes our statement about the future of this segment."

NISSAN RESONANCE CONCEPT :
KEY DIMENSIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS

Concept:	Futuristic five-seater crossover
Drive Configuration:	Four-wheel drive Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
Engine/Motor:	2.5-litre DOHC internal combustion petrol engine, high-performance electric motor with advanced control technologies, one-motor/two-clutch hybrid technology
Transmission:	Next-generation Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission)
Battery:	Compact laminated lithium-ion battery, intelligent battery charging control
Wheels/Tyres:	Five-spoke 22-inch aluminum-alloy wheels / 265/40R22 tyres
Suspension:	Lightweight four-wheel independent suspension - independent strut front, multi-link rear
Braking:	Cooperative regenerative brakes
Wheelbase:	113.2 inches
Length:	190.6 inches
Width:	78.7 inches
Height:	68.1 inches
Exterior:	Futuristic crossover design previewing new Nissan crossover design language; V-Motion theme front design; boomerang-shaped headlights and taillights; sequential exterior lighting expressing PURE DRIVE experience; full dynamic flow airflow management for enhanced aerodynamics; spatial architecture with "floating" constructions for an open and protective feel; unique "floating roof" with large glass roof panel, unique D-pillar design; tinted acrylic grille with Satin Chrome accents; Flare Orange exterior colour
Interior Features:	Spacious "VIP Lounge" interior design; light, buttery leather seats; sequential welcome lighting; "floating" instrument panel design; graphically layered instrument panel screen designed to provide a holographic experience; Cloud-based telematics; sculpted door panels and centre console

Images : Nissan Resonance Concept


[Source : NISAN]

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ACURA UNVEILED A NEW NSX CONCEPT

Acura NSX Concept at 2013 NAIAS

Acura has unveiled a new NSX Concept that showcases the evolution of the next-generation supercar's styling and design, including a first-ever look at one possible direction for the next-generation NSX interior design.

"This further evolution of the Acura NSX Concept design is remarkably true to the original concept styling," said Mike Accavitti, vice president of national marketing operations. "We're making great progress in delivering on the expectations we created a year ago, with advanced technology that will bring new levels of performance and a unique, dynamic experience to the exotic sports car market."

The new Acura NSX Concept is based on the expected underpinnings of the vehicle Acura will bring to market. Still, the new NSX Concept maintains its low and wide stance with the dynamic and alluring proportions that debuted in the original NSX Concept at the 2012 North American International Auto Show -- highlighted by clean, modern and simple surfacing, and edgy details that communicate supercar attitude and a high-tech feel.

The new NSX Concept also features a first-ever look at one potential direction for the next-generation Acura NSX interior design. The design concept is founded on a "Human Support Cockpit" theme, a strong expression of Acura's product direction focused on "the synergy between man and machine." The interior package boasts outstanding visibility, an exotic driving position, and an intuitive "Simple Sports Interface" that minimizes interior clutter, allowing the driver to focus on the driving experience.

"Consistent with the spirit of the original NSX, our intention is to support the psychological and emotional aspects of driving a super car at the limit, because we are insistent about delivering on the synergy between man and machine," said Jon Ikeda, chief designer, Acura Design Studio. "Importantly, this will be true of all Acura vehicles moving forward."

With the aim of delivering a new sports car experience that combines next-generation supercar dynamic capabilities with advanced environmental performance, Acura announced a year ago that the Acura NSX will be powered by a mid-mounted, direct-injected V-6 engine mated to Acura's Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) system.

Acura Sport Hybrid SH-AWD is an all-new, three-motor high-performance hybrid system that combines torque vectoring all-wheel drive with advanced hybrid efficiency through the use of three electric motors – one motor integrated with the V-6 engine and two motors driving the front wheels – along with an all-new dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The system enables instant delivery of negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering to achieve a new level of driving performance unparalleled by current AWD systems.

As previously announced, the new NSX is being developed by a global R&D team led by designers and engineers at Honda R&D Americas, Inc. located in Los Angeles, California, and Raymond, Ohio. The new NSX will also be manufactured at a new production facility in central Ohio.

Images : Acura NSX Concept

[Source : ACURA]

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