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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ALL-NEW 2014 LEXUS IS SPORT SEDAN MAKES WORLD PREMIERE AT THE NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

2014 Lexus IS

• Engaging and entertaining driving dynamics across the model range; exclusive tuning enhancements on F SPORT models
• Completely redesigned with bold exterior styling and an LFA-inspired driver-focused cockpit
• Longer wheelbase with significant increases in rear seat space and trunk capacity
• New multimedia system with industry-first, complimentary real-time traffic and weather information

Lexus unveiled the all-new 2014 IS sedan at the North American International Auto Show. IS will be available in rear- and all-weather drive versions of the IS 250 and IS 350, a further evolution of F SPORT available across the entire model range, and for Europe, Japan, and select international markets, the IS 300h, the first IS to feature Lexus Hybrid Drive.

Driving performance is a key selling point in the sport sedan segment. In conjunction with a bold new design including the Lexus spindle grille, the all-new IS has been painstakingly engineered to have excellent dynamic capabilities to provide an exceptional driving experience.

“I adopted an entirely different approach to the development of the all-new IS,” said Junichi Furuyama, IS chief engineer. “Specifically, it was to make an entertaining driving experience a major premise behind all aspects of performance.

“The conventional approach involves developing each individual aspect in the hope that they will combine to offer an engaging driving experience. By contrast, development of the new IS flipped this process on its head, first establishing the pleasurable driving experience owners desire, and then developing the individual performance elements to support it.”

Every aspect of the IS has been engineered with a renewed focus on engaging performance, agile handling, accurate response to driver input and highly communicative feedback.

“The IS has always been precise and fun to drive,” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “The all-new IS kicks it up a notch with true sport sedan driving dynamics, state of the art onboard technologies, and an all-new design that makes it look fast even when it’s standing still.”

Incorporating several Lexus-first features and technical innovations, the IS showcases an interior design with all the refinement and quality expected of a Lexus, plus a focused driver’s environment, a significant improvement in rear seat comfort and spaciousness, and a larger, more convenient trunk.

Engine/Transmission

Rear- and all-weather drive versions of the IS 250 are powered by a 2.5 liter V6 gas engine.  The IS 350 features a 3.5 liter V6 gas engine.  The IS 300h, which will be available in Europe, Japan, and select international markets, will employ the Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain, based on a newly developed 2.5L Atkinson-cycle engine.   

IS adopts the Drive Mode Select system which offers up to four switchable driving modes- ECO, NORMAL, SPORT and SPORT S+ (S+ available on IS 350 only) -  to optimize vehicle systems to suit the driver’s preferred combination of fuel economy, comfort, performance and handling characteristics.

The IS 350 RWD features the eight-speed, Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic transmission from the IS F high performance sedan with quicker shifts, full torque converter lockup and throttle blips in manual mode. The new IS is the first Lexus model to adopt G force Artificial Intelligence (G-AI) control in Sport mode.  This system automatically selects the optimal gear and downshift pattern in response to G force, and maintains the selected gear through a corner. 

Chassis/Body/Suspension/Brakes

Driving enjoyment was at the heart of the new IS development program, and every aspect of the new Lexus sedan’s driving dynamics has been carefully engineered to that end.

New, laser screw welding and adhesive body bonding techniques, along with additional spot welding, have increased overall body rigidity. This enhances stability and also allows for a more comfortable ride without compromising handling agility.

The double wishbone front suspension system has been revised, offering a twenty percent increase in sway rigidity. The rear adopts a new multi-link suspension system from the GS. Fine tuning has resulted in outstanding grip performance and excellent response to steering inputs. Separate mounting of the spring and shock absorber maximizes trunk space.

Steering feel and feedback is key to an enjoyable driving experience, and the new IS benefits from a steering gear box based on that of the GS sedan, incorporating a variety of tuning techniques. The structure and rigidity of each gear box component has been revised to create a smoother and more accurate steering feel with enhanced input response and greater driver feedback.

2014 Lexus IS F-Sport

F SPORT

IS F SPORT models not only benefit from exclusive, exterior and interior design features, but also genuine dynamic enhancements. Both the front and rear suspension systems and the Electric Power Steering (EPS) are exclusively tuned for F SPORT, enhancing handling performance. An Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system is tuned for F SPORT models, while Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) is also available on IS 350.

F SPORT models announce their presence with an exclusive spindle grille that incorporates a bolder insert design. The bottom corners of the front bumpers feature aerodynamic detailing to provide enhanced brake cooling. Unique 18-inch wheels feature a Y-spoke design inspired by the LFA.

On board, drivers will receive vehicle information from an innovative driver’s meter cluster with a moving center ring, inspired by the LFA. Interior trim detailing includes an F SPORT steering wheel and shift knob, and aluminum pedals and scuff plates that include the Lexus logo.

Exterior Design

The overall dynamic shape of the body emphasizes the wide flare of the wheel arches to give the new IS a broad, powerful stance.

In profile, the strong horizontal beltline shows off the large rear tires and its low center of gravity. The exterior design includes a new, powerfully articulated headlamp cluster design with Lexus’ trademark, L-shaped Daytime Running Lights (DRL) located independently below.

Interior Design

The clean, horizontal theme of the interior is bisected by the strong upward sweep of the center console, creating an ergonomically ideal environment.   The newly designed driver’s seat offers greater comfort and better lateral support. Both the seat hip point and the angle of the new, LFA-inspired steering wheel have been lowered and steering reach adjustment has been increased, creating a driver focused seating position. 

To better accommodate passengers, the new IS wheelbase is nearly three inches longer, providing a more comfortable cabin and increased trunk capacity. The extended wheelbase and a thinner front seat design results in three inches more knee room for rear passengers.  New to the IS are standard, lockable 60:40 split/folding rear seats.

Refined materials throughout the cabin are complemented by a high quality analog clock with surface-emitting illumination. The climate control system incorporates Lexus-first electrostatic switches, which enable vehicle occupants to adjust temperature settings with the touch of a finger.

All IS models are equipped with the next generation, Lexus Display Audio or Remote Touch-controlled Navigation multimedia systems. Both multimedia systems provide industry-first complimentary real-time traffic and weather information delivered without a subscription through HD™ Radio Technology.  The new steering wheel is the first on a Lexus to coordinate multimedia system control with both the meter cluster and center console displays.
            
Safety/Security

The 2014 IS has 10 airbags standard, including rear seat side airbags.  Available safety and security features include an Automatic High Beam (AHB) headlamp system, a Lane Departure Alert (LDA) system, a Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and a Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system.

The AHB headlamp system maximizes visibility at night by automatically switching to low beams when its camera detects the lights of either an oncoming or preceding vehicle.

An LDA system helps prevent unintended lane changes by alerting the driver when the vehicle deviates from its lane without the operation of the turn signal.

The BSM uses rear mounted radar to detect vehicles in adjacent lanes that are not visible in the outer door mirrors.

The RCTA system employs the BSM radar to alert the driver to approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space.

The all-new Lexus IS will go on sale in mid-2013.

Images : 2014 LEXUS IS

 

Images : 2014 LEXUS IS F SPORT

   

[Source : LEXUS]

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