The Audi Sportback and Cadillac Converj won the EyesOn Design awards Tuesday for the most significant concept vehicle designs to debut at the 2009 Detroit auto show.

EyesOn Design winners are selected by some of the best designers and academics in the business. They choose the winners from the floor of the 2009 North American International Auto Show.

The winners in the production vehicle category were the Audi R8 V10 and BMW Z4.

The Cadillac design team, led by Simon Cox, director of General Motors advanced design, has been working on the electric-drive Converj nearly every day since June. The vehicle debuted Sunday at the show.

“It’s been a tough couple of months leading into the show,” said Cox, referring to the struggle GM endured to receive a loan from the federal government. “Design can be a very important catalyst leading into the future. We have shown we can be very dramatic, but also very relevant.”

Jeff Perkins, a GM designer, said he was proud to be in the same league as Audi and BMW with the EyesOn Design Award.

“It validates us as a design studio,” he said. “This is our prom night. This is the moment we live for.”

One of the features the GM designers were most proud of on the Converj was the center stack, where the radio and other controls normally reside between the driver and passenger seats.

“We want it to be as cool as an iPhone,” Perkins said. The center stack combines LED and touch-screen technology. The luxury electric car also uses recycled materials.

This year’s three chief judges were Chris Bangle, design chief at BMW; Willie G. Davidson, executive vice president and chief styling officer at Harley-Davidson, and Larry Erickson, chair of transportation design for the College for Creative Studies.

Bangle said that as judges walked the floor Tuesday morning, they were looking for inspiration and vehicles that made a statement.
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CONVERJ: THE “CADILLAC” OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Luxury coupe concept continues GM’s leadership in the electrification of the automobile

DETROIT – General Motors unveiled a further glimpse at the potential of electric propulsion today, this time in the form of luxury transportation, with the Cadillac Converj Concept. The Cadillac Converj was developed as a well-appointed grand touring coupe with a bold design and a host of interactive technology.

The four-passenger Converj concept is intended to show how GM’s revolutionary electric propulsion technology – called Voltec – can power a luxury coupe with a typically Cadillac “no compromises” design. The technology enables up to 40 miles of gas- and emissions-free electric driving with extended-range capability of hundreds of miles.

Bob Lutz, GM’s vice chairman of Global Product Development, said the Converj concept has production substance. “It’s a logical extension of our plan to reinvent the automobile,” he said. “It clearly shows what a Cadillac electric vehicle could look like, and clearly indicates that global luxury customers can have a car that has both strong design and electric propulsion with a total range of hundreds of anxiety-free miles.”

Cadillac’s extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) concept has a new body style that is an evolution of the brand’s traditional Art and Science design theme. An aggressive, forward-leaning arc profile is the foundation for the sporting stance. And more than a Cadillac in form, Converj is also intended to be a Cadillac in substance, with the premium materials, technology and driving dynamics that are hallmarks of the brand.

Voltec – innovative propulsion technology
The Cadillac Converj’s Voltec electric propulsion system is made up of a 16-kWh, T-shaped battery, an electric drive unit, and a four-cylinder engine-generator. It uses electricity as its primary source to drive the car.

A thermally managed battery pack contains more than 220 lithium-ion cells that provide the primary power to drive the Converj electrically up to 40 miles without using fuel or producing tailpipe emissions. The battery is integrated into the Converj’s chassis and stores electricity from the grid when the vehicle is plugged in. It takes less than three hours to recharge the battery at 240V, or about eight hours from a 120V outlet.

Pictures source: Autoblog.com

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Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. today announced that it will display the Toyota FT-EV concept on opening Media Day at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), confirming its plan to launch an urban commuter battery-electric vehicle (BEV) by 2012. This announcement, coupled with its compressed natural gas powered Camry Hybrid concept display at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show, signal Toyota’s intention to broaden the scope of its advanced alternative-fuel vehicle development.

“Now, more than ever, while we are so focused on the pressing issues of the moment, we cannot lose sight of our future,” said Irv Miller, TMS Group Vice President, Environmental and Public Affairs. “Nowhere is this more important than with our industry’s duty and commitment to provide true sustainable mobility with vehicles that significantly reduce fuel consumption, our carbon footprint and overall greenhouse gases.” The FT-EV concept shares its platform with the revolutionary-new iQ urban commuter vehicle. Already a huge hit in Japan, the iQ is lightweight and seats four passengers in comfort and security, while delivering exceptional mileage, sporty performance, unique refinements and a fun, youthful image.

Toyota’s FT-EV concept imagines an urban dweller, driving up to 50 miles between home, work and other forms of public transportation, such as high-speed rail. Although, for now, the FT-EV remains a pure concept, it represents a natural pairing of product strategies. Continue reading →

Lexus today revealed the 2010 HS 250h, the world’s first dedicated luxury hybrid vehicle, at the North American International Auto Show. The HS 250h will be Lexus’ fourth hybrid and the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its lineup. It also will be the first Lexus to utilize carbon-neutral Ecological Plastic materials in a new futuristic cockpit and interior design.

A welcomed addition to Lexus’ entry-luxury sedan lineup, the HS 250h fits nicely between the IS luxury sport sedan and the ES luxury sedan. Research has shown that more than 60 percent of entry-luxury car buyers would have considered a hybrid if available, and the HS will provide these consumers with a viable purchase option.

Equipped with Lexus’ first four-cylinder gas engine, the 2.4-liter Atkinson-cycle powerplant is part of the latest Lexus Hybrid Drive System, which generates 187 total system horsepower. The highly efficient Atkinson-cycle engine, made possible by the Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) system, allows the expansion/power stroke to be longer than the compression stroke so that combustion energy can be more effectively used for production of engine power. The HS 250h sedan’s expected fuel efficiency will be more than 30-percent better than the most fuel-efficient model currently in the Lexus lineup, while earning a SULEV emissions rating utilizing regular 87-octane gasoline. Among the technologies adopted in the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine are cooling piston oil jets; an optimized balance shaft rate for improved Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) characteristics; and a hot-air venting system mounted behind the radiator.

Like the all-new 2010 RX 450h hybrid utility vehicle that made its debut in November, the HS 250h will include a new system designed to improve efficiency. The exhaust heat recovery system reduces engine warm-up time, thus allowing it to stop earlier, more often, and for longer periods. A windshield with infrared-ray (IR) reduction properties, which helps keep the interior more cool, has been adopted in order to decrease the amount of air conditioning needed to lower the cabin temperature. In addition to the exhaust heat recovery system and the IR windshield, available power-saving LED headlamps also contribute to improved fuel efficiency and emissions.

The all-new HS 250h sedan’s 0.27 drag coefficient (Cd) makes it among the most aerodynamic in its class. Airflow management over the exterior, below the under floor and through the air passages was extensively examined. A unique gull-wing-shaped roof-panel design reduces mass and overall vehicle height, thus reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency. The front spoiler, rear spoiler, rear under spoiler, and diffuser fins all reduce turbulence. Smooth A-pillar shape and the optimized angle and curvature of the bumper side panels also reduce wake turbulence, as does the increased taper of the fender side panels. The under-floor covers have been optimally positioned for reduced drag, while airflow restriction in the engine compartment has been lowered by optimizing the air-duct profiles around the radiator.

Aerodynamic design has also contributed to decreased wind noise. A smoother transition between windshield (complete with a sound-insulating inner layer) and roof line has improved air flow and reduced turbulence.

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All-New 2009 Subaru LEGACY CONCEPT Debuts at the 2009 North American International Auto Show

- Concept car hints at future Legacy design language -

- Features Symmetrical AWD and 3.6-liter Boxer engine -

DETROIT, Jan. 11 /PRNewswire/ — Subaru of America, Inc. revealed the 2009 Subaru LEGACY CONCEPT today at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. The new LEGACY CONCEPT is a hint at the future of Legacy design. The design showcases the sport sedan heritage of the Subaru Legacy, but in more modern and purposeful package.

Marking the 20th anniversary of the Subaru Legacy, the LEGACY CONCEPT has been developed to showcase the Legacy’s sporting capabilities and features Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system mated to a Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine. The design concept is based on a larger 108.3 in. wheelbase designed to maximize interior space and provide comfortable accommodations for four adults.

The theme of concept design is “Presence”, represented by the aggressive front facia and solid yet expressive body. Four powerful and defined wheel arches emphasize the dynamism of Symmetrical AWD. Sharp design lines carve out a substantial mass as they flow from the hood, across the roof to the trunk, while the sharp body lines project a sense of strength. Wedge-shaped Side Rear Vision Cameras are featured and provide a sense of flow from the momentum of the A-pillar lines. A character line runs from just before the A-pillar and sweeps up to the tail just above the taillamps.

This grille design incorporates a central wing motif that defines the Legacy’s Subaru brand identity. The Subaru logo separates a deep central grille shape that is accented by sharp headlamps with a dual vertical-row layout of multiple LED lamps. In addition, the slim, vertical fog lamps set in a large front valance with angular air intakes add a jewel-like touch to the front design. The LEGACY CONCEPT is finished in a special high-luster “Ultimate Silver” paint to accentuate the design’s angular shapes.

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BUICK TRANSFORMATION CONTINUES WITH THE 2010 LACROSSE LUXURY SEDAN

* Sculpted styling defines Buick’s modern global design
* Luxurious interior crafted of premium materials with cool blue ambient lighting
* Intelligent personal technologies enhance the driving experience
* Responsive performance via efficient. direct injection dual overhead cam engines paired with six-speed automatic transmissions

DETROIT – Redesigned from the ground up, the 2010 Buick LaCrosse luxury sedan makes its world debut at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Jan. 12. The LaCrosse offers all wheel drive, a suite of advanced intelligent personal technologies and safety features, and a choice of two fuel-saving V-6 engines.

“The new LaCrosse was created with great attention to detail, craftsmanship and advanced technology,” said Susan Docherty, Buick-Pontiac-GMC vice president. “It builds on the success of Enclave as the next step in Buick’s revitalization. And, as with Enclave, our goal is to attract a whole new buyer to our dealerships for LaCrosse.”

Sculpted design

Buick’s long heritage of leading designs, such as the Y-Job Concept, the Roadmaster and the Riviera, helped define American automobile design through the years, according to Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design. Today, Buick design is a product of a global team and resources. Creative collaboration between designers in the United States and China, in partnership with the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) as well as chassis and body engineers in Europe, resulted in the first General Motors vehicle to be created on three continents.

“The new LaCrosse is intended to represent modern elegance,” said Welburn. “Throughout the design, you experience a balance of contrasts. Both the interior and exterior have been designed with harmony in mind. The exterior balances taut, sculpted lines with sensuous accents and surfaces. Inside, smoked chrome accents, warm wood, first-class leather and materials combine with cool blue ambient lighting to create an inviting environment.”

The exterior design is faithful to the Buick Invicta show car introduced at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show.

“It is instantly recognizable as a Buick, with its signature ’sweep spear’ body-side styling, portholes inside the character line on the hood, and waterfall grille,” added Welburn.

Luxurious interior experience

Inside, the two-tone interior is defined by a flowing, uninterrupted design theme that wraps around the instrument and door panels. Attention to detail is evident throughout the interior, including the analog instrument cluster, chrome offset by dark wood accents, and the contrasting thread and French stitching on the instrument panel.

Buick’s signature QuietTuning – an engineering process to reduce, block and absorb interior noise – provides a distraction-free passenger environment.

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2010 CHEVROLET EQUINOX:
A COMPACT CROSSOVER FOR ALL SEASONS – AND ALL LIFESTYLES

All-new crossover delivers expected segment-best highway fuel economy

DETROIT – Chevrolet unveiled the all-new 2010 Equinox, a compact crossover that blends distinctive design with outstanding efficiency. A new, 2.4L direct injection engine helps the Equinox deliver expected best-in-segment estimated highway fuel economy of 30 mpg (EPA certification pending) – a 25-percent improvement over the previous model. Chevrolet expects nearly two-thirds of customers will choose the efficient, 2.4L engine.

The new Equinox draws its exterior design inspiration from the Chevrolet Malibu sedan and Traverse crossover; and like those vehicles, the new Equinox complements its styling with attention to detail and unexpected features, according to Ed Peper, GM North America vice president, Chevrolet.

The Equinox makes its world debut at the North American Auto Show in Detroit next month.

“At a time when customers are so concerned about the fuel efficiency of their vehicle, the Equinox delivers,” said Peper. “It offers the roominess and capability of a crossover with great fuel economy. Equinox will provide customers a vehicle filled with refinement, comfort and great value.”

The 2010 Equinox goes on sale in mid-2009. It is available in LS, LT and LTZ trim, with available all-wheel-drive. Two new engines are offered, each with fuel-saving direct injection and variable valve timing technology. Vehicle highlights include:

* New 2.4L Ecotec direct injected I-4 engine estimated at 182 horsepower (135 kW), which delivers an estimated 30 mpg highway, 21 mpg city (EPA certification pending)
* New 3.0L DOHC direct injected V-6 engine estimated at 255 horsepower (190 kW), which delivers an estimated 25 mpg highway, 18 mpg city (EPA certification pending)
* Driving range of more than 500 miles (800 km) with both engines, for less-frequent fill-ups
* Six standard air bags: dual frontal air bags; head curtain side air bags and pelvic/thorax seat-mounted side air bags
* Standard four-wheel disc brakes with StabiliTrak electronic stability control and traction control
* Standard OnStar and XM Satellite Radio
* “Smart” remote starting system that also activates the HVAC system and optional heated seats depending on the outside temperature

“With the 2010 Equinox, we focused on appealing to the senses – from the overall design to the feel of the interior,” said Peper.

Design details

The design features Chevy’s signature global face – the two-tier grille and prominent gold Bowtie insignia. Strong fender shapes, a distinctive premium roofline, wraparound headlamps and dual round taillamps are additional elements that define Equinox as a true Chevrolet, Peper said.

“The new Equinox blends function and style into a very sporty, yet upscale compact crossover,” said Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design. “Both the exterior and interior surprise and delight with careful attention to detail.”

Additional design features include:

* A multi-dimensional hood and wraparound rear side glass and a wheels-at-the-corners stance
* Improved aerodynamic performance through a number of carefully designed exterior features, including moving the base of the windshield forward approximately three inches (75 mm) for a sleeker profile

Equinox’s rocker panels are integrated into the doors to make it easier to get in and out of the vehicle. They narrow the area over which a passenger must step, offering protection for pant legs that could brush against dirty rockers. Also, the select use of chrome trim and flush-fitting “exposed-edge” windshield and rear glass reinforce Equinox’s build quality and reduce wind noise.

Dimensionally, the Equinox rides on the same 112.5-inch wheelbase (2,857 mm), but is about one inch (25 mm) shorter in length and an inch wider. It also has a wider front track that enhances the ride and handling.

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Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, today
announced that it will give a world premiere to the LEGACY CONCEPT at the 2009 North American
International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, which will open its doors to the public from January 17 through
25, 2009 (press days on January 11 through 13).
Celebrating 20 years of the Legacy sedan, the LEGACY CONCEPT is a concept model to showcase the
direction of future Legacy sedan design. The exterior highlights the sportiness and dynamism befitting a car
powered by 3.6-liter, low center of gravity Horizontally-Opposed engine. A distinctive front face and flared
wheel arches speak to the presence of the car and the reliability promised by the symmetrical All-Wheel
Drive system. The interior embodies high definition with a feeling of comfort.
Subaru Legacy series was first introduced into the world in 1989 and next year it will celebrate its 20th
anniversary of the start of production. Produced in Gunma, Japan and Lafayette, Indiana USA, Global
production has exceeded 3.6 million units* and production in North America accounts for 43%. The model
has been highly acclaimed as a core product of Subaru world-wide due to its excellent driving performance,
strong safety record and the dependability provided by Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical AWD system with
Horizontally-Opposed engine.

While other automakers scale back, Audi’s product offensive will remain in high gear at the North American International Auto Show next month in Detroit.

In addition to the world premiere of a concept car closely based on the upcoming A7 luxury model, Audi will unveil a 525-horsepower version of its R8 sports car.

The show will also provide Detroit’s first glimpse of Audi’s Q5 compact crossover, a supercharged 300-horsepower version of the A6 midsize sedan and wagon and the blisteringly fast TTS sport coupe and roadster, which wring an amazing 265 horsepower out of a little 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

Audi will also add another chapter to its fuel-efficiency story with what’s likely to be a diesel version of the A4 sport sedan.

The R8 V10 will accelerate to 60 m.p.h. in less than 3.9 seconds and promises a top speed of about 196 m.p.h. The 5.2-liter engine produces 390.1 pound-feet of torque and transmits its power to the ground through Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system and either a conventional manual or clutchless sequential manual six-speed gearbox.

The A7 concept may be the most eagerly awaited of all the models, however. Audi insiders say the four-door model’s swooping lines mirror those of the upcoming production model.

Source:Freep.com