Kia Soulster Concept, 2009

 

 

 

 

Kia Soulster Concept, 2009

The open-air concept of  Kia Soulster  is a variation of the highly anticipated Soul.
The Kia Soulster delivers something new, intriguing and relevant to today's buyers - a fun, affordable convertible for active people who like to share good times with friends.
The two-door concept with roadster roots, the brightly colored Soul'r yellow Soulster projects a hip industrial look with screw borders, reminiscent of a rivet design found on a fighter jet. The windshield is shortened for a sportier and hunkered down appearance. A two-piece top enables passengers to expose the front and back seating areas independently, using elbow-grease technology. The roll bar serves a dual purpose and includes a place for the slider tracks, while providing protection not found in traditional convertibles.

Kia Soulster has a tough but refined character with a unique face .
The toughness is expressed through details like the anodized skid-pad insert, which matches the fender vents, roll bar header and wheels.
Kia Soulster's attitude incorporates lighting that shines through with an amber glow under the headlamps. The side vents, side-mirror turn signals, unique LED headlamps, fog and tail lamps incorporate blue shades.
The energetic, distinctive look carries from front to rear with dual chrome exhaust and polished aluminum exhaust tips featuring carbon-fiber interior sleeves. The large 19-inch, five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels perfect the Kia Soulster's appearance. Regardless of Soulster being viewed from front, back or side, it offers innovative perspectives derived from the original Soul.

Inside Out
Kia Soulster takes even more progressive variations from Soul beginning with the new four-passenger seating design, a diversion from Soul's five-passenger arrangement, lending spacious versatility for long summer weekends. The surprisingly flexible Kia Soulster provides real seating for two in the front with comfortable seating for two more adults in the back. Fold-flat passenger and rear seats combined with ample headroom make this the perfect car for social outings outdoors and on the beach with friends. Making basic features hot, its crank-up windows are a purposefully key interior design element as are the dashboard-integrated audio speakers.
Adding to the edgy design scheme, the non-floor-mounted cantilevered seats project the illusion of being suspended in space when viewed from the side allowing for increased rear legroom. Storage compartments below each of the fold-flat rear seats, offer room for myriad cargo needs. In addition to the spacious cargo area, dual storage compartments also can be found in the rear and underneath the cargo hold area.

All Revved Up
With young buyers in mind, Kia Soulster offers an agile, smooth and spirited ride. As with its Soul cousin, Soulster's can be made available with a myriad of engine choices depending upon each market's needs. A 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission, which produces approximately 120 horsepower. For those looking for a little more power, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is available with either the five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission, producing approximately 140 horsepower. Fuel economy for both engines is estimated at 30 or more miles per gallon. Other markets might choose the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 124 horsepower or a 1.6-liter turbodiesel.

Dacia Sandero, 2009

 

 

 

 Dacia Sandero, 2009

After the introduction of Logan, Logan MCV, Logan Van and Logan Pickup, Dacia continues to broaden its range with the release of a generously-dimensioned, five-door hatchback: Sandero. The newcomer is manufactured in Pitesti, Romania and benefits from all the fundamental qualities that have become a hallmark of the Dacia range, namely ample cabin space, a high load capacity and robust build. Dacia Sandero will progressively go on sale in the majority of European markets starting from June 2008 and, like other models in the Dacia range, will back up its unrivalled equipment/price ratio with a three-year / 100,000km warranty in most European countries.

Dacia Sandero stands out as a modern hatchback with appealing looks that convey both dynamism and robustness. The front features modern, expressive headlamps and a grille and bumper that blend harmoniously with the bodywork. Its lateral lines form an "upturned wave" and underpin the impression of solidity, thanks notably to the broad side protective strips (according to version). The rear styling reinforces the sense of a generously proportioned, spacious and well-built vehicle.

The same resolve to appeal to customers and showcase its quality continues inside the car. The new dashboard has been thought through to be both modern and functional, while there is also the opportunity to combine different colours and surface finishes in several areas (according to version). The design of the door panels also contributes to the cabin's modern feel thanks to the smart handles and decorative trim strips (according to version). To mark the upgrade in range, Dacia Sandero is available with three dashboard trims and coordinated upholsteries. Particular attention was paid to produce an uncluttered, practical driving environment, with easy-toread instruments and controls which fall readily to hand.

Efficiency and travelling comfort
Dacia Sandero is built on the same B0 platform as Logan which features MacPherson-type front suspension with wishbone. Certain versions also come with a front anti-roll bar which ensures excellent roadholding when cornering. Dacia Sandero's rear suspension is also derived from the B0 platform and comprises a programmeddeflection torsion beam with coil springs and vertically-mounted, extended-travel dampers. The suspension package has been specially engineered for Dacia Sandero, including lower arm joints and a rear end which have been designed to deliver precise handling and good roadholding along sharply twisting roads. Like the Dacia range's other models, Sandero boasts high ground clearance (155mm) which means it is able take all types of road in its stride, both in and out of town, a factor that contributes further to its versatility. The new car also benefits from underbody protection which allows it to tackle unsealed surfaces with ease.

Power steering is naturally available for most versions to ensure safe, precise steering and a degree of driving pleasure worthy of a B-segment vehicle. The entry-level version comes without power steering with a view to keeping its price at a reasonable level. The slightly higher steering ratio compared with Clio II and work on the hub carrier and castor angle has resulted in a reduction in the effort required to turn the steering wheel.

Certain versions are equipped with a height and lumbar adjustable driver's seat which enables the ideal driving position to be found, while the driver can get more comfortable by the height adjustable steering wheel (according to version) and ergonomically-positioned steering wheel-mounted controls.

Last but not least, careful attention has been paid to thermal comfort to address the special needs of customers in a wide variety of climates and countries. The layout of the ducts has been thought through to ensure a rapid rise in temperature on start-up, as well as in extreme heat and cold.

A comprehensive range of engines
Dacia Sandero is available with a choice of two petrol engines (1.4l 75hp and 1.6l 90hp) and two diesel engines (1.5 dCi 70hp and 1.5 dCi 85hp) which have already proven their worth on numerous other vehicles in the Renault family and which have actively contributed to the success of the Dacia range.

The 1.4 and 1.6 petrol engines are a perfect match for the cost, robustness and ease of maintenance values championed by the Dacia brand, and both are renowned for the availability of high torque at low engine speeds, as well as across a broad rev-band.

The benchmark 1.5 dCi is acclaimed as one of the world's most efficient diesel engines. Its advanced technology includes second-generation common rail direct injection which delivers high performance and very low fuel consumption. The 1.5 dCi engine is available in 70hp form and also a punchier 85hp version which was launched in September 2007 on Dacia Logan and Dacia Logan MCV. Low CO2 emissions of 120g ensure an attractive ecological footprint for the 1.5 dCi engines of Dacia Sandero.

Cabin space and carrying capacity worthy of the segment above
Although Dacia Sandero's price positions it in the small car area of the market, its generous interior and exterior dimensions are in fact more in keeping with those of a vehicle from the next compact category up. Its unrivalled cabin space/price ratio has been made possible thanks to its length (4.02m), width (1.75m) and wheelbase (2.59m).

The rear bench seat comfortably seats up to three adult passengers who benefit from 878mm of headroom, 145mm of kneeroom and 1,425mm of elbowroom, while a child seat can be fitted to all three seats. In addition to the rear's roomy dimensions, access to the rear seats is made even easier due to the fact that the rear doors open to an angle of up to 67°.

The boot capacity of 320 litres is also unbeatable for the vehicle's price and compact dimensions, while its practical, modular layout is enhanced by the folding rear bench seat which offers a 60/40 split according to version. With the bench seat folded, the total carrying capacity extends to 1,200 litres, ensuring that Dacia Sandero stands out as a compact yet extremely spacious hatchback capable of comfortably carrying up to five adults.

Safety: an inescapable consideration
When it comes to Dacia Sandero's safety credentials, the newcomer benefits from the acclaimed expertise of the Renault Group in this field.

On the active safety front, particular attention has been paid to Dacia Sandero's braking system which offers a degree of comfort, bite and progressive stopping power that is perfectly in keeping with the level expected of a Bsegment car in Europe. Dacia Sandero can also be equipped with latest-generation Bosch 8.1 ABS which incorporates EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and, for the first time in the Dacia range, EBA (Emergency Brake Assist).

Dacia Sandero is equipped with numerous passive safety features too, including the use of materials such as high elastic limit (HEL) steel which ensures enhanced cabin resistance by minimising deformation, notably in the case of head-on impacts. The combination of the magnesium steering wheel frame and retractable steering column contributes to the dissipation of the kinetic energy produced in an impact, while the honeycomb structure of the polypropylene dashboard reduces the risk of knee injury. In addition to the materials it uses, the curved design of the lower part of the cowling matches the shape of the tibias with a view to spreading out the force of an impact should the tibias come into contact with the dash. Last but not least, legs and ankles are further protected by underfoot padding on both the passenger and driver sides.

Dacia Sandero is equipped with three-point seatbelts. The front seatbelts incorporate calibrated load limiters for enhanced protection of the thorax. Depending on version, these three-point seatbelts are height-adjustable to optimise body restraint in case of impact. The retention system can also be upgraded to include pyrotechnic pretensioners for the front seatbelts. Dacia Sandero also benefits from ISOFIX child seat anchorage for the outer rear seats.

Depending on equipment level, Dacia Sandero comes with up to four airbags. The driver's airbag, which has been specially designed for Dacia Sandero, features a vent that adjusts the pressure applied as the bag deploys. Certain versions are equipped with two lateral head thorax airbags which provide extra protection in case of side impact, in addition to that ensured by the padding and strengthening structures incorporated as standard in the doors. The lateral head thorax airbags are located in strengthened seats which come with headrests specifically designed to prevent injury to the cervical vertebrae in case of rear impact. This new set-up ensures a better position of the back and enhanced retention and comfort of the head.

Dacia Logan MCV, 2009

 

 

 

Dacia Logan MCV, 2009

New version of the Dacia Logan MCV, the best-selling station wagon in France, was launched following the Dacia Sandero and new Dacia Logan.

With fresh body styling adopting the new visual identity of the brand, an upgraded Lauréate model and the arrival of a Prestige version, new Dacia Logan MCV is an integral part of the renewal of Dacia, a generous and clever brand.

New Dacia Logan MCV obviously retains its successful formula of unbeatable cabin room for the price, impressive modular design and versatility in use, along with recognized reliability found in the previous generation.

New Dacia Logan MCV was launched in France on October 3, 2008, naturally with the threeyear 100,000 km warranty. The entry-level price is as attractive as ever at just €8,900 in France.

New Dacia Logan MCV is produced at Dacia's ISO 14001-certified Pitesti plant in Romania. The new model is 95% recoverable and contains 5% recycled plastic. The 70 hp dCi and 85 hp dCi models, emitting 140 g/km of CO2 and 137 g/km of CO2, respectively, both carry the Dacia eco2 signature.

Lexus GS 450h, 2009

Lexus GS 450h, 2009

The 2009 Lexus GS luxury sport sedan model line includes the V6-powered Lexus GS 350 and the GS 350 all-wheel drive (AWD), the V8-powered Lexus GS 460, and the only gasoline electric hybrid model in the segment, the Lexus GS 450h.

Engine/Transmission/Drivetrain/Performance

Optimized for low internal friction, the Lexus GS 350's 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 303 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 274 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 3,600 rpm. A direct fuel-injection system provides much finer fuel-mixture control to improve both power and fuel efficiency. Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) acts on both intake and exhaust valves to further enhance performance through a wide rpm range. A smooth-shifting six-speed transmission allows manual shifting when desired.

The Lexus GS 460's V8 produces 342 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 339 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,100 rpm. The GS 460, like the GS 350, meets the EPA's Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV-II) certification. Lexus has been setting standards for powertrain smoothness since its inception, and the GS 460's V8 and eight-speed automatic transmission continue that tradition. The transmission, as the six-speed automatic in the Lexus GS 350 models, allows manual shifting for a more engaging driving experience, and to maximize performance in certain driving situations. The GS 460 can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, the Lexus GS 350 in 5.7 (5.8 for AWD).

Chassis/Body/Suspension/Tires/Brakes

The Lexus GS combines proven chassis systems with advanced dynamic handling technology to provide both agile handling and the Lexus trademark smooth ride. The double-wishbone front suspension and multilink rear suspension virtually eliminate unwanted wheel-angle changes during suspension movement. The result is a natural, confident feel that's also spirited. A 34.1-ft. turning circle (35.4 ft. for GS 350 AWD) is comparable to that of smaller cars and helps make the GS highly maneuverable.

In all GS models, Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) help form a powerful safety front. EBD optimizes brake pressure at each wheel to help minimize body dive or sway during hard braking and cornering. Brake Assist is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking, and, if the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to activate the ABS, it will apply maximum braking force until pedal pressure is released.

Aluminum-alloy 18-inch wheels are standard on the Lexus GS 460 and available for the rear-wheel-drive Lexus GS 350, which features standard 17-inch wheels. For maximum handling capability, the GS 350 comes standard with 225/50R17 W-rated summer tires. The all-season 17-inch run-flat tires that are standard on the GS 350 AWD model are available on the GS 350 RWD. The Lexus GS 460 is equipped with 245/40R18 Z-rated summer tires or available all-season run-flats.

The GS 350's available all-wheel-drive system helps to enhance handling in diverse driving conditions. A planetary-gear center differential and a wet-type multi-disc clutch control front-to-rear power distribution. The system normally sends 70 percent of available power to the rear wheels to provide the traditional performance advantages of a rear-drive car and will vary the torque-split ratio from 30:70 to 50:50 in response to driving conditions and driver input. The AWD system's electronic-control strategy takes inputs such as steering and throttle angle from driver activity combined with vehicle signals from wheel speed and yaw rate sensors.

An Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system, standard on the Lexus GS 460 and available on the GS 350, provides four settings, including "sport" for tighter, more precise control. AVS can automatically select appropriate suspension damping for driving conditions. The Lexus GS 460 also offers the advanced Active Power Stabilizer system that reduces body sway and enhances vehicle control during cornering. An Electronic Control Unit (ECU) calculates the force needed to counter excess body sway, which is then applied to the stabilizer bars by the front and rear actuators. The GS 350 models are equipped with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control. The system can be disengaged with the "Trac Off" switch when the situation warrants doing so.

In the GS 460, the Lexus Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system integrates and manages a host of handling technologies, including VSC. Combining input from a variety of sensors, VDIM is designed to anticipate the onset of a vehicle skid or slide and then help correct the situation with a combination of braking, throttle, and steering control. VDIM integration helps to provide precise management for the Electronically Controlled Brakes (ECB), Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS), Electric Power Steering (EPS), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and engine torque via the electronically controlled throttle.

Electric Power Steering (EPS) in the GS 460 provides precise electric power assist using a DC motor built into the steering gear housing. Also in the GS 460, Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) can vary the steering from 2.7 turns lock-to-lock for low-speed maneuverability to a slower 3.2 turns lock-to-lock for highway-speed stability. VGRS also provides differential steering control, which helps correct for a delay in steering response - something that occurs in all vehicles - to help enhance driving feel during lane changes and other transitional maneuvers.

The GS 460's Electronically Controlled Brakes (ECB) is a brake-by-wire system. ECB translates brake pedal pressure into electric signals that, via computer control, help provide precise and optimized braking. Electronic control provides quick brake response when needed, helping the GS 460's VDIM system to anticipate and help correct skids before they occur. The ECB system is backed by conventional hydraulic brake control in the unlikely event of electronic failure.