Toyota Auris
Practical, reliable and affordable, it helped to define the family market – so why is Toyota about to change everything for the new Auris? On the face of it, ditching the famous Corolla name is marketing madness. But fortune favours the brave, and the firm claims its new family car is so radically different, only a fresh badge would do.
Designed in Europe, there have been some pretty daring words bandied about prior to the launch of the newcomer. Sporty is perhaps the most obvious. But is the Auris really good enough to take on rivals such as the VW Golf and Vauxhall Astra? And can the newcomer match the impressive Honda Civic, which was not only designed and engineered in Europe, but is built in Britain, too? Auto Express was first behind the wheel of the Toyota to find out.
Early impressions are mixed. The Auris is only 50mm taller and 65mm wider than the current Corolla, and as such looks quite compact when compared to the Ford Focus. However, the fresh styling certainly has character, while a sportier suspension system is also promised, as is a new range of powerplants which will ultimately be crowned with a near-250bhp turbocharged T Sport version.
For the time being, though, our drive is limited to five engines, including 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol units, plus a 2.0 and two 2.2 diesels. Jump behind the wheel, and the first thing you notice is how roomy the car is inside. It’s not only the extra head and legroom which stand out. The huge expanse of black plastic between the dashboard and windscreen makes the hatch feel bigger than it actually is, an effect created by the low-slanting A-pillar.
In fact, the designers extended the A-pillar so far forward that they have had to include an extra quarterlight window for better visibility. From the outside, the additional glass blends in well with the car’s profile. But from the front seat, it looks rather awkward.
Dominating the cabin is a silver-coloured ‘flying buttress’ centre console, which appears to be floating on the dashboard. It protrudes into the interior, and puts the gearstick, handbrake and switches all within easy reach. Unfortunately, we did notice some glare off the console’s shiny plastic surfaces. On top-spec models, dual-zone air-conditioning, a panoramic roof and paddleshifters will enhance the driving experience. Across the range, the seats are firm and supportive, and even the door handles have been specially coordinated to complement the console design.
The all-new chassis and suspension set-up makes the Auris a promising driver’s car. And just to keep owners on their toes, Toyota has fitted an ‘Eco’ light inside the speedo, which mea-sures your throttle input and glows green to reward efficient driving.
In contrast to the Corolla, the Auris’ chassis is a revelation. As well as better body control, its wider track and re-vamped suspension mean it devours corners effortlessly. Overall, the car feels very grown up, and there’s greater re-finement. On demanding roads, the Auris instantly proves more composed than its predecessor. And on the test track, it is easier to pick a quick line through corners, thanks to the neutral chassis and sharp turn-in. The steering itself is well weighted and responsive, and the rack is quicker than the old Corolla’s.
Crucially, the car’s braking is also much improved. That’s because the Toy-ota gets rear discs in addition to the vented front units, which deliver stron-ger, better balanced stopping power.
Ultimately, the Auris offers a whole lot more than the car which it replaces. It’s a Corolla that has ditched the med-iocrity, toned up its muscles, become much more athletic and taken a course in style and aesthetics. It will land in UK showrooms by next February. Rivals, you have been warned.
2009 Audi A7 Rendering – by CG Artist Gabriel Rabhi
I guess your wondering who Gabriel Rabhi is. Well, he could be you, he could be me, he could be anyone with a passion for cars. See, as we learnt from his website, Rabhi is not a professional automotive designer but a computer graphic artist that works for many companies and projects. A passion may fade over time, but as Rabhi’s A7 splendid rendering proves, it’ll never die.
Now, a word about his interpretation of an Audi A7 four-door coupe (rumoured to be unveiled sometime in 2008). According to Rabhi, the main characteristic of his A7 is the mid curve on the side of the car that’s inspired from 70’s muscle cars and is also evident on the upcoming A5 Coupe spy shots. Another highlight of his design is of course the 'ala' Alfa Romeo inspired hidden rear door handles.
A First Study Work
I’m CG Artist, video game and graphical software programmer, multimedia developer and composer. I’m living in
This car is the result of an intuitive work without any pretentious but a high rendering quality: I have done most of the design directly in 3 dimensions, on the basis of few roughs to define ideas. The absence of a real design work still visible: there are a few ideas, but the whole design is awkward, the language is not clear, the curves and volumes are not perfectly balanced, and numerous details are not realistic. This model is not the result of an advanced work of design with numerous roughs, a reflection to define perfect volumes and a new Audi design language. The design was the matter of only few hours.
But I think the result is good proof that fast virtual prototyping is a reality: I have used one of the best render engines to reach a high quality in lighting simulation, and I was inspirited by the classical Audi concept cars presentations, like the one of the Nuvolary to build a studio like view. And actually, it seems to produce studio like picture from an idea, the longer processes are design and modeling, not rendering.
From this rendering setup, it’s easy to build an animation and make it realistic moving in a virtual road, or in a real road with a final composition process to mix real pictures and virtual car pictures.
The design
The global look is four doors coupe that can be similar to the coming A7. The main idea is the mid curve on the side of the car that is inspired from the 70’s muscle car. This curve is near what has been done on the A5, but with a wider curvature. This curve is looking like a feline body before a run, with eyes that look at its prey.
To define the volumes of this model, I was starting with the automotive definition constraints: headlamp position, engine compartment space, seats position, rear passenger space, roof, boot volume, realistic wheel size… I started from an RS4 modified to take care of visible evolutions of the B8 platform mules: reduced overhang, larger wheelbase, wider track, engine backward.
This model is a little bit realistic about technical specifications. I think this model design is not extraordinary. But the rendering is good, and I can say it’s one of my masterworks. Going far beyond in rendering sophistication is not an easy thing. I have used a global illumination model finely tuned to have a large color frequency specter and rich gradients. The lighting was made to enhance the understanding of shape trough specular highlights.
Near-production Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X unveiled
Mitsubishi has revealed images of a near-production version of the all-new Lancer Evolution X high performance sedan. Looking almost identical to the Concept X and Prototype X vehicles rolled out at 2005’s Tokyo and 2007’s Detroit Auto Shows, the new Evo is set to turn the performance market on its head with its aggressive styling and giant-killing potential. The actual production car will be 99% similar to this model and will be shown at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September.
The new model features Mitsubishi's S-AWC traction and handling system. The latest generation AWD system integrates improved torque distribution and braking management, which allows for more responsive handling and a greater degree of control and stability.
Other features include a new lightweight version of the venerable 2.0L turbo mill with MIVEC3 valve control plus an aluminum cylinder block. Drive is sent to all four wheels via a new six-speed automated manual transmission that offers faster gear changes and improved fuel-economy over the previous generation’s conventional manual box.
For the first time in the model’s history, Mitsubishi will be releasing the car outside of Japan initially with the launch scheduled for the first quarter of next year in North America. The new Evo can’t come soon enough. Two of our writers are already sold and we’re sure there are a lot of similar stories all around the world.
Notes From The Portland Auto Show
The Portland Auto Show was going on over the weekend and I made my yearly trip to get an up close look at new models. Of course, it’s a very small show with no new concept cars, but it affords one the chance to see everything in one place. I have to say, this is a pretty boring year for cars. The only thing that really caught my eye, mainly from the rear, is the Volvo C30 (above). It’s a good looking little car and the interior is my vote for best in show. Super simple and clean. Quite a difference from where most manufacturers are these days.
As someone who may be in the market for a new car soon, there wasn’t much to whet my appetite. I still like the BMW 3 Series. And the new 1 Series looked better to me in person than in photos (but I still wish they were bringing the hatchback to the States). All in all, it made me want to keep my current car, a 1996 Audi A4, for a lot longer. My A4 is a great size car. On the small size by today’s standards, but I don’t care for larger models. The new A4 was on display (but you couldn’t sit in it) and it looks enormous. The car has grown with every new model introduction since mine, the new one being the third iteration since.
Overall, it makes me shake my head and wonder why these car companies can’t bring themselves to do much interesting in the way of design. Why isn’t someone really trying to do something different? What have the U.S. makers got to lose? The Mini Cooper has been around a long time now (even though the new Clubman is nice). The Honda Element has been around, too. As has the Toyota FJ Cruiser. Everything else just has a feeling of sameness to it.
The new Ford Flex was unexciting in person. It is such an imitation/variation of the Mini Cooper/Clubman, that Ford should be ashamed. And its interior is a horrible match to its exterior styling. Who makes these decisions at Ford?
Saturn is doing a decent job of creating a branded, family look between its vehicles, and it’s not a bad look, either.
That Chevy Malibu, though, is worse in person than in photos. I’ve already mentioned this, but having seen it in person, it is more a car you can ignore than one you can’t. Especially with the new, redesigned Honda Accord out there and the 2009 Mazda 6 on the horizon.
I still like Mazda’s lineup, but unfortunately did not see that upcoming new 6.
Jeep has problems. Unexciting line of vehicles from top to bottom aside from the classic Wrangler. Every time I see that Compass, I wonder how that front end made it through reviews and who signed off on it. And the new Dodge Nitro seems like it would be better with a Jeep badge on it (though it’s pretty darn Land Rover-ish).
The Infiniti lineup has long been a favorite of mine, but their new small sport ute is a disappointment. Looks way too similar to the new Hyundai.
Overall, Detroit has a big problem moving forward. The German brands seem to be setting the design standards and the Asian brands are doing a much better job of quickly following suit, with Detroit flailing off in left field somewhere. Left field is a fine place to be if you build a great car, but if you don’t, you’re better off playing follow the leader. That or settle for dwindling market share.
Extreme Angularity
As I posted about back in March and April of 2006 (and predicted a couple years prior to that), angularity is emerging as a dominant design theme. The latest and one of the most extreme examples of the angluar/faceted theme is the 2008 Lamborghini Reventon. Check out the gallery at Serious Wheels.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Yaris Named "Green Car" of the Year
You've probably herd that the Environmental Transportation Association (ETA), a British organization, recently named the Yaris its "Green Car" of the Year.In its search for this year’s winner, the ETA reviewed more than 1,300 models of cars on sale in Britain, scoring them based on their emissions, fuel-efficiency and noise-pollution numbers.
n the form in which it’s sold in Europe, the Yaris' average fuel consumption, when equipped with its optional 1.4L diesel engine, is rated at 52.3 mpg, and when equipped with its 1.0L gas engine is 44.4 mpg, enviable figures that almost certainly helped vault it past its competitors.
One of those was the Prius, which was also in the top three of the ETA’s Green Car list.
Here in this country, of course, the Yaris is equipped with a 1.5L gas engine, which when equipped with a manual transmission, is rated by the EPA at 29 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the highway, with a combined mpg figure of 32.
It’s interesting to note, however, that the EPA’s fuel economy site, which lists the fuel economy numbers developed during strict EPA testing, also lists the economy numbers recorded by actual owners and drivers of the cars in question. The site lists the Yaris owners’ on-road mpg numbers as falling into a wider range than the EPA test numbers, with city numbers a bit below those listed by the EPA, and highway numbers vastly above those listed by the EPA.
No matter. What counts is that for people looking for economical, environmentally responsible rides, there are options. And according to the Environmental Transportation Association, Yaris is one of them.
StreamLife Car Concept with Hydrogen Fuel To Reduce Air Pollution
Streamlife is a car concept that is best suited for urban space and environment. It uses hydrogen fuel as substitute fuel which after burning in the engine, leave nothing except water vapor. So, you will be safe from pollution. Its design is quite narrow and is best suited for crowded traffic environment. To minimize the use of plastic, the interior and the body is made up of plant based environmental protection materials. Streamlife is small in size and light in weight, therefore offers a stylish and new look to the user. It will surely provide nonstop fun to environment lovers.
Designer : Liang Tian
900bhp Carerra GTT 900 at Essen Motor Show 2008
Before mentioning any tech specs of the following monster I would like to clarify that the 900 stands for 900 horsepower!!! That’s is!!! The car is a super powerful and turbocharging damn speedy masterpiece. Frankly speaking, we don’t know yet whether the 900bhp Carerra GTT 900 comes with the same V670 turbochargers or not. The only one thing – its engine makes me think that the car will make a flight in the literal meaning of the word.
The car was presented in a scarlet red colour with its iconic and unusual wheels and even more unusual and strange front wheel wells. The car also comes with a reworked bodykit. Unfortunately, there were no details as to pricing and its release date. Frankly speaking, I don’t think this car will be street-legal and what about you???
Chrysler and Chery officially pull the plug on small car venture
Any thoughts that Chrysler had of getting small cars through a joint venture with China's Chery Motors are now officially dead. The Detroit News has been told by Mike Manley, Chrysler EVP for international sales, that discussions between the two companies have concluded and the companies will pursue their own directions. The slackening Chinese market has meant that Chery has been losing significant amounts of money there and can't afford to invest in expansion to engineer and produce products for Chrysler elsewhere. Chrysler's hope had been to use the low cost of production in China to source small cars, but Chery is so far from producing products that would be able to pass US safety and emissions regulations that the cost would still have been prohibitive for Chrysler. For now it looks like Chrysler will be relying on Nissan and its Versa platform, at least in Central and South America. It's still not known if they will offer a variant of the Versa in the US.
Solar Taxi arrives at UN Climate conference after 17 months on the road
Swiss teacher Louis Palmer is nearing the completion of his round-the-world trip in a solar-powered vehicle. Palmer arrived at the UN Climate Change conference in Poznan, Poland last week in his solar taxi. The two-seat trike has completed 32,365 miles over the 17-month trek, running mostly on solar energy collected through a trailer covered in photovoltaic cells. Unfortunately, clouds limit the amount of energy that can be collected from the sun at times, so Palmer has had to plug in the taxi now and again. As for Palmer, he gets his energy by demonstrating the viability of solar power as a means of moving a car.
Palmer will spend this week at the conference demonstrating the taxi to attendees at the conference before he heads back to Switzerland to complete his trek. While Palmer's feat is pretty amazing, powering vehicles using direct solar power will likely not be a practical commercial alternative for many years to come. The size of the solar trailer needed just to power this little taxi (see a picture here) is not viable for mass adoption.
LOOP Car Concept with Classy Design
Post Title → top cars
