World Cars Channel: June 2011

Hyundai HCD8

Hyundai HCD8

Mercedes Benz F700, Designed To Be A Low-Consumption, Low-Emissions Luxury Sedan, and Hybrid Technologies

Mercedes Benz F700

The Mercedes-Benz F 700 Concept, Designed to be a low-consumption, low-emissions luxury sedan, the F 700 concept utilizes Mercedes’ DiesOtto and hybrid technologies. The result of the combined powertrain — consisting of a 238 horsepower 1.8 liter gasoline four-cylinder and a 20 horsepower electric motor — is a reported 44 mpg with CO2 emissions of just 127g/km, both figures being extremely low for a car of F 700′s size. In comparison, the Lexus GS450h has CO2 emissions of 186 g/km. The Mercedes-Benz F 700 also uses a transparent cover over the rear-wheels to enhance aerodynamics. Mercedes claims the Mercedes-Benz F 700 can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.5 seconds.

Mercedes Benz F700

The Video Review Of Mercedes Benz F700

The Interior Deisgn Of Mercedes Benz F700

Mercedes Benz F700

An all-new active suspension technology is also featured on the Mercedes-Benz F 700, dubbed PRE-SCAN. The new system uses two laser to scan the road in front of the car and automatically adjusts the suspension to suit conditions. The Mercedes-Benz F 700 also features SERVO-HMI (Human Machine Interface), a virtual operating assistant that the driver can converse with. The concept was designed at Mercedes’ Advanced Design Studio in Irvine, California.

Mercedes Benz F700

The round of unofficial images and video follows a teaser shot released by Mercedes earlier this month. The images were captured by CWW from Germany’s ZDF television.

Lexus RX 350, The Most Popular Vehicle In The Car-Based Luxury Utility Vehicle and Elegant Color Palette

The Lexus RX 350 remains the most popular vehicle in the car-based luxury utility vehicle segment that it established over a decade ago. The RX 350 received styling enhancements for 2008 and for 2009 changes about half of its elegant color palette.

Lexus RX 350

The RX 350's 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 270 horsepower and 251 lb.-ft. of torque. Featuring all-aluminum construction, the V6 harnesses the benefits of advanced technologies and low weight to improve performance and fuel efficiency as well as to reduce emissions. Dual Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence (VVT-i) also helps reduce emissions and improve fuel economy and optimizes torque for quick and powerful response at all engine speeds.
The Electronic Throttle Control with intelligence (ETC-i) helps to manage idle speed, cruise control, Traction Control (TRAC), and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). The FWD RX 350 can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 7.3 seconds; the AWD model in 7.4 seconds. The RX 350 achieves Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle II (ULEV II) certification.

Lexus RX 350

          The RX 350 delivers all-weather performance in both front- and all-wheel-drive models. The all-wheel drive RX 350 uses a viscous limited-slip center differential to enhance drivability in all types of driving conditions. The full-time AWD system distributes power to both axles with a 50:50 front-to-rear power split. If slippage occurs, the viscous coupling differential, also working with the traction control (TRAC), directs torque to the wheels with the most traction.
          Both RX 350 models come standard-equipped with the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, which helps control loss of lateral traction while cornering. VSC helps keep the vehicle going on its intended course by detecting front- and rear-wheel slide during cornering, attempting to control either condition with torque intervention and, if necessary, by applying brake pressure to individual wheels.
          VSC and Brake Assist work with the standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Brake Assist is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking. If the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage ABS, the system applies increased braking power until the driver releases pedal pressure.

Lexus RX 350

The Lexus RX models have set a high mark for smooth, quiet ride quality. A rigid body structure, vibration-canceling engine mounts, strategically placed sound-absorption materials, an acoustic glass windshield, and refined aerodynamic details all contribute to maintaining that standing.

The high-strength platform, standard 17-inch alloy wheels and tight steering control optimize handling response in the RX 350. The standard 225/65R17 all-season tires can be replaced with optional 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/55VR18 tires. A direct-type Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system alerts the driver via a warning light on the instrument panel if a critical drop in tire pressure is detected in any of the tires.

An optional air-suspension system provides automatic leveling with four height settings, allowing the driver to tailor the RX 350 to specific driving conditions or needs. In "normal" mode, the system automatically lowers the RX 350 by 0.3-inch at speeds over 62 mph for enhanced ride quality. "Low" mode lowers the ride height by 0.6-inch to enhance handling response, and "high" mode raises ground clearance by 1.2 inches for driving over rough surfaces at speeds under 30 mph. "Access" mode lowers the RX 350 by 1.2 inches to provide easier entry, exit and loading. Models with the air suspension system are also equipped with a multimode sequential automatic transmission.

A high-strength cabin and comprehensive Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) are designed to help provide a high level of crash-energy management in the RX 350. The SRS includes advanced driver- and front-passenger airbags, a driver's knee airbag, and front-seat-mounted side airbags designed to help protect the torso, abdomen, and pelvis. The front airbag technology takes into account crash severity, passenger weight, and driver-seat track position. Standard side-curtain airbags employ a roll sensor and can inflate if a predetermined threshold of vehicle-roll angle is detected.

Lexus craftsmanship and renowned attention to detail provide sumptuous comfort by design in the RX 350. Standard dual-zone automatic climate control with micro dust and pollen air filters, 10-way power front seats with available memory, adjustable light in the visor vanity mirrors, and wood interior trim set the tone for luxury. A wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel features integrated audio system and trip computer controls. Convenience extends to the smallest details, including water-repellant front door glass and illuminated front cup holders.

RX 350 options include a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel with memory, and an illuminated entry system that lights the door handles, scuff plates, and front foot wells. Additionally, the RX 350 offers an available Dynamic Laser Cruise Control system, which measures and helps maintain a set distance from a vehicle traveling ahead. A wide-opening, multi-panel moonroof is an optional alternative to the standard moonroof. Made of three separate glass panels, it provides an open area that is 150 percent larger than a standard moonroof and an illumination area that is 250 percent larger.

The Video Of Lexus RX 350

The Interior Design Of Lexus RX 350

The RX 350's hushed interior provides a superb listening environment for the standard premium, satellite radio-ready, eight-speaker AM/FM/CD audio player with in-dash six-disc CD changer. The system is compatible with MP3/WMA-formatted CDs and is equipped with a digital signal processor, Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL) and the Radio Data System (RDS).

The RX 350 set the trend for sleek crossover SUV design. Its sleek profile conveys a clean, elegant appearance with no cladding, while pronounced wheel wells lend a muscular stance. Large headlamp clusters are raked back into the hood. Details that speak to the model’s luxury position include black privacy glass, chrome door handles, LED brake lights set inside rear housings merged with back window glass.

The RX 350's 106.9-inch wheelbase and 186.2-inch length yield an easy-to-drive, easy-to-park vehicle that provides roomy comfort for five occupants. The rear seatbacks feature a versatile 40/20/40-split design and offer both sliding and reclining adjustments. The 38.3-cu.-ft. rear-cargo capacity expands to 84.7 cu. ft. with the rear seatbacks folded down, while an automatic retracting tonneau cover adds security and convenience. The standard power rear lift gate can be programmed for one-click opening via the keyless remote control for a hands-free cargo-area opening. A beeper sounds when the door is opening and closing and a touch sensor can detect if something is impeding the hatch and stop it from closing.

An 11-speaker Mark Levinson® Premium Audio System is available. This audiophile-pleasing system features an in-dash six-disc DVD/CD changer, DVD-audio, and DVD-video playback as well as remarkable sound clarity at any listening volume, with 210 watts at 0.1% THD, 20-20,000 Hz.

The optional Lexus Navigation System integrates Bluetooth® wireless technology. When combined with a compatible phone, Bluetooth allows the driver to make hands-free phone calls through its touch-screen control panel and to transfer personal phone books to the navigation unit.

The driver can enter a destination by voice command. A central VGA screen features a high-resolution 800x480 pixel display in 32,000 colors. On-screen details are crisp and clean, and maps and roads are highlighted by 3D shadow effects. Text-display choices include English, Spanish and French, and the user can select the language preference at system start-up. System functions include multiple route calculation, route preview, simplified highway-junction graphics and a dual-map screen mode.

The DVD map database contains more than five million points of interest. The database for Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York includes a "building footprint" display feature that can show graphic representations of buildings and structures to help the driver identify surroundings.

The New Lexus LX 570, The Best Car Of The Premium Among SUVs And Great For Off-Road

The New Lexus LX 570

Lexus LX 570 is still the best car of the premium among SUVs, it’s great off-road, but even on ordinary roads, he shows excellent performance characteristics comparable to the qualities of a luxury NEW LEXUS LX570. In 2011, the LX 570 will receive the braking system “override”, new interior colors and add to the package lyuks.LX 570 receives a standard braking system “override” as a complementary measure for consumer confidence NEW LEXUS LX570. The braking system automatically reduces engine power when the brake pedal and accelerator are applied simultaneously NEW LEXUS LX570, under certain driving conditions. Lexus LX 570 has a cozy interior is trimmed in leather and wood accents. In 2011, the color of the leather finish will change from black to gray, and wood trim will change color with golden maple bird’s-eye “to” brown walnut. LX 570 is equipped with brand new V8 petrol engine volume 5.7 liters – the most powerful in this segment.

The New Lexus LX 570

The New Lexus LX 570

The power plant produces 383 hp. with. at 5600 rpm and maximum torque of 530 Nm at 3600 rpm. Critical to customers LX, which will tow a trailer, 90 percent of maximum torque available at just 2200 rpm NEW LEXUS LX570. The new V8 engine has dual variable valve timing system, Dual VVT-i, to regulate the time of overlapping inlet and exhaust valves. Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS) changes the length of the intake tract in two stages, based on rpm and throttle angle of rotation, in order to improve torque at all engine speeds

The New Lexus LX 570

The exhaust system is made of stainless steel pipes. Automatic 6-speed transmission designed to handle high torque, providing a Lexus confident and calm driving NEW LEXUS LX570 NEW LEXUS LX570. The electronic control unit predicts the driver intent in order to select the appropriate gear for the speed of the vehicle in certain driving conditions NEW LEXUS LX570. Automatic transmission with Sequential shift mode allows the driver to select gears manually NEW LEXUS LX570. Even at very low speeds, such as towing, transmission shifting smoothly and quietly. Permanent four-wheel drive ensuring consistent movement of the vehicle in harsh winter weather on the slippery road, deep mud or snow.

The New Lexus LX 570

The New Lexus LX 570

The new limited-slip differential «TORSEN ®» efficiently manages power distribution, the ratio of 40:60 front to rear, directing more power to the wheels with better grip and not allowing the wheels to slip NEW LEXUS LX570. Active Traction Control – Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) interferes with the brake and accelerator by controlling the rotation of the wheels NEW LEXUS LX570. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) helps maintain directional control in turns and can be switched off via the “TRAC OFF” switch NEW LEXUS LX570. Another innovation from the Lexus – the system Crawl Control – while overcoming obstacles such as boulders and deep ruts constantly monitors torque and braking force at each wheel, the driver can fully concentrate on managing. Crawl Control also actuates a set of virtual locking differentials to help reduce wheel slippage and optimize chassis behavior. Lexus LX 570 is equipped with a modern suspension system. Body frame construction provides strength and durability in extreme driving conditions.

The New Lexus LX 570

Applying modern computer technology and lightweight components, engineers developed a lightweight frame design of high-strength steel NEW LEXUS LX570. The frame has been tested on some of the worst roads in Australia, as well as desert areas of the U.S. and other countries around the world in conditions where other SUVs could not pass. High-wheel-drive LX 570 is able to conquer terrain with virtually any terrain. LX 570 can not only move in a rugged terrain, but also to overcome the ford and climb the mountain slopes NEW LEXUS LX570. When downshifting the world’s first active suspension system with adjustable height (AHC) automatically raises the body of the LX 570 by about 75 mm, increasing ground clearance. The car has a front suspension with double wishbones with stabilizer bar and rear NEW LEXUS LX570 spring suspension with stabilizer bar.

The Video Review Of Lexus LX 570

The Interior Design Of Lexus LX 570

Lexus LX 570

Seat Alhambra, Offers a Major Benefit in Traction on Every Road Surface and In Every Situation

Seat Alhambra

2012 SEAT Alhambra 4WD offers a unique combination of extremely high usability and with sure-footed handling in all conditions. On the plus side are its high quality standards and a premium feel that exceeds all expectations in the MPV sector, not to mention its competitive price position.

Seat Alhambra

The new SEAT Alhambra 4WD with permanent all-wheel drive offers a major benefit in traction on every road surface and in every situation. Thanks to the sophisticated design of its carefully tuned chassis, the SEAT Alhambra stays true to the spirit of the brand by delivering a surprising level of sporty driving fun – something not usually associated with MPVs. Yet the Alhambra´s dynamism doesn´t come at the expense of long-distance comfort.

Seat Alhambra

The SEAT Alhambra 4WD is equipped with the 2.0 TDI with 103 kW / 140 hp and manual six-speed transmission, to deliver a combination of powerful performance and excellent efficiency. The SEAT Alhambra 4WD achieves a top speed of 191 km/h and an acceleration time from 0-100 km/h of 11.4 seconds, while the TDI consumes an average of just 6.0 litres per 100 km, equating to a CO2 figure of 158 grams per km. The Ecomotive package with recuperation and automatic start/stop has a major role to play in these figures. The MPV is also equipped with an SCR catalytic converter (Selective Catalytic Reduction) – a technology that places the SEAT Alhambra 4WD among the world’s cleanest diesels.