Ford unveiled its new 2013 Mondeo at the Detroit auto show - the new Mondeo is in fact now a Fusion in Euro drag.
Under the One Ford rules, most major car projects are in fact global affairs, so the Mondeo follows in the footsteps of the Focus, also unveiled in Detroit two years ago and brought to Europe a year later. We'll have a similarly long wait for the Ford Fusion to make the leap to the European Mondeo, with a launch slated for spring 2013.
The white car here is a rendering of the Ford Mondeo in UK spec, while the red car is in fact the Ford Fusion. Don't be confused with the purple-rinse Fusion recently departed from UK shores - the US Fusion is a family vehicle akin to the Mondeo.
So what's new on the 2013 Ford Mondeo?
The Mondeo has basically been brought bang up to date with all those Ford technologies we've seen percolate down through the Fiesta and Focus classes but which have so far eluded the Mondeo. The Blue Oval aims to retain the class-leading dynamic prowess of the old Mondeo but dial in some of the tech and gizmos which have seen rivals overtake Ford in recent years.
So there are downsized, tech-heavy Ecoboost engines in 1.6- and 2.0-litre configurations if petrol's your thing and - more likely in Europe - a choice of turbodiesels in the same size.
Ford unveiled a Fusion Hybrid at the NAIAS show today and this model hasn't yet been confirmed for Europe, but we'd expect it to filter through eventually. It swaps its predecessors nickel metal hydride batteries for the latest lithium ion cells, enabling it to now top an impressive 62mph on EV mode. It's claimed to be more fuel efficient than rivals such as the Toyota Camry or Hyundai Sonata hybrids.
Tech on the new Ford Mondeo/Fusion
The new Mondeo uses a new iteration of Ford's C/D platform - the same box of bits which underpins the Galaxy and S-Max. The front suspension uses new MacPherson struts while the new multi-link rear is new too; combined with new electric power steering, Ford types confidently call it a new architecture.
As with Focus, a slew of high-tech gizmos are available on the new Ford Mondeo. Lane-keep assist, active parking, radar cruise control and blindspot monitors all feature for the first time on Ford's family car.
There's voice activation for many secondary controls and a touchscreen should your accent be too confusing to be understood, active noise control on the hybrid is designed to squash road noise to highlight the quiet e-running mode. It uses sensors and speakers to broadcast anti-noise to suppress unwanted road noise and it can be fitted to any Mondeo, depending on market choice and spec level.
The Sync multimedia console is offered, and will come to Europe this time; it'll first be added to the Focus around December 2012.
Yes, yes - but will the new Mondeo still be great to drive?
We won't know that until we drive it later in 2012. The front suspension is by MacPherson struts while the rear gets a new multi-link axle - it's not a carryover from the existing Mondeo. As is the class norm, power steering is now by more efficient electric actuators, not fuel-supping hydraulics. It'll be interesting to see if they can retain the steering feel that we've loved on previous iterations of Mondeo.
Ford engineers say the ride quality is much 'plusher', aka more comfortable. How rarely do we hear that? Sounds like the new Mondeo is comfy yet that new suspension contains roll more effectively too.
And what of the style? Well from these first official photos, it seems caution is the name of the game for the new Mondeo. Bar some sharper light and grille graphics front and back, it could almost pass for the outgoing model from some angles.
But see it in the metal, and the newcomer is in fact a slick affair. Note also how the Ford oval is set into the bonnet with an inlaid panel. Very smart. And the interior is a move upmarket, with totally flat stereo controls from Sony.
Expect to see the new Ford Mondeo on sale in Britain in the first quarter of 2013. Forget the four-door notchback bodystyle - we'll only get the five-door hatchback and estate Mondeos.
Thứ Ba, 28 tháng 2, 2012
VW Jetta Hybrid unveiled at 2012 Detroit show
Volkswagen unveiled its second hybrid production car at the 2012 Detroit auto show: the new Jetta Hybrid, which goes on sale in November 2012.
The hybrid Jetta is aimed predominantly at the north American market, although it is likely to be sold in other markets over the coming years.
VW Jetta Hybrid: the technical lowdown
The first hybrid from Wolfsburg was the VW Touareg, co-developed with Porsche and Audi. This one is much more eco-minded, mixing VW's 148bhp 1.4 TSI petrol engine with a 20kW electric motor.
Volkswagen claims this hybrid is around a fifth more economical than a regular Jetta 1.4 TSI. It quotes an (American) 45mpg combined average consumption, but says it's around 30% more economical in urban usage.
There's also an EV switch to allow pure electric running at low speeds below 44mph. In optimum conditions, you might even travel 1.3 miles if you gaffer tape an eggshell to the accelerator.
Downsizing to the max for the US!
Indeed. Much of the chat at Detroit was defending the 1.4 TSI engine in the Jetta Hybrid. American buyers will be suspicious of something with just 1395cc, but every major player in the US is hellbent on downsizing.
VW points out this compact, 98kg engine actually has more power than the 2.5-litre five-cylinder already offered in the Jetta Stateside.
The Jetta Hybrid sends its drive through VW's seven-speed twin-clutch DSG transmission. An extra decoupling clutch totally disengages the engine from the drivetrain when in full zero-emissions EV mode. This 'sailing' mode is also deployed even when you back off at motorway speeds, letting you cruise silently at up to 84mph.
It's worth noting the tech in the Jetta Hybrid, as this is what we'll see in European hyrbids too. The batteries are lithium ion and stored behind the rear seat; they're relatively small batteries and have a 1.1kWh energy capacity, adding 36kg to the kerbweight.
The 2012 VW Jetta Hybrid weighs less than 1500kg, says Volkswagen.
The hybrid Jetta is aimed predominantly at the north American market, although it is likely to be sold in other markets over the coming years.
VW Jetta Hybrid: the technical lowdown
The first hybrid from Wolfsburg was the VW Touareg, co-developed with Porsche and Audi. This one is much more eco-minded, mixing VW's 148bhp 1.4 TSI petrol engine with a 20kW electric motor.
Volkswagen claims this hybrid is around a fifth more economical than a regular Jetta 1.4 TSI. It quotes an (American) 45mpg combined average consumption, but says it's around 30% more economical in urban usage.
There's also an EV switch to allow pure electric running at low speeds below 44mph. In optimum conditions, you might even travel 1.3 miles if you gaffer tape an eggshell to the accelerator.
Downsizing to the max for the US!
Indeed. Much of the chat at Detroit was defending the 1.4 TSI engine in the Jetta Hybrid. American buyers will be suspicious of something with just 1395cc, but every major player in the US is hellbent on downsizing.
VW points out this compact, 98kg engine actually has more power than the 2.5-litre five-cylinder already offered in the Jetta Stateside.
The Jetta Hybrid sends its drive through VW's seven-speed twin-clutch DSG transmission. An extra decoupling clutch totally disengages the engine from the drivetrain when in full zero-emissions EV mode. This 'sailing' mode is also deployed even when you back off at motorway speeds, letting you cruise silently at up to 84mph.
It's worth noting the tech in the Jetta Hybrid, as this is what we'll see in European hyrbids too. The batteries are lithium ion and stored behind the rear seat; they're relatively small batteries and have a 1.1kWh energy capacity, adding 36kg to the kerbweight.
The 2012 VW Jetta Hybrid weighs less than 1500kg, says Volkswagen.
VW E-Bugster concept unveiled at 2012 Detroit show
Volkswagen has designs on expanding its Beetle family - and the new 2012 VW E-Bugster gives us a few clues to what's in store.
As the name suggests, the E-Bugster is an electric Beetle, showcasing Wolfsburg's new e-powertrain coming to the Golf and other family members sooner than you might think. The Golf Blue-e-motion goes on sale in 2013.
But take note of the two-seat speedster bodystyle too - CAR understands this derivative is likely to be offered from the Beetle's mid-life facelift.
VW E-Bugster concept car: the electric Beetle
This is a pure electric car, so it's out with the familiar group petrol and diesel engines, and in with an 85kW electric motor driving the front wheels. The company claims it is an unusually lightweight motor weighing 80kg, or about the same as an adult male passenger.
The lithium-ion batteries are housed behind the front seats; like the Mini E, the E-Bugster is a two-seater only.
Volkswagen quotes a 0-60mph time of 10.9 seconds and, with a 28.3 kWh battery capacity, a 110-mile range in urban use.
So this electric Beetle is city only?
VW says fast-charge allows a 35-minute top-up: just flip open the flap below the normal fuel filler door, plug in and go and nosh a hamburger.
German car makers Audi, BMW, Daimler, Porsche and Volkswagen have teamed up to create something called the Combined Charging Systems to allow for multiple charging-up methods and the E-Bugster can be charged by single-phase AC or high-speed DC quick-charges.
Tell us more about the Bugster's stylistic import
Remember the Ragster soft-top? That was at Detroit in 2005. The Bugster is again modelled on the regular, err, new New Beetle but sits 90mm lower at a whisker under 1400mm high.
It's also 30mm wider but the same length as the production Beetle, though it rides on chunky 20in rims. There are plenty of clues that Volkswagen will indeed build this, as first revealed by CAR last year. The normally retiring Germans even say in the press blurb: 'In developing the production [Beetle] introduced in October 2011, the Beetle design team had already considered all potential derivatives for future models on its radar screen of possibilities.'
In corporate Germanspeak, that's as close to getting on-the-record confirmation as you'll find.
The E-Bugster also ushers in LED headlamps for the Beetle shape, and you'll find the same C-shaped day-running lights as on all electric Volkswagens.
In fact, lighting seems to be a central part of the E-Bugster message: the cabin has novel 1mm wide illumination strips which bathe the cabin in white, then blue lighting as you set off. Bluemotion. Geddit?
As the name suggests, the E-Bugster is an electric Beetle, showcasing Wolfsburg's new e-powertrain coming to the Golf and other family members sooner than you might think. The Golf Blue-e-motion goes on sale in 2013.
But take note of the two-seat speedster bodystyle too - CAR understands this derivative is likely to be offered from the Beetle's mid-life facelift.
VW E-Bugster concept car: the electric Beetle
This is a pure electric car, so it's out with the familiar group petrol and diesel engines, and in with an 85kW electric motor driving the front wheels. The company claims it is an unusually lightweight motor weighing 80kg, or about the same as an adult male passenger.
The lithium-ion batteries are housed behind the front seats; like the Mini E, the E-Bugster is a two-seater only.
Volkswagen quotes a 0-60mph time of 10.9 seconds and, with a 28.3 kWh battery capacity, a 110-mile range in urban use.
So this electric Beetle is city only?
VW says fast-charge allows a 35-minute top-up: just flip open the flap below the normal fuel filler door, plug in and go and nosh a hamburger.
German car makers Audi, BMW, Daimler, Porsche and Volkswagen have teamed up to create something called the Combined Charging Systems to allow for multiple charging-up methods and the E-Bugster can be charged by single-phase AC or high-speed DC quick-charges.
Tell us more about the Bugster's stylistic import
Remember the Ragster soft-top? That was at Detroit in 2005. The Bugster is again modelled on the regular, err, new New Beetle but sits 90mm lower at a whisker under 1400mm high.
It's also 30mm wider but the same length as the production Beetle, though it rides on chunky 20in rims. There are plenty of clues that Volkswagen will indeed build this, as first revealed by CAR last year. The normally retiring Germans even say in the press blurb: 'In developing the production [Beetle] introduced in October 2011, the Beetle design team had already considered all potential derivatives for future models on its radar screen of possibilities.'
In corporate Germanspeak, that's as close to getting on-the-record confirmation as you'll find.
The E-Bugster also ushers in LED headlamps for the Beetle shape, and you'll find the same C-shaped day-running lights as on all electric Volkswagens.
In fact, lighting seems to be a central part of the E-Bugster message: the cabin has novel 1mm wide illumination strips which bathe the cabin in white, then blue lighting as you set off. Bluemotion. Geddit?
Dodge Dart unveiled at 2012 Detroit show
If you want confirmation that Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne is shaking up his American patient look no further than the new Dodge Dart.
It's a new compact car for Dodge - based on the underpinnings of an Alfa Romeo Giulietta. It's an important launch for Dodge and this sector accounts for 15% of all US car sales.
Dodge Dart: the lowdown
The Dart goes on sale in the second quarter of 2012, priced from a UK-painful $15,995.
A range of petrol engines will be offered:
• 160bhp 2.0
• 160bhp 1.4 Multiair turbo
• 184bhp 2.4 Multiair turbo
All with a mix of six-speed manual, automatic or semi-auto dual-clutch transmissions.
Inside the Dodge Dart
Dodge promises an interior far removed from the Dodge Caliber which this car replaces. There's an 8.4in touchscreen with a computer which syncs with your MP3 player, tells you which movies are showing locally, and even alerts you via an app if your car is travelling where it shouldn't if it's on loan to the kids.
Naturally, personalisation is the name of the game: more than 100,000 different combinations of Dart are available, should you want to bling yours up.
It's a new compact car for Dodge - based on the underpinnings of an Alfa Romeo Giulietta. It's an important launch for Dodge and this sector accounts for 15% of all US car sales.
Dodge Dart: the lowdown
The Dart goes on sale in the second quarter of 2012, priced from a UK-painful $15,995.
A range of petrol engines will be offered:
• 160bhp 2.0
• 160bhp 1.4 Multiair turbo
• 184bhp 2.4 Multiair turbo
All with a mix of six-speed manual, automatic or semi-auto dual-clutch transmissions.
Inside the Dodge Dart
Dodge promises an interior far removed from the Dodge Caliber which this car replaces. There's an 8.4in touchscreen with a computer which syncs with your MP3 player, tells you which movies are showing locally, and even alerts you via an app if your car is travelling where it shouldn't if it's on loan to the kids.
Naturally, personalisation is the name of the game: more than 100,000 different combinations of Dart are available, should you want to bling yours up.
Chevrolet Code 130R, Tru 140S at 2012 Detroit show
Chevrolet's press conference at the 2012 North American International Auto Show was all about youngsters: namely the millennials, or 11-30-year-olds who hold increasing consumer power.
GM reckons there are 80 million of them in the US, and they account for $1 trillion of spending power. So it's worth taking them seriously.
Such digital youngsters are very collaborative, according to Chevrolet research, so it's consulting them heavily in this pair of concept cars: the new Code 130 R (red car) and Tru 140 S (white).
Shades of Mazda RX-8?
We'll give you that. Both the new Chevy concepts are four-seater coupes. Why four-seaters? Becuase the kids want to carry their friends with them.
Neither car has an interior yet; the cabins will be designed by the youngsters, with a plethora of connectivity and smartphone inspired apps.
The big picture
'For the car company that can successfully engage this generation, there is a tremendous opportunity,' said John McFarland, senior manager for Chevrolet global marketing, who heads youth research for the brand. 'At Chevrolet, we want to build authentic and meaningful relationships with these customers on their terms. We want to hear what they have to say, engage them in our design process, and give them what they want – not what we think they want.'
Sounds trite. But when you consider the pace of societal change, and the younger generation's falling out of love with the car, this pair of concepts start to make more sense.
GM has form for trailling concept cars with the public. It admits both these cars could enter production for around $20,000.
GM reckons there are 80 million of them in the US, and they account for $1 trillion of spending power. So it's worth taking them seriously.
Such digital youngsters are very collaborative, according to Chevrolet research, so it's consulting them heavily in this pair of concept cars: the new Code 130 R (red car) and Tru 140 S (white).
Shades of Mazda RX-8?
We'll give you that. Both the new Chevy concepts are four-seater coupes. Why four-seaters? Becuase the kids want to carry their friends with them.
Neither car has an interior yet; the cabins will be designed by the youngsters, with a plethora of connectivity and smartphone inspired apps.
The big picture
'For the car company that can successfully engage this generation, there is a tremendous opportunity,' said John McFarland, senior manager for Chevrolet global marketing, who heads youth research for the brand. 'At Chevrolet, we want to build authentic and meaningful relationships with these customers on their terms. We want to hear what they have to say, engage them in our design process, and give them what they want – not what we think they want.'
Sounds trite. But when you consider the pace of societal change, and the younger generation's falling out of love with the car, this pair of concepts start to make more sense.
GM has form for trailling concept cars with the public. It admits both these cars could enter production for around $20,000.
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