New Jaguar XF Sportbrake

A station wagon model probably isn’t what comes to mind when you think about Jaguar but times and attitudes changes and the British brand is willing to give it another try after its hapless X-Type Sportwagon. At a first glance, Jaguar's new XF Sportbrake is a handsome creation, although those abnormally large LED tail lamps look somewhat odd from certain angles.
Jaguar says that every panel on the XF Sportbrake, from the B-Pillar and back, is completely new. Added touches include the silver signature line running the entire length of the car while the gloss black C-Pillar is reminiscent of the XJ limousine. The polished roof rails will be offered as an option.
The estate model shares the same 1,877mm width and 2,909mm wheelbase with the sedan but is 5mm longer at 4,966mm while also offering 48mm of extra rear headroom.
According to Jaguar, the transformation from saloon to estate has added a little under 70kg or 154 pounds to the car's kerb weight.
In terms of boot space, the XF Sportbrake offers 550-liters with the rear seats up, which is less than the BMW 5-Series Touring's 560-liters, the Audi A6 Avant's 565-liters and the Mercedes-Benz's capacious 695-liters.
With the seats folded, the total volume grows to 1,675-litres, which is slightly more than the BMW's 1,670 liters but less than the Audi's 1,680-liters and far less than the Mercedes-Benz's monstrous 1,950-liters.
To justify its more practical side, the Sportbrake comes equipped with remote fold levers mounted within the boot area to lower the rear seats, while additional LEDs light onto the ground when the tailgate is open. You also get a panel in the boot that splits into three sections and a new tray fitted under the load area to store valuable items. 


PHOTO GALLERY

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Pininfarina Cambiano Concept is a Classic GT Coupe on One Sid


The first official photos of Pininfarina's Cambiano concept car are out in the open ahead of its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show thanks to the folks over at Italian car magazine Quattroruote. When Pininfarina first announced the Cambiano, it made word of a sedan model but the teaser pictures that followed clearly showed a two-door coupe. As it turns out, the Cambiano study is both a coupe and a sports sedan.
To elaborate, on the driver's side, the concept has one large door while on the passenger's side Pininfarina opted for a suicide door solution and also eliminated the center pillar to afford better entry and exit to all seating positions.
The sleek design of the exterior, which was inspired by Pininfarina's 1957 Lancia Florida II, is matched by a minimalistic interior with seating for four, while other highlights include the glass roof and wood trimmed floors.
The GT model measures a little over five meters in length (196.9-in.) and 2 meters in width (78.7-in.), while it tips the scales at 1,700kg (3,748 pounds). It is a range extended electric vehicle with power coming from four 60kw (80hp) electric motors, one for each wheel. A diesel turbine engine located up front works like a generator to recharge the batteries.
According to Pininfarina, the Cambiano accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds and can reach a top speed of 275km/h (186mph). It's batteries offer a driving range in excess of 200km.
Kudos to Bruno for the tip!

PHOTO GALLERY

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Nissan Reveals New Almera Sedan for Russi

The Almera nameplate is set to make a return to Nissan's lineup as a compact-sized sedan model, which the company says has been developed exclusively for Russia and will be manufactured locally in Togliatti on an all-new production line starting from early next year. According to the Japanese automaker, Nissan engineering teams in Japan, the UK and Russia developed the new Almera.
However, the single photo released by Nissan, suggests otherwise as the new Almera appears to be based on the second generation of the Japanese market Bluebird Sylphy that uses Nissan's B-platform and which was introduced in the country back in 2005.
Nevertheless, it's possible that Nissan made specific changes to the Almera to adapt it to the needs of the local market.
Nissan said the Almera will play a crucial role in significantly increasing the brand's share of the overall Russian car market by 2016
"Nissan already offers one of the broadest model line-ups of any foreign manufacturer in Russia, but to date we have not been strongly represented in the fastest growing mainstream market," said François Goupil De Bouille, Nissan Managing Director for Russia,
"Almera will change that and bring something new to the segment by offering outstanding value, unique Japanese design, interior space not previously available in this market sector and world-class quality The fact this is a car developed specifically for Russia, and manufactured locally in Togliatti, ensures it will fully meet the expectations and desires of our customers," he added.
The Nissan Almera sedan will receive its world premiere at this year's Moscow International Autosalon on August 29.





NISSAN BLUEBIRD SYLPHY

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Honda FC Future Sports Car with V Flow Fuel Cell Technology

The new FC Sport fuel based car from Honda was recently displayed at the LA Auto Show is one traffic stopper. The designers have taken into their advantage the flexibility which is extended by the fuel cell powertrain as it is placed on the back of the driver. It’s a 3-seater with the styling of sports car major McLaren F1 vehicle, where in the driver is in the middle with passenger seats on side and back. The concept car is right now under study and testing to understand the full utility of the product. Though there may be a possibility of Honda releasing a full fledged version for commercial use.[Press Release]
Honda FC Sport Design Study Suggests Hydrogen Sports Car Future LOS ANGELES, Nov. 19, 2008 – Honda today revealed the Honda FC Sport design study model, a hydrogen-powered, three-seat sports car concept, at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show.
The FC Sport emphasizes the design flexibility and potential of Honda’s V Flow fuel cell technology – already deployed in the Honda FCX Clarity sedan – and reconfigures it into a lightweight sports car design with an ultra-low center of gravity, powerful electric motor performance and zero-emissions. The design study concept is inspired by supercar levels of performance through low weight and a high-performance, electrically driven fuel cell powertrain.
“The Honda FC Sport explores how to satisfy automotive performance enthusiasts in a world beyond petroleum,” said Dan Bonawitz, vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “People who love sports cars will still have a reason to love in a hydrogen-powered future.”
The high-output Honda fuel cell powertrain and a sleek, aerodynamic body contribute to the vehicle’s performance potential. A modular approach to fuel cell component packaging and the electric drivetrain contribute to the FC Sport’s low center of gravity with the majority of vehicle mass distributed between the axles, creating the balanced weight distribution sought after in sports cars.

The ideal placement of the Honda V-Flow fuel cell stack and related components demonstrates the benefits of a platform-specific, hydrogen-powered fuel cell powertrain. The FC Sport is configured to accommodate a custom-formed high-power fuel cell stack, located between the rear seats, and a battery pack placed low in the middle of the vehicle. The electric motor resides just forward of the rear axle. Two fuel storage tanks, visible from above, are located above the rear axle.
The optimal placement of fuel cell components for performance also allows for a relatively large passenger cabin by conventional supercar standards with enough space for three seating positions. The interior layout focuses primarily on the driver with a racecar-like center driving position. The enclosed canopy opens upward from the rear to allow for entry and exit. Two rear passenger seats flank the driver’s left and right side.
The sleek, low-profile body is designed to convey a high-technology appearance with sculpting that combines angular shapes in the front of the vehicle that taper into geometric, hex forms in the rear. The rear hex forms house cooling radiators for the fuel cell. Formula 1-style barge boards behind the front wheels enhance high speed aerodynamics and convey the vehicle’s racing pedigree. The hydrogen storage tanks, visible from the rear deck, showcase the FC Sports fuel cell technology in much the same way that a “naked bike” motorcycle showcases its engineering technology.
The glacier white body color conveys the FC Sport’s clean environmental aspirations while the dark wheels and deeply tinted glass provide a symbolic contrast befitting of the vehicle’s unique combination of clean power and high performance. Green construction techniques further contribute to a reduced carbon footprint. An organic, bio-structure theme is carried through to the body construction where exterior panels are intended to use plant-derived bio-plastics.
The Advanced Design Studio of Honda R&D Americas, in Pasadena, California, developed the FC Sport design study with the primary objective of using existing fuel cell technology as the basis for an ultimate Honda sports car. Designer Jason Wilbur led the design efforts.
Honda R&D Americas, Inc. began its operations in California in 1975 with local market research activities and has steadily grown its capabilities over the past 33 years to include all aspects of new vehicle design and development. Recent development efforts include trend-setting products such as the Honda Pilot, Ridgeline, Element, Civic Coupe and Civic Si.
In 2008, the company opened two new design centers in Southern California: the Acura Design Studio (Torrance), for the research and design of new Acura products; and the Advanced Design Studio (Pasadena), for the exploration and development of advanced design themes for both Honda and Acura.
The company operates 11 major R&D facilities in North America, including a full vehicle development center in Raymond, Ohio, and three design studios in Southern California. Honda R&D designers, engineers and support personnel are engaged in the development of Honda and Acura automobiles, powersports products, and power equipment for North America and global markets. The company’s main centers of operation include the Los Angeles Center (Torrance, California), responsible for market research, concept development and styling design; the Ohio Center (Raymond, Ohio), responsible for complete product development, testing, and support of North American supplier and manufacturing operations; and a dynamic test facility in Cantil, California.
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