The Daewoo is lifting the veil on a show car version of its much-anticipated long-wheelbase premium large sedan, the L4X.
The rear-wheel-drive product, which is close to a production version, permits a first glimpse into what GM Daewoo is pursuing as its premium large sedan. GM Daewoo's future flagship will boast a superior level of refinement, safety and comfort features, stylish, it also offers an array of convenience features and luxury appointments to satisfy the most sophisticated Korean consumers."
The L4X comes with a powerful 3.6-liter V-6 powerplant that is matched with a smooth-shifting five-speed automatic transmission. The state-of-the-art alloy engine generates peak power and torque of 258 hp at 6,500 rpm and 34.7 kg.m at 3,200 rpm.
What makes the L4X stand out in terms of superior ride and handling are its sharpened chassis dynamics coupled with a longest-in-class 3,009-mm wheelbase, world-class structural stiffness and a sophisticated rear-wheel-drive system.
Its elegant exterior design, which will set it apart from other premium sedans, is characterized by a stretched silhouette and a wide stance accentuated by flared wheel arches. The longer rear doors are the key to the dramatic proportions, which are accentuated by a sweeping roofline and substantial wheel and tire package.
as a result of the longest wheelbase among Korean large sedans, the wheels have been moved to the very corners of the car, making it look and perform in a stable and sporty manner.
Detail highlights include signature LED repeater lamps in the fender vents, striking LED tail lamps and bright chrome accents. Its bi-xenon headlamps and tail lamps have a high-tech, precise and almost diamond-like appearance, with finely detailed elements that make them sparkle and glisten. The bright chrome bodyside molding and chrome-highlighted door handles add a touch of sculptured elegance to the side.
The themes for the interior design are comfort, harmony, luxury and attention to detail. The L4X offers a spacious and safe passenger compartment that provides a prestigious driving environment with optimized storage, packaging and ergonomics.
To give owners second-to-none premium comfort, the production version of the new GM Daewoo flagship will feature an array of safety and convenience features, including a navigation system with Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) TV, bi-xenon headlamps, curtain air bags, tri-zone automatic temperature controls, power rear seats with three-step temperature control heating and rear-back massage, power rear-window curtains, roller blinds, a rearview camera and power-folding outside rearview mirrors.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Mitsubishi Concept-CT
The Designed at the Mitsubishi Motors Design Center in Cypress, Calif., the Concept-CT introduces an innovative hybrid powertrain packaged in an entirely new type of vehicle architecture. The ultra-compact four-door hatchback captures the essence of the Mitsubishi brand while combining practicality, fun-to-drive performance and low fuel consumption.
The key to the Concept-CT's roomy packaging, performance potential and fuel efficiency is the Mitsubishi In-wheel Electric Vehicle (MIEV) hybrid powertrain, which employs an electric motor in each of the vehicle's four wheels.
The Mitsubishi Signature Design With An Accent on the Future
The overall design theme was inspired by the sleek high-performance scooters popular in Japanese urban centers - and gaining popularity in the United States.
The Concept-CT's 102.4-inch wheelbase falls between today's sub-compact and compact models. However, the 149.6-inch length makes the Concept-CT even better suited to congested urban environments. The long wheelbase relative to vehicle length, combined with 20-inch wheels that are thrust out to the corners, yields a stable, forceful stance while maximizing interior space. Candy yellow-orange paint, with copper and grey accents, underscores the Concept-CT's advanced powertrain and overall futuristic orientation.
The unique design elements combine high-tech style with function. The LED head lamps and tail lamps are designed to appear as if their light emanates from a single source rather than multiple bulbs. A large, wraparound panoramic windshield provides excellent front visibility.
The rear doors open butterfly-style without a center pillar to provide maximum interior access. Also contributing to the design's practicality, the rear hatch is split horizontally, featuring an upper glass hatch and a lower tail gate for ease of loading.
The New Vehicle Architecture Shows Future Possibilities for Small Cars
Early on, the Mitsubishi Concept-CT designers disregarded current vehicle architecture and created a whole new type of small car platform that could take full advantage of the MIEV powertrain's numerous benefits. A rear-midship layout places the gasoline engine behind the rear passengers but ahead of the rear axle line. This same configuration can be found in some of the world's best sports cars because it allows for optimum weight distribution, low center of gravity and a small yaw-inertia moment (quick steering response).
With room freed up by the lack of a center differential, driveshaft to the front and front-wheel halfshafts, designers were able to locate vital components to optimize both safety and weight distribution. The rear-midship layout allows for a large frontal crush zone and greatly reduces the potential for engine intrusion into the cabin in a collision. Batteries are housed under the rear floor and in the front of the vehicle. The fuel tank is housed under the front floor.
MIEV Powertrain Hints at High-Tech Mitsubishi Future
Mitsubishi is actively developing its MIEV technology to address future demands for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, without sacrificing driving performance and fun. The series/parallel hybrid drive in the Concept-CT uses a special transmission to harness the 50 kW (67 horsepower) output of a 1.0-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine to drive the rear wheels and the generator. Engine power is 20kW per wheel. A 40 kW (54 horsepower) generator charges high-energy-density, lithium-ion batteries to offer high capacity and long life. Total combined peak power is 100kW (134 horsepower).
The MIEV system provides both economical cruising capability and high capacity power for short bursts of acceleration when needed. A regenerative brake system captures energy that would otherwise be lost as heat through the brake discs and channels it to the batteries.
Each of the Concept-CT's wheels houses an electric motor, effectively providing computer-controlled all-wheel drive (AWD) that can transfer optimal traction independently to each tire as needed. Such individual wheel control opens up new possibilities to enhance vehicle stability and performance.
In addition to a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain featured in the Concept-CT, MIEV technology can be applied to pure battery electric vehicles and fuel cell electric vehicles to suit a wide variety of world market needs and infrastructures in the future.
The Adventurous Yet Practical Interior
The Concept-CT interior design is as adventurous as the exterior, starting with structural elements that also serve as design elements. The main controls take inspiration from motorcycle front forks and controls and are supported by a structure fashioned in parallel strips. For a clean, modern image, the interior features pearl finish, ribbed vinyl and soft-touch surfaces with copper accents.
The Concept-CT instrument panel is unlike anything seen in current vehicles. A wide format "wall to wall" screen displays information for navigation, rear/side-view mirror functions, and entertainment functions (when in park). Flat-screen gauges are placed well forward of the driver for optimal visibility. In addition, a flat screen in the center panel displays climate control and audio information. Reflecting Concept-CT's futuristic theme, the ultra-thin center console houses a fingerprint-reading security key and computer touch pad interface.
A flat floor and "floating" seats for four provide an open feeling and interior flexibility. The contoured bench-style seats are designed for superior support while providing ease of entry and egress. The front passenger seatback and rear seatbacks fold flat to carry long loads. Rear seat cushions fold up with the seatback in the upright position to load tall items through the side doors. Concept-CT provides additional storage under the front hood.
This concept provides a vision into the future of advanced hybrid technology in a fun and futuristic design. Mitsubishi Motors' Lancer Evolution MIEV is currently under testing in Japan - with a goal to bring a MIEV model, built around core technologies of in-wheel motors and high density lithium-ion batteries.
Mitsubishi Concept-CT Major Specifications:
+ Wheelbase: 2600 mm (102.4 in.)
+ Length: 3800 mm (149.6 in.)
+ Width: 1700 mm (66.9 in.)
+ Height: 1430 mm (56.3 in.)
+ Engine: 1.0 liter 3 cylinder, gasoline
+ Engine power: 50kW
+ Generator power: 40kW
+ Battery power: 50kW
+ Motor power: 80kW (20kW X 4)
+ Total peak power: 100kW
Mitsubishi Concept-Sportback
The Concept-Sportback
The Concept-Sportback is a concept for the 5-door sports hatchback class that is getting highly popular in Europe .
Consistent with Mitsubishi Motors' sporting heritage, Concept-Sportback will also preview a brand new Mitsubishi Motors-developed platform. Of strategic importance, it is flexible enough to accommodate a wide range of derivatives, from a crossover SUV - the new Outlander - to C-segment variants, according to market requirements.
The direction Mitsubishi Motors' design is set to take for the near future is readily apparent in the concept's exterior. Sporty wedge-like profile, sharply chiselled lines, assertive stance born from long wheelbase / wide track proportions, a grille staging the Mitsubishi Motors' 3-Diamond logo and very expressive high-shouldered rear end: Concept-Sportback embodies MMC's vision for a sports sedan.
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