Cars Show 2011 Nissan Juke

Posted by Helios On Sunday, May 30, 2010 0 comments

Cars Show 2011 Nissan Juke
Cars Show 2011 Nissan Juke
Cars Show 2011 Nissan Juke
Cars Show 2011 Nissan Juke
Cars Show 2011 Nissan Juke
Nissan Juke is set to change the urban landscape... for the third time. Following in the wheeltracks of the Murano large crossover and then the successful Qashqai - the car that three years ago introduced the concept of a crossover as an alternative to the traditional C-segment hatchback - comes its younger brother, the Nissan Juke.

Designed to bring a breath of fresh air to the B-segment, Nissan Juke is a distinctive combination of SUV toughness and sporting style. Conceived to inject some masculinity and dynamism into the small car market, Nissan Juke combines a number of seeming contradictions beneath its highly individual lines.

"It takes the best elements of an SUV and sports car and combines them," says Pierre Loing, Vice President, Product Planning, Nissan Europe. "It's roomy yet compact, robust yet dynamic and practical yet playful. These are qualities that seem to contradict each other, yet come together in Nissan Juke to create something that's genuinely unique."

Nissan Juke was created at Nissan Design Europe (NDE) in the heart of London, and refined at Nissan's Design Centre (NDC) in Japan. Principle engineering took place in Japan with significant European input and Juke will be built in Nissan's factory in Sunderland in the north-east of England.

"The design shows real optimism. By combining design elements from two genres to create a small, but striking Crossover that displays a genuine confidence and style. And those are qualities we also expect to find in a Nissan Juke customer," said Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President for Design and Chief Creative Officer
Nissan Juke
Nissan Juke

From a design standpoint, the lower portion of Nissan Juke is pure SUV, with chunky wheels, wide tyres, extended ground clearance and a robust stance. But the top portion is unadulterated sports car, with a high waistline, slim visor-like side glass graphics and a coupé-style falling roofline. The coupé effect is further underlined by the rear doors which have their handles hidden in the frame of the door.

Inside, the sports car theme continues with a driver-focused cabin dominated by a centre console design inspired by a motorcycle fuel tank. Finished in a distinctive high gloss colour, the 'bike' console adds a sense of fun to the car. Practicality is assured by the rear-opening hatch and versatile luggage area with hidden storage opportunities.

Based on the Renault Nissan Alliance B platform, Nissan Juke has a 2530mm wheelbase. On front-wheel drive versions, suspension is by MacPherson struts at the front with a torsion beam at the rear while four-wheel drive models have a multi-link rear suspension modelled on the system found on Qashqai.

The All-Mode 4x4-i is a new development of Nissan's respected electronic all-wheel drive system and now features torque vectoring technology to enhance agility and reduce understeer when cornering.

In Europe, three different engines will be available when sales start later in the year (UK sales begin in October): one diesel and two 1.6-litre petrol units, all fully Euro 5 compliant. At the top of the range is a new turbo-charged petrol engine (MR16DDT) with direct injection. The engine is one of the most powerful in its class, developing 140kW (190PS) and 240 Nm. The combination of direct injection with a turbocharger provides the power and responses expected from a 2.5-litre engine with the economy of a smaller engine.

The second petrol engine is a newly developed version from Nissan's trusted HR-family. Designated HR16DE, the lightweight, low-friction 16-valve unit now has a unique dual injection system allowing finer metering of the fuel sprays for better combustion and develops 86kW (117PS). The K9K 81kW (110PS) 1.5-litre dCi common rail diesel offers excellent driveability - thanks as much to its heady 240 Nm of torque - with good economy and emissions.

In terms of transmissions, the two-wheel drive turbo-charged 1.6-litre petrol engine is available with a six speed manual, while a CVT transmission with a six-speed manual mode will be available on the range-topping all-wheel drive version of the turbo-charged petrol engine.

The naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol is available either with a 5-speed manual or the updated XTRONIC CVT and the 1.5-litre diesel engine is available with a 6-speed manual.

Trim and equipment options will follow the established Visia, Acenta and Tekna lines while a full range of accessories has been developed for owners who want to personalise their Nissan Juke still further.

"Nissan Juke is not a traditional B-segment car, and that is quite deliberate. It was born in an urban environment and that is where it will spend most of its life. Fittingly, its combination of agility and toughness make it one of the most streetwise cars around.

"Juke joins Murano and Qashqai to cement Nissan's position as the leading brand in the crossover market," said Simon Thomas, Nissan's European Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing.

Exterior design

First revealed as the Qazana show car - unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show - Juke was created at the London-based Nissan Design Europe and refined at Nissan's Design Centre (NDC) in Japan. Qashqai, also created at NDE, is sold in Europe, Asia and Australia while Nissan Juke will be marketed in Europe, Japan and the United States.

"The outcome of this global collaboration is a car that comes from where East meets West, with vital contributions from NDE and NDC being key to creating such a striking design," said Shiro Nakamura.

Its highly individual lines are carried over virtually intact from Qazana. The boldness of the design reflects the significance of the B-segment in the European market: Europe is expected to take the lion's share of sales ahead of the other main markets, including North America and Japan.

The design team drew inspiration for Nissan Juke's design from a number of unusual sources. They looked back at a number of vehicles synonymous with an active and sporting life - and that list included rally cars and motorbikes. It's clear to see where those ideas have influenced the design.

The result combines a number of different themes, but with Nissan DNA threaded through. It has a tough solid body to reflect the SUV element, yet is a very sensual car, too, with complex curves and a coupé profile accentuated by the narrow side glass and hidden rear door handles which help give the impression of two rather than four doors.

But there is also clear Nissan family DNA in the design - the boomerang rear lights, for example, from the 370Z - but none of the elements are slavishly copied so while retaining Nissan DNA, Juke stands alone as a unique, almost maverick, design.

This is a key theme running through Nissan designs. Alfonso Albaisa, Vice President, Nissan Design Europe, says: "Nissan Juke has elements inspired from other cars in our range such as 370Z and even Cube, but our intention is never to make obvious links between our cars but natural ones. Cube is a cool car, for example, and that coolness can also be found in Nissan Juke."

With generous ground clearance, big wheels and tyres, a high waistline and a broad shoulder line, the bottom 'half' of the car appears to be pure SUV. The impression is accentuated by typical SUV features such as the contrasting black sill and wheel arch finishers while at the front and rear, the lower bodywork emerges from underneath the car, resembling underbody protection.

At the front, the 'sump guard' forms part of the air intake assembly but rather than use a simple meshed grille, the design team have developed the moulding into a series of circular slots… which are suggestive of biotic elements.

Above the waistline, however, Nissan Juke shows its sporting credentials. A heavily raked windscreen, complete with Nissan's signature Crossover upswept flick to the rearmost side window - and sloped roof-line provide a profile reminiscent of an aircraft's canopy.

The rear of the roof incorporates an integral spoiler to reduce aerodynamic lift to help high speed stability. The neat duck-tail ridge was perfected with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and tests in the wind tunnel.

The lights also reflect the car's sporting agility. At the front these are split into two distinct elements. Framing the upper half of the bonnet, thin slashes contain running lights and turn indicators, while the main and dipped beams mounted lower on the nose of the car were inspired by the auxiliary lamps fitted to rally cars in the sixties and seventies. At the rear, the tail-lights put their own spin on the boomerang shaped lamps found on the 370Z.

In total, a nine colour palette of exterior colours is planned, including two whites, a solid and a pearl, and three shades unique to Nissan Juke - Force Red, Haptic Blue and Machine Brown, though the total availability will depend on region.

Seiji Watanabe, Associate Product Chief Designer: "We want our cars, our crossovers in particular, to have a spirit of agility, to be seen as light, nimble, reactive. Nissan Juke displays all these attributes and delivers a real sense of optimism."

Interior design

Nissan Juke's active, sporting exterior is matched by its interior… where the dominant feature also displays a sense of fun: the centre console, finished in a high gloss paint, resembles a motorcycle fuel tank.

"It's unexpected," says Alfonso Albaisa. "And that gives the interior a certain sexiness."

Reflecting the exterior's blending of SUV and sports car attributes, the interior provides the commanding driving position but with all the attributes expected of a sports car. The gear shift sits on the top of the 'motorbiketank' to guarantee slick changes while the tank itself is no mere styling statement but also provides a bracing point for the driver's knee during spirited cornering.

Similarly, the central stack - which incorporates the new Nissan Dynamic Control System - is ergonomically designed to ensure the driver has instant access to the information and drive mode controls.

Attention to detail is evident everywhere. Chrome fittings and high quality materials are used throughout while the interior colours - red or gun metal grey for the central console are available, depending on the grade; black, silver or red accents to the leather or honeycomb 'sports' fabrics - underscore the car's sporting attitude. Even the door arm rests, shaped like flippers used by scuba divers, reflect an active outlook.

Despite its overall compact dimensions, the roomy interior offers competitive levels of space inside: front head room and rear knee room will be sufficient for most occupants. Unlike the Qazana show car, Nissan Juke is a full five seater.

The practical luggage area is large enough to take a nine inch golf bag or a maximum size suitcase and it also includes an underfloor storage area (4wd versions excepted) which takes its potential capacity to 251 litres (VDA). In addition, the rear seats split 60:40, and also fold in one simple movement to provide a totally flat loading floor.

To hide luggage away from prying eyes, the trunk area has an integral tonneau cover which differs from the conventional by being attached to the tailgate and rises with the door when the trunk is opened.

"The interior displays a number of attributes which really sum up the entire car. There's a lot of emotion here, a real sense of fun and a genuine quality," says Albaisa.

Platform

Nissan Juke is based on Renault Nissan Alliance B-Platform and has a 2530mm wheelbase, is 4135mm long, 1765mm wide and 1570mm tall. To allow the top of the range to use 17-inch wheels and 215/55 R17 tyres, the track front and rear is 1525mm, the widest yet seen on the Alliance B-platform.

As new models evolve so a platform will undergo a number of changes, and Nissan Juke's underpinnings are no exception. For its application on Nissan Juke, it has been lengthened, widened and significantly strengthened and lightened to enhance safety, refinement, and fuel efficiency.

Although the basic suspension system mirrors that found on other B-segment cars, with MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the back, a new cradle-type front subframe has enhanced the lateral stiffness of the assembly. Along with revised front suspension geometry, this has helped to promote better handling and ride comfort along with greater refinement.

The 4wd versions of Nissan Juke further benefit from a new multi-link rear suspension. When coupled to Nissan's newly developed torque vectoring four-wheel drive technology to limit understeer, Nissan Juke's handling is at the top of the class in spite of its higher ground clearance while comfort has been preserved.

In an urban environment, the combination of higher ground clearance and large tyres mean that speed bumps and poor road surfaces will not cause as much discomfort - or damage - as they would to a conventional sports hatchback.

Despite its SUV looks and the comparatively high eye-point, Nissan Juke's front and rear roll centre heights are as low as possible - closer to a conventional hatchback than a typical SUV - to reduce body roll in corners.

Agile handling is also helped by speed sensitive electric power steering, standard on all models, and by increased upper body strength and stiffness. Nissan Juke incorporates a newly developed ring structure which connects the upper body to the rear suspension, thus increasing torsional rigidity.

Engines and drivetrains

In Europe, there will be three engine and manual or CVT transmission choices when Nissan Juke sales start in the second half of 2010. At the top of the range is a newly developed 1.6-litre Direct Injection Gasoline turbocharged engine which develops 140kW (190PS) and 240Nm.

A low friction and lightweight design, the 16 valve engine uses direct injection to improve combustion to optimise power and torque, economy and emissions. The addition of a turbocharger and intercooler helps to boost power - this engine is one of the most powerful in its class - while variable timing control for both intake and exhaust cycles (twin VTC) improves low end engine response. A degree of overlap allows exhaust gas recirculation.

Low friction techniques include the adoption of diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating for the valve lifters and mirror finish camshafts. The result is an engine delivering the performance levels of a normally aspirated 2.5-litre engine but with the fuel economy of a smaller engine.

The Direct Injection Gasoline engine in two-wheel drive versions of Nissan Juke will be coupled to a six-speed manual transmission. On the four-wheel drive version, it will be mated to Nissan's XTRONIC CVT transmission, with six-speed manual mode.

The second petrol engine, which also displaces 1.6-litres and has four valves per cylinder, is an extensively reworked member of the HR family. Designated HR16DE, it has undergone a number of significant changes with a larger exhaust manifold, a retuned intake manifold, twin VTC, improved intake tumble flow and new catalyst with a hexagon cell formation.

New pistons with revised crowns and integral oil jet cooling have been adopted along with low friction techniques such as diamond-like carbon coating on the valve lifters.

But the most significant change has been the development of a dual injector system - a world first - which has two injectors for each cylinder, each with smaller nozzles to deliver finer, more closely targeted sprays of fuel into the cylinders for more efficient atomisation and more complete combustion.

Together the changes have led to significant improvements in power, torque and fuel economy. The engine produces 86kW (117PS), representing a six per cent improvement over previous versions of the engine. Torque has improved by three per cent to 157Nm while economy figures show a 5.6 per cent improvement. The normally aspirated petrol engine powers two-wheel drive versions only, and will be available with either the five-speed manual or the updated XTRONIC CVT transmission option, a different CVT transmission to the one used with the DIG engine.

The final engine choice is the familiar Alliance developed K9K 1.5-litre dCi turbocharged common rail diesel. The 1,461cc eight-valve engine delivers good fuel economy, low emissions and running costs with excellent driveability.

With power rated at 81kW (110PS) at 4,000 rpm and torque at an impressive 240 Nm at 1,750 rpm this unit features a fuel return rail and control unit for improved fuel efficiency. Injection pressure is 1,600 bar. Improved glow plug performance speeds up cold start performance. Emission control systems include a diesel particulate filter (DPF), with a fifth injector for regeneration and cooled exhaust gas recirculation while the turbocharger layout altered to make the distance between it and the DPF as short as possible.

The diesel will be available on two-wheel drive models with the six-speed manual transmission. For Europe, all the engines are fully Euro 5 compliant.

While the manual transmission has been carried over largely unchanged from Qashqai, both XTRONIC CVT systems feature a number of key technologies that promise significant improvements in weight, packaging, performance and fuel efficiency.

The updated XTRONIC CVT unit, used with the conventional 1.6-litre petrol engine, is 10 per cent shorter than before and 13 per cent lighter while internal friction has been reduced by a remarkable 30 per cent. This unit is the world's first CVT with a sub planetary gear which allows a far higher transmission ratio - 7.3:1 - than previous Nissan CVTs. Smaller, lighter pulleys, a flexible lock up damper and a more efficient oil pump all promote great fuel efficiency.

The XTRONIC CVT with 6-speed manual mode in the turbocharged petrol-engined Nissan Juke has been tuned for a more sporting performance with revised manual modes for sharper acceleration while the management system has been reprogrammed to enhance fuel efficiency. Both CVTs have adaptive shift control systems that can be selected via the Nissan Dynamic Control System.

Unusually in its class, Nissan Juke will be available with the option of four-wheel drive in addition to conventional front-wheel drive. A newly developed all-wheel drive system is based on Nissan's ALL-MODE 4x4-i electronic technology but which now adds a lateral torque-vectoring capability to its armoury.

As well splitting torque front to rear - upto a maximum of 50:50, it can now be split from side to side across the rear axle, too. By monitoring vehicle speed, wheel speed, gear position, steering angle, lateral G forces and now vehicle yaw rate, torque distribution can be increased to the outside rear wheel in corners to cut understeer and enhance the car's cornering ability. In total, upto 50% of the total available engine torque can be sent to either rear wheel.

The new rear axle incorporates electric couplings at either end plus a new final drive The inclusion of this innovation is a first in the small car segment - a technology that has, until now, only been found on top-of-the-range, premium vehicles.

The new system is noticeably lighter and more compact than similar systems used by some other manufacturers.

Equipment and model lines

Just about the only conventional aspect to Nissan Juke is the model line-up, which follows Nissan's established Visia, Acenta and Tekna lines. Lists of standard and optional equipment will be released nearer the on sale date, but expected items such as climate control, leather upholstery, rear view camera and Intelligent Key will all be available to Nissan Juke customers along with some more unusual features.

One such is Nissan Dynamic Control System, a central command and display module which allows the driver to alter dynamic drive settings as well as make changes to more obvious functions such as climate control.

Cleverly, the module adopts different displays, colours and functions depending on how it is being used. In Climate mode, the display shows the interior temperature setting while the 'buttons' display air-flow preferences.

But in D-Mode, the buttons change to Normal, Sport and Eco driving modes, altering throttle maps, torque availability, CVT shift schedules, steering effort and even air conditioning performance to suit the conditions. The display, meanwhile, shows engine and drive related dials and information.

Car settings, such as the sensitivity of automatic headlights, can also be adjusted via the system, while the display changes colour to signify what type of information is being displayed. Driving information incorporates panels giving average speed, fuel economy, journey times and so on. Overall, the display is designed to add a feeling of cool, engaging technology to the interior.

Accessories

Although Nissan Juke has a long list of standard equipment, Nissan has developed a full range of accessories enabling owners to personalise their cars still further. Among the items on offer are different designs of alloy wheel as well as front and rear under body protectors to accentuate the SUV element of the design.

Other exterior features include exhaust finishers, a roof spoiler and wind deflectors on the doors, while inside an owner can add illuminated door sills and interior accent lighting. Practical touches include advanced security systems as well as extra storage opportunities in the front armrest and in the luggage area.

European Customers

"The incredible success of our Qashqai compact crossover - we've recently passed half a million sales in Europe alone - has shown that customers are fed up with conventional cars. Nissan Juke is even bolder, even more adventurous than Qashqai and is set to confirm Nissan's position as a pioneer of crossover in Europe and, indeed, globally," says Simon Thomas.

Nissan Juke has been conceived with the specific intention to fulfil unmet customer expectations by adding much dynamism and masculinity to the sober, safe small car market. Who does Nissan imagine will buy Juke in Europe?

Clearly Urbanite, male customers are expected to be predominant but a significant proportion of buyers are anticipated to be women - one third according to Nissan's estimates. Nissan Juke will attract a younger audience than average Nissan customers (under half will be below 40), these estimates shows that Nissan Juke will have a broad appeal, supporting Nissan's research that there is widespread disillusionment at the lack of excitement in the small car sector in Europe.

Sales of Nissan Juke will come largely from the B-segment and is also expecting to attract C-segment customers, with people trading down to enjoy something more radical and inspirational. As with the successful Nissan Qashqai, a large majority of Nissan Juke customers will be new to the Nissan brand.
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Cars Show 2011 Peugeot RCZ

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Cars Show 2011 Peugeot RCZ
Cars Show 2011 Peugeot RCZ
Cars Show 2011 Peugeot RCZ
Cars Show 2011 Peugeot RCZ
Cars Show 2011 Peugeot RCZ
More than just a concept car which has become a reality, the Peugeot RCZ marks a new chapter in the history of Peugeot "lifestyle vehicles". Its expressive and innovative styling, its luxurious interior, its efficient and environmentally- friendly engines and the driving enjoyment they create will project the Marque into a future which promises to be more exciting than ever.

Drawing inspiration from the passion and know-how of its designers and engineers, Peugeot instills its brand values in every vehicle it manufactures. Sometimes however, freed from constraints and fired by creativity, Peugeot takes a bold new step and introduces "lifestyle" vehicles that are truly exceptional. The latter always arouses emotion, inspiring admiration among motoring enthusiasts and immense pride on the part of their makers.

Certain concept cars exhibited at international motor shows also follow this example. Sometimes their power of attraction is so great that the desire to see them take to the road becomes unstoppable.

As a result in September 2007, at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Peugeot unveiled an exercise in style that left no observer unmoved: the Peugeot 308 RC Z Concept car.

The idea of marketing the car on a commercial basis quickly became a reality.

However, the transformation from concept car to production vehicle required real determination, boldness and inventiveness... qualities for which the manufacturer is renowned.
Peugeot RCZ
Peugeot RCZ

Stylists and engineers worked together to ensure that all of the vehicle's specification lived up to the promise of its exterior styling.

Indeed while the main aim was to conserve the stylistic blueprint of the concept, despite the considerable constraints imposed by its production and commercialisation, the challenge went much further. Highly ambitious targets were fixed in terms of driveability and production quality, to give the car its own strong and unmistakable identity.

This compact 2+2 coupé was, therefore, designed to become an exclusive vehicle, "something special", a melting pot of emotions, aimed at modern and particularly demanding customers with expert opinions on what constitutes driving pleasure.

Its name, RCZ, symbolises this distinctive and singular positioning in relation to the Peugeot range, since it is the first passenger vehicle not to use the numbering system with a central "zero" or "double zero".

The Peugeot RCZ therefore illustrates the sum of Peugeot values, which are constantly realigned with the times.

Designed to enhance the sheer enjoyment of driving, the Peugeot RCZ is also dynamic (the top of the range model features an all new 1.6 litre THP 147 kW/200 bhp engine), and responsible, offering an innovative blend of performance and environmental-friendliness. With its reduced weight, fine-tuned aerodynamics and modern engine technology, the entry level model has CO2 emissions of only 139 g/km.

An extension of this thinking is the Peugeot RCZ equipped with HYbrid4 technology which will be unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. This Peugeot RCZ is based on the same power train as the Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 which will be available in Spring 2011: a 2.0 litre HDi FAP 120 kW (163bhp) in front and a 27 kW (37bhp) electric motor at the rear. This concept has emissions of only 95 g/km of CO2 whilst benefiting from a potential of 147kW (200bhp) and four wheel drive.

This reflects Peugeot's wish to offer this type of technology on different vehicles in its range; vehicles which can be very different (crossover, coupé...) which may be based on different platforms but with a common theme: to offer renewed driving enjoyment.

Another challenge the project faced was to successfully develop this new vehicle within a particularly short time span. With this in mind, it was decided the vehicle would be assembled at a production centre that specialises in exclusivevehicles built in small production runs, inside the Magna Steyr plant in Graz, Austria.

As a result, just two years after being exhibited as a concept car, the Peugeot RCZ will be unveiled for the first time in public, in its definitive form, at the 63rd Frankfurt Motor Show.

The Peugeot RCZ will go on sale in the Spring of 2010.

STYLISTIC EMOTION

Sculptural, dynamic and elegant, the style of the Peugeot RCZ offers new harmonious and vibrant proportions based on a compact and original three-compartment coupé architecture.

The "double bubble" of the roof and rear windscreen is not only a remarkable feat of engineering, but also the stylistic signature of a car in which every detail evokes an overwhelming sense of quality and expressiveness. The front windscreen, black roof and dark-tinted rear windscreen ensure a visual continuity strikingly set off by two aluminium roof arches. From the side, its unique profile creates an original continuity between the plunging design of the front and the flowing lines of the rear of the car.

The front feline look, a characteristic of the Manufacturer, the soft contours of the wings and the large diameter wheels, the spoiler and ruby-red LED rear lights with their crystal look create a general appearance that combines sensuality and power, technology and distinction.

Lastly, the vehicle's proportions (1.36 m high) and the beautifully designed lines of the body with its double bubble roof, optimises air flow to create superb aerodynamics. The active rear spoiler also contributes to the car's aerodynamic efficiency: it can be deployed in two positions according to the speed of the car, to ensure an ideal balance between road holding and fuel consumption.

INTERIOR EMOTION

The passenger compartment of the Peugeot RCZ instantly immerses the driver in a subtly elitist ambience echoing the world of motorsport.

"Getting into" the vehicle, the driver discovers an ergonomic driving position, ideal for enjoying the road-holding qualities of thePeugeot RCZ: the wraparound seats with their integral head restraints fit like a glove around the front occupants, and all controls are easily within reach of the driver's hands.

The fluid and streamlined design of the fascia panel follows the steeply inclined style that has won many plaudits in the manufacturer's latest models, and here fits perfectly into the distinctive world of this coupé.

The use of high quality materials combines with the elegant contours to enhance the refined overall atmosphere.

Beneath the eye line of the driver, mirroring the clock located in the centre of the fascia panel, the instrument panel dials are contained in metal cases, with photo-etched, back-lit markings.

The fascia panel is covered entirely with an innovative soft feel material, hi-tech in appearance and very elegant. The customer can also choose from several different colours, including a Nappa integral leather trim (a luxurious thick leather with a particularly fine, smooth grain).

This interior, its elegance enhanced by the range of hi-tech equipment it can accommodate (new WIP Com 3D multimedia system, JBL™ Hi-fisystem, USB connector on all versions, etc), is also versatile, allowing users to adapt to any situation.

For example, for a long weekend, the boot offers a capacity of 384 litres (321 dm3 according to the VDA standard) added to which are storage spaces under the floor. There is potential to increase this capacity further by folding the rear seat backs down, which gives a maximum boot volume of 760 litres (639 dm3 VDA).

Finally, it offers two occasional seats, fully sculpted and perfectly usable, especially since the design of the roof with its double bubble offers extra headroom to these occasional rear passengers.

ENGINEERING EMOTION

I n 2010, three engines will find their place under the large aluminium bonnet of the Peugeot RCZ. High-performance engines in every sense of the term: generous torque and power, low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions and compliance with the Euro 5 standard. These environmental concerns were one of the project's key priorities, constituting a modern and responsible approach for a vehicle in this segment.

1.6 litre THP 147 kW (200 bhp) BVM6

This all new engine (which will appear in the summer of 2010) allows the car's chassis to fulfil its true potential. With its maximum torque of 255 Nm at 1700 rpm (or 275 with overboost) and a maximum power of 147 kW at 5800 rpm, the Peugeot RCZ benefits from dynamic acceleration (80 to 120 kph in 6.5 seconds in fifth gear); 0 to 100 kph in 7.6 seconds...) while its fuel consumption does not exceed 7.1 litres/100 km in the combined cycle (less than 165 g/km of CO2).

For this purpose, this 4-cylinder engine with a capacity of 1598 cm3 combines all of the most recent technology to create a world first: Twin-Scroll turbocharger for performance and instant response at very low engine speeds, direct petrol injection, and variable valve lift coupled with variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust camshafts (VTi technology), for reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The "sound of the engine" during acceleration has also been optimised through the specific development of the engine acoustics. Using Sound System technology a different sound is created according to the engine speed. Just like a musical instrument, a vibrating diaphragm delivers a controlled sound output which is amplified by an acoustic duct, this results in a sound level that remains constant over long journeys.

1.6 litre THP 115 kW (156 bhp) BVM6 or BVA6

This turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine achieves a remarkable synthesis between performance (240 Nm from 1400 rpm and 115 kW at 5800 rpm) and fuel consumption (6.9 litres/100 km; 159 g/km of CO2 with a manual gearbox). It will also be available from the summer of 2010, in association with an all new 6-speed sequential automatic gearbox.

2.0 litre HDi FAP 120 kW (163 bhp) BVM6

With a capacity of 1997 cm3, this engine - launched this year - develops a maximum power of 120 kW at 3750 rpm and a generous maximum torque of 340 Nm at 2000 rpm. To obtain this level of performance it has a new generation ECCS (Extreme Convent ional Combust ion System) combustion chamber, a variable-geometry low-inertia turbocharger, a high-pressure pump allowing a pressure of 2000 bar in the common rail and solenoid injectors with eight apertures.

This engine gives free rein to the Peugeot RCZ's potential in terms of road holding while limiting its fuel consumption to only 5.4 litres/100 km in the combined cycle, with CO2 emissions of 139 g/km.

DYNAMIC EMOTION

The renowned "passion" which Peugeot gives to its cars here acquires its full meaning. Based on the manufacturer's know-how in terms of driveability and road holding, the aim of the Peugeot RCZ is to take the notion of driving pleasure to new heights.

The Peugeot RCZ benefits fundamentally from a highly efficient suspension set-up developed from the marque's other platform two vehicles (McPherson type front suspension and rear torsion beam). In addition, the car's ride height and centre of gravity have been lowered by 20 mm and 40 mm respectively compared to a 308 Hatchback. Furthermore, compared to the latter, the Peugeot RCZ is wider (+ 30 mm) with wider front and rear tracks (+ 54 mm and + 72 mm). The suspension and dampers have been adapted accordingly and, with the addition of wider tyres (18" ou 19" !), the end result is road holding of the very highest order. Lastly, when the Peugeot RCZ is equipped with the THP 147 kW (200 bhp) engine, the front axle incorporates a special lower anti-roll bar to make the car even more responsive and agile, while at the same time guaranteeing remarkable efficiency.

The hydraulic power steering is designed to offer accuracy of the highest order and excellent responsiveness.

Braking, meanwhile, is powerful and durable and is assured by generously dimensioned ventilated discs with a diameter of 302 mm and a thickness of 26 mm on the 1.6 litre THP 147 kW (200 bhp) engine notably of 340x30mm. All models are equipped with rear brake discs with a diameter of 290x12 mm.

To facilitate manoeuvres on steep gradients, all versions of the Peugeot RCZ come with Hill Assist. This function is coupled as standard with ESP which, except on versions with an automatic gearbox, includes an intelligent traction control system (a sophisticated ASR which automatically adapts the traction of both front wheels according to the available grip levels), and of course dynamic stability control (DSC), electronic brake force distribution (EBFD) and emergency brake assist (EBA). The DSC, ASR and EBA functions can be disconnected simultaneously (ESP Off) so that experienced and demanding drivers can fully exploit the car's capabilities.

EMOTION À LA CARTE

So that every customer can make their car unique, the Peugeot RCZ lays great store on personalisation, to keep within the vehicle's exclusive positioning.

The range includes: a real carbon roof, roof arches in different colours (black chrome, "sand"), a range of 18 and 19" alloy wheels in several finishes (matt black, dark grey, diamanté), black lacquered body parts at the front, carbon door mirror shells, bodywork decorations, etc.

These elements of personalisation can be ordered at the time of purchase and will be available individually or grouped together.

MAXIMUM SAFETY

In addition to primary safety assured by the excellent road holding, secondary safety, which benefits from a particularly optimised structure and efficient means of restraint, also includes an active bonnet which "pops-up" due to a pyrotechnic triggering system and limits the degree of injury a pedestrian is likely to suffer in the event of a collision.

In terms of tertiary safety, Peugeot will be deploying in 2010 at no extra cost throughout the Peugeot RCZ range - a world first - a range of call services including Peugeot Assistance and Peugeot Emergency. The latter, launched in 2003 on Peugeot telematic systems, has already assisted nearly 3,000 people by pinpointing the location of their vehicle in the event of an incident and arranging the dispatch of the appropriate emergency services. In keeping with the Peugeot RCZ philosophy of personalised offers, these services, operational today in eight European countries, will be accessible free of charge and for an unlimited period not only on vehicles equipped with WIP Com 3D, but also with WIP Sound thanks to the adoption of a "localised communication unit" system.
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Be the Reds with Han Chae-I

Posted by Helios On Saturday, May 29, 2010 0 comments


World Cup is starting soon and let’s all join Han Chae-I and cheer for the Reds, Korea Fighting!!




























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