Autocars

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Toyota Verso: The New - Multi-Lounge as compact van

Toyota wants the new with the well thought out Verso compact van to offer the versatility and variability of an MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle) with the design, comfort and driving pleasure of a sedan should bind. Under the "Dynamic Lounge Toyota concept combines these attributes and improved at all, nor the handling characteristics.

Two-zone body design

With a length of 4440 meters and a width from 1790 meters, won the new Toyota Verso over its predecessor by 70 millimeters in length and 20 millimeters in width. The height of 1620 meters remained unchanged. Toyota grabbed while the dynamic character of the predecessor model and developed the design in a fresh, more modern interpretation.

The body design visually divides the vehicle in two areas. The optical division is opening up especially in the side view: A powerful character line starts at the lower end of the front bumper and rises above the doors and gently vibrates on the C-pillar to roof spoiler on. To notify the body in two zones: the area from the engine compartment and passenger compartment and the chassis and from the luggage compartment.

Strong, curved lines and shapes, which indicate a forward movement, dominate the front end. The horizontal lines of the grille, distinctive headlamps and subscribed a large Toyota emblem emphasize the powerful appearance of the new VERSOS. Far below Kühlluftöffnung set emphasizes the muscular character.

At the height of the well into the flanks drawn headlamps begins a second character line, the momentum of the sharply drawn follows the front wheel housings and as gently rising shoulder line on the door handles to the C-pillar. The rear view of the new shape while VERSOS a practical tailgate, a bulky bumpers and distinctive tail lights. The rear wheel housings flowing bumper also accentuates the powerful appearance of the vehicle.

Toyota Optimal Drive: Stronger performance with lower consumption

The new Verso is the ninth model from the 'Toyota Optimal Drive' profits. The concept includes several technical measures, the driving pleasure and performance with significantly reduced fuel consumption and emission levels increase. When Verso are up to 20 percent more engine power up to 12 percent lower fuel consumption and CO2 values.

Altogether there are five engines to choose from: modern turbo-diesel 2.0 D-4D with 126 hp, the 2.2 D-4D with 150 hp and the 2.2 D-CAT with 177 hp and two completely new "Valve Matic" petrol engines with 1.6 and 1 , 8 liters. All diesel already meets the Euro 5 exhaust emission standard. Top model is equipped with a diesel engine of 210 km / h fast Toyota Verso 2.2 D-4D.

The petrol engine:

The new 1.6-liter gasoline engine Valve-Matic is a newly developed six-speed gearbox coupled and reaches a top speed of 185 km / h. In comparison to the 1.6-liter VVT-i of the previous model, the performance by 22 hp to 132 hp, maximum torque by 10 Nm to 160 Nm at 4,400 rpm. At the same time decreased the CO2 emissions by 20 g / km to 158 g / km, representing a fuel consumption of 6.7 liters per 100 kilometers corresponds.
In comparison with the detached 1.8 VVT-i, the new 1.8-liter gasoline-Matic Valve now 147 HP of power (+18 hp) and a maximum torque of 180 Nm (+10 Nm) at 4,400 rpm ready . Alternatively, can the engine with the new six-speed manual gearbox or the equally new "Multi Drive S" gear order, which is somewhat more committed driving the switching characteristics of a 7-stage automatic acceptance.

In conjunction with the gearbox, the Verso 1.8 Matic Valve 190 km / h fast, while the CO2 emissions by 22 g / km to 162 g / km and fuel consumption to 6.9 liters per 100 kilometers fell. With the new "Multi Drive S" gear issued to 185 km / h fleet Verso 164 g / km CO2 and consumes an average of 7.0 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers.

The Diesel:

The supply of diesel starts with the 2.0 D-4D with a particulate filter, of the 126 hp and 1800 to 2400 rpm a maximum torque of 310 Nm developed. The CO2 emissions are 146 g / km. The 2.0-liter engine is only available in conjunction with the six-speed manual gearbox is available and allows a Vmax of 185 km / h. In the core segment of compact vans, with 110 hp to 140 hp, the seven new Toyota Verso 2.0 D-4D with the lowest CO2 emissions from all competitors.

The revised 2.2 D-4D diesel engine makes 150 hp and is from 2,000 to 2,800 rpm a maximum torque of 340 Nm available. The Verso 2.2 D-4D is equipped with the newly developed six-stage automatic transmission and the Toyota DPNR-storage catalyst, which at the same time the emission of soot particles and nitrogen oxides (NOx) reduced. The consumption of this 185 km / h fast VERSOS is 6.8 liters per 100 kilometers, which corresponds to a CO2 emission of 178 g / km.

From the previous model known and proven, top engine is the 2.2 D-CAT with a maximum power of 177 hp and maximum torque of 400 Nm from 2000 to 2800 rpm. The strongest Verso is still used in combination with a six-speed manual gearbox and can reach a top speed of 210 km / h. The CO2 emissions could Toyota in comparison to its predecessor by 19 g / km to 159 g / km to reduce, with an average consumption of 6.8 liters per 100 kilometers observed.

Vehicle dynamics and aerodynamic qualities at top level

The new high-strength, extremely rigid safety body, the extended wheelbase, wider track and in all aspects optimized chassis increased the qualities of the new vehicle dynamics VERSOS palpable. The Compact aims to Van agile and precise handling characteristics and enthusiasm in driving comfort and ease the level of a cultivated middle-class sedan reach.

The class in this unprecedented cW value of 0295 is evidence of the aerodynamic qualities of the new VERSOS. The flow-optimized design contributes significantly to the good-natured ride quality, high-speed stability and reduced wind noise at.

Particularly intensively addressed the engineers with the flow behavior under the vehicle. A smooth underbody clad, wind deflector in front of the wheels and wing air deflector in the rear area to stabilize the vertical movement of the body and optimize the Auftriebsbeiwert front and rear. The result leaves the stable Verso straight, has a little Giermoment and shows thanks to the high stability on the rear axle, particularly insensitive to side winds. Also the chassis was in all respects in order to optimize handling and comfort.

Electric power steering with active steering power compensation

As the first Toyota in Europe, the new Verso an electric power steering, with an active steering power compensation works. If the system is too heavy steering registered, it will automatically support the servo back to the steering power is initiated to reduce and to create a smoother driving style to achieve.

Furthermore, the control of the steering with a scheme to suppress vibrations equipped. Once the torque sensor on the steering column Radschwingungen captured, they are overlaid by a signal and largely compensated before they reach the steering wheel.

Optimized brakes and tires

The braking system of the new Verso is supported by modern electronic control systems, which for significantly shorter stopping distances provide. Standard equipment on board are the ABS anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution EBD, Brake Assist the BA and the vehicle stability program VSC +. The tires of the new Verso has a low rolling resistance and therefore makes a further contribution to reducing consumption. The high intrinsic damping of the tires also improves the ride comfort.

Because the rear Türausschnitte as big as the front, is the entry into the fund now even easier. Also the second row seats offer a better grip and more padding and can be longitudinally by 30 millimeters to move, both of legroom as well as the carefree access to the third row of seats benefit. To this end, all three seats in the second series individually by more than 195 millimeters move, while a memory function, which then backs into the previously set position back.

Abundant and numerous luggage racks

Are all the seats of the second and third row umgeklappt creates a flat loading length of 1830 meters and 1585 meters in width. If you use all seven seats, the Toyota was in the luggage compartment volume compared to the predecessor of 63 liters to 178 liters, and so on one of the best values in the segment increased. A new luggage management allows sicht sheltered accommodation for valuables beneath the loading. Even the luggage cover when not in use will take place here their place.

A true compact van, the new Verso numerous storage compartments and storage options. This includes a two-tier glove box with an air-conditioned compartment for a 1.5-liter bottle and a 8.2 liter large document storage. Other examples include a large compartment in the center console, spacious Türablagen, pockets behind the backs of front seats, a drawer under the passenger seat, folding tables with integrated beverage holders and underfloor compartments in the second row of seats, a roof console as well as shelves for mobile phone and MP3 player for the driver and passenger.

Extensive equipment from the basic variant

The new Verso is available in four equipment levels available, but already the base version with an extensive standard equipment up all time. Examples include a vehicle stability program VSC +, which Berganfahrhilfe HAC, LED tail lights, one in the exterior mirrors integrated apron lighting, an MP3-capable audio system with CD player and four speakers, and central locking.

Moreover, convenient features, such as a roof panel, underbody trays in the second row of seats, a luggage storage management system and an additional rear-view mirror for the eye contact to the rear on board. Optionally, a manual air conditioning and fog available.

The medium variant Equipment also offers a manual air conditioning, fog lights, a leather steering wheel and leather shift knob, electric windows, an MP3-capable audio system with CD player, Bluetooth handsfree and six speakers, a drawer under the passenger seat and folding tables in the second row of seats.

Additional comfort features are the air-conditioned glove box, a generous appropriation armrest with Drop and an additional 12V power socket in the rear dar. Optionally available are a speed control system with speed limiters (not in conjunction with the Multi-S Gear Drive), a two-zone automatic climate control, a DVD navigation system with map display and 16-inch alloy wheels.

Another plus equipment awaits the customers in the upscale equipment variant. There is also a reversing camera, an automatically dimming interior mirror with integrated Rückfahrmonitor, a Smart Key System with Start-/Stopp-Taste, a rain sensor and a high Abblendlichtautomatik and related substances.

Other comfort features include entrance lights in the doors, integrated sun blinds for the rear side window and seat heating for driver and front passenger. Optionally, the client for a more efficient navigation system with 40-GB hard drive and video Einparksystem, a panoramic glass roof, privacy glass and 17-inch alloy wheels decide.

The top model in the highest level equipment can hardly be desired. Here, the compact van in addition to 17-inch alloy wheels, a 6-CD changer in the dashboard, Xenon headlamps with automatic width adjustment and illuminated headlight washing system, a panoramic glass roof and privacy glass. As requested equipment remains the only powerful navigation system with 40-GB hard drive and video Einparksystem.
Active and passive safety

Because of the extensive active and passive safety features, including pedestrian safety and the impact energy absorbing safety body, to a large proportion of high-strength specialty plates is, Toyota expects a best rating and thus in the five-star EuroNCAP crash test.

The new Verso has besides a complete set of active safety equipment as standard, inter alia, seven airbags. Driver and passenger from front and side air bags protected the driver's side is also a knee airbag installed. Head airbags deployed when needed along the sides and roof of the entire cabin length, in the case of a seven-seater to the third row of seats.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Ferrari 599XX: For the radical fun on the racetrack

There is a real racer with the latest technologies from the GT and Formula-1-research, with many of the solutions ever introduced for the first time used and the private man in his own car can enjoy. The speech is from the new Ferrari 599XX, the extra for the private pleasure of radical right on the racetrack has been developed and a selected clientele reserved. To provide the correct jacking satte 700 bhp, with a weight reduction accompanied.

The Ferrari 599XX is designed as an extreme sports car, not allowed on the road and for the exclusive use on the racetrack determined. Not on the homologation of individual racing series considered, this athlete is free from all restrictions on the admission or Rennvorschriften to the pure driving pleasure with the best that Ferrari has to offer possible.

By concentrating innovation in aerodynamics, the electronic controls and dynamics, as well as content that is here for the first time in a single car bundled applications, this model becomes a real technological laboratory. Not without reason, the painting reminds us of the 599XX in the Formula-1-model F2008.

The solution, some of which are exclusively available at 599XX use, contribute to the harmonious performance of the new sports car at. The 599XX be preserved, although it is an extreme vehicle, the comfort properties for which the road model, the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, and served as a model for non-professional drivers are essential if the car on the racetrack intensively used

Based on the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, whose traditional transaxle design with the spatial separation of the propulsion elements of the 599XX aufweist, was an extreme, for use on the track of certain sports cars. The 6.0-liter V12 engine experienced significant changes to the combustion chamber and the intake and exhaust system. The modifications resulted, together with the reduction of wear at the various mechanical parts and the increase of the maximum torque at 9,000 rpm, to an increase in overall performance to 700 hp.

Particular attention was paid to reducing the weight of the many components of the propulsion group. This was achieved by optimizing the shape, such as the new drive, as well as noble materials such as carbon, when Vortopf used. When gearbox is a new switch management, which is the total time course of change at 60 milliseconds reduced.

In general, to register with a noticeable increase in performance a more difficult management of the car, resulting in a poorer controllability expresses. The electronic controls of the 599XX, however, together with the mechanics and help to maximize the potential of the car both in terms of the benefits as well as the lasting viability of use in any potential situation. The sporty driving style also facilitate the presence of a "virtual lngenieurs" in real time the efficiency of the car shows.

The investigation of the aerodynamic vehicle body has been the subject of several test runs in the wind tunnel, resulting in a stability value for the vertical load of 280 kg at 200 km / h was (630 kg at 300 km / h). The bodywork on the front underbody clad completely and the filmmakers brought the air nozzles for cooling the fluids in the engine hood on.

For the first time comes when the 599XX Ferrari Actiflow system is used, which helps with the stability of vertical loads and to improve the resistance to different dynamic conditions on the track down. This solution consists in the introduction of two blowers in the trunk, thanks to the porous material in the air diffuser on the floor and suck it from the back by two grids, which are at the height of the rear lights are ejaculate.

The guide is a lateral wings and the addition of the Formula 1 derived "Blassystem" improves the stability of vertical loads, while the application of synthetic jets, the Ferrari at the rear of the vehicle attached to the formation of vortices trailing flow control and reduces the aerodynamic resistance. So-called "Wheel Donuts" on the model of Formula 1 - umbrellas, so to speak, the brake and the rim partially disguise - to improve the aerodynamics and cooling.

The body interprets Ferrari also with regard to the use of new materials. So come on comprehensive manner and carbon composites are used. During the technical design of the filmmakers took advantage of the experience gained in the use of aluminum.

From the development of powerful materials also benefits the brakes so that the brake lining as carbon is used, resulting in a reduction of the caliper, in order not to affect the performance. The new carbon-ceramic braking system from Racing-Type allows even shorter braking distances thanks to weight saving and improved efficiency.

The contact to the asphalt racing slick tires are in the format 29/67 R19 front and rear 31/71 R19 ago. The extra for the Ferrari 599XX developed Rennslicks the Italians moved on rims of the dimension 19 x 11j (front) and 19 x 12J (back) on. The tires will be a very good cornering stability, and optimize the speed side.