Chevrolet Mi-ray Concept

Chevrolet Introduces Mi-ray Roadster Concept

Innovative Hybrid "Mid-Electric" Propulsion System

Celebrates Brand's Design Heritage in Its Newest Market



According to GM Korea President and CEO Mike Arcamone, "'Mi-ray' is Korean for 'future.' As GM rolls out Chevrolet across Korea, the Mi-ray concept offers an exploration of future possibilities for the brand. It strengthens the bond between car and driver, creating a fresh look at what sports cars of the future might be."



The Mi-ray was developed at the GM Advanced Design Studio in Seoul. Combining cutting-edge hybrid propulsion technology and advanced styling, it balances iconic Chevrolet design cues with a future design vision as Chevrolet celebrates its centennial in 2011.



Classic Exterior

The Mi-ray pays tribute to Chevrolet's sports car heritage. It is small and open like the 1963 Monza SS, and light and purposeful like the 1962 Corvair Super Spyder. Its aerodynamic fuselage is reminiscent of modern jet fighters.



Made of carbon fiber and CFRP (carbon fiber-reinforced plastic), the wedged body side is divided by an angled character line, with ambient lighting underneath. This accent creates a sweeping line of light when the car is in motion, bringing a warm glow to the sculptured body. Le Mans racer-style scissor doors open up and out of the way for dramatic access to the interior.



The powerful front end offers a reinterpretation of the Chevrolet face. The Mi-ray's dual port grille is flanked by LED headlamps with new signature daytime running lamps. The front and rear fenders evoke Chevrolet Corvettes of the past and express the concept's sports car spirit. At the corners, carbon-fiber spoilers help control down force and airflow.



Distinctive retractable flaps provide additional airflow control while providing access to the charge port on one side and the fuel filler on the other. The charge port also features an external battery charge indicator. Each rear fender contains individual cargo space for the storage of small items. Under the ducktail surface, the taillamps provide a new interpretation of Chevrolet's twin element identity.



The Mi-ray features aluminum-carbon fiber composite 20-inch wheels in front and 21-inch wheels in the rear. The strong turbine theme evokes movement, even when the Mi-ray is stationary.



The heavily tapered top view enhances the Mi-ray's purposeful image. From above, the cabin has a unique diamond shape.



Sporty Interior

The interior of the Mi-ray echoes Chevrolet's racing heritage. As with the exterior, it takes inspiration from jet fighters. The Mi-ray contains a melange of brushed aluminum, natural leather, white fabric and liquid metal surfaces, for an overall effect of sculptural velocity.



The interior compartment is surrounded by a carbon fiber shell, which gives it a lightweight yet rigid structure. Its flowing, yet slightly tensioned, twin cockpit tightly wraps around the driver and passenger. The cockpit is driver focused, drawing inspiration from the iconic Chevrolet sports car. However, the passenger is also fully engaged in the driving experience.



Asymmetric seats flow from the door, forming a symmetric interior that gives the driver a feeling of being fully connected with the car. Ambient lighting, which starts from the upper instrument panel and flows into the seat back area, adds a sense of luxury. Seat cushions and headrests are connected by the lightweight carbon fiber shell and mounted on a single aluminum rail. The headrest area follows the exterior form, integrating with an air scarf for open-air driving.



Designers took a unique approach to displaying information, using back projection on the instrument panel. Information in front of the driver has been prioritized into three zones. Immediately in front is vehicle performance. It is flanked on the left by range and on the right by navigation and mileage figures. This eliminates unnecessary visual clutter, allowing the driver to focus on the thrill of driving.



The center touch screen flows down to an aluminum support, which evokes a fighter jet's nose with the landing gear down. The exterior surface waterfalls down into the interior to meet the reinforced console, connecting the front and rear of the car.



The centrally located start button is also inspired by a jet aircraft. When the button is pressed, the column-mounted retractable meter cluster rises like a jet fighter canopy and "Interactive Projection" appears on the white surface.



Retractable rearview cameras, which replace traditional rearview mirrors, extend from the side glass electrically. In city driving, the forward-facing camera operates in conjunction with GPS to overlay navigation information with real-time video.



Fuel-Efficient, High-Performance Propulsion System

The Mi-ray features a concept "mid-electric" propulsion system, located primarily behind and beneath the driver, that maximizes performance and fuel efficiency.



"Many of the components in the Mi-ray's propulsion system are a logical extension of GM's current technology portfolio," said Uwe Grebe, executive director for GM Powertrain Advanced Engineering. "The concept shows the potential for reconfiguring, rescaling and extending today's propulsion technologies."



The Mi-ray is propelled by two front-mounted 15-kW electric motors for quick acceleration and zero emissions in urban driving. The motors are powered by a 1.6-kWh lithium-ion battery that is charged through regenerative braking energy. The Mi-ray has the capability of being switched from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive.



For performance driving, the Mi-ray's 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine combines with the electric motors, providing spirited torque control to both the left and right wheels as needed. The high-tech engine, mounted behind the cockpit, drives the rear wheels while seamlessly integrating electrification technology that defines a new standard in the compact roadster segment.



A dual-clutch transmission (DCT) enables a reduction in the powertrain's size by eliminating the torque converter. Shifts are quick and firm. The shift pattern has been tuned for improved top speed in performance mode. A start-stop system works in conjunction with the DCT.



"The propulsion concept fits perfectly with the rest of the vehicle, delivering big performance in a small footprint, on the road and in the environment," said Arcamone. "By combining GM propulsion technology and visionary design, the Mi-ray points to the future of Chevrolets around the globe – expressive, youthful and entertaining."

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback

New hatchback is next chapter in Cruze success story



- Hatchback show car to be unveiled at Paris Motor Show

- New model will build on Cruze sedan's global appeal

- Cruze hatchback cements Chevrolet's mainstream credentials in Europe

- One of four Chevrolet premieres in Paris.



A show car version of Chevrolet's compact contender will be seen for the first time at the Paris Motor Show, on September 30. It will be one of four world Chevrolet premieres at the show.



With the introduction of the new Cruze hatchback, customers have an alternative body style to the traditional sedan and Chevrolet has raised the bar again with a vehicle that brings new levels of value against some of the more established competition.



According to Wayne Brannon, president and managing director of Chevrolet Europe, the potential for meeting further customer demand is significant. "Cruze is turning out to be a real success story. We are selling it in 70 countries around the world and it has recently surpassed the Aveo as our top selling passenger car nameplate globally.



"Hatchbacks play a critical role in many markets. The total compact segment in Europe represents around 4.8 million units which is over a quarter of the total market, with hatchbacks representing around 65% of that volume. We therefore expect to see increased business in a number of regions, while sending out a signal that Chevrolet is now a serious mainstream player in Europe."



Since its launch in the spring 2009, the Cruze sedan has been warmly welcomed by markets all over the world, greeted as a step change for the brand with customers attracted to its coupe style, build quality, 5-star NCAP rating and driving dynamics. It was also elected the AUTOBEST car of 2010 by a jury of leading auto writers in Central and Eastern Europe.



The Chevrolet Cruze is a car particularly well suited to European driver tastes, a fact borne out by sales success across many of markets. So far in 2010, Cruze tops the compact sedan sales charts in many of the larger European markets including Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Portugal and the U.K., where it is exceeding forecasted sales.



Outside of Europe, Cruze's sales momentum is equally evident. In China alone, Chevrolet has sold nearly 90,000 Cruze since the start of the year, while the sedan is also selling well in Russia, parts of South America, and in India and other emerging markets.



Hatchback design

With its attractive sweeping coupe roofline and short overhangs at both the front and rear, the new Cruze hatchback has the same dynamic 'stance' as the sedan and will be instantly recognizable. It will benefit too from the same taut body 'feel' on the road, being built using the new body-frame integral system (BFI) which is complemented by the final tuning to chassis components. The BFI system results in high levels of stability and solidity.



Cargo capacity for the Cruze hatchback is close to 400 liters and will feature 60/40 split rear seating.



Chevrolet's participation in the World Touring Car Championship with the Cruze is also currently paying great dividends. With four races left in the season, it currently leads both the drivers' and team championships while also showcasing the dynamic qualities of the car to great effect.



The new Chevrolet Cruze 5-door hatchback will go on sale across Europe mid 2011 with prices announced nearer the launch date.

Hyundai Blue2 Concept

Hyundai Motor staged a world premiere of its new concept car, Blue2 (codenamed HND-6), a mid-size FCEV which shows a blueprint for future sedans. The name "Blue2" is a combination of Hyundai’s sub eco-brand ‘Blue Drive’ and the number "2" from H2, the symbol for hydrogen gas.



Aiming at gaining early leadership of the FCEV market, Blue2 is powered by a fuel cell electric system that delivers a stack power of 90kW(1.65kW/L) and fuel economy of 34.9km/ℓ. The Blue2 is materialized in a sporty and luxurious style, a combination of futuristic, flowing designs and eco-friendly features. The Blue2 is equipped with low-resistance tires and alloy wheels which are designed to improve aerodynamic performance, while the car’s interior design encompasses a futuristic look by using eco-friendly new materials.



Hyundai’s concept keywords for the exterior design are ‘Intersected Flow,’ featuring innovative and dynamic designs. The vehicle’s condition is visible via unique and futuristic images on the exterior of the car through outside LED screen panels, which are located on both the front and rear of the car. Blue2 also features a welcome system which recognizes the driver, while an automatic opening door system enhances the driver’s convenience. Conventional side mirrors are replaced by side cameras and a roof camera, offering a state-of-the-art driving environment.



The exterior designs flow inside the vehicle, with asymmetrically-designed dashboards and doors to optimize a driver’s convenience and add emotional value. Wider seats enable people to get in and out of the vehicle more comfortably.



Hyundai combined the cluster and center fascia, applying an advanced Transparent Organic Light Emitting Diode (TOLED) monitor and ultra-light tempered glass, called Gorilla® Glass, providing more accurate and vivid graphic information. The infotainment system is operated by a Motion Sensor Moustick, a haptic wheel and motion sensor that respond to the driver’s touch and hand movements, respectively, giving drivers a new experience.



Blue2 aims to satisfy all the senses of future drivers, including the air they breathe: A cluster ionizer freshens the air inside the vehicle, while antibacterial genuine leather with leaf-shaped patterns, called ‘eco-graphic perforation,’ enhances an eco-friendly look and feel.

Audi R18 Evolution 2

Ingolstadt, March 25, 2011 – Audi has put the next stage of its R18 project to the test: The latest version of its new diesel race car, which will appear in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, was test-driven for the first time in the USA.



The "Evolution 2" Audi R18 is the result of the findings of previous test drives and wind tunnel testing, with a particular focus on improved aerodynamic efficiency and cooling of the interior of its V6 TDI engine. It clocked up its first test kilometers on a proving ground in Florida last week, as the 12 Hours of Sebring were held.



The Audi R18 made its first public testing appearance after the 12-hour race in Sebring. Since then, internet forums have been abuzz with comments and discussions concerning the new, enclosed LMP1 race car. The comments on the photos and videos of the vehicle range from "magic" to "looks like a stealth airplane" and "sounds like a jet."



Two "Evolution 2" R18 vehicles (chassis numbers 101 and 102) were put to the test during the four days of testing in Sebring, together with an R15 TDI as a reference vehicle. All ten Audi racing drivers were involved in testing the three vehicles, clocking up thousands of test kilometers to generate important findings relating to vehicle setup, aerodynamics, tires, cooling, and reliability.



The two R18 vehicles set off on their return journey to Europe as airfreight. Starting Monday, they will be dismantled and thoroughly analyzed at Audi Sport in Ingolstadt.



The Audi R18 will make its next appearance on the famous racetrack in Le Mans, when the definitive design of the vehicle for the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2011 will be unveiled at the official testing day on April 24. The R18 is scheduled to compete for the first time in the 6-hour race in Spa-Francorchamps on May 7. This year's 24 Hours of Le Mans will take place on June 11/12.

2011 Edo Koenigsegg CCR

Since the V8 engine is being force-fed by twin superchargers, the main focus was on the setup of the two Rotrex units. With assistance from the manufacturer the drive ratio was modified and the ECU was remapped to accommodate the hardware changes. The aim was to increase the power output while maintaining a broad torque curve over the whole rev range. With the new drive ratio the engine hits its torque peak earlier and puts out up to 891 horsepower, depending on the level of tune. In order to ensure long term reliability of the superchargers, the engine redline was lowered to 7,200 rpm.



The transmission with its notchy gear changes received an overhaul as well. The six speed gearbox was disassembled in its entirety and the plastic bushings were replaced with Uniball units. The final result: full boost pressure from just 3,700 rpm all the way up to 6,000 rpm, reassuringly durable brakes, finely tuned directional stability beyond 300 km/h (186 mph) and a top speed that was reduced slightly from 390 km/h (242 mph) for phenomenal and significantly improved acceleration and drivability.



Additional changes were made to the design of the vehicle's interior and exterior. The wheels for example underwent a beauty treatment and received a coat of charcoal paint. The updated front with auxiliary lights now resembles the later CCR models, and the Alcantara material that was used throughout the Koenigsegg's cabin provides a more luxurious feel. The redesigned center console now accommodates a new infotainment system including a reversing camera as well as a custom-made pouch for the immobilizer remote. For safety reasons a TPM system now informs the driver about tire pressures and temperatures. The display was integrated into the dashboard.



The bottom line: edo competition has succeeded in upgrading this extremely rare exotic with fine details without watering down its distinctly unique character. However, the most impressive aspect is still the intense and violent acceleration, which is virtually unparalleled, even in the realm of supercars.

2011 BMW M3 Pickup

 Following the M3 Coupé, M3 Convertible and M3 Sedan, a fourth body variant of this globally successful high-performance sports car is about to cause a stir. Under the strictest secrecy, the world’s first high-performance pickup has been created at the BMW M GmbH development centre. The sportiest example by far in this vehicle category, the M3 Pickup will fire the imaginations of all motorists with a deep appreciation of top performance matched by a keen practical bent. 309 kW/420 hp under the bonnet and a rear-axle load capacity of up to 450 kilos take the hallmark BMW M relationship between race-oriented driving pleasure and everyday utility to an entirely new level. This unique vehicle has already completed extensive test and set-up drives on the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife in advance of its global unveiling on 1 April 2011.



With this vehicle, M GmbH once again furnishes evidence of its exceptional competence in developing and building high-grade, individual dream cars. With a high-revving V8 engine at the front, a generously sized load area behind and a removable Targa roof above, driver and passengers in the M3 will relish an unprecedented take on the familiar M feeling. Yet this spectacular new development is unmistakably recognisable as a member of the M3 model family. Corroborating this kinship are not just the inimitable power of the engine, but also fine-tuned aerodynamics and a tailored suspension set-up. Measurements in the wind tunnel at the BMW Group’s Aerodynamic Test Centre showed a Cd factor on a par with that of the BMW M3 Coupé. Like every BMW M model, the M3 has also demonstrated its dynamic potential on the North Loop of the Nürburgring. Official lap times have not yet been released, but the needle in the dial vouched for a top speed of 300 km/h.



The kerb weight of the world’s fastest pickup undercuts that of the BMW M3 Convertible by around 50 kilograms. Removing the Targa roof shaves off a further 20 kg while at the same time lowering the car’s centre of gravity. This most unusual experience of top-down driving pleasure in a BMW M3 thus goes hand in hand with further optimised dynamic handling.



The practical features of the M3 are no less impressive. Maximum load capacity has been raised to 450 kilograms. The load bed of the M3 Pickup is clad in high-grade structured aluminium sheeting and provides the biggest cargo capacity ever offered on a BMW M3 vehicle. In terms of the unit of measurement generally applied to premium automobiles, that gives the loading area of the M3 the capacity to carry up to 20 standard 46-inch golf bags. What’s more, the M3 is the first BMW M3 variant in the 25-year-plus history of this model range to come with a trailer tow hitch.



Notwithstanding these unquestionable stand-out qualities, the M3 will not be heading for the golf course or series development, but will retain its status as an exclusive one-off. It is earmarked for use as a workshop transport vehicle for BMW M3 GmbH. With this in mind, the current M3  – unlike a similar predecessor built back in the 1980s – has gone through the requisite procedures to earn its road certification. Which makes it officially a truck – but one that puts a whole new spin on the meaning of the word.

2011 Anderson Germany Audi R8 Hyper Black

2011 Anderson Germany Audi R8 Hyper Black

2011 Anderson Germany Audi R8 Hyper Black

2011 Anderson Germany Audi R8 Hyper Black

2011 Anderson Germany Audi R8 Hyper Black

2011 Anderson Germany Audi R8 Hyper Black

ANDERSON Germany from Dusseldorf helps a practically perfect Audi R8 with specific interventions to attract unlimited attention. First, the performance of 5.2 liter engine and 525 hp was increased, that provides now up to 8700 rpm, 589 hp and accordingly grown torque. This power increase was implemented through the Rennkats exhaust system (this alone allows to save 22 kg weight), a software optimization, and air filter modification. Of course, the exhaust path has a remote-controlled valve adjusting system that lets the driver opt from three different levels of noise. So much for the “inner values”.

Among external and thus visible changes, it is worth to mention exclusive carbon-coated 19-inch rims painted in body color with edging in Racing Orange style. Through the rim, the brake caliper is visible, of course, painted in Racing Orange as well.

On the other hand, the carbon exterior package should also be mentioned which, apart from the window frames, has “covered” various other parts like the front spoiler lip, rear spoiler for improved downforce, the rear diffuser and the mirror. All windows and rear lights were tinted. Last but not least is the expensive paint finish in black mirror which Anderson worthily called Hyper Black. This paint gives the R8 V10 somewhat a black soul.

The interior finish with matte black carbon fiber leather combined with orange Alcantara holds any comparison. At this point, this so-called carbon interior package includes the handbrake handle, the radio visor, the ashtray, the handles of the seat adjustment, door panels, and the side panels of the center console and shifter surround. And finally, the already first-rate sports steering wheel was additionally enhanced with visible carbon.