Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) showed the much-anticipated production model of the all-new 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) at the 2016 New York International Auto Show. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a perfect culmination of Mitsubishi's history of automotive excellence: 50 years of electromobility and decades of four-wheel drive technology honed on the international rally circuit. Featuring a highly efficient 2.0-liter gas engine and two high-performance electric motors, and Mitsubishi's superior Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a very capable PHEV. The Outlander PHEV will arrive at Mitsubishi showrooms in fall 2016.
"What makes the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV so special is that it offers the best of both worlds with a balance of electric efficiency and long-range practicality," said Don Swearingen, executive vice president, MMNA. "Mitsubishi put its engineering prowess and knowledge to work to create a vehicle that meets the demand of a growing number of consumers who need a car that is capable and environmentally friendly. The Outlander PHEV will offer a high electric range and combined miles per gallon (MPG)."
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is highlighted by the full-time, twin-electric motor 4WD system that provides quick and optimized torque distribution. The motors are mounted separately at the front and rear axles to deliver precise, responsive 4WD performance with the S-AWC system ensuring excellent driving stability and intuitive, linear handling. The battery that supplies the electricity for the motors is a high-capacity 12kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
Three drive modes are available: EV (full electric mode), series hybrid (electric power with generator operation) and parallel hybrid (engine power and electric motor assistance). The PHEV system automatically selects the most efficient drive mode given the road conditions and other factors. The system also features a regenerative braking mode, where electricity is captured under braking.
The S-AWC system found on the Outlander PHEV is a specialized application of Lancer Evolution-derived Super All-Wheel Control developed specifically for the Outlander PHEV's unique twin electric motor configuration for maximum performance, efficiency, tractability and safety.
Advanced safety and convenience features will be available on Outlander PHEV, including: Multi-Around view Camera Monitor, Forward Collision Mitigation with pedestrian detection capability, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and available smartphone integrations including Apple CarPlay™, the smarter, safer way to use your iPhone in the car, lets drivers make calls, get directions optimized for traffic conditions, listen to music, and access messages. It will also support Android Auto™ extends the Android™ platform into the car in a way that's purpose-built for driving.
Designed to stand out both within the Toyota line-up and in its segment, the all-new Toyota C-HR - or Coupé High-Rider - represents Akio Toyoda's determination to allow greater stylistic freedom and promote engineering creativity in order to achieve eye-catching designs and enhanced driving pleasure.
The Toyota C-HR remains remarkably true to the general features of the concept-cars that attracted so much public attention in Paris in 2014 and in Frankfurt in 2015. Its coupe-like lines are a testimony to the resolve of its designers to create a style that stands out in the Toyota range, and to establish a new direction amongst mid-sized crossovers.
With the C-HR, Toyota targets a clear and singular customer profile. Predominantly driven by emotional considerations, these customers want individuality, and to be the first to try new experiences and products. Style and quality are essential considerations in any purchase they make, and the car is an extension of their personality.
Inspired by what he learned from meeting with these customers, C-HR Chief Engineer Hiroyuki Koba focused persistently on their requirements throughout the development process, setting high demands for design and perceived quality.
The Toyota C-HR's unique character demonstrates the flexibility that the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) gives to vehicle developers in the three key areas of design, powertrain and dynamics, enabling them to deliver a new and fresh take on the increasingly commoditized crossover segment.
Pre-sales will begin throughout Europe in September 2016, with the first deliveries to customers before the end of the year. Positioned between the Auris TS and the RAV4, C-HR targets upwards of 100,000 annual European sales. Watch the video below : 2017 Toyota C-HR Review
A New Design Direction for the Crossover Segment
'Crossover users want something special, something that a traditional SUV cannot offer. They want a high driving position, but they don't want the boxy shape of an off-roader. And they also want an agile driving feel. With the C-HR, we are trying to introduce a new value into the C crossover market, and that newness comes from SUV robustness and strength. But we're not trying to make an SUV that's dynamic, rather, a dynamic vehicle with SUV-like properties.' Kazuhiko Isawa, Chief Designer C-HR
The all-new Toyota C-HR introduces a distinctive styling that brings newfound dynamism and sensuality to the crossover market.
4360mm long, 1795mm wide, 1555mm high (Hybrid) and with a 2640mm wheelbase, the production vehicle remains remarkably true to the concept car's exterior which was first shown at the Paris Motorshow in 2014, and which registered extremely well with target customers.
Under the concept of "Sensual Speed-Cross", and featuring a diamond architectural theme with wheel arches projecting prominently at all four corners to emphasise the new crossover's strength and rigidity, the C-HR modulated structure combines a powerful lower body and raised ground clearance with the slim and sleek cabin profile of a coupe.
Viewed from any angle, the C-HR's combination of facetted gemstone-like shapes with fluid surfaces and elegantly integrated detailing create a delicate balance of precision and sensuality.
The front represents a further development of Toyota's Under Priority and Keen Look design identity. The slender upper grille flows from the Toyota badge into the sleek, aggressive wing extremities of the headlamp clusters and wraps fully around the front corners of the vehicle.
The movement of the blacked out rocker panel towards the front and rear wheels, along with the shoulder axis that runs through to the front and rear, emphasise the fast-looking, 'lift-up' feel of the thin body.
The C-HR's coupe-like styling is further enhanced by disguised rear door handles integrated within the C pillar and, essential to the representation of speed within the design, the powerful projection of the sweeping roofline into a large, highly aerodynamic, skeletal frame rear spoiler.
To the rear, the strongly tapered cabin integrates a top-hinged tailgate giving access to the loadspace. This contrasts with the pronounced flaring of the wheel arches, which give the new crossover a wide and extremely powerful stance.
Standing proud of the tapering body work, prominent rear light clusters may also be equipped with LED lamp technology to give the rear view of the C-HR an equally expressive visual signature.
Sophisticated Interior Design with Outstanding Sensory Quality
'Our aim as Toyota's European design centre was to deliver a unique style - modern and sensual at the same time. The uniqueness of the C-HR's interior design is based on a stable structure with 'Emotional Surfaces' and 'Innovative Details'. These key features provided us with the opportunity to approach the design with a fresh perspective. As a result, the C-HR showcases the emotional appeal of Toyota's interiors of the future.' Alexandre Gommier, ED2 Design Centre
A new departure for Toyota, the interior styling represents a new 'Sensual Tech' design concept combining high-tech functionality with a sensual and fashionable style. It embodies a driver focused area within an airy, expansive cabin space.
The warm, welcoming ambiance of an airy, expansive cabin space was created by the seamless layered architecture of the instrument panel that continues through to the door trim with a stylish ornamentation and a piano black panel. It offers a contrast between sensual surfacing and crisp lines to deliver a fresh, yet comfortable environment.
The driver oriented area incorporates innovative details and intuitive, approachable high technology. All operating switchgear, and an 8" display audio touch-screen featuring a redesigned and improved HMI (Human Machine Interface) with Toyota's Multi-Media '16 navigation platform and enhanced connected services are slightly oriented towards the driver.
In conjunction with the asymmetrical centre console design, this brings all controls within easy reach of the driver, whilst still allowing front passenger access to the relevant switchgear.
Because the touch-screen stands proud of the instrument panel rather than being enclosed by it, the upper dashboard is considerably lower in depth, further helping driver visibility.
A unique new two-tiered front seat design combines a slender, sporting upper section with a more strongly bolstered and supportive lower area, these differences emphasised through the use of differing tones, textures and patterns within the upholstery.
'The European Sensory Quality team has already worked on various facelifts of existing models, but this is the first time that we were tasked with an entirely new model, so a lot depends on the success of the C-HR. The designers at ED2 did such a good job, we had to ensure that their concept made it to production with the right finishing. With great support from the engineering teams, we worked on every visual detail and challenged standards to create seamless interior harmony. In the end, we believe this to be the best interior SQ yet seen in a Toyota.' Mehmet Fatih Kale, Senior Engineer, European SQ team
Targeting class-leading sensory quality (SQ), and knowing that C-HR customers will also have competitors from premium brands on their shopping list, the C-HR interior represents the earliest involvement yet of Toyota's European SQ team in the design process.
Working closely with the headquarters design team to maintain the original interior styling concept, the SQ team have focused painstakingly on component quality, and the consistency of grain, texture, shape, colour and illumination in every element, even the stitch groove radii of the seats.
Reinforcing the link between interior and exterior design, many switches use a similar shape, reflecting the diamond motif of the exterior body shell. The same diamond theme is also visible in the door trim pattern, the headliner, the JBL speaker grilles and tweeter shape, and even the needles of the driver's analogue instrument dials.
A carefully considered choice of finishes is essential to the harmonious, consistent, one-piece look of the new interior. There are three main surface finishes - leather-like for all background surfaces, a smooth Nappa grain for all touching surfaces and technical grain for all functional elements such as switchgear.
Decorative elements are finished in high quality piano black and satin silver trim, and the clear blue instrument and switchgear illumination has been carefully fine-tuned to ensure consistency of hue, even on adjacent reflective surfaces of differing colours.
This outstanding new interior design will be available in a choice of three colour schemes: Dark Grey, Black/Blue and Black/Brown.
Equipment Levels to Suit the Most Demanding Customers
Reflecting the demands of its target customer, the Toyota C-HR can be equipped with a wide variety of features.
As part of Toyota's commitment to democratise advanced safety equipment, Toyota Safety Sense is standard across the range. The system includes a Pre-Collision System (including Pedestrian Recognition), Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with steering control, Automatic High Beam and Road Sign Assist (Road Sign Assist is not available on the entry grade).
Top-of-the-range customers will be able to specify heated seats, a smart entry system, privacy glass, bespoke upholstery including part-leather seats, Toyota's revolutionary S-IPA system (Simple Intelligent Park Assist), 18" alloy wheels and Bi-tone metallic paintwork.
Concert Hall Sound
Providing the ultimate in sound reproduction in the C crossover segment, the new C-HR may be equipped with a tailor-made JBL premium audio system comprising an 8-channel, 576 Watt stereo amplifier and 9-speakers, including two newly patented acoustic JBL wave guides, known as horn tweeters.
Because various elements of the interior such as the windows, sunroof and upholstery, as well as the rigidity of the body structure surrounding each speaker, can have a significant impact on system sound quality, the system is the result of particularly close collaboration between JBL and Toyota's engineers from early in the design process.
An in-depth customer analysis was taken into account for the system design and resulted in the front cabin orientation of the speaker layout and the use of a precisely integrated, A pillar-mounted horn tweeter -a JBL system signature- to deliver crisp, clear sound.
As well the two 25 mm horn tweeters and acoustic wave guides, the system further features two 80 mm wide-dispersion units and two 17 cm sub-woofers in the front of the C-HR, and, in the rear, two 15 cm full-range speakers and a 19 cm sub-woofer in a dedicated, 10-litre, ported enclosure.
Available in combination with the navigation option, the JBL premium audio system also incorporates lossless audio encoding.
The partnership between Toyota and JBL started in 1996 and has been successfully expanded since that time. Trusted by music professionals, JBL audio systems are used in major concert halls, venues and stadiums throughout the world (80% of live concerts, 70% of all recording studios and 90% of all THX-certified movie theatres).
Quality is the common focus of both companies, which has resulted in the all-new, uncompromised premium audio system specifically tailored for the C-HR.
State of the Art Powertrains
The Toyota C-HR is equipped with an engine-range that is designed to deliver exactly the fluent, engaging driving behaviour that its customers are looking for. This is most powerfully expressed by the segment-unique, range-topping, full hybrid version, the intrinsic characteristics of which guarantee a smooth, jolt-free ride.
Fitted with the latest-generation hybrid power plant, the C-HR generates CO2 emissions as low as 85 g/km - a figure unrivalled within its segment - and returns combined fuel consumption of only 3.7 l/100 km.
Delivering 90 kW/122 DIN hp, this new hybrid powertrain is not only more efficient and lighter than the previous system, but also offers sharper performance. Detailed design changes to the engine have resulted in a thermal efficiency of 40% - a world-beating performance for a petrol unit.
Other hybrid system components have been made lighter and smaller, and have been repositioned for optimum packaging, further contributing to the car's low centre of gravity.
The C-HR is also available with a new 1.2 litre turbo engine, which debuted in the Auris. Delivering 85 kW/116 DIN hp and 185 Nm of torque, this unit generates CO2 emission from 128 g/km and returns combined fuel consumption of from 5.7 l/100 km. It may be mated to either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a Continuously Variable Transmission. CVT equipped versions are available with either front- or all-wheel drive.
And finally, a 2-litre 150 DIN hp/110 kW, 193 Nm CVT-only model will be available for certain markets (Ukraine and Caucasus).
Eagerly anticipated and still unmatched by any auto manufacturer, Ford - America's truck leader - introduced the all-new Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCrew, adding agility, versatility and roominess to the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 Raptor ever.
Developed with the DNA of a Baja race truck, F-150 Raptor is unique among off-road and performance vehicles, with a purpose-built engine, chassis and suspension that enables it to travel fast over challenging desert landscapes or crawl over rocky terrain.
Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCrew with four full-size doors provides rear passengers with more legroom and comfort on the trails and more space to stow gear while exploring the American and Canadian wilderness. SuperCrew's 145-inch wheelbase is 12 inches longer than the standard Raptor SuperCab 133-inch wheelbase.
"F-150 Raptor means superior off-road capability, from rock crawling to sand running," said Dave Pericak, Ford Performance global director. "With the addition of SuperCrew, F-150 Raptor customers can leave the pavement behind - without sacrificing comfort and space."
Advanced materials - including high-strength steel and high-strength, military grade, aluminum alloy - help save up to 500 pounds versus the prior Raptor for improved off-road prowess. Combined with all-new EcoBoost engine technology, the next-generation F-150 Raptor's power-to-weight ratio has been improved, making the truck even more agile off-road.
Toughest F-150 Raptor ever
The all-new Ford F-150 Raptor starts with a purpose-built fully boxed frame - the backbone of the truck - that is the strongest in the F-150 lineup, featuring more high-strength steel than the outgoing Raptor.
Ford F-150 Raptor's chiseled looks are reminiscent of Trophy Trucks - the fastest and most powerful class of off-road pickups. F-150 Raptor is 6 inches wider than standard F-150 for enhanced stability off-road.
The all-new F-150 Raptor also boasts its first-ever dual exhaust and new 17-inch wheels with next-generation BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO2 tires designed for off-road performance.
Smartest F-150 Raptor ever
Ford F-150 Raptor is powered by Ford's new, second-generation high-output 3.5-liter EcoBoost® engine that produces more power with greater efficiency than the current 6.2-liter V8, which is rated at 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque.
The high-output 3.5-liter EcoBoost is a Raptor-exclusive in the F-150 lineup paired with an all-new 10-speed transmission for improved efficiency.
An all-new four-wheel-drive, torque-on-demand transfer case, with advanced, easy-to-use off-road mode driver-assist technology, further improves Raptor's performance so it is easy to drive off-road across varying terrain.
Ford F-150 Raptor's new transfer case, which manages power distribution between the front and rear wheels, combines the best attributes of clutch-driven, on-demand all-wheel drive with durable, mechanical-locking four-wheel drive to send power to the wheels in slippery conditions.
Ford F-150 Raptor's pioneering off-road driving mode technology has evolved into an all-new Terrain Management System™ that enables the driver to select modes to optimize driving dynamics to environmental conditions - from snow to mud, sand and more.
Six preset modes help the truck power through different terrain and driving conditions:
Normal mode for everyday driving
Street mode for higher-performance, on-road driving
Weather mode for rain, snow or ice
Mud and sand mode for muddy and sandy trails and terrain
Baja mode for high-speed desert running and
Rock mode for low-speed rock crawling
Most capable F-150 Raptor ever
An available Torsen front differential increases off-road capability further. The system increases grip significantly for the front end of the truck and allows it to pull itself over obstacles and up steep grades - even when traction is split between the front tires.
Ford F-150 Raptor comes standard with new FOX Racing Shox with custom internal bypass technology that works to damp and stiffen suspension travel over rough terrain, helping prevent the truck from bottoming out.
Front and rear shock canisters have grown from 2.5 inches to 3 inches in diameter for improved performance. They feature more suspension travel than the current Raptor's 11.2 inches at the front and 12 inches at the rear.
The BMW eDrive drive system technology developed for BMW i cars has arrived in the new BMW 7-Series model range in the shape of three plug-in hybrid luxury sedans. The trio source their power from the myriad talents of a latest-generation four-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and an electric motor. Together, they deliver a system output of 240 kW/326 hp. The new BMW 740e iPerformance with standard wheelbase and the new BMW 740Le iPerformance with long wheelbase capture the imagination with supreme dynamics, yet also record average petrol consumption of 2.2 - 2.0 litres per 100 kilometres / 128.4 - 141.2 mpg imp and CO2 emissions of 50 - 45 grams per kilometre (BMW 740Le iPerformance: 51 - 45 g/km). In the new BMW 740Le xDrive iPerformance (petrol consumption combined: 2.5 - 2.1 l/100 km [113 - 134.5 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 56 -49 g/km), intelligent all-wheel drive distributes the combined power of the combustion engine and electric motor permanently and as required between the front and rear wheels.
The plug-in hybrid variants of the new BMW 7-Series allow top-level driving pleasure, long-distance comfort and luxury to be experienced in combination with all-electric, locally emission-free mobility as well. The BMW iPerformance Automobiles represent the most rigorous implementation yet of Efficient Dynamics in vehicles from the BMW brand. Both BMW eDrive and the body structure with Carbon Core are rooted in know-how from BMW i. When it comes to charging the high-voltage battery, customers benefit from innovative products and services originally developed for BMW i. The BMW 740e iPerformance, BMW 740Le iPerformance and BMW 740Le xDrive iPerformance can also be specified as an option with anti-dazzle BMW Laserlight, which celebrated its world premiere in the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car.
Intelligent energy management optimises the interplay of the combustion engine and electric motor. The electric boost function provides a noticeable increase in dynamic vigour - expressed most prominently by the powertrain's instantaneous responses - and combines with enhanced efficiency courtesy of the electric assist function and the opportunity to drive through town and cross-country on electric power only to create a unique symbiosis of driving pleasure and sustainability. The maximum electric range, as per the EU test cycle for plug-in hybrid vehicles, is 44 - 48 kilometres / 27 - 30 miles for the BMW 740e iPerformance and BMW 740Le iPerformance, or 41 - 45 kilometres / 25 - 28 miles for the BMW 740Le xDrive iPerformance (figures may vary depending on the tyre format specified).
The best of two worlds: BMW eDrive and BMW TwinPower Turbo technology
The combustion engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology employed by the plug-in hybrid variants of the new BMW 7-Series is a member of the new Efficient Dynamics engine family. Developing maximum output of 190 kW/258 hp, it is the most powerful four-cylinder engine ever fitted in a series-produced BMW. Instantaneous power delivery and peak torque of 400 Newton metres (295 lb-ft) - on tap across a wide rev range (1,550 - 4,400 rpm) - imbue the 2.0-litre unit with vivaciously sporty yet also poised and authoritative performance. In addition, the new engine displays outstanding refinement.
The electric drive system, based on the principle of a permanently excited synchronous motor, boasts exceptionally high power density with a maximum output of 83 kW/113 hp. As is characteristic for electric drive systems, it serves up its peak torque of 250 Newton metres (184 lb-ft) from the word go. The boost effect for the combustion engine provides the driver with thrillingly instantaneous responses. Furthermore, the electric motor takes on the role of a generator which - depending on the hybrid function selected - is powered either by recuperating braking energy or by efficiently raising the engine's load points. It then feeds the energy it generates into the high-voltage battery.
The electric motor is fully integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic transmission. This ensures that pure-electric driving, the dynamics-enhancing electric boost function and the recuperation of braking energy are all extremely efficient. The eight-speed Steptronic transmission has outstanding internal efficiency, top-class shift dynamics and shift comfort, and a compact construction. Gearshift paddles on the steering wheel are available as an option, enabling the driver to make manual gear selections with exceptional swiftness and the greatest of ease.
Working together intelligently, the combustion engine and electric drive system bring a system output of 240 kW/326 hp and a combined peak torque of 500 Newton metres (369 lb-ft) to the table. Immediate response to every movement of the accelerator and sustained delivery of dynamic power allow the BMW 740e iPerformance to dash from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.4 seconds and the BMW 740Le iPerformance to complete the same sprint in 5.5 seconds.
The cars' sporty driving characteristics are accompanied by extraordinarily low petrol consumption and emissions. The BMW 740e iPerformance and BMW 740Le iPerformance both record combined petrol consumption of 2.2 - 2.0 litres per 100 kilometres (128.4 - 141.2 mpg imp). The CO2 emissions associated with petrol consumption are 50 - 45 grams per kilometre (figures as calculated in the EU test cycle for plug-in hybrid vehicles, may vary depending on the tyre format specified). The exceptional efficiency of the BMW eDrive technology developed using know-how from BMW i is revealed once again in all-electric, locally emission-free driving. The electric power consumption of the plug-in hybrid luxury sedans, as calculated in the EU test cycle, stands at 13.3 - 12.5 kWh per 100 kilometres for the BMW 740e iPerformance and 13.3 - 12.6 kWh per 100 kilometres for the BMW 740Le iPerformance (figures may vary depending on the tyre format specified).
BMW 740Le xDrive iPerformance: permanent all-wheel drive also applies to all-electric driving
The BMW 740Le xDrive iPerformance follows in the tyre tracks of the BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance Sports Activity Vehicle as the brand's second model to distribute its power permanently to all four wheels in pure-electric driving, when the combustion engine cuts in and when both drive systems are in use at the same time. The intelligent all-wheel-drive system ensures supreme traction, optimised directional stability and enhanced agility through enthusiastically taken corners in all weather and road conditions.
Perfectly executed power distribution between the front and rear wheels gives the BMW 740Le xDrive iPerformance extremely dynamic accelerative ability, with the journey from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) completed in 5.3 seconds. Yet the petrol consumption of the BMW 740Le xDrive iPerformance is just 2.5 - 2.1 litres per 100 kilometres (113 - 134.5 mpg imp) combined, while the associated CO2 emissions are 56 - 49 grams per kilometre (figures as calculated in the EU test cycle for plug-in hybrid vehicles, may vary depending on the tyre format specified). The combined electric power consumption of the BMW 740Le xDrive iPerformance in the EU test cycle comes in at between 13.9 and 13.2 kWh per 100 kilometres (figures may vary depending on the tyre format specified).
eDrive button allows powertrain control to be configured as desired
The driver can use the eDrive button on the centre console to change how the plug-in hybrid drive system operates. In the AUTO eDRIVE hybrid function, intelligent energy management ensures the combustion engine and electric motor work together with maximum efficiency and to dynamically optimised effect. The operating strategy defaults to all-electric mode at low and moderate speeds to utilise the advantages of locally emission-free mobility as widely as possible. The combustion engine only joins the fray at a speed of around 80 km/h (50 mph) or under heavy throttle applications.
The driver can switch to the MAX eDRIVE pure-electric mode at the touch of a button. In this setting the car is powered exclusively by the electric motor, although the combustion engine can be brought into play at any time by pushing the accelerator into kickdown. In the MAX eDRIVE setting, the BMW iPerformance variants of the new BMW 7-Series have a pure-electric top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph).
The Battery Control setting allows the charge of the high-voltage battery to be set manually. The driver can input a target value between 30 and 100 per cent of maximum charge, which is then available for pure-electric driving later in the journey. For example, electric power can be held back or even increased while on the motorway so it can be used subsequently for locally emission-free driving in town.
Driving Experience Control switch with ADAPTIVE mode, clearly noticeable differentiation between SPORT, COMFORT and ECO PRO mode
The plug-in hybrid variants of the new BMW 7-Series are also equipped as standard with the newly designed Driving Experience Control switch on the centre console. At the touch of a button, the driver can activate a vehicle setting that optimises dynamics, comfort or efficiency. The range of characters encompassed by ECO PRO, COMFORT and SPORT modes are even more clearly defined than with conventionally powered vehicles.
Beyond this, the Driving Experience Control switch offers the option of selecting ADAPTIVE mode. In this setting, the car's responses adapt noticeably to the driver's style and route profile.
High-voltage lithium-ion battery: developed specifically for the models at hand, integrated with space-saving skill
The high-voltage lithium-ion battery has a gross capacity of 9.2 kWh and net capacity of 7.4 kWh. It is accommodated underneath the rear seat bench in a space-saving position that also provides optimum crash safety. The BMW iPerformance variants of the new BMW 7-Series therefore also benefit from a level surface in the luggage compartment, which offers a capacity of 420 litres. The stowage volume and practicality of the load area set the benchmark in the luxury plug-in hybrid sedan segment.
The energy flow between the high-voltage battery, electric motor and charger is controlled by power electronics likewise developed specifically for these models. The power electronics also regulate the supply of energy from the high-voltage battery to the 12V onboard electrical system via a voltage transformer.
Simple, hassle-free and flexible charging thanks to innovative products and services von BMW 360° ELECTRIC
The high-voltage battery can be topped up with energy from any domestic power socket, a Wallbox designed for higher currents or public charging stations. The battery can be fully charged in under four hours from a domestic power socket and in under three hours from a BMW i Wallbox. Added to which, BMW 360° ELECTRIC includes the ChargeNow service, which grants straightforward access to partner charging stations and can also be used for the convenient billing of monthly energy costs.
Standard specification includes auxiliary air conditioning
The high level of standard specification for the BMW 740e iPerformance, BMW 740Le iPerformance and BMW 740Le xDrive iPerformance includes LED headlights, the BMW Display Key, the ConnectedDrive navigation package, smartphone integration with inductive charging facility for the phone battery, and an iDrive operating system expanded to include a touchscreen function for the Control Display and the globally unique BMW gesture control feature. Customers can also look forward to auxiliary heating and air conditioning, which allow them to prepare the car's interior temperature in advance. The heating and air conditioning system of the plug-in hybrid models is supplied with energy from the high-voltage battery. When the car's battery is being charged, the auxiliary air conditioning function is powered by the mains supply.
The charger connection for the high-voltage battery can be found under the flap in the left-hand front side panel. The high-set position of the connection makes the charging process easier. Standard equipment includes a charging cable for use with a domestic power socket, which can be stored in a bag in the boot area to save space. Inside the BMW 740e iPerformance, BMW 740Le iPerformance and BMW 740Le xDrive iPerformance, the most prominent hybrid-specific features include - in addition to the eDrive button - special graphic displays in the instrument cluster and Control Display. On the outside, the transfer of technology from BMW i is flagged up by "eDrive" badges on the C-pillars, the BMW i logo on the front side panels (left and right), BMW kidney grille bars in BMW i Blue and blue hub covers.
Exceptional efficiency coupled with driving pleasure, long-distance comfort and made-to-measure luxury
The iPerformance variants of the BMW 7-Series model range bring together exceptional efficiency and a form of luxurious driving pleasure and long-distance comfort that speaks to both the present and the future. Both the front and rear seats can be specified as an option with comfort seats, active seat ventilation, a massage function with Vitality Programme and the Heat Comfort package. Maximising personal wellbeing in the rear compartment of the BMW 740Le iPerformance and BMW 740Le xDrive iPerformance, meanwhile, is the Executive Lounge option. Moreover, the Sky Lounge Panorama glass roof is also available for these models.
The selection of driver assistance systems includes the new-generation BMW Head-Up Display as well as the Parking Assistant, Driving Assistant, Driving Assistant Plus and Surround View systems. The iPerformance variants of the new BMW 7-Series can also be ordered as an option with the M Sport package, Pure Excellence exterior design and interior design packages and BMW Individual Design Composition. Flexible and efficient production of electric drive systems in model-specific configurations
The BMW Group uses the knowledge gained in the development of BMW i cars for the production of its own electric motors and high-voltage batteries. BMW eDrive technology is also employed in the BMW iPerformance models. The company's stand-out expertise in the field of electric drive systems is reflected not only in the exceptional performance of the electric motors and high-voltage batteries, but also in efficient production methods. An intelligent modular system for eDrive technology and a flexible production concept enable the BMW Group to respond quickly and precisely to customer requirements the world over.
2017 Range Rover Evoque Convertible – Crazy Headlights
Joining the Range Rover Evoque line-up in 2016, the new Range Rover Evoque Convertible enhances the desirability of the Range Rover Evoque family, taking the Land Rover brand to a new audience of customers looking for a unique combination of open-air luxury and refinement.
Available in two luxurious specifications - SE Dynamic and HSE Dynamic - the Range Rover Evoque Convertible provides a four-seat interior, the next-generation Land Rover InControl® Touch Pro™ infotainment system and unrivalled all-terrain capability.
The Range Rover Evoque Convertible retains the elegant design proportions of the five-door and coupe derivatives with its acoustically-lined fabric roof open or closed. Interior volume and luggage capacity have been maximized for cargo versatility regardless of the roof's position.
Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Design Director and Chief Creative Officer, commented: "When the Range Rover Evoque Convertible was first shown as a concept, the response was overwhelmingly positive. It was the next logical step to bring the pioneering concept to reality and with a clear design strategy we have safeguarded the distinctive character of the Range Rover Evoque. The result is the ultimate expression of fun and desirability, building on the ever-popular Range Rover Evoque nameplate which continues to bring new customers to the brand."
Land Rover designers have retained the bold and progressive exterior design of the Range Rover Evoque with the convertible roof system open or closed. A sophisticated fabric roof with tension-bow architecture creates a defined silhouette that remains faithful to the original design of the vehicle, while the Z-fold mechanism folds flush with the rear bodywork for a sleek, uncluttered appearance. New frameless doors have also been developed to ensure a clean profile when the roof is stowed.
Emphasizing its position within the Range Rover Evoque model line-up,
the Range Rover Evoque Convertible is available in SE Dynamic or HSE
Dynamic specifications. In both cases, the convertible features a
special set of exterior enhancements including a deeper, more aggressive
front bumper with enlarged air intakes. The HSE Dynamic derivative also
features slimline LED fog lights, body-colored side skirts to visually
lower the vehicle and a dynamic rear bumper that houses distinctive twin
exhaust outlets.
A dynamic front grille with enlarged geometric
mesh area, vent surrounds and a selection of six alloy wheel designs and
finishes, ranging from 18- to 20-inches adds further design
differentiation between convertible and fixed-roof models. Unique for
the 20-inch alloy wheels are two premium finishes; Polished and Satin
Black.
SE Dynamic specification includes exterior trim details
including fender, grille and fog light surrounds appointed with a Brunel
Silver finish. HSE Dynamic models receive components finished in
premium Narvik Black and gloss-black hood vents for a more purposeful
appearance.
The available Black Pack provides an even more
dramatic road presence with unique Satin Black 20-inch alloy wheels,
head-, tail- and fog-lamps featuring black non-reflective surfaces,
exterior trim finished in Narvik Black and a black exhaust tailpipe
finish.
At night, an eye-catching puddle-lamp graphic is projected
from the base of the door mirrors. Uniquely featuring an outline of the
Range Rover Evoque Convertible, the puddle lamps illuminate the ground
around both front doors for maximum convenience and a highly distinctive
appearance.
Phil Simmons, Exterior Realization Director, Land
Rover commented: "Above the beltline, the Z-fold fabric roof was the
natural choice for its taut proportions, exceptional versatility and
lightweight design. The Range Rover Evoque Convertible offers the best
of both worlds: the crisp, precisely defined contours of the coupe's
striking silhouette with the roof closed, and the excitement of top-down
motoring with it open."
Despite appearing identical to Range
Rover Evoque coupe below the glasshouse, the bodywork behind the front
doors has been substantially re-engineered to accommodate the stowed
roof mechanism. The upper portions of the rear fenders have been
carefully redesigned to seamlessly integrate with packaging requirements
of the Range Rover Evoque Convertible, while an all-new tailgate and
spoiler have been engineered to compliment the new design; the rear
spoiler houses the LED stoplight and optimizes aerodynamics, while the
innovative tailgate hinge mechanism allows for a larger aperture,
providing exceptional versatility.
The Range Rover Evoque
Convertible is available in 13 exterior colors, including new Baltoro
Ice and Waitomo Grey metallic. Creating a distinctive horizon line to
complement the Ebony Black fabric roof, the door mirrors and the upper
section of the rear spoiler are finished in Narvik Black as standard.
Personalization
Allowing
customers to add their own stamp of individuality, the Range Rover
Evoque Convertible is available with a range of accessories including
illuminated personalized (with a script of the owner's choice) or Union
Jack treadplates. Further personalization in the cabin comes in the form
of machine-polished, anodized gear shift paddles, an anodized red
rotary shifter and a Union Jack sport mat set.
On the outside,
bright-finish running boards; carbon fiber side vents, hood vents and
mirror covers; and stylized valve caps are all available to create a
vehicle that stands out from the crowd.
For those needing
additional practicality, a variety of tow hitch accessories are
available; allowing The Range Rover Evoque Convertible to tow up to
3,307-lbs. (1500kg).
Adaptive LED Headlights
The
Range Rover Evoque Convertible is available with a choice of standard
equipment Halogen (SE Dynamic), Xenon headlamps (HSE Dynamic), or
optional full-LED adaptive headlamps.
The LED headlamps feature a
new, highly-distinctive design for both headlamp and indicator
functions. LED technology is designed to offer increased visibility,
enhanced longevity, and reduces demands on the battery, while the
adaptive functionality enables the headlamps to automatically follow the
driver's steering inputs, increasing light coverage through corners.
Whether
optioned with Halogen, Xenon or LED headlamps, the Range Rover Evoque
Convertible is equipped with LED tail lamps and LED daytime-running
lights (DRLs) as standard. For additional visual impact, both front and
rear DRLs are automatically illuminated when the ignition is activated.
Convertible Roof
Land
Rover designers carefully evaluated various possible convertible roof
systems before opting for a sophisticated Z-fold fabric roof from
Webasto.
This system features tension-bow architecture
complementing the vehicle's defined proportions and a flush fitting
heated rear window glass supporting the acoustic insulation of the
vehicle that maximizes refinement. The roof system on the Range Rover
Evoque Convertible lowers in just 18 seconds and rises in 21 seconds
when the roof button on the center console is pressed. It also allows
all four windows to be simultaneously raised or lowered for maximum
convenience.
In addition, a rear wind deflector can be quickly
installed between the rear three quarter trim panels, enhancing
refinement when the roof is stowed.
Advantages of the fabric roof
design when compared with folding hardtop solutions include reduced
weight, improved center of gravity and the ability to raise or lower the
roof at higher speeds. The 8.9-cu. ft. (251-liter) luggage capacity of
the Range Rover Evoque Convertible is retained, whether the roof is open
or closed.
Available exclusively in Ebony Black, the luxurious
fabric roof echoes the distinctive design of optional contrast roof
equipped on the Range Rover Evoque Coupe.
Once the roof is
lowered, discreet hinged panels located at the rear of the interior fold
flush to conceal the mechanism, ensuring the vehicle's contemporary
lines are retained for a clean and uncluttered appearance.
A
Roll-over Protection Device (RPD) features a deployable roll-over
protection system hidden in the rear quarter panel. The RPD is designed
to automatically deploy two aluminum bars in 90 milliseconds in the
unlikely event of a roll-over situation, to create a potential
protection space for occupants.
Four-seat Interior
The
Range Rover Evoque Convertible features a spacious and contemporary
four-seat interior defined by luxury materials and soft-touch surfaces.
The strikingly minimalist dashboard architecture contrasts the bold
horizontal sweep of the instrument panel with the dynamic vertical rake
of the center console.
All Range Rover Evoque Convertible models
feature fixed twin rear seats, with a central bolster, and revised
quarter trim speakers.
Interior volumes are among the very best
when compared with conventional convertibles. The luggage compartment
provides 8.9-cu. ft. (251-liters) of storage space with the roof open or
closed. A ski hatch can be specified to accommodate through-loading of
larger items for additional versatility.
In line with the 2016
Model Year Range Rover Evoque line-up, the revised seats retain their
outstanding comfort and support while introducing a sportier, more
technical aesthetic. The door casings further reinforce this clean,
contemporary feel, with revised contour lines, extra feature stitch
lines and reprofiled, deeply padded armrests that afford exceptional
comfort and visual refinement.
SE Dynamic derivatives feature
perforated grained leather seats in a sophisticated Ebony/Ebony
dual-tone colorway. HSE Dynamic introduces a perforated mid-section
Oxford leather seat finished with an elegantly tailored center-ribbed
section, available in Ebony/Ebony and Lunar/Ivory color combinations.
HSE Dynamic also offers three exclusive colorways in full Oxford
leather; Ebony/Pimento, Ebony/Vintage Tan and Lunar/Ice combinations.
Luxurious
12-way electric memory seats (heated optional) are standard on SE
Dynamic and HSE Dynamic models; an optional 14-way climate seat can also
be specified.
A new locking glovebox function is automatically
activated with the central-locking system for additional security, even
when the roof is stowed.
Sophisticated Ambient Lighting
Ambient
lighting subtly enhances the premium feel of the interior in the Range
Rover Evoque Convertible. SE Dynamic includes extended illumination
under all armrests, door panels and in the center console. HSE Dynamic
introduces customer configurable ambient lighting with a distinctive
range of colors, chosen through the vehicle's touch-screen interface.
Available colors include Ultra Violet, Amber Glow, Electric Blue, Ice
White and Racing Red. Stealth mode can also be selected to reduce
interior illumination to a minimum.
Connected Car Technologies
Technological
innovation is an integral part of the unique appeal of the Range Rover
Evoque. Building on this trend, the Range Rover Evoque Convertible
evolves the line-up's in-car technology with the debut of the all-new
Land Rover InControl® Touch Pro™ infotainment system with available
Connected Navigation.
InControl Touch Pro™ features a 10.2-inch
capacitive touch-screen with a 21:9 super-wide format and 1280x542 pixel
resolution. This equates to an 80% size increase over the standard
eight-inch touchscreen system, providing graphics with unrivalled
definition and smoothness. Solid State Disk (SSD) technology provides
significantly faster response times than SD-card or HDD-based systems.
With
no 'hard' buttons on this system, the homescreen presents the four most
commonly required infotainment functions in one easily accessible
window: Audio, Climate, Telephone and optional Satellite Navigation.
These can also be accessed via steering wheel-mounted controls, while
capacitive technology gives users the ability to navigate sub-menus and
access functions using swipe, pan, and pinch-to-zoom controls, just as
they would on a smartphone or tablet.
These functions include the
parking cameras, Eco Data, rear-seat climate-control settings and
optional InControl Wi-Fi™ hotspot. Steps between functions are reduced
for enhanced convenience, and the interface is optimized for a more
intuitive user experience.
Standard on HSE Dynamic models and optional on SE Dynamic models, advanced satellite navigation includes:
Dead reckoning, supporting operation in areas of marginal satellite coverage
On-board regional maps
3D terrain, junctions and building graphics
Customer prompts for parking and coffee stops
Navigation instructions in both the instrument cluster and the optional Head-Up Display
Drivers
looking for additional functionality out of their navigation can add
Connected Navigation functionality to their navigation system. When
specified, Connected Navigation enables door-to-door route planning and
guidance, including public transportation options. A companion app
allows drivers to plan their route offline and load it into the system
at the start of the journey. Once the driver exits the car and the phone
is disconnected from the vehicle, the app will continue to provide
navigational directions, if need be, on the driver's phone.
Connected
Navigation also features Commute Mode, which learns the driver's daily
commute to and from the home or office and can automatically offer
alternative routes to avoid congestion using historical and real-time
traffic information, and Approach Mode which displays a 360-degree
interactive view of the driver's surroundings on the infotainment screen
as they get to within 656ft (200m) of their destination, and can even
direct the driver to the nearest available parking space.
Vehicle's
specified with Connected Navigation feature InControl Wi-Fi™ as
standard enabling the vehicle to support up to eight devices via a 3G
hotspot for fast, reliable internet access on the move.
Land Rover InControl® Technological Suite
Aligned
with the rest of the Range Rover Evoque line-up, the Range Rover Evoque
Convertible features various InControl technologies as standard or
optional equipment.
InControl Remote™ enables owners to remotely
start the engine and bring the cabin to a pre-set temperature, verify
the vehicle's status and lock or unlock the doors. The app can also send
a smartphone alert if the vehicle alarm is sounding, providing the
option to reset if required and can help locate the vehicle in a busy
parking lot by flashing the vehicle's headlights and sounding discreet
alarm noises. Extending the functionality of this feature, the InControl
Remote app is now available on the Apple Watch.
InControl
Protect™ allows owners to contact roadside assistance or emergency
services; an SOS signal is automatically triggered in the event of
airbag deployment.
First introduced for the 2016 model year as a
standard feature, Land Rover InControl Remote & Protect remain
standard for 2017.
When equipped, InControl Apps™ syncs Apple® or
Android™ smartphones to the vehicle through a USB interface, providing
access to apps optimized for in-car use via the touchscreen infotainment
system.
Since its introduction, InControl Apps has expanded to
feature sixteen compatible apps including Stitcher, Audiobooks and Rivet
Radio. The newest additions to the suite of available apps include:
Glympse - a fast, free and simple way to share the vehicle's location using GPS tracking in real time with friends and family
Rdio
- a music streaming app with endless stations based on artists, genres,
moods and themes; along with 'You FM', your own personalized station
MobileDay
- available exclusively with iOS devices launches you into any call,
conference bridge, or online meeting with a single tap
Also
available within InControl Apps is justDrive, a new app technology that
integrates multiple smartphone apps into a single, voice-activated
in-car experience.
Developed by Silicon Valley-based CloudCar,
Jaguar Land Rover has optimized justDrive for its InControl™ platform
for Apple iOS9 users. 'justDrive for Jaguar Land Rover' integrates
popular apps and services, services, such as Spotify, Twitter and Yelp,
to give Jaguar and Land Rover drivers an unprecedented level of
integration with navigation, media, social interaction, voice search and
information services while minimizing driver distraction.
Meridian™ Surround Sound
The
standard 380W Meridian Digital Sound System features 10 speakers and a
dual-channel subwoofer delivering exceptional definition. For the
ultimate in-car technology experience HSE Dynamic models are also
available with a premium 12-speaker, 660W surround-sound Meridian audio
system, including dual-channel subwoofer and amplifier with advanced
digital processing for outstanding sound quality.
ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE
The
Range Rover Evoque Convertible has been engineered to meet the
standards for which Land Rover is world-renowned. All-terrain capability
and the brand's high levels of refinement have both been thoroughly
proven with a rigorous development regime conducted on public roads and
test facilities throughout the world.
Alan Volkaerts, Land Rover
Vehicle Line Director, said: "Producing a convertible Range Rover
presented a unique set of engineering challenges, including maintaining
torsional rigidity despite the removal of the roof structure, providing
roll-over protection in an open-top vehicle designed to tilt to 35
degrees, and offering the luxurious interior refinement demanded by
Range Rover customers. The brand's exhaustive test schedule ensures all
of those targets have been achieved. The Range Rover Evoque Convertible
is not only a convertible for all seasons, it's also every inch a Land
Rover."
Significant chassis bracings support the unique load
casings of a convertible model, actually increasing torsional rigidity
over the coupe model. This ensures an on-road driving experience
comparable with the hard top model and a vehicle every bit as capable as
existing Range Rover Evoque derivatives.
In common with all
modern Land Rover projects, the development program of the Range Rover
Evoque Convertible began virtually with advanced Computer Aided
Engineering and Design simulations. These simulations provided accurate
initial estimations on how the altered weight distribution would affect
dynamic performance, where structural modifications would be required,
and how the Range Rover Evoque Convertible could meet the very same
engineering standards as existing Range Rover Evoque derivatives.
A
sophisticated prototype development phase subsequently allowed Land
Rover engineers to prove these simulations in real-world testing. The
result is a premium convertible SUV with safety, refinement and the on-
and off-road competence to match its head-turning design.
Complementing
its advanced four-wheel-drive system, the Range Rover Evoque
Convertible benefits from an inherently strong base structure with
high-strength steel in the door sills. This structure features added
chassis bracings to compensate for the removal of the roof, providing
the stiffness essential for excellent handling and refinement.
Enhancing
its dynamic capability further, the all-independent sports suspension
has optimized spring rates, incorporating larger diameter anti-roll bars
to deliver high levels of driver engagement, as well as roll stiffness
equivalent to coupe derivatives. Careful tuning ensures the vehicle's
exceptional ride quality has not been compromised.
Torque
Vectoring by Braking (TVbB) and Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS)
complement the chassis changes. Should understeer be detected as the
driver turns into a corner, TVbB is designed to apply a small braking
force to both inside wheels, helping the car follow the driver's
intended line.
The variable-rate Electric Power-Assisted Steering
(EPAS) equipped in the Range Rover Evoque Convertible is tuned for high
levels of response and driver feedback, as well as reducing driver
workload in challenging off-road environments. The variable-rate
steering rack combines a slower ratio around the straight-ahead position
with a progressively faster ratio once more steering lock is applied;
combining straight-line stability with increased agility through tighter
turns. Variable assistance provides lighter steering for enhanced
maneuverability in confined spaces and slow speeds, but a more
substantial, confidence-inspiring feel at speed.
Safety Features
To
maintain outstanding levels of crash protection, the Range Rover Evoque
Convertible features a number of engineering innovations: the vehicle's
A-pillars have been strengthened to provide enhanced roll-over
protection; new under-body bracing maintains the torsional rigidity of
coupe derivatives without impacting off-road capability; and a roll-over
protection system, concealed within the rear quarter, deploys in 90
milliseconds should a roll-over situation be detected.
A new seat
airbag system has also been developed: the front seats now include a
combined thorax and head airbag to offer the same level of protection as
the coupé's individual thorax and head airbags. A combination of
various electronic systems ensures the airbags or roll-over protection
system do not deploy in extreme off-road situations.
All-Terrain Capability
The
Range Rover Evoque Convertible has been tested in the same off-road
environments and to the same high standards as all Land Rover vehicles.
Punishing tests included loading the Range Rover Evoque Convertible to
its maximum gross vehicle weight and negotiating the toughest off-road
terrain; this test is designed to subject the chassis to immense
twisting forces. The Range Rover Evoque Convertible passed all
procedures and, as a result, achieves similarly outstanding off-road
performance to existing Range Rover Evoque Dynamic derivatives.
Danella
Bagnall, Range Rover Evoque Program Director, commented: "Roof down
motoring is in our heritage. It started 68 years ago when we produced
the original Series 1 Land Rover. We have tested the Range Rover Evoque
convertible to the same all-terrain standards as every Land Rover
vehicle before, and a few besides. Chassis bracings designed to preserve
the Range Rover Evoque Convertible's torsional rigidity have been
specially engineered to maintain excellent ground clearance that's
comparable with five-door and coupe models."
Approach, breakover
and departure angles of 19, 18.69 and 31.0 degrees respectively provide
outstanding all-terrain performance. The Range Rover Evoque Convertible
is designed to scale extremely steep 45-degree gradients, tilt to an
incredible 35 degrees, and wade through water up to 19.7-inches (500mm)
deep.
The Range Rover Evoque Convertible is equipped with a
variety of standard Land Rover off-road technologies, including the
proven Terrain Response® system.
Terrain Response® tailors
steering, throttle, transmission, center-coupling and braking/stability
response to the terrain via four driver-selectable settings: General;
Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud and Ruts; and Sand.
Standard on the Range
Rover Evoque Convertible, Hill Descent Control (HDC®) is designed to
assist the driver with controlled descents of difficult slopes by
maintaining a constant speed and applying braking separately to each
wheel.
Hill Start Assist (HSA) is designed to prevent the vehicle
from rolling backwards as it pulls away on an incline while Gradient
Release Control (GRC) is designed to prevent the vehicle accelerating
too quickly on a steep incline if the driver inadvertently releases the
brake.
POWERTRAIN
The Range Rover Evoque
Convertible is available with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine. Producing
240-hp and 251-lb-ft of torque it provides responsive in-gear
acceleration, a 0-60mph time of just 7.8 seconds and a top speed of
112mph (180km/h).
The compact all-aluminum, four-cylinder design
features an advanced low-inertia turbocharger, high-pressure direct fuel
injection and twin independent variable-valve timing for instant
response. Twin balancer shafts ensure refinement meets the levels
demanded from all Range Rover vehicles.
Advanced fuel-saving
technologies include piston rings and tappets coated with a low-friction
finish; a sheet-metal exhaust manifold that shortens the engine warm-up
phase to reduce emissions on short journeys; and an advanced electronic
management system for precision control over the combustion process.
An
advanced ZF® 9-speed automatic transmission forms part of the vehicle's
standard specification. Designed specifically for its transverse
application, the ZF 9HP transmission features nine closely staggered
ratios for excellent acceleration and efficiency.
When the
ignition is activated, the rotary gear-shift controller with its tactile
knurled metal finish rises from the center console. The driver can opt
to leave the transmission in automatic mode, allowing the Adaptive Shift
Strategy to intelligently anticipate driver behavior. Alternatively,
gears can be manually selected via steering-wheel-mounted paddleshift
interface for ultimate control.
First gear is an incredibly low
ratio, and suitable for very brisk acceleration from a standstill,
low-speed all-terrain driving or extremes of altitude and gradient. The
Range Rover Evoque Convertible will automatically default to second gear
- comparable to first gear in transmissions with fewer ratios - at a
standstill, ensuring peerless refinement and efficiency from rest. At
the opposite end of the spectrum, ninth gear offers a reduced engine
speed suitable for motorway cruising.
Active Driveline Four-Wheel Drive
Active
Driveline offered as standard equipment, increases both efficiency and
agility. During steady-state driving at speeds above 22mph (35km/h),
Active Driveline switches from four- to two-wheel drive, reducing
driveline friction to increase efficiency. The system continuously
monitors traction and driver inputs, and can seamlessly revert to
four-wheel-drive operation in just 350 milliseconds.
A pair of
electronically controlled clutches located either side of the rear
differential also increases on- and off-road capability with Active
Driveline. The clutches quickly distribute torque to the rear wheel with
superior grip, improving traction in low-grip off-road situations as
well as heightening driver engagement on road.
Occupants can
monitor the status of the Active Driveline system by swiping to the 4x4i
function on the all-new Land Rover InControl® Touch Pro™ touch-screen
infotainment system.
Torque Vectoring by Braking (TVbB) monitors
dynamic behavior and operates on all four wheels. Should understeer be
detected, TVbB is designed to apply a small braking force to the outside
front wheels, subtly tightening the car's line for additional agility.
ADVANCED DRIVER ASSISTANCE TECHNOLOGIES
The
Range Rover Evoque Convertible HSE Dynamic is available with a full
suite of optional Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems. These include:
360 degree Parking Aid
360-degree
Park Distance Controls provide the driver with virtual object tracking
along the sides of the car, giving confidence in confined situations,
like multi-story parking garages, at speeds up to 10mph (16 km/h).
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Autonomous
Emergency Braking helps mitigate accidents when the vehicle is
travelling at speeds below 21mph (35km/h), and is designed to reduce the
severity of any impacts between 32-50mph (50-80km/h).
The system
uses a stereo camera mounted next to the rear-view mirror to monitor
objects that pose a risk of collision, such as queuing traffic. If a
collision is likely, the system is designed to alert the driver with
both a visual and audible warning. If no avoiding action is taken, an
additional driver warning is triggered while the system applies maximum
braking pressure to bring the vehicle to a controlled stop. Autonomous
Emergency Braking is available when either Lane-Keeping Assist or
Lane-Departure Warning systems are specified.
Lane-Departure Warning and Lane-Keeping Assist
Complementing
Lane-Departure Warning, which warns the driver if they are drifting out
of their lane by vibrating the steering wheel, Lane-Keeping Assist
actively helps the driver stay in the correct lane by adding any
necessary steering correction.
The technology works by combining
input from the forward-facing stereo camera to monitor road markings, as
well as the electric power-assisted steering system.
Should
Lane-Keeping Assist sense that the driver is unintentionally changing
lanes, it initiates a gentle steering input to return the vehicle to its
intended position. Lane-Keeping Assist is designed to be completely
unobtrusive: it is not active if the turn signals are activated, the
driver can easily steer against it, and the system can be entirely
disengaged if desired.
Driver Condition Monitor
Driver
Condition Monitor reviews driver steering inputs to guard against a
driver falling asleep at the wheel. Should this advanced technology
detect the jerky, non-linear movements typical of driver suffering the
symptoms of fatigue, it automatically triggers both an audible warning
and a visual warning in the instrument cluster.
The Range Rover
Evoque Convertible also features a number of additional driver
assistance technologies including Traffic Sign Recognition which scans
the road ahead for certain road signs and, if detected, will display the
information to the driver via the instrument cluster or Head-Up
display.
EXTENSIVE TESTING PROGRAM
Since
its launch, the Range Rover Evoque has been lauded for its driving
dynamics and all-terrain capability. To ensure the Range Rover Evoque
Convertible retains a similarly impressive breadth of capability, Land
Rover chassis engineers undertook a rigorous test schedule on roads
ranging from high-speed autobahns, to tight and challenging hairpins in
the Italian Dolomites. Extensive development was also carried out on
wet-handling test tracks, frozen lakes in Sweden and race circuits
including the Nürburgring Nordschleife to further refine chassis
settings.
Verification prototypes covered hundreds of thousands of
miles on test tracks, off-road facilities and public roads around the
world, including in Canada, Dubai, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain,
Sweden, USA and the UK. Extremes of temperature, altitude and endurance
tested the Range Rover Evoque Convertible to its limits in a punishing
program. Other vehicles were run around the clock on data rigs with
hydraulic rams simulating particularly harsh full-life mileages.
As
a result, the Range Rover Evoque Convertible delivers comparable levels
of composure, agility and off-road capability to the coupe and
five-door derivatives and remains equally rewarding to drive, no matter
how challenging the terrain.
Mike Cross, Jaguar Land Rover Chief
Engineer of Vehicle Integrity, said: "Land Rover prides itself on being a
leader when it comes to all-terrain capability and the Range Rover
Evoque Convertible is no different. Thanks to a combination of
innovative engineering and the application of advanced technologies, the
Range Rover Evoque Convertible will deliver a dynamic and assured SUV
driving experience that has been tested around the world."
The
combination of weight distribution of the Range Rover Evoque Convertible
and revised chassis settings required all parameters governing
stability control, ABS, four-wheel drive and Terrain Response® settings
to be recalibrated on a comprehensive range of surfaces. Evaluation near
the Arctic Circle alone lasted for four months where temperatures
frequently fell below minus 22-degrees Fahrenheit (minus 30-degrees
Celsius).
Designed and engineered at the Land Rover development
center in the UK, the Range Rover Evoque Convertible will be built
alongside the five-door and coupe derivatives at the company's
award-winning Halewood manufacturing plant, supported by the UK
Government's Regional Growth Fund. It goes on sale mid-2016 in over 170
markets worldwide.
The Big Apple played host to the world debut of the all-new 2017 Kia Cadenza at the 2015 New York International Auto Show. The stunningly beautiful Cadenza improves upon all the elements that made its predecessor an award-winning success, boasting a precisely crafted cabin, cutting edge technology for connectivity and driver assistance, a stronger body structure, and powertrain enhancements for a more premium experience behind the wheel.
"The new Cadenza adds an extra dose of excitement to the large-car segment with its striking, aggressively handsome looks and premium refinements," said Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning, Kia Motors America. "Everything you see and touch in the Cadenza's cabin has been improved, but it's underneath where the Cadenza truly shines with a stiffer and lighter chassis, eight-speed transmission and vastly improved driving dynamics."
The second-generation Kia Cadenza is set to go on-sale in late 2016. Elegant and Confident Exterior
Designed at Kia's California design studio, birthplace of the unforgettable Track'ster and GT4 Stinger concepts as well as the iconic Soul, the Kia Cadenza's precision-machined exterior exudes confidence, with clean lines offset by expressive details. It all starts with Kia Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer's oft-quoted philosophy focusing on "the simplicity of the straight line," which is defined by a single gestural contour that spans the length of the car, creating a sleek profile. This lineation visually links matching Z-shaped lighting signatures in the headlights and LED tail lights, affording the all-new Cadenza a more distinctive road presence, day or night. The overall impression is one of modernity and power, which is achieved by visually shearing away surface area to create a more angular form.
Head on, the Kia Cadenza is more expressive thanks to the newly designed front fascia. While the signature Kia "tiger nose" grille is still an unmistakable design trait, it has evolved into a new hexagonal shape that emphasizes the Cadenza's visual width with lines extending underneath the headlights. But the more substantial change to the grille is its distinct concave form, which curves in toward the engine bay, giving the Kia Cadenza its handsomely chiseled face.
Unlike other cars in the segment, the Cadenza is available with two different grilles. Lower trim models will come with the "Diamond Butterfly" front grille that features the same three-dimensional pattern as several siblings within the Kia lineup, but has its own unique appearance thanks to the concave shape. Higher trim models will come with the "Intaglio" grille, featuring vertically oriented, faceted blades.
LED technology inside the "piano key" taillights helps create visual depth while also complementing the Z-shape lighting signature. Other thoughtful details include the chrome garnish that extends through the trunk lid, accentuating the Cadenza's wide stance, and tasteful chrome accents on the side mirrors and rear quarter windows.
Exterior styling is further enhanced by optimized dimensions. While the new Kia Cadenza has the same overall length as the outgoing model, it's slightly wider and lower in height. The wheelbase has been stretched slightly, contributing to nearly a half-inch of increased legroom for rear passengers. Achieving Cadenza's sportier profile was achieved by extending the roofline rearward more than two inches, while maintaining rear headroom and slightly improving trunk space.
Exquisitely Comfortable Interior Space
The interior is thoughtfully redesigned with even higher quality materials than the preceding model and higher levels of craftsmanship throughout. Like the exterior, the Cadenza's soft interior contours are offset by sheared surfaces. Kia designers visually widened the Kia Cadenza's interior space with a wraparound dashboard that flows into the door panels and features real stitching. The door panels themselves have been adorned with higher quality soft-touch materials, while soft leather envelopes the Cadenza's cabin space. Nappa leather is available with quilted seat bolsters accented by diamond shaped stitching that dresses up the Cadenza's already attractive cabin. For 2017, buyers have greater opportunity to customize their Kia Cadenza, as a dark brown interior color has been added, bringing the total number of color combinations to four. Like the outgoing model, the White Package remains an option, but it has been upgraded with a new black wood-grain-style trim finished with a pearlescent sheen.
Improvements were made throughout to ensure a more pleasant driving experience. The driver's seat has been lowered for a sportier and more stable feeling, while engineers extended the seat cushion slightly and developed an innovative cushion extension mechanism that slides and rotates, making it easier for drivers to find their comfort zone behind the wheel. The heating elements used for the seat warmers have been reengineered to more evenly distribute warmth, and as a Kia first, the seat heaters now utilize a smart control system to automatically lower the heater operating mode after a certain period of time.
The 2017 Cadenza is built upon a strong foundation with a body structure composed of more than 50 percent Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS) - more than twice the amount used in the outgoing model. Engineers are targeting an overall five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. A driver's knee airbag helps in this regard and brings the total number of airbags in the vehicle to nine.
The first Kia to be sold in the U.S. under the DRIVE WISE sub-brand, the Cadenza offers cutting-edge driver assistance features such as Advanced Smart Cruise Control with stop-and-go functionality, Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Lane Departure Warning. Another Kia first is the Smart Blind Spot Detection System which senses unintentional drifting toward an adjacent vehicle and automatically brakes the opposite side front wheel to help maintain the vehicle's intended course.
Side body panels are stronger and feature increased tensile strength steel to improve Cadenza's dent resistance. Thanks to the increased use of structural adhesive and hot-stamped components, structural stiffness has been increased by more than 35 percent, which also improves driving dynamics. The overall chassis is lighter, thanks to the use of aluminum instead of steel in areas like the front steering knuckles, and engineers retuned the front and rear subframes with larger bushings to improve lateral stiffness and NVH characteristics. Further improving the ride are Amplitude Selective Damping (ASD) shock absorbers that maximize ride comfort without sacrificing stability. An extra valve in the damper provides the appropriate damping force according to the road surface, while the new shock absorber now includes a Hydraulic Rebound Stopper (HRS), which works to provide a smoother ride over harsh or broken surfaces. The retuned suspension has improved the Kia Cadenza's lift coefficient (the up-and-down forces exerted on a moving vehicle), and the end result is better high-speed stability and handling. Steering is more responsive than before with better on-center feel thanks to a new 32-bit Electronic Control Unit (ECU), replacing the 16-bit processor in the outgoing model.
The 2017 Cadenza's confident ride and handling are complemented by improvements in NVH. Additional acoustic absorbing laminate in the front windows and windshield reduces wind noise, while a full floorpan undercover quells road noise. Together with increased insulation around the A-pillars, NVH levels have been substantially reduced, resulting in a library-quiet interior. The floorpan undercover also helps improve the Cadenza's aerodynamic performance, along with front wheel air curtains that reduce drag around the tires. Overall, the coefficient of drag has improved from 0.29 to 0.28.
Newly designed 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels may be shod with available Michelin® tires (P245/45R18 or P245/40R19). Behind the wheels, larger brake rotors improve overall braking performance and feel. The front brakes have been increased from 11 to 12 inches, while the rears have grown marginally from 11 to 11.1 inches, helping to reduce stopping distances.
Harmonious and Modern Cockpit
Brimming with technology, the cockpit is designed to provide a more harmonious human-machine interface with ergonomically intelligent design, intuitive controls, and a suite of enhanced convenience features making the driving experience enjoyable and effortless. New to the 2017 Cadenza is the Head Up Display (HUD), which shows key driver information such as speed and turn-by-turn navigation directions on the windshield directly in the driver's line of sight. In addition, the Surround View Monitor has been updated with improved software and resolution that gives the driver a clearer birds-eye view of the area around the vehicle, with newly added reverse guidelines offering confidence when backing into confined spaces. Other features new to the Kia Cadenza include Smart Trunk, which conveniently opens the trunk lid if the sensor detects the key fob for more than three seconds, and a wireless smartphone charger. The latest generation of Kia's UVO system featuring Android Auto and Apple® CarPlay is standard, while a 12-speaker Harman/Kardon® system featuring Clari-Fi™6 music restoration technology is an option.
Efficient and Durable Performance
Underneath the hood is a revised version of Kia's 3.3-liter V6 engine, which has been retuned for improved fuel economy. With an estimated 290 hp on tap (exact power output and fuel economy figures will be released closer to the vehicle's on-sale date), the engine sends power to the front wheels via Kia's first FWD-based eight-speed automatic transmission. The newly developed transmission is highly efficient, providing quick and crisp shifts for a more enjoyable driving experience that will set it apart from its competitors. Despite having two extra cogs, the eight-speed transmission, which was designed in-house, is lighter than the unit in the outgoing model.
Kia engineers also focused on durability and reliability during the development of the all-new Cadenza. Running the V6 at full power and under full-load conditions for 41 consecutive days equates to more than 100,000 miles of real-world use, providing owners with the confidence that the 2017 Kia Cadenza is built for the long haul.
