Peugeot SXC Concept

The Peugeot SXC Concept is a vehicle with a strong, asserted character, its style expressing strength and power, without ostentation, through lines both simple and refined, elegant and fluid, which subtly emphasise the athletic, even muscular, character of the vehicle. Each detail is precisely sculpted on a body of impressive size (with a length of 4.870 m, a height of 1.610 m and a width of 2.035 m).

At the front, the Peugeot SXC Concept bears the 'stylistic codes' of Peugeot. The theme of the unique "floating" grille, which appears to be independent from the bodywork, fits harmoniously with its stature. The feline headlamps, precisely chiselled, give it a piercing gaze echoing the Marque's emblem, the lion, proudly affixed on the front of the bonnet. This gaze is emphasised by a luminous LED signature, recognisable both by day and night. This visual signature returns with the rear lamps, the boomerang shape of which accompanies the movement of the rear, which has been designed with particular care.

Other "High Tech" details have been studied with great attention, in the same way as the tapered mirrors housing rear view cameras.

The roof bars, of very original design, the border of the side glazed surface,… numerous components are made of brushed aluminium, a light material, dignified and upmarket, which subtly enhances the exclusive nature of the vehicle.

Its wheel rims, of generous dimensions (22"), the design of which suggests refinement and strength, also contribute to the general balance of the vehicle.

Finally, the very protective style of the vehicle, its generous volumes, it two-part panoramic roof, its accessibility through reverse-hinged doors, … promise a particularly vast passenger compartment in which each of its 4 passengers will benefit from all the attention they desire.

Driving sensations

One of Peugeot's priorities is to continue its environmental leadership in the years to come. This concept car incorporates the HYbrid4 technology: with an internal combustion engine at the front (which drives the front wheels) and an electric motor at the rear (driving the rear wheels), this technology permits all 4 wheels to be driving wheels when the engine and motor are operating at the same time, benefiting safety and grip in extreme conditions. It also permits driving, at low speeds, in "zero emissions" mode with the electric motor only.

Under the bonnet, the internal combustion engine is a 1.6 l THP delivering 160 kW (218 bhp): continuing its downsizing strategy, the PSA Group uses the most advanced technology to manufacture small capacity engines combining a high level of performance and environmental efficiency.

Coupled with an electric motor of 70 kW (95 bhp), the combined potential is 230 kW (313 bhp) with a combined fuel consumption of only 5.8 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 143 g/km.

The efficiency of this drive train, coupled with the acknowledged expertise of the Marque in terms of road holding, allows the Peugeot SXC Concept to combine the emotion of real driving pleasure with the pursuit of excellence for a high level of environmental efficiency… promising its driver a unique driving experience.-netcarshow.com

TECHNICAL DATA

• DIMENSIONS
  • Overall length: 4870 mm
  • Overall body width: 2035 mm
  • Overall height - full tanks: 1610 mm
  • Wheelbase: 3000 mm
  • Front / Rear overhang: 955 / 915 mm
  • Front / Rear track: 1780 / 1820 mm
• TYRES
  • Type: Michelin
  • Dimensions: 255/40 R22
• ENGINES
  • 1.6 litre THP (front)
    • Capacity: 1598 cm3
    • Maximum power: 160 kW (218 bhp)
    • Maximum torque: 280 Nm; 300 Nm with overboost
  • Electric Motor (rear)
    • Type: Synchronous with permanent magnets
    • Continuous power: 40 kW (54 bhp)
    • Max boost: 70 kW (95 bhp)
    • Continuous torque: 102 Nm
    • Max torque boost: 178 Nm
  • THP + electric motor
    • Maximum power: 230 kW (313 bhp)
• GEARBOX
  • 6-speed electronically controlled manual gearbox
• FUEL CONSUMPTION
  • Combined consumption: 5,8 l/100 km
  • CO2: 143 g/km
  • ZEV (zero Emission Vehicle)
    • Fuel consumption: 0 l/100 km
    • CO2: 0 g/km
    • Max range at constant speed: 12.5 km

2013 Chevrolet Malibu gets China debut, then U.S.

You might think of Chevrolet as the quintessential American brand -- Hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet and all that -- but China is perhaps more important to Chevy's parent company General Motors.

So, GM will unveil the 2013 Chevy Malibu mid-size sedan Monday at the Shanghai auto show. A couple days later, it'll be feted at the New York show. While the U.S. and China will be key markets, Chevy expects to sell Malibu in 100 countries. It goes on sale in the U.S. early next year as Chevy's warrior against Honda Accord,

The New York unveiling is Wednesday, and we'll post what happens there as fast as our fingers can fly, so keep watch on Drive On.-content.usatoday.com

Scion Teases FT-86 II Concept RWD Coupe Prior to NY Show Debut

Toyota has been teasing us with its upcoming compact rear-wheel drive sports car since the original FT-86 concept at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, which was followed up by the FT-86 G Sports study a year later at the same show, and more recently, by the almost production-readyFT-86 II concept in Geneva. Now it’s time to get our first glimpse of the North American version of the FT-86 that will be marketed under the Scion brand.

Even though the Japanese firm’s North American subsidiary only makes word of a new Scion Concept to be revealed at the New York International Auto Show on April 20, 2011, without giving any further details, the car shadowed in the teaser video below leaves few doubts that the model in question is the FT-86.

The actual production version of the rear-wheel drive sports coupe that will be powered by a Subaru-sourced 2.0-liter boxer engine linked to a 6-speed manual gearbox, is expected to go on sale in late 2012.-carscoop.blogspot.com

Imran Othman's Proton 2020: A beauty bound to make jaws drop

What looks like a tiger and has all the swiftness and wildness intact like the royal animal? It’s a car named Proton 2020 that has been designed by Imran Othman in an interesting manner. The design of this car derives heavy inspiration from the Lotus Design. Proton 2020 is a sports car, which is about to challenge all coupes in this category.

The car’s silhouette will make you drool and drop like a dead rock. Its sexy features and curvy shape will robotically pull you towards it. Such styling is characteristic of Lotus designs but it now belongs to Proton. The oh-so-appealing design of Lotus and aerodynamic of a car have been skilfully kept intact.

The car has been fashioned to look like a tiger, which is Proton’s symbol, without touching the unique Lotus styling. The futuristic vehicle will be LPG powered and will be a tiger on wheels once it hits the road. The facade is chic, sleek and wicked.

Just like the exterior even the interiors don’t fail to leave an impression. They have been styled in a sexy yet elegant manner. The inside comes swathed with luxury and comfort hence, making sure you taste extravagance. Proton 2020 has all, that will make anyone who owns it feel nothing less than royal.-automotto.com

Audi Q3 made Officially Official ahead of Shanghai Motor Show

Audi is apparently done teasing us with rendering after rendering of its new Q3 crossover. Instead, the German automaker has gone ahead and let the cat completely out of the bag ahead of the cute 'ute's official unveiling at the 2011 Shanghai Motor Show.

As you're likely already aware, the Q3 is Audi's take on how to make a Volkswagen Tiguan into an entry-level luxury model. Naturally, that means entirely new sheetmetal with Audi's well-known gaping grille along with LED lighting all around and a steeply sloping rear hatch. Add it all up and Audi says you get an impressively low drag coefficient of just 0.32.

That shapely rear hatch means there are a few concessions inside. There's 16.24 cubic feet of storage capacity with the rear seats in place, and 48.2 with them folded down. The Tiguan, by way of comparison, offers 18.6 and 56.1, respectively, and even that is about 25 percent smaller than a Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4. Judging by the shape of the hind quarters, large and bulky items may be a bit tough to fit inside as well.

You won't be asked to skimp on options, though. Adaptive light technology that points the way forward, electronic parking assistance and Audi's hard drive-based MMI infotainment and navigation system will all be available at launch, and an option to turn the Q3 into a wireless hotspot will come in the near future.

Two gasoline and one diesel engine, all with direct injection, will be offered at launch, offering between 140 and 211 horsepower. The two most powerful engines will be mated to Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system via a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. A 170-horsepower gasoline engine will also be offered with front-wheel drive. We'll have to play a game of wait-and-see to find out which of these powertrains make their way Stateside.

Base price in Germany for the 2012 Audi Q3 will be 29,900 euros when it goes on sale in June. For those keeping track, that's about $43,000 at the current exchange rate, though we wouldn't go by that figure when estimating its cost when it eventually hits the U.S. Want to know more? Find all the details in the exhaustive press blast after the break.-autoblog.com