It may have a daft name - let's face it, driving a car called a Teewave does sound terrifically uncool - but Gordon Murray Design's latest creation is a very important vehicle.
The Teewave AR1 not only showcases the Surrey-based company's design and engineering capabilities that elevate it to full design studio status, but also illustrates the very sweet spot where engineering integrity, lightweight material and want-one design meet.
We joined design director Barry Lett at GMD on the day Project T32 was being primed for shipment to Tokyo for its public debut by Toray.
Never heard of Toray? Join the queue…
Toray Industries is one of those companies whose products we use on a daily basis without even realising. It's the world’s biggest producer of carbonfibre and sits at the very pointy end of lightweight materials technology.
With 39,000 staff spread across 19 countries turning over £12.4 billion, it's a heavy hitter. Every year it holds its own trade fair - it's that big - and rather than display a raft of different materials it called on Gordon Murray Deisgn to create not just an electric concept car but a full road-ready sports car that could be put into full-scale production. And GMD delivered the Teewave AR1.
The Teewave AR1 - the lowdown
The first thing you should know about the AR1 is that it looks far better in the composite than it does in photographs. Image the illicit offspring of a Zonda and an Elise and you'll get the idea. We think the design team, lead by Andy Jones and Zachary Seward, has done an intriguing job of packaging the innards of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV donor car into something fresh, modern and realistic.
'We went for something believable and current,' explains Seward. 'If you saw this flying down the road, we wanted to be sure you’d know it was a car for today, not a mad slight of fantasy.
'We had just nine months from start to finish,' says Barry Lett. 'That mean that everything had to work first time. It was quite a challenge - and then we decided that if we were going to make it a runner, we might as well ensure that every aspect of it could be homologated. It was a good proving point for the company. Toray knew we would deliver.'
What's the AR1 like in the plastic?
Walk around the AR1 and you can see how the exposed carbonfibre - so beautifully lacquered and aligned it's hard not to reach out and caress it - acts as a visual link with the carbonfibre that underpins the entire structure, including the 43kg single piece central tub.
Everything – everything – was done inhouse, including crash-testing. The entire car was digitally designed. 'There were no full-sized clays – we went from 30 percenters to full-size,' says Frank Coppuck, the T32’s engineering director.
Electric power, naturally
The i-MiEV battery pack and engine sit between rear axle and passenger, which explains the longer-than-expected 2610mm wheelbase. Coppuck and his team shied away from fettling the powertrain, so although the AR1 only packs a featherweight 63bhp and 133lb ft performance punch, factor in a low 840kg kerb weight, track-honed double wishbone suspension, ultra quick steering and powerful brakes and you get what Coppuck describes as a engaging package.
'We could squeeze a lot more out of the engine,' says Coppuck. As is, the T26 has a top speed around 100mph, a usable 100 mile range and a maximum recharge time of eight hours on 240V domestic mains.
'It’s a laugh to drive – there is loads of bottom-end torque and gets up to its top speed very quickly.'
So is this one-off car built for a Japanese materials giant few of us have heard of important?
We believe so, not just for the technology it incorporates but because it's been designed as a full turn-key operation that's primed for production. Just imagine imagine if Nike, Apple or Virgin decided to build the AR1. It would not only irrevocably change the way we view cars but also the companies that make them.
Thứ Ba, 28 tháng 2, 2012
Skoda Citigo (2011) first official pictures of Skoda's Up
It's all about economies of scale these days, so don't be surprised that Skoda's whipped the covers off its take on the new Up city car just days after Volkswagen unveiled its own at Frankfurt.
The new Skoda Citigo (see what they did there?) is the Czechs' sixth model line and will go on sale in UK dealers in summer 2012.
Skoda Citigo: the lowdown
The four-seater Citigo naturally shares most of its engineering DNA with the Up. It's very compact, at 3560mm, and it shares the wheel-at-each-corner stance with very short overhangs. The Citigo measures 1650mm wide and 1480mm from road to roof.
We could go on with figures – the wheelbase is 2420mm and the boot 251 litres – but you'll get the idea: they're all identical to the VW Up's vital stats.
It's the same story with the engineering package. An optional laser-operated city safety system will apply the brakes automatically if it detects an imminent crash and a pair of 999cc three-cylinder petrol engines are available at launch:
• 1.0 petrol 59bhp, 70lb ft, 99mph, 13.9sec 0-62mph, 62.8mpg, 105g/km CO2
• 1.0 petrol 74bhp, 70lb ft, 106mph, 12.7sec 0-62mph, 60.1mpg, 108g/km CO2
Sprightly performance and low emissions alike are enabled by the trim 929kg kerbweight and 0.33 drag coefficient.
So what is different on the Citigo?
Well, the look for starters. These first official photos of the new Skoda Citigo show an identical Up silhouette, pepped up mildly by Skoda specific lights and mouldings.
The front grille mimics the new Skoda design language, as espoused by the Concept D at the 2011 Geneva motor show, and the large headlamps bleed up and into the front wings. It's enough to give the Skoda a different face from the Up's snout.
Inside, there's a similar portable navigation device available and an unusual photograph and handbag holder, which speaks volumes about this car's intended market: younger buyers, and especially women.
The boss on the Skoda Citigo
'The Citigo is one of the pillars of our growth strategy,' said Winfried Vahland, chairman of Skoda. 'It paves the way for tremendous opportunities in a new segment.
'The demand for small cars with low fuel consumption, at a favourable price with reasonable operating costs, is growing. Skoda's new small vehicle is a reaction to this trend. We are entering new ground and the Citigo will attract prospects mainly in our European markets.'
Prices will be announced nearer launch. We'd expect the Citigo to undercut the Up, which points to a price somewhere north of £7000.
The new Skoda Citigo (see what they did there?) is the Czechs' sixth model line and will go on sale in UK dealers in summer 2012.
Skoda Citigo: the lowdown
The four-seater Citigo naturally shares most of its engineering DNA with the Up. It's very compact, at 3560mm, and it shares the wheel-at-each-corner stance with very short overhangs. The Citigo measures 1650mm wide and 1480mm from road to roof.
We could go on with figures – the wheelbase is 2420mm and the boot 251 litres – but you'll get the idea: they're all identical to the VW Up's vital stats.
It's the same story with the engineering package. An optional laser-operated city safety system will apply the brakes automatically if it detects an imminent crash and a pair of 999cc three-cylinder petrol engines are available at launch:
• 1.0 petrol 59bhp, 70lb ft, 99mph, 13.9sec 0-62mph, 62.8mpg, 105g/km CO2
• 1.0 petrol 74bhp, 70lb ft, 106mph, 12.7sec 0-62mph, 60.1mpg, 108g/km CO2
Sprightly performance and low emissions alike are enabled by the trim 929kg kerbweight and 0.33 drag coefficient.
So what is different on the Citigo?
Well, the look for starters. These first official photos of the new Skoda Citigo show an identical Up silhouette, pepped up mildly by Skoda specific lights and mouldings.
The front grille mimics the new Skoda design language, as espoused by the Concept D at the 2011 Geneva motor show, and the large headlamps bleed up and into the front wings. It's enough to give the Skoda a different face from the Up's snout.
Inside, there's a similar portable navigation device available and an unusual photograph and handbag holder, which speaks volumes about this car's intended market: younger buyers, and especially women.
The boss on the Skoda Citigo
'The Citigo is one of the pillars of our growth strategy,' said Winfried Vahland, chairman of Skoda. 'It paves the way for tremendous opportunities in a new segment.
'The demand for small cars with low fuel consumption, at a favourable price with reasonable operating costs, is growing. Skoda's new small vehicle is a reaction to this trend. We are entering new ground and the Citigo will attract prospects mainly in our European markets.'
Prices will be announced nearer launch. We'd expect the Citigo to undercut the Up, which points to a price somewhere north of £7000.
Citroen C4 Aircross SUV (2012) first pictures
Citroen has teamed up with Mitsubishi again for its new compact SUV. The new Citroen C4 Aircross is based on Mitsu's ASX crossover and goes on UK sale in the second half of 2012.
Citroen and Mitsubishi has form here; they collaborated on the C-Crosser (based on the Outlander) and the C-Zero electric car.
Citroen C4 Aircross: the first official pictures
The new Aircross is more of a thorough reskin than the C-Crosser, which betrays its Mitsu roots rather more obviously.
All the usual Citroen design flourishes are present and correct, from horizontal chevrons on the nose to a reverse shark's fin - a la DS3 and Hypnos concept cars - on the D-pillar and those distinctive high-rise LED day-running lights.
The C4 Aircross is a compact SUV, at just 4340mm long, 1800mm wide and 1630mm tall. The boot is 442 litres.
So will the Aircross spell the end of the C-Crosser?
Not in the short term. Citroen will continue to sell both 4x4s, although CAR GAMES expects the larger model to be phased out longer term. Sales of large seven-seat 4x4s are not as voluminous as more compact SUVs and the French only sold 634 in 2010.
What else do we know about the new Citroen C4 Aircross?
Although based on the Mitsubishi ASX, Citroen plans only higher spec models priced above £20k.
The Aircross will offer front- and four-wheel drive. The AWD system is switchable, letting drivers select permanent or part-time 4wd.
Although exact engines and transmissions haven't been decided yet for the UK, an HDI 110 engine and six-speed manual transmission is likely to be offered. Other engines available in Europe include a 1.6 petrol and a more powerful 2.0 HDI 150.
Citroen and Mitsubishi has form here; they collaborated on the C-Crosser (based on the Outlander) and the C-Zero electric car.
Citroen C4 Aircross: the first official pictures
The new Aircross is more of a thorough reskin than the C-Crosser, which betrays its Mitsu roots rather more obviously.
All the usual Citroen design flourishes are present and correct, from horizontal chevrons on the nose to a reverse shark's fin - a la DS3 and Hypnos concept cars - on the D-pillar and those distinctive high-rise LED day-running lights.
The C4 Aircross is a compact SUV, at just 4340mm long, 1800mm wide and 1630mm tall. The boot is 442 litres.
So will the Aircross spell the end of the C-Crosser?
Not in the short term. Citroen will continue to sell both 4x4s, although CAR GAMES expects the larger model to be phased out longer term. Sales of large seven-seat 4x4s are not as voluminous as more compact SUVs and the French only sold 634 in 2010.
What else do we know about the new Citroen C4 Aircross?
Although based on the Mitsubishi ASX, Citroen plans only higher spec models priced above £20k.
The Aircross will offer front- and four-wheel drive. The AWD system is switchable, letting drivers select permanent or part-time 4wd.
Although exact engines and transmissions haven't been decided yet for the UK, an HDI 110 engine and six-speed manual transmission is likely to be offered. Other engines available in Europe include a 1.6 petrol and a more powerful 2.0 HDI 150.
Seat Mii (2012): the Spanish VW Up city car
We’ve seen the German and Czech versions of the Volkswagen Up – and today it’s the turn of the Spanish to showcase their new Seat Mii.
The Mii is the new city car for VW’s Mediterranean outpost, and launches Seat back into a segment it deserted when the Arosa walked off choice lists.
Seat Mii (2012): the lowdown
Seat will launch the Mii in the Spanish market in winter 2011, but UK buyers will have to wait until spring 2012 before they can order the city car.
It’s very much Up business as usual: the Mii measures 3550mm long, and will be sold just as a three-door at first. Later in 2012, a five-door Mii follows. The vibe is familiar, though we're not sure about those gigantic headlamps seen from dead ahead as many motorists will in their rear-view mirrors.
Most figures are identical to, or to within a hair’s breadth of, the Volkswagen Up and Skoda Citigo. The boot is a bijou 251 litres (expanding to 951 with the seats folded) and that 2420mm wheelbase pushes either axle out to the extremities for maximum space onboard.
Seat Mii engine choice
Buyers have a simple choice of a 1.0-litre three-cylinder with either 59bhp or 74bhp. Weighing just 854kg, the Mii promises excellent emissions and economy, with Seat claiming 97g/km of CO2 for the Ecomotive edition thanks to start-stop. Should spin out the small 35-litre fuel tank nicely.
There’s rather more complex choice inside, where buyers can choose to personalise the Mii with coloured trim galore for that Mini/Fiat 500 vibe and there’s an automated manual transmission choice too.
Like the Skoda/VW twins, there is also a City Safety Assist laser system which can predict an imminent collision and slam the brakes on to avoid crashing into the G-Wiz in front while you slurp your latte and natter into your iPhone. Effective up to 18mph, apparently.
The Seat boss speaks
‘The Mii brings clear Seat identity to the sub-compact segment and is set to win a significant share of the market,’ said James Muir, president of Seat. ‘This is why the Mii is an important addition to the Seat portfolio and a clear next step in our company strategy. With the Mii, we are starting the most comprehensive model offensive in Seat history.’
The Mii is the new city car for VW’s Mediterranean outpost, and launches Seat back into a segment it deserted when the Arosa walked off choice lists.
Seat Mii (2012): the lowdown
Seat will launch the Mii in the Spanish market in winter 2011, but UK buyers will have to wait until spring 2012 before they can order the city car.
It’s very much Up business as usual: the Mii measures 3550mm long, and will be sold just as a three-door at first. Later in 2012, a five-door Mii follows. The vibe is familiar, though we're not sure about those gigantic headlamps seen from dead ahead as many motorists will in their rear-view mirrors.
Most figures are identical to, or to within a hair’s breadth of, the Volkswagen Up and Skoda Citigo. The boot is a bijou 251 litres (expanding to 951 with the seats folded) and that 2420mm wheelbase pushes either axle out to the extremities for maximum space onboard.
Seat Mii engine choice
Buyers have a simple choice of a 1.0-litre three-cylinder with either 59bhp or 74bhp. Weighing just 854kg, the Mii promises excellent emissions and economy, with Seat claiming 97g/km of CO2 for the Ecomotive edition thanks to start-stop. Should spin out the small 35-litre fuel tank nicely.
There’s rather more complex choice inside, where buyers can choose to personalise the Mii with coloured trim galore for that Mini/Fiat 500 vibe and there’s an automated manual transmission choice too.
Like the Skoda/VW twins, there is also a City Safety Assist laser system which can predict an imminent collision and slam the brakes on to avoid crashing into the G-Wiz in front while you slurp your latte and natter into your iPhone. Effective up to 18mph, apparently.
The Seat boss speaks
‘The Mii brings clear Seat identity to the sub-compact segment and is set to win a significant share of the market,’ said James Muir, president of Seat. ‘This is why the Mii is an important addition to the Seat portfolio and a clear next step in our company strategy. With the Mii, we are starting the most comprehensive model offensive in Seat history.’
Nissan Juke-R (2011) first official pictures
Nissan has form for creating serious bonkers mash-ups – and the new Juke-R is the latest in a long-line of go-faster humdrum models.
They've dropped the turbocharged V6 from a £72k GT-R under the bonnet of a Nissan Juke, spawning a rather bonkers supercar crossover. Strictly for promotional purposes, you understand – there are no plans to sell the new Juke-R.
Nissan Juke-R: a go-anywhere GT-R
Nissan teamed up with Ray Mallock Racing, which has worked closely with the company's motorsport projects for the past two decades, running the R90C prototype at Le Mans in 1990 and the 90s BTCC team.
But Ray Mallock also developed the Micra-R in 2003, a supercar with a Nissan Primera race engine where the rear seats used to be. It's that car which inspires the new Juke-R.
So the Nissan Juke-R is fast, right?
We can only imagine so. No figures have been released yet, but the GT-R manages 196mph and 0-62mph in three-point-something seconds. The 523bhp 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 and four-wheel drivetrain are carried over from the GT-R, albeit cut and shut to fit under the Juke's shortened footprint.
But the six-speed transaxle is present and correct, and so are massive 20-inch forged alloys at each corner. The bodywork of the Juke-R is blistered and pumped in different directions to accommodate its new powertrain, while a split rear wing aims to keep the 4x4 planted in extremis.
There's change aplenty inside the cabin of the Juke-R, too, including the GT-R's seven-inch LCD display complete with baffling digital read-outs of what the turbos are up to and how many g's you're pulling.
When can I buy one?
Expect to hear more about the Juke-R when development is complete in November 2011; two will be built, one in left-hand drive and one as a right-hooker. Just don't go expecting any more – this is a strictly cloud-cuckoo fantasy land promotional tool.
Paul Willcox, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Nissan in Europe, said: 'Juke lends itself perfectly to a sports derivative and Juke-R explores that territory. Equally at home on road and track, Juke-R showcases two of the most exciting cars in our range and highlights the technical innovation that drives Nissan.'
They've dropped the turbocharged V6 from a £72k GT-R under the bonnet of a Nissan Juke, spawning a rather bonkers supercar crossover. Strictly for promotional purposes, you understand – there are no plans to sell the new Juke-R.
Nissan Juke-R: a go-anywhere GT-R
Nissan teamed up with Ray Mallock Racing, which has worked closely with the company's motorsport projects for the past two decades, running the R90C prototype at Le Mans in 1990 and the 90s BTCC team.
But Ray Mallock also developed the Micra-R in 2003, a supercar with a Nissan Primera race engine where the rear seats used to be. It's that car which inspires the new Juke-R.
So the Nissan Juke-R is fast, right?
We can only imagine so. No figures have been released yet, but the GT-R manages 196mph and 0-62mph in three-point-something seconds. The 523bhp 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 and four-wheel drivetrain are carried over from the GT-R, albeit cut and shut to fit under the Juke's shortened footprint.
But the six-speed transaxle is present and correct, and so are massive 20-inch forged alloys at each corner. The bodywork of the Juke-R is blistered and pumped in different directions to accommodate its new powertrain, while a split rear wing aims to keep the 4x4 planted in extremis.
There's change aplenty inside the cabin of the Juke-R, too, including the GT-R's seven-inch LCD display complete with baffling digital read-outs of what the turbos are up to and how many g's you're pulling.
When can I buy one?
Expect to hear more about the Juke-R when development is complete in November 2011; two will be built, one in left-hand drive and one as a right-hooker. Just don't go expecting any more – this is a strictly cloud-cuckoo fantasy land promotional tool.
Paul Willcox, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Nissan in Europe, said: 'Juke lends itself perfectly to a sports derivative and Juke-R explores that territory. Equally at home on road and track, Juke-R showcases two of the most exciting cars in our range and highlights the technical innovation that drives Nissan.'
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