Italdesign Tex Concept, 2011

 

 

 

•  Italdesign Tex Concept, 2011

4 real seats, front wheel drive and a gently aggressive line, the Tex fits into a long tradition of Volkswagen brand sports cars.

Compact, very low (1355 mm in height) and 1750 mm wide, the Tex at first glance looks like a sports car with great grip on the road, stressed by the large 19" wheels at the ends and generous wheel arches.

Its set-up is that of a classic two-door coupé whose clearly sporty personality is emphasised by an aggressive front and its rear flaunting two spoilers.

The side view is marked by lines that sculpt the doors next to the air exit of the front wheels and its waistline that rises up toward the tail.

The front is distinguished by a slender grille that encloses the light clusters in an unprecedented trapezoidal shape and three air intakes in the bumper/spoiler zone, necessary for cooling the brake discs and 1.4-litre turbo engine. The VW badge sits in the centre of the grille and is optically underscored by the V-shaped groove of the bonnet. Windscreen and roof are a single piece of glass that becomes dark electronically.

The large rear window dominates the rear and accommodates two spoilers, with the windscreen wiper housed in one at the bottom. Like the Go! previously, the light clusters are under the windscreen and are invisible when the panel is off. Access to the luggage compartment is permitted by raising just the rear window and, once it is open, the light indicators are repeated by the two supplementary tail lights located in the lower part of the bumper, at the sides of the rear air intake that also contains the rear fog lights.

INTERIOR
As in the Go!, the Tex's interiors have also been designed to offer the occupants maximum space and maximum ergonomics. The passenger compartment is definitely geared to the driver. All of the instruments are positioned in a functional manner and wrap around the driver so as to leave the passenger an incredible sensation of space. The large dashboard containing the controls and driving information grows smaller as it approaches the door panels so as to make getting in and out of the passenger compartment easier.

"We designed the interiors so that the first sensation would be that of entering a sports car," continued Fabrizio Giugiaro. "The driver has to be able to find himself, and this is why we chose finish details and elements that refer back to the classic idea of the sports car. We have adopted the large gear knob and leather interiors, with the speedometer and rev counter situated in the classic position behind the steering wheel and with 'analogue' graphics, precisely for that reason".

If the outfitting is classic in style, the contents are instead full of the maximum technology available today. All of the controls and indicators are housed in LCD screens, as is the infotainment console put on a touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard, set in a transparent structure that lays bare the structure.

The dashboard is separated from the central tunnel, an unusual solution for a car, but wraps around the driver with a graphic and colour continuity.
The two rear seats are independent and can be folded down.

STRONG HEART, GENTLE SOUL
The Tex is fitted out with the hybrid plug-in system called Twïn Drive conceived and developed by Volkswagen.

The Twïn Drive couples a 1.4-litre turbo internal combustion engine with a battery-powered 85 kW peak electrical system capable of developing 400 Nm when used combined together.
It has front-wheel drive with a 7-gear Direct Shift gearbox with gearshifting on the steering wheel.

Its performance is that of a pure sports car. The Tex is able to reach 100 km/h from a standstill in about 6 seconds, and reach a top speed of 220 km/h.

However, in this case sportiness and eco-friendliness are not worlds apart. The Tex is able to cover approximately 35 km in the totally electric mode, mostly enough for getting around during the day.

Koenigsegg Agera, 2011

 

 

•  Koenigsegg Agera, 2011

Koenigsegg celebrate 15 years of making dream cars, by unleashing their latest jewel - the Koenigsegg Agera. A new supercar aimed to take the Koenigsegg experience to the next level, both on the road and the track.

Agera, the Swedish verb "to act", has been chosen as the name for Koenigsegg´s latest super creation, as it symbolizes the Koenigsegg philosophy well. Koenigsegg is always striving forward, seeking challenges beyond limitations. The new supercar Koenigsegg Agera is an outcome of that creative process and its functions respond very well to the given name.

The development of the Koenigsegg Agera has been evolutionary, following the Koenigsegg tradition of continuous improvements, by honing and perfecting the end result, all based on previous experience and innovative mindsets. The focus when developing the Koenigsegg Agera was to maximize, driving experience, cornering speed, braking and adaptability, says Christian von Koenigsegg.

A testament to time
The Koenigsegg Agera is a testament to time. The original shape and concept of the Koenigsegg CC, created 15 years ago, is still valid, fresh and highly competitive today. The Koenigsegg Agera still stay true to the original philosophy, shape and size of the original CC. At the same time, it looks, feels and performs like something belonging to the future, with all new content.
Koenigsegg Agera

A Supercar is not better than the tires it use, as it is the only link between the road and the car. Therefore Koenigsegg has a deep and long term collaboration with Michelin, when it comes to tire development. The Koenigsegg Agera program will take this collaboration to the next level and is expected to set new standards when it comes to overall performance -wet as well as dry handling.

The Koenigsegg Agera is as wide at the front as in the rear of the car. This gives very good balance in corners and minimizes body roll.

The Koenigsegg Agera also features the latest in braking technology, incorporating an adjustable ABS system, 392x36 and 380x34 ventilated and drilled ceramic discs, for unparalleled braking performance and zero fade regardless of track or road condition.Thanks to optimized breathing and Twin Turbo, power is now 910 hp, running on regular petrol. Torque is maximum 1100 nm and is reached at 5100 rpm. There is over 1000 nm of torque available from 2680 to 6100 rpm.

The new traction control is the fastest reacting in the industry, with auto adapt functionality for different road conditions and driving styles as well as several manual settings.

The Koenigsegg has also developed a new type of interior illumination, which is a worlds frst in the car industry - Ghost light. The illumination shines through the billet aluminium buttons and surfaces by way of invisible nanotubes, creating excellent visibility of the symbols, as well as a very clean and stylish appearance, framed by an all-new carbon fbre centre console and tunnel assembly.

Furthermore, the driver can easily select the information he wants displayed in front of him, on the all new multi-info cluster combined with the upgraded infotainment display, ranging from basic functionality, to G force meter, power meters, Sat-nav, music, lap-timer or compasses - to best suit the current driving conditions, be it highway cruising, touring country roads, city navigation or serious track driving. Furthermore the interior features the new Koenigsegg Agera stitching and seams, which gives an beutiful fuidity to the interior.

All in all the Koenigsegg Agera is created to maintain Koenigsegg's position as one of the most engaging and top performing cars on the road, on the track -on the planet. Still, maintaining the largest luggage space in the industry and the novel Koenigsegg doors and detachable/stow able hardtop, that really makes all Koenigsegg cars stand out.

The Koenigsegg Agera  produced in parallel to the Award winning CCX and CCXR models. This gives Koenigsegg the ability to live up to our customers varying wishes and demands. The Agera is on display at the 80th Salon International de l'Auto in Geneva. The pre-production show car will be put through its phases for the coming six month prior to the production car launch of the Agera. Finally, Agera is also short for the Greek word Ageratos, which in ancient Greek means "ageless".

Fisker Karma S Concept, 2009

 

• Fisker Karma S Concept, 2009

The Karma S is an extension of the Fisker Automotive product range of eco-conscious automobiles and sets the tone for our future.

The four-seat, plug-in hybrid hardtop convertible furthers the company's belief that driving style and performance need not be compromised for environmental friendliness.

The open-air Fisker Karma S concept shares its aluminum spaceframe architecture and clean Q-DRIVE powertrain with the Fisker Karma sedan.
Designed and engineered by Quantum Technologies exclusively for Fisker Automotive, Q-DRIVE provides 50 emission-free miles on a single charge to its lithium-ion battery pack, and up to 403hp from two electric motors.
The power retractable hard top, a first for Fisker, glides neatly into the trunk and a unique design language sets the Fisker Karma S concept apart.

Honda Accord EX-L Sedan, 2008

 

 

• Honda Accord EX-L Sedan, 2008

The all-new 2008 Honda Accord moves the world of mainstream transportation in a refined, dynamic and sophisticated direction with an expanded range of innovative technologies designed for more power, greater efficiency and enhanced safety across the entire lineup of sedans and coupes.

Completely redesigned for 2008 with increased dimensions for a more spacious interior, the sedan styling theme expresses a powerful presence with sharp and strong character lines. The coupe is further individualized with an aggressive stance and unique proportions that create a muscular, sporty demeanor.

An available 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine produces 268-horsepower - the most ever for any Accord - while introducing a new generation of fuel-saving Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM) technology and achieving a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) rating. The VCM system operates in six-cylinder mode for power and 4- and 3-cylinder modes for efficiency, resulting in an EPA city/highway fuel economy rating of 19/29 miles per gallon (Accord Sedan V-6).

Also new for Accord, an Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure enhances frontal collision compatibility with vehicles of different sizes and bumper heights. Additional safety equipment standard to all Accord models includes Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), also known as Electronic Stability Control; side-curtain airbags; dual-chamber front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), active front seat head restraints, anti-lock brakes and more.

The Accord is available in sedan and coupe body styles with 2.4-liter 4-cylinder and 3.5-liter V-6 engine choices. Available transmissions include a 5-speed manual (standard with all 4-cylinder engines), a 5-speed automatic (standard on sedan V-6 models, available with all 4-cylinder engines and V-6-powered Accord Coupes,) and a 6-speed manual transmission (exclusive to the Accord Coupe EX-L V-6 6MT).

Sedan trim levels range from the well-equipped Accord Sedan LX and plus-featured LX-P (177-horsepower 4-cylinder engine), to the nicely-equipped Accord Sedan EX (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or 268-horsepower V-6 engine), to the premium and upscale Accord Sedan EX-L (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or 268-horsepower V-6 engine). Coupe trim levels range from the well-equipped Accord Coupe LX-S (190 horsepower 4-cylinder engine), to the nicely-equipped Accord Coupe EX (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine) to the premium and upscale Accord Coupe EX-L (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or 268-horsepower V-6 engine).

Interior
Premium quality with a simple, modern and spacious design describes the philosophy behind the Accord's interior. The larger Accord Sedan total interior volume of 120.0 cubic feet (+3.3 cubic feet compared to 2007) moves the EPA classification from the midsize sedan class to the large sedan class. The additional space is intended to provide "equal" seating comfort for front and rear passengers. Rear legroom of 37.2 inches (+0.4 inches) approaches the impressive second row legroom of the Honda Pilot SUV (37.4 inches). The wider interior (+1.5 inches) allows the front seats to be positioned farther apart to allow for a wide center console more commonly associated with the finest luxury vehicles.

The Accord interior is designed for a dynamic, intuitive and upscale presence, starting with an easy-to-read information display on every vehicle. A zone styling approach separates operation-related instruments (top) and information-related instruments (lower). At night, the controls are further separated by color to distinguish between climate controls (aqua green) and audio controls (white). Classically-styled gauges for the speedometer and tachometer are perfectly round (instead of being truncated at the bottom). Steering wheel audio controls are standard on every Accord. Careful attention was paid to the symmetry of the exterior and interior of the vehicle - including sight lines related to the dashboard height and the visual presence of the hood to the driver.

Redesigned front bucket seats are larger, and feature substantial lateral support to complement the Accord's sporting side. The fold-down lockable rear seatback increases cargo-carrying versatility; the sedan includes a lockable pass-through.

Three impressive audio systems are available - all with MP3/Windows Media® Audio (WMA) playback capability and an auxiliary input jack. The standard system features 160 watts, a single-disc CD player and six speakers. A Radio Data System (RDS) displays information broadcast by participating radio stations that often includes call letters, station type and programming information.

The Accord Sedan EX and Coupe LX-S add a 6-disc in-dash changer. The premium audio system, which comes standard on Accord EX Coupe and Sedan EX-L models, has a six-disc CD changer, 270 watts total amplification and seven speakers including an 8-inch subwoofer. XM® Satellite Radio is standard equipment on all Accord EX-L models.

The latest-generation of the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice activation (available on EX-L) uses an 8-inch screen and an interface dial for user input. Features include the Zagat Survey™ guide for restaurants, nightlife, hotels and attractions. Navigation-equipped models also include Bluetooth HandsFreeLink.

Exterior
Intended to convey a prestigious presence, the Accord Sedan embraces a traditional three-box shape that emphasizes both a dynamic and athletic feel with the sophistication of a timeless sedan form. Dimensionally, the Accord Sedan's overall length of 194.1 inches (4-cylinder models, V-6 models add 0.2 inches for front spoiler lip) is 3.0 inches longer than the 2007 model. The width of 72.7 inches is 1.1 inches wider, and the height of 58.1 inches is 0.9 inches taller. Even though the size is larger in every dimension, the vehicle's torsional rigidity has increased by 20 percent as a result of advanced body construction that uses 48 percent high-tensile steel - the most high-tensile steel by volume of any Accord to date. A significant benefit to the advanced body construction is that total vehicle weight increased only by approximately 5 percent despite the larger size, greater rigidity and added features.

The Accord Coupe styling radically breaks from the sedan with a uniquely aggressive image. Its long hood, sleek roofline and muscular lines suggest power and a heightened agility compared to the sedan. Dimensionally, the Accord Coupe's overall length of 190.9 inches is 3.2 inches longer than 2007 model, its width of 72.8 inches is 1.2 inches wider, and its height of 56.4 inches is 0.6 (LX-S) to 0.7 (EX, EX-L) inches higher. Compared to the 2008 Accord Sedan, the Accord Coupe is 3.2 inches shorter in length, 1.7 inches shorter in height and 0.1-inch wider.

Chassis
A performance-inspired double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension are designed to provide world-class chassis dynamics. The Accord Sedan wheelbase of 110.2 inches is 2.3 inches longer than the 2007 model, while the 62.2-inch front/rear track is 1.1 and 1.0 inches wider, respectively. The Accord Coupe wheelbase of 107.9 inches is 2.8 inches longer than the 2007 model (track is identical to sedan). Ultimately, the suspension design with wider tire sizes, standard ABS and standard Vehicle Stability Assist is intended to enhance driver confidence and handling performance.

The 2008 Accord Sedan also comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, or16- or 17-inch aluminum wheels depending on model. (The Accord Coupe has 17-inch aluminum wheels standard, with 18-inch aluminum wheels available on the Coupe V-6). The 17-inch wheels are the first for a four-cylinder Accord and the Coupe's available 18-inch wheels are the largest ever for a Honda car.

Powertrain
All 2008 Accord engines deliver increased horsepower across the board, along with high fuel efficiency and low emissions. In total, these power plants represent the most powerful and advanced technologies of any Accord in history, and are also projected to deliver excellent real-world fuel economy performance. All engines only require regular unleaded fuel. Powertrain highlights include:

    * 2.4-liter, DOHC, i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine (Sedan LX, LX-P)
          o 177 horsepower at 6500 rpm, 161 lb-ft. of torque at 4300 rpm
          o 5-speed automatic transmission or 5-speed manual transmission
          o Estimated EPA fuel economy of 21/31 mpg City/Highway (Sedan, Automatic)
          o PZEV or ULEV-2 emissions
    * Accord Sedan EX, EX-L; Coupe LX-S, EX, EX-L includes:
          o High-flow exhaust system with variable-valve silencer
          o 190 horsepower at 7000 rpm, 162 lb-ft. of torque at 4400 rpm
    * 3.5-liter, SOHC, i-VTEC V-6 engine (Sedan EX V-6, EX-L V-6; Coupe EX-L V-6: 5AT)
          o 268 horsepower at 6200 rpm, 248 lb-ft. of torque at 5000 rpm
          o 5-speed automatic transmission
          o V CM for improved fuel efficiency
          o Estimated EPA mileage of 19/29 mpg City/Highway (Sedan)
          o PZEV or ULEV-2 emissions
    * 3.5-liter, SOHC, VTEC V-6 engine (Coupe EX-L V-6: 6MT)
          o 268 horsepower at 6200 rpm, 248 lb-ft. of torque at 5000 rpm
          o 6-speed manual transmission
          o VTEC provides two intake cam profiles for increased low- and mid-range torque
          o Estimated EPA mileage of 17/25 mpg City/Highway
          o ULEV-2 emissions

Safety
Through a comprehensive and evolving approach to vehicle safety, Honda seeks to provide a high level of occupant and pedestrian protection in all of its cars and trucks, regardless of size or price, as well as increased compatibility with other vehicles as part of the Safety for Everyone initiative introduced in 2003. Consistent with the Safety for Everyone initiative, every 2008 Accord integrates sophisticated safety technology that includes the ACE body structure; side curtain airbags; driver's and front passenger's dual-chamber side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and dual-stage, dual-threshold driver's and front passenger's airbags (SRS).

The Accord has active front seat head restraints that are designed to help reduce the severity of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. Standard active safety features include VSA, a four-wheel disc anti-lock brake system (ABS) with brake assist and electronic brake distribution (EBD), front seatbelts with an automatic tensioning system and load limiters, and a pedestrian safety design in the front of the vehicle. Passenger-side seatbelt reminders and daytime running lights are also standard equipment.

History
The Honda Accord was first Japanese-nameplate car assembled in the United States and calendar year 2007 represents the 25th anniversary of its manufacture here. The first Japanese-built Accord was introduced as a 1976 model, and by 1982 it was being manufactured both in Japan and in a brand-new automobile assembly plant in Marysville, Ohio. The success of the Accord set a path for Honda, and conclusively proved that assembling cars in America was a viable proposition. Seven more Accord generations followed, leading to the eighth-generation 2008 Accord.

Lotus Elan Concept, 2010

 

 

 

 

•  Lotus Elan Concept, 2010

As the old saying goes, you can't have your cake and eat it. In the past we were educated to believe we can't have it all. But that was the past. Today's driver demands more and the Lotus Elan delivers.

The Lotus Elan is the beating heart of the new Lotus line-up. It's a high performance sports car, that much is clear, it's a Lotus after all, but thanks to some clever innovations the Lotus Elan also has everyday usability too.

With a 2+2 variant, the Lotus Elan should be the only car you need.
Set for release during the second half of 2013, the Lotus Elan features a 4.0 litre V6 pressure charged engine capable of delivering up to 450 PS and taking into consideration its relative light weight of 1,295kg, the Lotus Elan's performance edges on supercar.

From a styling perspective, the Lotus Elan is built like an athlete with a muscular physique and perfect poise. It's a thoroughbred, rigid with tension, ambitious and addictive, nothing but best in class will suffice for this car.

It's not enough to simply provide performance and exceptional looks, innovation is also integral to the Lotus Elan's appeal. In keeping with the rest of the new Lotus range, the Elan features optional hybrid technology with KERS.

Dany Bahar, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus, said: "If there was ever a car to make you drive the long way home, it's the Lotus Elan. Perfect for both road and track, the Lotus Elan not only ticks all the boxes, it creates new ones too."
One car, zero compromise.

Lotus Elan Specification

•     Layout: 2 seater (optional 2+2), mid-engined, rear wheel drive
•     Engine: Petrol, hybrid optional
•     Hybrid technology: Optional KERS
•     Cylinder: V6
•     Capacity: 4.0 litre
•     Power/Torque: 450 PS / 465 Nm
•     Rev limit: 7,800 rpm
•     0-100 km/h: 3.5 seconds
•     Top speed: 310 km/h
•     CO2/km: 199 g/km (using optional hybrid)
•     Weight: 1,295 kg
•     Seats: 2
•     Transmission: 7 Speed DCT
•     Drive: RWD
•     Start of production: Summer 2013
•     Enters the market: Autumn 2013
•     Price indication: Circa £75,000

Lexus GS430, 2004

•  Lexus GS430, 2004

The Lexus GS is a mid-size luxury sports sedan / executive car manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corp. under the Lexus brand and sold as the Toyota Aristo in Japan. Based on the platform and running gear of the Toyota Crown, it was introduced in 1991 in Japan and two years later in the United States, Europe and selected markets in Asia. The model was designed to fill the gap between the ES and LS and to provide Lexus with a sports sedan that could compete with the BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. For most of its life, the GS had a wider wheelbase than the ES, and was shorter than the ES in length.

Though essentially identical, GS and the Aristo differ in their engine and transmission combinations as well as equipment packages.

The second generation Aristo was launched in Japan, codenamed JZS160 for cars with the 2JZ-GE engines and JZS161 for those with the 2JZ-GTE twin-turbo engines. VVT-i was now standard, resulting in a bump in torque. The twin-turbo version was available with electronic four-wheel steering, VDC and an automatic gearbox with a manual sequential mode. No 4WD models were offered.

The GS began production in the JZS160 body style on August 4, 1997 and was launched in 1998. The American market GS 400 was equipped with a UZ-series V8 that produced 300 hp and 310 ft·lbf of torque. Edmunds.com reported a 0-60 time of 5.4 seconds for the 3693-pound sedan. Again, no turbo models were offered outside Japan.

In 2001, the engine received a 0.3 liter bump in displacement and the model was renamed GS 430. Peak horsepower was unchanged, but torque increased to 325 ft·lbf.

The GS was Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year for 1998. It also made Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1998 through 2000.

Acura MD-X Concept, 2006

 

 

• Acura MD-X Concept, 2006

The Acura "MD-X Concept" luxury performance SUV made its world debut today at the 2006 New York International Auto Show featuring bold, sleek exterior styling indicative of the next generation MDX production model.

The MD-X Concept is fashioned as a true driver's SUV, with its low, wide stance and aggressive design. Its sleek surface lines are modeled after a high-powered megayacht.

The MD-X Concept features a wider track and longer wheelbase that give the vehicle a sportier, performance look. The profile of the concept reveals a refined SUV with smooth, chiseled lines and an elegant form. A dominant character line runs from the front quarter panel to the rear, evoking the feeling of forward movement. The sharply raked D-pillar creates a stealth, aerodynamic appearance while still retaining the third row seating functionality and cargo carrying capability of the current generation MDX.

The Concept sits low to the ground despite the large 20-inch five-spoke custom alloy wheels, while the large wheel arches and flares add to the Concept's muscular appearance. The sleek cabin features flush mounted windshield glass, which improves aerodynamics while adding to the MD-X Concept's smooth and flowing design.

The front hood is accented with pronounced character lines culminating in an aggressive five-sided grille, which gives the MD-X its bold presence. The commanding front grille features a dominant center bar running through a solid aluminum face. The narrow, Xenon High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights appear to grow out of the massive grille, giving the overall front-end a strong, distinct look.

In the rear, the MD-X Concept has an integrated rear hatch, which sits flush against the bumper to create a smooth, clean appearance. LED taillights wrap around the cargo hatch adding to the vehicles wide and low appearance. A rear spoiler improves aerodynamics and the integrated dual exhaust pipes add to the SUV's sporty style.

Kia Venga, 2010

 

 

• Kia Venga, 2010

A Kia's stylish and uniquely spacious new premium.

Designed, engineered and manufactured in Europe, the 4,068 mm long Kia Venga features an unusually long wheelbase for its class of 2,615 mm - and a 1600 mm high roofline to maximise cabin space.

Skilful packaging ensure that the Kia Venga redefines the category by offering levels of interior space typical of a larger C-segment vehicle, but within a B-segment footprint.

Every engine in the Kia Venga line-up  available with Kia's fuel-stretching Intelligent Stop and Go technology and comply with Euro 5 emission standards.

The Kia Venga equipped with a sliding 60/40 split rear seat that also folds flat into the floor to create a spacious cargo bay and, a twin-level boot floor and depending on model a tilt-and-slide all-glass panoramic roof.

Jaguar XKR Portfolio, 2008

 

 

 

 

•  Jaguar XKR Portfolio, 2008

Jaguar Cars is adding even more appeal to the 'must have' XKR with the unveiling of the all-new special edition Portfolio model. The 4.2-litre supercharged sports car will be sold worldwide and each one will feature notable additions to the already strong specification of the XKR, which is capable of hitting an electronically controlled top speed of 155mph and can accelerate to 60mph in just 4.9 seconds (5.0 seconds for the convertible).

The XKR's already powerful sporting styling cues - an enhanced front bumper, bonnet louvres and aluminium-finish grilles and side power vents - will remain and exclusive Celestial Black exterior paint and 20-inch polished Cremona five-spoke alloy wheels add to the overall presence.

The XKR's interior represents a truly sophisticated yet driver-focussed environment thanks to class-leading ergonomics, user-friendly in-car technology and simple, clear information displays in the instrument panel and main dashboard area.

The XKR Portfolio will combine this acclaimed design and performance with Jaguar's engineering and craftsmanship skills to take the XKR to an even higher level. Every XKR benefits from its class-leading, advanced aluminium construction, which ensures that its power is matched by a dynamic, lightweight chassis that handles supremely, rides exceptionally well and stops with surefooted reassurance time after time.

Now, to offer even greater braking ability, Jaguar's Special Vehicles team has worked alongside leading brake manufacturer Alcon to create the largest, most powerful brakes a production Jaguar has ever carried. After extensive testing by experts at Jaguar's specialist engineering centre (which is based next to the legendary Nürburgring race circuit in Germany), the new XKR Portfolio braking system was conceived.

400mm front brake discs - an increase of 45mm over the standard XKR - are retarded by powerful six-piston callipers, while at the rear four-piston calipers operate on 350mm discs. Innovative race-developed crescent-shaped grooves cut into the surface of the discs prevent a build-up of deposits on the brake pads and improve braking performance under extreme use.

By allowing the heat created within the system to dissipate quickly and efficiently the XKR Portfolio's brakes produce fade-free performance whilst maintaining Jaguar renowned blend of refinement and stopping power. Unique 'R' branding on the front brake calipers reveals the six-piston set-up beneath.

Surrounding the XKR Portfolio's brakes are polished 20-inch five-spoke Cremona wheels, while behind the front wheels sit all-new Power Vents which are hewn from polished aluminium and incorporate the indicator side repeater and Jaguar signature 'ingot'. An exclusive Celestial Black exterior paint will also serve to differentiate the XKR Portfolio edition. (UK and Switzerland have a Liquid Silver paint option as well.)

A host of new additions to the interior further the luxurious look and feel of the XKR Portfolio. A unique, and quite beautiful, Engine-Spun aluminium veneer is standard on the Portfolio, while customers will also have the option of an elegant Satin American Walnut veneer. A new alloy and leather gearshift selector, soft-grab door handles, contrast stitching throughout the cabin, leather-edged mats with a Jaguar logo and distinctive Portfolio treadplates on the doorsills complete the effect.

The XKR Portfolio also marks another first for Jaguar: the first production example of its new partnership with renowned audio entertainment specialists Bowers & Wilkins. This world-leading loudspeaker manufacturer worked alongside Jaguar to create a stunning speaker system for the recent C-XF concept car, but the XKR Portfolio is the first production Jaguar to benefit from the relationship.

Taking Jaguar's 525W Premium Audio system with Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound as a starting point, Bowers & Wilkins have crafted a signature speaker system specifically for the XKR's cabin. High-output, low-distortion Kevlar mid-range speakers and specially designed aluminium-dome tweeters deliver superb mid-range and extended high-frequency responses.