Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept, 2008

Having earned critical acclaim, industry awards and brisk sales, Cadillac CTS has moved into the vanguard of contemporary design. In doing so, Cadillac designers faced the question of what to do next. Their answer celebrates that design legacy with the exhilarating Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept, which premiered at the 2008 North American International Auto Show.

The Cadillac CTS Coupe takes Cadillac's acclaimed Art and Science design language and adds more of both. More expressive, more technical and very personal, the Cadillac CTS Coupe extends the dramatic design of its sedan predecessor with all-new sculpted bodywork aft of the front fenders.

The Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept has a classic 2+2 interior layout, highlighted by black leather and Alcantara microfiber trim that is complemented by yellow ochre-colored seat inserts and leather stitching. It is designed to accommodate a range of engines for the global luxury market, including Cadillac's popular 3.6L Direct Injection V-6, as well as a new 2.9L turbo-diesel currently in development.

Generated from the spark of the CTS design team's imagination, the Cadillac CTS Coupe casts a profile unlike anything else on the road. Its fast-rake styling - it has the same wheelbase as the CTS, but an overall height that is approximately four inches (101 mm) shorter - blends with hand-sculpted bodywork that bulges around the wheels, giving the vehicle a ready-to-pounce stance that is dramatic, powerful and sleek.

A design gem
Among the Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept's signature design cues are a number of elements that suggest the look of a carefully cut diamond - particularly at the rear. These elements are seen in everything from the chrome header above the rear license plate holder to the indents that comprise the basic form of the rear fascia.
Although based on the sedan, the Cadillac CTS Coupe shares only the instrument panel, console, headlamps, front fenders and grille with the production model. 

Unique elements:

    * Classic hardtop styling, with no B-pillar
    * CTS production windshield laid at a faster angle to create a sleeker profile
    * Chrome, split seven-spoke wheel design; 20-inch front wheels and 21-inch rear wheels
    * Sculpted lower front fascia with unique brake-cooling vents
    * Slim-profile outside mirrors
    * XLR-type hidden door handles with proximity remote opening
    * Unique front fender vents
    * Diamond-cut rear fascia with mesh lower grilles and center-outlet exhaust
    * Taillamps with a subtle fin profile and are highlighted with LED lighting technology with light pipes
    * Rear spoiler integrated into the center high-mounted stop lamp
    * Sculpted roof-mounted antenna for OnStar, XM Satellite Radio, etc.

The surfaces of Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept are complex, inviting careful inspection. The rear fenders, for example, were sculpted by hand in the design studio until they provided a perfect, muscular form that wrapped tightly over the wheels. At the top, the rear fenders are beveled - owing to the diamond-cut theme - and become part of a horizontal plane that runs from the leading edge of the taillamps and merges into the roof.

Personal passenger environment
A classic 2+2 interior environment enhances the Cadillac CTS Coupe's personal feel. It shares the hand cut-and-sewn instrument panel and center console with the CTS, but features unique front and rear seats, a continuous console running between the front and rear seats, and custom door panels.
Custom-trimmed sport seats from Recaro are located in all four positions. They support the grand-touring nature of the car and are covered in rich, black and suede-like microfiber material, with yellow ochre-colored inserts. The yellow ochre color provides dramatic contrast with the black surrounding trim, but is a subdued hue consistent with the interior's overall feeling of refinement. Yellow ochre stitching also is used throughout, including the seats, instrument panel, shifter knob and more.

Black microfiber fabric covers the front armrest, as well as an armrest located between the rear seats. The armrests are part of a continuous console that stretches from the instrument panel to rear seats. Carbon-fiber trim accents the console. The interior also features ambient lighting throughout, creating a distinctive environment at night.

Like the sedan, the CTS Coupe Concept's interior is home to a host of technologies, including a premium Bose audio system, 40-gigabyte hard drive and XM Satellite Radio. OnStar with Turn-by-Turn Navigation enhances the vehicle's onboard navigation system, which - like the CTS - features a screen that rises out of the center of the instrument panel.

Performance-bred powertrain and suspension systems

As is the case with its design, the Cadillac CTS Coupe extends the acclaimed capabilities of the sedan in terms of performance technology. This includes the capability to support a broad engine range of gasoline and diesel engines.

The Cadillac CTS Coupe, of course, ascertains the sedan's 3.6L V-6 engines, including the 304-horsepower (227 kW) Direct Injection power plant. The Coupe Concept also is designed for a new 2.9L turbo-diesel being developed for international markets. This new engine, tailored for use in the CTS, will deliver an estimated 250 horsepower (184 kW) and 406 lb.-ft. of torque (550 Nm).

A six-speed manual transmission backs the engine, sending torque to an independently sprung rear axle. The CTS Coupe's sport-tuned suspension gives it a slightly lower ride height than a production CTS - a look enhanced by the car's rakish shape and large, 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels.

Behind the chrome, split-spoke, aluminum alloy wheels is a set of high-performance brakes, featuring cross-drilled rotors. Six-piston calipers clamp down on the front rotors, while four-piston calipers grab the rear rotors. All of the rotors have a distinctive, yellow-painted finish.

CADILLAC CTS Coupe CONCEPT SPECIFICATIONS

•     * Vehicle type: two-door, four-passenger rear-wheel-drive coupe
•     * Wheelbase (in / mm): 113.4 / 2880
•     * Length (in / mm): 187 / 4750
•     * Width (in / mm): 73.6 / 1870
•     * Height (in / mm): 54.7 / 1390
•     * Track (in / mm): 61.8 / 1570 (front); 62 / 1575 (rear)
•     * Powertrain: 2.9L turbo-diesel; six-speed manual transmission
•     * Suspension: four-wheel independent: MacPherson strut front; multilink rear, progressive rate coil springs, monotube shock absorbers
•     * Brakes: four-wheel disc; crossed-drilled rotors
•     * Wheels: cast aluminum; 20-in front, 21-in rear

Aston Martin DBS Lightning Silver, 2008

 

 

•  Aston Martin DBS Lightning Silver, 2008

The Aston Martin unveiled the most eagerly anticipated car of the year the new Aston Martin DBS at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on August 16th 2007, where the company took a starring role as the featured marque.

Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez, said: "The Aston Martin DBS is the ultimate expression of Aston Martin's engineering and technical ability. It offers pure performance without compromise. The Aston Martin DBS delivers the complete driving experience and bridges the gap between our road and track cars - the Aston Martin DB9 and Aston Martin DBR9."

Equally at home on a twisting mountain circuit as on the open road, the DBS is a true thoroughbred. The Aston Martin DBS is a 6.0-litre V12 powered, race-bred, two-seater shaped by the aerodynamic demands of high performance, with an exquisite interior that marries beautifully hand-finished materials with the very latest in performance technology.

A combination of elegant design, innovative manufacturing processes, race-derived materials and components and Aston Martin's unrivalled hand-build expertise makes the Aston Martin DBS a luxury sports car without equal. Every line, crease and curve conveys the enormous potential of the Aston Martin DBS, a seductive blend of refinement and raw power, provided by the hand-built V12 producing 380kW (510bhp/517PS), a top speed of 191mph (302km/h) and a 0-62mph (0-100km/h) time of 4.3 seconds.

The Aston Martin DBS will be built at Aston Martin's global headquarters at Gaydon, near Warwickshire in the UK, joining the current Aston Martin line-up. This now comprises the elegant DB9, the agile Aston Martin V8 Vantage Coupe and the critically acclaimed Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster.

Aston Martin DBS: Performance

The need for high-performance stability, handling ability and low kerb weight defined the DBS's form and construction. Accordingly, the Aston Martin DBS becomes the first production Aston Martin to make extensive use of ultra-light carbon-fibre body panels. High levels of performance and control are delivered by the combination of inherent light weight, near-perfect weight distribution, a supremely powerful and flexible V12 engine, and a performance-honed six-speed transmission, together with new carbon ceramic brakes and an adaptive damper controlled suspension system.

At the heart of the Aston Martin DBS is a 6.0-litre V12 engine. The DBR9 and DBRS9 race cars are powered by an enhanced version of this same V12, tuned to produce in excess of 600bhp. The shared powerplant continues the strong link between Aston Martin's road and race cars, just as the six-cylinder engine used in the DBR1 also powered the Aston Martin DB4, DB5 and DB6 in the 1950s and 60s.

As with all current Aston Martins, the engine is hand-assembled at Aston Martin's dedicated engine facility in Cologne, Germany. The classic 6.0-litre V12 features a number of power-increasing enhancements. These include a 'by-pass' engine air intake port that opens above 5500rpm to allow more air into the engine, and re-profiled air inlet ports that further improve airflow into the combustion chamber. Combined with a compression ratio of 10.9:1, the result of these enhancements is prodigious power and torque: the Aston Martin DBS delivers 380 kW (510 bhp/517 PS) at 6500 rpm. The 3.71:1 final-drive ratio ensures that the additional power is usable, enhancing in-gear acceleration in particular.

A lightweight, rigid structure is the design engineer's ultimate goal, and achieving the right balance between strength and mass is crucial. Like the DB9 and its sibling DBR9 and DBRS9 race cars, the DBS uses Aston Martin's class-leading all-alloy VH (Vertical Horizontal) architecture, a lightweight bonded aluminium structure that provides outstanding strength and rigidity. Aston Martin's engineers have also employed advanced materials and processes to further reduce weight and increase the Aston Martin DBS's performance and dynamics.

Carbon-fibre panels are used for the boot enclosure, boot lid, door opening surrounds, front wings and bonnet, giving a saving of some 30kg over more conventional materials without any reduction in strength. "There are no restrictions on form or shape in using carbon-fibre," says Marek Reichman, Aston Martin's Design Director, "and the material allowed us to wrap bodywork around the 20" wheels and maintain the precise relationship between the wheel and the bodywork."

Each panel has been carefully sculpted to direct the airflow around the car, into the engine and to help cool the braking system. The carbon-fibre elements are produced using advanced manufacturing techniques developed from the aerospace and motorsport industries.

The new panel-making procedure also delivers an industry-best surface finish, thanks to a patented 'Surface Veil' process. The application of a 200 micron layer of epoxy and glass to the panel delivers a class-A surface that is in line with Aston Martin's tradition of high-quality finishes. Inside the car, the weave patterns on the exposed carbon-fibre elements have been carefully selected to present the most harmonious surfaces.

Aston Martin DBS: Control

As with the DB9 and DBR race cars, the Aston Martin DBS benefits from the inherent characteristics of the VH architecture. The VH underframe consists of pressed, extruded and cast aluminium components, bonded together to create an immensely strong underlying structure.

This structure means that weight is kept to a minimum, with the front-mid mounted engine and rear-mid mounted transaxle ensuring a near perfect weight distribution: 85% of the car's weight is positioned within its wheelbase. The Aston Martin DBS's polar moment of inertia is therefore very low, producing a car with natural agility, a strong, stable platform for the V12's high power output and an exhilarating driving experience.

To take full advantage of its extremely precise and rigid platform, the Aston Martin DBS employs a new and sophisticated Adaptive Damping System (ADS) which uses two separate valves to set the dampers to five different positions, allowing instant adjustment of the car's ride and handling characteristics. The ADS automatically alters the suspension settings to ensure the driver has high levels of control at all times, with the ability to respond instantly to different driving conditions. The dampers can be 'softer', with a corresponding improvement in ride quality, or 'firm', providing improved body control for more spirited driving.

The damper settings are determined by an electronic control unit which takes sensor readings from the car's systems, including throttle position, brake position, steering wheel rotation and vehicle speed. This data establishes the prevailing driving conditions and the demands the driver is making on the car.

The Aston Martin DBS's Adaptive Damping System perfectly captures the car's sporting character, ensuring that stiffer dampers are available for better handling and control when the car is being driven enthusiastically, without compromising ride comfort during 'normal' driving conditions. A designated 'Track' mode automatically sets all dampers to their firmest positions, making it ideal for circuit driving. The Aston Martin DBS is fitted with Pirelli P-Zero tyres that have been developed especially for the car, along with new 20" lightweight alloy wheels.

The DBS also has a revised Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, designed to help maintain maximum traction in challenging driving conditions. In default operation, the DSC is automatically on. Select and press the button for two seconds and DSC 'Track' mode is engaged, raising the threshold at which the system intervenes to allow the experienced driver to explore the car's limits. Hold the button for four seconds and DSC is disengaged entirely.

The car's braking system features another innovation, the first time Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes have been used on a road-going Aston Martin. The end result is shorter stopping distances with excellent resistance to fade in even the most demanding driving conditions. CCM brakes are also some 12.5kg lighter than a conventional system, reducing the weight of the car overall and, in particular, the unsprung weight and rotational masses, further enhancing the performance of the suspension.

Aston Martin DBS: Design

The Aston Martin DBS is manufactured using the finest materials, with a combination of hand-finishing and pioneering high-technology processes. From the exceptional quality of the design and finish to the advanced production techniques employed to save weight and create strength, the DBS is both a technological masterpiece and a powerful visual and tactile experience, inside and out.

The Aston Martin DBS is the culmination of the DB bloodline, a synthesis of race-bred technology and road-going practicality that can be traced back to the iconic Aston Martin DB2, DB3S and DB4 GT, and is continued today with the DBR9 and DBRS9 race cars. The DBS's powerful, flowing form fuses the visual language of the DBR9 GT1 race car with the innate elegance of the DB series. Lower and tauter than other Aston Martin production models, the DBS has subtly flared wheel arches accommodating standard 20" diameter wheels and tyres. These provide excellent stability and grip, while giving the car a muscular and athletic stance that evokes the DBR9 and DBRS9. The design process involved continuous revision and honing of the Aston Martin DBS's surfaces, ensuring that the shapes and forms represent perfectly the car's inherent power, while never diluting the fundamental proportions that are the essence of every Aston Martin.

The external detailing reflects the power and dynamic abilities of the Aston Martin DBS, with revised inlets and enlarged grilles that deliver more air into the engine and increase its cooling capacity. Subtle design details include a new five-bar design for the polished alloy main grille, as well as two additional vents in the enlarged power bulge on the carbon-fibre bonnet. These vents are entirely functional, improving engine performance and efficiency, yet also communicating the increased power output of the uprated V12 engine.

The DBS's aerodynamic enhancements are shaped by Aston Martin's racing experience. A carbon-fibre splitter and a new front bumper design help channel airflow around the car's wider bodywork. The aerodynamics team worked hand in hand with the modelling team to ensure that the forms and surfaces of Aston Martin DBS were sculpted for inherent stability at high speeds.

The widened front and rear track improve handling and give the car a more muscular character. To accommodate this additional width, the surfaces of the wings have been sculpted and re-shaped with harder lines, which also serve to emphasise the car's strength and power. The lowered ride height is accentuated by the enhanced side sills, carefully profiled to improve aerodynamic performance and reduce drag along the flanks. The iconic Aston Martin side strake, a design feature of every DB car since the DB4, has been redesigned for the DBS, incorporating a side repeater formed by a bank of LEDs.

Improved aerodynamics shape the rear of the Aston Martin DBS, where the more prominent boot spoiler is carefully incorporated into the carbon-fibre boot lid. A horizontal chrome finisher is set into the lid to accentuate the wide track of the new car. The car's flat undertray helps to improve the aerodynamics of the underbody surface and culminates in a new carbon-fibre rear diffuser, another feature carried over from the race cars. This device creates an area of low pressure beneath the rear of the car, reducing lift and improving high-speed stability without the need for large, unsightly external spoilers. The new one-piece diffuser also incorporates the DBS's large and distinctive twin exhaust tailpipes.

The interior of the Aston Martin DBS represents the epitome of Aston Martin's commitment to using materials honestly, without disguise or embellishment. Lightweight materials are used throughout to save weight; door pulls are made from carbon-fibre, for example, and the carpet has been woven with lighter fibres to save valuable kilograms. Special semi-aniline leather is used throughout the cabin, saving weight as well as giving a soft feel and distinctive aroma.

The DBS features unique primary controls, including a new steering wheel profile with a twin-stitched detail marker that indicates the 'on-centre' position. The gear knob is fashioned from polished alloy to echo the metallic finishes on the new centre console. The instrument cluster is designed with white numerals on a dark graphite background for excellent legibility. The twin-stitch pattern runs through the interior as a signature device; the alignment of both stitch lines is testament to Aston Martin's ongoing tradition of exceptional craftsmanship.

As an option the Aston Martin DBS may be equipped with specially developed lightweight seats (outside North America). These feature a carbon-fibre and Kevlar® composite structure and are manufactured by a supplier to the motorsport and aviation industries before being returned to Aston Martin's Gaydon factory for hand-trimming. The structure is created by sandwiching a layer of Kevlar® between two layers of carbon-fibre with the outer finish left exposed on the seat backs, lacquered to create a durable and attractive finish.

The combination of Kevlar® and carbon-fibre provides crucial weight saving by allowing the structure of the seat to be incredibly slim: between 2.5mm and 3mm. Overall, the trimmed seat provides a weight saving of 20kg. The lightweight seats are a fixed structure, but can be adjusted for rake as well as sliding fore and aft.

The Aston Martin DBS start sequence blends tradition with high technology and a touch of theatre. The ignition ECU (Emotion Control Unit) has evolved into a machined and highly tactile polished sapphire ECU, incorporating a stainless steel inner case. Resembling a fine wristwatch or a piece of contemporary sculptural jewellery, this sapphire ECU epitomises the spirit of the Aston Martin DBS.

To operate the car, the sapphire ECU is inserted into a special docking station in Aston Martin's signature dashboard-mounted sapphire starter button, and glows red to indicate when the car is ready to start. The engine is fired by pressing the ECU flush with the surface of the starter button. After pressing to stop the engine, the ECU automatically motors out of the dashboard for removal.

The start sequence of the Aston Martin DBS is augmented by an all-new centre console design with a cast metal surround, crisp typography and new graphics. The new console has a traditional dial-face clock at the centre, flanked by two rotary controls for the heating and air-conditioning system, fashioned from solid, turned aluminium.

These controls are also used to navigate the audio system, Bluetooth telephone preparation and satellite navigation functions. The Aston Martin 700 W Audio System, with Dolby® Pro Logic II® has been exclusively developed for Aston Martin to provide outstanding sound quality. A slot for the six-CD autochanger is located at the top of the console, while within the centre armrest cubby box there is inbuilt connectivity for MP3 players. Bluetooth telephone preparation is standard on the DBS, enabling you to synchronise your mobile telephone directory through the car's display screens. It can also display the last 10 calls received, made and missed.

Specification
Body
    * Two-door coupe body style with 2+0 seating
    * Bonded aluminium VH structure
    * Aluminium, magnesium alloy and carbon-fibre composite body
    * Extruded aluminium door side-impact beams
    * High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps (main beam)
    * LED rear lamps and side repeaters

Engine
    * All-alloy, quad overhead camshaft, 48-valve, 5935cc V12.
    * Compression ratio 10.9:1
    * Front-mid mounted engine, rear-wheel drive
    * Fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves
    * Max power: 380kW (510bhp/517 PS) at 6500rpm
    * Max torque: 570Nm (420 lb.ft) at 5750rpm
    * Acceleration: 0-100 km/h (0-62mph) in 4.3 seconds
    * Max speed: 302 km/h (191mph)

Transmission
    * Rear-mid mounted, six-speed manual gearbox
    * Alloy torque tube with carbon fibre propeller shaft
    * Limited-slip differential
    * Final-drive ratio 3.71:1

Wheels and Tyres
    * Front: 8.5'' x 20'' Pirelli P Zero 245/35
    * Rear: 11'' x 20'' Pirelli P Zero 295/30

Steering
    * Rack and pinion, Servotronic speed-sensitive power-assisted steering, 3.0 turns lock-to-lock. Column tilt and reach adjustment

Suspension
    * Front: Independent double wishbone incorporating anti-dive geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bare and monotube adaptive dampers
    * Rear: Independent double wishbones with anti-squat and anti-lift geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube adaptive dampers
    * Adaptive Damping System (ADS) with Track mode

Brakes
    * Front: Ventilated carbon ceramic discs, 398mm diameter with six-piston calipers
    * Rear: Ventilated carbon ceramic discs, 360mm diameter with four-piston calipers
    * Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Track mode
    * Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
    * Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
    * Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
    * Traction control

Dimensions
    * Length: 4721mm (185.9'')
    * Wheelbase: 2740mm (107.9'')
    * Width: 1905mm (75'') (exc. Mirrors) 2060mm (81.1'') (inc. Mirrors)
    * Fuel tank capacity: 78 litres (17.2 Imp.galls, 20.5 US galls)
    * Height: 1280mm (50.4'') Weight: 1695kg (3737lb)

Fiat Panda Cross, 2008

 

 

 

•  Fiat Panda Cross, 2008

A stylish new version of Fiat's top-selling Panda has just gone on sale in the UK - offering a combination of serious 4x4 potential with manoeuvrable city car know-how.

The new Fiat Panda Cross turns heads wherever it goes. And when it comes to sure-footed driving - on and off-road - this mini-SUV excels in all departments. Available now through Fiat's 168-strong dealer network, the new Fiat Panda Cross looks set to appeal to a wide range of fun-loving, cost-conscious drivers, regardless of whether they are city dwellers or country residents.

Combining the exceptional driveability of Fiat's widely acclaimed 1.3 16v MultiJet turbodiesel engine with the proven permanent four-wheel drive system of the Panda 4x4, the rugged new Fiat Panda Cross comes with a host of significant style features.

New round light units front and rear, chunky side protection strips in contrasting colours, roof-bars, 15-inch alloy wheels and new bumpers all come as standard; while inside, the functional style continues with special two-tone interior trims.

The new Fiat Panda Cross permanent four-wheel drive system has a viscous coupling and an electronic differential lock which ensures extraordinary off-road performance in low-grip situations. Meanwhile, the MacPherson front and independent rear suspension ensures exceptional wheel-to-ground contact and remarkable passenger comfort over any surface.

Fiat's frugal MultiJet turbodiesel engine gives smooth power delivery, low fuel consumption and emissions, together with top build quality. It produces 70 bhp and an impressive torque of 145 Nm at just 1500 rpm, which is ideal for off-road use.

The car's standard equipment list includes ESP, air conditioning, radio and MP3-compatible CD player with steering wheel audio controls, and electric power steering. One new colour is available, Rain Dance Green, which joins the existing Goa Orange, Cumbia Beige and Crossover Black.

As with any Fiat Panda, fuel consumption and emissions are exceptionally low. Fiat Panda Cross returns 42.1 mpg on the urban cycle, 67.3 mpg extra-urban, and 54.3 combined. The CO2 figure is 136 g/km.

At £11,995 on-the-road, the highly-competitive Fiat Panda Cross represents notable value for money and makes it the most inexpensive new diesel 4x4 available in the UK.

Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

•  Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept, 2008

The Chrysler's concept for 2008 - the ecoVoyager - marries an elegant American design with fuel cell Range-extended Electric Vehicle technology.

Featuring crisscrossing forms defined by hard lines with fluid intersections, the style vocabulary of the ecoVoyager embodies Chrysler's harmonisation of functional technology with beautifully-styled exteriors and interiors.
The Chrysler ecoVoyager concept was developed for customers wanting a travel experience on par with a private jet, but without a lot of fancy gadgetry. These customers seek three critical attributes: elegance, simplicity and serenity.

The Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept Technology
The all-new Chrysler ecoVoyager's wheels are driven by an electric motor, with power primarily supplied by a lithium-ion battery pack capable of satisfying a consumer's typical daily commute of less than 40 miles.
The electric motor develops 200 kilowatts (268 horsepower), enabling acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in less than eight seconds. A regenerative braking system captures energy that would normally be lost and returns it to the battery, making the Chrysler ecoVoyager concept a very efficient and spacious vehicle.

The ecoVoyager takes advantage of a range extender - in this case, a small, advanced hydrogen fuel cell -- to extend the vehicle range for occasional long trips. With this advanced technology, the Chrysler ecoVoyager's total range is greater than 300 miles, while no emissions - besides water vapour -- come from the tailpipe along the way.
With the entire propulsion system located below the ecoVoyager's floor, space is maximized for utility of passenger and cargo.

Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept Exterior
Expressive details of the Chrysler ecoVoyager concept include panoramic roof glass bisected by a centre spine, tight body overhangs and a dramatic boat-tail back end. The sinuous shapes of the window graphics, headlamps, tail lamps and grille openings are inspired by Chrysler's storied winged badge.
The curving trapezoidal shape of the ecoVoyager's grille is echoed by the clear lens-covered shadow box that houses the rear license plate. The sloping backlight features a similar shape, emphasizing the repeating harmony of the ecoVoyager's design elements.

Other exterior touches on the Chrysler ecoVoyager concept include the elongated, flaring "light catchers" on the lower doors and the front and rear fascias, enhanced by the Polar Ice exterior colour.
Finally, side doors open a wide 90 degrees. Since the rear doors are hinged at the rear and there is no centre B-pillar, entrance into the ecoVoyager is virtually unimpeded.

Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept Interior
By placing the front wheels of the Chrysler ecoVoyager concept farther forward than usual, designers were able to create greater interior roominess and increased legroom, especially in the rear seats.
In the ecoVoyager's spacious interior, the size, design and location of all controls have been rethought to provide its four pampered passengers the luxury of having every feature within effortless reach.
The ecoVoyager's windshield defroster and cabin air-conditioning outlets in the instrument panels and doors, for example, are invisible beneath a recessed perforated mesh. This avoids visually-disruptive array sliding vanes and protruding knobs. Even the colour of the interior -- soft Dove Gray with warm cherry wood accents — is designed to promote a relaxed ambiance.
The Chrysler ecoVoyager's unconventional instrument panel features a broad, leather-covered angled surface, slightly V-shaped in plan view and fronted by a full-width display screen set just below the windshield. The left and right outer ends of this non-glare screen contain the side-view mirror image, while a third camera image in front of the driver serves as the rear-view mirror.

Unlike most instrument clusters, only currently-needed information is displayed, designed to be viewed above the steering wheel rim rather than through it (and requiring less up-down eye movement and refocusing). The front-seat passenger can view a movie without its moving images disturbing the driver. A slick, slide-out/retractable centre console - fitted with hot-key buttons and a mouse pad - replaces the functions contained in a conventional vertical centre stack.

The ecoVoyager's four individual chairs are contoured for personalised comfort. The seat framing is exposed, with under-seat storage drawers. Front seats have individual cantilevered, adjustable armrests containing the window controls and heat/massage switches, while individual rear-seat armrests fold into the cabin back panel. With the ability to store six 20-ounce bottles, the floor console dividing the rear seats accommodates hot or cold beverages.
A recessed area in the headliner between the two longitudinal skylights contains the "Direct Sound" function. With this feature, the musical entertainment choice of each individual occupant can be directed to him or her without the use of headphones, and without disturbing others in the car.
Sleek, refined, efficient and superbly comfortable, the Chrysler ecoVoyager concept vehicle offers a new experience in stress-free travel.

Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept Specifications
Vehicle Type: Range-extended Electric Vehicle (40-mile all-electric range with hydrogen fuel cell range extender), Two-row seating, four-passenger

Weight and Dimensions
    * Weight/GVWR: 2750 lbs./3500 lbs.
    * Length: 191.2 inches/4856mm
    * Width at H-point: 75.4 inches/1915mm
    * Height: 63.0 inches/1600mm
    * Wheelbase: 116.0 inches/2946mm
    * Couple 1-2: 45.4 inches/1154mm
    * Front overhang: 34.0 inches/864mm
    * Rear overhang: 41.2 inhces/1046mm
    * Track front/rear: 65.6 inches/1666mm
    * Approach angle: 15.0 degrees
    * Departure angle: 20.9 degrees
    * Turn circle: 40 feet/12.2m
    * Maximum width: 75.4 inches/1915mm

Powertrain and Suspension
    * Layout : Front wheel drive
    * Motor: Single electric
    * Power: 200 kW (268 hp)
    * Regenerative braking
    * Battery: 16 kWh Li-ion battery pack
    * Range extender: Hydrogen fuel cell, PEM 45kW, 700bar (10,000psi) high pressure tanks
    * Suspension
          o Front - MacPherson Strut
          o Rear - MacPherson Strut

Wheels and Tyres
    * Tyre size front/rear: P235/45R22x8 30.3 inches/770mm
    * Tyre manufacturer: Goodyear

Colour Scheme
    * Exterior: Polar Ice Blue
    * Interior: Dove Gray

Key Performance Attributes
    * 0-60 mph: 8.8 seconds
    * Standing ¼ mile: 12.9 seconds
    * Top speed: 115 mph
    * All-electric range: 40 miles
    * Total range: 300 miles

Aston Martin DBS Infa Red, 2008

 

 

•  Aston Martin DBS Infa Red, 2008

The Aston Martin unveiled the most eagerly anticipated car of the year the new Aston Martin DBS at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on August 16th 2007, where the company took a starring role as the featured marque.

Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez, said: "The Aston Martin DBS is the ultimate expression of Aston Martin's engineering and technical ability. It offers pure performance without compromise. The Aston Martin DBS delivers the complete driving experience and bridges the gap between our road and track cars - the Aston Martin DB9 and Aston Martin DBR9."

Equally at home on a twisting mountain circuit as on the open road, the DBS is a true thoroughbred. The Aston Martin DBS is a 6.0-litre V12 powered, race-bred, two-seater shaped by the aerodynamic demands of high performance, with an exquisite interior that marries beautifully hand-finished materials with the very latest in performance technology.

A combination of elegant design, innovative manufacturing processes, race-derived materials and components and Aston Martin's unrivalled hand-build expertise makes the Aston Martin DBS a luxury sports car without equal. Every line, crease and curve conveys the enormous potential of the Aston Martin DBS, a seductive blend of refinement and raw power, provided by the hand-built V12 producing 380kW (510bhp/517PS), a top speed of 191mph (302km/h) and a 0-62mph (0-100km/h) time of 4.3 seconds.

The Aston Martin DBS  built at Aston Martin's global headquarters at Gaydon, near Warwickshire in the UK, joining the current Aston Martin line-up. This now comprises the elegant DB9, the agile Aston Martin V8 Vantage Coupe and the critically acclaimed Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster.

Aston Martin DBS: Performance
The need for high-performance stability, handling ability and low kerb weight defined the DBS's form and construction. Accordingly, the Aston Martin DBS becomes the first production Aston Martin to make extensive use of ultra-light carbon-fibre body panels. High levels of performance and control are delivered by the combination of inherent light weight, near-perfect weight distribution, a supremely powerful and flexible V12 engine, and a performance-honed six-speed transmission, together with new carbon ceramic brakes and an adaptive damper controlled suspension system.

At the heart of the Aston Martin DBS is a 6.0-litre V12 engine. The DBR9 and DBRS9 race cars are powered by an enhanced version of this same V12, tuned to produce in excess of 600bhp. The shared powerplant continues the strong link between Aston Martin's road and race cars, just as the six-cylinder engine used in the DBR1 also powered the Aston Martin DB4, DB5 and DB6 in the 1950s and 60s.

As with all current Aston Martins, the engine is hand-assembled at Aston Martin's dedicated engine facility in Cologne, Germany. The classic 6.0-litre V12 features a number of power-increasing enhancements. These include a 'by-pass' engine air intake port that opens above 5500rpm to allow more air into the engine, and re-profiled air inlet ports that further improve airflow into the combustion chamber. Combined with a compression ratio of 10.9:1, the result of these enhancements is prodigious power and torque: the Aston Martin DBS delivers 380 kW (510 bhp/517 PS) at 6500 rpm. The 3.71:1 final-drive ratio ensures that the additional power is usable, enhancing in-gear acceleration in particular.

A lightweight, rigid structure is the design engineer's ultimate goal, and achieving the right balance between strength and mass is crucial. Like the DB9 and its sibling DBR9 and DBRS9 race cars, the DBS uses Aston Martin's class-leading all-alloy VH (Vertical Horizontal) architecture, a lightweight bonded aluminium structure that provides outstanding strength and rigidity. Aston Martin's engineers have also employed advanced materials and processes to further reduce weight and increase the Aston Martin DBS's performance and dynamics.

Carbon-fibre panels are used for the boot enclosure, boot lid, door opening surrounds, front wings and bonnet, giving a saving of some 30kg over more conventional materials without any reduction in strength. "There are no restrictions on form or shape in using carbon-fibre," says Marek Reichman, Aston Martin's Design Director, "and the material allowed us to wrap bodywork around the 20" wheels and maintain the precise relationship between the wheel and the bodywork."

Each panel has been carefully sculpted to direct the airflow around the car, into the engine and to help cool the braking system. The carbon-fibre elements are produced using advanced manufacturing techniques developed from the aerospace and motorsport industries.

The new panel-making procedure also delivers an industry-best surface finish, thanks to a patented 'Surface Veil' process. The application of a 200 micron layer of epoxy and glass to the panel delivers a class-A surface that is in line with Aston Martin's tradition of high-quality finishes. Inside the car, the weave patterns on the exposed carbon-fibre elements have been carefully selected to present the most harmonious surfaces.

Aston Martin DBS: Control
As with the DB9 and DBR race cars, the Aston Martin DBS benefits from the inherent characteristics of the VH architecture. The VH underframe consists of pressed, extruded and cast aluminium components, bonded together to create an immensely strong underlying structure.

This structure means that weight is kept to a minimum, with the front-mid mounted engine and rear-mid mounted transaxle ensuring a near perfect weight distribution: 85% of the car's weight is positioned within its wheelbase. The Aston Martin DBS's polar moment of inertia is therefore very low, producing a car with natural agility, a strong, stable platform for the V12's high power output and an exhilarating driving experience.

To take full advantage of its extremely precise and rigid platform, the Aston Martin DBS employs a new and sophisticated Adaptive Damping System (ADS) which uses two separate valves to set the dampers to five different positions, allowing instant adjustment of the car's ride and handling characteristics. The ADS automatically alters the suspension settings to ensure the driver has high levels of control at all times, with the ability to respond instantly to different driving conditions. The dampers can be 'softer', with a corresponding improvement in ride quality, or 'firm', providing improved body control for more spirited driving.

The damper settings are determined by an electronic control unit which takes sensor readings from the car's systems, including throttle position, brake position, steering wheel rotation and vehicle speed. This data establishes the prevailing driving conditions and the demands the driver is making on the car.

The Aston Martin DBS's Adaptive Damping System perfectly captures the car's sporting character, ensuring that stiffer dampers are available for better handling and control when the car is being driven enthusiastically, without compromising ride comfort during 'normal' driving conditions. A designated 'Track' mode automatically sets all dampers to their firmest positions, making it ideal for circuit driving. The Aston Martin DBS is fitted with Pirelli P-Zero tyres that have been developed especially for the car, along with new 20" lightweight alloy wheels.

The DBS also has a revised Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, designed to help maintain maximum traction in challenging driving conditions. In default operation, the DSC is automatically on. Select and press the button for two seconds and DSC 'Track' mode is engaged, raising the threshold at which the system intervenes to allow the experienced driver to explore the car's limits. Hold the button for four seconds and DSC is disengaged entirely.

The car's braking system features another innovation, the first time Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes have been used on a road-going Aston Martin. The end result is shorter stopping distances with excellent resistance to fade in even the most demanding driving conditions. CCM brakes are also some 12.5kg lighter than a conventional system, reducing the weight of the car overall and, in particular, the unsprung weight and rotational masses, further enhancing the performance of the suspension.

Aston Martin DBS: Design
The Aston Martin DBS is manufactured using the finest materials, with a combination of hand-finishing and pioneering high-technology processes. From the exceptional quality of the design and finish to the advanced production techniques employed to save weight and create strength, the DBS is both a technological masterpiece and a powerful visual and tactile experience, inside and out.

The Aston Martin DBS is the culmination of the DB bloodline, a synthesis of race-bred technology and road-going practicality that can be traced back to the iconic Aston Martin DB2, DB3S and DB4 GT, and is continued today with the DBR9 and DBRS9 race cars. The DBS's powerful, flowing form fuses the visual language of the DBR9 GT1 race car with the innate elegance of the DB series. Lower and tauter than other Aston Martin production models, the DBS has subtly flared wheel arches accommodating standard 20" diameter wheels and tyres. These provide excellent stability and grip, while giving the car a muscular and athletic stance that evokes the DBR9 and DBRS9. The design process involved continuous revision and honing of the Aston Martin DBS's surfaces, ensuring that the shapes and forms represent perfectly the car's inherent power, while never diluting the fundamental proportions that are the essence of every Aston Martin.

The external detailing reflects the power and dynamic abilities of the Aston Martin DBS, with revised inlets and enlarged grilles that deliver more air into the engine and increase its cooling capacity. Subtle design details include a new five-bar design for the polished alloy main grille, as well as two additional vents in the enlarged power bulge on the carbon-fibre bonnet. These vents are entirely functional, improving engine performance and efficiency, yet also communicating the increased power output of the uprated V12 engine.

The DBS's aerodynamic enhancements are shaped by Aston Martin's racing experience. A carbon-fibre splitter and a new front bumper design help channel airflow around the car's wider bodywork. The aerodynamics team worked hand in hand with the modelling team to ensure that the forms and surfaces of Aston Martin DBS were sculpted for inherent stability at high speeds.

The widened front and rear track improve handling and give the car a more muscular character. To accommodate this additional width, the surfaces of the wings have been sculpted and re-shaped with harder lines, which also serve to emphasise the car's strength and power. The lowered ride height is accentuated by the enhanced side sills, carefully profiled to improve aerodynamic performance and reduce drag along the flanks. The iconic Aston Martin side strake, a design feature of every DB car since the DB4, has been redesigned for the DBS, incorporating a side repeater formed by a bank of LEDs.

Improved aerodynamics shape the rear of the Aston Martin DBS, where the more prominent boot spoiler is carefully incorporated into the carbon-fibre boot lid. A horizontal chrome finisher is set into the lid to accentuate the wide track of the new car. The car's flat undertray helps to improve the aerodynamics of the underbody surface and culminates in a new carbon-fibre rear diffuser, another feature carried over from the race cars. This device creates an area of low pressure beneath the rear of the car, reducing lift and improving high-speed stability without the need for large, unsightly external spoilers. The new one-piece diffuser also incorporates the DBS's large and distinctive twin exhaust tailpipes.

The interior of the Aston Martin DBS represents the epitome of Aston Martin's commitment to using materials honestly, without disguise or embellishment. Lightweight materials are used throughout to save weight; door pulls are made from carbon-fibre, for example, and the carpet has been woven with lighter fibres to save valuable kilograms. Special semi-aniline leather is used throughout the cabin, saving weight as well as giving a soft feel and distinctive aroma.

The DBS features unique primary controls, including a new steering wheel profile with a twin-stitched detail marker that indicates the 'on-centre' position. The gear knob is fashioned from polished alloy to echo the metallic finishes on the new centre console. The instrument cluster is designed with white numerals on a dark graphite background for excellent legibility. The twin-stitch pattern runs through the interior as a signature device; the alignment of both stitch lines is testament to Aston Martin's ongoing tradition of exceptional craftsmanship.

As an option the Aston Martin DBS may be equipped with specially developed lightweight seats (outside North America). These feature a carbon-fibre and Kevlar® composite structure and are manufactured by a supplier to the motorsport and aviation industries before being returned to Aston Martin's Gaydon factory for hand-trimming. The structure is created by sandwiching a layer of Kevlar® between two layers of carbon-fibre with the outer finish left exposed on the seat backs, lacquered to create a durable and attractive finish.

The combination of Kevlar® and carbon-fibre provides crucial weight saving by allowing the structure of the seat to be incredibly slim: between 2.5mm and 3mm. Overall, the trimmed seat provides a weight saving of 20kg. The lightweight seats are a fixed structure, but can be adjusted for rake as well as sliding fore and aft.

The Aston Martin DBS start sequence blends tradition with high technology and a touch of theatre. The ignition ECU (Emotion Control Unit) has evolved into a machined and highly tactile polished sapphire ECU, incorporating a stainless steel inner case. Resembling a fine wristwatch or a piece of contemporary sculptural jewellery, this sapphire ECU epitomises the spirit of the Aston Martin DBS.

To operate the car, the sapphire ECU is inserted into a special docking station in Aston Martin's signature dashboard-mounted sapphire starter button, and glows red to indicate when the car is ready to start. The engine is fired by pressing the ECU flush with the surface of the starter button. After pressing to stop the engine, the ECU automatically motors out of the dashboard for removal.

The start sequence of the Aston Martin DBS is augmented by an all-new centre console design with a cast metal surround, crisp typography and new graphics. The new console has a traditional dial-face clock at the centre, flanked by two rotary controls for the heating and air-conditioning system, fashioned from solid, turned aluminium.

These controls are also used to navigate the audio system, Bluetooth telephone preparation and satellite navigation functions. The Aston Martin 700 W Audio System, with Dolby® Pro Logic II® has been exclusively developed for Aston Martin to provide outstanding sound quality. A slot for the six-CD autochanger is located at the top of the console, while within the centre armrest cubby box there is inbuilt connectivity for MP3 players. Bluetooth telephone preparation is standard on the DBS, enabling you to synchronise your mobile telephone directory through the car's display screens. It can also display the last 10 calls received, made and missed.

Aston Martin DBS Specification
Body
    * Two-door coupe body style with 2+0 seating
    * Bonded aluminium VH structure
    * Aluminium, magnesium alloy and carbon-fibre composite body
    * Extruded aluminium door side-impact beams
    * High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps (main beam)
    * LED rear lamps and side repeaters

Engine
    * All-alloy, quad overhead camshaft, 48-valve, 5935cc V12.
    * Compression ratio 10.9:1
    * Front-mid mounted engine, rear-wheel drive
    * Fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves
    * Max power: 380kW (510bhp/517 PS) at 6500rpm
    * Max torque: 570Nm (420 lb.ft) at 5750rpm
    * Acceleration: 0-100 km/h (0-62mph) in 4.3 seconds
    * Max speed: 302 km/h (191mph)

Transmission
    * Rear-mid mounted, six-speed manual gearbox
    * Alloy torque tube with carbon fibre propeller shaft
    * Limited-slip differential
    * Final-drive ratio 3.71:1

Wheels and Tyres
    * Front: 8.5'' x 20'' Pirelli P Zero 245/35
    * Rear: 11'' x 20'' Pirelli P Zero 295/30

Steering
    * Rack and pinion, Servotronic speed-sensitive power-assisted steering, 3.0 turns lock-to-lock. Column tilt and reach adjustment

Suspension
    * Front: Independent double wishbone incorporating anti-dive geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bare and monotube adaptive dampers
    * Rear: Independent double wishbones with anti-squat and anti-lift geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube adaptive dampers
    * Adaptive Damping System (ADS) with Track mode

Brakes
    * Front: Ventilated carbon ceramic discs, 398mm diameter with six-piston calipers
    * Rear: Ventilated carbon ceramic discs, 360mm diameter with four-piston calipers
    * Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Track mode
    * Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
    * Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
    * Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
    * Traction control

Dimensions
    * Length: 4721mm (185.9'')
    * Wheelbase: 2740mm (107.9'')
    * Width: 1905mm (75'') (exc. Mirrors) 2060mm (81.1'') (inc. Mirrors)
    * Fuel tank capacity: 78 litres (17.2 Imp.galls, 20.5 US galls)
    * Height: 1280mm (50.4'') Weight: 1695kg (3737lb)

Ford F-250 Super Duty, 2008

 

 

 

• Ford F-250 Super Duty, 2008

Ford F-Series Super Duty, the industry's leading heavy-duty work truck and a mainstay of businesses throughout America, has been overhauled for the 2008 model year. Ford's Super Duty pickup has been the leader in the over 8,500-pound truck segment since launch, offering best-in-class payload, gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR) and trailer tow ratings. The new Super Duty, which will go on sale in early 2007, will help ensure that Ford Motor Company maintains its nearly 30 years of leadership in the pickup truck business.

Offered in three cab styles - Regular Cab, SuperCab and Crew Cab - and with two bed lengths, the new Super Duty will feature a bold look inside and out, an all-new, more powerful, state-of-the-art Power Stroke  Diesel and a host of unique, innovative features not found on any other truck. And the line of Ford Super Duty trucks has been expanded for 2008, with an even more capable workhorse: the new F-450 pickup.

Ford's Super Duty set the standard in the over 8,500-pound truck segment when it was launched in 1998 as a 1999 model. Unlike competitors who simply modify their existing light-duty trucks, Super Duty utilizes its own unique architecture, designed and developed specifically to meet the needs and demands of the over 8,500-pound truck customer. This unique approach, with two dedicated architectures, is just one reason why the Ford F-Series has been America's best-selling truck for 29 years and why Super Duty has dominated its segment, outperforming and outselling the competition every year since launch.

For true truck customers, Super Duty is their life-blood, serving the multifaceted aspects of their lives. Whether towing a backhoe to the construction site or towing a boat to the lake, they demand a truck that is capable and dependable. Super Duty consistently meets those needs.

All-new F-450 pickup adds capability for customers who demand the most
Today's Super Duty customers are consistently searching for more capability. Ford research has shown that more than 90 percent of Super Duty owners tow, and their towing needs are growing. To meet that need, Ford is introducing the new F-450 pickup model. It combines the right axle, right powertrain, and right suspension to manage the loads of pulling a heavier trailer while maintaining a refined, comfortable ride.

The F-450 pickup rides on its own unique chassis. It incorporates a new rear leaf-spring suspension while u sing the radius arm front suspension from the F-450 chassis cab. This set-up provides for the tightest turning radius in its class, greatly improving maneuverability when towing.


According to a study by the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), towable RV shipments have grown steadily over the past five years, topping out at 323,000 units shipped in 2005, a 15.4 percent increase over 2004. In the same time frame, conventional motor coaches experienced a decline in sales, with shipments of the Type A variety down 18.1 percent in 2005.

The RVIA says that higher fuel prices and a desire for more flexibility are driving customers out of conventional motor coaches and into towable travel trailers and fifth wheels. And as these customers move to towable trailers, they will still expect to have the same level of luxury features - such as tile floors, granite countertops and big-screen TVs - as they had in their motor coaches. For example, almost 90 percent of fifth-wheel RVs shipped in 2005 had at least one fold-out room, according to RVIA data.

The 2007 F-350 Super Duty already offered best-in-class maximum payload of 5,800 pounds and maximum towing capacity of 19,200 pounds. The new 2008 F-450 pickup widens the capability gap, offering a maximum payload of more than 6,000 pounds and towing capacity of more than 24,000 pounds - a 5,000-pound increase over the class-leading F-350. All of this added capability comes with the same increased level of refinement found in the new F-250 and F-350.

All-new 6.4-liter Power Stroke ® Diesel is cleaner, quieter and more powerful
A more powerful 6.4-liter Power Stroke ® Diesel joins a powertrain lineup that already includes the segment's most powerful gasoline engine, the 362-horsepower 6.8-liter V-10 Triton.

Annual U.S. diesel truck registrations have increased to more than 500,000 a year from about 400,000 in 2001. Ford has long been the industry leader, selling 1.3 million diesel-powered F-Series pickups in the United States since 2001 alone. Ford sells more diesel-powered pickup trucks annually than Chevrolet and Dodge combined. Nearly three-quarters of all Ford Super Duty trucks sold are diesel-powered.

The new engine benefits from an innovative development process designed to more accurately reflect how Super Duty customers use their vehicles every day. The team began by collecting real-world data from working Super Duty commercial customers, tracking their daily duty cycles. That data was used to develop durability tests that more closely represented real-world use. To better assure durability, the tests were conducted using the most extreme and abusive conditions and run to five-times the life cycle that the hardest-working truck would ever experience.

The 6.4-liter Power Stroke  Diesel delivers 350 horsepower at 3,000 rpm and 650 lb.-ft. of torque starting at 2,000 rpm and utilizes Ford Clean Diesel Technology, which includes, among other features, a high-pressure, common rail fuel system, Piezo-electric fuel injectors and an advanced diesel particulate filter system to deliver strong performance while reducing particulate output by more than 90 percent and posting emissions numbers on par with gasoline engines.

High-tech, series sequential turbochargers provide improved response and better low-end performance. The unique system uses a small, electronically controlled, smart remote variable geometry turbocharger that comes on at low rpm to provide extra boost at take-off. As rpms increase, the larger fixed turbo joins the smaller turbo to boost power through the middle of the torque curve. As optimum speed is reached, the larger turbo takes over. Tests have shown zero-to-60 times of more than a second faster than the outgoing 6.0-liter.

Transmission choices include a six-speed manual with overdrive or a TorqShift™ five-speed automatic. The powertrains use a new unique mounting system that better isolates the powertrain and reduces vibration. Both two- and four-wheel-drive models will be available on the 2008 Super Duty