The Jaguar supersport concept-car C-X75

C-X75 - THE MOST ADVANCED JAGUAR EVER CREATED

When Jaguar unveiled the C-X75 in 2010, it was the beginning of a new chapter in innovation and technological advancement that would see the car evolve from a design concept to a fully working prototype in just two years.

In that incredibly short time span, Jaguar and development partner Williams Advanced Engineering have created an all-wheel drive, plug-in parallel hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) with the world's highest specific power engine and Jaguar's first carbon composite monocoque chassis.

Although the decision was taken in 2012 that as a result of the global economic climate the C-X75 would not enter full production, it was clear that it was a powerful showcase for Jaguar’s world-leading expertise in lightweight vehicle construction and the ideal test-bed for the company’s innovative research into high-performance, low emission powertrains.

The great achievements in the development of C-X75 prototypes, including cutting-edge hybrid technologies, carbon composite materials and advanced design solutions pioneered in association with Williams Advanced Engineering will be utilised in other areas of research and development, innovative future products and next-generation engineering for the Jaguar brand.

“The C-X75 programme represents the pinnacle of Jaguar's engineering and design expertise. It is arguably the world's fastest test-bed for the world's most advanced technologies, combining as it does a remarkable hybrid powertrain with awe-inspiring performance. Jaguar is always looking to shape the cars of tomorrow and with projects like C-X75 we are laying the foundations for the next generation of Jaguar innovations.”- Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar.

Highest power and torque density

The C-X75 has a combined power output in excess of 850bhp and 1000Nm of torque, thanks to its state-of-the-art, Formula 1-inspired, 1.6-litre dual-boosted (turbocharged and supercharged) four-cylinder powerplant which generates 502 bhp at 10,000 rpm.

It is allied to the highest torque and power density electric motors in production, which generate a further 390 horsepower. The battery pack in the C-X75 is the highest continuously rated power PHEV pack in the world, capable of delivering more than 300kW over the full state of the charge window.

 The C-X75 can sprint from 0-100mph in less than six seconds, thanks to its advanced 7-speed automated manual transmission that allows gearshifts in under 200 milliseconds. The very first C-X75 prototype exceeded 200mph in testing with ease, and the car has a theoretical maximum velocity of 220mph.

The car's deployable aerofoil and underfloor aerodynamics create more than 200kg of downforce at 200mph, and active systems enhance its high-speed stability.

Ultra low emissions and pure electric mode

Thanks to the most extreme PHEV specification of any mobile battery in development, the C-X75 will also run for 60km in pure electric vehicle mode and its CO2 emissions fall below 89g/km.

The C-X75 project allows Jaguar to stake an even stronger claim as the UK's most significant investor in innovative technology. The results of the C-X75 programme, in particular in advanced powertrain technologies and lightweight composites, demonstrate Jaguar's technical leadership at the very cutting-edge of automotive development and manufacturing.

The timing of this automotive engineering project was to celebrate the significant milestone of 75 years of Jaguar Cars and to emphasize to the world how the innovative heritage of Jaguar and the UK car industry can lead the next generation of powertrain and vehicle development. This project was not only a showcase in technical innovation but also in rapid product development with strategic partners such as Williams Advanced Engineering and Lotus can raise the bar in project delivery technical complexity and timescales.

The platform for the launch of this vision to the world was Paris. The show car was presented at the 2010 motorshow, drawing attention from the media, competitors, suppliers and the public to its blend of classic beauty and innovation. The thinking behind C-X75 is to provide an owner with a unique car, capable of being driven as a road vehicle showing style with economy, then on occasion, take it to the race track to unleash its performance and power.

The decision was made in May 2011 to go forward to the next stage of the supercar development and engineer the concept into a production solution, based on 250 vehicles. Jaguar’s Programme and Vehicle Manager, Rob Atkin with Paul Newsome Head of Williams Advanced Engineering led the programme and engineering activities from Grove Oxfordshire under the guidance a steering committee chaired by Bob Joyce Jaguar’s Engineering Director.

To deliver this task the newly formed Jaguar / Williams project team carefully selected key suppliers that were competitive, experienced and focused on delivery. Lotus were selected as a key partner to develop two major function groups: the chassis system and the engine management system. This technical delivery was managed under the guidance of Paul Pywell, Head of Lotus.
To deliver the chassis and engine management systems meant working closely with the core programme team. Lotus brought its 60 years of motorsport, car production and engineering collaborative consultancy experience with OEMs to bring a blend of process and flexibility to meet the challenge.

Key vehicle attributes

One of the major challenges for the automotive industry is to drive down CO2 emissions. The key enablers for this are to engineer cleaner downsized engines coupled with hybrid technology and lighter vehicles to get more power per kg. It was important to think outside the box to capture the right technology content, reduce time to market and cost whilst improving performance and customer appeal. This is what the team set out to do.

After a review of the Paris concept car the technology moved away from the idea of micro gas turbines which uses jets to generate electricity for the battery and extend the range of the car. The technology direction was to develop a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle solution (PHEV) with a unique liquid and battery pack for this performance vehicle. This direction change allowed alignment with current production technology trends for CO2 reduction. Coupling boosted engine performance with additional power delivered from the battery through twin electric motor drives delivered additional performance.

The interior

Specification

• Supercharged 1.6-litre turbo petrol, 500 bhp
• Power output 313 bhp/litre compared to the Bugatti Veyron, 125 bhp/litre
• Twin electric motors developing more than 175 bhp electric motor on each axle
• Total power more than 850 bhp
• Torque more than 738 lbft
• Range of up to 60 miles on electric-only power
• Engine and rear electric motor drive coupled to 7 speed automated manual transmission
• The vehicle can be driven electrically or as a hybrid with 4WD
• High level of technology leveraged from Formula 1 including engine, high voltage battery, vehicle control system and aerodynamics
• Electric front axle drive, driving through a single speed reduction gearbox

Sources: http://www.jaguar.com/about-jaguar/concept-cars/cx75.html and https://lotusproactive.wordpress.com/2014/04/08/jaguar-c-x75-a-demonstration-of-the-future/

Envisioning the new Audi R10 for 2019

Audi to a new hybrid level

Up until a few years ago, Audi’s cars were executive sedans aimed at people looking for comfort. A few years ago the R8 was released with performance levels similar to a supercar but with the easiness to drive a regular car. It now seems that they might want to tackle a completely new market segment with the 2019 Audi R10. So far the car is nothing more than just a concept which has been designed by an industrial automotive designer from Spain. The car has been heavily inspired by the R10 LeMans racer but it seems to be taking from other current Audi cars as well.

Is it really possible?

Well, Audi showcased their interest to build a true hypercar ever since the R8 was released. This would give them a lot more presence on the market and it would make for a great flagship. If the car will actually be released, we expect a concept as early as 2019 while a production version of it will likely come quite a few years after. Even though nothing is official so far, it is quite likely that Audi will turn once again to Lamborghini, so the upcoming R10 might share its underpinnings with the Aventador or the future Lamborghini hyper-car. This would basically mean that it will cost well over $300,000 which is still fine considering the R8 would perfectly fit under it.

 
The 2019 Audi R10 concept has been heavily inspired by the LeMans race-car and that’s clear from the proportions which look like nothing else out there. The cabin has been moved forward in order to make room for the engine. In size, though it seems to be quite similar to the ongoing R8. The front end looks like nothing else in Audi’s roster but it is safe to assume that it will change for the production model. The sides feature similar flying buttresses to those on the Ford GT but slightly more subtle. The back, on the other hand, features a large center-mounted exhaust and a similar layout to that found on the Lamborghini Murcielago.

 
This is the Audi R10, a new hypercar concept for Audi which goes a step above the R8. Inspired by LMP cars, old F1 cars and jet fighters, with the very advanced position of the cockpit and its characteristic arrow-shaped body. In the front, this new R10 features a smaller and crisper futuristic Audi grille, embraced by sharp-edged LED headlights, whilst the rear has a neat and tidy tail section.
 

Following the Audi’s philosophy “vorsprung durch technik,” this two-seater hypercar, rear mid-engine layout, is a perfect sports machine, capable to hold a TFSI twin-turbo V8 engine combined with an electrical engine, giving a combined power of more than 900 hp, all wheel drive and advanced aerodynamics, with the front wings integrated in the radiator ducts and the rear wings in the stretched and elongated sideblades, which are formed from bare carbon fiber which provide a contrast against the bright white paintwork.

Interior

So far there is nothing available on the car’s cabin but considering this is an Audi, it is safe to assume that it will feature some design cues from their other models. We do expect some influences from the 918 Porsche as well with a slimmer center console and a new digital dashboard recently released for their range.


Sources:http://carnewmodels.com/2019-audi-r10/ and  http://www.newfoxy.com/2016/07/27/2019-audi-r10-new-hypercar-concept-audi/

Alfa Romeo C18 Concept by Antonio Paglia

Next generation Alfa Romeo design

 

Italian automotive designer, Antonio Paglia has generated numerous car and motorcycle concepts in the past. And he has created another, this time for Alfa Romeo. He has created 10 concept renderings to showcase what he believes a futuristic Alfa Romeo sports car would look like.

Labelled as the ‘C18’, this concept has a wide body with a honeycomb patterned windscreen that merges with the hood. There’s also LED headlights and daytime running lights with the traditional Alfa Romeo triangular shaped front grille. This supercar is in the traditional red and black colour that are known to today’s sport cars. Overall, the futuristic design almost looks like it can be part of the next Transformers movie.

This unique, front-engined supercar remains a concept, and there is no official information that the C18 will be part of Alfa Romeo’s future range. However, Paglia’s renderings can be used to inspire the Italian manufacturer’s designers to generate game changing designs for Alfa Romeo in the future.

Source: https://manofmany.com/rides/alfa-romeos-potential-new-design-c18-concept

The new Lexus LC 500

A Lexus Coupe that combines elegance and performance 

 The new Lexus LC 500 is a world-class prestige luxury coupe and a new era of uncompromising design and performance. An all-new platform, 471 horsepower and a class-leading 10-speed automatic transmission come together to create our most responsive vehicle yet. Zero to 60 mph in just 4.4 secs. The prices start bellow 100k US dollars, around 92k to be more precise.

The LC displays performance coupe proportions with an exterior design that projects an avant-garde elegance, remaining faithful to many of the defining features of the LF-LC concept car that inspired it. The design wraps the car in a glamorous body that represents an evocative and fluid interpretation of Lexus’ “seduction and technology” design theme.

Athletic profile

The coupe’s athletic profile is characterized by its sweeping roofline, which tapers rearward from above the centrally positioned cabin to create a distinctive silhouette. Chrome-plated moldings along the side of the glass roof amplify the elegant coupe profile, their rear edges shaped to echo the lines of a traditional Japanese sword. The blacked-out finish to the roof and rear pillars creates a floating effect that visually separates the roof from the rear spoiler.

The LC’s appearance can be made even more dynamic with the addition of an optional Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic composite roof and active rear spoiler.

 The LC has a 2,870mm (112.99 in.) wheelbase and—in a direct reference to the styling of the LF-LC— very compact overhangs (920mm/36.22 in. front, 970mm/38.19 in. rear) and a notably low hood line.

The LC can be outfitted with 20-inch cast aluminum or available 20 and 21-inch forged aluminum alloy wheels. The prominent front and rear spoilers flare away from the center of the car, housing wide, large-diameter wheels, while the door panels are pulled inwards, creating a powerful three-dimensional form that mirrors the spindle shape of the Lexus grille.

Strategic use of different steels, aluminum and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic to achieve the optimal combination of strength, light weight and weight distribution.
Detailed management of inertia specifications, using low center of gravity, vehicle mass distribution and moment of inertia to achieve sharp and refined dynamic performance.

Lexus Dynamic Handling with Limited Slip Differential ensures sporty handling and steering response.

The LC is the first car to be developed on Lexus’ new front engine/rear-wheel drive Global Architecture – Luxury (GA-L) platform, which gives Lexus the ability to take design and performance to another level.

 

Rear styling

At the rear the roof tapers down between muscular wheel arches, reinforcing the car’s wide and stable stance. The Lexus spindle shape is visible here in a three-dimensional form that is generated by lines flowing from the front of the car and along the sides, before cutting back around the inner edge of the rear combination lamps. The line of the spindle then moves outwards, following the shape of the license plate mounting and outer edges of the tailpipes.

The rear combination lamps, set vertically at the outermost edge of the bumper, have a graphic that guides the eye in three directions, accentuating the flow along sides of the body and emphasizing the vehicle’s strong, planted look. The use of several different materials in the lens and bezel provide a further indication of the sophisticated workmanship invested in the LC. Within the combination units, the taillights feature a new Lexus concept, using mirrors to create a multi-reflection, three-dimensional sequence of L-shaped graphics.

An available active rear spoiler is automatically deployed when vehicle speed rises above 80km/h (50 mph). This suppresses lift at the rear to help provide a high degree of stability when driving at speed.

The Engine

On the LC 500’s V8 engine, the front air intake is fitted with a sound generator, with carefully engineered dimensions tuned to maximize the desired sound frequency and level. The opening is directly connected to the cowl reinforcement, so sound reverberates within the enclosed space, resulting in a natural, emotional quality.

The LC 500 is powered by the latest development of Lexus’ normally aspirated V8 gasoline engine, tuned to deliver 471 hp, with improved acceleration feel to the driver and the kind of engine note that only eight cylinders can deliver. This unit is matched to the aforementioned 10-speed direct shift automatic to offer a genuinely rewarding driving experience. Another version available is the hybrid with less power, based on a V6 3.5 liter engine, but much more economic to run.

Dynamic Luxury Interior

The dynamic luxury theme of the exterior is carried through into the LC’s 2+2 cabin. This space is designed to provide sophistication and intricate attention to detail with a driver-focused cockpit.

Regarding the Cabin design, the area around the front passenger spreads outwards to create a comfortable and welcoming space. In fact, the flowing line of the door trim is an extension of an exterior line that flows from the hood and through the windscreen, building a sense of continuity between the outside and inside of the car.

The driver’s cockpit has been ergonomically designed to instill confidence and invite spirited driving, with an intuitive layout of the controls and an excellent seating position. The driver’s hip point has been located as close as possible to the coupe’s center of gravity, maximizing direct feedback of the vehicle’s dynamic performance.

 
The driver also enjoys an excellent view of the road, uncompromised by the low seating position thanks to the low hood line, the low-profile instrument panel and the location and narrow width of the front pillars. The shallow height of the instrument panel has been helped by the development of compact air vents.

See it in action 

Let's see how it behaves down in the road in the video bellow:

Source: http://www.lexus.com/models/LC