Kia will unveil its new Sorento SUV at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. The all-new car features a modern and dynamic design, created under the direction of Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer.
Incorporating Kia's new design DNA, the new Sorento is longer, lower and more aerodynamically-efficient than the current model. Measuring 4685mm-long, the seven-passenger vehicle has an aerodynamic drag figure of Cd 0.38 (down from 0.43). But it is also built on an all-new monocoque bodyshell (rather than a body on frame structure), which achieves a weight savings of 215kg over the previous model.
We'll bring you further details once we see the new car in the metal in Frankfurt, where the Korean automaker will also unveil the facelifted c'eed.
Nissan unveiled the Leaf at its new headquarters in Japan this past weekend. The five passenger C-segment electric vehicle measures 4445mm long, 1770mm wide and 1550mm tall and was built on an all-new platform. It will be launched in the Japanese, US and European markets in late 2010.
Characterized by a V-shape front end, the Leaf's long, up-slanting LED headlamps stand proud of the surrounding surfaces and have been designed to split and redirect airflow away from the door mirrors. A flowing featureline extends the length of the car, accenting the dynamic DLO which narrows at the rear, while slender LED taillamps flank the rear hatch. "The styling will identify not only Nissan Leaf but also the owner as a participant in the new era of zero-emission mobility," chief designer Masato Inoue said.
Inside, the cabin features an elegant floating center stack finished in black laquer and a short shift-by-wire gearstick. A twin digital instrument readout, placed directly ahead of the driver, is illuminated in blue and indicators on the IP upper indicate the charge level for its laminated compact lithium-ion batteries.
Suzuki has revealed its all-new Kizashi flagship, its first entry into the all-wheel-drive sport sedan segment. Following on from the three concept vehicles of the same name unveiled by the Japanese automaker in the last two years, the Kizashi aims to blend dynamic performance attributes with a premium design aesthetic.
The new car's conservative exterior design, described as a 'seamless melding of European style and Japanese craftsmanship', consists of a revised interpretation of the front end treatment of the 2008 Kizashi concept precursor and a sporty profile with a dynamic bodyside to DLO proportion. At the rear, the sport sedan's aerodynamically-efficient trunk lid and dual exhaust outlets, trimmed in chrome, call attention to the car's underlying performance attributes.
The interior is finished in high quality materials befitting a flagship sedan. Decidedly more upscale that other Suzuki cabins, the IP features a floating upper and chrome trim framing the center stack. Standard sport seats with French seams and hard cover seatbacks further accentuate the upmarket feel.
Ferrari has just revealed the all-new 458 Italia, a two-seat berlinetta set to make its public debut at the forthcoming IAA in Frankfurt. The first direct-injection, mid-engined, V8-powered Ferrari measures 4527mm long, 1937mm wide and 1213mm high, and weighs in at a paltry 1380kg.
Designed by Pininfarina, the 458 Italia's compact, aerodynamic body underscores the concepts of simplicity, efficiency and lightness that inspired the project. Its sculpted flowing surfaces have been heavily influenced by the requirements for aerodynamic efficiency: the front features a single opening for the front grille and side air intakes, with aerodynamic sections and profiles designed to direct air to the coolant radiators and the new flat underbody. The nose also sports small aeroelastic winglets that generate downforce and, as speed rises, deform to reduce the section of the radiator inlets and cut drag.
Inside, a strong emphasis has been placed on creating a symbiotic relationship between driver and car. Created with input from Michael Schumacher - who was involved from the very start of the 458 Italia project - the innovative driving environment features an ergonomic interface with all the main controls clustered on the steering wheel and a dashboard that is the direct result of racing development.
Images of Saab's new 9-5 flagship sedan have surfaced on the Web, well before its scheduled public unveil at the Frankfurt motor show. As Saab regains independence from GM and moves into a new era under the Koenigsegg family, this GM-engineered four-door is waiting in the wings to replace the original 12-year-old 9-5.
From a distance the design is clearly evolutionary and perhaps a little too conservative - we suspect this design was signed off years ago. But up close there are some great contemporary details: the new deep-set grille, the wing motif and integral logo mark, the blue ice-like detail around the HVAC controls, full-width rear light graphic and what looks like Audi A5-style LED running lights.
Interestingly, this is the first production Saab not designed in Sweden or by dedicated Saab designers, but it does feature several of the marque's signature elements; note the unique Saab air vents that extend above the instrumentation, non-linear speedometer markings, starter button by the gearshift and clamshell hood creases that recall the original 99 and 900.
Honda's luxury division has revealed the production ZDX, just months after the prototype was unveiled at the New York auto show. The all-new ‘four-door sports coupe' features a provocative design, blending coupe-like styling with the added benefit of a commanding presence and flexible utility.
The production model is virtually identical to the prototype model that debuted earlier this year. Its key design elements include a diving side line, pronounced flared fenders, hidden rear door handles and a panoramic glass roof. Its 19-inch, 7-spoke wheels are the largest standard wheels in the Acura lineup.
The interior - which features a hand-stitched leather IP and a sculpted center console - can seat up to five adults while the cargo area can be expanded to accommodate longer objects by removing side panels in the cargo compartment sidewalls. There is also an integrated under-floor storage area.
The new ZDX, which sources power from a 3.7-liter V-6 all-aluminum engine, will be priced and positioned between the MDX luxury SUV and the RL luxury sedan. It goes on sale in the US this winter.
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Acura ZDX prototype - New York 2009
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