Land Rover Discovery Sport 2015

Previewed at the New York Auto Show last April as the Discovery Vision Concept, the production version of the 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport has been revealed in conjunction with a literally out-of-this-world promotion that involves the company's global partner, Virgin Galactic. While lacking several of the show car's more avant-garde touches, the newest Land Rover boasts visual cues and technology that will be found in future models across the range. The Discovery supplants the current LR2 -- which ceases production at the end of the 2015 model year and features 5+2 seating, a first for the compact premium SUV segment. 

Designed for tomorrow 

Expanding on styling themes found on the Vision Concept, the new Discovery Sport adds distinctive flourishes of its own to create a bold presence complemented by a host of wind-cheating/noise-abating aero bits. A laid-back acoustic windshield, wraparound lighting units - including optional Xenon headlamps and LED running lamps - along with a two-bar mesh grille, new blade-like front fender vents, flared wheel arches and a rakish C-pillar treatment help create a tailored but tough look. 

The core structure of the new Discovery Sport consists of high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel complemented by weight-saving aluminum alloy in various body panels and suspension elements. The combination yields excellent platform rigidity and passenger protection while improving dynamic balance and lowering the vehicle's center of gravity. Built on a 107.9-inch wheelbase that splits the LR2/LR4 models, the front chassis design of this new Land Rover SUV shares much with the popular Evoque but its rear underpinnings are an all-new multilink setup that improves interior packaging as well as enhances ride and handling. 

Inside, the new Discovery Sport melds existing Land Rover design elements with unique accents. All versions feature a bevy of power assists, dual-zone climate control, multi-function steering wheel, navigation system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen and premium audio systems as well as leather upholstery that ranges from seating-only surfaces on the base SE to a full Windsor hide treatment on the range-topping Discovery Sport HSE Luxury. The Discovery Sport's elevated 60/40 split-folding second row bench has 6.3-inches of fore/aft travel, a feature which makes the optional third-row split-folding bench seat a far more viable perch whenever it is called into what LR describes as "occasional use." 

Leveraging the Land Rover pedigree

The new Discovery Sport shares the Evoque's powertrain, matching a 240-horse/2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with a ZF close-ratio 9-speed automatic transmission. Operated by a central rotary controller supplemented by steering-wheel-mounted shifter paddles, the transmission features adaptive logic and fully integrates with the Haldex intelligent full-time all-wheel drive and Land Rover's multi-mode Terrain Response system. To further optimize the Discovery Sport's go-anywhere capabilities, its full complement of conventional stability/traction technology is bolstered by features like Hill Descent Control, Roll Stability Control, Trailer Stability Assist and Engine Drag Torque Control as well as a new available Autonomous Emergency Braking option that can help prevent or mitigate collisions.

Available in SE, HSE and HSE Luxury trims, pricing for the 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport will start at $40,920. It will offer plenty of personalization potential starting with the descriptively named Black Pack trim package that adds noir accents set off with 19-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels. Other key factory options include a contrast roof panel finished in Santorini Black, full glass panoramic roof, custom luggage, tubular stainless-steel side step and front/rear undershields while dealers will offer items like quick-release headrest-mounted iPad holders and a leather-covered cooler/warmer box for the center stow bin.

3-2-1 Blastoff

To help launch the new Discovery Sport, Land Rover and Virgin Galactic have created the Galactic Discovery Competition. Aspiring astronauts from 29 countries are being invited to produce a photo or a 30-second video that best demonstrates their personal spirit of adventure. Top prize for the winner and three of his/her friends is a sub-orbital flight in Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo. For complete details, visit http://landrover.us/space.

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Lamborghini Asterion Concept

The first plug-in hybrid vehicle ever from this legendary Italian supercar maker, the Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4 Concept made its much-anticipated debut in Paris. Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, called the car a technology showcase that the company could realistically build today using existing technologies and the automaker's own expertise

Engineered to deliver outstanding overall performance worthy of its Lamborghini pedigree, Winkelmann noted that the Asterion was intended "more for comfortable luxury daily cruising than for ultimate track performance." Although continued weight reduction will remain a corporate priority, he believes plug-in hybrid powertrains are the most realistic solution to create vehicles with significantly lower CO2 emissions levels that still can meet customer expectations for a Lamborghini driving experience. The Asterion Concept, he says, delivers on both counts.

Mid-engine 2-seater

Based on a full carbon fiber monocoque like the Aventador and Huracán, this 2-passenger mid-engine coupe matches a 602-horsepower version of Lamborghini's naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 that can operate independently or with three electric motors. One is located in the rear-mounted 7-speed dual-clutch transaxle to help drive the rear wheels while the other pair is up front. These forward motors can further supplement the V10's formidable muscle or torque-vector the front wheels to enhance handling when the Asterion is in hybrid mode. The motors also provide all drive power when it the vehicle operates as a pure EV. Fed by a lithium-ion battery pack fitted in the center tunnel, the three motor/generator units add another 296 horses to the output total - which brings the collective figure to 910 of the slightly weaker Euro-spec metric "PS" ponies or 898 of SAE horsepower. Although the plug-in hybrid kit adds 250 pounds to the Asterion's curb weight, it still can streak from 0-62 mph in 3.0 seconds and reach 199 mph when fully unleashed or travel 31 miles on electricity alone and hit a speed of 78 mph. Equally important, the setup reduces CO2 emissions to just 98g/km. 

Aggressively elegant style

Exhibiting a retro flair, the car's styling recalls the classic Miura. The Asterion LPI 910-4 Concept was penned at Lamborghini's styling center and reportedly may hint at a direction the automaker may pursue in the years to come. Finished in a bright Blue Elektra metallic, this distinctive "hyper cruiser" matches an aggressive front end that features an active air cooling system with an equally bold tail punctuated by dramatic LED lamps and dual paired chrome hexagonal exhaust tips. Other details include large swan-style doors, prominent radiators ahead of the rear wheels, staggered-size 21-/22-inch forged composite wheels and a transparent engine cover composed of three hexagonal glass elements. The Asterion's cabin is done in ivory and brown leather set off with aluminum, titanium and forged-carbon accents. A Miura-look steering wheel contains drive-selector buttons while a console-mounted portable tablet lets those on board operate the infotainment, climate control and navigation systems.   

The Asterion gets its given name from the Greek word for the mythical Minotaur, itself a half man/half bull hybrid and Lambo expanded its traditional LP - "longitudinale posterior" - designation with the letter I which is short for "ibrido," the Italian word for hybrid. The 910-4 refers to its aforementioned Euro power stat and number of drive wheels. So far, there's no official decision about whether the Asterion will transition from concept to production. But don't be surprised to see its hybrid powertrain make an appearance in a future Lamborghini model. 

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Jaguar XE 2016

In a gala coming out party at Earl's Court in London, the wraps came off of the all-new 2016 Jaguar XE. Showcased in its range-topping XE S guise, this compact luxury sport sedan will be on display in Paris next month and arrive here in early 2016. Deftly combining style, technology and dynamic character, Jaguar's newest player has big time aspirations to aggressively challenge the status quo as it takes on key rivals like the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Cadillac ATS and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.  

Clean, lean and mean

Visually, the new Jaguar XE puts its own aggressive spin on a number of the automaker's classic - and contemporary -- cues while ensuring that the exterior's bold interaction of edges and contours yielded a sleek final product that boasts an exemplary 0.26 coefficient of drag. Director of Design, Ian Callum, notes the XE's cab-rearward proportions, short overhangs and tight overall packaging impart a feeling of movement that appropriately underscore its character as a true driver's car. The S variant ratchets that intensity up an additional notch with things like larger air intakes, unique side sills, a rear spoiler and an optional 20-inch wheel/tire package.

As we've learned from Jaguar's protracted teaser campaign for its new baby, the aluminum-intensive XE introduces an all-new JLR modular platform architecture that also will serve to underpin a number of future Jaguar and Land Rover models. Light, strong and extremely rigid, Jag's Chief Technical Specialist Mark White says it's "absolutely at the cutting edge of what is achievable today," and provides an ideal foundation for an equally advanced suspension system. The setup teams F-Type-derived double wishbones up front with a unique integral multilink rear setup and features precise directional control courtesy of a new generation of Jaguar Electric Power Assisted Steering. The combination is tuned to deliver outstanding responsiveness while maintaining an exceptionally smooth and controlled ride. 

To further sweeten the mix, the new Jaguar XE also will offer numerous driver-assist systems starting with standard All Surface Progress Control that acts like a traction-optimizing low-speed cruise control on slick surfaces. Other available tech touches include adaptive cruise control, closing-vehicle sensing, blind spot monitoring, semi-automated parallel/perpendicular parking and reverse traffic detection as well as a sophisticated heads-up display system. 

Powering up for tomorrow 

Standard motivation for the Jaguar XE will come from a new family of light and highly efficient 2.0-liter/4-cylinder Ingenium gasoline and diesel engines that also will be used in numerous other future JLR offerings. The hot XE S will pack the firm's well-proven 3.0-liter supercharged V6 under its hood. Developing 340 horses and 332 lb-ft of torque as it does in the Jaguar XF, it should send the 3,249-lb XE from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds and on to an electronically limited top end of 155 mph. Regardless of engine, power will be shipped to the XE's rear wheels via a new lightweight version of the ZF 8-speed automatic transmission used in other Jaguar models. At some point, the XE also will be offered with an optional all-wheel drive system. 

The cabin of the new XE carries on in typical Jaguar tradition mixing fine-grain leather with Piano Black, textured aluminum and real wood veneer trims while providing what we're assured is "generous amounts of head and legroom" for both front and rear passengers. While final U.S. specs and fitment lists are still pending, the XE also will offer the all-new Jaguar InControl infotainment system with an 8.0-inch center touchscreen as well as a selection of downloadable apps, SD-card based navigation, Bluetooth/USB and Wi-Fi hotspot/Internet connectivity. Like its siblings, the new XE's option roster also will feature a premium Meridian audio system.

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Infiniti Q80 Inspiration Concept

A dream machine that's based in reality, the Q80 Inspiration Concept made its eagerly anticipated debut in Paris. This striking fastback 4-door hybrid previews a new chapter in the Infiniti saga as the luxury automaker raises its ambitions in the premium sedan arena. "Q80 Inspiration is how we see the future in terms of moving people in the higher end of our portfolio," said Francois Bancon, Infiniti Vice President, Product Strategy at the car's unveiling. Citing the Q80 Inspiration's name as a clear indicator of its potential production offshoot's positioning in the lineup, he further noted this halo vehicle "will inspire all of our future products."

Designed to defy tradition

Embracing a styling language that melds organic forms with well-focused aerodynamic qualities, the long/wide/low Q80 Inspiration deftly steps beyond traditional design boundaries. Aluminum and carbon fiber materials used in its core structure are reprised in the car's bodywork. The aggressive proportions complemented by features like full LED lighting, portal-style doors, 22-inch alloy wheels and crescent-cut C-pillars that also serve as functional air intakes to help control the temperature of the hybrid battery pack. On the active aero front, gill-like vanes in the Q80 Inspiration's ornate grille automatically open and close to optimize airflow under different driving conditions while full-length hood vents extract hot air from the engine's twin turbochargers. 

The Q80 Inspiration's ultra-modern cabin offers spacious accommodations for four in individual bucket seat wrapped in quilted leather and Alcantara. Beyond its flat-bottom multifunction steering wheel is a fully-configurable instrument cluster that works with a high-def head-up display to put critical info directly in the driver's sightline. It also serves as the interface for Infiniti's unique semi-autonomous assist system now under development. Engaged via a button on the steering wheel, it provides advisory sonic cues to suggest possible courses of action in any given traffic situation. A milled-billet controller positioned behind the supplemental display on the center console operates the Q80 Inspiration's 9-speed automatic transmission while each passenger seat also has its own small touchscreen that provides access to the main infotainment and climate control systems. 

550 horsepower and 43 mpg 

Last but far from least, the Q80 Inspiration introduces a new Direct Response Hybrid system that Infiniti promises in its future performance models. The system matches a new 3.0-liter/directed injected twin-turbo V6 -- part of a family that will soon appear in other Infiniti models - with an electric motor energized by a lithium-ion battery pack. With 450 gasoline-fed horses and an additional 100 zero-emissions ponies, the 550-horsepower Q80 Inspiration can run 0-60 mph in less than 4.0 seconds, hit an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph and still return nearly 43 mpg. In addition to using conventional or gas/electric propulsion, the Infiniti's Direct Response Hybrid system can seamlessly shuttle torque between axles, shifting from the normal rear drive to a 50/50-percent split as traction conditions merit. It also can be toggled into AWD mode if the driver desires. 

"The Q80 Inspiration Concept was born to disrupt the premium sedan category," said Bancon. "We aim to do this with elegance, style, and emotion." Based on what turned up in Paris, the production Infiniti Q80 should give the troops at Audi, BMW, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche something to think about.

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Revealed: Merc’s new SL is faster, prettier, and (nearly) drives itself

When do we get it: Next year of course.

What we say: “Highlights? Non-AMG versions get a nine-speed automatic gearbox, you can hook your Apple phone up to Carplay and use Siri on the move, the roof will fold up or down at speeds below 25mph, and there’s a display of all your nerdy G-force and acceleration numbers on screen, too.

“Perhaps more interesting is the introduction of Active Body Control, which we’ve seen elsewhere in the Merc range. It effectively leans the SL into corners to make the handling feel that bit sharper, while it also automatically lowers the car by 13mm as your speed rises to aid the aerodynamics.”

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