Cadillac Ciel Concept

The Cadillac Ciel Concept - pronounced "C-L," the French translation for sky - is a four-seat convertible that opens a new chapter in Cadillac's design and product ascent, pushing the brand's Art & Science philosophy into a new stratum. Ciel is a new expression of Cadillac's historical grandeur, as well as a celebration of open-air motoring.
"Large, expressive luxury is innate to Cadillac and the Ciel recalls that heritage, while suggesting where the brand can go in the future," said Clay Dean, global design director for Cadillac. "Authentic luxury is driven by experiences, not just products, and Ciel is about the experience of the journey."

The spacious and elegant Cadillac Ciel Concept is a grand gesture that explores themes driving Cadillac's explorations into range-topping flagship luxury. It is powered by a twin-turbocharged version of the 3.6-liter Direct Injection V-6 engine, paired with a hybrid system using lithium-ion battery technology.
Coastal inspiration
Driving California's Highway 1 in an open car while the sun sets, from Big Sur north to Monterey, is the type of journey the Ciel team envisioned during its design.
"The Ciel is about the romance of the drive," said Dean. "It emulates the great touring cars seen on the greens at Pebble Beach, but with a modern flair that projects Cadillac's vision for the future."
The four-door Cadillac Ciel Concept embraces the social aspects of a recreational journey, with generous room for two couples. It evokes the spirit of the classics with a long, low proportion. The doors are French-style, with the rear doors hinged at the rear - there is no B-pillar - to reveal a sweeping view of the dramatic interior. Distinguishing fender lines run from nose to tail, and nickel-plated bright work accents the body lines, enhancing the visual length of the car and honoring Cadillac touring cars of the past.
Cadillac Ciel Concept's exterior flows seamlessly into the cabin, with the body color rolling over on top of the interior door panels. Like the exterior, the passenger space is accented with sweeping nickel-plated trim. It divides the body-color upper sections from a complementing beige lower color. Italian Olive wood, machined aluminum and hand-tipped leather are elements that flow through the interior, complementing the primary colors with warm, rich tones.
"There is authentic craftsmanship in the way the exterior and interior elements meld, much like a vintage wooden boat," said Gael Buzyn, interior design manager. "It is romantic, not only in its form, but the materials - nothing smells as good as real wood and leather. It blends together for a rewarding feeling of uncompromising luxury."
Cadillac Ciel Concept literally and figuratively reflects the driving experience along the California coastline. The Cabernet paint color, developed specifically for Ciel, is inspired by the rich translucence of a glass of red wine held up to the sunlight.

A prominent, polished aluminum windshield frame serves as in important structural element of the vehicle, as well as aesthetic one, recalling classic open cars of the past. Additional exterior cues, including a shield grille and vertical lighting elements, are pure Cadillac, but suggest a more organic interpretation of the brand's signature design language that emphasizes the artistic and natural sides of it. The body sides, for example, are more rounded, sweeping upward. Bright work is used to bring contrast to the deep paint color, but plays a more supporting role.
The car rides on large, beautifully finished wheels that feature brushed nickel plating over milled billet aluminum, matching the materials and appearance of other trim. Carbon ceramic brake rotors are visible behind the 22-inch rims, a visual clue to the Ciel's foundation of performance.
And owing to Cadillac's heritage of advanced technology, the headlamps and taillamps feature LED lighting elements - including a unique daytime running light graphic on the front of the vehicle that is generated with gradated LED lighting.
Elegant, authentic details
Simplicity, authenticity and spaciousness were the guiding principles when it came to developing the Cadillac Ciel Concept's interior.
"With the Ciel, the journey is the thing, so the interior is a place of uncompromising comfort and elegance, with technology that only makes the journey more enjoyable," said Buzyn. "Simplicity and lightness ensure nothing distracts from the open driving experience, while the color and materials lend the feeling that the vehicle's environment blends with the surroundings."
A wheelbase of 125 inches - about 12 inches longer than a CTS sedan - provides generous space. Luxurious seats are bisected by a "floating" center console that runs from the instrument panel to the rear of the interior. It effectively creates a very personal space for each passenger and houses access to hidden connectivity portals for each person in the vehicle - allowing them to make dinner reservations, check the weather at their destination or even upload photos of the trip via social media sights.
Simplicity is also the watchword with the Cadillac Ciel Concept's instrument panel, which features a minimalist gauge cluster that doesn't impede or distract from the outward view. But while reserved in its form, it exemplifies Cadillac's attention to details and its priority on authentic materials. The climate vents, for example, are mostly hidden and their airflow is distributed indirectly.
Transparent gauges deliver their information within a detailed, brushed-aluminum housing that has the intricate depth of a high-quality chronograph. They offer dual readouts - analog and digital - as well as an information hierarchy. Additional interior features include:

• Sloping bolsters on the seats that allow passengers to slide into the seats more comfortably
• A personal device storage area on the front of the console with inductive charging and Bluetooth connectivity
• A power-assisted transmission shifter that deploys as soon as the engine is started
• Lighting in the armrests that combines a natural light well for daytime driving and ambient lighting for nighttime drives
• Door storage areas that are inspired by premium fashion accessories and open with high-quality zippers
• Pull-out blankets are available for all three passengers and retract automatically
• All the seats have heating and cooling features, along with a drawer containing sun lotion, sun glasses and towels, as well as aromatherapy that is controlled from the rear armrest.

But perhaps the defining element of the Ciel's cabin is the incorporation of Italian Olive wood on the doors, instrument panel, console and the front seatbacks, adding warmth and craftsmanship to a car designed to provoke an emotional response.
"Milled solid wood delivers richness and a sensual feeling of authenticity in the visual impact of the grain, its feel and aroma, which a veneer simply cannot," said Buzyn. "Even in our high-tech, connected world, luxury customers crave touches of old-world craftsmanship - the Cadillac Ciel Concept simply reflects that with a blend of the latest technology."
Italian Olive wood is a premium yet sustainable material and the material used in the Ciel came from a single fallen and recycled tree, from a west coast producer of premium olive oil. It was painstakingly prepared, including drying in a kiln, before it was cut for the concept vehicle. The numerous pieces were then photographed so that the grain could be matched precisely. Each component was hand-milled and finished by expert woodworking craftsmen.
The rear seating area is detailed with elegant flourishes. The rear seat passengers can pull a leather tab, which reveals a cashmere blanket that stretches across the seating area to ward off a chill. The wood trim in the rear center console opens to reveal a small humidor, stocked with a few cigars.
"From the materials used to create it to the space and experience it offers passengers, the Cadillac Ciel Concept represents a unique perspective on luxury, but not the only one," said Dean. "Along with other concepts, such as the ULC, Cadillac is demonstrating that the bandwidth of the Art & Science philosophy is wide, indeed - and we're going to make it even wider."
The Cadillac Ciel Concept was developed at GM Design's North Hollywood Design Center, which is managed by Frank Saucedo. Niki Smart was the lead exterior designer, with Buzyn leading interior development.

Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale

The Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale was unveiled at the 2003 Geneva Motorshow. It joined the Ferrari 360 Modena and the Ferrari 360 Spider in the Ferrari 8 cylinder range of road cars.
The Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale derives from the latest interpretation of the pure Ferrari tradition of making road cars directly derived from the race cars. With the Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale the racing expertise comes from the Ferrari Challenge International Championships and the FIA GT races, where the Ferrari 360 Challenge and 360 GT models are top protagonists, both in Europe and in the United States.
The strong links of the Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale road car to racing are underlined by a significant weight reduction, obtained also through a sporty set up and additional aerodynamic contents, enhanced braking performance and F1-style gearbox.

The engine is the 3,586cc V8, with five valves per cylinder and titanium conrods, which secured a worldwide success for the Ferrari 360 Modena and the 360 Spider. The all aluminium body and chassis are the ones designed and produced by Ferrari for the 360 Modena.

Mercedes C-Class Coupe

The expressive Mercedes C-Class Coupé sees Mercedes-Benz, now in its 125th year of corporate history, entering a new market segment and for the first time offering a compact, classic coupé. This youthful, sporty two-door car was unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.
The new model deploys the progressive technology featured on the soon to be launched new generation of the C-Class to deliver an impressive coupé format that combines pure fun at the wheel with exemplary efficiency. In terms of attitude, this debuting model is tailored to a customer group aged 35 to 45 for whom professional success, love of life and a strong sense of responsibility are all important.
"By extending the C-Class portfolio, we are consciously targeting new customers," says Dr Joachim Schmidt, Head of Sales and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Cars.

"The new model is youthful, stylish and dynamic. What we are offering is an exceptionally sporty way to enter the world of the Mercedes-Benz coupé."
The design: dynamic with classic coupé proportions
From the side, the new coupé beguiles the onlooker with its compact proportions, low silhouette (41 mm flatter than the saloon) with powerful shoulders and a narrow C-pillar in a classic three-box design. Typical coupé features include the short front overhang, long bonnet, steeply raked windscreen and long, stretched out roof. The cabin extends far beyond the rear axle over the rear window in its flat position to a sportily short tail end.

Subaru Outback

Launched in Europe in 1996, the Subaru Outback pioneered the 'Crossover' concept, combining the comfort, interior space and superior on-road handling of a family estate, with the off-road capability and ground clearance of a sports utility vehicle. This special blend of abilities has now been further refined.
The new Subaru Outback is longer, wider and taller than the model it replaces. It is also more capable and more engaging to drive on-and off-road, and offers increased space and comfort for all occupants.

While it retains the bold, assured stance of its forebears, the new Outback boasts a distinctive new 'face'. There's a prominent grille which features Subaru's now-trademark 'wing' motif. This bold detailing, coupled with a pair of ultra-modern, three-dimensional headlamps, gives the go-anywhere vehicle a refined yet purposeful look.
In profile, the Subaru Outback's premium feel continues thanks to muscular, flared wheel arches, standard-fit 17-inch alloys, and a chrome-framed glass-house. Its roofline sweeps towards the rear, where it meets new body-coloured D-pillars.
On the inside, you'll find a sophisticated interior design that perfectly complements the new Subaru Outback's subtly muscular exterior lines. Subaru's design team focused heavily on producing a feeling of spaciousness and quality and, thanks to several improvements such as increased seat adjustability, softer cushioning and reductions in NVH levels, the Subaru Outback's cabin is an even more luxurious and cosseting place in which to travel.

Jaguar Land Rover Factory Expansion in the UK

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) that is part of the Tata Group will expand by building new factories in the East, Midlands, England. Thus it will become the fourth country JLR and the establishment of production facilities as well as efforts to reduce dependence on the component which is the owner of JLR Ford before.

As reported by caradvice, Tuesday (20/09/2011), JLR invest 400 million pounds, equivalent to Rp 5, 6 trillion and will hire 2000 new employees as well as 1200 new jobs at the other businesses associated with the supplier. When the plant as planned will stand in Wolverhampton and can operate within two years.

Establishment of new plants will not only increase the JLR economically, but also will become part of one form of political impetus for the government to a coalition to improve the aspect of increasing the country's economy.

The new plant has not been officially announced, but the JLR claimed that the plant will produce new engines. That way the plant will be the rival Ford who had been supplying engines for various models

Citroen DS5

Citroën has revealed the eagerly anticipated third model in its innovative and distinctive DS line: Citroën DS5. Designed to express the full extent of Citroën's 'Créative Technologie', Citroën DS5 combines ground-breaking style, rewarding driving dynamics and exceptional refinement with innovative engineering solutions.Citroën DS5 is the first Citroën model to feature HYbrid4 diesel hybrid technology, providing enhanced performance and class leading environmental credentials. The advanced HYbrid4 system delivers 200bhp; four-wheel drive capability; emission-free electric power for the city; and an acceleration boost function for the open road - with total CO2 emissions of just 99g/km.The DS line has already redefined expectations in the supermini segment with DS3, and combines the style of a coupé and the flexibility of a five-door hatchback with DS4. Progressing to the executive segment, Citroën DS5 targets customers looking for a truly bold and assertive car with a resolutely modern approach to vehicle design.

Based on the futuristic and magical C-SportLounge concept, DS5 bringstrue technological innovation to its class.The dynamic exterior reflects a modern expression of status and promises enhanced driving pleasure. Flowing lines, a sleek profile and muscular wheel arches - which wrap themselves around the large (16" to 19") alloy wheels - give Citroën DS5 an undoubted air of refined confidence.The assertive front end instantly identifies Citroën DS5 as a member of the DS family. There is an oversized air intake, a large chrome-finished grille housing the chevrons and a new LED light signature. A distinguishing feature, DS5 boasts chrome-finished 'sabre' inserts stretching from the top of each headlamp to the windscreen.The rear design takes Citroën DS5's on-road presence to yet another level. The car stands firmly on wide tracks, emphasised by two tail pipes built into the rear bumper and highlighted by a rear signature featuring six light guides.Citroën DS5 is equally charismatic inside, with a remarkable cabin fully consistent with the exterior styling. The driver-focused cockpit features a coupé-like driving position with a near-vertical steering wheel and a wide central console. Citroën DS5 instantly fires the imagination. An array of buttons, switches, scroll wheels and toggles are grouped on two central consoles, one low down and one above the driver's head, 'pilot-style'. A simple push on the START button brings the interior to life. The colour Head-Up Display projects essential information into the driver's line of sight and the ambient lighting bathes the cockpit in a heady mix of red and white.

Most importantly, Citroën DS5 benefits from Citroën's expertise in quality and refinement. Each detail has been carefully considered, with premium materials such as fine-grain Club leather and exclusive designs like the 'watchstrap' seat upholstery - a signature touch of the DS line that is unique to the market.Reconciling fun at the wheel with comfort and practicality, Citroën DS5 opens up new horizons with pioneering architecture, including: * A sleek, compact body (4.52m long, 1.85m wide) and a driving position worthy of a Gran Turismo coupé. * A roomy boot (up to 465 litres VDA) reminiscent of a Sportwagon. * Five real seats, four doors and all the access and modularity of a hatchback.For its motor show debut in Shanghai, DS5 appears in a one-off livery as the Citroën DS5 White Pearl. The cabin features ebony-coloured full-grain leather, contrasting subtly with silver-flecked overstitching. Interior detailing includes decorative inserts in Markassa ebony and a highly reflective fascia, created by applying several layers of lacquer. Citroën DS5 White Pearl also sports specially designed 20-inch alloy wheels.