Kia Ray plug-in hybrid concept to debut in Chicago

Kia Motors has unveiled its “Ray” plug-in Hybrid concept at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, to highlight its innovative fuel-stretching and emissions-cutting technologies.

Following the Kia Borrego Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV), the Forte LPI Hybrid, the petrol cee’d Hybrid and the twin-turbo diesel Sorento Hybrid the “Ray” concept is a bold new collaboration between design and engineering and inventively showcases a futuristic four-seat compact saloon based on the Kia Forte platform.

Designed with lightweight and recycled materials, as well as hexagonal solar cells embedded in the glass roof panel to power extra lighting or climate control systems, the Kia “Ray” boasts a range of up to 746 miles.

“It is important to imagine early in the design process what people will want in the future from a green perspective. People want to reduce their carbon footprint without driving carbon copies,” said Peter Schreyer, Chief Design Officer for the Kia Motors Corporation.

“Being green doesn’t have to be an obvious statement anymore and the Kia “Ray” exemplifies a viable blend of modern, eco-minded features for today’s environmentally conscious consumers,” he added.The stylish, aerodynamic “Ray” combines design and engineering for maximum efficiency, incorporating clean, flush surfaces minimising unnecessary edges giving a flowing profile and a pronounced rear shoulder ending in a slightly higher deck for reduced drag.

The “Ray” also features touch-screen controls, drive-by-wire steering, “cool-glazing” solar glass and a lithium-polymer battery – all possible indicators of future technology from Kia.As a plug-in hybrid, “Ray” is designed to cover driving distances of more than 50 miles using just its electric motor on a single charge, and has a fuel economy rating of more than 202 miles per gallon for a total range of 746 miles.

Peugeot RCZ wins the most beautiful car of the year award 2009

Peugeot’s eagerly awaited RCZ Coupé has been voted the most beautiful car of the year 2009 at the 25th International Automobile Festival.

As part of the 25th International Automobile Festival, an online competition was created to select the most beautiful car of 2009. The Peugeot RCZ was selected from the votes cast by over 100,000 internet users in 62 different countries around the world.

It is the fourth time Peugeot has won this prestigious award, and in the year the marque is celebrating its 200 year anniversary.The International Automobile Festival was established in 1986. The Most Beautiful Car of the Year award was first launched in 1987.

Toyota Land Cruiser 2010 replaces V8 engine

Toyata recently announced the 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser is going to get a new engine and transmission option, retiring the long-running 4.7-litre V8 to replace it with a Lexus-derived 4.6-litre V8. The upgrade is only for the Japanese-market model currently, but may spread to GCC and other markets later.

The new Japan-spec 4.6-litre V8 dual VVT-i engine produces 318 hp at 5600 rpm and 460 Nm at 3400 rpm, mated to a new 6-speed automatic. The previous 4.7-litre made 288 hp and 445 Nm of torque, with a 5-speed auto. It is assumed that the 4WD system and other mechanicals remain the same.

It is unknown at this time whether the 2010 Land Cruiser for the UAE market will be receiving a similar engine change. Regardless of any changes, the big 4×4 will continue to be popular in Cruiser-crazy markets such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Renault Wind to be revealed at Geneva

The Renault Wind was originally concept car created by the French automobile manufacturer, Renault. The Wind was first introduced at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show as a 2+1 roadster.
On February 2nd, 2010, Renault announced that the Wind would enter production. It is set to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show on March 2nd, 2010. The production version will be a 2 seater, as opposed to the 2+1 seating of the concept car [1].
The concept uses a inline-4 engine that gives 136 horsepower (101 kW) and 141ft-lb (191 N·m) of torque. Other performance specifications of the wind, such as its top speed and its zero to sixty mph time, are unknown to the public.
Renault has not confirmed that this engine will be in the production version of the car

The concept Wind's design is like other Renault vehicles such as the performance versions of the Renault Clio and Mégane. The steering wheel and pedal assemblies in the concept are adjustable and fold away automatically when the door is opened for easier access. Producer is Erdenechulun.
The production version is styled very similarly to the concept car, however some changes have been made, such as a roll bar behind the seats, a spoiler, and other minor changes. The Wind will feature a one piece metal roof, that rotates 180° backwards (much like the Ferrari 575M Maranello Superamerica), as opposed to being made of several pieces like many other metal roof convertibles. Renault claims that it takes 12 seconds to fold the roof away, which is quite quick compared to most convertibles.