Industry News: 2012 Paris Motor Show Debrief: Day 0

[William Maley 914]

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William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

September 26, 2012

The calm before the storm that is the auto show season. The beginning point is the Paris Motor Show which begins tomorrow. However, some automaker have made the decision to reveal some of their products and concepts a day earlier. The automakers include Jaguar, Bentley, and Porsche.

Lets dive in

Next: Jaguar

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Jaguar's showing for Paris was the new F-Type. Rumored for many years, Jaguar has finally brought a small, two-seat roadster to the market.

Design draws a lot of inspiration from the C-X16 concept shown last year at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The front end features a bulging hood with vents, vertical xenon headlights, and vents. The rear-end has unique taillights that wrap around and a spoiler that rises up at speed.

Inside, the F-Type has a driver-oriented dash layout and a grab-pull besides the center stack. Jaguar also fitted center air vents that deploy when the HVAC systems deems it necessary.

Power will come either two V6s or a V8, all supercharged.

• F-Type: Supercharged V6 - 340 HP, 332 lb-ft
  
• F-Type S: Supercharged V6 - 380 HP, 339 lb-ft
  
• F-Type V8 S:Supercharged V8 - 495 HP, 460 lb-ft
  

The only transmission choice is a eight-speed automatic transmission with paddles.

The F-Type uses an aluminum structure which brings forth added rigidity and light weight (3,520 lbs)

The new F-Type arrives in the U.S. next summer as a 2014 model.

Next: Bentley

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Bentley's showing was their new Continental GT3 race car. Using the Continental GT as a base, Bentley threw out the AWD system and goes for RWD layout. Bentley also says the car is equipped with an aero package to allow the vehicle to cut through the wind. Powertrain wasn't revealed.

Bentley says the Continental GT3 has the full support of the FIA nd will be “eligible for a range of race series, up to and including 24-hour marathons."

The Continental GT3 starts a test season next year.

Next: Porsche

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Porsche's showing was the Panamera Sport Turismo Concept or a Panamera wagon.

The Panamera Sport Turismo Concept design extends the roofline, amount of glass, and adds a tailgate. It won't win any best design awards, but its better than the current Panamera.

Power comes from a upgraded hybrid system from the current Panamera and Cayenne that produces a combined 410 HP and 67.2 MPG on the European test cycle.

Porsche hints that the Panamera Sport Turismo Concept "is an outlook on a possible Porsche sports car of tomorrow," meaning that what we're seeing here could be what the next Panamera will look like.

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Releases for the F-Type, Continental GT3 and Panamera Sport Turismo Concept are on Pages 4, 5, and 6.

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26 September 2012

JAGUAR F-TYPE UNVEILED AT THE 2012 PARIS MOTOR SHOW

At-A-Glance

• The F-TYPE is an all-new two-seat Jaguar soft-top convertible sports car

• Front-engine, lightweight aluminum architecture and rear-wheel drive, the F-TYPE is engineered to be a true high-performance sports car

• Three models will be available – F-TYPE, F-TYPE S and the F-TYPE V8 S, powered respectively by the new Jaguar supercharged 3-liter V6 engine in 340hp and 380hp outputs and a 495hp 5-liter supercharged V8

• The convertible top folds in 12 seconds at speeds up to 30 MPH

• Constructed on the fourth generation of Jaguar lightweight aluminum architecture. Torsional and lateral stiffness have been prioritized to maximize handling agility

• The F-TYPE introduces a new sports car design language for Jaguar, with bold, clean lines accented by the discreet use of technology, including a deployable rear spoiler and hidden door handles

• Exciting performance, with 0-to-60 in 5.1 seconds for the F-TYPE, 4.8 for the S model and 4.2 for the V8 S. The V8 S has a top track speed of 186 mph2

• All engines drive through an eight-speed 'Quickshift' automatic transmission, with a center console-mounted SportShift gear selector and steering wheel-mounted paddles for full manual control

• Available Configurable Dynamics program allows the driver to tailor a number of the dynamic features to personal taste and includes displays for lap timer and G-meter functions1, 2

• Driver-focused interior melds classic sports car feel with high-tech controls

• Jaguar F-TYPE to arrive in U.S. market in summer 2013

"Jaguar is a founding member of the sports car segment with a rich sporting bloodline stretching over 75 years, and in the F-TYPE we've reignited that flame. The F-TYPE isn't designed to be like anyone else's sports car. It's a Jaguar sports car – ultra-precise, powerful, sensual and, most of all, it feels alive."

Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar

The new Jaguar F-TYPE represents a return to the company's heart: a two-seat, convertible sports car focused on performance, agility and driver involvement. The F-TYPE is a continuation of a sporting bloodline that stretches back more than 75 years and encompasses some of the most beautiful, thrilling and desirable sports cars ever built. Joining the XK convertible and coupe models, the new F-TYPE provides Jaguar with a broader line of sports and GT models.

The 2013 Jaguar F-TYPE combines low vehicle weight (starting at 3,521 pounds), high power (340hp, 380hp and 495hp versions) and superb aerodynamics to achieve a pure sports car experience, yet with Jaguar elegance and luxury.

A true two-seat sports car, the all-new Jaguar F-TYPE is equipped with a modern, lightweight soft top that, when lowered, serves as its own tonneau cover. This not only provides a weight savings, but also improves packaging and contributes to the car's low center of gravity for greater agility. The top can be fully raised or lowered in just 12 seconds at speeds of up to 30 mph. Its multi-layer construction includes a Thinsulate® lining for optimal thermal and sound-insulating properties.

EXTERIOR DESIGN

Jaguar cars have always defined sinuous, muscular elegance, and the F-TYPE continues -- and advances -- this tradition with new, assertive design language. Two "heartlines" define, in just two bold strokes, both the profile and top-down view of the F-TYPE. The main "heartline" theme begins in the blade dissecting the shark-like gills on either side of the grille. This first heartline runs up and forms the sharp top crease of the fender line, which provides sight lines that aid the driver in cornering maneuvers. It leads the eye along the top of the front fender, which is emphasized by the headlamp design, and then into the door and toward the rear of the car where it gracefully disappears.

This sweeping line is mirrored by the feature line that runs back from the side vent. Along with "lightcatcher" surface detailing above the sill, the line instills a sense of speed to the car. The lightcatcher surface detailing also allows the door surface to wrap around the side of the car, creating a fuselage effect.

The second "heartline" swells out to form the muscular rear haunch before sweeping dramatically around the rear of the car. The clean, sleek lines of the tail are made possible in part by the inclusion of an active rear spoiler that deploys at speed to reduce aerodynamic lift. The spoiler rises when the F-TYPE reaches 60 mph and then lowers to fit flush when the speed drops below 40 mph. Further discreet aerodynamic aids include a front splitter and a sculpted rear valance.

"Every aspect of a sports car, dimensionally, allows us to create something that is visually exciting; visceral as well as physical. To me the definition of sports car design is being fit for purpose, wrapping up the occupants and mechanicals in the most exciting, beautiful and sensual package possible with no unnecessary surfaces or adornment. A piece of design should tell a story and this is why every line in the F-TYPE has a start, a direction and a conclusion. If you approach every line individually and get it as aesthetically correct as possible, get the dimensions right, it will stand the test of time."

Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar

The headlights run vertically rather than horizontally, which leads the eye naturally up and along the fender crease. Technology has facilitated the design language of the F-TYPE; the compact xenon unit requires just one projector, while the J-Blade LED running lights further emphasize the design of the heartline running through the lamp.

The grille leans slightly forward to create a suggestion of motion when the car is stationary. The lower edge of the clamshell hood forms the top of the side vent. The mesh in the grille and side vents is a hexagonal design that gives greater form and depth.

The hidden, automatically deploying door handles support the design purity. The handles remain flush with the door panel until activated by either unlocking the car with the key fob or touching a touch-sensitive area of the handle. Their automatic deployment provides a mechanical "handshake," inviting the driver and passenger to enter. Once the car is moving, the handles retract to leave an uninterrupted aerodynamic surface.

Full LED rear lamps create a new Jaguar sports car signature by reinterpreting classic cues from the past. By wrapping the lights around to the trailing edge of the rear wheel arch, the car's powerful rear-wheel drive stance is emphasized. Reflecting the way the front grille leans forward, the tail tucks inward, reinforcing the impression that the car is poised to leap forward.

Differing exhaust and tailpipe designs distinguish the V6 and V8 variants of the F-TYPE. The V6 models feature twin center outlets in a nod to the classic Jaguar E-TYPE introduced in 1961. The boldest exhaust finishers ever fitted to a Jaguar, these are stamped from a single piece of stainless steel, creating an unbroken gleaming surface. The V8 S model exclusively features four outboard-mounted exhaust outlets, with twin outlets on each side.

Further detail differentiation between the three variants is found in the exterior trim. The F-TYPE V6 model is marked by satin black trim elements in the grilles, vents, front splitter and rear valance, while the two 'S' models receive gloss-black finishes in these areas. The V6 model features standard 18-inch alloy wheels, with 19-inch and 20-inch wheels standard for the S and V8 S, respectively, and available as options for the V6. The V8 S also receives additional aerodynamic features, including front vanes beneath the shark gills and flat side sill extensions to manage airflow.

"This is the car that, as a team, we have always wanted to do. It was very much a team operation because we work very closely together and have a strong shared aesthetic. To begin with, I will let people express themselves as to what they think a Jaguar sports car should look like. Of course I will have a view in my head but I won't impose that on them. It's important because great things come out of it. It's an iterative process, it's about problem solving. Not just the functional and the practical but how to make that line work with that one or that form with another. The whole process is very intimate, very detailed and comes from the first sketches."

Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar

ALUMINUM STRUCTURE

Jaguar, which has innovated the use of aluminum body structures, built the new F-TYPE around its most advanced rigid and lightweight aluminum architecture to date. Jaguar engineers applied more than a decade's worth of aluminum construction experience to achieve the twin goals for the F-TYPE of low mass and an extremely rigid body.

Key to this was the further development of alloy technology. AC300, a 6000-series aluminum alloy, was specifically selected for parts of the F-TYPE to meet these goals. The F-TYPE structure is riveted and bonded, and this manufacturing process emits up to 80-percent less CO2 compared to that from welding a comparable steel structure.

In addition to the structural alloy, Jaguar further developed an AC600 aluminum panel alloy in order to deliver the desired design language. This AC600 alloy offers robustness and quality of finish but with a great degree of formability. The effects can be seen in the clarity and tightness of radii and feature lines. It was the radius tightness of just 8mm that allowed the engineers to reproduce the car's "heartlines" exactly as the designers had intended.

Aluminum construction, including all-aluminum double wishbone front and rear suspensions, helps endow the F-TYPE with an ideal balance, which enhances the agility demanded of a pure sports car. The new structural alloys used in the F-TYPE construction results in high rigidity. Using detailed Computer Aided Engineering programs, Jaguar achieved lateral stiffness gains of up to 30 percent in key areas, such as the front suspension mounting points, compared to other Jaguar models. This rigidity provides a precision foundation for a finely tuned suspension system to deliver a superb driver connectivity and fidelity of response.

Significantly, the beautiful clamshell hood, an exotic signature feature of the F-TYPE and where the front heartline begins, is a one-piece stamping, made using a 1,000-ton press. Jaguar developed other new manufacturing techniques in order to deliver both the design and structural integrity engineered into the F-TYPE. A new process, known as "warm forming", is used to produce the inner door stamping. The ordinary stamping process with cold metal could not achieve the desired shape. Jaguar engineers developed a method in which the metal is heated to 500°F (260°C) before pressing. As a result, the desired shape and structure are achieved from one large pressing rather than numerous smaller ones, reducing complexity and weight.

The F-TYPE employs more composite materials than in any previous Jaguar, with structures under the sill and the trunk lid constructed from high-strength polymers. Extensive analysis throughout the car's structure, powertrain, body and convertible roof contributed to the overall vehicle weight of about 3,521 pounds (1,597 kg). Concentrating as much of the mass as possible within the wheelbase by minimizing the front and rear overhangs also contributes to the car's agility and stability.

Aluminum forms a great part of the commitment Jaguar has made to sustainability. More than half the content of the car comes from recycled or reclaimed metal. In addition, Jaguar is rolling out its closed-loop recycling system to its suppliers, ensuring all waste metal from the manufacturing process is reused.

"We are creating a new generation of Jaguar sports car so it has to be credible from both a performance and design point of view. It has to deliver, it has to be a great handling car with a stiff, rigid platform underpinning and it has to look every inch an icon. For our team the greatest satisfaction was delivering a structure that underpinned the desired performance attributes - ride, handling and agility – by increasing stiffness and at the same time reducing weight.

We also worked hard to deliver the designers' vision. The biggest design challenge was the hood. Not only is it a one-piece pressing, it's where the first heartline begins. When we produced that stamping, we all stood around the gloss black painted hood under the high intensity lights and the designers said to us, 'yes, that's what we wanted' and the tooling engineers said, 'we can make that'. That was us working at our best; delivering the design proposition in high volumes."

Mark White, Chief Engineer, Body Complete

PERFORMANCE

The F-TYPE showcases the new supercharged Jaguar engines, a 3-liter supercharged V6 in 340hp and 380hp states of tune and the 5-liter supercharged V8 in the F-TYPE V8 S with 495hp and 460 ft-lbs of torque. All are equipped with the new Intelligent Stop/Start system to enhance fuel economy under certain driving conditions.

The 340hp version of the supercharged V6, which debuted in the 2013 XJ and XF sedans, produces 332 ft-lbs of torque at 3,500-5,500 rpm. The 380hp version, exclusive to the F-TYPE, produces 339 ft-lbs of torque at 3,500-5,500 rpm. The V8 produces an even broader torque curve, with 460 ft-lbs produced over the 2,500-5,500 rpm range.

The 340hp V6 model can accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in 5.1 seconds (0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds). The 380hp S model lowers that to 4.8 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds), and the V8 S can hit 60 mph from rest in just 4.2 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds). Electronically limited maximum track speeds are 161 mph (260 km/h), 171 mph (275 km/h) and 186 mph (300 km/h), respectively, for the V6, V6 S and V8 S models.2

In addition to rapid zero-to-60 acceleration, the new Jaguar supercharged engines give the F-TYPE outstanding merging and passing performance. The 340hp V6 model will go from 50 to 75 mph in just 3.3 seconds; the 380hp S version in 3.1 and the V8 S model in 2.5 seconds. 2

Based on the Jaguar 5-liter V8 engine, the 3-liter V6 shares its all-alloy construction. The lightweight die-cast aluminum block is stiffened with cross-bolted main bearing caps, increasing rigidity and refinement. A system of counter-rotating front and rear balancer weights help give the new supercharged V6 the smoothness and refinement characteristics of the V8 on which it is based.

The supercharged V6 and V8 engines combine high compression, direct fuel injection, dual independent variable cam timing (DIVCT) and a supercharger to deliver their high levels of performance and efficiency. A twin vortex supercharger is mounted in the engine's "V", and a water-cooled intercooler reduces the temperature of the intake air to optimize power and efficiency. The supercharged V6 uses a higher compression ratio than the V8, 10.5:1 vs. 9.5:1.

In both the V6 and V8, the aluminum cylinder heads package an innovative valve control system. The dual independent variable cam timing (DIVCT) system is activated by the positive and negative torques generated by the movement of the intake and exhaust valves, allowing exceptionally quick actuation rates of more than 150 degrees per second throughout the rev range.

Spray-guided direct injection delivers precisely measured quantities of fuel directly into the center of the combustion chambers at pressures of up to 150bar (2175 psi) , creating a more homogenous air-fuel mixture for cleaner and more efficient combustion. This is aided by spark plugs that are precisely indexed both in relation to the injector and within the combustion chamber.

Intelligent Stop/Start

The new Intelligent Stop/Start system offers fuel economy benefits under certain urban driving conditions. Stop/Start uses a twin solenoid starter, enabling the system to restart the engine quickly as the driver's foot to move from the brake pedal to the accelerator. There is also a strategy for engine stop-start "change of mind" scenarios. This will bring the engine back up to speed even during its run-down phase if, for instance, the car is coming to a halt at an intersection when the driver sees an opportunity to join the traffic flow. As the engine is shutting down, but before it has completely stopped, it can rapidly restart by injecting fuel into the cylinders.

Active Exhaust

Standard for the V6 S and V8 S models and optional for the V6, an Active Exhaust system enhances the exhaust note. Electronically controlled bypass valves in the rear section of the exhaust open under hard acceleration, effectively providing a free-flowing straight-through arrangement. At cruising speeds, the valves will close, retaining a powerful exhaust note with comfortable sound levels.

Eight-speed 'Quickshift' Automatic Transmission

With eight closely spaced ratios in the Quickshift automatic transmission, the F-TYPE driver can select a gear which will keep the engine within its optimal power band. The transmission was specifically tuned by Jaguar for the F-type to prioritize acceleration. The V6 S model has a slightly lower (higher numerical) final drive ratio, 3.31:1 vs. 3.15:1 than the standard V6 model.

The entire drivetrain of the F-TYPE – up to and including tire contact patches – is tuned for optimal response to allow for ultra-fast transient torque delivery, which provides the driver with a high degree of responsive feedback. Importantly, once the transmission has shifted into second gear, a locking clutch bypasses the torque convertor, creating a direct mechanical link between the engine and the rear wheels. The Quickshift system enhances the sense of connectivity by ensuring sharp, immediate shifting performance via rapid and precisely timed engine torque intervention.

The operating parameters of the transmission are determined by the adaptive shift strategy that has 25 different programs available to it, depending on driving style and road conditions. The transmission can detect the manner in which the car is being driven by monitoring acceleration and braking, cornering forces, throttle and brake pedal activity, road load, kick-down request and even whether the car is being driven up or down hill. On detecting a more spirited driving style, the transmission will automatically make the shifts more aggressive and move the shift points higher.

In order to maintain the car's balance during a downshift, the transmission will instruct the engine management system to automatically blip the throttle to match engine revs. This function also allows the transmission to perform multiple and very rapid downshifts during hard braking. Corner Recognition senses when the F-TYPE is negotiating a curve, the transmission holding its ratio to ensure the correct gear for the exit. The transmission will also recognize when the car is performing a series of overtaking maneuvers requiring rapid changes in throttle position. Rather than upshift, the transmission will hold a lower gear to remain ready for the next demand for acceleration.

Manual override of the transmission is available to the driver at any time, using either the steering wheel-mounted paddles or the console-mounted selector. Moving the shift selector to the left gate accesses manual mode, in which the driver pulls the lever rearward for an upshift and pushes forward for a downshift. If Dynamic Mode is also selected on the Jaguar Drive Controller, the transmission will not automatically shift up at the engine's redline and will only downshift to prevent engine stalling, leaving control fully in the hands of the driver.

A Configurable Dynamics option is another first for a Jaguar. This allows the driver to select which elements of the Dynamic Mode are wanted so, for instance, the steering weight and throttle response can be sharpened while allowing the ride on models with Adaptive Dynamics to remain unchanged. Configurable Dynamics also adds functionality to the central touchscreen aimed at track use of the car. The system allows drivers to record lap and split times and will provide information on throttle and brake inputs and even G-forces generated. 1,2

Dynamic Launch Mode

The Jaguar F-TYPE S offers Dynamic Launch Mode for track-driving activities. When the car is stationary, the driver depresses the brake pedal while simultaneously building engine speed with the accelerator until a message reading 'Dynamic Launch Ready' appears in the instrument panel. That signals that the traction control has been set to help facilitate maximum acceleration. Releasing the brake while flooring the accelerator pedal keeps Dynamic Launch Mode engaged for maximum acceleration performance until the driver releases the pedal. 1,2

Limited-Slip Differentials

A mechanical limited-slip differential is fitted as standard to the F-TYPE S, which offers driver the opportunity to explore the car's superb balance and outer limits of its grip within a progressive handling envelope.

The V8 S model is fitted with an active electronic controlled differential to maximize traction and offer even greater control. Inside the differential, an electric motor acts on a multi-plate clutch to transfer torque to the wheel with the most grip. Fully automatic in operation, the system can apply full locking torque almost instantaneously. Working in conjunction with the stability, traction and ABS systems, it allows for very fine control of power delivery and always makes the most use of available grip.1

Braking

The three versions of the F-TYPE offer progressively more powerful braking systems, all with the high levels of pedal feedback required for accurate modulation. The Jaguar Performance system fitted to the 340hp F-TYPE has 13.9-inch (354mm) front and 12.8-inch (325mm) rear brake discs with silver painted calipers. The F-TYPE S uses the Jaguar High Performance system, gaining larger 15-inch (380mm) brake discs at the front.

The F-TYPE V8 S uses the Super High Performance system with the largest set of brake discs fitted as standard to a Jaguar production car, including the 15-inch (380mm) front and 14.8-inch (376mm) rear. All cars are fitted as standard with ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist.

Jaguar engineers used Computational Fluid Dynamics to optimize brake-cooling using directed cooling air. Cold air is channeled to the brake discs via the air intakes flanking the grille and by the use of aerodynamically shaped suspension components to direct airflow beneath the car.

HANDLING DYNAMICS

The aluminum structure of the F-TYPE ensures the best possible connection for the driver to the road. Every response from the steering to the transmission shifting, throttle, brakes and suspension has been finely honed to be as connected, accurate and involving as possible.

"Fundamentally, a great sports car is one you'll look forward to driving because it's fun, and the F-TYPE definitely delivers on that score. We've worked hard to make sure that responses to steering, throttle and

brakes are absolutely immediate, a task made far easier by the rigid aluminum structure at the car's base. It's precise and exciting, a car that you'll want to drive for the sake of driving alone – and it sounds fantastic."

Mike Cross, Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity, Jaguar

Agility in the Jaguar F-TYPE begins with its dimensions, which give the car a planted, "wheels pushed to the corners" stance. The F-TYPE measures 176 inches (4,470mm) in length on a 103.2-in. (2,622 mm) wheelbase. The track is wider in rear than front, 64.1-in. (1,585mm) and 62.4-in. (1,627mm), respectively.

Short front and rear overhangs also help in concentrating the mass within the wheelbase, reducing the moment of inertia and making the car much more immediate to turn in. To fully exploit this trait, Jaguar engineers paid particular attention to optimizing front-to-rear weight distribution. To that end, both the battery and windshield washer fluid reservoir have been placed in the trunk, rather than under the hood.

To give the steering the greatest accuracy in response and feedback, the F-TYPE uses an alloy front sub frame and very stiff front knuckles, also in aluminum. This arrangement allowed the fitment of the quickest steering rack ever used on a modern Jaguar, giving the driver a very connected-to-the-road feeling.

Every Jaguar is engineered and tuned to achieve an excellent balance between ride comfort and handling. In the F-TYPE, that balance naturally tips in favor of involving, accessible handling while still maintaining excellent ride compliance. The Dynamic Mode enables the driver – at the push of a button – to emphasize the sporting character of the car by sharpening throttle response, increasing steering weighting, performing gear changes more quickly and higher up the rev range and by also raising the threshold for stability control intervention. Dynamic mode also prevents automatic upshifts when the gearbox is shifted into manual mode.1

Additionally, the F-TYPE S and V8 S models are fitted with the Jaguar Adaptive Dynamics suspension damping system that controls vertical body movement, roll and pitch rates. The system continuously monitors driver inputs and the attitude of the F-TYPE on the road, adjusting damper rates accordingly up to 500 times a second to optimize stability and agility. The Dynamic Mode in these models also provides firmer damper rates through the Adaptive Dynamics system. 1

"Jaguar has a unique legacy of sports cars so the global expectations for the F-TYPE are immense. Developing it was therefore not just a great privilege but also a huge challenge. A Jaguar sports car is more than speed in its absolute sense; it is about its agility and its reactions to driver inputs, those millisecond responses to create a connection with the vehicle. This pure and predictable level of response is what enables the driver to exploit the potential and capabilities of the car as well as their own. Amongst the many test locations we use is our dedicated development center at the Nürburgring Nordschleife – a circuit unique in the demands it places on a vehicle. As well as being a very high-speed test facility, it is also very demanding of the transmission, the chassis and the brakes, allowing us to really exploit and test those final few tenths of the F-TYPE's abilities. Asking questions of every element of the F-TYPE's performance attributes allowed us to hone them as a holistic, integrated package."

Ian Hoban, Vehicle Line Director

DRIVER ENVIRONMENT

The F-TYPE asymmetric cabin layout reflects the sharp focus on the driver. The aim was to create an enveloping cockpit for the driver with all the controls placed naturally to hand and logically grouped, allowing maximum attention on the driving experience.

A grab handle sweeps down the center console on the passenger side, delineating it from the driver's position and wrapping around the center console. Different finishes in the driver and passenger areas are used, including a different grain on top of the instrument panel and center console than that found on the passenger side. In the S and V8 S models, the main control interfaces – the Engine Start button, steering wheel mounted gearshift paddles and Dynamic Mode toggle – are highlighted in an "Ignis" orange finish, similar to that used on the markings on professional divers' watches. The controls are ergonomically grouped by function, enabling the driver to more easily use them without diverting eyes from the road.

"We wanted the experience of sitting in the F-TYPE to be exciting. A sports car cockpit should be an intimate place and so we aimed to get a sense of the surfaces falling towards and then wrapping around the driver. What we've done is given it the essence and spirit of doing what you want to do rather than what's expected of you. The more processed this world becomes, the more important that is."

Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar

A small-diameter three-spoke steering wheel will also be available in a flat-bottom design, as part of an optional Performance Pack. Numerals on the tachometer are larger and bolder than those on the speedometer, to enhance visibility when for shifting. A TFT LCD screen between the two dials provides further information for the driver.

Rotary dials control the heating and air conditioning for each side of the car. A display screen within the two dials indicates temperature and mode. The controls are dual-purpose: in cars fitted with heated seats, pushing the left or right hand dial controls temperature for that seat. A row of toggle switches below the dials control additional climate functions, their design echoing classic Jaguar sports cars. The air vents on top of the dashboard are hidden, and will deploy by rising out of the dashboard only when instructed to by either the driver or climate control system, staying tucked discreetly out of sight in other circumstances.

Switches are finished in soft-feel matte black with white markings for maximum legibility, and the highlight accents are deliberately understated satin chrome and dark aluminum. The two S models feature darker finishes than in the standard V6 F-TYPE.

Sports seats feature power recline and height adjustment with manual control of fore/aft movement, a nod to weight reduction. Available Performance seats can be ordered with additional side bolstering for greater support during high-force cornering. Both seat types can also be optioned with full power adjustment, including adjustable lumbar and side support. The car's driving position is 20mm lower than in the Jaguar XKR-S, lowering the center of gravity and allowing the driver to feel more connected to the car.

The F-TYPE is available with two audio systems from premium British audio experts Meridian™. These offer either 10 or 12 speakers with outputs of 380 watts and 770 watts, respectively. The Meridian™ systems benefit from the company's experience in digital signal processing to create life-like audio reproduction. The top of the range offering also features the Meridian™ Trifield System, which places both occupants at the center of their own perfectly focused surround sound field.

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BENTLEY RETURNS TO MOTORSPORT WITH RACING GT

• Bentley unveils new Continental GT3 concept racer
  
• Based on Bentley’s fastest ever road car - the new GT Speed
  
• FIA-approved concept with 2013 test programme in development
  

(Paris, 26 September 2012). At the 2002 Paris Motor Show, the unveiling of the Continental GT concept took the world by storm and opened an exciting new chapter in Bentley’s history. Now, ten years on, Bentley is repeating the same feat with a Continental-based GT3 race car currently being developed by a dedicated motorsport team at the company’s factory in Crewe.

Signalling Bentley’s return to the racetrack for the first time since its historic sixth Le Mans victory in 2003, Continental GT3 remains faithful to the company’s founding motorsport philosophy of developing racing cars from their road-going counterparts.

Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive, comments: “The clear message from our customers is that Bentley belongs on the racetrack, and the Continental GT3 is the realisation of a dream we’ve had ever since the launch of the Continental GT. The new GT Speed is the perfect car for us to develop into a racer, and our work so far has shown huge potential. The Continental GT3 is set to show the world what the Continental GT is capable of in its most extreme form, and establishes a solid foundation for Bentley’s long-term motorsport plans.”

The new Continental GT Speed is a refined, luxury grand tourer but which, if the driver demands, has a distinctly hard-edged sporting character. With exceptional levels of instantly accessible performance, the GT Speed, the fastest road-going Bentley ever, is a supercar that can be used every day, whatever the weather and road conditions. The Continental GT3 concept capitalises on the prodigious performance, outstanding high-speed stability and renowned durability of Bentley’s iconic coupe, while tailoring its specification for the track with the adoption of a rear-wheel drive chassis in accordance with the regulations, state-of-the-art motorsport hardware and a comprehensive aerodynamic package. The dramatic livery of the car enhances the muscular, sculpted form of the Continental GT Speed while remaining proudly patriotic with the inclusion of Union flags.

With the Continental GT3 concept receiving the full support of the FIA, Bentley is returning to the motorsport arena towards the end of 2013 with a GT race car capable of competing with the very best, in the true Bentley tradition.

Equipped for endurance as well as outright speed, the new Bentley competitor will be eligible to race in a range of race series and events, up to and including 24-hour marathons.

Heading the development of the Continental GT3 is Bentley’s Director of Chassis, Powertrain and Motorsport, Brian Gush. Having led the programme that famously saw a brace of Bentley Speed 8 prototype racers take a dominant and dramatic one/two at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2003, Brian is well placed to lead Bentley’s return to competitive racing.

Development of the Continental GT3 will continue over the coming months in the build-up to the start of a test programme in 2013. More information and details about Bentley’s return to motorsport will be released in the near future.</p>

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PORSCHE PANAMERA SPORT TURISMO

Porsche is presenting the Panamera Sport Turismo concept car to show how amazingly intelligent and efficient drive technology might look in the design language of tomorrow. The Sport Turismo unites the next generation hybrid drive with new ideas for an evolutionary, sporty body concept; it combines Porsche performance with comprehensive everyday practicality.

Body: sports appeal and functionality in further developed design

The body concept of the Panamera Sport Turismo is an outlook on a possible Porsche sports car of tomorrow: The overhangs are short, and the boot lid is large – both sporty and functional. The concept car combines the dimensions of a premium vehicle with the interior comfort of the luxury class. The Sport Turismo is 1,990 mm wide, a low 1,401 mm in height and 4,950 mm long. Its direction indicators and sidelights are integrated in C-shaped lighting units – known as C-Blades – mounted in the large air inlets at the front end. Together with four-point LED headlights in an innovative design, they define the front end appearance of the concept car.

The smooth and taut exterior skin is not interrupted by add-on parts – there are no conventional exterior mirrors. In their place, the Sport Turismo has two cameras mounted in the side air outlets whose images are shown on the displays in the cockpit. The rear body has been completely reshaped, yet it retains all of the characteristics of a Porsche. The rear lights in LED technology and the tail-light panel with the "Porsche" badge are sculpted in three dimensions, and the brake light is positioned between the four-point LED rear lights. Forming the roof termination is an adaptive carbon rear spoiler that produces improved downforce.

The new Liquid Metal Blue colour gives the concept car a surface that resembles liquid metal and highlights its contours and design lines more distinctly. The wheels in dual-spoke design have a bi-colour look, and the brake callipers are painted Acid Green. The hub locks of the wheels recall the origins of every Porsche – which is motorsport. "e-hybrid" badges on the sides refer to the car's drive concept, while the name "Sport Turismo" at the rear, Concept car Panamera Sport Turismo 1 framed in the same Acid Green colour, emphasises the car's concept character. The milled aluminium battery housing is mounted under the boot floor, which is made of electrochromatic glass and reveals a view of the energy source illuminated in Acid Green at the press of a button.

"e-hybrid" stands for plug-in hybrid technology from Porsche

The drive technology of the Panamera Sport Turismo completes the next development step towards the plug-in hybrid, symbolised by the "e-hybrid" badge on the front wings. The car's new ability to be charged from the electrical power grid has been combined with even higher performance components. The concept vehicle with its 416 hp (306 kW) of peak system power is designed to be driven in pure electric mode up to a speed of 130 km/h and can cover distances of over 30 km. The Sport Turismo also exhibits impressive fuel economy per the NEDC standard; its combined fuel consumption is less than 3.5 litres per 100 km, while CO2 emissions are under 82 g/km.

The drive system of the Panamera Sport Turismo is an advanced development of the parallel full hybrid that Porsche already implements today in the Panamera S Hybrid and Cayenne S Hybrid. The new electric motor produces about 70 kW (95 hp), which is around twice as much as in today's Porsche hybrid drive, while the three-litre V6 supercharged engine still produces 245 kW (333 hp) here. In their interplay, they accelerate the concept car from zero to 100 km/h in less than six seconds.

Power pack: lithium-ion battery with external charging capability

The electric power pack of the Sport Turismo e-hybrid consists of a lithium-ion battery whose performance is several times that of the nickel-hydride battery currently used in production, although it has practically the same dimensions. Its 9.4 Kilowatt-hours of energy storage capacity and high peak power enable faster acceleration, longer electric driving range and higher speeds when driving without the internal combustion engine.

The default operating mode of the e-hybrid prioritises all-electric driving, but the driver may deactivate this by pressing a special button on the steering wheel. In addition, when the car is being operated in hybrid mode the driver can select the e-charge mode by pressing the steering wheel button to intentionally intensify charging of the high-voltage battery.

This is especially useful when one section of the driving route on a motorway is followed by a section through a city that should be driven in pure electric mode without local emissions. In the e-charge mode, the internal combustion engine charges the battery by load point shifting, while satisfying rational energy management criteria.

As a plug-in hybrid, the fluid-cooled lithium-ion battery is not only charged while driving; it can also be externally charged within 2.5 hours (depending on the power supply) via a charging interface on the vehicle. Porsche systematically thought through all aspects of the concept car's plug-in system; it utilises a universal charger (AC) that is wall-mounted in a home garage and has a standardised charging plug.

Familiar and yet completely new: touch displays for instruments and controls

The interior of the Sport Turismo is a forward-looking interpretation of purist sports car thinking: as little as possible and as much as necessary. Instead of classic instruments, a large central TFT colour display is positioned in front of the driver; it is used to call up and display any vehicle information as needed – from the tachometer to driving data or navigation. Two monitors, one to the left and one to the right of this display, show images from the "exterior mirror" cameras. Two additional displays in tube form provide information on the hybrid-specific driving states, e.g. pure electric driving, as well as other functions. The power meter in the instrument panel illuminates in Acid Green and shows the combined system power of the two drives.

A press on the touch-sensitive colour display starts the e-hybrid. Naturally, on the side that is typical of a Porsche: the left side. A completely new type of touch display in the ascending centre console incorporates additional controls; this is the control centre for the e-hybrid and all other functions that is implemented in black panel technology. It offers the driver the option of influencing the hybrid drive via smart keys to choose maximum driving fun, Concept car Panamera Sport Turismo 3 maximum performance or maximum efficiency. All driving indicators and control functions are also intuitively operated by multi-touch functionality, such as automatic climate control, seat adjustment, lights, reversing camera and the functions of Porsche Communication Management (PCM).

Wide-ranging communications and control via smart phone app

The Panamera Sport Turismo gives the driver entirely new options for customised communications. The driver can use mobile online services to access and control all key vehicle information with a smart phone app. Charge control by mobile phone shows the user just how much electricity the battery has already stored at any given time and predicts how much more time the charging process will take. In addition, there is a charging timer with user-defined charging times. Moreover, the vehicle's interior can also be preconditioned by mobile phone, e.g. by turning on the air conditioner, and the vehicle will already be at the right temperature before driving with electricity supplied from a household electrical outlet.

Specifications Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo

Body: Sport Turismo with four individual seats, four doors and boot lid.

Drive system: Parallel full hybrid; 3-litre V6 engine, charged; hybrid module with electric motor and disengagement clutch; rear-wheel drive.

Power: 245 kW (333 hp) V6 engine

approx. 70 kW (95 hp) hybrid module

306 kW (416 hp) (combined peak power)

Suspension: Double wishbone front suspension; electo-mechanical power steering; multi-link rear suspension.

Dimensions: Length

Width

Height 4,950 mm

1,990 mm

1,401 mm

Energy supply: Lithium-ion battery with 9.4 kWh capacity and plug-in charging system compatible with electrical power grid.

Performance: Top speed, pure electric mode approx. 130 km/h

Acceleration: 0 – 100 km/h < 6.0 s

Consumption (NEDC): Combined < 3.5 l/100 km

CO2 emissions: Combined < 82 g/km

Range (NEDC): Pure electric mode: > 30 km

Charging time: up to 2.5 h

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[dfelt 3,849 5 Vehicles]

Nothing really blew me away but I will say I liked the look of the Bentley race car. The porsche station wagon is just blah, auto makers have been there and done that.

[Drew Dowdell 8,688 2 Vehicles]

I guess I'm not too worried about missing Paris so far this year.

[William Maley 914]

Don't be.. The only real thing I've been excited by is the new GTI.. Other wise.. Meh

[dfelt 3,849 5 Vehicles]

Don't be.. The only real thing I've been excited by is the new GTI.. Other wise.. Meh

But will even come to the US Shores? Over all what has been talked about and shown only deserves MEH!!!