Z-06

I personally think the concept of self sustained fuel car is cool. But the design, WTF? It seems like GM was a legit client of his, but I wonder why did they not make this car public?

I can understand why they will suspend the business decision for 9-1 and 9-3. Personally I would have liked to see 9-1 given go ahead to give SAAB a chance for establishing as an alternate fuel brand to give more focus on bottom of the market.

Pictures:

From the designer Loren Kulesus' own website:

Linkity Cadillac World Thorium Fuel Car Concept Here's another one from the world of unlimited conceptual design: the Cadillac World Thorium Fuel concept. Otherwise known as the Cadillac WTF. Created by Loren Kulesus, everything about the WTF has been created to last 100 years without maintenance. That's the reason for the element number ninety, thorium: to act as a nuclear fuel powering batteries that would power the car. Elsewhere, every major system is redundant in case of a failure. And the wheels don't have individual tires - in fact, what's located at each corner is one combined unit made up of six individual wheels. That gives you 24 wheels in total, and each wheel has its own induction motor. Said Kulesus, "The vehicle would require the tires to be adjusted every five years, but no material would need to be added or subtracted." Here's to the future. While you wait for it, have a look at the Cadillac WTC in the gallery of high-res photos below.

It seems possible that we may see something in Geneva regarding 9-5 if the car has future plans. As for the 9-4X considering the amount of testing that has been done and spy mules that have been spotted, I can see it in production. But then again same could have been expected of G8ST.

Linkity Small, Fast, Fun: Sport Car Comparison

3 5 7 (> Had it been more than one view, I would have voted higher)

Blue Ridge Parkway FTW. Lowes Motor Speedway - LEFT

Linkity BYD F3DM Plug In Sedan PRESS RELEASE: As the latest star in a rapidly expanding portfolio of green, high-tech products, the all-new BYD e6 electric vehicle is being unveiled at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The five-passenger e6 will be marketed as a family-oriented crossover vehicle. The pure-electric e6 features BYD's revolutionary battery technology - what we call the Fe battery. The range per charge is expected to be a remarkable 249mi (400km). Performance is surprisingly brisk, with 0-60mph (0-100km/h) acceleration in less than 8 seconds and a projected top speed of 100mph (160km/h). The Right Size What sets the e6 apart from other pure electric vehicles are its size and performance. With current battery capacity limited, most other manufacturers have elected to focus on small, lightweight EVs that stress efficiency over performance and range. BYD, as a young brand with a rich history of IT development and cutting-edge battery R&D, has the drive and extroverted personality to take an unconventional approach and manufacture cars that embody the company's slogan, Build Your Dreams. That's the spirit and underlying philosophy behind the e6. The high-tech e6 boasts the exterior dimensions of a typical American family vehicle, with ample interior space that provides substantial legroom and headroom for passengers, plus a generous luggage compartment. The e6 measures 179.3 inches (4554mm) long, 71.7 inches (1822mm) wide and 64.2 inches (1630mm) tall. Convenient and Eco-Friendly The pure-electric e6 is environmentally friendly, eliminating toxic emissions and greenhouse gases while driving. BYD's new Fe battery takes this "green" philosophy a step further: All chemical substances used in the battery can be recycled. And while the range of many electric vehicles is restricted by their battery capacity, making it inconvenient to travel long distances, the BYD e6, with its high-efficiency Fe battery, can go up to 249 miles (400km) on a single charge. That makes the e6 suitable for daily commutes, around-town chores and even long journeys. The Fe battery pack in the e6 can be quick-charged to 50 percent of itscapacity in 10 minutes, and 100 percent of its capacity in 60 minutes The BYD F3DM Dual Mode electric vehicle is based on the standard gasoline model BYD F3, which is one of China's best-selling cars. The DM designation stands for Dual Mode, which indicates the vehicle can run on either pure battery power or a combination of gasoline and electricity. The F3DM extends the range, performance and fuel economy of the F3. The F3DM features a small gasoline engine, a permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor and BYD's high-efficiency Fe battery pack. The 1.0-liter gasoline engine and electric motor deliver a combined 168hp (125kw) and 295 lb-ft (400Nm) of torque. The combined range is 360miles (580km), with 0-60 mph acceleration in 10.5 seconds and a top speed of 93mph (150km/h). On battery power alone, the F3DM has a range of 62 miles (100km). The F3DM's Fe battery pack can be quick-charged to 50 percent of its capacity in only 10 minutes. It can be fully recharged from a normal household power outlet in seven hours. The BYD F6DM Dual Mode electric vehicle is based on the standard gasoline model BYD F6. Like the F3DM, the larger and more luxurious F6DM features a small gasoline engine, a permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor and BYD's high-efficiency Fe battery pack to extend the range, performance and fuel economy of the F6. The F6DM shares the F3DM's 1.0-liter gasoline engine and electric motor, which deliver a combined 168hp (125kw) and 295 lb-ft (400Nm) of torque. The combined range is 267 miles (430km), with 0-60 mph acceleration in 13.0 seconds and a top speed of 93mph (150km/h). On battery power alone, the F6DM has a range of 62 miles (100km). The F6DM's Fe battery pack can be quick-charged to 50 percent of its capacity in only 10 minutes. It can be fully recharged from a normal household power outlet in seven hours. BYD is introducing a new version of its high-end F6 sedan - the F6 CVT, featuring a continuously variable transmission and a powerful, efficient 2.0-liter gasoline engine. The BYD483QB four-cylinder engine delivers 138hp (103kW) and 137 lb-ft (186Nm) of torque. It is mated to a three-mode CVT transmission, which includes driving mode, sports mode and manual mode. Among the amenities on the F6 CVT are a multimedia entertainment system, GPS navigation, radar backup system, dual-zone climate controls and an adjustable steering wheel. The F6 CVT is outfitted with such advanced safety features as front and side air bags and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD). BYD sees environmental responsibility as a core value and a critical factor in the company's long-term success. For that reason, it spent three years and thousands of hours to design, engineer and develop its new minicompact, the BYD F0. The F0 hatchback combines a jaunty design in a popular size and shape with BYD's own unique cues and characteristics. It is brimming with premium fashion features: A dynamic exterior and warm, inviting cabin are specially designed for the new generation. By building in high quality at an affordable price, the BYD F0 promises to attract a wide range of buyers looking for a great value without compromising safety, performance or fuel economy. The F0 sports a peanut-like shape and an animated face with fluid headlamps and a distinctive grille. The interior is comfortable and friendly, with white-LED instrumentation that pops out of a soft blue background. The integrated rear seats can be completely folded to provide additional space. An adjustable steering wheel provides additional flexibility. The F0 is powered by a lightweight BYD371QA all-aluminum 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine fitted with Bosch electronic control systems to help enhance fuel efficiency and meet stringent emission standards. The ride is stable and controlled, thanks to a relatively long wheelbase and a well-engineered suspension system that includes MacPherson struts in front, a torsion-beam setup in the rear and a stabilizer bar to help minimize body roll. Safety features include air bags and ABS with electronic brake-force distribution. BYD, a global leader in advanced battery and electronics technology, has devoted thousands of hours and hundreds of millions of dollars to the development of new-energy vehicles and systems. Chief among the company's core values is to provide consumers around the globe with safe, efficient and environmentally friendly products. BYD began research and development of electric-vehicle batteries in 1996. In late 2002, the company formally established the Electric Vehicle Project Department, launching an R&D program on pure electric vehicles. Four years later, in 2006, this group evolved into an independent division with more than 1,000 engineers, focused on research, development and pre-production of electric vehicles and components for new-energy vehicles, including pure electric vehicles and Dual Mode (DM) electric vehicles. BYD Fe Battery BYD's advanced Fe battery is notable not only for its efficiency, but also for its high degree of safety. During rigorous testing that included impact, crush, nail penetration, and high/low temperatures, the Fe battery remained intact, with no evidence of leakage or overheating. Further, the Fe battery has proved rugged and durable, good for 2000 cycles (fully charged and discharged). Besides safety and long cycle life, low cost is another key factor in commercializing EVs. The price of iron is well below the price of other battery ingredients, such as cobalt; thus, the cost of BYD's Fe battery is far below that of Li-ion cobalt batteries. The production and use of the Fe battery is eco-friendly: No pollution or harmful emissions during production, and the material and chemicals used in the Fe battery are completely recyclable. Thanks to its long experience and leading position as one of the world's top battery manufacturers, BYD also has the knowledge and ability to maintain the high degree of consistency and quality required to produce advanced, high-tech batteries that are 100% defect-free. BYD DM Technology BYD has been working to resolve several challenges in developing new-energy vehicles, including the cost of battery packs and the limited range of most current pure-electric vehicles between battery recharges, a condition which also applies to hybrid electric vehicles when operating in electric mode. Thus was born BYD's Dual Mode series - DM for short. BYD's Dual Mode (DM) electric vehicles combine a pure-electric mode with a hybrid drive system that incorporates a small gasoline engine. The Dual Mode (DM) electric vehicle system integrates an advanced generator and motor controller, which results in lower fuel consumption and emissions, as well as higher power and performance. As the Dual Mode name implies, the DM system takes advantage of multiple energy supplies via recharging and refueling. If we refer to the pure electric mode as EV and the hybrid electric mode as HEV, then BYD's DM is simply "EV+HEV." We believe this advanced system eventually will take the place of more conventional hybrid systems, and become the most popular hybrid vehicle system in the world. EV + HEV The BYD DM is a Dual Mode electric vehicle system which brings together an Fe battery pack, a facility for recharging the battery from an external power source and control software that allows a deeper battery cycle so that the vehicle can operate solely on electricity over short distances (typically up to 60 miles) until the battery charge level is almost exhausted. In our daily lives, most people (about 95%) will drive fewer than 60 miles per day. BYD's Dual Mode (DM) electric vehicles can run at zero-fuel-consumption and zero-emission levels under the pure EV driving mode. When the vehicle needs more power to accelerate, a gasoline engine and an electric motor drive the wheels together to provide greater output and torque. Under deceleration and braking, the electric motor acts as a generator to recover kinetic energy and convert it to electrical energy, which is stored in the high-performance battery for later use as motive power. Thus, with a perfect integration of electric motor and gasoline engine, BYD's Dual Mode electric vehicles can run up to 360 miles (580km) on a single battery charge and a full tank of gasoline. During typical operation, the electric motor uses the energy stored during regenerative braking, enabling the gasoline engine to be used primarily in its more efficient operating range. The electric motor also provides maximum torque from standstill, as well as providing additional torque for acceleration, enabling the use of a smaller gasoline engine. BYD's Dual Mode (DM) electric vehicle system uses a small gasoline engine and an electric motor with a combined output of 168hp (125kW). This Dual Mode drivetrain performs like a standard 2.4-liter gasoline engine, although at much lower cost, to give owners a new driving experience. The Dual Mode (DM) electric vehicle system developed by BYD provides owners with greater convenience, since the vehicle can be recharged using a normal household power outlet instead of a commercial charging station. The Fe battery can be charged to 50% power via quick charge in 10 minutes, and 100% via household charge in seven hours. BYD Auto is a subsidiary of BYD Company Ltd., which is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. In 2003, the parent company became the world's second largest rechargeable-battery producer. In the same year, BYD Auto Company Ltd. was founded. Today, BYD's nickel batteries, mobile-phone lithium-ion batteries and mobile-phone components occupy the major shares in their respective global market segments. BYD has more than 130,000 employees worldwide, and its market value has surpassed $7 billion. From the first day of its founding, BYD Auto has devoted itself to the research, development and manufacture of world-class products, including electric vehicles and Dual Mode (DM) electric vehicles. Aiming to meet the increasing demands of global customers and relying upon BYD's unparalleled strength in technology and capital while leveraging China's abundant manufacturing resources, BYD Auto has fully integrated all aspects of the automotive industry, thereby tremendously reducing its costs and significantly upgrading its quality. Currently, BYD Auto has established large-scale industrial bases in several locations in China, as its R&D and vehicle manufacturing operations have rapidly developed. Within only five years of its founding, BYD Auto has successfully unveiled a series of new models, including the F0, F3, F3R, F3DM, F6, F6DM, F8 and e6. Over the next few years, BYD Auto will continue to expand its product portfolio to include a broad range of F-series sedans and hatchbacks, S-series crossover vehicles and M-series multipurpose vehicles. Its hallmarks will remain cutting-edge "green" technology, safety, reliability, quality and affordable prices. Besides the development and production of traditional gasoline vehicles, BYD Auto will continue to develop and promote new-energy vehicles, including its Dual Mode (DM) electric vehicles and pure-electric vehicles. Warren Buffett's recent investment in BYD Company has definitely boosted our confidence in bringing new-energy vehicles into the North American market. BYD President Wang Chuanfu has said the investment will enhance BYD's brand recognition in the United States, and will speed up the company's pace in entering the auto market there. BYD, leveraging its wide-ranging battery expertise, continues to expand development of Dual Mode (DM) electric vehicles and pure electric vehicles. It began building and selling the new F3DM in China on December 15, 2008. Looking to the future, BYD expects to introduce its DM series and EV models in Europe and Israel by 2010 and eventually in North America. BYD, which made its debut at NAIAS 2008, is back for a return engagement at NAIAS 2009. Striving forward steadfastly along our bright route, BYD's philosophy remains: "All ways together"

Linkity BYD e6 - Dual Mode Plug-in Hybrid Crossover PRESS RELEASE 2009 BYD e6 As the latest star in a rapidly expanding portfolio of green, high-tech products, the all-new BYD e6 electric vehicle is being unveiled at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The five-passenger e6 will be marketed as a family-oriented crossover vehicle. The pure-electric e6 features BYD's revolutionary battery technology - what we call the Fe battery. The range per charge is expected to be a remarkable 249mi (400km). Performance is surprisingly brisk, with 0-60mph (0-100km/h) acceleration in less than 8 seconds and a projected top speed of 100mph (160km/h). The Right Size What sets the e6 apart from other pure electric vehicles are its size and performance. With current battery capacity limited, most other manufacturers have elected to focus on small, lightweight EVs that stress efficiency over performance and range. BYD, as a young brand with a rich history of IT development and cutting-edge battery R&D, has the drive and extroverted personality to take an unconventional approach and manufacture cars that embody the company's slogan, Build Your Dreams. That's the spirit and underlying philosophy behind the e6. The high-tech e6 boasts the exterior dimensions of a typical American family vehicle, with ample interior space that provides substantial legroom and headroom for passengers, plus a generous luggage compartment. The e6 measures 179.3 inches (4554mm) long, 71.7 inches (1822mm) wide and 64.2 inches (1630mm) tall. Convenient and Eco-Friendly The pure-electric e6 is environmentally friendly, eliminating toxic emissions and greenhouse gases while driving. BYD's new Fe battery takes this "green" philosophy a step further: All chemical substances used in the battery can be recycled. And while the range of many electric vehicles is restricted by their battery capacity, making it inconvenient to travel long distances, the BYD e6, with its high-efficiency Fe battery, can go up to 249 miles (400km) on a single charge. That makes the e6 suitable for daily commutes, around-town chores and even long journeys. The Fe battery pack in the e6 can be quick-charged to 50 percent of itscapacity in 10 minutes, and 100 percent of its capacity in 60 minutes. 　 e6 SPECIFICATIONS Length in (mm) 179.3 (4554) Width in (mm) 71.7 (1822) Height in (mm) 64.2 (1630) Wheelbase in (mm) 111.4 (2830) Curb Weight lb (kg) 4453 (2020) Output hp (kw) 268 (200) Torque lb-ft (Nm) 406 (550 ) Range mi (km) 249 (400) 0-60mph Acceleration (sec) < 8s Top Speed mph (kph) 100 (160) Recharge Time (quick charge) 50% in 10min

Definitely a evolution of Cloud cars with an emphasis on modern yet not techno looks. What RWD platform is it sitting on? Mercedes Benz C-Class?

Beautiful. Simply stunning. I love the wheels. However, like the Chrysler 200C, Fisker needs to work on the interior details.

Now we are talking, more like a nuke missile and blast Toyota on the way to eternity.

I think technically Kettering cannot offer you free copy. They must charge you a "nominal" fee otherwise it will be a proprietary violation.

Thanks Dave. It seems no brainer for me to see Pontiac having those vehicles. But what surprises me is their availibility timeframe is not mentioned, while no mention about G6 getting a full makeover on the new EPII. I think Saturn is almost dead and Chevy will carry the load of cheap alternatives, while Buick will fill the role of one step above Chevy essentially where Olds left and where Saturn wanted to be. It seems like P-C-S was telling the truth about the Buick's future and its strong plans. I wonder how will Alpha if at all is a go will play into these products for Buick, Chevy and Caddy.

Mercedes and BMW Technology at price of Taurus. Ford is really impressing me. I think seeds of their hardwork and vision will start paying off soon.

Does anyone have a subscription for Automotive News? I want to see what actually Clarke talked about, not the Autoblog hodge-podge.

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/12/detroit...ncoln-in-brand/ LINCOLN CONCEPT C PRESS RELEASE LINCOLN C CONCEPT: BIG LUXURY IN SMALL PACKAGE DETROIT, Jan. 12, 2009 – Lincoln is breaking new ground with the Lincoln C concept, a new big idea for a small luxury car. Designed with today's upscale, urban consumer in mind, the Lincoln C concept brings the presence and elegance of a large Lincoln to a smaller, more efficient C-sized car. "Modern luxury buyers who live and work in large, urban areas want to play their part in helping the environment by moving to a smaller vehicle, but they still want to enjoy the luxuries of life," said Peter Horbury, executive director of Design, The Americas. "The Lincoln C offers sensible indulgence." According to Horbury, younger contemporary consumers with slim iPods and pocket-sized cameras have already grown accustomed to the notion of premium quality in a small package. "During the past decade, people have gotten used to the idea that you could pay more money for a smaller version of the real thing," said Horbury, citing the evolution of music players from tapes to CDs to MP3 players as an example. "The same philosophy can be applied to the automobile," he added. "People will be happy to buy a smaller car that is better for the environment and more maneuverable in the city as long as the vehicle has all the attributes they want." The concept's unique size, lightweight construction and use of sustainable materials make the Lincoln C stand out – along with its fuel economy. Featuring a 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine and Ford's all-new dry, dual-clutch PowerShift six-speed transmission, the Lincoln C concept achieves 43 mpg on the highway, while offering up an impressive 180 horsepower and 180 ft.-lbs. of torque. PowerShift and outstanding driving dynamics make the Lincoln C concept fun for the driver. Plus, a sophisticated human machine interface (HMI) and forward-thinking in-car connectivity technologies bring a whole new dimension to social networking, an important facet of modern customers' active lifestyles. "Connectivity is as much a luxury for today's younger car buyer as are the traditional luxuries of wood, leather and a comfortable ride," said Horbury. "It means being able to continue your lifestyle seamlessly while you're on the move." Sporty, Elegant Exterior Design When designers developed the Lincoln C concept, their goal was to create a C-sized automobile with both presence and elegance. Their vision: a smaller, more fuel-efficient car that could maneuver easily in congested urban areas and compact parking spaces, yet still provide driver and passengers with levels of luxury and comfort usually reserved for larger sedans. "Lincoln C is about efficiency without compromise," said Freeman Thomas, director of Ford's Strategic Concepts Group, who led the Lincoln C design team – David Woodhouse, Jeremy Leng, Andrei Markevich and Matt Edwards. One of the most distinctive features of the Lincoln C is its unique silhouette. The visual mass of the car is very low to the road. A low-slung shoulder line with a wheel-at-each-corner stance supports a dynamic, slightly formal cabin. The aim was "go kart" visual stability combined with elegant lines and surfaces. At first glance, the silhouette is immediately distinguished by a bold front profile, low shoulder, high beltline, wide C-pillar and compact bustle back. The modern appearance of the Lincoln C reflects the timeless, iconic elements of the Lincoln DNA: sheer surfaces bounded by defined creases; a cantilevered roof extending from a strong C-pillar; a confident double-wing chrome grille; full-width tail lamps and rocker brightwork. The front end of the concept is unmistakably Lincoln. The signature grille encapsulates LED headlamps that – like the taillights – are made with prismatic optical elements that create depth and visual sophistication. A sculpted groove in the top of the front hood – which derives its shape from the Lincoln badge – adds a finishing touch to the grille of the car. A low shoulder line combines with a strong, high belt line to create a sense of safety and privacy inside and outside of the vehicle. An aluminum cantrail adds elegance to the concept by extending the beltline to the rear glass and breaking up the otherwise tall C-pillar. Aluminum is also visible inside the door apertures. The Lincoln C is absent of a B-pillar or center post. The center-opening doors – a classic Lincoln trait that rekindles memories of the 1961 Continental – allow effortless access to first- and second-row bench seats and give the vehicle a limousine-like quality. Sleek side mirrors house both advanced rear-view camera and blind spot detection technologies. Slit-like LED turn signal indicators are integrated into the mirrors, allowing slim, efficient light. LED taillamps span the full-width of the Lincoln C's rear, featuring turn signal indicators that fade toward the center of the car stretch from side to side. An all-glass roof provides a modern, futuristic look. The expansive opening illuminates the cabin and enhances the sense of spaciousness inside the car. Designers reinterpreted the presentation of the Lincoln badge throughout the exterior of the Lincoln C in a subtle way, giving it a contemporary "race track" theme. The Lincoln star sits proudly at the center of the front end, and the rear badge is slightly morphed to suit its placement above the taillights. A more in-depth look at various details of the Lincoln C reveals that the badge motif is repeated in discreet ways in the design of the front lower intake mesh; the shape of the glass roof and structure; the implied illuminated keyholes on the door handles; the shape of the rear-view camera that sits on the back of the roof; the design of the wheels and the pattern in the tire treads. The exterior of the Lincoln C is bathed in a light, exterior clear coat that hints of yellow metallic. Modern, Timeless Interior Design Inside, the Lincoln C concept welcomes driver and passengers to a space that looks more like the living room of a contemporary urban loft than the inside of a car. Elements of classic Lincoln DNA permeate the cabin, including: a bright, clean, light color palette; authentic materials such as wood and metal; ambient lighting; jewel-like chrome details; bench seating; and the symmetrical design of the instrument panel, which thoughtfully serves both driver and passengers. The interior's all-white color palette -- from roof to seats to floor -- is stunning. Subtle chrome accents on the seats, instrument panel, door panels and floor glimmer like fine jewelry. A light gray wood veneer – made from recycled wood – provides a striking contrast against the white leather on the instrument panel and door panels. The headliner is white Alcantara suede. Because the Lincoln C concept is two inches wider than conventional C-class vehicles, it offers the roominess of a 1961 Continental at almost half the length. In modern terms, the vehicle has the overall length of a Ford Focus and the overall width of a Lincoln MKZ. Designers took full advantage of the extra space in the interior of the Lincoln C by incorporating luxurious bench seating in the front and back rows. They are crafted from luxurious, chromium-free leather and filled with soy foam. The seats are thin and lightweight, but because they were designed to an ergonomic comfort curve, they are extremely comfortable. There is a single headrest on the left and a double headrest on the right for passengers in both rows. All the headrests automatically retract without occupants for optimized driver vision. Convenience trays are housed compactly behind the front bench. In the closed position, they are flush with the leather and feature chrome release handles. One of the most eye-catching elements of the seating is the laser-engraved floral etching on the passenger side seats and floor and on the back of the driver's seat. It is a light, airy pattern that gives the interior a refined, sophisticated look. Because of their unique shape and the imperceptible way that they are mounted to the floor, the benches appear to be floating inside the cabin. The steering wheel and instrument panel also seem to be suspended in air. All of these elements combine to enhance the concept's futuristic look, openness, and give the impression of dynamic space within the vehicle. The steering wheel is hubless, lending the driver an unobstructed view of the instrument panel. The glossy white rim rotates around a stationary chrome ring with chrome shifter paddles on both sides. Simple toggles embedded into the left and right sides of the wheel control the vehicle's navigation system and menu selection. The instrument panel is leather-wrapped with a chrome bezel. The light, gray wood veneer forms a symmetrical shape that surrounds the center-mounted touch screen and extends out to the right and left sides. Above the center screen is the Lincoln nomenclature and badge, finished tastefully in chrome. The panoramic instrument panel is divided into three sections and designed with a mixture of digital and analog components. The left side contains Lincoln's signature HMI menus and driver-related information. The center portion displays a multi-functional screen displaying navigation, SYNC details and a life-like custom avatar to help make everyday journeys more seamless and other helpful, driver-oriented options. Soft, white ambient lighting creates a relaxing atmosphere inside the cabin. The lighting is integrated into the C-pillar with a front face that displays the Lincoln badge. The roof also features an integrated rearview mirror and a chrome-trimmed Web camera that rotates to the right or left, depending on whether the driver or the passenger is communicating via the Internet. A chrome air vent follows the shape of the glass roof. "While the most luxurious and indulgent products often come in the smallest packages, unfortunately this hasn't been true of most small cars recently," said J Mays, Ford's group vice president of Design. "With the Lincoln C, we've remixed the traditional small car formula, taking the most engaging technologies and wrapping them in a design fit for today's urban luxury customer – without sacrificing style or substance." # # # LINCOLN C PAIRS ECOBOOST I-4 WITH DUAL-CLUTCH POWERSHIFT TRANSMISSION FOR 40-PLUS MPG DETROIT, Jan. 12, 2009 – The Lincoln C concept showcases Ford Motor Company's newest combination of fuel-efficient powertrain innovations: a four-cylinder EcoBoost engine mated to a dual-clutch PowerShift transmission. Featuring a 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine and Ford's all-new dry, dual-clutch PowerShift six-speed transmission, Lincoln C achieves a projected 43 mpg on the highway, while offering up an estimated 180 horsepower and 180 ft.-lbs. of torque. That's a nearly 25 percent fuel-economy improvement over Lincoln C's fuel-sipping C-car cousin, the Ford Focus, which currently delivers unsurpassed highway fuel economy in its segment when equipped with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine. "Lincoln C demonstrates that a higher degree of engine downsizing as the key to fuel economy improvement, paired with the right technologies, can deliver optimum horsepower, torque and drive-away capability," said Andreas Schamel, a chief engine engineer with Ford's Powertrain Research Laboratory. "Plus, when combined with the PowerShift six-speed transmission, the impossible equation becomes perfectly possible: lower fuel consumption, increased power and smoother, more fun-to-drive performance." The 1.6-Liter EcoBoost Engine The Lincoln C concept's 1.6-liter engine dimensions the common attributes of Ford's EcoBoost strategy, leveraging a combination of direct fuel injection technology and turbocharging to deliver significantly improved fuel economy and torque versus a larger displacement engine, while reducing emissions up to 15 percent. The 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine features turbocharging and a central-injector direct injection system. Using a central injector instead of a side-injector system provides improved fuel-air mixture preparation, helping to further reduce fuel consumption and lower emissions. A central injector-based system also provides the most flexible foundation for future fuel-saving technologies. "We know that a central injection system is a prerequisite for future global fuel economy upgrades such as stratified lean operation, homogeneous charge compression ignition or HCCI, and premium injection system technology if the market demands," said Martin Wirth, a Ford Direct Injection Gasoline Systems and Combustion technical specialist. "It's a value solution that gives us the ability to answer market trends quickly and provide broad market coverage, a key component of the EcoBoost strategy to deliver an affordable, fuel-efficient engine technology at high volumes." When compared to a standard 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine, the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine can deliver up to a 10-percent gain in fuel economy simply on the merits of the engine downsizing and boosting as well as common powertrain systems such as twin independent variable camshaft timing (TI-VCT). TI-VCT varies the phase of the intake and exhaust cams independently for improved airflow through the engine, which delivers more torque while reducing average fuel consumption by up to 5 percent. "TI-VCT gives us better low-end torque and drive-away capabilities even under the stronger engine downsizing conditions," said Wirth. The 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine also features other sophisticated fuel-saving powertrain technologies such as Assisted Direct Start, which contributes to an additional 3 percent gain in fuel efficiency. Assisted Direct Start automatically shuts down the engine when the vehicle is at idle – at a stop light, for example – and automatically restarts the engine when the brake is released or gas pedal is engaged, improving fuel economy by saving idle fuel consumption. When a vehicle comes to a stop, the electronic control unit immediately synchronizes the engine's systems for restart. Once the brake pedal is released or the gas pedal is engaged, a short starter engagement triggers the direct fuel injection system to fill the cylinders with fuel, initiate combustion and start the engine, producing the no-hesitation vehicle launch. An advanced battery management system converts braking energy into electricity and stores it to keep electrical systems operating while the engine is not running. This advanced system provides consistent start behavior of the stopped or stopping engine that is smooth, quiet and seamless to the customer, requiring no changes in driver behavior. Powershift Transmission The Lincoln C concept also features Ford's dual-clutch PowerShift six-speed transmission, which delivers the efficiency of a manual with the ease of operation of a premium automatic transmission. Compared to traditional automatic four-speed transmissions, PowerShift can help reduce fuel consumption by up to 9 percent depending on the application. PowerShift, for example, contributes to an estimated 8 percent uptick in Lincoln C's fuel efficiency when compared to the current Focus. "The Lincoln C application of PowerShift helps illustrate the competitive advantage this transmission will offer to Ford in the global small car markets," said Jack Dorigo, North America Powertrain Planning manager. "It's a new-to-segment technology that's an improvement over today's automatic transmissions in terms of fuel economy while providing customers a more connected feel between the pedal and the vehicle's acceleration." PowerShift provides the full comfort of an automatic with a more sophisticated driving dynamic, thanks to uninterrupted torque from the dual-clutch technology, which consists essentially of two manual transmissions working in parallel, each with its own independent clutch unit. One clutch carries the uneven gears – 1, 3 and 5 – while the other the even gears – 2, 4 and 6. Subsequent gear changes are coordinated between both clutches as they engage and disengage for a seamless delivery of torque to the wheels. The lean curb weight of the Lincoln C enables a dry-clutch derivative of Ford's PowerShift transmission for added efficiency and durability. A dry clutch transmits power and torque through manual transmission clutch facings, while most automatic transmissions utilize wet clutch plates submerged in oil. As a result, the dry-clutch PowerShift transmission does not require an oil pump or torque converter, providing superior mechanical efficiency. "A dry clutch is a real sweet spot for lighter vehicle applications like the Lincoln C concept," said Piero Aversa, manager, Ford Automatic Transmission Engineering. "It is perfectly matched to this vehicle and engine. PowerShift is more efficient, it saves weight, is more durable, more efficient and the unit is sealed for life, requiring no regular maintenance." Lincoln C weighs in at 2,750 lbs. due to a number of light-weighting measures, including the transmission. PowerShift, unlike conventional automatic transmissions, does not need the pound-adding torque converter or planetary gears. In addition, the dry-clutch derivative eliminates the need for the weighty pumps, hydraulic fluids, cooling lines and external coolers that wet clutch transmissions require. As a result, the dry-clutch PowerShift transmission showcased on the Lincoln C is nearly 30 pounds lighter than the four-speed automatic transmission featured on today's Focus. Differentiating PowerShift even further in terms of its customer appeal is its shift quality, launch feel and overall drive dynamic, which are all facilitated by an expert blend of Ford-exclusive electro-mechanical systems, software features, calibrations and controls. These unique driving features include: • Neutral coast down – The clutches will disengage when the brakes are applied, improving coasting downshifts and clutch robustness as well as reducing parasitic losses for increased fuel economy. • Precise clutch control in the form of a clutch slip to provide torsional damping of the engine vibration – This function improves noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) at low engine speeds and enables lower lugging limits for improved fuel economy. • Low-speed driving or creep mode with integrated brake pressure – This function simulates the low-speed control drivers are accustomed to from an automatic transmission. T he amount of rolling torque in Drive and Reverse is precisely controlled, gradually building as brake pressure is released. • Hill mode or launch assist – Prevents a vehicle from rolling back on a grade by maintaining brake pressure until the engine delivers enough torque to move the vehicle up the hill, providing improved driver confidence, comfort, safety and clutch robustness. # # # LINCOLN C SHOWCASES THE FUTURE OF DRIVER INFORMATION AND IN-CAR CONNECTIVITY SYSTEMS DETROIT, Jan. 12, 2009 – Powered by a sophisticated human machine interface (HMI) and forward-thinking in-car connectivity technologies, the Lincoln C concept reinvents the automobile as a customer's companion in life on and off the road. Lincoln C's car-to-companion transformation is the result of an innovative melding of Ford's new signature HMI as well as a next-generation in-car connectivity features anchored by Ford's award-winning SYNC technology and a revolutionary new system that helps intuitively connect occupants with the vehicle, their mobile devices and even the outside world. All interaction and information is offered up in a simple, intelligent format that keeps a driver informed – but not distracted. Simple, Sophisticated Control The foundation of Lincoln C's connectivity capabilities is Ford's signature HMI. This intelligent interface makes useful and relevant information and functionality immediately available to the driver in a way that is logical, easy to use and completely integrated. "Before technologies such as SYNC were even crystallized, we knew we had to create a way for people to interface with their vehicle and its myriad technologies and features that was more manageable and limitless in terms of its ability to incorporate new innovations as they come," said Gary Braddock, Ford's group chief designer. "Our HMI had to create for the auto world what the mouse is to the PC world." Unique to Ford's HMI strategy is the seemingly simplistic approach to how and where information is displayed. All car-related information, for example, appears to the left of the speedometer, including fuel economy, trip information and vehicle diagnostics. Passenger-related functions, such as audio, climate, navigation and phone, appear to the right of the instrument cluster. "The beauty of this system is that the way information is offered encourages you to explore deeper and deeper and discover – without fear or intimidation – just how much the product can do for you," said Braddock. The system's integrated platform offers tried-and-true methods of information control – steering wheel switches, touch screens and voice-activation – which can be alternatively used by the driver depending on the task, desire for control and preference. The set of steering wheel controls, one on the left to access the car-related information and another on the right for the people-related functions, uses a stereotypical five-way mapping similar to that found on most cell phones and MP3 players – up, down, left, right and a center OK button – creating instant familiarity for the user. Ford's signature HMI also aligns cluster and center stack display technologies and graphic treatments for visual harmony and synchronized information delivery. In the case of the Lincoln C concept, the touch-screen center stack has a four-corner layout that includes phone in the upper left, audio in the lower left, navigation in the upper right and climate in the lower right. "Our vision for HMI is to make a customer's transition from home, to car, to the office and back again be experienced as seamless and uncompromised," said John Schneider, global chief engineer responsible for HMI, Driver Controls and Infotainment. "We want our vehicles to give you exactly what you need, when you need it and how need it. And, we want to do it in a way that adds emotion, personality and excitement for the customer." In-Car Connectivity Lincoln C features the latest in terms of SYNC-enabled technologies, providing hands-free, voice-activated cell phone, text messaging, and digital media player integration as well as security and personalized convenience features such as 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Reports. In addition, the in-vehicle communications system is expanded to include a proprietary plug-and-play network architecture that can use a Bluetooth-enabled phone to access Internet-based services such as traffic reports, turn-by-turn navigation, a 14-million-plus business directory listing, weather forecasts, the latest sports scores and more. Customers have the option to personalize this information. This latest evolution of SYNC with the Traffic, Directions and Information feature is set to launch next year on nearly all 2010 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles. "SYNC puts Ford in a sweet spot in terms of vehicle connectivity because it allows us to take the cockpit of a vehicle and open it up to our customers' personal devices, especially the mobile phone – which is considered by many as an extension of oneself," said Joseph Berry, a member of Ford's newly formed Consumer Service Organization and a lead architect of the company's emerging off-board services system. In-Car Companion Catapulting Lincoln C's in-car connectivity to an unprecedented level is the system that uses a life-like avatar to connect the driver to the vehicle and all the functionality offered through key systems such as Ford's signature HMI and SYNC. This avatar – nicknamed "EVA" – lives on the Lincoln C instrument panel and can take on a personalized visual image and personality. It responds to conversational speech, eliminating the need for menus or learned voice commands. Plus, EVA expertly manages and initiates all vehicle and SYNC-enabled functions and information to the driver. The avatar can even sense a driver's mood through voice and drive style and respond appropriately with, for example, a favorite song suggestion from a SYNC-connected MP3 music library. This unique system on the Lincoln C concept also offers in-car Internet access, allowing the avatar to surf the Web for the driver and read the morning's online news headlines or latest restaurant reviews, check e-mail, or access a friend's Facebook page. The system will even advise the driver when and where to refuel based on fuel level, driving habits, gas station locations and current prices. "We've taken the notion of effective vehicle HMI and the user's experience to the next level," said Braddock. "Our system creates a method of organization and function in the vehicle that is intuitive, familiar and keeps the driver focused on driving, along with creating a personality within the vehicle that evokes emotion, a personal connection and a sense of confident control." # # #

DF, You forgot to Add Camry Solara, and Honda Accord 2dr. What a fine piece of machinery the former is. I think sedans and now the crossovers are for the people who agree with conformity or have heard mentality. I remember my ex used to take her toddler niece and nephew in a 4th gen F-body and never once bitched of having a four door. She said it took her a couple of minutes more to load the kids for not having an extra pair of doors. But the satisfaction of driving the two doors was far better. I prefer a coupe. You have a rigid body structure, plus it gives an appearance of being racy, despite some being not so.

Ahh nice one. I guess it certainly is the most helping innovation in a PU truck. Nissan did start it, but Dodge made it so much better.

Yes I think they are lit. I love that idea. There is no need for putting a huge steel or plastic box which takes up space in the bed. However, I wonder how good is the compartmentalization of those things. Seems it may be hard time to keep things tidy in there.

Loki, I7 is not expensive. You can get the 2.6G cpu for $290 and change. It is the 3.2G which is about a grand. Unless you want the top dog, you are looking at pretty cheap I7 cpus.

That is an irony. A Mopar member admin of a GM site. Heartiest congratulations friend, you deserve it - since you are a free time member.

Oh my GOD, WTF, KEWL, MIND BOGGLING, scintillating, amazing, creative, trend setting, gorgeous. And they have totally made it into a RWD in MCE. No more boring badge for Toyota. Toyota you are genious. When can I buy this? I cannot wait to have one in my hand, make it three so that I can have different flavorz. Toyota you rock out with your cock out by bringing this MCE gamechanger Camry in the mid size segment.