News from Best Cars

News from Best Carshttp://www.freebestcars.com/newsadmin/news.rssNews from http://www.freebestcars.comenCopyright morphineMon, 25 Jul 2011 12:51:02 +0400NewsAdmin v 1.20 Betamorphine@freeartists.rumorphine@freeartists.ruPorsche Presents 918 Spyder High-Performance Concept Sports Car in Geneva http://www.freebestcars.com/news.html?id=14_1_news.txthttp://www.freebestcars.com/news.html?id=14_1_news.txtPresenting a high-performance mid-engined concept sports car with ultra-efficient, low-emission drive technology, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is further increasing the Company's competence in hybrid technology.The 918 Spyder prototype combines high-tech racing features and electro-mobility to offer a fascinating range of qualities: An emission level of just 70 grams CO2 per kilometre on fuel consumption of three litres/100 kilometres (equal to 94 mpg imp) truly outstanding even for an ultra-compact city car, on the one hand, combined with the performance of a super sports car and acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h in just under 3.2 seconds, top speed of 320 km/h (198 mph) plus, and a lap time on the Nordschleife of Nürburgring in less than 7:30 minutes, faster than even the Porsche Carrera GT, on the other.The 918 Spyder is one of three Porsche models with hybrid drive making their world debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. This trio � made up of Porsche's new Cayenne S Hybrid SUV with parallel full-hybrid drive, the 911 GT3 R Hybrid racing car with electric drive on the front axle and a flywheel mass battery, and the two-seater high-performance 918 Spyder mid-engined sports car with plug-in hybrid � clearly demonstrates not only the great bandwidth of this new drive technology, but also the innovative power of Porsche as a genuine pioneer in hybrid drive.The highly innovative 918 Spyder concept car combines Porsche's Intelligent Performance technology, high-tech in motorsport, and classic but modern design to make a truly convincing statement.The Porsche 918 Spyder with plug-in hybrid provides the performance of a thoroughbred super sports car on fuel consumption of just three litres/100 kilometres in the New European Driving Cycle, equal to a CO2 emission rating of 70 g/km.This open two-seater is powered by a high-speed V8 developing more than 500 bhp and running at maximum speed engine of 9,200 rpm as well as electric motors on the front and rear axle with overall mechanical output of 218 bhp (160 kW).The V8 combustion engine is a further development of the highly successful 3.4-litre power unit already featured in the RS Spyder racing car and positioned midship in front of the rear axle, giving the car the right set-up for supreme performance on the race track through its good balance.Power is transmitted to the wheels by a seven-speed Porsche-Doppel-kupplungsgetriebe also feeding the power of the electric drive system to the rear axle. The front-wheel electric drive powers the wheels through a firm transmission ratio.The energy reservoir is a fluid-cooled lithium-ion battery positioned behind the passenger cell. The big advantage of a plug-in hybrid is that the battery can be charged on the regular electrical network. A further point is that the car's kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy fed into the battery when applying the brakes, thus providing additional energy for fast and dynamic acceleration.A button on the steering wheel allows the driver to choose among four different running modes: The E-Drive mode is for running the car under electric power alone, with a range of up to 25 km or 16 miles. In the Hybrid mode the 918 Spyder uses both the electric motors and the combustion engine as a function of driving conditions and requirements, offering a range from particularly fuel-efficient all the way to extra-powerful.The Sport Hybrid mode uses both drive systems, but with the focus on performance. Most of the drive power goes to the rear wheels, with Torque Vectoring serving to additionally improve the car's driving dynamics.In the Race Hybrid mode the drive systems are focused on pure performance with the highest standard of driving dynamics on the track, running at the limit to their power and dynamic output. With the battery sufficiently charged, a push-to-pass button feeds in additional electrical power (E-Boost), for example when overtaking or for even better performance.With the hybrid drive system offering this wide range of individual modes and applications, the 918 Spyder is able either to achieve lap times comparable to those of a thoroughbred racing car such as less than 7:30 minutes on the Nordschleife of Nürburgring or, focusing on a more economical style of motoring, with a reduction in emissions to just 70 grams of CO2 per kilometre.Like the drivetrain, the lightweight body structure of the 918 Spyder also bears out the car's DNA carried over directly from motorsport: The modular structure with its monocoque bodyshell made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFP) and the appropriate use of magnesium and aluminium not only reduce weight to less than 1,490 kg or 3,285 lb, but also ensure supreme driving precision thanks to the very high level of torsional stiffness.Reminiscent of highly successful, legendary racing cars such as the Porsche 917 Le Mans and the current Porsche RS Spyder, the 918 Spyder with its design concept so typical of Porsche arouses powerful emotions. The combination of racing car dimensions, clearly structured design with perfectly balanced surfaces, and innovative details all round creates an overall pattern of aesthetic, perfectly balanced harmony in design full of power and dynamics. This indeed is the ideal synthesis of form and function following Porsche's design DNA.The smooth balance of tradition and progress gives the car a powerful stance on the road in its combination of dimensions. Variable aerodynamics typical of Porsche ensure both visionary and traditional highlights especially around the rear spoiler. The striking rear hoods extending out of the headrests, in turn, not only fulfil an aerodynamic function on the 918 Spyder, but also accommodate retractable air intakes with a ram air function.The driver and passenger are not only perfectly embedded in contoured sports bucket seats, but also form part of the cockpit with its synthesis of efficient function and ergonomic high-tech operation offering an outlook at the interior architecture we may possibly see in super sports cars of the future. The three free-standing circular dials for road speed (left), engine speed (middle) and energy management (right) would appear to come directly from a racing car in the �60s, bearing out that unique philosophy of driver orientation so characteristic of Porsche.The centre console rising up towards the front in the 918 Spyder houses a touch-sensitive surface for intuitive control of the car's functions, serving consistently to reduce the number of visible controls and maintain the principle of direct operation.The control units relevant to the driver are concentrated in particular on the three-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel, while the variable driving modes, again so typical of Porsche, are supplemented by a map switch enabling the driver to call up various drive programs and serving as the push-to-pass button for E-boosting, for example when overtaking. Instrument illumination, finally, varies from green for the consumption-oriented running modes to red for the performance-oriented driving programs.The 918 Spyder also comes with further innovative functions such as the Range Manager. After being activated in the Center Display, the Range Manager uses the map in the navigation system to present the remaining range the car is able to cover, naturally allowing the driver to influence that range through the appropriate choice of power and performance. In cities with environmental alert areas the Range Manager also states whether the driver is able to reach a certain destination on electric power alone.Applying this information and using further info on the availability and location of special energy filling stations, the driver is then able to choose his personal style of driving as well as the right battery charge and filling strategy.Offering a unique combination of extremely low fuel consumption, supreme performance and long electric range, the Porsche 918 Spyder represents an essential milestone in Porsche's strategy on the way to genuine electro-mobility.//autonews24h.commorphine@freeartists.ruMon, 25 Jul 2011 12:45:00 +04002011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition http://www.freebestcars.com/news.html?id=13_1_news.txthttp://www.freebestcars.com/news.html?id=13_1_news.txtWhen the 2006 Corvette Z06 was introduced, it represented the closest connection to the Corvette race cars ever. The 2009 Corvette ZR1 closed the gap between racing and production even further. This year, Corvette continues its tradition of track-to-street technology transfer with the 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition."Designed to further incorporate technology developed through racing, the Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition is a tribute to the 50th anniversary of Corvette�s first race in the 24 Hours of LeMans," said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet General Manager. "With a limited production of 500 units, this car is a must-have for the true Corvette collector and driving enthusiast."The Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition is another example of the expanded Corvette line-up. Five years ago, customers had the choice of a Corvette coupe or convertible. With the addition of the Z06, Grand Sport coupe and convertible and ZR1, Corvette enthusiasts now have more choices than ever."For track use, the Z06 Carbon is the best balanced Corvette yet. It combines the lightweight and naturally-aspirated Z06 engine with the road-holding and braking of the ZR1," said Tadge Juechter, Corvette Chief Engineer. "For technical tracks like Laguna Seca, the Z06 Carbon could shave up to three seconds off the Z06 lap time."This limited edition Z06 will boast Brembo carbon ceramic brakes with specific dark gray metallic calipers. These powerful brakes were first introduced on the ZR1. Black 20-spoke 19-inch front/20-inch rear wheels complement the car�s Michelin PS2 tires. Other mechanical features include Magnetic Selective Ride Control for the first time on the Z06 and enhanced cooling. The car also features a special carbon pattern engine cover.The Corvette Z06 Carbon will be available in two colors: Inferno Orange and the all-new Supersonic Blue. Black headlamps and mirrors, a ZR1-style body color spoiler, body color door handles, carbon fiber raised hood, and black carbon fiber rockers and splitter enhance the Z06�s dynamic design and reduce mass and aerodynamic lift. For track events, customers can also install the Euro-styled racing numbers that come with each car.The Z06 Carbon's ebony leather and suede interior is complemented by blue or orange seat stitching to match the exterior color chosen. Other features include a unique steering wheel emblem, sill plate and logoed headrest. The suede used on the steering wheel, shifter, seat inserts, armrests and doors add to the luxury of this limited edition Z06.An optional Z07 performance package that includes the mechanical upgrades introduced on the Z06 Carbon can be added to a regular 2011 Z06. This package also includes Competition Gray 20-spoke wheels and all the chassis and cooling upgrades.The CFZ Z06 carbon fiber package includes black carbon fiber rockers, splitter and roof panel with the full-width body color spoiler. It can also be purchased with or without the Z07 package on regular Z06 models.The 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition, as well as the new Z07 and CFZ Z06 option packages will be available in late summer.//autonews24h.commorphine@freeartists.ruMon, 25 Jul 2011 12:37:00 +0400Hargrove relieved that Chrysler strike in U.S. was short lived http://www.freebestcars.com/news.html?id=12_1_news.txthttp://www.freebestcars.com/news.html?id=12_1_news.txtThe settling of a short strike by Chrysler workers in the United States on Wednesday was good news for the auto company's two Canadian assembly plants, which could have been shut down later this week because of a supply shortage.The United Auto Workers union reached a tentative four-year contract agreement with Chrysler LLC just hours after 49,000 U.S. workers went to the picket lines.``This is obviously good news,'' Canadian Auto Workers president Buzz Hargrove told The Canadian Press in a phone interview.``Had this strike lasted for another 48 hours, they would've shut down the Canadian operations and over 9,000 people who worked for Chrysler (Canada) would've been impacted and laid off.''He added that thousands of other workers at auto parts manufactuerers in Canada would also have been laid off if Chrysler's U.S. plants remained idle for long.With workers expected to go back to their jobs immediately, the stoppage was likely to have little impact on the auto producer's Canadian operations in Ontario.Earlier Wednesday, before the strike was settled, Chrysler Canada spokesman Ed Saenz said a lack of U.S.-sourced parts would likely hit the 5,000-worker minivan plant in Windsor, Ont., within 24 hours and the 4,000-employee sedan plant in Brampton, Ont., within 48 hours if the UAW strike continued.``We take axles, engines, transmissions from the U.S., and when those stop coming because the employees at those plants are not building them, it'll force us to stop production on the vehicles here,'' Saenz said.He added that the U.S. job action would not affect Chrysler's 300-worker Etobicoke casting plant in Toronto ``in the near future.'' That site produces pistons and other pieces for engines and transmissions.After the settlement agreement was announced, Saenz said ``we don't expect production will have to stop at either of the two major plants (or in Etobicoke).''A two-day UAW strike against General Motors in the United States late last month forced GM Canada to briefly close its two sedan assembly plants in Oshawa, east of Toronto, affecting 5,600 workers, and a 1,300-employee transmission factory in Windsor. GM's Oshawa pickup-truck plant, with 3,900 employees, kept operating.Even if a long strike had happened, retailers would havve been prepared, according to Chrysler's Saenz. He said Canadian dealers still have abundant inventory to offer prospective buyers."We've got a fair amount of most products on the ground," he said."It's going to depend on how long this thing goes, and that's something I really can't estimate."//autonews24h.commorphine@freeartists.ruFri, 12 Oct 2007 15:15:00 +0400Mercedes McLaren SLR Roadster http://www.freebestcars.com/news.html?id=11_1_news.txthttp://www.freebestcars.com/news.html?id=11_1_news.txtMercedes is one of the few automakers to offer a convertible in nearly every size of vehicle it produces, from the compact SLK to the mid size CLK and on to the large SL roadster. With the Ocean Drive concept the company unveiled in Detroit this year, it seems a four-door convertible may be added to the foray in the future. But for now the range-topping SLR McLaren Roadster will have to do.This latest addition unites styling cues of the successful SLR racing models from the 1950s with the innovative technology of modern Formula 1 vehicles from the McLaren-Mercedes team. The arrow-shaped tip of the F1 Silver Arrow, a styling element in the SLR, establishes a visual link with the legendary racing cars, along with distinctive lateral louvers, side pipes behind the front wheels and wide-opening gullwing doors. Its lightweight top folds down in just 10 seconds.The SLR Roadster body is made entirely of carbon-fiber reinforced plastic materials and two aluminum frames cradle the AMG V8 compressor engine. Riding atop a complex carbon-fiber monocoque chassis, the car benefits from low weight and high torsional rigidity, while its wind tunnel-honed aerodynamics incorporate an 'airbrake' - to slow the car down from its 207mph top speed - and a diffuser in the rear bumper to increase downforce during 3.8 second stints to 62mph. //<a href="http://www.cardesignnews.com/site/home/new_cars/page/?portlet_action=true&action_wid=2738#75062" title="">cardesignnews.com</a>morphine@freeartists.ruThu, 10 May 2007 15:31:00 +0400Porsche 911 Turbo Cabrio http://www.freebestcars.com/news.html?id=10_1_news.txthttp://www.freebestcars.com/news.html?id=10_1_news.txtPorsche has revealed a new convertible version of its 911 Turbo set to go on sale in September. The open top 911 Turbo weighs 154lbs. more than the coupe, largely due to reinforcements in the chassis, convertible body and automatic extendable rollover protection behind the rear seats. The three-layer fully-automatic soft top contributes to a low center of gravity and can be raised or lowered in 20 seconds. The Cabriolet is powered by the same 3.6 liter twin turbocharged six-cylinder as hardtop variants, capable of generating 480bhp and 457lb-ft of torque. Up to 501lb-ft of twist is available if the box labeled "Sport Chrono Turbo Package" is ticked off the options list. Contrary to traditional figures, the semi-automatic Tiptronic S propels the car to 62mph in 3.8 seconds, two-tenths quicker than its manual counterpart. A 193mph top speed is identical for both manual and Tiptronic-equipped cars. The 911 Turbo Cabriolet is a highly aerodynamic car, with a drag coefficient of just 0.31Cd. The active rear spoiler - which extends 30mm further than that of the coupe - is automatically extended at speeds above 75mph to generate negative lift at the rear axle. The front wheels are fitted with high-performance brake calipers derived from those found on the range-topping Carrera GT.//<a href="http://www.cardesignnews.com/site/home/new_cars/page/?portlet_action=true&action_wid=2738#75062" title="">cardesignnews.com</a>morphine@freeartists.ruThu, 10 May 2007 15:30:00 +0400Who's Where: Walter de'Silva appointed Head of VW Group Design http://www.freebestcars.com/news.html?id=9_1_news.txthttp://www.freebestcars.com/news.html?id=9_1_news.txtVolkswagen has just announced that Walter de'Silva, 55, has been appointed Head of Volkswagen Group Design. Since March 2002, de'Silva has been Head of Design at the now discontinued Audi brand group. There, in addition to supervising the Audi brand design, he was also in charge of SEAT and Lamborghini. With his new position he will be responsible for design for all Volkswagen Group passenger car brands, including Bentley, Bugatti and Skoda. The change of direction will be effective February 1st 2007, although we understand de'Silva to be active in this position as of this week.Before joining the Volkswagen Group at SEAT in 1999, Walter de'Silva was in charge of Alfa Romeo's Centro Stile since 1986. At Alfa, during the nineties, de'Silva led the renewal of the brand's design language and very effective repositioning. His long career in the automotive world began at Centro Stile FIAT in 1972, when he was just 21 years old. This experience was followed by nine years at I.DE.A Institute under the direction of Franco Mantegazza and Renzo Piano before being recruited by Alfa Romeo.With this new global design leadership position for Volkswagen Group, Walter de'Silva replaces Murat Gunak, who is leaving the company abruptly "by mutual agreement" as stated by Volkswagen. Gunak joined Volkswagen in 2003 after working for Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot and Ford.These changes occur after some major management shuffles at VW; among them the departure at the end of this month of Wolfgang Bernhard CEO of Volkswagen brand, and the appointment of Volkswagen Group CEO Martin Winterkorn in November, who was previously chairman of Audi - where he would have worked closely with de'Silva.//<a href="http://www.cardesignnews.com/site/home/display/store4/item64899/" title="">cardesignnews.com</a>morphine@freeartists.ruWed, 31 Jan 2007 18:00:00 +0300Kia Kue concept http://www.freebestcars.com/news.html?id=8_1_news.txthttp://www.freebestcars.com/news.html?id=8_1_news.txtKia has released a design sketch of its newest concept car - the Kue. With distinctly grand SUV styling, Kue majors on greater driving dynamics and performance. The focus is very much about an exciting driving experience, as opposed to the typical SUV or CUV [Crossover Utility Vehicle] lifestyle and is the first major new concept launched under the guidance of new design chief Peter Schreyer.Kue is based around a dynamically focused monocoque chassis and features large seven-spoke 22-inch alloy wheels and doors that feature a distinctive sill-to-waist door crease which can be clearly seen on the all new cee'd. Size wise, the Kue measures up with an overall length of 4,720mm and a 2,900mm wheelbase. Kue will be unveiled at the NAIAS in Detroit in January 2007.//<a href="http://www.cardesignnews.com/" title="">cardesignnews.com</a>morphine@freeartists.ruThu, 21 Dec 2006 12:42:00 +0300Volvo XC60 concept http://www.freebestcars.com/news.html?id=6_1_news.txthttp://www.freebestcars.com/news.html?id=6_1_news.txtVolvo will introduce the XC60 concept at the Detroit Auto Show in January. The production version of this compact premium crossover should follow rapidly and reach the showrooms in the first half of 2009. Many of the XC60's formal characteristics represent a quantum leap for the brand's design language that's been almost stagnant since the 1992 ECC concept. With the XC60, Volvo reveals the direction they are heading for future vehicles.Aiming to improve brand recognition, Design Director Steve Mattin declares he now wants to use "more expressive, emotive shapes" to "elevate Volvo's design DNA to an entirely new level". The new grille with a bigger logo and angled headlights, the racy DLO shape and roof profile, the sculpted flanks and dramatic tailgate/taillights treatment are all testimonies of this new design philosophy at Volvo.Presumably built on a mechanical foundation derived from Land Rover's LR2, the XC60 will bear large wheels and offer plenty of ground clearance. The interior features slim seats and an innovative floating center stack. The multifunctional tailgate has a transparent lower section that improves rearward visibility.//<a href="http://www.cardesignnews.com/" title="">cardesignnews.com</a>morphine@freeartists.ruThu, 21 Dec 2006 12:41:00 +0300Skoda Fabia http://www.freebestcars.com/news.html?id=5_1_news.txthttp://www.freebestcars.com/news.html?id=5_1_news.txtSucceeding the first Fabia that helped revive the Czech brand with 1.5million sales comes its second iteration. Blending the original car with the more recent Roomster, the new Fabia sports two-box packaging with a wrap-around glass graphic. And though the car has grown, it still slips in under 4 meters. Rear knee and headroom remain especially generous, while passengers there also benefit from head airbags. Other technology includes Bluetooth connectivity, six-speed Tiptronic transmission and the de rigueur iPod plug. Under the hood, one can opt from seven engines, four gas (60PS -105PS) and three diesel (70PS - 105PS). The world launch of the Fabia will take place in Geneva next year. Key dimensions are: length 3992mm, width 1642mm, height 1498mm. Trunk volume is 300 liters rising to 1163 liters seats folded.//<a href="http://www.cardesignnews.com/" title="">cardesignnews.com</a>morphine@freeartists.ruThu, 21 Dec 2006 12:40:00 +0300Peugeot 207CC http://www.freebestcars.com/news.html?id=4_1_news.txthttp://www.freebestcars.com/news.html?id=4_1_news.txtFollowing the 207 Epure concept shown at the Paris Motor Show, Peugeot has revealed the production version, the 207CC - though without the concept's fuel-cell powertrain. Succeeding the popular 206CC launched in 2001, the 207CC obviously doesn't differ much from the show car, which was the first model touched by Co-Director Peugeot Design Jerome Gallix. Replacing the fuel cell is a range of IC engines; two gas and one diesel. All three motors have 16 valves and 1600cc, the diesel producing 110PS and the turbos of the two gasoline options tuned for either 120PS or 150PS. Key dimensions for the Peugeot 207CC are: length 4037mm, width 1750mm, height 1397mm. The wheelbase is 2540mm, and roof up trunk capacity is 449 liters dropping to 187 liters when lowered. Sales begin in March with prices to be announced nearer the time.//<a href="http://www.cardesignnews.com/" title="">cardesignnews.com</a>morphine@freeartists.ruThu, 21 Dec 2006 12:39:00 +0300Hafei Loujun http://www.freebestcars.com/news.html?id=3_1_news.txthttp://www.freebestcars.com/news.html?id=3_1_news.txtHafei Loujun was one of many compact minivans on display on this year's Auto China 2006. Located in a rather obscured area of the main 1A hall at the show, Loujun in many ways deserved a better stage. Surprising many of the observers, Loujun was designed by Pininfarina, and the overall styling displayed solid volume with crisp and refined surfacing.Standing just around 4000mm, thus in a tough position to compete against of Japanese minivans, the key styling theme of Loujun was to give a solid stance. With 17-inch alloy wheels supported by large wheelarches and a pronounced sill volume running from the front to the rear bumper, the vehicle indeed stands firm to the ground.A single, robust shoulder line running down from D-pillar and wrapping around the vehicle acts as the styling 'anchor', that defines the boundaries for details such as the headlamps and radiator grille. The rear-end styling is simple and effective, where the shutline boundaries, which runs around the rear fender sets the boundary lines for the tailgate opening, tailamps and the two-tone rear bumper.//<a href="http://www.cardesignnews.com/site/home/display/store4/item58464/" title="">cardesignnews.com</a>morphine@freeartists.ruWed, 06 Dec 2006 15:28:00 +0300Changan Xingqing concept http://www.freebestcars.com/news.html?id=2_1_news.txthttp://www.freebestcars.com/news.html?id=2_1_news.txtXingqing, which means 'clear sky', was inspired by the romantic atmosphere which fills people when looking up to the sky and seeing the stars on a clear night. Measuring at 3500mm x 16500mm x 1550mm on a 2365mm wheelbase, this entry level compact minivan CUV is targeted at young urban professionals, whom the company would describe as "using this car to commute during weekdays, as well as enjoying the outdoor life on the weekend."Styled in Italy, the Xingqing concept and the theme is much like that of the Fiat Multipla from more than a decade ago, focusing on interior functionality and the user interface of the driver and passengers, more than flashy exterior styling. While this is a compact mini, seating arrangement allows up to five adult passengers and their luggage as well.The simple and almost 'abstract' interior surprised many, with almost no details apart from the steering wheel visible around the cluster and the center console. Overall use of the interior space was equally impressive with functions such as a fully opening tailgate which effectively turns into a tent, fold-and-dive rear seat, and a B-pillarless clamshell door allowing for easy ingress/egress and to load large equipment.The exterior design, which in effect was styled to support the interior functionality, has its share of strong characteristics. The overall form of the vehicle is a one-box minivan with excellent stance. Details such as the headlamp located around the A-pillars, clever use of the orange and black two-tone around the sill area to create dynamic stance, and a Y-shaped front grille were all executed well.While a vehicle such as this won't have much chance of making it out of the auto show display booth, the Xingqing concept definitely was a pleasant surprise to many with clever ideas and well-resolved design.//<a href="http://www.cardesignnews.com/site/home/display/store4/item58464/" title="">cardesignnews.com</a>morphine@freeartists.ruWed, 06 Dec 2006 15:27:00 +0300Volkswagen Neeza concept http://www.freebestcars.com/news.html?id=1_1_news.txthttp://www.freebestcars.com/news.html?id=1_1_news.txtThe only foreign manufacturer to display a concept car at Auto China 2006 was Volkswagen, unveiling the Neeza crossover concept. As one of the first major overseas manufacturers to enter the Chinese market more than 20 years ago, it's evident that Volkswagen is again intent on leading the motoring trend in China by displaying a Coupe/Wagon CUV, with strong Chinese automotive styling flavor. Built on an extended A-platform — as used on the VW Concept A and Golf - Neeza was developed by the local VW design studio in Shanghai.The name Neeza comes from a Chinese folk tale of a little boy named Ne-Zha, who fought against the evil spirits with magic weapons, and VW claims "His unequalled will, his youthful and foresighted spirit and courage reflect the idea hidden behind the character and the name of the concept"Overall styling is sleek and extremely fast, with the proportion deceiving many people to a point where, until the unveiling of the vehicle on Saturday, many automotive designers actually thought Neeza was the brother version of the Audi Q7. However the Neeza is much smaller, lower and sleeker than the Q7, and displays virtually no characteristics of an SUV.Clad in a Flame Red body color, its proportion is very well resolved. And much like recent Volkswagen concepts, Neeza also displays restrained details where it makes clear that designers were intent on showing the overall surfacing of the vehicle, more so than the details. Apart from the front lower grille displaying the flowing 'Oriental' line, they have managed exceptionally well in letting the details support rather than dominate the overall styling.What would have been a fine concept car was let down somewhat by the overall interior design, with an impression that the interior was almost an afterthought in the overall design process. The door trims and dashboard lacked the exaggerated tension, volumes and refined details that you would expect from a concept car.While there has been no official response from VW regarding future production plans, Neeza indicates we should expect a bright future for the region's automotive design in the future.//<a href="http://www.cardesignnews.com/site/home/display/store4/item58464/" title="">cardesignnews.com</a>morphine@freeartists.ruWed, 06 Dec 2006 15:19:00 +0300