William Maley

I like it.. Except for the front. But then I like Lexus' new grille on some of their models, so what do I know.

I didn't unfortunately. I can say the battery pack does take up about quarter to a third of the trunk space.

If I remember correctly SPA is going to be front-wheel/all-wheel drive. The Turbo/Supercharged Four powers the front and the electrics motors powers the back.

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 29, 2013 What you see before you is the Volvo Concept Coupe. Revealed last night, the concept previews two items for the brand; what's in store for Volvo's future design and demonstrating the versatility of Volvo's new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA). Volvo bills the the Concept Coupe as "the next-generation P1800". Quite the claim, but the concept has some elements of the iconic coupe. The front end has a "floating grille" with a "distinctive iron mark." On either side of the grille are a set of T-Shaped headlights. The side profile has a unique bow shape and a set of twenty-one inch alloy wheels. The back end has large haunches and slim, C-Shaped taillights. Moving inside, the Concept Coupe features such items as seating for four people, three-spoke steering wheel, and a large touchscreen display for the infotainment system. Powering the Concept Coupe is 2.0L turbo and supercharged four-cylinder engine paired with a electric motor mounted on the rear axles. Together, the two powertrains deliver 400 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels. "The Volvo Concept Coupé is no futuristic dream car. It is designed to demonstrate the capability of our new architecture: the confident stance, the proportions and the most prominent design signatures. Even though the all-new XC90 is an entirely different type of car, you will recognise the connection instantly when it is revealed next year," said Thomas Ingenlath, Volvo's design chief. The Concept Coupe makes its auto show debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Source: Volvo William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 THE VOLVO CONCEPT COUPÉ – THE NEXT GENERATION P1800: ELEGANT CONFIDENCE ENABLED BY THE NEW SCALABLE ARCHITECTURE Inspired by contemporary, progressive Scandinavian lifestyle and design, as well as iconic elements from the past, the elegant new Volvo Concept Coupé is the first of a series of three concept cars that reveal the design possibilities created by the company's new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA). After more than a year of rising expectations, the first design by the new Senior Vice President of Design, Thomas Ingenlath, showcases how design builds emotion into the Volvo brand and points towards the next generation of Volvo models, starting with the forthcoming XC90 in 2014. "The Volvo Concept Coupé is no futuristic dream car. It is designed to demonstrate the capability of our new architecture: the confident stance, the proportions and the most prominent design signatures. Even though the all-new XC90 is an entirely different type of car, you will recognise the connection instantly when it is revealed next year," says Thomas Ingenlath. Developed in-house for Volvo Cars only, the Scalable Product Architecture liberates Volvo's designers and engineers from the limitations of previous cross-brand platforms. "The new Volvo Concept Coupé reveals how we could shape our cars from now on. Free from the superficial surface excitement of other car brands, we add emotional value to the Volvo brand with the calm, confident beauty that is the hallmark of Scandinavian design," says Thomas Ingenlath. Powerful visual impact The visual impact of the new proportions is most powerful when viewing the Volvo Concept Coupé from the side. The distance between the dashboard and the front axle is extended and the greenhouse has been moved slightly rearwards. A low bonnet, roof, and the five-spoke, 21-inch wheels also contribute to the impression of an elegant Gran Tourer oozing effortless power. The confident stance is emphasised by a beltline that spans an elegant bow along the whole car. "Think about the powerful calmness of a lion. He doesn't have to prowl to radiate respect. Even lying down he shows very clearly what he is capable of," smiles Thomas Ingenlath. New T-shaped DRL lights The face of the Volvo Concept Coupé is characterised by a new topography on the bonnet and the 'floating' grille, flanked by headlights featuring new T-shaped DRL light guides. Just like the rear light signature, the DRL lights are distinctive elements in the new design direction of Volvo Cars. "The face is new, but it also carries more than 85 years of Volvo heritage with great pride. We are still working with the final interpretation of the grille and the iron mark and this will be revealed together with the XC90 next year," says Thomas Ingenlath. Echoes the iconic P1800 The Concept Coupé also features elements that echo the design of the Volvo P1800 from the 1960s. "It is a car designer's duty to reflect and incorporate design signatures that are vital parts of the company's heritage. The P1800 is an iconic Volvo, renowned for its beautiful forms and detailing. However, using elements from the P1800 exterior and interior has nothing to do with being retro. We are using these subtle links to a glorious past to create a future where sheer beauty becomes a recognised part of Volvo's identity. That journey starts with Concept Coupé," says Thomas Ingenlath. Sparkling crystal gear-lever The blue-grey exterior is echoed on the inside of the Volvo Concept Coupé. Refined, handcrafted elements such as the leather instrument panel, inlays made of naturally aged wood and the dark blue woven carpets are blended with beautifully machined metal details." "To me, handcrafted crystal is one of the finest examples of high-quality Scandinavian design and I love the idea of bringing it into the car. The prominent position of the gear-lever is the perfect place for this sparkling sensation," says Robin Page, Design Director Interior at Volvo Car Group. He adds: "The experience inside Concept Coupé is an excellent example of how we will make Volvo customers feel truly special." Large portrait touch-screen The concept car also includes a totally new approach to Volvo Cars' human-centric user experience. A large portrait touch-screen in the centre console interacts with an adaptive digital display and head-up display in front of the driver. "This is a natural integration of user interfaces in our new car generation. Interaction with pleasure but without distraction is the key. We bring connectivity into our cars to make them both more enjoyable and safe," explains Thomas Ingenlath. The Scalable Product Architecture is also being prepared for completely autonomous driving. The first features with autonomous steering to avoid accidents and make driving more comfortable will be introduced in 2014 – and Volvo Cars' aim is to have cars with fully autonomous technology out on the roads before 2020. Petrol plug-in hybrid – powerful and efficient The petrol plug-in hybrid driveline in the Volvo Concept Coupé reflects Volvo Cars' strategy to use electrification to create the most powerful versions in the new four-cylinder Drive-E engine family. This will take power figures up into V8 territory. The concept car features a two-litre high-performance Drive-E petrol engine with a supercharger and turbo. The petrol engine is teamed with an electric motor on the rear axle. This gives Volvo Concept Coupé a total output of around 400 hp and over 600 Nm of torque. The design direction of Thomas Ingenlath: Releasing the full potential of the Volvo brand The work of Thomas Ingenlath has been one of the best-kept secrets in the automotive industry for over a year. Until now. "Volvo Cars was already transforming rapidly when I joined the company in 2012. My team and I have focused on creating a new interpretation of the design language. It will help taking this great brand in the desired direction," says Thomas Ingenlath. This is how Thomas Ingenlath expresses the new design direction for Volvo Cars. Why Volvo Cars? "Everyone that knows me well would agree that Volvo is a perfect match for me. I have never been an instant crowd-pleaser who likes fast and loud designs. I am thoughtful. I like to explore the intellectual elements below the surface. If you do that right, the aesthetics will come naturally." "Volvo is a human-centric brand with an exceptionally strong heritage. It is exciting to create a new design expression that supports the established brand values as well as the repositioning towards a more distinctive premium brand." What's your view of Scandinavian Design? "Well, since Volvo Cars is the only remaining automotive brand in Sweden, we are by definition the only carmaker that can create original Scandinavian Design. The challenge is to create a modern, desirable interpretation." "To me, Scandinavian Design according to Volvo is firmly rooted in the values of the Swedish society and the way of life enabled by this unique environment. Our approach goes beyond just bringing Scandinavian design items and signatures into our cars. Our job is to understand the spirit and the confidence that make Scandinavian design so special. Then we must translate it into car design." What is your approach? "It is important to recognise that Scandinavian design will only be perceived as attractive if it is crafted with precision and attention to detail. Meticulous execution and consistent quality are prerequisites to qualify for the premium league of automakers." Explain the new design direction. "In my opinion, Volvo design has always had a certain authority. We aim to extend this calm, intelligent and strong side of our brand with a greater potency, modernity and expressiveness. Concept Coupé clearly expresses this direction." "Outdoor activities are an important part of the Swedish lifestyle. We will continue to refine Volvo's strong connection to these activities with more emphasis on modernity. It's about making functionality an emotional experience. Just like an exclusive goose down jacket, our cars will have a true feeling of sophistication with an underlying strength and capability." "Creativity is thriving in the Swedish society. This includes design and technology as well as the fashion, music and art scene. We use this as an inspiration for creating a new kind of attainable luxury. Our future cars will show that there are new, exciting ways to express the soul of Sweden." What opportunities does the new Scalable Product Architecture create for the designers? "The new architecture enables us to create the great proportions that are important to achieve a premium look. The dash to axle ratio is more generous than any other architecture I have worked with before. This gives us the opportunity to be up there among the top premium brands when it comes to proportions." "The hip point is another example of the new opportunities. It is low enough to create a low profile on a sleek sedan without compromising headroom." Which are the most the most prominent new design signatures? "Every strong brand needs a set of visual keys that makes it unique. Future Volvos will be characterised by the distinctive iron mark in the floating grille, flanked by the T-shaped DRL lights. The larger bonnet with its new topography, the beltline spanning an elegant bow along the whole car and the sharpened shoulder connecting with the new rear light are other important design signatures. They all contribute to the confident stance. The overall simplicity, both exterior and interior, has a strong connection to the Scandinavian lifestyle." How about the interiors? "We will continue to build on the premium feel in the new Volvo V40. The new user interface with a large, portrait touch-screen in the centre console allows us to remove almost all buttons. This simplicity is perfectly in tune with our Scandinavian design heritage. It opens up clean surfaces that give us the opportunity to create a luxurious interior experience with new forms." "We will deliver on our brand promise to make Volvo customers feel special by blending classic handcrafted elements with distinctive, surprising delight details." New design direction injects emotion into Volvo's transformation journey The Volvo Concept Coupé is the first expressive interpretation of a new brand direction where design has an elevated strategic importance to deliver more emotion into the Volvo brand. "Our transformation plan includes a commitment to create a more premium vision of Volvo Cars. Releasing the emotional power of our human-centric design heritage is one of the key elements in this strategy," says Alain Visser, Senior Vice President Marketing, Sales and Customer Service at Volvo Car Group. He adds: "A more premium image is vital to gain momentum in our journey towards an annual sales volume of 800,000 cars. It also supports our price position versus our main competitors in the premium segments." Building on recent success The introduction of the Volvo V40 in 2012 was the first step in this direction. The positive media and customer feedback emphasises that Volvo Cars is running with the best in several important areas, including design. The upcoming introduction of the new scalable architecture enables the company to accelerate the transformation. The Volvo Concept Coupé is the first of a series of three concept cars that demonstrate the design possibilities created by the new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA). They pave the way for the introduction of the all-new Volvo XC90 in 2014. Technology as an enabler for emotion The new in-house developed architecture and engine programme are the enablers for a stronger emotional expression of the brand, both when it comes to the exterior design and a new approach to the interior, user interface and connectivity. "Volvo's unique human-centric approach and the aim to inject more emotions into car design are perfect partners. Volvo Cars' caring, human-centric values are an integrated part of the Scandinavian culture and lifestyle. The challenge is to express this with a bolder, more distinctive design that is an all-important customer criteria for premium cars," says Thomas Ingenlath. Design creates premium desirability Truly premium brands are based on a complex mix of rational, qualitative parameters and strong emotional values that create desirability – and there are several examples of brands that have moved from mainstream to premium through a stronger focus on design. "Case studies of brands that have made a similar journey to ours give us valuable input into the mechanisms that trigger the consumer's perception of premium. This, together with our own studies of people's views of Volvo Cars, becomes a valuable base for our design development," says Alain Visser. Rational properties with added emotional value The emotional aspect is also important when shaping the future of properties that are established Volvo territory among consumers: Focus on safety has moved from offering protection in worst-case scenarios to creating features that support the driver and enhance the user experience. Modern environmental care is able to combine low emissions and reduced fuel consumption with an enhanced driving experience – for instance through ingenious plug-in hybrid technology. The classic functionality has moved beyond being practical. Volvo Cars' approach is to create human-centric features that actually make today's hectic life easier for the user. "Reliable functionality has always been a no compromise prerequisite for Scandinavian designers. Up here, designs have to deal with a harsh reality that demands meticulous attention to detail and quality," says Thomas Ingenlath. He concludes: "Combining this with a distinctive design language that is inspired by this unique Scandinavian environment will give us a competitive edge that none of our competitors can match. You could say that we will continue to do what Volvo always has done. We will just do it much better and make it much more emotional." View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 29, 2013 Sometimes you have to admit the truth, even if its harsh. Case in point; Ford’s design chief J Mays recently told The Detroit News that Lincoln is 'not true luxury'. “No, we’re not true luxury. We’re in an investment stage with Lincoln. We’ve probably got a 10-year investment to make,” Mays said. Its easy to see Mays' point. Most of Lincoln's lineup are tarted-up Ford products. The first real product that shows Lincoln is trying to change its ways is the new MKZ. The model has some features such as a panoramic sunroof and push-button transmission that are unique to Lincoln. Mays explained that Lincoln has a “whole list of things” it will implement in future cars. “Every brand needs to have a DNA and a unique selling point and things in the vehicle that make you think, ‘That’s that particular brand.’” Source: The Detroit News William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

Thanks Z, means a lot to me. As for the other thing.. I need to do a few things before I attempt that. The big problem with Diesel-Hybrid vehicles at the moment is how expensive they are to build. The tech is there, the costs just need to fall down.

I agree.. But I don't know how far Fisker got with the engineering of the Atlantic, considering all of the delays they had on it. Possibly the amount of work needed to finish it is making the group think twice.

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 28, 2013 Once upon a time, the Volvo lineup had three compact cars; the C30 hatchback, S40 sedan, and V50 wagon. All three went off to the great parking lot in the sky and the V40 hatchback took their place. There was one problem, because of the poor sales of those three models in the U.S., Volvo decided not to sell the V40. Volvo executives and dealers in the U.S. want to see a change in that decision. "The V40 is a great small vehicle, and we would love to have it here. It is not currently in our plan but that does not stop me. I am constantly talking about making that a reality," said Tassos Panas, head of marketing and product development at Volvo Cars of North America. Now this push by Volvo executives and dealers has worked before. Consider the Volvo V60 wagon. Originally the V60 wagon was not coming to the U.S. However the pressure of dealers and executives in the U.S. cause Volvo to rethink and at the New York Auto Show, announced the V60 would be coming to the U.S. next year. There is a huge problem for the V40 though. Unlike the V60 which could be easy homologated thanks to the S60 sedan, the V40 would have a much tougher path to be sold in the U.S. For example, the engine lineup of the V40 would have to be tested for emissions. "That is one of the significant hurdles," said Panas. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 28, 2013 "Why is Volkswagen doing a hybrid version of the Jetta?!" That was my response when the news first came that Volkswagen would be introducing the Jetta Hybrid. On one hand this doesn't make sense. Volkswagen is known as the diesel automaker with five vehicles that offer amazing fuel economy and performance. Plus, diesel vehicles in the U.S. are making huge inroads. According to R.L. Polk, registration of diesel vehicles have increased 24.3 percent from 2010 to 2012. However there are still a fair number of the public who believe that diesel is EVIL! Instead they are turning to hybrids which also offers amazing fuel economy numbers. Volkswagen not wanting to miss out on this has created the Jetta Hybrid. But this being Volkswagen, they did it their way. In this case, you'll find a turbocharged engine, dual-clutch gearbox, and promises of fun to driveness. Does it fully work? The Jetta Hybrid's design is very much a Jetta. That's to say the current incarnation is very conservative. You'll find crisp lines and a tailored rear end as its distinctive design cues. Some believe the design will age well in the coming years. I agree with that, but is that something you should be proud of in a design? There are little giveaways that help differentiate the Jetta Hybrid from a normal Jetta, but you're going to have to get close to notice them. There is a new grille and small spoiler in a effort to improve aerodynamics. Other changes include LED taillights, new wheels, and a number of 'hybrid' badges on the vehicle. Moving inside, it's hard to tell the difference between a normal Jetta and Jetta Hybrid. The only real giveaway that you're in the Hybrid is a new gauge cluster that replaces the tachometer with an Eco/Power/Charge gauge that makes no sense. Sure it will tell you how aggressive you are on the throttle, but it's not tied to something quantifiable. Stick with the trip computer in the gauge cluster that provides a screen that shows which powertrain is working if you want to maximize your MPGs. Much like the exterior, the Jetta Hybrid's interior design is plain. Material quality is pretty poor as the door panels and lower trim pieces are hard plastics that look like they came from milk crates. This is a huge no-no on a vehicle with a $30k+ pricetag. The only real bright spots inside were a soft touch dash and aluminum-like trim pieces. Another downside to the Jetta Hybrid is the infotainment system. Volkswagen uses a small five-inch touch screen that provides radio, navigation, and information about the hybrid system. While I liked the simple navigation interface and the screens showing the important hybrid information, the rest of the system is not great. The touch points on the screen are too small and I found myself repeatedly hitting them to get something to happen. You also can't pan from one part of the map to another which I found somewhat annoying. Finally, I don't like that Volkswagen uses this small screen in a number of their high-end compact vehicles (Jetta Hybrid, GLI, GTI, and Beetle Turbo). I would be willing to shell out a few more dollars just so I can have a larger screen. Not all is bad with the Jetta Hybrid's interior. To start, the Jetta Hybrid has one of the largest interiors in the compact class. That means you and your passengers will be able to find a comfortable position in the vehicle. There is also the excellent Fender audio system which pumped out some great sound. I originally thought this would be just a stick-on name to a mediocre sound system, but I was wrong. The heart of the Jetta Hybrid is 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder, paired with a 20kW electric motor. Total output stands at 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. A 220-volt, 60-cell lithium-ion battery pack helps power the electric motor. Volkswagen uses their seven-speed DSG transmission to send the power to front wheels. The hybrid powertrain provides a surprising punch of power. The 1.4L turbo engine shows little lag and paired with the electric motor, provides smooth acceleration no matter the occasion. The smooth shifting DSG is lightning quick with its gear changes. At low speeds or if you are gentle on the throttle, the Jetta Hybrid will run on the electric motor alone for a time up to 37 MPH. You can also engage E-Mode which turns the engine off and lets you use the electric motor only. I found myself turning on E-Mode when entering my neighborhood to save more gas. The one complaint I'll level at the powertrain is when I'm leaving a stop. The powertrain goes through a shuddering stage as the computer works out which mode it should go into. Volkswagen still has some bugs to work out. Fuel economy is rated at 42 City/48 Highway/45 Combined. During my week, I got an average 40.1 MPG in mixed driving. This is a vehicle where you have to learn how to drive it correctly if you want to attain high MPG numbers. Fun to drive isn't something you would expect of a hybrid, but the Jetta Hybrid is that. Borrowing the suspension from the Jetta GLI, the Hybrid is engaging on a nice curvy road. It's a shame I can't say the same about the Hybrid's steering which is light and not very good at communicating the road to the driver. On the flip side, the suspension is very competent on providing a comfortable and smooth ride. The steering makes it a breeze of navigating tight parking spots and the city. The big question when talking about hybrids is 'how are the brakes?' The Jetta Hybrid is much like any other hybrid; the brakes are very grabby. Weirdly, I found the pedal would offer some brake feel sometimes and there would be none other times. This is something I believe Volkswagen should go back to the drawing board on. The Jetta Hybrid leaves me in a bit of a quandary. On one hand the Jetta Hybrid is packs a nice punch of power from the hybrid powertrain and is very competent when you want to have some fun. But the fuel economy, interior material quality, and as-tested pricetag give me hesitation. Factor in the similar fuel economy and lower pricetag of the Jetta TDI and the Jetta Hybrid becomes a bit tougher to argue. In summary: If you want the best hybrid, go with the Prius. If you want the most fuel economy in the Volkswagen family and something fun, go with the Jetta TDI. The Jetta Hybrid just cannot make a very compelling argument. Disclaimer: Volkswagen provided the Jetta Hybrid, insurance, and one tank of gas. Year: 2013 Make: Volkswagen Model: Jetta Hybrid Trim: SEL Premium Engine: 1.4L Turbocharged and Intercooled Inline Four-Cylinder, Electric Motor Driveline: Front-Wheel Drive, Seven-Speed DSG Transmission Horsepower @ RPM: (Gas) 150 @ 5,000; (Electric) 27 @ 0; (Combined) 170 @ 5,000 Torque @ RPM: (Gas) 184 @ 1,600; (Electric) 114 @ 0; (Combined) 184 @ 1,000 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 42/48/45 Curb Weight: 3,312 lbs Location of Manufacture: Puebla, Mexico Base Price: $31,180.00 As Tested Price: $32,010.00* (Includes $795.00 destination charge) Options: First Aid Kit - $35.00 William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 27, 2013 A few weeks ago, Infiniti announced their showing at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Named the Q30, the concept in our eyes looks to be more of a dramatic take on the Etherea concept shown at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. Today, Infiniti revealed a single shot of the concept. Infiniti says the Q30's defy traditional body styles in the compact luxury class. design From the release: "The shape of the Infiniti Q30 Concept deliberately challenges categorisation – not a coupe, not a hatch and not a crossover but a fusion of the three body styles." Now we can only see two out of three body styles Infiniti mentions. The most obvious is the hatchback shape. The crossover shape is somewhat there with a highbelt line. But for the life of us, we can't seem to figure out where the coupe comes into play. Maybe Infiniti explain in a few weeks time. Source: Infiniti William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 Infiniti releases first image of sleek, seductive Q30 Concept ahead of world premiere at Frankfurt Motor Show • Design of Q30 Concept is a unique fusion of body styles merging of the dynamic design and sportiness of a coupe, the roominess of a hatch and the higher stance of a crossover • World premiere in Frankfurt September 10 at 10:15 am CET Hong Kong – Infiniti has provided a first look at the Q30 Concept which will have its world premiere at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show as the next step in Infiniti's foray into new premium segments. The Infiniti Q30 Concept signals the contemporary design vision for a compact Infiniti vehicle which will target a new generation of premium customers. It is set to be unveiled at Infiniti's press conference, scheduled for 10:15 am CET on September 10 in Hall 5 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Q30 Concept embodies Infiniti's vision to deliver head-turning design, innovative materials with precise fit and finish and passionate craftsmanship, while provoking a radical shift in the premium compact segment. The shape of the Infiniti Q30 Concept deliberately challenges categorisation – not a coupe, not a hatch and not a crossover but a fusion of the three body styles. It is designed for younger customers seeking an alternative to traditional premium compact vehicles and open to convention-challenging approaches. Infiniti is confident this merging of the dynamic design and sportiness of a coupe, the roominess of a hatch and the higher stance of a crossover will resonate with these customers. The Q30 Concept design language reflects the brand's vision to deliver new levels of design, materials, fit and finish, craftsmanship and performance. The Infiniti design team, led by Executive Design Director Alfonso Albaisa, has explored bolder, sensual sculpting and enhanced muscularity with the Q30 Concept as the brand's design language continues to evolve. The Q30 Concept signals the next step in an aggressive strategy to extend the Infiniti brand into new premium segments. View full article