Auto Vehicle

In model year 2014 Volvo wants to set the volume for the V60 Plug-in Hybrid to 4,000 to 6,000 units per year

From now on the new Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid is the assembly line. The installation of the worlds first diesel plug-in hybrid is built at the Volvo headquarters in Gothenburg Torslanda into the existing production line.

The production of the so-called Pure Limited Edition, which is limited to 1,000 units, is carried out on a band with other vehicles, the Volvo brand. With the beginning of the model year 2014, the start of production is scheduled for the spring of 2013, Volvo is increasing the volumes for the Volvo V60 Plug-in hybrid then to 4,000 to 6,000 units per year. The V60 develops 215 hp (158 kW) + 70 hp (51 kW). The maximum torque of 440 + 200 Nm. According to the manufacturer, the fuel consumption (combined) at 1.8 l/100 km lie.

The plug-in hybrid technology includes two complete drive units and a powerful battery that allows up to 50 kilometers purely electric driving. "We are the first car manufacturer, which has managed the production of a plug-in hybrid to integrate into an existing production with other models," says Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research and Development. "The integration into the ongoing production process enables buyers of hybrid models to access all configuration options that are available for the conventional diesel and gasoline vehicles in the Volvo V60."

More than 300 additional parts

The extensive number of necessary equipment and system components in the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid necessitated the conversion and modification of various sections of the production line. This adjustment allows the compared to the conventional Volvo V60 integrate more than 300 additional parts in the plug-in hybrid in the production process.

The V60 develops 215 hp (158 kW) + 70 hp (51 kW). The maximum torque of 440 + 200 Nm. According to the manufacturer, the fuel consumption (combined) at 1.8 l/100 km lie

Examples of integrated production process:

• The electric motor and its drive shaft is mounted in the same production area as the final drive of the standard all-wheel models.
• The installation of the cooling system and high-voltage cable is made at the same assembly station, which is also used for the drive unit of the vehicle and part of the body.
• The battery is lifted with the narrow side forward through a hatch into the vehicle. Then it is rotated by 90 degrees in the interior. The process takes 60 seconds and is performed with a tolerance range of less than 20 millimeters.

Rising demand

The series production of the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid is the result of close cooperation between Volvo Car Corporation and which is also based in Sweden energy supplier Vattenfall. The companies have jointly funded the development. "The Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid is a unique vehicle - its series production is not only for Volvo, but for the entire automotive industry, a historic step. The first 1,000 units of Pure Limited Edition were sold before the car ever comes into the exhibition rooms of the Volvo dealer - and the order books for the next year are filling up steadily, "says Peter Mertens.

The new MV Agusta Rivale on the EICMA in Milan.

Rivale is the newest creation of MV Agusta, which is in the fall of 2013 on the market. Your Data: three-cylinder engine with 800 cc, 125 hp, 170 kg weight, ride-by-wire with different modes and traction control, a fully adjustable high quality chassis with Marzocchi fork and Sachs rear shock and - a real novelty at MV Agusta - high handlebars. A Super motor is the rivale, saying the MV boss, but in their very own, almost super-sporty interpretation.

Given the name, the question arises: rivale from whom? Even at first glance, can not escape the impression that Ducati is meant. Front of the rivale shows clear similarities with the Hyper motor, for example, with the retractable, attached to the handlebar ends mirrors. The rear view again recalls the Diavel: thicker rear tire - not a 200, but still a 180 ¬ - and LED tail lights that extend far below the raised tail.

Nevertheless, the developed rival a very distinctive look, because designer Adrian Morton puts the narrow three-cylinder engine and especially the three picturesque exhaust cones at the center. With the delicate trellis frame, the narrow waist and the thick rear tire the bike looks amazingly graceful at the same time and even when standing squat and gives a highly dynamic impression.

On the price of the rivale to put MV Agusta already clear: It will cost 10,990 euros

With brisk design goes a remake of the Mazda 6 at the start

With cantilevered arms Tamatani Akira faces his baby from sheet metal: the new Mazda 6 As shoulder muscles, the front fenders were molded to take back rising waistline of the saloon the part of the hips, so it says for "roku" ("six" in Japanese) designer responsible. As for the jump is the car. In the middle class is to make the next generation of rich booty. The new Mazda 6 Kombi manages the assertive attack on Passat, Insignia and Co.?

It takes two
Usually you have to be careful with statements of car designers, but Mr Tamatani can be justly proud. Already the previous Mazda 6 was certainly not ugly car, but his successor was pressed much excitement and dynamism into the plate without getting lost in mindless light edge orgies. Specifically, the sedan has much to become more attractive, while the combination now looks even fancier. Surprise: Both versions have different dimensions. On the saloon it is a length of 4.87 meters and a wheelbase of 2.83 meters. Designed for Europe is combined with 4.80 meters shorter by three inches, a wheelbase extends to 2.75 meters. In addition, the new 6 has been slimmed down by up to 100 kilograms.

Functional Maßkonfektion
What about the inner values? Mazda notes that it is still pre-series. You can feel it, some details are still not fully fit exactly. At its market launch in early February 2013, the should not be an issue anymore. The view from the cockpit: Handsome materials, the design is simple, but not stress. A rotary pushbutton controller in the center console holds the number of control buttons conveniently small, you find your way quickly. Managed is the multifunction steering wheel with large, well manageable keys. However, the seats could use more leg support, they are also not cut too wide. Above the crown of the driver is enough air in the combination of the entry into the airy rear succeed easily. Mazda is particularly proud. To four inches set-back A-pillar, which is to expand the field of vision It may be doubted, for said A-pillars tend now flatter, really good visibility look different. A look back really does not pros, but this phenomenon is split, the new Mazda with other mid-size competitors.

No baggage emergency
Finally we can tear open the door really. The sedan offers a generous luggage compartment volume of 489 liters. Unfortunately, Mazda has replaced the previous gas springs by metal brackets, so that the trunk lid up fast very quickly. A further disadvantage in Saloon: Here the rear seatback from the trunk only be unlocked. It is better, in combination: a handle, and it results in a flat load floor. Fit from 522 to 1664 liters. By comparison, a VW Passat offers 603 to 1731 liters. A clever idea, the Mazda engineers: The shade has its own baggage compartment under the load floor, where it disappears when not in use. Negatives: The tailgate opens for people over 1.85 meters height is not high enough.

The three-liter middle class
Particularly proud of the men from Hiroshima to their new SKYACTIV engines. Behind this direct injection engine having a compression ratio of 14 to 1, according to Mazda, the worlds highest. In a production car Despite an output of 145 hp will consume only 5.5 liters of gasoline on average, the 150-horsepower diesel engine emits no more than 3.9 liters. Again, three-point-nine. For a better classification: VW makes a lot of fuss about a Passat BlueMotion, which it does with just 105 hp to 4.3 liters on average. Sure, they are all not necessarily practical business information. Still, hats off to Mazda!

Save by braking
Important part of the austerity measures is the so-called ELOOP system. It is a regenerative braking system with a condenser. When the driver brakes or the accelerator pedal, the recovered energy is stored by the delay in the capacitor and used for the operation of the electrical loads, such as air conditioning or audio system. Put simply: The Mazda 6 will cost a cool head no fuel. Only downside: Not all petrol ELOOP is standard, Diesel customers always get it included.

A touch of Roadster
Our playtesting we turn in Mazda 6 Wagon, which in Germany is traditionally be the most popular. In the first round it goes with the 165 hp two-liter gasoline engine. These scores with good smoothness, only under load is the pitch a little grumpy. Only at 4,000 revolutions are at the maximum of 210 Newton meters of torque. Reaching for the short stick of the six-speed gearbox is therefore often necessary, but its fun: The circuit excited with short distances and precise engagement, it suddenly blows a breath through the MX-5 Mazda 6 A little more feedback could use the steering, but this effect holds within. Speaking of frame: From 120 km / h, the wind blows loudly around the A-pillar. Right of the speedometer, a display of the work of the driver ELOOP system. In fact, you will quickly feel encouraged to, take your foot off the gas in order to save more energy. Disturbing: the reflections of the dashboard in the windshield.

Let slide
Transition in the 150-hp diesel with 2.2 liter displacement and newly developed six-speed automatic transmission. In times of seven or eight steps that almost sounds a bit dated, but critics can breathe again, the shifting aid does its job well. Gearshifts swiftly and discreetly, while the speed is kept pleasantly low. At 100 km are on, for example, only 1,750 rpm. The diesel is acoustically quite audible but rarely interfere. Besides ELOOP despite automatic is also a start-stop system on board. Thus, according to Mazda, up to 4.9 liters on average be possible. To balance the chassis of the Mazda 6 tries, but extends the rear shocks, more noticeable inside the car.

Affordable double
Mid-November 2012 launch of the presale of the new Mazda 6, from 2 February 2013, he is then the dealer. So far, only information on selected prices, for example, the entry-level version. It starts at 24,990 euros for the two-liter gasoline engine with 145 hp. A fine train of Mazda: For this price, there are both the sedan and the wagon. Thus the Japanese a VW Passat 1.4 TSI with 122 PS and beaten Trendline equipment by as much as 1,110 euros. Standard equipment on the Mazda 6 include air conditioning, a start-stop system, an audio system and 17-inch alloy wheels. You might want to also order various assistants, such as emergency braking to 30 km / h and the distance control. Other electronic helpers help when changing lanes, keep the track or switch between high and low beam. For diesel friends the fun starts in the new Mazda 6 at 28,490 euros for the 2.2-liter unit with 150 hp. The top model of the 6-series is the diesel with 175 hp in the highest trim line Sports-Line at a price of 35,090 euros.

Finally the King of SUVs All new Range Rover arrived in Kerala.JLR launched the Range Rover back in November on India.Kerala’s first Range Rover Vogue is owned by Vice Chairman of Indiano Hospital Mr Abdul Latheef from Kasargod.He booked the New Range Rover months ahead of the Launch.In India only 3 Range Rover is sold yet and his Range Rover is one of the them.New Range Rover Vogue cost RS 2.5 Crore (On-road) in India.New Range Rover is imported from UK Via CBU Route.He got the Range Rover through the Mumbai showroom and from their to Gods own country Kerala.

Read More About All New Range Rover

New Range Rover uses worlds first All Aluminium Monocoque construction which reduce the weight of the Range rover considerably by 400 Kg.Off road dynamics of the Range Rover is the best.JLR has added so many new technologies to the Range Rover to make it more easy to go offroad.New Range Rover is available in both petrol and diesel engines.Range Rover is launched in India with three variants.Range Rover Vogue SE,Range Rover Autobiography Diesel and the Top end full option Autobiography Petrol engine.

IMAGE CREDIT : EISK