Hot Cars

Dodge Demon Roadster Concept Revealed

The Dodge Demon concept is a compact, nimble “roadster with an attitude,” a perfect balance of classic sports car proportion and simplicity blended with modern design and performance. The vehicle will be shown for the first time at the 77th International Motor Show in Geneva next month. “While the iconic Dodge Viper is a dream car for many, the Dodge Demon is designed to be an attainable dream car,” said Jae Chung – Dodge Demon Principal Exterior Designer, Chrysler Group. “The exterior design is simple yet bold, featuring an energetic combination of curves and intersecting planes.”

The bodyside of the Dodge Demon main character line flows up and over the front wheel, then drops diagonally to an angular color-keyed vent on the rear fender that directs cooling air to the rear brakes. In similar fashion, the compound rear fender surface curves up and over the rear wheel, sweeping into a broad diagonal plane extending to the taillamp. The resulting muscular fender form projects boldly beyond the main body, underscoring that the Dodge Demon concept is a rear-wheel-drive machine.

The rear surface of the body is divided into three planes with two chamfered outboard planes, dominated by long, tapering trapezoidal taillamps. The taillamps sport translucent red inset lenses that surround LED back-up lamps.

Up front, the signature Dodge crosshair grille is stuffed into an aggressive, menacing, trapezoidal opening that thrusts boldly forward.

Set into elongated angled triangles, the projector headlamps, delineated by bright rings, are set into black chrome bezels, giving the front end mean-looking “eyes” that accentuate the grille opening. Encompassing the upper portions of the front fenders and sporting two recessed air outlets, the Dodge Demon’s hood is hinged at the front, adding a just-for-fun performance-car look and feel.

Featuring an open-spoke design, the wheels are pushed to the corners of the body for a dramatic stance and capable performance. The 19-inch brushed aluminum wheels are set into assertive, asymmetrical openings that reprise the body’s playful combination of curves and planes.

The beltline kicks up at the rear and into the higher deck lid contour, giving the lucky occupants an encapsulated, protective feeling.

“In the manner of timeless British sports cars, the interior of the Dodge Demon is purposely functional, not frivolous,” said Dan Zimmermann – Dodge Demon Principal Interior Designer. “Everything relating to the driving experience is emphasized, while that which is not is made visually secondary.

“The well laid out instrument panel, for example, is familiar, yet modern. Everything you really need – the gauges, circular AC outlets, radio – is encapsulated in a cross-car brushed aluminum bezel that also accentuates the width of the cabin. Secondary controls and features, such as the HVAC knobs and the passenger-side glove box, are located below this bezel,” Zimmermann added.

In a similar functional manner, the floor console is deliberately not a part of, or attached to, the instrument panel. The console is dominated by the squat ready-at-hand silver and black manual shift knob, and its leather boot is set into a bright trim ring. The wide, brushed aluminum console bezel also incorporates the recessed emergency brake handle, with the window switch gear, softly lit cup holders and 12V power outlet organized into a graphically unified shape. The upper portion of the instrument panel, including the cluster brow, is accented by a stitched seam with contrasting silver thread.

“Each of these features is set flush, or nearly flush, with the bezel surface so as to establish a ‘clear zone’ for the driver’s shift arm in all seating positions, with nothing in the way of the driving experience,” Zimmermann said.

The raised plateau at the rear of the console incorporates a covered storage bin – with a lid that serves as an armrest between shifts – while the portion of the console extending under the instrument panel has an open bin handy for incidentals.

The steering wheel employs an aluminum open-spoke design with each of the three spokes intersecting the small circular hub for a timeless sports car look. The wheel rim itself is brushed aluminum on the inside, complemented with stitched vinyl on the outer rim. Immediately forward of the wheel, the four-gauge cluster features classic white-on-black dials with graphics inspired by sports watches. Each circular gauge is set handsomely inside a finely detailed silver and chrome bezel ring, while gauge pointers are colored to match the exterior.

The doors feature durable, vertical grab handles, each anchored to a silver bezel housing the chrome door remote handle. The lower portion of each door features a stylish brushed aluminum bezel that encapsulates the large circular speaker grille and then drops sharply as it moves rearward to form the map pocket outer panel, mimicking a feature line on the car’s exterior.

The Dodge Demon’s seats feature contoured bolsters that are just high enough to provide support when cornering, yet do not hinder ingress or egress. Set in exposed low-gloss carbon fiber shells, the black seats with integral head restraints feature inserts of textured “Momentum” fabric mated to fabric bolsters, with specific sew lines accented by silver thread. Individual brushed aluminum and carbon fiber roll bars are positioned directly behind the bucket seats. With long seat tracks, there is ample storage behind the seats. Additional covered storage is provided in the bulkhead between the seats.

The Dodge Demon concept is an affordable Dodge sports car which merges brand cues of bold design and powerful performance with an open-air “fun-to-drive” attitude.

2007 KTM X-Bow

KTM, Europe’s second biggest motorcycle manufacturer, will introduce the first ever car in the company’s 50-year history: the X-Bow. Since the beginning of the new century, KTM, as the world market leader in the offroad segment has successively expanded its range of business activities into the street segment. The first step into the automotive sector is therefore a logical extension of this strategy. With the X-Bow, KTM can offer all those who do not have a motorcycle license a driving experience that is typical for the brand.

Speed from every perspective: the design

Aggressive, edgy, dynamic, a personality from every angle: the design of the KTM X-Bow originates unmistakably from the house of Kiska. AustriaÂ’s biggest design studio has had close links to KTM for almost 15 years and is not only responsible for the design of the motorcycles, but also for the corporate image of the company. The design of a lightweight sports car is where passion and challenge meet, resulting in a product that fits seamlessly into the KTM brand family.

The stylish hallmark of the X-Bow is its light-footed, optical presence evoked by the apparent floating panels of the bodywork, the rangy wheels and the transparent area that allows a perspective of the vehicle technology, which for example makes parts of the suspension and damping visible. The technical elegance of the carbon chassis has been used as a design element for the graphic concept. The two outer mirrors which are fixed to double guided stays are symbolic of the lightweight construction.

The purist attitude of the X-Bow also finds its expression in the striking headlights and rear lights. The rear is dominated by a central silencer and a powerful diffuser which is an indication of the level of painstaking work on the aerodynamics of the vehicle.

And as the first ever KTM sports car, the X-Bow naturally comes in the Mattighofen fashion colours: black and orange.

Cooperation with Dallara: The carbon fibre monocoque

The core of the KTM X-Bow is the sophisticated carbon fibre monocoque. This high-tech solution was until now reserved for use in top class motor sport and for elite street sports cars. Through a new construction- and production process developed together with the Italian development partner, the tradition-rich racing car specialist Dallara, this technology can now be offered in a significantly cheaper version. The KTM X-Bow therefore takes on the role of a forerunner that can use new insights and production processes to its benefit.

These advantages are impressive everywhere: With an extremely light weight of around 70 kg, the chassis of the X-Bow offers a maximum amount of rigidity and safety. A crash box in the front nose of the monocoque absorbs collision energy, while the roll bars are integrated into the structure.

An options kit is available on request which increases the recognized safety levels to that of the motor sports authorities FIA: this includes having additional struts mounted at already designated points.

Intelligent Turbo Power

KTM was able to secure Audi AG as a partner for the engine, which when delivered from the company in Ingolstadt Germany, is a congenial extension for the slim concepts of the KTM X-Bow. The four cylinder engine completely made of aluminium is light, compact and includes the most modern engine technology: four valve technology, FSI direct fuel injection, high pressure injection valves, turbo charge, a smooth, adjustable intake camshaft and two balancer shafts.

With this engine, the basic version of the KTM X-Bow will achieve 220 hp. An additional version will have a performance in the area of 300 hp at its disposal. First simulations for the KTM X-Bow in any case demonstrate its superior characteristics; the acceleration to 100kph should be comfortably under four seconds.

The transmission versions also come from Audi AG. A manual six-gear transmission comes with the series production, while an optional DSG-transmission will also be offered.

Motorsports for the highway

Apart from the optimal distribution of weight with the engine mounted between the axles, a guarantee of high speeds in the corners comes from the chassisÂ’ high quality suspension and damping elements. In this area KTM can call upon competence in its own company: the KTM Netherlands subsidiary White Power has at its disposal chassis experts for both on road vehicles and motor sports.

The brakes also come from the best possible source: KTM has had a long-term and fruitful partnership with the Italian specialists Brembo.

And for further improvements in the traction, KTM will offer a limited slip differential for the rear axle. This component part is particularly targeted at drivers who want to engage in certain activities on racing circuits.

Peugeot Holland & Holland 4007 Concept

To coincide with the public world premiere of the 4007 at Geneva, Peugeot is unveiling a highly exclusive exercise in style produced in collaboration with luxury manufacturer Holland&Holland, recognised for its spirit of adventure.

Exterior
The pearlescent Hagénias Bronze body colour paintwork combines harmoniously with the vehicle’s chrome detailing to accentuate the exclusive nature of this 4007 by emphasising its power and feline qualities combined with the presence of its style and ‘all-terrain’ character.

Water-resistant leather features on the door mirror casings and roof bars, while the “Holland&Holland” logo, the hood of a royal falcon, is applied to the rear quarter panels. Large 20″ alloy wheels, machined from a single block in a unique fourfold design, add presence to the vehicle’s exclusivity.

Interior

Only when you are in the vehicle does the creative alliance between the Peugeot Style Centre and Holland&Holland teams become more apparent. A blend of “Ebony” and “Chartreuse Green” leathers (Holland&Holland colour codes) enhanced by smooth leather edging and original stitching, creates a natural, exclusive and innovative feel.

The leather trim covering the passenger compartment is entirely hand-crafted by leather
craftsmen from the Peugeot Style Centre. It blends harmoniously with the shape of the fascia panel, the special finish of the seats and the design of the door panels.

The Ebony wool felt floor and its embroidered carpets create a soft and warm environment. Ruthenium styled parts in dark chrome reinforce the exclusivity of the vehicle, particularly around the console and drive mode selector (two-wheel drive, 4×4 or “lock” modes).

At the rear, behind the split tailgate which opens in two sections, a large boot concealing two
retractable seats houses a fantastic luggage compartment specially made by Holland&Holland.

Under the bonnet of this exclusive 4007 lies the 2.2-litre HDi engine developing a power of 115 kW (156 bhp) and a high torque of 380 Nm. A Diesel Particulate Filter System (DPFS) is also included as standard.

Mazda Enhances Premacy Minivan Range

Mazda Motor Corporation announced drivetrain and sporty styling upgrades to the Premacy model range in Japan. The new models for Mazda’s popular compact minivan are available nationwide from today at all Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealers. Mazda Premacy is known as the Mazda5 in overseas markets.

New additions to the Premacy lineup include models equipped with a 2.0-liter version of Mazda’s Direct Injection Spark Ignition (DISI) reciprocating gasoline engine and a five-speed automatic transmission (AT). With improved power and torque compared to the Premacy’s existing 2.0-liter engine, the DISI engine achieves fuel economy among the best in its class (its 10-15 mode fuel economy rating is 15.0km/L) and enhanced performance. To boost the sporty appeal of the range, the all-new 20Z grade comes with special equipment including 17-inch gunmetal gray-colored aluminum alloy wheels and a paddle shifter mounted on the steering wheel.

Additionally, two body colors have been added to further emphasize the quality feel of the vehicle and help the Premacy stand out: the deep purple Dark Plum Mica - used for the first time on a Mazda vehicle - and the highly popular Galaxy Gray Mica.

Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices for the Premacy vary between 1,743,000 - 2,310,000 yen (including consumption tax). Also available from today is Mazda’s special Premacy Lift-up Passenger Seat model, which is designed to assist people with special needs.

LSD Wing Doors Now For Audi TT Type 8J

For the high achiever of the coupe segment from Ingolstadt, Germany, LSD now offers also its spectacular wing door hinges. With few time and effort the Audi TT Type 8J becomes a startling show car. Meanwhile tuners lay their hands also on normal family station wagons like the Audi TT Type 8J and prove, that this cars have talent to be attractive show cars as well. Now owners of such a car can make the LSD wing doors being the icing on the cake of their tuning.

LSD door fittings come with a German TÜV certificate certifying that the LSD wing doors meet all safety standards.

Compared to other retrofit sets for wing doors, the LSD fittings made in Germany are more impressive due to their absolutely sound engineering and the highest-possible standard of quality.

In addition, a testing laboratory accredited by the German Kraftfahrtbundesamt (Federal motoring bureau) proved in a side-crash test, that the LSD-solution patented in Germany is as secure as a door assembled in the series production.

This means: the occupants safety is guarateed by the LSD door fittings in a side-crash complying with rule 96/27/EG. LSD makes a quick and easy installation possible, without any welding or repainting necessary. Another convincing feature is their perfect fit, thanks to the ability to make three-dimensional adjustments.

The LSD door fittings are mounted directly at the points where the original doors were removed. With the added fittings, the otherwise unchanged doors open first outward and then gently glide upward and stop. Adjustable buffers prevent the doors from being opened too wide or from falling downward or inward when open. A simple grip is all it takes to close the door.

On the one hand, the LSD solution allows you to open the door in a outward motion with an aperture angle of approx. 30°; on the other hand, it also allows you to swing the wing door upward, and all that without any great exertion. The LSD wing doors lend any car a sensational look and are the ideal solution for all fans of unusual tuning and show cars. The LSD door fittings are available from LSD or special dealers.

Alfa Romeo Announces Limited Edition 147 Collezione

A small number of desirable Alfa 147 Collezione models have just become available in the UK, with an attractive price that includes metallic paint, leather interior and unique 17 inch spoked alloy wheels. From just £13,950, this limited edition version of the multi award-winning Alfa 147 (only 500 examples are coming to the UK), offers the discerning mid-size hatchback driver a choice of three distinctive metallic paint and leather colour combinations – red and black, grey and black, or black and beige – on top of a list of high specification comfort and handling features.

On board this eye-catching model, drivers will enjoy the benefits of steering wheel mounted controls for the CD player; and the vehicle is equipped as standard with manual climate control, an alarm system, and six airbags, along with ABS anti-lock brakes with EBD, and ASR traction control.

Available in 3 and 5-door body styles and powered by a choice of two punchy 120 bhp engines – a 1.6TS petrol or 1.9 JTDM diesel unit – the Alfa 147 Collezione delivers an engaging driver’s experience, with acclaimed handling and roadholding credentials and performance figures to match. The petrol and diesel engines will launch the Alfa 147 Collezione from 0-62 mph in 10.6 and 9.6 seconds respectively, and on to top speeds of 120 and 121 mph.