#80 Volvo S60 – Demonstrating the epic Swedish design

Initially Volvo wanted their S60 to be a stylish, sporty equivalent to the German competition. Its outgoing model had an appealing design never seen before on Volvo models. The outgoing S60’s low grille, large air intake and the ‘twin’ headlamps design made it a must have Volvo product. However some critics still claimed that they had gone a bit overboard with the design. Volvo listened to their pleas and has debut a new S60, which features a more purposeful and dynamic design. Other famous S60 attributes such as safety and quality remain unchanged. Seems the Swedish company has decided to face the German completion in the best way possible; through razor precision engineering.

Volvo S60

Design

The Volvo S60’s front has been completely updated. It design seems to be inspired by the new V40 hatchback. The toned down headlamps, raised front grille and numerous chrome touches have some V40 looks in their design.  The S60 appealing and determined face is enriched by the new headlamps. They now feature a new Active High Beam Control system, which actively dips the headlights when another car approaches from the opposite direction. This helps reduce dazing to other drivers. A raised bonnet, with aerodynamic curves, funnels air away from the front.  A new wide grille, daytime LED lights and larger lower air adorn the front.

Front look 

Volvo designers have also emphasized the S60 horizontal lines. The lines help to bring out the car’s wide stance. The outgoing model’s predominant coupe shape has been toned down as well.  It hugs the road via large 18-inch wheels. At the rear, the S60 signature rear LED lights give the S60 a clearly identifiable look especially at night. New vibration free exhaust pipes are visible on the S60’s new diffuser. They have a chrome outline that adds to the rear’s new appealing design. The S60’s dynamic looks can be further emphasized with an R-Design package. The package gives the S60 larger alloy wheels and sporty body kit styling.

Coupe inspired profile 

Power train

The new S60 comes with a refined four-cylinder D2 Diesel engine, with an output of 85kW (115hp). The engine is mated to a six speed manual as standard. A six-speed automatic transmission is also available. With the manual gear box, the new V60 requires 4.1-litres of fuel to cover 100km. The automatic D3 101kW (136 hp) and D4 121kW (163 hp) versions of the new Volvo S60 use 4.9 litres of fuel to cover the same distance. Petrol versions of the S60 come with two 1.6-litre GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) engines. There is the T4 GTDi powerplant with an output of 134kW (180 hp) and the 111kW (150 hp) T3 GTDi fireplant. Both engines are mated to a 6 speed automatic gearbox. Fuel consumption is pegged at 6.8 litres per 100km. The car’s dynamic handling capabilities are attributed to a four new chassis types. There is Touring, Dynamic, Four-C (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept) and Lower Sport Chassis (fitted on the outgoing R-Spec models)

Classy and composed 

Safety features 

A new IntelliSafe™ active safety system is fitted to all Volvo models in the entire range. The system is active from speed of 50km/h and above. A Pedestrian Detection system, with full auto brake, monitors pedestrians walking in the Saloon’s path.  A Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) uses radars to monitors vehicles approaching the car, at a range of up to 70 meters. BLIS then warns the driver of any vehicle that is approaching the car from the blind spot. Cross Traffic Alert system uses radar sensors at the rear end of the car. The system then alerts the driver to crossing traffic from the sides, when reversing out of a parking space. This is especially helpful in tight and crowded areas where the side view may be restricted.

Cockpit 

Interior

The S60 has plenty of room for five occupants. Just like the V40 hatchback, the new S60 comes with a large and wide instrument panel, fitted with stylish dials. The center instrument dial has a TFT (thin film transistor) screen. This displays information about the car and is located behind the steering wheel.  It has three theme setting. There is "Eco" theme which has a green background. The theme also comes with an economy meter that helps the driver to drive as economically as possible. A green light is illuminated when your eco driving is optimal. Next is the "Performance" theme, which has a red background illumination. Its power meter tells the driver how much power is being used and how much is available. In this mode, the tachometer is centralized on the instrument display, and speed is shown digitally. The last theme is the "Elegance". This has an amber illumination and gives a more conventional dash display. It's perfect for calm and a relaxing drive. 

Front seats

The floating centre console is now more sculpted. The center console is larger at the top and shrinks as it drops to the bottom. This boots knee room for both the driver and front passenger. The centre console comes as standard in charcoal colour. It can be upgraded to Shimmer Graphic colourin higher trim levels. Modern Wood and Centre Court trims are available. The infotainment system sits at in the upper part of the centre console. It’s available as either a 5-inch screen or a 7-inch screen. All functions can be controlled from the steering wheel or by controls directly below the screen. Luxury materials, including leather, aluminium and high-quality fabrics, are used throughout the interior. The front seats have a sporty design while the outer rear seats are also noticeably sculpted, to offer greater comfort and support. The rear seats can fold down to boost rear storage space.

Rear seats 

There is extensive storage space all round the S60’s interior. Below the armrest is a storage compartment suitable for CDs and other small items. It also has a connector for either USB/iPod or AUX. Two cup holders and a 12V power outlet are integrated in the console in front of the armrest. The glove box is refrigerated with cold air from the Electronic Climate Control system. The ambient interior lighting gives a theatre like theme. It does this via LED lamps that light up at strategic places in the interior. Once can choose between seven different modes for interior lighting. The reading lights front and rear can also be dimmed automatically. A gearshift knob, which is transparent and LED-illuminated from inside,is available for both automatic and manual transmissions. LED lights also illuminate the door panel storage pockets.

Restyled rear 

Verdict

The new S60’s new looks give it a serious look. Volvo has made a bold move with this particular S60. It’s now evident that Volvo is upping their Swedish game against German engineering. Whether it has the grunt to take on the Germans will be revealed when it goes on sale in Europe later this year.

#81 Alfa Romeo Giulietta – Renewed and Stylish

The Giulietta is probably the best selling Alfa Romeo in recent times. The name Giulietta is a tribute to an automobile and an Alfa Romeo legend. In the Fifties, the 1954 Giulietta caught the imagination of car enthusiasts throughout the world, making the dream of owning an Alfa Romeo and enjoying its high level of comfort and technical excellence accessible for the first time. Years on, Alfa Romeo has released an updated version of the modern Giulietta.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta

Exterior

The new changes begin at the front with the new look grille and the chrome-plated frame of the fog lights. The 2014 Alfa Romeo Giulietta front headlights have DRL with LED technology and a day light function for maximum active safety. The innovative rear lights use LED technology in the same way, which serves not only a stylish purpose but also preventive safety. Finally, the three new alloy wheels (16-, 17- and 18-inches) clearly highlight the profile of the 2014 Alfa Romeo Giulietta. The side windows recall the appearance of a coupe and emphasise the dynamism and fluidity of the profile, which is further enhanced by the concealed rear door handles. The ribs on the vehicle sides elongate the car while the clean lines, which end at the rear, accentuate the angular shape of the car body.

Composed front 

Performance

New to the Alfa Romeo Giulietta is the 150hp/111kW 2.0 JTDM power unit. Using a small-sized turbocharger means delivering the highest torque in the segment at low rpm (380 Nm at 1750 rpm) and maximum running flexibility. All the engines are combined with a state-of-the-art manual 6-speed gearbox, which can withstand and transmit high maximum torque values.

Simplistic cockpit 

Interior

Attention to detail and high quality materials chosen to represent the ultimate expression of Italian style. What particularly stand out are new door panels, handles and the brand new insert on the central console and dashboard. All elements are treated with uniform scratch-proof paint and the trims are homogeneous in colour and materials. The result is a superior quality environment that welcomes passengers into a warm and enveloping atmosphere. The seats and steering wheel are new, too, and further highlight the perceived quality and on-board comfort. The luggage compartment has been renewed with a specific black trim for the entire volume. The storage compartment on the left of the steering wheel, the upper glove compartment on the dashboard and the USB port are placed close to the DNA selector. Alfa Romeo DNA selector which allows driver to choose between three different driving settings: Dynamic, Normal and All-Weather, this setting controls the behaviour of engine, brakes, steering, suspension and gearbox.

Rear design 

Verdict

No question, the Giulietta is a better class of Alfa, and vastly more convincing than most of its rivals. The Alfa Romeo Giulietta's competitiveness stems from the excellence of a platform that delivers on chassis dynamics, packaging and safety. If you want to experience the Alfa Romeo charm but you don’t have plenty to spend on a classic then I suggest you try the hot 2014 Giulietta.

#82 Audi Prologue – A hint of the four ring's future

The Oxford dictionary defines prologue as an event or action that leads to another event or situation. Hence, the Prologue Concept hints at the future of Audi’s vehicles design. The Prologue concept car, which debuted at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show, incorporates elements of the next-generation A8, A7 and A6, and may also preview an Audi A9 luxury coupe.

Audi Prologue Concept 

At the front is Audi’s Singleframe grille with integrated four rings. The large radiator grille has been widened much more, and it is positioned lower than on today's production models. The cross bars have a finely structured diamond pattern, and their ends are split. The headlights - shaped like wide, flat wedges - are located with their tips above the Singleframe. They present high-resolution Matrix laser technology: an innovation from Audi which opens up new approaches to headlight design and enables completely new functionalities. The ‘pupils’ of the headlights are formed by a projection lens with a laser light source. Hovering beneath the headlamps are five plastic lenses, which are supplied with light via a glass fibre.

Singleframe grille 

A dynamically contoured blade, which is clearly separated from the bumper by a gap. Mounted to it are two additional spoilers in glossy black, which give the Audi Prologue an even stronger and wider stance on the road. Striking 22-inch wheels are encased by widely flared wheel arches. They are fitted with tires of size 285/30. Each wheel's ten intertwining Y spokes project a filigreed, three-dimensional and powerful image. A characteristic feature of the Audi prologue are the flared shoulders above the wheels, front and rear. The fenders, doors and rear side panels show curved muscular surfaces.

LED headlamps

The door mirrors are small aluminium sculptures: The mirror housings in the form of a shell create a flowing transition to the window slot trim. They also integrate the open-door sensor surfaces. The doors have no handles, and they are opened electromechanically when the illuminated sensor surfaces are touched. At the rear are LED lights enclosed in a 3D glass to give them a distinct look. The rear lights run across the entire width of the car. Between the C-pillars, the rear window has a concave inward curve.

Uniqley styled rims 

The window closes off the passenger compartment and is integrated neatly with the boot lid. The edge of the boot lid, which is executed as a discreet spoiler, picks up on the shoulder line coming from the side panel. Beneath the bumper, there is a diffuser made of glossy black aluminium; like the front blade, it extends over the full width of the car as a separate, significantly recessed element. The diffuser integrates two trapezoid-shaped inlets which visually coordinate with the embossed tail lights and house the exhaust system tailpipes.

Majestic coupe look 

Underneath the Audi Prologue’s long bonnet is a 445 kW (605 hp) 4-litre V8 Biturbo TFSI power unit. The engine delivers an impressive 750 Nm of torque and accelerates the Audi Prologue from 0 to 100km/h in 3.7 seconds. The Audi Prologue concept consumes just 8.6 litres per 100 kilometres. An eight-speed tiptronic directs engine power to the Quattro permanent all-wheel drive which sends power to all the wheels.

View from the top 

In the chassis, the adaptive air suspension sport offers a large adjustment range between smooth rolling and very tight handling. The suspension also varies the show car's ground clearance over several levels. The front and rear suspensions are engineered as lightweight five-link designs. Braking power is provided by large 20-inch carbon-ceramic discs with six-piston fixed callipers. The spacious interior of the Audi prologue is like a luxurious lounge. The interface visually adapts to the specific driving style.

Futuristic interior 

The interior marks the beginning of a new design era at Audi, in which the architecture merges with the operating concept to form one unit. The surfaces for displays and controls are innovatively integrated into the instrument panel and console of the centre tunnel, and the infotainment system brings driver and passenger into dialog with one another. The instrument panel has a light and elegant appearance with its strictly horizontal layout that is not interrupted anywhere, and it emphasizes the generous interior width.

Rear design 

A finely crafted perforated panel covers the air vents. White LED light conductors trace the distinctive lines of the interior, starting at the doors. The surfaces of the seats and seat backs, the dashboard, the console on the centre tunnel and the armrests are covered in light-coloured "passion" leather - a new soft grade of leather that emphasizes the natural characteristics of the animal hide. The head restraints of the two rear bucket seats are lowered when not in use; they automatically extend when a passenger enters the rear seating area with the electric easy entry function. When the sound system is activated, a new type of sound spoiler extends from the rear shelf. The spoiler optimally produces a premium sound that fills the entire rear of the car.

Representing the future of Audi Saloons 

Verdict

The Audi Prologue concept not only hints the future of the automaker’s design but also previews future technologies that will be included in upcoming models. The first car to feature the prologue’s design is the next generation Audi A4 saloon.