Tata Pixel to be unveiled at Geneva Show

Tata Motors unveiled the new Pixel concept at the Geneva Motor Show. The PIXEL will be powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder diesel engine. With clever technology, the city car will have class leading turning circle radius.

This car which is at its premature stage will be primarily made for the European market. It features three Gull winged doors (doors which open in the direction of the sky) and is built on the Nano base which means it’s around 3 meter but comes with better equipped and large interiors keeping in mind the European market. The unveiling will be done by Chairman Mr Ratan Tata.




Press Release

The Tata Pixel, a new city car concept for Europe

• Most package efficient four-seater in the world
• 'Zero turn' drive maximizes manoeuvrability when parking
• Innovative 'scissor' door system allows entry and exit in the tightest of spaces
• CO2 emissions of just 89 gm/km and combined cycle fuel economy of 3.4 litres/100km

The Tata Pixel, with 'Zero Turn' drive and an innovative diamond-shaped door system, is a new city car concept for Europe from Tata Motors. Based on the Tata Nano, the Pixel - at just over three metres in length - is the most package efficient four-seater in the world, comfortably accommodating four adults, unlike a typical city car which is either a two-seater or can accommodate two adults and two children only.

The Tata Pixel's ability to manoeuvre and park in the tightest of spaces is made possible by its Zero Turn toroidal traction-drive Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT). This highly efficient, cost-effective system assists rotation of the outer rear wheel forwards and the inner rear wheel backwards during low-speed manoeuvres, while the front wheels turn at acute angles. The result is a turning circle radius of just 2.6 metres. The glass area on the scissor doors provides excellent visibility even in the most extreme turning manoeuvre.

The 'scissor' doors rotate upwards from the front to allow all four passengers to effortlessly enter or exit the Tata Pixel, even in the tightest of spaces, while the doors' large glass area provides excellent visibility.

A forward sweeping roofline, with minimal front and rear overhangs, accentuates the youthful styling, while the window graphic features an interchangeable island that can be used to change the exterior appearance whenever desired.

The Tata Pixel also introduces 'My Tata Connect' -- the first integrated human-machine interface (HMI) concept from Tata Motors for its new generation programmes. 'My Tata Connect' enables seamless integration of the user's smartphone or tablet with the vehicle's infotainment system and also allows controlling key functions of the car. This provides a customised, user friendly, all-in-one touch screen display, while also allowing the driver to remain seamlessly connected to the external world in much the same way as they would be when at home or in the office, listening to favourite songs, internet news and sport or stock updates. In addition to serving as the infotainment display when docked in the instrument panel, the tablet also allows temperature, ventilation and air-conditioning settings to be adjusted through its touch screen, as well as displaying information on the vehicle's performance.

A 1.2 litre three-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, positioned at the rear of the Tata Pixel, gives lively performance. The engine is a low-friction design, featuring variable coolant and oil pump and rapid warm-up technologies. With optimised aerodynamic drag, low rolling-resistance tyres, stop-start technology, and intelligent battery charging, the Tata Pixel returns European combined cycle (NEDC) fuel economy of 3.4 l/100km and CO2 emissions of just 89g/km.

Tata Pixel, new city car concept for Europe, displayed at the 81st Geneva Motor Show

Tata Motors today presented at the 81st Geneva Motor Show the Tata Pixel, a new city car concept for Europe. Based on the Tata Nano, the Tata Pixel - at just over three metres in length - is the most package efficient four-seater in the world, comfortably accommodating four adults, unlike a typical city car which is either a two-seater or can accommodate two adults and two children only.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Carl-Peter Forster, Managing Director and Group CEO of Tata Motors, said, "Tata Motors holds true to its belief that there is an opportunity in Europe for a city car, which is optimal in space, manoeuvrability and environment-friendliness. The Tata Pixel is a reflection of Tata Motors' idea of what such a car should be."

The Tata Pixel's ability to manoeuvre and park in the tightest of spaces is made possible by its Zero Turn toroidal traction-drive Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT), which assists rotation of the outer rear wheel forwards and the inner rear wheel backwards, while the front wheels turn at acute angles. The result is a turning circle radius of just 2.6 metres. The 'scissor' doors rotate upwards from the front to allow passengers to effortlessly enter or exit the Tata Pixel, even in the tightest of spaces.

A forward sweeping roofline, with minimal front and rear overhangs, accentuates the youthful styling. The Tata Pixel is also designed to provide a high level of connectivity. Key functions are controlled by the driver's smart phone, running 'My Tata Connect' -- the first integrated human-machine interface (HMI) concept from Tata Motors.

A 1.2 litre three-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, positioned at the rear of the Tata Pixel, gives lively performance. The engine is a low-friction design, featuring variable coolant and oil pump and rapid warm-up technologies. With optimised aerodynamic drag, low rolling-resistance tyres, stop-start technology, and intelligent battery charging, the Tata Pixel returns European combined cycle (NEDC) fuel economy of 3.4 litres/100km and CO2 emissions of just 89g/km.

Taking its pursuit of electric vehicles forward, Tata Motors is also displaying the Tata Indica Vista Electric Vehicle at the Motor Show's Green Pavillion. The Tata Indica Vista EV will be made available to fleet customers this summer in the UK. The four-seater family car has a predicted range of up to 160 km.

The Tata Indica Vista EV bagged two trophies for its performance at the Royal Automobile Club's Brighton-to-London Future Car Challenge. A special version, the Tata Indica Vista EVX, participated in the Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize contest, one of the world's most prestigious events for environment-friendly vehicles.

The company's displays also include the Tata Aria, the first Indian four-wheel drive crossover, which was launched in India recently to rave reviews, the Tata Indigo Manza, among India's best selling sedans scheduled for launch this year in select countries, and the Tata Indica Vista, a top selling hatch already launched in select geographies. In Europe, the Indica Vista has already been introduced in Poland and Italy, and is planned for launch in Spain. The Tata Aria too will be launched, further enhancing the company's portfolio in these markets.

2011 Geneva Motor Show: Ruf Rt 12R

The German tuning specialists RUF are ready with their new model called Rt 12 R – based on the latest Porsche 911. The car is exhibited in Geneva and will definitely catch the attention of the audience.

The RT 12 (for 12th generation of RUF-tuned 911 Turbos) has received a power boost for the R model, taking its output to 730hp and torque to 693lb ft. The car receives a prominent rear wing similar to the one fitted to the GT3 RSR race car, and also gets a carbon fibre bonnet and front bumper. Inside, a new grade of steel has been used for the integral roll cage saving 8kg and the interior is stripped of luxuries.

With an overall dry curb weight of 3,295 pounds, the Rt 12 R will hustle to 62 mph in under 4.0 seconds and go all the way to reach a top speed of more than 230 mph.

On the outside RUF details this racer with carbon components including a rear spoiler, bonnet and front mudguards. Also part of the outfitting are lightweight doors made of aluminum and side and rear windows out of plastic. Optional is the carbon roof.

The twin-turbo boxer engine with 3.8 liter engine provides 537 kW (730 hp) with maximum torque of 940 Nm. Power is transmitted via a six-speed manual transmission, four-wheel drive provides maximum driving dynamics. The weight-optimized R, with details of the racing, is ideal for racing. The suspension is adjustable.

The price of the RUF Rt 12 R is set at €279,000 or about US$386,400 at today’s exchange rates.




Press Release

The Rt 12 family has grown.

RUF presented at the Geneva Motor Show 2011 (03 - 13 March), the brand new Rt 12 R. The twin-turbo boxer engine with 3.8 liter engine provides 537 kW (730 hp) with maximum torque of 940 Nm. Power is transmitted via a six-speed manual transmission, four-wheel drive provides maximum driving dynamics. The weight-optimized R, with details of the racing, is ideal for racing. The suspension is adjustable.

Technical data:

Coupé body
Carbon rear spoiler
Lightweight front mudguard with carbon
Carbon bonnet
Carbon-roof option
Lightweight aluminum doors with door panels
Rear and side windows made of plastic
Carbon bucket seats
In the headliner integrated roll cage with cross brace (IRC)
Ceramic brakes, front disc diameter 380 mm, rear 350 mm
Forged aluminum wheels with central locking, front 9J x 19, Rear 12J x 19
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup, front 245/35 ZR 19, rear 325/30 ZR 19

Six-cylinder bi-turbo boxer engine
Capacity 3.8 l
Power 537 kW (730 hp) at 7,000 rpm
Maximum torque 940 Nm at 3,500 rpm
Six-speed manual transmission
Four-wheel drive (rear wheel drive optional)
Maximum speed of 370 km / h
Kerb weight DIN 1495 kg

Price: 279.000,00 € (plus VAT)

Lotus Evora Enduro GT Concept

Lotus has unveiled the new Lotus Evora Enduro GT race car at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland. The Evora Enduro GT Concept is the base car for the new Lotus GT2/GTE car that will be racing in the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup this season and is an evolved version of the Lotus GT4 Endurance. Lotus Motorsport, under the supervision of lead designer Nicola Scimeca developed the new car.

The vehicle rides on 18 inch forged alloys wrapped in 24/64-18 - 27/65-18 tires front and rear, while providing the necessary stopping power is a performance brake system with 22 mm race pads, two piece aluminium belled discs and 6 piston callipers at the front and 4-piston calliper at the rear.

Powered by a mid-mounted 4-litre DOCH V6 VVT-i engine, naturally aspirated and tuned by Cosworth, the Lotus Evora Enduro GT Concept develops 440 bhp @ 7,000 rpm and 460 Nm of torque @ 5,500 rpm.

The rear wheels get their power from the engine through an XTRAC 426 six-speed sequential gearbox. An optional pneumatic paddle-shift system can be fitted. Handling comes down to a forged double wishbone layout, four-way adjustable Ohlins TTX36 dampers, coaxial coil springs, increased camber, and adjustable anti-roll bars. Mated with racing slicks, it should prove formidable, especially with its mid-engine layout.




Press Release

Evora Enduro - GT Concept

The Evolving Evora

The Evora Enduro - GT concept car is an evolved version of the podium placing Evora GT4 Endurance. The Enduro has been developed by Lotus Motorsport under the expert eye of Lead Designer Nicola Scimeca.

The Enduro will be the base point from which the GT2/GTE homologated cars for FIA (Federation Internationale de l'Automobile) and ACO (l'Automobile Club de l'Ouest) endurance racing will be built.

Lotus Motorsport intend to contend the following endurance events this year:

• 23 – 26 June 2011 Nürburgring ADAC 24 Hour Race (GER)
• 28 – 31 July 2011 Spa 24 Hour Race (BEL)
• 8 & 9 October 2011 Silverstone 24 Hour Race (GB)

The 24 hour races in Dubai and Daytona are on the list for 2012.

The Evora Enduro can be bought by private individuals and adapted for racing.

2011 Aston Martin AMR-One

Aston Martin Racing has announced its plans for the new season including the unveiling of a new ground-up developed LMP1 race car, the AMR-One, as well as confirming the driver line-up and planned race programme.

The AMR-One is powered by a turbocharged and direct-injected inline-six gas engine resting in a carbon fiber monocoque open-top chassis. The Aston’s tiny 2.0-liter mill was developed with LeMans Cup’s new efficiency regulations in mind.

The six-cylinder engine setup is an interesting one as we just reported last week that Aston Martin was looking at reintroducing a new six-cylinder engine, also with direct injection and turbocharging technology but with a displacement of 2.5-liters in its production cars. So perhaps some variation of this racing engine will eventually turn up in one of Aston Martin’s bespoke road cars.

The suspension is double wishbones all round with pushrod Koni dampers, the carbon brakes are by Brembo (six-pot calipers all round, with 380mm front and 355mm rear discs), and the 18in Michelin tyres wrap forged magnesium wheels. All in, the AMR-One tips the scales at the ACO-mandated minimum of 900kg.

The driver lineup which will take on this year's 24 Hours of LeMans includes Darren Turner (GB) and Stefan Mücke (D) in car 007 and Adrian Fernandez (MX), Andy Meyrick (GB) and Harold Primat (CH) in charge of 009.




Press Release

Aston Martin Racing launches new AMR-One Race Car

• New Aston Martin LMP1 race-car developed from ground up named AMR-One
• Bespoke, in-line six cylinder, direct injection, intercooled, turbocharged petrol engine
• Carbon fibre monocoque open top chassis
• Driver line up:
• 007 Darren Turner (GB), Stefan Mücke (D) , TBC
• 009 Adrian Fernandez (MX), Andy Meyrick (GB) and Harold Primat (CH)

Aston Martin Racing announces today its plans for the new season including the unveiling of a new ground-up developed LMP1 race car, the AMR-One, as well as confirming the driver line-up and planned race programme.

The Gulf Oil International sponsored and liveried Aston Martin AMR-One is a new open-top LMP1 race car featuring a 2.0 litre turbocharged six cylinder direct injection petrol engine which has been developed for a new bespoke carbon fibre chassis designed and manufactured by Aston Martin Racing.

Based on the new regulations for 2011 instigated by the Le Mans governing body; the ACO, Aston Martin Racing has chosen to change tack this year in designing an open cockpit car. In line with the new 2011 rules, the AMR-One features the new blade-fin and has a significantly down-sized engine in keeping with the championship's efficiency focused regulations. Power is fed to the rear wheels via a six-speed transverse semi automatic pneumatic shift, Xtrac racing gearbox.

A total of six AMR-Ones will be built, with the factory team running one car in the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup (ILMC) which includes the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans and two cars at selected events. The AMR-One is linked to Aston Martin's ultimate design and engineering showcase; the road going One-77; both of which share similar philosophies featuring carbon fibre monocoques. Aston Martin's in-house design team worked closely with the engineers at Aston Martin Racing to find the optimum balance between aesthetics and aerodynamics.

Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr. Ulrich Bez said: "Aston Martin's heritage is deeply rooted in endurance sports car racing, so in 2011, we take the next step demonstrating that a small team using advanced design and engineering intelligence will be agile and competitive."

The driver line up for 2011 will consist of Darren Turner (GB) Stefan Mücke (D) and another driver yet to be announced, who will join the team piloting the 007 car. Adrian Fernandez (MX), Andy Meyrick (GB) and Harold Primat (CH) will be teaming up to drive the 009 car.

Aston Martin Racing Chairman, David Richards said: "George and the team have been extremely busy over the winter months and they have been working day and night to produce what is not only a stunningly beautiful race car but one which will use the new ACO regulations to best effect.
"Just like the road cars, the AMR-One has been elegantly engineered where simplicity runs throughout to produce what we expect to be a competitive and reliable endurance racer."

Team Principal George Howard-Chappell said: "We have chosen to run with a six cylinder turbocharged engine because we believe this offers the best potential within the petrol engine regulations. With the ACO's commitment to effectively balance the performance of petrol and diesel Le Mans entrants - our hopes are high that we'll see the closest racing yet in the premiere LMP1 category.

It is expected that Aston Martin Racing will contend selected races in the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup with rounds in the United States (Petit Le Mans), Belgium (Spa), France (Le Mans), Italy (Imola), England (Silverstone) and China (TBC) and make its debut at Paul Ricard on the 1-3 April 2011.

The AMR-One is expected to test for the first time in early March.

2011 Ford B-MAX concept

This is the five-seat Ford B-MAX, revealed just ahead of the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the very compact minivan rides on the same platform as the Fiesta and is just 4.3-inches longer than that model's five-door hatchback. Aiding in the action of ingress/egress, the B-Max ditches B-pillars entirely so occupants can easily glide past the dual sliding rear doors.

The B-Max in Europe will join a portfolio of multipurpose vehicles that includes the Focus-based C-Max, the seven-passenger Grand C-Max and the midsize S-Max. Ford showed the 2012 C-Max, along with two gasoline-electric variants, the C-Max Energi and the C-Max Hybrid, at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show.

For this model, Ford is making available a new 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost engine that includes direct fuel injuection, twin independent variable cam timing and start/stop.  Ford claims the engine delivers high fuel efficiency, and low carbon emissions, but specifics were not provided.

Inside it’s much like a Fiesta, only with more space (particularly in the back), and the concept features higher quality materials. The panoramic glass roof also heightens the sense of space, while the rear seats fold 60:40 and the front passenger seat folds too. The B-Max is much like the Fiesta under the skin too – it’s built on the same underpinnings, Ford’s global B-car platform. The B-Max is 11cm taller than a Fiesta and 11cm longer, but 32cm shorter than a C-Max.




Press Release

B-MAX HIGHLIGHTS FORD'S INNOVATIVE VISION FOR THE SMALL CAR MARKET

• Global reveal of the Ford B-MAX at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show
• Dramatic new door concept - with integrated B-pillar construction and twin sliding doors - is production ready, and promises unique appeal in the segment
• Benefits include outstanding access to the front and rear, unmatched convenience and flexibility, and outstanding safety
• Highly-versatile B-MAX interior combines exceptional space and practicality with the comfort and premium materials of a much larger vehicle
• Ultra-low-CO2 powertrain with state-of-the-art 1.0-litre three-cylinder Ford EcoBoost petrol engine and Auto-Start-Stop

GENEVA, March 1, 2011- Ford is unveiling its dramatic new B-MAX vehicle at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, providing an early preview of exciting innovations from Ford in the small car market.

The B-MAX has a unique new body design which eliminates the traditional B pillar and features twin rear sliding doors. This innovative format - which has already been engineered for production - promises best-in-class access to the cabin, together with unmatched convenience and flexibility.

The dynamic and stylish new B-MAX illustrates how Ford's kinetic design language can be translated to a unique new vehicle format.The innovation continues inside the cabin, where the interior offers exceptional space and versatility for such a compact vehicle. The use of high quality materials highlights the vision that small, practical cars can also be comfortable and well-equipped.

"With its highly popular S-MAX and Galaxy, and more recently the all-new C-MAX and Grand C-MAX, Ford has a proven history of bringing innovation and style to the multi-activity vehicle market," said Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe.

"The new B-MAX signals that Ford is ready to bring the same bold thinking to the small car market. With its unique door format and dynamic design, the B-MAX sends a strong message that customers looking for a compact, stylish and versatile vehicle will soon have an exciting new choice."

New vision for compact vehicles

Based on Ford's global B-car platform - shared with the highly successful new Fiesta - the B-MAX is slightly more than four metres in length, the B-MAX is just 11 cm longer than the Fiesta five-door, and is 32 cm shorter than the new C-MAX.

With this highly compact footprint, the B-MAX is ideally placed to meet the fast-growing demand for downsized cars which are better suited to congested urban conditions, but without sacrificing interior space and comfort.

"With the B-MAX we set out to create a vehicle that captures the spirit of a smaller S-MAX," said Martin Smith, Ford of Europe's executive design director. "We wanted to show that a small car could be very spacious and practical inside, while still having the sleek, dynamic appearance that has made the S-MAX so popular."

Unmatched interior versatility

With both front and rear doors open there is outstanding access to the interior, with a huge, clear aperture measuring over 1.5 metres wide. This is around twice the width offered by competitors with alternative door concepts, making it significantly easier to enter or exit the rear seats, attend to children in child seats, or load shopping.

Having folded the 60/40 split rear seats and the front passenger seat to create an extensive flat load floor, the side access is particularly convenient to load bulky items such as flat-pack furniture or even a bicycle.

With the front passenger seat folded, the interior is capable of swallowing exceptionally long loads measuring up to 2.35 metres in length.

Sitting 11cm taller than Fiesta, the B-MAX also provides extremely generous accommodation for its occupants. Drivers benefit from a higher ‘command' seating position, while rear seat legroom and headroom is significantly improved.

Engineered for outstanding safety

In developing the B-MAX's unique integrated B-pillar body design for production, Ford engineers have ensured that it delivers the same outstanding levels of crash protection as Ford products with a more conventional structure.

To deliver the required performance in side impacts, the structure of both front and rear doors has been significantly strengthened - with ultra-high-strength Boron steel in key load-bearing areas - so that the door frames work together to absorb energy like a ‘virtual B pillar'.

Special safety interlocks and reinforced latch mechanisms ensure that the doors remain firmly fixed to the roof and floor structure during an impact, and enable the front and rear doors to act together to protect the occupants.

When these measures are combined with other structural enhancements to the bodyshell and the latest restraint system technologies, the result is a body design which meets the highest safety standards.

Compact, sporty and stylish

The exterior design of the B-MAX shows how Ford's kinetic design language can be applied to its unique new vehicle format, creating a compact, sporty and stylish car which adds its own distinctive character to Ford's popular MAV line-up.

The vehicle's striking front-end features a bold new interpretation of Ford's signature trapezoidal grille. Other distinctive kinetic design elements include strong headlamp graphics, the muscular shoulder line with its powerful undercut, a characteristic window line with its kick-up behind the rear doors, and the prominent wheel lips.

The bold three-dimensional surfacing of the body sides helps to avoid the tall, blocky look which is common in this class of vehicle, and includes a unique new rocker treatment, with a stylish ‘zig-zag' form on the rear doors.

With its distinctive window graphic, wraparound tailgate glass, and slim tail lamps split by the tailgate, the rear of the B-MAX is closely reminiscent of the S-MAX. Strong horizontal feature lines help to emphasis the vehicle's wide and confident stance.

Spacious premium interior

The cabin retains the dynamic, sporty feel of Ford's small-car interiors, but introduces the more premium character and decorative elements from the larger C-MAX.

Driver controls are based on Ford's HMI (Human Machine Interface) approach, with a large six-inch touch screen display mounted in the centre of the upper IP, above the much-acclaimed mobile-phone style integrated control panel.

The sensation of space in the interior is enhanced by a full-size panoramic glass roof, which covers the entire roof area.

Ultra-low CO2 powertrain

The B-MAX is powered by an ultra-low-CO2 powertrain, featuring a state-of-the-art three-cylinder 1.0-litre Ford EcoBoost petrol engine equipped with the Ford Auto-Start-Stop system.

This three-cylinder Ford EcoBoost represents the next addition to the global family of Ford EcoBoost engines. Like the 1.6- and 2.0-litre four-cylinder Ford EcoBoost engines, which have recently been launched in Ford's European medium and large cars, the 1.0-litre unit combines direct fuel injection, turbocharging and twin independent variable cam timing to achieve significant reductions in fuel-consumption and CO2 emissions.

Designed to replace larger conventional four-cylinder petrol engines, the three-cylinder Ford EcoBoost engine is undergoing final development prior to its production launch.

"The B-MAX demonstrates Ford's commitment to providing customers with exciting and innovative vehicles," said Stephen Odell. "We believe that the new concepts and technologies it showcases will have a major impact on the small car market."