Marc Lachapelle « Auto Show by Auto Trader

Posts Tagged ‘Marc Lachapelle’

Ford Ranger Euro

Tuesday, March 31st, 2009

By Nauman Farooq

It has been one of the longest running, single generation vehicles in the North American market.

The current Ford Ranger pick-up truck that is still being sold in North American showrooms, has been with us since 1993. In the last 16 years, Ford of America has done little to change the vehicle, limiting it to just minor cosmetic and mechanical changes.

Ford Ranger Euro

Looks like times are about to change, as the Ford Ranger Euro made its appearance at the Geneva Motor Show.

This handsome looking truck has four full-sized doors, and has a 72-inch bed, so while it might not be ideal for a construction site, it sure will be ideal to carry your dirt-bikes, quad-bikes and jet ski’s.

The Ranger Euro gets a choice of two common-rail diesel engines, a 2.5-liter (143 hp) or 3.0-liter (156 hp) Duratorq V6.

Both engines can be had with either a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission. You can also pick from a 4×2 to a 4×4 drivetrain.

The Ranger Euro goes on sale in Europe this month. Ford of America is planning to launch a new version of the Ranger for the home market in 2011.

Tags: Ford Ranger, Geneva 2009, Marc Lachapelle
Posted in Gallery, Geneva 2009 | 3 Comments »

Mazda3 i-stop

Saturday, March 14th, 2009

By Marc Lachapelle

Engine stop-start systems are becoming more common and not only on hybrid-powered vehicles. Until now, carmakers had used the conventional starter or a starter-generator to restart the engine. Now Mazda engineers have come up with a simple, ingenious and effective way to do it better.

In Geneva, Mazda officially introduced i-stop, now standard with the 2.0-litre MZR gasoline engine, becoming the first stop-start system to use combustion energy to restart the engine. Combined with the engine’s direct injection system and some aerodynamic tweaks, i-stop can reduce fuel consumption by up to 14 per cent, for a combined fuel economy rating of 6.8 L / 100km on the Euro cycle.

Mazda3 i-stop

The principle is quite simple. Using a crankshaft angle sensor that can measure rotation in both directions, the i-stop system accurately determines piston position and lets the engine rotate in the reverse direction ever so slightly after it stops, to prepare it for an instant restart. Mazda says the restart takes 0.35 second which is twice as quick as other start-stop systems.

The engine is then restarted by injecting fuel in the cylinder where the piston has been carefully positioned at the ideal spot for compression. Combustion then pushes the piston down and gets the engine going with brief assist from the starter.

No official word from Mazda Canada yet but i-stop will undoubtedly soon be included with the Mazda3’s 2.0-litre engine here too.

Tags: Geneva 2009, Marc Lachapelle, Mazda3 i-stop
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Lagonda Concept – Resurrection or Heresy?

Friday, March 13th, 2009

By Marc Lachapelle

Aston Martin stunned the press in Geneva not so much by confirming the return of the Lagonda brand – which had been announced by CEO Ulrich Bez in Paris last September – as by unveiling a bold, bodacious Lagonda Concept that basically is… a luxury SUV. To top it off, one powered by a V12 gasoline engine. The outcry of purists was instantaneous. How could Aston Martin build any kind of vehicle with ‘utility’ in its job definition?

Well, that’s exactly the point: it is not an Aston Martin but a Lagonda. And this marque, now a century old, first came to prominence with a victory in one of the most gruelling motoring events of the time: the Russian Reliability Trial. This endurance drive took entrants to St-Petersburg, Riga, Kiev and Moscow. American-born Wilbur Gunn built the first Lagonda in 1909 and won the event in 1910 with his 16/18hp Lagonda Tourer.

Aston Martin Lagonda Concept

Lagonda went on building cars with a reputation for robustness and reliability, plus a taste for effortless trans-continental drives, for decades. In 1935, a lightweight version of the Lagonda M45 also won the 24 hours of Le Mans. Lagonda was sold to then Aston Martin owner David Brown in 1947 and cars bearing this distinct name were quietly produced until the late 80s.

Following Aston Martin’s return to profitability and the impressive expansion of its model portfolio, the consortium is reviving the Lagonda marque that has been dormant for twenty years in order to expand its reach. Astons are sold in 30 countries but the plan is to sell Lagonda vehicles in 100 countries, including Russia. The undeniable success of the Cayenne (the 250,000^th has just rolled off the assembly line) and its substantial contribution to rival brand Porsche’s bottom line has obviously not gone unnoticed.

The Lagonda Concept is a four-seat luxury touring vehicle with exterior design inspired by Lagonda’s long heritage as well as the design of modern speedboats. In keeping with the times, the production version of this concept will likely be available with other propulsion technologies such flex-fuel engines, clean diesels and hybrid systems.

Tags: Geneva 2009, Lagonda Concept, Marc Lachapelle
Posted in Gallery, Geneva 2009 | 1 Comment »

Magna Steyr mila ev concept – Turn-key electric platform

Friday, March 13th, 2009

By Marc Lachapelle

Concepts are all about visual impact and yet, the most important elements of Magna Steyr’s ‘mila ev’ concept are the bits you cannot see. In fact, the concept is simply a showcase for the fully-developed propulsion platform that lies beneath.

The platform was developed by Magna Steyr, the vehicle engineering and assembly division of Magna International, one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers, based in Aurora, Ontario. Magna claims that the platform can be used as a fully-integrated system to build an electric vehicle without any “modification, retrofitting or conversion of an already existing concept”. Better still, thanks to flexibility built into the platform, the end product can be powered by “natural gas, fuel cells or hybrid drive.”

Magna Steyr mila ev concept

The mila ev concept itself is about 4 metres long, on a 2.5-metre wheelbase. It is powered by a 67-horsepower electric motor fed by lithium-ion batteries developed by Magna Steyr. It can run up 150 kilometres on a 2.5-hour charge. There are solar cells on the roof to corral more electrons and side mirrors have been replaced by wind-cheating rear-view cameras.

There you have it. Go ahead. Create a snazzy new concept and Magna Steyr will fit it with the powertrain of your choosing – including full electric propulsion – and even build it for you with its proven Flex Plant technology. It’s that simple.

Hype and fiction, you think? At the Detroit show in January, Magna and Ford announced that they had struck up a ‘development partnership’ to launch a lithium-ion battery-powered electric vehicle in 2011. These guys are serious.

Tags: Geneva 2009, Magna Steyr mila ev concept, Marc Lachapelle
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Mini John Cooper Works Convertible and friends

Wednesday, March 11th, 2009

By Marc Lachapelle

Mini rolled out its quickest and sportiest convertible yet in Geneva. In addition to the structural, safety and functional upgrades of its second-generation siblings, the new John Cooper Works Convertible gets a version of the engine that was developed for the Mini Challenge racing series.

With a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection, the 1.6-litre four delivers 211-horsepower and a 192 lb-ft torque peak spread from 1,850 to 5,600 rpm, with bursts to 206 lb-ft thanks to an overboost mode. The 39 horsepower gain over the Cooper S is enough for a 0-100 km/h sprint in 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 235 km/h.

Mini John Cooper Works Convertible

The JCW also gets a tweaked suspension, special brakes with red aluminum callipers and lighter 17-inch alloy wheels with 205/45 run-flat tires. For other forms of entertainment and communication, the JCW is loaded with auxiliary and USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity and an interface for integrated operation of audio and telephone functions specifically designed for an iPhone.

Sharing the spotlight on the Mini in Geneva were the new Mini One Clubman and Mini One 55 kW, both entry-level models reserved for the European market. Let’s hope Mini soon equips its Canadian models with the fuel-saving and eco-friendly brake energy regeneration and start-stop systems seen on the Mini One 55 kW. It would also be great to get the 1.6-liter diesel from the European Cooper D model which boasts a Prius-like combined fuel economy rating of 4.4 L/100 km.

Tags: Geneva 2009, Marc Lachapelle, Mini John Cooper Works Convertible
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Maybach Zeppelin – powerful fragrances

Wednesday, March 11th, 2009

By Marc Lachapelle

Bucking the economic doldrums, Daimler AG’s ultra-luxury brand Maybach unveiled even more opulent models in Geneva. The Zeppelin versions are the most regal yet, featuring special two-tone exterior and interior trim and plenty of optional extras, including a sophisticated perfume atomiser, a world first in a production car.

Wilhelm Maybach and his son Karl founded their auto company in 1909 as a subsidiary of the company that built engines for the famous Zeppelin ‘airships’ of the day. Since their first cars had engines inspired by those the father had designed for the lighter-than-air giants, they called them Zeppelin and they became the first production cars built in Germany with V12 power.

Maybach Zeppelin

The new Maybach Zeppelin are based on the modern Maybach 57 S and the long-wheelbase 62 S. They will sell for 406,000 and 473,200 Euros respectively in Germany ($665,231 and $775,054) and only 100 will be built, which is fitting for a centenary celebration.

Among the highlights are an interior that also blends two colour tones, vast expanses of leather and trim elements with a piano lacquer finish. The front console, partition screen (optional on the Zeppelin 62) and standard silver champagne flutes have “Maybach Zeppelin” engraved while the door sills and key ring show the name “Zeppelin”.

The most spectacular, extravagant and somewhat decadent option is the exclusive perfume atomiser. Its main component is an internally-lit Plexiglas sphere into which Zeppelin owners can carefully pour their favourite fragrance. This option alone is worth 3950 Euros ($6473).

The four-wheel Zeppelins are also the most powerful in the Maybach garage. Their twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 develops 640 horsepower, 28 more than their sister models, and the torque peak is electronically capped at 738 lb-ft (1000 Nm). The sportier 57 Zeppelin can sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and reach a governed top speed of 275 km/h. In the 62 Zeppelin, you let the chauffeur rip to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds and whisk you along at 250 km/h.

Tags: Geneva 2009, Marc Lachapelle, Maybach Zeppelin
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Mazda3 MPS – a.k.a. New Mazdaspeed3

Tuesday, March 10th, 2009

By Marc Lachapelle

After unveiling the second-generation Mazda3 at the LA auto show last November, Mazda chose Geneva to introduce the new version of its performance variant. The stage name says Mazda3 MPS but make no mistake; this is the new Mazdaspeed3 that should soon reach Canadian shores and stores with little or no change, as for the previous model.

Externally, the Mazda3 MPS sports the same wide-grin front grille and more accentuated creases of the new Mazda3. The most striking differences are more sculpted lower front fascia and side sills, a high-mounted rear spoiler slightly larger than the first Mazdaspeed3’s and a large, functional air intake on the hood that is all-new.

Mazda3 MPS

Under the hood is a refreshed version of the 2.3-litre, turbocharged, direct injection MZR engine that develops a similar 260 PS (256 hp) but should burn half a litre less premium fuel per 100 km. The new Mazda3 MPS has a reportedly stiffer body shell, improved suspension and wider new tires mounted on new 18-inch alloy wheels with the same 10-spoke design as first seen on the RX-8 R3.

Mazda also says that its engineers have stiffened the left and right half-shafts to minimize torque steer, always a concern on a front-wheel drive performance with this much horsepower and torque. They have also modified the electro-hydraulic power steering to tailor the effort in relation with vehicle speed and steering angle for better feel. The MPS also gets electronic brake assist to replace the mechanical system on the previous model, along with standard ABS and stability control.

Tags: Geneva 2009, Marc Lachapelle, Mazda3 MPS
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Bentley Continental Supersports – Mean and Green

Monday, March 9th, 2009

By Marc Lachapelle

Long gone are the days of ponderous Bentleys. The new Continental Supersports is the most powerful, fastest and cleanest car in Bentley’s 90-year history. What started as a two-year exploration into reducing weight and increasing power and torque of the carmaker’s sales hit, the Continental GT, became a production model named after the first Bentley to reach 100 mph, back in 1925.

Bentley Continental Supersports

The Supersports is powered by a 621-horsepower version of Bentley’s W12 engine that produces 590 lb-ft of torque from as low as 1700 rpm, delivered through a revised 6-speed ZF automatic that shifts quicker and blips the engine on downshifts. It can vault from zero to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and reach 329 km/h, whether running on gasoline, bioethanol or any combination of the two, for a possible reduction of up to 70 per cent in CO2 emissions. Bentleys plans to make all its models ‘FlexFuel’ by 2012.

1925 Bentley Supersports (photo: Bentley)

The Supersports has carbon fibre sport seats – the rear replaced by a carbon fibre luggage deck – exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels and standard carbon-ceramic brakes that make it 110 kg lighter than a Continental GT Speed but still a hefty 2240 kg (4,939 lb). Handling has also been enhanced with a rear-biased 40/60 torque split for the all-wheel drive system and a 50 mm-wider rear track covered by subtly-reshaped fenders. Place your order now for delivery in the last quarter of 2009 in Europe and some time in 2010 for North America.

Tags: 2009, Bentley Continental Supersports, Geneva, Marc Lachapelle
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Rinspeed iChange – transformation artist

Monday, March 9th, 2009

By Marc Lachapelle

The Geneva show would not be complete without the latest creation from Swiss tuner, inventor and dreamer Frank Rinderknecht, the mind behind Rinspeed. This year, as a following act to the sQuba submersible car, he brought out the iChange, a low-riding, electric-powered, streamlined sports car that can be transformed from a one-seater to a three-passenger flyer at the touch of a button. The idea being that transportation needs vary greatly and that the ideal vehicle is one that can be quickly adapted.

Rinspeed iChange

The trick lies in a huge one-piece transparent bubble that is at once the low-slung iChange’s top, windshield, rear window and… doors. The bubble opens by tilting forward to let the driver slide into the thin, sculpted centre-mounted seat. Two more seats are laid out rearward, on either side. When the driver has company, the smooth-contoured bubble top is raised electrically by about 20 centimetres at the rear, creating enough headroom for next guests.

A racing-style safety hoop installed just behind the rear head restraints would provide protection in a rollover incident. Mr. Rinderknecht is a thorough engineer, not only a dreamer. The iChange also dispenses with a key. Instead, all major functions are set and controlled by iPhone – quite fittingly – including the environmentally-friendly climate and heating systems: one electric and one that consumes ethanol 85. Solar panels on the top and sides of the roof power the fan to keep the interior reasonably cool in the summer and also help keep charge the batteries.

Mostly made of composite materials, the iChange is very light at 1,050 kilograms which helps the 204-horsepower electric motor propel form rest to 100 km/h in just over 4 seconds, coupled to a six-speed gearbox from a Subaru WRX. The slippery shape helps it reach a top speed of 220 km/h. Swift current indeed.

Tags: Geneva 2009, Marc Lachapelle, Rinspeed iChange
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Hyundai i20 three-door – chic petite

Thursday, March 5th, 2009

By Marc Lachapelle

After unveiling the five-door version of its i20 subcompact at the Mondial 2008 in Paris last fall and seeing it launch successfully on the European market, Hyundai has followed up in Geneva with the introduction of a spunky and cheery three-door i20.

Hyundai i20

Built on the same platform as the five-door i20, the three-door variant looks like a laser-lock rival to the current Toyota Yaris three-door. The Korean upstart is slightly longer (3,930 vs 3,825 mm) and built on a wheelbase also a touch lengthier (2,525 vs 2,460 mm) than its potential rival. The i20 is also quite comparable in size to the current Accent 3-door. Its longer wheelbase and a body that is both shorter and wider promise a roomier cabin and a smaller footprint. And the five-door i20 could tackle the similarly-equipped Honda Fit.

The three-door gets a full helping of active and passive safety systems including six standard airbags, active head restraints, the latest in ABS brakes, electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and electronic stability control. The Euro model also gets an extensive range of modern and impressively stingy gasoline and diesel engines from 1.2 to 1.4 litre in displacement, but eventual North American versions would likely get bigger cubes.

That said, a combined fuel economy rating of 5.2 litres per 100km from a 1.2-litre gasoline engine and a Prius-competitive 4.4 litres per 100km with a 1.4-litre diesel look quite attractive to Canadian eyes these days.