Toyota Giugiaro Quaranta Car
Monday, October 27, 2008
The engine of Giugiaro Quaranta is coupled with an E-CVT Electronic-Continuously Variable Transmission which is an automatic planetary gear transmission that features ratios varying infinitely as speed changes.
The Giugiaro Quaranta powerplant develops 200 kW total power and 288 Nm of torque at 4400 rpm. The top speed for Giugiaro Quaranta is limited to 250 km/h and the 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time is 4.05 seconds.
Giugiaro Quaranta
The “Quaranta” project is a concept car designed to celebrate Italdesign Giugiaro’s forty years of business in styling and technological research at the service of the automotive sector.
The Quaranta, world-premiered at the 2008 Geneva International Motor Show, is a synthesis of Italdesign Giugiaro’s unmatched experience of automotive design: from city cars to super sports-cars, from MPVs to medium-engined saloons up to and including luxury flagships and environment-friendly SUV, not to mention light/heavy duty commercial vehicles, in complete cooperation with leading manufacturers all over the world.
The Quaranta is an “extreme” product, an environment-friendly, 4WD super sports-car which incorporates a series of innovative aspects: its styling, but also its drive technology, which combines a hybrid engine with solar energy, and its internal layout which, despite its mid-mounted rear engine, can accommodate three adults and a child, also providing a generous luggage compartment.
The idea which inspired the Quaranta project is that of the first single-volume concept car with central engine and drive. The original reference is to the 1968 Bizzarrini Manta which, at that time, represented a major breakthrough in styling, now adapted to state-of-the-art technology and enriched with Italdesign Giugiaro’s forty years experience of research.
The style of the future
Despite its flat, highly compact shape, the Quaranta features a single-volume shape characterized by a continuous body line stretching from its clipped nose to the tail that exploits the almost horizontal rake of the windscreen.
Access to the cabin is “step-in” via an upper door incorporating the side ones. At the touch of an electric on/off button, the door opens upward in a downwind direction, regulated by proximity sensors. The door is hinged to the hood pillar and is aligned with a second upper rear door, for access to the engine compartment and boot.
The roof houses the array of solar panels, necessary to power the electric battery, in the space between the two doors. Along with the other solar panels positioned on the front end, these create a central opaque strip, a distinctive signature of the model, thanks to the interplay of light with the bright paint of the bodywork. The solar panels can generate a power of up to 250 W, sufficient for the functioning of the cockpit conditioning system and for recharging the electric battery.
The styling of the Quaranta prototype is further enhanced by the attention dedicated to surface aerodynamics, designed to ensure maximum possible efficiency and penetration, also by using sharp edges on the rear.
This can also be noted in the front end of the vehicle where the radiator grille has been eliminated and replaced by two side air inlets, positioned above the lighting clusters, which perform the delicate function of front stabilizers. The rear of the vehicle has also been conceived to improve overall aerodynamic performance: an attentively-molded spoiler, with a perfectly square-edged cut and a very technical design, has the scope of supporting the lower wing, modeled according to latest generation F1 styling, that makes up for the absence of the traditional upper stabilizer.
Styling research aimed at top aerodynamic performance is also reflected on the sides, characterized by extremely generous glazing stretching from the front fender to the tail and in which the air vents are housed, located after the doors but also along the sill, in which the water cooling ducts are inserted. The most innovative feature of the side profile is certainly the contour line, between the door-windows and the sill, which is “negative” in the shoulder section, a particular, absolutely innovative feature for super sports-cars.
Giugiaro Quaranta Car
Interiors: technology for safety and comfort
Inside, the most striking innovation can be found in the multi-control steering wheel which reflects an idea already incorporated in the 1980 Medusa, a prototype developed by Italdesign and on display at its stand in Geneva: all vehicle driving and control functions are concentrated on the spokes, where the stalks have been eliminated and replaced with keys. This guarantees easier control by the driver, in a central position which can be obtained due to the absence of the gearbox-transmission block tunnel. This is possible thanks to the electric four-wheel drive system which eliminates any obstacles on the floor pan, making it completely flat. The generously-scaled central space of the cockpit can accommodate two adults and a child, behind the driver. The dashboard has been conceived with a sporting, modern look, with clean-cut details matching the style of the exterior, and equipped with a vast array of instruments. These are organized on two levels: the screens of the side and rear TV cameras are positioned on the upper level, with particular attention to the left-hand view mirror, useful when overtaking; the lower level is dedicated to the management of the vehicle. The drive-panel also includes a visor for Xray sensors for night driving. The dark-colored leather and alcantara upholstery reflects the most refined Italian taste.
The lighting clusters are extremely modern: the low-beam lights are based on led technology, while the full-beam are of the Bi-xenon type. The direction indicators, the tail and rear stop lights are of the full led type, inserted in a single box but differentiated according to color, assembled and adapted by hand at Italdesign Giugiaro.
Last but not least, the Quaranta features 9 ½ by 20” alloy wheels, without hub caps for improved styling and aerodynamics, and four Vredestein tires as standard, which differ only in shoulder height: 275/35/R20 front and 275/40/R20 rear. The dimensions are certainly tight for a super sports-car but suitable for a 4WD car.
Mold-breaking mechanicals
The structure of the prototype is made up of the carbon monocoque frame onto which aluminum and special steel parts are assembled, while the windscreen and roof are made of stratified glass with UVA filter.
The Quaranta is fit with electronic four-wheel drive, divided in a small electric motor on the fore-carriage and the thermal engine/electric engine system located in a central rear position. This particular structure, which has seen Toyota’s involvement in the electronic control management, has made it possible to develop the vehicle on a 2620-mm wheelbase, ideal for a midengined car.
The batteries which assist the electric motors are located between the engine compartment and the cockpit and are powered directly by the solar panels. The Quaranta features a double fuel-tank, integrated in the supporting frame, with a total capacity of 60 liters, giving a mileage of up to 1000 km.
Dynamic asset is variable in two ride height positions: sporting and raised. Maximum ground clearance is 230 mm, an absolute record which means that the super sports-car can take any type of terrain in its stride.
The main technical aspect that distinguishes the mechanical design of the Quaranta is the weight balance and in particular the “weight centering”: all the mechanical weight of the vehicle is contained between the two axles, including the mufflers which are positioned in front of the rear wheels. Only the radiator and a large overhanging luggage compartment, able to accommodate two golfbags, remain outside.
The front suspensions also represent a breakthrough: designed according to F1 cars, they are equipped with a central mono-shock echoing an idea already presented by Italdesign – Giugiaro on the 2004 Toyota Volta and on the 1997 Alfa Romeo Scighera. The linkage mechanism of the levers guarantees exceptional stability in any type of situation, simulating a “multilink” mechanism. The links have been designed and engineered entirely by ITALDESIGN GIUGUIARO: the “ovalized” down tubes are made of special steel and the uprights of Ergal.
The entire Quaranta project is an idea of Italdesign Giugiaro, constructed in accordance with the classical formula of the package of services furnished to automotive manufacturers.
Quaranta confirms the classic Italdesign – Giugiaro versatile service formula for car manufacturers. The competence and capability of designing a new car model considering style development, frame development, safety and ergonomics analyses and mechanics development, starting only from a given functioning engine.
The chassis, bodywork and layout of the Quaranta prototype have been designed by the Engineering Division of Italdesign Giugiaro, while the mechanicals and electronics have been developed in cooperation with Toyota. The vehicle was entirely built at the Moncalieri facilities.
Giugiaro Quaranta Car Picture
The Italdesign Giugiaro construction process
The Italdesign Giugiaro construction and prototyping process, tried and tested during forty years of activity in the automotive sector but also extended to industrial design, preserves certain characteristics of technical specialization and production quality of unequalled value.
- Construction of a prototype involves various completely independent phases that can also be carried out with a modular approach. Starting from handmade drawings, the next step is Styling Research and definitive development of the master models, using state-of-the-art CAD technologies. In parallel, the phases of technical design of the prototype interior, or even of only some parts, can be integrated with style development, producing a unique technical result. This is the most complete, professional process that Italdesign can offer its clients. Following consolidation of the styling-engineering project, a full-scale mockup is built.
The mock-up gives the possibility of physically evaluating modifications and integrations and represents the basis for the subsequent construction of the final prototype. Italdesign can also carry out various technical tests, including the model crash-test;
- The prototyping phase, a mainly hand-crafted process with the aid of forefront automated systems, includes preparation of the assembly jigs (socalled negatives), usually constructed by hand in the workshop, and hitting models milled according to the style master models, useful for beating the sheets of aluminum or stratified carbon;
- Work on the interior is necessary in order to prepare the seats, facial, door panels and all the other elements inserted in the cabin of the vehicle. Lined fiberglass-reinforced parts are always constructed at Italdesign, and also the upholstery, available in any type of material or shape required;
- The above phases are followed by construction of the mechanical and structural parts of the prototype, preparation of the tooling and uprights necessary for the construction phase and beating of the parts, assembly of the structure, of the interior and accessories and lastly painting.
In the case of the Quaranta prototype, the door was designed and constructed entirely at Italdesign using a temporary piston tubular structure, subsequently reproduced and fastened to the chassis.
Giugiaro Quaranta Photo
Cooperation between Toyota-Italdesign Giugiaro
Cooperation between Italdesign Giugiaro and Toyota Group started with the supply of the high performance hybrid engine fit on the Volta prototype, displayed for the first time at the 2004 Geneva Show.
For the Quaranta, Toyota furnished Italdesign Giugiaro with a derivative of the latest available hybrid system, Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive technology. The innovative aspect of this engine lies in the ability of the electronic control system to regulate the power distributed by the electric motors to the wheels, making the clutch-gearbox-transmission block superfluous.
The Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive system guarantees power, acceleration and top performance still keeping high mileage, reduced emissions and extremely silent operation. The compact battery makes it possible to store the energy produced in the braking or deceleration phase instead of dispersing this as heat.
The electric motor is complementary to the thermal engine but can also operate independently, activated by the electronic traction control unit where ideal conditions exist.
The Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive system consists of a V6 3.3 liter gasoline engine and of two electric motors that operate in synergy, delivering a high power output, comparable to that of an 8-cylinder engine, but with fuel consumption and emissions lower than those of a 4 cylinder engine. To improve efficiency and handling, the intelligent E-Four system automatically activates two- or four-wheel drive, taking advantage of the increased handling and stability of four-wheel drive in acceleration, cornering or braking, and the reduced consumption and acoustic comfort of rear wheel drive at normal cruising speed.
The Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive system also includes the E-CVT Electronic- Continuously Variable Transmission, an automatic planetary gear transmission with ratios varying infinitely as speed changes.
The real innovation of the Quaranta prototype is reflected in the mid-ship positioning of a hybrid engine on a super sports-car that guarantees high performance with reduced consumption and low emissions.
Giugiaro Quaranta Technical data
Length (mm) 4450
Height (mm) 1230
Height from ground (mm) 165 / 230
Wheelbase (mm) 2620
Front/Rear overhang (mm) 960 / 758 (1014 / 808)
Front/rear width (mm) 1980 / 1982
Front/rear track (mm) 1759 / 1697
Front tires 275 / 35 / R20 Vredestein
Rear tires 275 / 40 / R20 Vredestein
Rims 9 ½ x 20” OZ
Windscreen angle of incidence 70°
Weight (kg) 1400
Drive 4WD
Front suspensions “Push-rod” type with overlapped triangular wishbones and central mono-shock-absorber
Rear suspensions Push-rod” type with overlapped triangular wishbones and two shockabsorbers
Values and driving performance
Displacement (cm3) V6 3311
Max. power (kW/rpm) 155/5600
System total power (kW) 200
Max. torque (Nm/rpm) 288/4400
Top speed (km/h) 250 (limited)
0 – 100 km/h (sec.) 4.05
Consumption (l/100 km, combined cycle) 7,1
CO2 emissions (g/km, combined cycle) 180
Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon TI
The Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon TI is a symbol that in the Seventies Alfa Romeo cars assigned only to the richest content, thus transforming them into real sports race to drive on the roads every day.
Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon TI
Intended for young audiences and sports, cars signed Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon TI offers more driving fun, more "handling", and more braking capacity. In a word, the dynamic behavior of a car doors on the roads every day feelings of the runway.
The stylistic choice is taken not to upset the external lines of cars as standard, but to limit the speeches just a few strokes, as well as those who want the ultimate in theme of sportsmanship, and want to know but do so without ostentation.
Finally, the insignia burnished aluminum and satin cap of an exterior rear (optional) out this particular version also offers an allocation of series of great value as shown by the air conditioning system and the Bizon VDC.
Daily in the Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon TI can give feelings and return a real pleasure to drive, which is the interpretation of the absolute values of the Brand. In short, the new characterization Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon TI is the right answer for a customer who wants to enter the world of sports Alfa Romeo.
At the same time the Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon TI debuts at a 2.4 JTDM 20v engine enhanced to 210 hp that develops a torque of 400 Nm at 1500 rpm. The release of the couple, whose maximum value is already a very low, it enhances the characteristics of readiness and response to pedal. Thus equipped the sedan reaches a maximum speed of 226 km / h (224 km / h for the Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon TI) and accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in just 8.4 seconds (8.6 for the Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon TI)..jpg)
Identical to the one mounted on Alfa Spider 2.4 JTDM, in most of the Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon TI is attached to the permanent 4x4 traction with three differentials (the central one type of self Torsen C). Heart of the project is the "Four-wheel drive Alfa Romeo Q4, which operates a permanent and dynamic allocation of 4-wheel traction on bringing the highest level of active safety and sportiness.
The differential central Torsen C self-manages the torque allocating 57% to the rear wheels and 43% to front wheels. The system also ensures excellent drive in all conditions of adhesion through the automatic control of any slippage. In detail, the distribution of the torque between the front and rear axles is adjusted on a continuous basis, depending of adhesion by the central Torsen differential C..jpg)
In terms of adhesion, the behavior is linear and progressively adapting to changing road conditions. This development "mechanical" it adds electronic stability control for a further increase in performance and safety margins, in keeping with the philosophy Alfa Romeo.
The Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon TI Q4 interprets the four-wheel drive in accordance with the Alfa Romeo philosophy: a system essentially "mechanical" which adds the contribution of more advanced electronic technology to ensure maximum comfort and driving pleasure, combined with the best and security.
GMC Denali XT Hybrid Concept Car
The GMC Denali XT is a hybrid-powered sport utility truck (SUT) with small and Unibody construction.
Inspired by car-based pickup chassis, the design and layout of the GMC Denali XT concept is similar to the Chevrolet El Camino. Instead of the traditional body-on-frame method, which is normally used for trucks, the GMC Denali XT concept with a Unibody construction, it is still relatively easy (giving better fuel economy) and offer superior handling characteristics.
GMC Denali XT Hybrid Concept Car
With stiffness that is greater than most conventional, body-on-frame trucks, the Denali XT's Unibody structure supports a very capable truck platform. It also serves as a fortification for the four-wheel independent suspension, the Denali XT's performance feeling on the street.
The design and construction of the GMC Denali XT concept was developed by Holden Design, within the Australian arm of GM's global design and engineering network. The concept is characterized by a muscular body and wide, firmly planted stance. Minimal overhangs, 23 "wheels, elegant headlamps and a low roof profile help an aggressive, performance-oriented appearance.
GMC Denali XT Hybrid Concept
The Denali XT design includes a new take on GMC's iconic grille, with a prominent, four-bar element in addition to the large, red GMC logo and signature Denali background. Shock trousers fenders accentuate the wide road stance. The stance is also enhanced when the Denali XT is lowered on its air-adjustable suspension, a sleek appearance that simultaneously improves the aerodynamics.
GMC Denali XT Hybrid Concept Car Interior
Inside, the four-seat Denali XT concept combines mechanical functionality with leather-trimmed comfort. Billet-metal surrounds, controls and instruments convey the cold precision of an airplane cockpit. This is due to the heat of the semi-custom leather trimmed seats, center console armrest and door inserts.
GMC Denali XT Hybrid Concept Car Image
"The form language is smooth and structured to characterize GMC power. The details have deliberately contrasting mechanical aesthetic to mark GMC's engineering sophistication," said Warrack Leach, lead designer.
GMC Denali XT Hybrid Concept Car
Power for the GMC Denali XT concept comes from a 326 hp V-8 4.9-liter E85-capable engine with Active Fuel Management (a system that deactivates half the cylinders of the engine when not needed). Coupled with the V8 power is a two-mode hybrid electrically variable transmission, to reduce fuel consumption by more smoothly to change the gear so that the engine speed to remain at its optimum rpm at cruising speed, and when additional power is needed is electric motors in the transmission of additional GRÜNT. At low speed driving in the city of the electric motors provide 100% of the Denali XT is power.
Driving in Bad Weather
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
- Turn your headlights on anytime you need to turn your windshield wipers on--in rain, fog, sleet, freezing rain, or snow. It will help your visibility--and also help other drivers see you. (It's now the law in Maryland that you have to turn your lights on whenever you need to keep your windshield wipers on.)
- If driving a white car during snow fall or after the snow has fallen, your car may be camouflaged by the snow. So turn on your headlights and make it easier for other drivers to see you.
- In winter, keep an ice scraper with a brush in your car in case it snows or sleets. Also check that you have wiper fluid/de-icer in your car. If it gets messy while you are out, these will come in handy.
- Double or triple the space you normally leave between you and the next car in wet whether. You'll need even more space to stop (up to ten times as much space) on slick roads. For more exact recommendations on stopping distances, check the chart on drive and stay alive site
- Brake gently
- Make sure your exhaust tail pipe is clear if you've had to dig your car out of snow or ice or if you've backed into a snow bank. If your tail pipe is blocked you could get sick or die from carbon monoxide poisoning.
- When driving on slippery surfaces like ice or snow use gentle pressure on the accelerator pedal when starting. If your wheels start to spin, let up on the accelerator until traction returns.
- Check that windshield washer works-you may need it in snow and sleet.
- Watch out for severe weather warnings before you drive. If a strong storm come on while you're on the road and it's raining too hard to see, try to find a safe place to pull over until the worst of the rain is over. If you see a tornado coming your way, safey experts suggest you find shelter or if that's not possible, then get out of car and find a ditch to take cover in, protecting your head and neck. It's hard to outrun a tornado.
- Listen to radio traffic reports and adjust your travel plans accordingly. (from *Drive Right book)
- Keep windows and windshield clear. Make sure wipers are working. (*DR)
- Leave a window open a little bit to keep windshield from fogging up and to give you fresh air. (*DR)
- Watch for danger spots ahead. You've probably heard that bridges and overpasses may freeze before the roads do. (*DR)
- When starting out in bad weather, test your brakes to see how far it takes you to stop. This tip was sent in by someone who didn't do this and ended up wrecking her car. She also called her dad on his car phone to tell him about the accident--and he was so upset, he wrecked his car, too. So her second tip is not to tell your parents that you've wrecked the car while they are driving.
- If you are stuck in ice or snow, try putting your floor mats under the edge of the tires to give them traction.
- Don't use cruise control in wet or slippery conditions. The cruise control may apply more throttle if the drive wheels start to slip.
Driving in the Country
- Watch out for deer and other large and small animals. If you see a deer approaching, slow down and flash your lights repeatedly. Often, the deer will run away.
- Also, if you see one deer, watch out for others close by--they often travel in pairs or groups.
- Watch out for pigs, chickens, cows, and skunks, too. (Several visitors have left comments about recent run-ins with these animals.)
- When driving in the desert, watch out for animals like camels. One visitor from Saudi Arabia wrote in that a relative was severely injured in an impact with a camel.
- This advice comes from Mexico. If you get an insect like a fly or a bee in your car, don't try to kill it while you're driving! It could take your attention off the road and you could crash. Instead, pull over and park as soon as possible and get the bug out of the car--or ask a passenger to take care of it.
- Dusk and dawn are particulary bad times for running into deer--so be on the lookout for them.
Driving around town
- Avoid making left hand turns across busy intersections that don't have turn signals. It takes a while to learn how to gage the oncoming traffic. Better to go down a block or two until you come to a light, or plan a route that doesn't need this turn.
- Don't make assumptions about what other drivers are going to do. The only thing you can assume about another driver with a turn signal on is that he has a turn signal on. He might not be turning at all and forgot to turn it off the last time he used it or has changed his mind.
- When there's an obstruction in your lane, wait for oncoming traffic to clear before you pull around. Just because someone's blocking your lane doesn't mean you have the right of way in the next or oncoming lane.
- Watch out for aggressive drivers and try to stay out of their way. They are the cause of a lot of accidents--especially on the beltways.
- Watch out for anything that is connected to the U.S. Mail. (This tip submitted by someone who has had run-ins with a mailbox and a mail delivery station wagon, and a fender bender in front of the post office.)
- Don't do anything that will cause another car's driver to slam on the brakes such as pulling out in front of him or swerving into his lane.
Driving around school
- Get to school five to ten minutes early and leave five minutes late to avoid the mad dash into and out from the parking lots. Many accidents happen when kids are rushing around.
- If your school lot has perpendicular spaces (not angle parking), park in a space you can pull straight out of instead of having to back out. Backing out in crowed lots is tricky. Also, the Key Driving School has written me that pulling straight through a parking space is illegal in some states--so check your local traffic laws before using this tip.
- Watch for kids getting on and off school buses--and don't run into the school buses, either.
- Go slow
- Don't leave valuables like wallets, shoes, leather jackets or sports equipment in your cars where they can be seen because they invite break-ins.
- Always stop for school buses with flashing lights. The flashing lights mean that students are either getting on or off the bus--and may be crossing the street. Their safety depends on cars obeying this law.
- Don't park in fire lanes around the school. Not only will you probably get a ticket, but you could be blocking the area where a fire truck needs to park in case of an emergency.