Friday, December 17, 2010

2011 Holden VE II Commodore SSV photos

2011 Holden VE II Commodore SSV
2011 Holden VE II Commodore SSV
Calais Sedan and Sportwagon - New standard features include:

* Colour touch-screen Holden-iQ system with single CD player, MP3 compatible; USB input, auxiliary input jack; integrated iPod support; enhanced Bluetooth® (phone book display, touch-screen dialling; Bluetooth® audio streaming
* Virtual CD changer, 1 GB flash drive storage
* New Interior Trim
* New 18-inch machined alloy wheels (4)
* Leather appointed seats
* Leather wrap gear selector

Calais V-Series Sedan and Sportwagon - New standard features include:

* Colour touch-screen Holden-iQ system with single CD player, MP3 compatible; USB input, auxiliary input jack; integrated iPod support; enhanced Bluetooth® (phone book display, touch-screen dialling; Bluetooth® audio streaming
* Virtual CD changer,1 GB flash drive storage
* Full colour mapping satellite navigation with traffic alerts
* Rear camera
* New Interior Trim
* New 19-inch machined alloy wheels (4)

Caprice (new specification) - Standard features include:

* 3.6-litre SIDI Direct Injection V6 engine
* 6-speed automatic transmission with Active Select
* Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
* 6 airbags including dual-stage front airbags for driver and front passenger, side-impact airbags for driver and front passenger
* Side curtain airbags
* Colour touch-screen Holden-IQ system with virtual CD changer, 1 GB flash drive storage; single CD player, MP3 compatible; USB input, AUX input jack, integrated iPod support; enhanced Bluetooth® (phone book display, touch-screen dialling); Bluetooth® audio streaming
* Full colour mapping satellite navigation with traffic alerts
* Rear camera
* Front and rear park assist
* 18-inch machined alloy wheels (4)
* Rado gloss trim interior finish, platinum accents
* Leather appointed seat trim with leather door trim inserts
* Leather wrap multifunction steering wheel;includes satellite navigation control
* Leather wrap gear selector
* Dual-zone electronic climate control
* Projector headlamps
* Front fog lamps
* Dual exhaust outlets, chrome tips
* Front and rear power windows
* Cruise control
* Rain sensing wipers
* 8-way electric adjustment of front driver seat and 4-way front passenger seat. Driver's seat with memory for up to 3 settings
* 11-speaker sound system, including sub-woofers
* Chrome finish body side mouldings
* LED tail lamps
* Tyre pressure monitor
* Diversity antenna: FM
* 8-way electric adjustment of driver's seats:Slide. Cushion tilt. Height. Recline
* Front and rear floor mats
* Chrome finish interior door handles

Remote control priority key
2011 Holden VE II Commodore SSV
2011 Holden VE II Commodore SSV
2011 Holden VE II Commodore SSV

Thursday, December 16, 2010

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee photos

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Chrysler’s big debut at the New York Auto Show this year is the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which has been fully redesigned from the ground up. The new SUV is built on a proven rear-wheel-drive unibody platform sharing the same underpinnings as the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class.

The launch of the new Grand Cherokee marks the first application of company’s new, flexible fuel 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, which features Variable-Valve Timing, 280 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. Also available is a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, generating 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm. The HEMI features VVT and fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS) technology with dual exhaust to maximize efficiency.

Torsional stiffness is 146 percent more than the current Grand Cherokee and stiffer than the BMW X5 and Toyota Highlander, according to Chrysler. The Quadra-Lift air suspension system delivers off-road capability along with the new Selec-Terrain system that allows the driver to choose the drive system that best matches on- or off-road conditions. New front and rear independent suspension systems deliver better on-road handling and comfort, the company claims. Quadra-Lift adds up to 4.5 inches of lift span that is supported by four-corner air springs that provide a cushioned, premium ride. Quadra-Lift operates automatically, or may be controlled manually via console controls.

The interior has been revamped with better materials and overall aesthetics. An available all-new CommandView dual-pane sun roof provides twice as much glass surface than a standard sun roof and extends from the windshield to the rear of the vehicle. The front panel can be opened rearward, providing additional light and fresh air to first-row passengers. The rear panel, which is fixed, allows light and open viewing for second-row passengers and comes standard with a power sun shade.

The vehicle’s 114.8-inch wheelbase is 5.3 inches longer than the model it replaces and contributes to an overall vehicle length that is 1.8 inches longer than the prior model. The longer wheelbase creates more interior room and gives passengers an additional 4 inches of rear-seat knee and leg room. The vehicle also is 3 inches wider. The front doors have larger openings — by about two inches in height and width — while the rear doors open wider — 78 degrees versus 67 degrees — for improved access to the interior.

For added passenger comfort, rear seats recline 12 degrees. There’s also a 12-degree forward angle to allow 24 degrees of variation. Cargo volume behind the second-row has increased by 6.8 cubic feet, to 36.3 cubic feet total. An available fold-flat front-passenger seat provides even more cargo storage room. An all-new power rear liftgate is available, controlled via the key fob.

Seventeen-inch wheels are standard and deliver off-road capability, while optional 18-inch and 20-inch wheels can be ordered.

The standard “uconnect guardian” will automatically call emergency services in the event of an accident. Other features include remote door unlocking, roadside assistance, a stolen vehicle locator, and an “emergency call” feature.

Standard safety features include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with rough-road detection, and the four-wheel Brake Traction Control System (BTCS). Other safety features include full-length side-curtain air bags which extend protection to front and rear outboard passengers, seat-mounted side thorax air bags that enhance protection for the driver and front passenger and active head restraints which deploy in the event of a rear collision.

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee also features SIRIUS Travel Link, offering up-to-the minute information about gas prices, weather conditions, sports scores and movie listings. In addition, the all-new 2011 Grand Cherokee features SIRIUS Traffic, which monitors traffic in 78 markets across the U.S.

The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be built at the 2.7-million-square-foot Jefferson North Assembly Plant (JNAP) in Detroit, which has been the site of Grand Cherokee production since its introduction in 1992.
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

2011 peugeots bb1 concept photos

Peugeot have launched in London the BB1 electric car concept that seats four people in a vehicle just 2.5 meters long. The BB1 was originally launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show and is now being promoted as a concept in a number of cities around the World I asked Peugeot’s Managing Director, Jon Goodman, about the company’s future fuel strategy: “We need to have multiple solutions. In about two years we need to have vehicles on offer that use standard fuels but are more fuel efficient than today’s models. We need to offer micro-hybrids — that’s cars that use carbon-based fuels but also recover energy when the car is braking. We need to offer Diesel Hybrids which we will do in 2011 as well as a range of electric vehicles in about three years.” The BB1 is, Peugeot claims, a mixture of a scooter and a car and seems to be the car manufacturer’s first foray into electric car design. Athanassios Tubidis, the BB1′s designer, told assembled guests: “The BB1 isn’t about long journeys, it isn’t about linear travel — it’s about the gesture: Stop. Go. Accelerate. Get in. Get Out. So clearly the BB1 is aimed at the young urban market in a World where gas prices could rise again to over $100 a barrel and stay there. The Peugeot BB1 in day-to-day use The BB1 is entirely electric so it just plugs in to a mains socket at home and the lithium ion batteries charge up in six hours. This electric car is obviously designed for city driving so you won’t be using it for a motorway trip to work but for urban journeys the BB1 provides rapid acceleration, space for four people and a 360° driver view. The four people claim gives the BB1 an advantage over rivals such as the Toyota iQ and the Smart Car but it should be noted that the rear passengers are straddled on scooter-like seats and their legs actually wrap around the occupants at the front in order to squeeze them into the 2.5 meter BB1. Some people may not like this intimate arrangement! The scooter analogy doesn’t stop there as the steering of the BB1 is done through a handlebar-like device that also houses an iPod dock. Dock your iPod to the handlebars and the central display uses it to access the internet. The front occupants sit in a more upright position than most of us are used to. This is necessary to cram four people into the thing and its made possible by the complete lack of any foot pedals. Propulsion The Peugeot BB1 is powered by a pair of 20 bhp electric motors driving the rear axle but its the torque of electric motors that will give this diminutive vehicle its agility and responsiveness in urban traffic. Weighing only 600 Kg that’s nearly 40 bhp/tonne. The bubble-roof (a styling reference to the RCZ) has integrated solar panels that drive the air-conditioning system. Styling Peugeot has come a long way since the producers of Columbo selected a Peugeot 403 because it was the ugliest car they could think of. Some people will hate the styling of the BB1: it looks as if it’s back to front, the front windscreen leans forward at an odd angle (though this would be effective at removing reflections from the dashboard) but I can’t help loving the many exquisite details the BB1 has to offer from the front and rear lamp clusters to the quirky interior and bubble-shaped roof. Performance The BB1 has a top speed of round 50 mph and Jon claims a 0-20 mph time of 2.8 seconds thanks to the “very torquey” electric motors. The batteries give the BB1 a range of about 75 miles which is more than enough for a day’s urban driving.
2011 peugeots bb1 concept
2011 peugeots bb1 concept
2011 peugeots bb1 concept
2011 peugeots bb1 concept
2011 peugeots bb1 concept

Saturday, December 11, 2010

2010 honda crz pics

2010 honda crz image
2010 honda crz photo
2010 honda crz picture
2010 honda crz interior picture

2010 honda crz image
Honda announced plans to begin sales in Japan of the CR-Z sporty hybrid model in February 2010 and Fit Hybrid before the end of 2010. By combining these two models with the currently available Insight and Civic Hybrid, Honda will further enhance its lineup

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

2010 Mercedes-Benz Biome Concept images

2010 Mercedes-Benz Biome Concept photo
2010 Mercedes-Benz Biome Concept
2010 Mercedes-Benz Biome Concept image
2010 Mercedes-Benz Biome Concept picture
2010 Mercedes-Benz Biome Concept wallpaper

It’s really natural vehicle in my opinion, the BIOME Concept design by designers of the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studios in Carlsbad, California. Designers taking their inspiration from nature, they designed a vehicle which is fully integrated into the ecosystem, from the moment of its creation right through to the end of its service life.

“The Mercedes-Benz BIOME Concept is a natural technology hybrid, and forms part of our earth’s ecosystem. It grows and thrives like the leaves on a tree” according to Hubert Lee, Head of the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studios in Carlsbad. This year the competition had called for the creation of a vision of a safe and comfortable 2 2 compact car featuring good handling and a first-class design, and weighing only 1,000 lbs (around 454 kg/kerb weight).

The BIOME Concept symbiosis vehicle is made from an ultralight material called BioFibre and tips the scales at just 875.5 lbs (around 394 kg). This material is significantly lighter than metal or plastic, yet more robust than steel. BioFibre is grown from proprietary DNA in the Mercedes-Benz nursery, where it collects energy from the sun and stores it in a liquid chemical bond called BioNectar4534. As part of this process, the vehicle is created from two seeds: The interior of the BIOME grows from the DNA in the Mercedes star on the front of the vehicle, while the exterior grows from the star on the rear. To accommodate specific customer requirements, the Mercedes star is genetically engineered in each case, and the vehicle “grows” when the genetic code is combined with the seed capsule. The wheels are grown from four separate seeds.

The BioNectar4534 is stored in the BioFibre material of the chassis, interior, and wheels. Also it is equipped a technology to equip trees with special receptors which can collect the excess solar energy and turn it into BioNectar4534. Like plants, the Mercedes-Benz symbiosis vehicle also produces oxygen, thereby contributing to improving air quality. At the end of its service life, the Mercedes-Benz BIOME can be fully composted or used as building material. Thanks to the exclusive use of green technologies, the BIOME vehicle thus blends seamlessly into the ecosystem.

Monday, November 29, 2010

2011 Volvo S60 images

2011 Volvo S60 photo
2011 Volvo S60 image
2011 Volvo S60 picture
2011 Volvo S60 2010
2011 Volvo S60 wallpaper

Today, Volvo unleashed a slew of photos and details of its very promising all-new 2011 S60 sedan that will have its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show on the 2nd of March.

The premium model, which this time is aimed directly at cars like the Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Class, is described by Volvo as the firm's most dynamic car ever produced, not only in terms of styling but also in terms of driving characteristics.

It's sculptured shape with the coupe-like roofline was previewed by the S60 study at the 2009 Detroit Show, and even though the design has been toned down a notch, it remains very close to the (well-accepted) original concept.

"Its profile radiates so much coupe feeling that the rear doors come as something of a pleasant surprise when you examine the car close-up," says Volvo Cars' Design Director Peter Horbury.

Inside, the styling is equally fresh with Volvo's designers paying extra attention to details and the choice of materials. The Swedes also claim that it's more spacious that its predecessor offering 30mm more knee room for the rear passengers while boot opening has been made 107 mm wider than in the previous S60.

"The interior has a more extrovert attitude than before, but without losing any of its practical Scandinavian roots. The all-new S60 brings us up to a whole new level when it comes to the integral experience of colour, form, material and technology," says Peter Horbury.

Volvo is pitching the new S60 as a driver's car due to its refined chassis that is backed up by a range of electronic systems and the new engine line up.

The new sedan can be specified with a choice of two chassis - Dynamic and Comfort- with the differences concerning the dampers and the front and rear subframes.

In Europe, the newly developed dynamic chassis is standard, while most markets in North America and Asia will have the comfort chassis as standard with the sport variant available as an option.

All variants of the new S60 can be specified with the latest iteration of the firm's self-adjusting FOUR-C active chassis.

Special features include the new Advanced Stability Control with a new roll angle sensor, the Corner Traction Control that uses torque vectoring to improve cornering and the available Pedestrian Detection system that can detect pedestrians who walk into the road in front of the car, warn the driver and automatically apply full braking power if the driver does not respond in time.

At launch the car will be available with two diesel and two gasoline units with three more petrol and one diesel to follow later on.

The most powerful engine is the 3.0-liter T6 petrol with 304HP and 440 Nm of torque that's combined with standard AWD and second-generation six-speed automatic Geartronic transmission. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h (62mph) takes 6.5 seconds and top speed is 250 km/h or 155mph.

The new four-cylinder 2.0 GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) engine has produces 203HP and 300 Nm with acceleration from 0-100 km/h (62mph) taking 7.7 seconds with the manual gearbox and 8.2 seconds with the automatic. The top speed figures are 235 km/h (manual) and 230 km/h (automatic).

The S60 2.0T with manual gearbox uses 7.9 litres of fuel per 100 km equal to 29.8mpg US.

Volvo said that during the first year of production, the all-new S60 will also be offered with a 2.0 GTDi variant (T5) producing 240HP and torque of 320 Nm and a 1.6-litre GTDi engine available in two versions with 180HP (T4) and 150HP (T3).

All the GTDi gasoline engines will be available in combination with Volvo's automatic six-speed Powershift transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox.

The range also includes two five-cylinder turbodiesels. The D5 with 205HP and 420 Nm of torque propels the S60 from 0-100 km/h (62mph) in 7.8 seconds (manual and automatic) while top speed is 235 km/h (manual) and 230 km/h (automatic).

Fuel consumption is 5.9 l/100 km (EU Combined, preliminary figure) or 39.9mpg US with the manual gearbox.

In addition there is the newly developed 2.0-liter D3 producing 163HP and 400 Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h (62mph) takes 9.2 seconds (manual and automatic) while top speed is 220 km/h (manual) and 215 km/h (automatic).

With a manual gearbox, fuel consumption (EU Combined, preliminary figure) is now down to 5.2 l/100km or 45.2 mpg US

Both turbodiesels are available with six-speed automatic transmissions or a six-speed manual gearbox while the D5 can also be specified with all-wheel drive.

The most fuel efficient S60 will be the DRIVe version fitted with a 115HP 1.6-liter turbo diesel and a six-speed manual gearbox that returns 4.3lt/100km or 54.7mpg US.

Friday, November 26, 2010

Lincoln MKT (2010) pics

Lincoln MKT (2010) image
Lincoln MKT (2010) photo
new Lincoln MKT (2010)
Lincoln is offering full-size luxury crossover customers a fresh new choice with the 2010 Lincoln MKT, a three-row tourer that delivers the optimal blend of fuel economy, performance, technology and spaciousness.

"We're growing Lincoln's product portfolio with a full-size crossover that offers more of everything luxury buyers want today - including more variety," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas. "Lincoln MKT will help us further build momentum for Lincoln, which has been outpacing its luxury competitors and growing market share in recent months."

The all-new 2010 Lincoln MKT is larger than the two-row Lincoln MKX mid-size premium crossover and joins the sumptuous and sporty Lincoln MKS luxury sedan launched in 2008 and the new Lincoln MKZ sedan that hits the market in spring.

Standard on every Lincoln MKT is the brand's signature design - complete with a split waterfall grille, a beveled chamfer along the vehicle's shoulder line, a flowing cantrail that frames the greenhouse and full-width horizontal taillamps that span the subtly curved weight-saving magnesium liftgate that adds visual character while protecting generous rear cargo space.

Precision Lincoln MKT craftsmanship is reflected in world-class panel margins, and in the high tactile quality of interior surfaces and trim.
Lincoln MKT (2010) wallpaper
Lincoln MKT (2010) picture

Thursday, November 25, 2010

2011 nissan sentra images

2011 nissan sentra photo
2011 nissan sentra pics
Nissan has raised the prices on its Maxima and Sentra sedans for 2011, while treating both to detail refinements. Although Nissan has just released pricing information, the automaker says the Maxima and Sentra are already on sale nationwide.

The Maxima is offered in two trims for 2011: – Maxima 3.5 S and Maxima 3.5 SV. Each version features the laudable 3.5-liter, 290-horsepower DOHC VQ-series V-6 engine and CVT transmission. Notable updates for the new model year include new tailpipe finisher on all models. The Sport version get smoked headlights, dark chrome grille, and unique shiny gray interior stitching. The Maxima will be available in two new body colors: Metallic Slate and Brilliant Silver. (Read our Nissan Maxima review.)

2011 Nissan Maxima pricing
$30,810 - Maxima 3.5 S CVT
$33,530 - Maxima 3.5 SV CVT

The 2011 Sentra benefits from an SE-R style rear spoiler being added to the 2.0 CVT, 2.0 S, and 2.0 SL models. The Sentra 2.0, 2.0 S and 2.0 SR benefit from a full additional of safety equipment that includes ABS with brake-force distribution, stability control, and traction control. That’s about it for updates. If you haven’t driven the fun and frugal Sentra for a while, you might be surprised that the current model offers such upscale niceties as an intelligent key and five-inch navigation system. Base power is a practical 140 horsepower, though there are 177-hp and 200-hp versions available for considerably more entertainment. (Read our Nissan Sentra review.)
new 2011 nissan sentra
2011 nissan sentra wallpaper
2011 nissan sentra interior picture

Monday, November 22, 2010

2010 Cadillac Area Concept pics

2010 Cadillac Area interior
2010 Cadillac Area Concept photo
2010 Cadillac Area Concept image
new 2010 Cadillac Area Concept
2010 Cadillac Area car

GM officially unveiled the Cadillac CTS Coupe at the Detroit Auto Show this past January. At the time the automaker would not say if the car was ever going to enter production, although we all new better.

The 2010 CTS coupe has been caught testing at GM's Milford Proving Grounds and as you can tell much of the same details from the concept will carryover to the production model. Production is expected to start in the spring of 2009 and the coupe, which could be officially named the Cadillac CTC will be released as a 2010 model.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

2010 Peugeot HR1 Concept pics

2010 Peugeot HR1 Concept image
2010 Peugeot HR1 interior photo
2010 Peugeot HR1 Concept wallpaper
2010 Peugeot HR1 Concept
2010 Peugeot HR1 Concept image

The Peugeot HR1 Concept is an exclusive and innovative urban concept car that blends together a number of genres (city run-around, coupé and SUV). It is targeted at active young city dwellers smitten with design and innovation who are in search of a vehicle that matches their profile.

Peugeot is always exploring new motoring ideas and this inventiveness has already given rise to many production vehicles and concept cars, including a number of genuine commercial and design successes (Coupé/Cabriolet, the 3008... and more recently the BB1 concept vehicle).

The Peugeot HR1 Concept is based on several different body designs: city run-around, coupé, SUV... and, in doing so, is creating its own identity and new and original benefits.

The Peugeot HR1 Concept has been created to appeal to young city dwellers; individuals and couples, who lead an active outgoing life and who seek out new lifestyle experiences in relation to their leisure activities and their mobility.

It is designed to make urban travel easy and pleasurable even in the busiest or most confined urban areas. It is helped by its particularly compact dimensions (a length of 3.67 m and very short front and rear overhangs) but also an original system for getting into and out of the vehicle. Based on the Marque's experience in this field, the Peugeot HR1 Concept has two electric "scissor" doors to facilitate access under all circumstances (restricted parking, small garage, etc...). To improve visibility and manoeuvrability and provide a dominant driving position, the ride height of the vehicle has been raised, also improving ground clearance.

The Peugeot HR1 Concept contains all the genes of the Peugeot Marque, whose new stylistic design codes were first unveiled on the SR1 Concept car. The Peugeot HR1 Concept shares the same expressive headlamps with their finely chiselled design and the single "floating" front grille which seems to be detached from the rest of the body, as the SR1.

The overall styling is athletic, powerful and dynamic and is strengthened further by the flowing wheel arches, large wheels and the raised sections above the rear windscreen, reminiscent of the "double bubble" roof design of the RCZ Coupé. The finesse of the superstructure, the two-tone interplay of polished and chrome materials, every component expresses the high level of build quality, a sign of the meticulous attention paid to every detail. This is true also of the headlamps and "full LED" rear lights, finished in the style of hi-tech jewels which give the car a unique signature by day and by night.

Innovation is a strong feature of all Peugeot models and especially the Peugeot HR1 Concept. At the rear, the roof bars serve as an ingenious hinge for the opening one-piece, dark tinted glass tailgate.

In keeping with the recent design trends of the Marque's latest vehicles, the interior of the Peugeot HR1 Concept has a structured design, with a "High-Tech Coupé" driving position, providing a special ambiance through the combination of style, quality of finish, equipment and ergonomics.

The driver and passenger are both provided with a "privileged area" within the vehicle, separated by a centre console which adds to the futuristic design and helps increase light levels due to the use of electroluminescent diodes. The fitment of the two glazed roof sections, dedicated to the right and left occupants, with an electro-chrome finish, also help to diffuse more light on request.

The car's instrumentation suggests total command of the vehicle by the driver, with ergonomically placed controls, a small steering wheel, and a "Head-Up" display allowing information to be seen without the driver taking their eyes off the road.

The passenger compartment of the Peugeot HR1 Concept has a very "authentic" feel, dynamic, technological and protective, able to shield its occupants from the stress of the outside world.

The Peugeot HR1 Concept is equipped with particularly innovative controls which operate what is known as the "man-machine interface". The concept car thus has a "movement recognition" system. Simple and intuitive, this allows the driver to scroll through functions and select available settings with a simple movement of the hand. For example, by rotating the hand the user can scroll menus, displayed in the manner of a carousel. The driver can also choose to switch control of the menus to the front passenger, with a sweep of the hand from left to right.

The technology controlled by this method includes the audio, satellite navigation and air conditioning systems. The driver can also select, at his discretion, the preferred type of information to be displayed in the instrument panel: rev counter, water and oil temperature during "dynamic driving", or tourist information when "cruising". The front passenger, meanwhile, benefits from a mobile PC tablet which allows data to be shared and exchanged with the driver's display.

The ingenuity of the Peugeot HR1 Concept resides also in its modularity. It has been designed primarily for young city dwellers without children, in search of a fun vehicle that is fashionable and roomy enough to carry their leisure equipment (bicycle, diving equipment, etc...) or be loaded up with shopping. Its load area, practical and accommodating thanks to its flat floor and sides, offers a load space of 734 litres.

The passenger compartment can be very quickly configured to accommodate either three or four full size seats, thanks to the clever "stowaway seat" system. With this system the rear seats fold down flat and then fit snugly behind the front seats creating a flat load area floor. As on the RCZ, the special shape of the rear tailgate glass with its raised "double bubble" sections, allows the rear headroom to be optimised. When both rear seats are raised, the boot capacity is reduced, but it still offers a substantial 180 litres of space.

One of Peugeot's key priorities is to retain its environmental leadership over the coming years. In this respect, the Peugeot HR1 Concept, which is most at home in the city, needed to meet this brief by being particularly efficient and innovative.

The Peugeot HR1 Concept, therefore, incorporates Peugeot's innovative HYbrid4 technology with all its associated benefits. With an internal combustion engine at the front and an electric motor at the rear it can be driven as often as possible in "zero emissions" mode in town at low speed, or with both "engines" together, providing four-wheel drive capability where challenging surfaces warrant it.

Under the bonnet, the internal combustion engine which drives the front wheels is a new three cylinder petrol unit. It has a capacity of 1.2 litres and, using Peugeot's THP technology, produces 110 bhp. It is one of the members of the future family of three cylinder engines currently under development. As part of Peugeot's downsizing strategy, the engine has been developed using the most advanced technologies, combining both a high level of performance with environmental efficiency.

It is linked to a 37 bhp electric motor and, therefore, has a maximum potential power output of 147 bhp, with a combined fuel consumption of 81 mpg and CO2 emissions of just 80 g/km.

The electronically-controlled 6-speed manual gearbox (with control paddles on the steering wheel and a centrally mounted gear lever) coupled with this power train is designed to offer maximum control. The driver can also opt between two modes of operation, sequential or automatic.

The Peugeot HR1 Concept has a pseudo McPherson front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. Steering is provided by an electric power steering system which offers excellent handling characteristics at low speed, astonishing agility during manoeuvres and maximum accuracy at higher speeds, for good all-round performance.

With its high-performance suspension, efficient steering and new power train, the Peugeot HR1 Concept provides a unique driving experience, combining the emotion of real driving enjoyment with the rigour of genuine environmental efficiency.