HOT WHEELS

 

The VR Concept is a 2-seat sportscar designed for the year 2010. It is the first creation of Swedish Paulin Motor Company, founded by ex-Ford designer Daniel Paulin.

This concept car aims to demonstrate Paulin’s vision of future design directions aiming for the market requirements of 2010 and further. The main proportions are typical of two-seat GT cars.

The exterior is characterized by the cockpit design, which is inspired by modern jet-fighters, and by the original scheme of the opening panels.

The windshield/roof is hinged in the cowl area.

With windshield/roof in open position, the doors can be open independently. The rear wing is integrated in body with a flush condition.

In use it moves up and rotates to create appropriate down force.

Side mirrors are replaced by external cameras, located above the rear fenders. The view can be seen on a wide display just above the instrument panel.

"In the interior, less is more – 2 bucket seats, steering wheel, gear shifter and a control unit," Paulin continues.

"This concept car is a pure driving oriented vehicle where the design intent is all about simplicity and functionality in true Scandinavian fashion."

"I have studied the development of the last decennium and believe this is a logical development where I have tried to create shapes where controlled sculptural surfaces meets dynamic graphical break-ups", says Daniel Paulin, CEO and Creative Director of Paulin Motor Company.

The concept car was developed in cooperation with technical partner Opticore, which provided the visualization tools to produce images and real-time presentation environments.

Daniel Paulin said "Since there is no physical mock-up, Opticore solutions have given me a great solution to demonstrate my vehicle for prospective partners. [...] The quality has reached a level where many design decisions can be made with out the need of physical prototypes."

 

 

From its carbon fiber superstructure, to its sweeping architectural surface, the all-new 2010 Devon GTX offers bold design, efficient tactility, and meaningful technologies that make a statement unlike any other supercar.

Constructed of aircraft-quality carbon fiber from stem to stern, the Devon GTX instantly communicates its ultra-performance capability through aggressive, compact proportions and large (up to 20-inch) lattice-structure center-lock wheels. In all, the exterior design navigates between the past and science fiction, subtly blending muscle, curves, exquisite shapes and dynamic graphics to create a classical, yet futuristic, statement that's ready to stand the test of time.

Inside, carbon fiber-reinforced racing seats, dual-grained leather surfacing throughout, and tasteful chrome appointments communicate a Miesian, "less is more" design philosophy. A neo-retro gear lever - topped by a white gear knob - melds driver with machine.

At the structural core, the Devon GTX is built upon a framework that is as advanced as any in the global automotive industry.

Overlaying its steel structure is a glove-fit, single-piece molded superstructure made of carbon fiber. Construction of the superstructure requires a complex mold - essentially the size of the vehicle - in which all datum and attachment points are positioned within literally fractions of a millimeter.

 

Once the superstructure is in place, all body panel attachment points are inherently accurate for uncommonly consistent builds. The superstructure - due to the use of carbon fiber - is also extremely lightweight, strong and stiff, ensuring outstanding crash performance, noise / vibration tuning, and incredibly accurate chassis tuning.

While overall shape of the new Devon GTX carries traditional "muscle car" dimensions with a long dash-to-axle and short front and rear offsets, it's executed in the context of sophistication and athletic grace. Seemingly honed from a single billet, the Devon GTX's flowing exterior skin is formed of carbon fiber, which enables precise molding - rather than traditional stamping - of exterior fenders, panels, and closures.

 

Large (18 / 19-inch or 19 / 20-inch combinations) 12-spoke aluminum forged monoblock lattice structured wheels lead the eye to large, ultra-performance calipers (carrying the Devon insignia) and rotors, leaving no doubt about the supercars's performance competency.

The wheels carry a machined or polished finish and painted inner-spoke surfacing leading to the Devon insignia defining the center hub. The Devon GTX is also equipped with center-mounted locking hubs, a lug-free design more commonly seen on race cars.

A wheelbase of 98.8-inches - combined with a flush wheel-to-body relationship defined by distinctive, offset-flush, tone-shaded wheel surrounds - ensures well-grounded appeal and presence as well as an agile look with more muscular front fenders and rear haunches.

The front "face" of the vehicle is absent of a traditional grille, resulting in a clean, aero-sloped front section defined by a center-positioned billet that runs uninterrupted to the center of the hood. Ample air for combustion and brake cooling is achieved through large intakes positioned in the lower forward corners. The intakes carry large chrome trapezoid-shaped inlets (approximately 3-inches wide) that lead to channeling for optimal combustion air intake and engine cooling.

A fixed-glass center roof element distinguishes the Devon GTX from all others in its exclusive class. The glass element ensures overhead natural light is always a part of the interior environment.

Three-inch wide trapezoidal chrome dual exhaust tips match the intake inlets in the front, are side-by-side positioned, and pass through the center portion of the rear fascia, further communicating the ultra-performance capability of the new Devon offering.

Posted exterior rear-view mirrors have been aero-optimized - along with the rest of the exterior - by a dedicated team led by Dr. Joe Katz of San Diego State University (SDSU). The team's efforts led to the incorporation of a three-piece belly pan constructed of carbon fiber. In addition to providing enhanced under-car surface appeal and aerodynamics, the belly pan carries revolutionary "vortex generators" for improved downforce - a key enabler to the vehicle's exceptional agility and balance.

The all-new 2010 Devon GTX blends athletic strength with uncompromising refinement thanks to what is perhaps the most powerful naturally aspirated production car powertrain system in the industry. The Devon GTX is equipped with an 8.4-liter (510 cubic inches) V-10 engine that produces 650 horsepower (484.7 kW) at 6100 rpm. The V-10 engine is mated with a track-proven six-speed manual transmission.The end result is a propulsion system that rivals - and in most cases surpasses - the most powerful offerings in the world.

The transmission on the Devon GTX incorporates a host of applications to ensure effective transfer of the 8.4-liter engine's exceptional power and torque while delivering high-performance, fun-to-drive shifting characteristics. The end result: is short, crisp shift throws; smooth gear synchronization, and overall improved shift feel with little or no vibration. The transmission boasts wider gears for increased torque-handling capability; a six-gear synchronizer system for exceptional shift feel and reduced efforts; double-cone reverse gear synchronizer for eased "R" selection; strengthened housing for minimal "flex" and improved shifting; and a dual mass flywheel with twin-disc clutch.

 

Mitsubishi Motors extends the concept one notch below (C-segment) with the introduction of a smaller and sportier sibling: the all-new Mitsubishi ASX compact crossover. Another "global car for the regions" from Mitsubishi Motors and therefore named and specified accordingly, Mitsubishi ASX was first launched in Japan in February 2010 (as "RVR"). After its European premiere at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, it will be retailed in Europe end of spring 2010.

Sharing the same evocative "Kawasemi Blue" introduction color, the new Mitsubishi ASX represents a marketable interpretation of the Concept-cX show car, unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, whose success convinced MMC's management to turn it into a full-fledged production car.

Longer by nearly 20 cm (4.295 m vs the concept's 4.11 m), slightly higher (+ 6.5cm) and wider (+ 2cm), and featuring a more upright tailgate all for the sake of optimum packaging, Mitsubishi ASX shares nonetheless Concept-cX's basic design theme as well as its passenger car-like sure-footed stance.

Suggested by the gaping "Jet Fighter" grille - a nod to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.'s F-2 jet fighter and now a trademark feature for nearly all Mitsubishi Motors on-road vehicles in Europe (Colt, Lancer and Outlander) - this car-like "attitude" was a key direction for Mitsubishi designers: unencumbered by any marketing pressure to simulate an SUV look through heavy detailing (no need to with Pajero/Montero/Shogun and L200 already in the range...), they further developed Concept-cX's own vocabulary towards a less polarizing yet sharp, expressive and finely executed "sports hatch" with proper presence & substance.

Retaining Concept-cX's "compact wedge" design concept with its thrusting side character line, they optimized the overall shape, making the best use of a 14.5 cm longer wheelbase (2.67 m vs. 2.525 m) to create a lower and more balanced silhouette with a better integration of the bulging wheel arches. Accordingly, the roof line now flows down toward the rear of the car to enhance aerodynamic performance (Cd: 0.32) and to further highlight its dynamic profile.

At the front, the Jet Fighter grille appears identical to Lancer's or Outlander's. However, it is now framed within a more substantial looking clip, itself merging with a sculptured bonnet featuring a double bulge: this serves the dual purpose of contributing to better pedestrian safety, short overhang notwithstanding, and also to make the body more visible to the driver, improving maneuverability around town.

At the rear, the purpose was both to lower and widen the silhouette, whilst avoiding any sort of chunkiness resulting from the short overhang, hence the sharp aerodynamic lip at the bottom of the backlight, the slim slanted combination lamps as well as the wide trapezoidal license plate recess running in between.

Inside, the concept of sharp, sporty elegance continues with a clear emphasis on form, trim and material rather than the usual endless pursuit of fantasized SUV-ness.

Consistent with the exterior, Mitsubishi ASX's cabin reflects a clear sense of "dynamic quality" as expressed through the hooded meter cluster shared with Outlander, the soft padding around the center instrument panel itself extending to the door trim or the carefully applied silver accents either side of the audio system or along the door panels.

At the same time, items such as the chromed round module circling the shift lever, the motorbike inspiration for both the silver accents either side of the console and for the meters.

Logically, the texturing and materials were chosen to achieve the same right touch and appearance. Although the interior color scheme is based on a black monotone, contrasting use of textures and materials was made to generate dynamism.

In this respect, particular attention was paid to the soft trim for areas touched by the occupants. This led to the development of a new type of two-tone textured padding with contrastive undulations for a smart, sporty feel.

The same approach prevailed for the seat upholstery where Mitsubishi designers and their partners of the textile industry created a new embossed woven material to add to the overall sense of sporty dynamic quality, while adding visual 3D drama to the understated black interior.

The latest vehicle developed from MMC's "Project Global" mid-size platform, Mitsubishi ASX aims at blending Lancer's passenger car on-road attitude with Outlander's commanding driving position and convenience of its clever AWC electronically-controlled 4-Wheel Drive system.

Sharing Outlander's long wheelbase of 2.67 m, the 34.5cm shorter Mitsubishi ASX essentially carries over most of Outlander's lower structure as well as the basic architecture of its chassis (MacPherson front suspension, multi-link rear suspension) suitably tuned for this smaller and lighter vehicle.

A notable improvement is the introduction of an electric power steering mechanism to further lower emissions, also fitted with both tilt and telescopic adjustments, the latter being a first for Mitsubishi Motors' current range of vehicles.

Courtesy of the all-inclusive electronic architecture of its "Project Global" platform, Mitsubishi ASX offers the full palette of active & passive safety devices, including (availability according to model and market):

    160° Super-HiD "Wide Vision" xenon headlamps
    Active Stability Control
    Traction Control
    Hill Start Assist system
    ABS
    Electronic Brake Distribution
    Brake Assist
    Emergency Stop signal System
    7 airbags (incl. driver knee airbag)
    Low impact MIVEC Diesel

The latest contributor to MMC's green tech strategy, Mitsubishi ASX will also inaugurate an all-new family of all-aluminum DOHC 16v 4-cylinder Common rail Direct injection "low impact" Euro 5 Diesel engines, jointly developed by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), the latter providing - amongst others - engineering expertise gained through experience in industrial and marine Diesel engines, as well as in gas turbine technologies.

Initially offered in 1.8 liter form - first with Mitsubishi ASX and later on during the second half of 2010 in the related Lancer family - this "4N13" set of powerplants is a derivative of MMC's recent petrol engine and features innovative technologies, including a new variable geometry turbocharger as well as high-efficiency combustion characteristics that stem from the application of MMC's and MHI's own analytic technology.

Highlight of this technological showcase is Mitsubishi's proprietary MIVEC variable valve timing system: a world first for passenger car Diesel engines.

Of strategic importance in Europe against high profile competitors in a very competitive segment, the very smooth running 1,798 cc "4N13" Mitsubishi low impact Diesel MIVEC engine will be further supported in its environmental mission by the adoption - standard on all versions - of a full ClearTec low CO2 package, including:

    "Automatic Stop & Go" system
    Closed-flow Diesel particulate filter
    Electric power steering
    Generation Control System
    LED rear lamps (for low consumption)
    Low resistance tires

In parallel, for customers looking for a petrol option, Mitsubishi ASX will also be proposed with a new 1.6 liter DOHC 16v MIVEC engine: another in-house development, this time of Mitsubishi's own 1.5 liter engine as fitted to Colt. In this Mitsubishi ASX application, it will also be made available with the full ClearTec package and be offered with a 5-speed manual transmission.