Mark Templin, Lexus Division Group Vice President and General Manager :

“The Touring Edition adds excitement to our flagship sedan. The package on this car enhances styling and comfort, allowing us to attract younger buyers to the LS line-up. The LS 460 Touring Edition is a unique package of sporty exterior styling and comfort. With limited units available nationwide they’ll sell out fast to customers who want an all-inclusive luxury package.“

2011 Lexus LS 460 Touring Edition is available either in RWD and AWD mode and it can be distinguished from the other LS model by the following equipment :

- 19″ 5-spoke alloys;
- sport kit and grille;
- wood and leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob;

As standard, the 2011 LS 460 Touring Edition includes matte brown wood trim, black and saddle leather-trimmed seats and premium floor mats.

“The Camaro ZL1 convertible will be one of the most powerful and most capable, convertibles available at any price. This is a car that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face every time you drop the top – or hit the gas.“

2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1will feature a 6.2 L engine generating 580 horse power and 754 Nm of torque. The suspension of the ZL1 convertible uses the third-generation of Magnetic Ride. New, twin-wire/dual-coil dampers at all four corners enable faster response, with damping levels now adjusted up to 1,000 times per second – about one adjustment per inch of vehicle travel at 60 mph – making the system exceptionally responsive to changing driving and road conditions.

The 2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 convertible will also offer Performance Traction Management as standard equipment, which is exclusive to General Motors. First introduced on the Corvette ZR1, it is an advanced system that integrates magnetic ride control, launch control, traction control and electronic stability control, to enhance both launch-acceleration performance and corning.

The result is a convertible designed to preserve nearly all the acceleration, road-holding and performance capabilities of the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 coupe, which goes on sale in early 2012.

The interior has been given a new look, too, with new upper dashboard design and horizontal instrument cluster that emphasise the breadth and roominess of the cabin. The revised lay-out incorporates the new Toyota Touch multimedia unit with a full colour 6.1-inch touchscreen.

The Touch package, fitted as standard to the HL3 and Invincible models also includes Bluetooth and a USB port for connecting digital music players. The quality feel of the cabin has been improved with new, uniform dark finishes and new chrome surround for the instrument binnacle on the Invincible.

The 2012 Hilux carries forward its current engines, the 142bhp 2.5 D-4D and 169bhp 3.0 D-4D units, but these now comply with the Euro 5 light commercial vehicle emissions standards ahead of their introduction at the beginning of next year, thanks to the adoption of a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).

As a result of the adjustments to the engines, CO2 emissions for the 2.5 D-4D (Double Cab) have been cut by more than 10 per cent to 194g/km, becoming best in class and combined fuel consumption has also improved by more than 10 per cent to 38.7mpg (all bodystyles).

The emissions figure for the 3.0 D-4D Double Cab automatic has fallen to 227g/km and the manual to 203g/km.  Combined fuel consumption figures are improved from 31.7 to 32.8mpg and 34.0 to 36.7mpg respectively.

The standard five-speed manual transmission and the optional 5-speed automatic for the 3.0 D-4D engine, exclusive to the Invincible, are also retained.

Similarly the grade line-up of HL2, HL3 and Invincible, and the choice of single, extra and double cab bodystyles are offered for the 2012 model year.

From launch, Hilux will be available with a comprehensive choice of accessory packs to tailor the vehicle to suit the needs of both business users and those owners who need to use Hilux for more everyday driving duties, or want to give their vehicle an extra dash of style.

Three iQ have been created for the show’s Tuner Challenge, with a fourth custom special displaying a radical chop-top look. They are joined at SEMA by further American-market models that have been given ultimate makeovers, plus some of Toyota’s latest State-side racing machinery.

Michael Chang, Jon Sibal and Tatsu are the famous tuners who have worked their magic on iQ. Chang has produced the iQ-RS, giving the car the full motorsport treatment: key elements include a carbon fibre body kit, Air Runner suspension, Sparco race seats and Advan Racing wheels.

Sibal’s iQ RX has a full body kit courtesy of Veilside, finished in a subtle matte metallic grey and bronze pearl paint finish. The engine has extra punch thanks to a Nitrous Express injection kit, and the wheels are 18-inch three-piece forged HRE rims. Again, Air Runner suspension sits the car close to the ground.

Tatsu’s iQ-MR takes an even more radical approach, moving the engine – rebuilt by Mavrik Motorsports – amid-ships to drive the rear wheels. The bodywork has been customised with new panels from Speciality Cars and 16-inch Sakura wheels from Axis are fitted.

These tuner specials are joined by the Pit Boss Cartel iQ, a chop-top designed for duty as a racing pits support vehicle. Cartel has removed the roof, reduced the size of the doors and fitted tough metal interior panels and carbon fibre seats and trims.

More radical still, this iQ can be controlled by iPad and serves as a mobile WiFi hotspot and power charging station.

SEMA also marks the public debut of the first race car to be developed from the new, 3rd generation Yaris. The Yaris B-Spec Club Racer will be competing in SCCA championship racing in the USA next year, driven by American BMX star Jamie Bestwick.

The SEMA show opens at the Las Vegas Convention Center on 1 November.

In profile, there is still the distinctive, steeply sloping belt line running the length of the vehicle, while at the rear, the familiar YarisY-shaped graphic is retained, but expressed in distinctive new styling. Detail touches include a larger front quarterlight, with the A-pillar moved further forward, giving a more steeply raked windscreen. And the rear side windows have been rendered smarter, by taking away the vertical bar that previously divided the glazing.

Shorter front and rear overhangs, a 50mm increase in the wheelbase and more prominent wheelarches give the car a sportier look.

Overall new Yaris is just 100mm longer than the previous model, which means it keeps its urban-friendly tight turning circle of just 4.7m. The width is unchanged, but trimming the height by 20mm to 1,510mm adds to the car’s lower, more purposeful appearance, while the efficient aerodynamic qualities of the body deliver a class leading drag coefficient of Cd 0.287.

New Yaris’s bolder look is completed by new 15 and 16-inch alloy wheel designs and a choice of 10 colours for the body, including two completely new shades – Deep Aqua and Burning Red.

There is an equally fresh approach to the interior, with a new focus on creating a cockpit environment for the driver. The principal meters have moved from the centre of the dashboard to sit directly in the driver’s eyeline behind the steering wheel, which itself has a more upright angle for a more engaging driving position.

The strong horizontal lines of the new dashboard emphasise the generous width of the cabin – 30mm greater than before – with a new soft-padded dash section with matching upper door panel pads. The colour of these padded sections co-ordinates with inserts in the seat upholstery, reinforcing the general high quality feel of the interior. A panoramic glass roof is available (standard on the top-of-the-range model) that increases the spacious feel of the cabin.

Tactile, premium details add to the quality look and feel, with gun metal trims around the driver’s instruments, the multimedia touchscreen and air vents, and chrome detailing on the controls and switchgear.

The front seats are new, with increased vertical adjustment and, on some models, an arm rest for the driver. Their design gives both better body holding and comfort, with wider, higher sided cushions that have a raised front edge which can help combat tiredness on long journeys.

Thinner seatbacks for the front seats mean more kneeroom for those sitting in the rear – a class-leading 645mm. A similar design treatment for the rear seats has helped increase loadspace depth by 145mm to 710mm – another best-in-class figure. Overall luggage capacity has grown to 347 litres (to roof line) with the rear seats in place, 768 litres when they are folded flat. And to make the job of loading up easier, the tailgate is 20mm wider than on the previous model.

“Concept You gives a good indication of what you can expect from our next large sedan. The blend of contemporary Scandinavian design, exquisite craftsmanship and intuitive technology will appeal to luxury car buyers all over the world,” says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation. The Concept You, combines a sleek coupé-like exterior with a luxurious high-tech interior that keeps the driver in command via intuitive smart pad technology.  Concept You’s luxurious interior gives luxury sedan customers a full experience of the craftsmanship and intuitive technology that will be the hallmark of future Volvos.

Global Feedback

The company has collected global feedback on Concept Universe, both through surveys and by closely monitoring social media comments.

“The most valuable input has been used in the development of the Concept You. This car features a more daring, coupé -like profile than the Concept Universe, while the front moves towards a more classic Volvo look,” explains Peter Horbury, Vice President Design at Volvo Car Corporation.

He added, “The fastback profile mirrors a strong trend among European buyers. With growing signs that Chinese “taste buds” are moving rapidly in the same direction, our main aim is to explore how daring our next large sedan should be in order to be a global success. We are very eager to hear what people think about the Concept You.”

Cars Designed Around People

Volvo Car Corporation’s strategy is to achieve profitable growth by being a truly global company with products designed around customers’ needs and lifestyle.

“With our hearts in Sweden and our eyes and ears all over the world, we intend to be the brand that best interprets what buyers of modern luxury cars want,” says Stefan Jacoby. He adds:

“The Concept You reflects how people’s perception of luxury is moving beyond the traditional perspective. There is a growing appreciation for the ingenious blend of elegant design, superior craftsmanship and smart technology.”

Several aspects of the New Strategy

The Concept You radiates several aspects of Volvo Car Corporation’s new, customer focused “Designed Around You” strategy:

• > It is a large, luxurious sedan with a new, sculpted Scandinavian form language that also honours the sweeping, elegant lines of classic Volvo models.

• > The inspiration from – and cooperation with – a number of world famous brands demonstrates the level of exquisite craftsmanship customers can expect from future Volvo models.

• > The concept car reveals how Volvo’s new Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA) opens up dynamic design possibilities – on top of the technological and industrial advantages.

• > By bringing the latest intuitive smart pad technology into the car, Volvo Car Corporation emphasises its ambition to lead the development of super-functional connectivity features in cars.

Volvo makes life less complicated and more enjoyable

Volvo Car Corporation aims to make people’s lives less complicated and more enjoyable while strengthening the company’s established commitment to safety and the environment.

“We will compete with the best with our special kind of luxury. Volvo’s cars are intuitive and uncomplicated. Our customers don’t have to give away driving pleasure to drive safely. They can be environmentally conscious and still indulge the pure joy of owning a luxury car,” Stefan Jacoby concludes

Touch-control Cockpit and Pure Craftsmanship

The luxurious interior of the Concept You features a blend of intuitive smart pad technology and first-class craftsmanship.  Peter Horbury explains :

“The Concept You explores new territories in our search for the ultimate intuitive car that makes the owners manual a thing of the past. Smart phones and smart pads have brought mobile infotainment into a new era. Here, we use a number of touch-screens to replace buttons and controls in order to make the driver totally connected, totally in control. The technology also helps us to create a refreshingly uncluttered interior”.

The Concept You control centre consists of 4 main areas; a digital Driver Information Monitor (DIM), a head-up display on the windscreen, a touch-screen in the upper part of the centre console and a touch-screen between the two individual rear seats. The wood/leather steering wheel has aluminium and glass paddles with integrated touch-screens.

The touch-screen in the upper part of the centre console remains in sleep mode until the driver looks at it. A hidden infrared camera registers the eye movements and information is displayed on the screen.

Another sensor registers hand movements and triggers the Infotainment system’s control mode. The possibilities vary depending on whether the screen is approached by the driver or by the front passenger.

“Certain functions, such as surfing the Web, are only accessible from the passenger side while the car is rolling. The technology knows who is the present operator and adapts itself automatically,” says Peter Horbury.

The driver can “flip” data from the central touch-screen to the head-up display and can exchange data with the rear passengers. A light guide in the free-floating centre console indicates file transfer.

Unique Air-powered Sound System

The Infotainment system also integrates a high-end sound system from Alpine. It features the unique “FreshAir” subwoofer – a not yet released technology that uses the air outside the car to create the ultimate listening experience.

The sound system consists of small, optimised units that considerably cut weight – while still producing a better sound than today’s systems.

Comfortable and Cultivated

The interior is dedicated to offer design-driven customers a comfortable, cultivated, Scandinavian inspired environment that is also user-focused and refreshingly uncomplicated. Every detail has been chosen with the customer experience in focus.

The interior is driver-orientated at the front and comfortably relaxed in the rear. The dark colour scheme in the front seats fades seamlessly towards the rear until it fully transforms into a light rear seating area. The interior moulds into the rear seat and becomes part of the seating environment.

Volvo Car Corporation has partnered with several other famous brands in order to create a genuine feeling of luxury with the right Scandinavian touch.

Leather, Suede and Suit Fabric

The four individual seats blend chrome-free leather from Bridge of Wear with Dinamica ecological suede. The off-black front seats have suede in the centre to create optimal grip. The soft beige rear seats are designed for pure comfort with leather in the centre and suede on the sides.

The Concept You design also integrates the luxurious qualities of a tailor made suit into the car. The back of the front seats and the door panels feature exclusive Italian fabric and designs from Swedish fashion house Oscar Jacobson.

The designers have also been generous with large, handcrafted pieces of walnut – accompanied by leather panels, Dinamica suede roof lining and carefully chosen aluminium details.

Hand-tufted Wool Carpets

The wooden floor, which echoes Scandinavian homes, is covered with a specially designed hand-tufted carpet from world-famous Swedish brand Kasthall. Just like the rest of the interior, it fades from dark in the front to light in the rear. The front texture has a sporty firmness, while the rear part of the carpet is luxuriously soft.

Inspiration from Georg Jensen

The Concept You is finished in a light blue, liquid metal paint from DuPont. The ventilated disc brakes are developed by Volvo’s racing specialists Polestar. The car’s fastback silhouette is emphasised by the 21-inch polished aluminium wheels with a twisted twin-spoke design and tyres from Pirelli (275/30/21).

Up front, the Concept You grille – which has a more classic appearance than the Concept Universe – features details with the same beautifully polished craftsmanship.

“The design of the wheels, the grille and details in the innovative headlamps have been inspired by the exquisite works of world-famous Danish design house Georg Jensen. Their precious items capture the essence of Scandinavian design. Uncluttered, organic surfaces and superb craftsmanship that radiate timeless luxury,” says Peter Horbury. He adds:

“This eternal beauty of Georg Jensen design is what we are aiming for with the whole concept car. Just like the finest luxury goods, this design should feel handcrafted and durable enough to stand the test of time.”

The XC90 was launched in 2002 and offered a unique blend of attractive styling, practicality and seven-seat versatility that saw it become an overnight hit.  Since then, the XC range has grown with the XC70 and the introduction of the award winning XC60.  In 2010, sales figures for the XC90 grew close to 7,000 units – its best year ever in the UK, and over 37,000 globally.  This year sees it continue to be a strong sales success by being in the top three in its segment in the UK. The XC90with the latest refinements will be available to order from late October 2011.

Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research and Development at the Volvo Car Corporation:

“The XC90 still boasts all the virtues that have made it one of our most successful models ever. The spacious and flexible crossover combines excellent handling and comfort with superior get-you-there ability and flexibility. Now we have upgraded the XC90 with a number of features that emphasise the large SUV’s unique blend of sophisticated elegance and capable ruggednes”

Exterior Enhancements

The XC90 is designed to give an elegant, muscular and robust impression, which has been reinforced through a number of refined details.

A new day running light configuration using LEDs in the lower bumper gives the front more character. The redesigned silver metallic bumper bar as well as silver roof rails are now standard on all variants. There is also a new lower door moulding and all XC90 specifications are now fully colour-coordinated.

The new tail lamps have dual light guides, LED brake lights and a silver turn indicator bulb (still with orange light). The latest new features also include a new six-spoke 18-inch wheel in a silver matt finish.

More Luxurious Interior

A number of refinements have been made to give the XC90 interior an even more luxurious feel, including the three-spoke steering wheel, aluminium décor as standard and the watch dial-inspired instrument design with white lighting.

The tailgate, which is divided into an upper and a lower section, now comes with a new, colour-coordinated leather grab handle. The load cover has also been redesigned.

Exclusive Executive version and sporty R-Design

The XC90 is also available in an Executive specification which features a number of exclusive options such as soft leather seats with ventilation and massage, as well as a number of details with a more exclusive finish.

The R-Design version boosts the XC90′s sports appeal and gives the car a more driver-focused character. On top of the special chassis, the new R-design version also features redesigned upholstery, inlays, door panels and new Ixion 19-inch wheels.

Bluetooth Music Streaming and New Mobile Application

The Volvo On Call system can now be combined with Bluetooth mobile phone connection. The system has been upgraded with music streaming from a preferred Bluetooth enabled portable music player. Volvo is the only car brand to offer Bluetooth music streaming throughout the entire vehicle range.

New too is a mobile application that makes sure that the driver can stay in touch with the parked car via an iPhone or Android smart phone. The mobile application is an extension of Volvo On Call.

Owners of all new Volvo’s from Model Year 2012 with Volvo On Call can download the mobile application that opens up a range of possibilities, such as:

Car Locator

The location of the car is shown on a map. There is also a digital compass that points the driver in the right direction.
Vehicle dashboard. This feature gives the driver access to a wide range of information: fuel level, remaining range to empty tank, average fuel consumption, average speed, odometer reading and trip meter reading.

Car Check

The mobile app performs a “health” check of the car, displaying information about bulbs, brake fluid level, coolant level, engine oil level and engine oil pressure.

“Creating an intuitive and ergonomically optimised relationship with the car is part of our aim to offer a feeling of relaxed control. The mobile application is much more than a gadget. It is the first step in our connectivity strategy. We have started to build a bridge to the future – and the mobile app will be extended with a range of possibilities,“

- says Peter Mertens.

The Volvo C70 Inscription is available from £33,855 on the road for the D3 SE Inscription and can be ordered from mid-November with first deliveries in February 2012. Worldwide production volume is limited to 2,000 units a year. “The Inscriptionis based on our human-centric Designed Around You philosophy, offering those customers who love convertibles and coupés a beautifully detailed version with a lot of kerb appeal,” says Doug Speck, Senior Vice President Marketing, Sales and Customer Service at Volvo Car Corporation.

The Inscription can be combined with both five-cylinder 2.0-litre diesel engines offered in the UK: the D4 (177 hp/400 Nm) and D3 (150 hp/350 Nm). It is available in three colours: Black Stone (Solid), Black Sapphire (Metallic) and Ice White (Solid) and also benefits from exclusive 18-inch black Midir alloy wheels with black detailing and polished spokes and outer rim.

At the front of the Inscription edition, the high-gloss paint on the grille and the LED Daytime Running Lights are both surrounded by contrasting chrome, giving this C70 a distinctive “face”.

Exclusive Interior

The interior also features a distinctive new look that echoes the unique exterior, including:

• An exclusive leather-covered dashboard with contrasting stitching

• Sovereign Hide upholstery in Off Black or Calcite with the same contrasting stitching as on the dashboard, handbrake lever and carpets

• “Inscription” embroidered on the front headrests

• Special Inscription carpets and handbrake lever

• Steering wheel and gear shift knob with aluminium inlays

• Sports pedals with aluminium inlay

• Aluminium inlay in the iconic ultra-slim centre stack is standard, Black or Nordic Light Oak as an option

The Volvo C70 Inscription will debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show that opens on November 16th.

The Volvo C70 in detail

Launched in 2006 and refreshed in 2009 with a new front profile and rear light configuration, the Volvo C70 was the world’s first four-seater convertible with a retractable hard top. With a new design, incorporating a steel retractable hard-top, came new challenges for Volvo’s safety engineers. Reinforced A pillars, door-mounted inflatable side curtains and strengthened roll-over hoops to handle the extra weight, were amongst many of the features designed into the car.

The Volvo C30 Electric is a modern car that does not compromise on safety, performance, comfort or user-friendliness – the traditional hallmarks of any Volvo. All told, about 100 specialists from Volvo Car Special Vehicles, Volvo Car Corporation and technology experts Consat AB and I3tex AB worked together on the research and development programme, which was almost as far-reaching as construction of an all-new car model.

You can watch all these videos by visiting  YouTube Channel here :

Volvo C30 – Documented film

1. A Milestone in the Automotive Industry
2. Battery System
3. Electrical Architecture and Electrical Safety
4. Electric Motor and Power Electronics
5. Software Development
6. Climate Systems
7. Safety
8. Testing
9. Fleet Management System
10. Research Programme

“No industry or organisation can tackle the climate challenge all by itself. It is our mission to develop carbon dioxide-lean cars, but it is the society that is responsible for creating a sustainable future. This project shows how cooperation between experts in different areas brings us closer to the transition from individually carbon dioxide-lean products to a climate-smart lifestyle.

One important aspect of the project was to retain the Volvo V60′s excellent driving pleasure, high safety standard and luxurious comfort. At the same time, average CO2 emissions and fuel consumption will be halved compared with what is available on the market today. We’re taking a step forward towards our <<DRIVe Towards Zero>> vision, that is to say the hunt for zero emissions. In fact, when the V60 Plug-in Hybrid is run solely on electricity and recharged using renewable energy, we’ve already reached that goal.”

2012 Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid has a range of nearly 50 km when it’s powered 100% by electricity from a total operating range of 1200 km. It has a fuel consumption of 1.9 L per 100 km and CO2 levels of just 49 g/km. 2012 Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid can be charged from a regular socket you can find anywhere. A full battery charge takes about 5 h.

Watch This Video: Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid

Volvo develops the 2012 V60 Plug-in Hybrid in parallel with the Volvo C30 Electric. C30 runs entirely on electricity. Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation :

“These two car types complement one another. With a plug-in hybrid the driver is entirely independent of recharging stations when driving long distances. The future electric-car market will feature a mixture of both all-electric cars and plug-in hybrids.“