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MT 16 March 2014

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V maltatoday, SUNDAY, 16 MARCH 2014 INSPIRED by contemporary, progressive Scandinavian lifestyle and design as well as iconic elements from the past, the elegant new Volvo Concept Coupé is the first of a series of three concept cars that reveal the design possibilities created by the company's new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA). After more than a year of anticipation, the first design by the new Senior Vice President of Design Thomas Ingenlath, showcases how design builds emotion into the Volvo brand and points towards the next generation of Volvo models, starting with the forthcoming XC90. "The Volvo Concept Coupé is no futuristic dream car. It is designed to demonstrate the capability of our new architecture: the confident stance, the proportions and the most prominent design signatures. Even though the all-new XC90 is an entirely different type of car, you will recognise the connection instantly when it is revealed next year", Ingenlath said. The Scalable Product Architecture liberates Volvo's designers and engineers from the limitations of previous cross-brand platforms. "The new Volvo Concept Coupé reveals how we could shape our cars from now on. Free from the superficial surface excitement of other car brands, we add emotional value to the Volvo brand with the calm, confident beauty that is the hallmark of Scandinavian design", he continued. The visual impact of the new proportions is most powerful when viewing the Volvo Concept Coupé from the side. The distance between the dashboard and the front axle has been extended. A low bonnet and roof, and five-spoke, 21-inch wheels also contribute to the impression of an elegant Gran Tourer oozing effortless power. The confident stance is emphasized by a belt line that spans an elegant bow along the length of the car. "Think about the powerful calmness of a lion. He doesn't have to prowl to radiate respect. Even lying down he shows very clearly what he is capable of", a beaming Ingenlath commented. The face of the Volvo Concept Coupé is characterised by the new topography on the bonnet and the 'floating' grille, flanked by headlights featuring new T-shaped DRL light guides. Just like the rear light signature, the DRL lights are distinctive elements in the new design direction of Volvo Cars. The Concept Coupé also features elements that echo the design of the Volvo P1800 from the 1960s. "It is a car designer's duty to reflect and incorporate design signatures that are vital parts of the company's heritage. The P1800 is an iconic Volvo, renowned for its beautiful forms and detailing. However, using elements from the P1800 exterior and interior has nothing to do with being retro. We are using these subtle links to a glorious past to create a future in which sheer beauty becomes a recognised part of Volvo's identity. That journey starts with Concept Coupé", he explained. The blue-grey exterior is mirrored on the inside of the Volvo Concept Coupé. Refined, handcrafted elements such as the leather instrument panel, inlays made of naturally aged wood and the dark blue woven carpets are blended with beautifully machined metal details. The experience inside the Concept Coupé is an excellent example of how Volvo make their customers feel truly special. The concept car also includes a completely new approach to Volvo Cars' human-centric user experience. A large portrait touch-screen in the centre console interacts with an adaptive digital display and head- up display in front of the driver. "This is a natural integration of user interfaces in our new car generation. Interaction with pleasure but without distraction is the key. We bring connectivity into our cars to make them more enjoyable and safe", Ingenlath explained. The concept car features a two- litre high-performance Drive-E petrol engine with a supercharger and turbo. The petrol engine is teamed with an electric motor on the rear axle, giving a total output of about 400hp and over 600 Nm of torque. The petrol plug-in hybrid driveline in the Volvo Concept Coupé reflects Volvo Cars' strategy to use electrification to create the most powerful versions in the new four- cylinder Drive-E engine family. This will take power figures up into V8 territory. Elegance and confidence - The Volvo Concept Coupé Volvo showcase the emotional value of Scandinavian design Evolution and advanced technology - Honda's concept vehicles Winners both on and off the track, Honda reveals cutting edge designs FURTHER underlining Honda's commitment to leadership in the development of advanced technology, the latest FCEV concept model makes its European debut. Sleek and aerodynamic, the concept points to the potential styling direction of Honda's next-generation fuel-cell electric vehicle which launches in the U.S. and Japan in 2015. A European launch will follow not long after. The Honda FCEV Concept features sweeping character lines underscored by an ultra-aerodynamic body. It delivers ample interior space and seating for five passengers, thanks to new power train packaging efficiencies. Honda's next generation FCEV features the world's first application of a fuel-cell power train packaged completely in the engine room of the vehicle, allowing for efficiencies in cabin space as well as flexibility in the potential application of fuel- cell technology to multiple vehicle types in the future. Significant technological advancements to the fuel-cell stack have resulted in more than 100kW of power output, with power density of 3kW/L, an increase of 60%, and the stack size reduced by 33%, compared to the current FCX Clarity. The next-generation Honda FCEV is anticipated to deliver a driving range of approximately 700km, according to Japan cycle (JC-08 mode) with a quick refuelling time of around three minutes at 70 MPa. "Building on 20 years of fuel-cell leadership with the FCX and FCX Clarity, the FCEV Concept sets the direction for our next-generation fuel-cell vehicle and for future improvements in electric- drive technology. While this car is a concept, it points towards a very real future," Thomas Brachmann from Honda's R&D explained. For almost two decades, Honda has led the development and deployment of fuel-cell technology through extensive real world testing, significant advancements in fuel-cell operation and meeting stringent emissions and safety regulations. In 2011, Honda joined the Clean Energy Partnership. The CEP is Europe's leading fuel cell vehicle and hydrogen infrastructure demonstration project. More recently, Honda's participation in the H2 Mobility Programmes in Germany and the UK demonstrate its commitment to synchronise the rollout of vehicles and hydrogen infrastructure. Launched in Europe in 2008, Honda's current fuel cell-electric vehicle, the FCX Clarity, was quickly welcomed as a technological breakthrough in design, packaging and efficiency. As the world's first dedicated fuel-cell vehicle, the FCX Clarity features a striking silhouette and a low-slung cabin. With the V-flow fuel-cell stack positioned down the centre of the vehicle and the electric motor located in the front, Honda was able to maintain the car's futuristic styling while delivering a driving range of 240 miles. The NSX Concept Also making its European debut at Geneva was the latest evolution of the NSX Concept. A semi-opaque model showcased the longitudinal V6 direct injection engine with twin turbo, alongside Honda's innovative 3 motor Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) hybrid system. The forthcoming new NSX features the Sport Hybrid Super Handling All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), delivering a whole new level of both fuel economy and superior driving performance by combining a new mid-mounted V6 direct-injection twin turbo engine and all new dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Using a unique two-motor Electric Motor Drive Unit with a bilateral torque adjustable control system, the new hybrid all-wheel- drive system can instantly generate negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering, delivering far superior handling performance to previous AWD systems. The SH-AWD system on the new NSX will have a mid-mounted power train, with electric motors on the front wheels. The 2014 Civic WTCC car The 2013 WTCC season saw Honda successfully return to the track with the turbo-charged HR412E in the Civic; powering the Castrol Honda World Touring Car team and Zengo Motorsport team to become the Manufacturers' Champion in Honda´s first full season. Honda's successful return to WTCC in 2013 has been instrumental in gathering knowledge that has helped shape the new Type R, providing the development team with analysis and feedback on performance, and styling collected from the track to assist in the creation of a 'racing car for the road' from the Civic five-door. After winning the Manufacturers' Championship of the 2013 World Touring Car Championship, Honda now revealed the livery of the 2014 Civic WTCC car. A short distance away sat the Honda RA271, which competed in the 1964 Formula One at the German Grand Prix of Nurburgring, and the record- breaking turbo-charged RA168E engine which dominated the 1988 season. In the 1988 F1 season, the RA168E powered Honda to set eight new records, including the most race victories (15 out of 16), the most Constructors points (199) and the most one-two finishes (10). The season also saw Honda take both the Constructors' and Drivers' Championships for the second consecutive year. PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTIAN MANGION

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