Suzuki Swift Rally Car, 2005

 

Suzuki Swift Rally Car, 2005

A redesigned Swift was announced at the Paris Auto Salon in September 2004. This Swift is intended to compete in the European B segment with the likes of Peugeot 206, Opel Corsa and the Fiat Punto. Available with 1.3 and 1.5 L engines, the new Swift is Suzuki's new "global car", to be produced in Hungary, India, Japan and by Chang'an in China. 3- and 5-door bodies are available.

The the new model is the first of its kind during which a Suzuki employed Indian engineers to design a car that would compete in the global market. The design of the new Swift was previewed on the Concept S and Concept S2 concept cars at auto shows, in the years leading up to its launch. It's proportions & essential shape are unmistakely like the BMW MINI, due to the blacked-out A-pillars and bumper-car stance. The exterior shape is described by some as "1.5 box".

Despite Suzuki's long-standing relationship with General Motors (which itself had prompted the development of the very first Swift), the new Swift is entirely Suzuki, and not based on the GM Gamma platform. The prestigious British Autocar magazine gave the new Swift a favourable 4/5 stars in road test, badging it a "thoroughly impressive all-rounder". Mk4 Swift has received a 4 stars out of 5 rating in the EURO NCAP crash tests.

The Standard equipment include leather steering wheel, dual air-bag, ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), front disk brake with rear drum brake, sliding storage under passenger seat, single CD player.

Since its global launch in 2005, Mkq4 Swift recorded above forecast sales. In Japan, sales figure doubled forecast. Mk4 Swift enjoyed healthy sales in India where a substantial percentage of the car is built with locally made components. Rapid sales of the new Swift model contributed to the 64% rise in Q1 profits for the Maruti corporation. Waiting period in India for the car is at least 3 months.

Morgan Life Car Concept, 2008

 

 

 Morgan Life Car Concept, 2008

The green car that will deliver on performance and looks as well as emission reduction

Now less than 12 months from reality, the British consortium involved in the project, which includes the legendary sports car manufacturer Morgan, QinetiQ, Cranfield and Oxford universities, BOC and OSCar, is on target to unveil the completed and running prototype at the 2008 Geneva show.

The new vehicle, known as Morgan LIFECar  ultra quiet, and its exhaust system will produce only water vapour thanks to its fuel cell converting hydrogen into electricity.

"The real challenge is to design and build a car that is fun to drive - a proper sports car" quoted Charles Morgan, the strategy director for the Morgan Motor Company. "The use of ultra capacitors to store the surplus energy and then use this for acceleration and braking does promise a dynamic ride, especially when combined with our ultra light chassis. The pairing of weight to a minimum is our strength, and allows a much smaller fuel cell than conventionally thought necessary. This gives energy and yet more weight savings"

Part funded by the Department for Trade and Industry (DTI), Morgan LIFECar has been a 2 ½ year project. The consortium hopes that the LIFECar will produce a combination of performance, range and fuel economy that should alter our view of motoring for the future.

The key to delivering this step change in energy efficiency lies in a combination of factors, including weight reduction and a different design approach. Costing a total of £1.9m, with a mix of industry and DTI funding, the two and a half year project has been broken down into the following areas of responsibility.

The technical background
The car's fuel cell system operates by electrochemically combining on-board hydrogen with oxygen taken from the air outside.

Though in most respects fuel cells are more like engines than batteries, to the extent that they generate energy from fuel in a tank rather than store energy, like batteries, they use electrodes (solid electrical conductors) with an electrolyte (an electrically conductive medium). When the hydrogen molecules come into contact with the negative electrodes, the molecules split into protons and electrons.

The protons are then carried across the proton exchange membrane to the positive electrode of the fuel cell whilst the electrons travel around the external circuit as electricity. The molecules of the hydrogen and oxygen are combined chemically, with water as the only waste product.

The only emission from the QinetiQ fuel cell will be water vapour. The electric power generated by the fuel cells powers the electric motors and turns the wheels of the vehicle.

Morgan Aero 8, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

Morgan Aero 8, 2006

The most striking change is the restyled front, that bears more than a passing resemblance to the graceful lines of the AeroMax coupe that starred at last year's Salon de L'auto at Geneva. Now the all-aluminium super performer sports more traditional Morgan lines, whilst preserving its remarkable handling and performance.

The race proven bonded aluminium chassis and the coach-built body remain …..a hallmark of all Morgans. Under the traditionally styled bonnet you will find the very latest version of the 4.4 V8 from BMW, incorporating their brilliant Vanos and Valvetronic control systems. Combining its 325 Bhp with the lightweight construction delivers a class busting 284 Bph/tonne adding up to a 0-62mph time of under 4.5 seconds and a top speed of over 160 Mph (256 Kph). Yet it also possesses the ability to come to a full stop, from 62 mph in just 35.8 metres, or put another way, less than 9 car lengths.

Bosch ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution and Drag Torque Control all combine to maximise balance and poise without over compensating for driver involvement, leading to a unique driving experience delivering safety, high performance and a highly involving driving experience.

The range of standard equipment has been further improved, with the addition of Driver and Passenger Airbags, ABS, cruise control, remote central locking, remote tyre pressure monitoring, headlight wash and an optional lightweight hard top.

Over 400 Aero 8s have now been produced by the Malvern Link factory since 2001, and 2006 is set to be a record year for Morgan's top model.

The priced at £62,500 including UK VAT, this coach-built supercar exemplifies the individuality for which Morgan is famous. Delivery is currently estimated at 6 - 12 months.