Blogs

Design and dynamic of a new age:

• VW Iroc concept as a perspective on the sports car of tomorrow

• Iroc transfers the globally successful Scirocco idea into the future.

• Sports car with four seats, sleek design and agile turbo engines

Comeback of a successful idea: 33 years ago at the international Motor Show in Geneva Volkswagen presented a sensational coupé. It was compact, distinctive, agile, spacious and affordable. Volkswagen called it the Scirocco. The car struck the nerve of the times: More than half a million first generation Sciroccos were produced worldwide. Turning point: ­­In August 2006 the largest car maker in Europe is showing the reinterpretation of the successful Scirocco idea in a world premiere – the Iroc concept.

New VW sports car design: Like the first Scirocco with its visual straightforwardness the Iroc also marks a stylistic turning point through its progressively designed radiator grill and a distinctive sensuality of forms. The concept of both Volkswagens is closely related, even though the vehicles are separated by over three decades: The first generation Scirocco was an attainable dream car for many people. Because the Scirocco was an automotive superstar of the 70’s, styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro and equipped with four full-fledged seats, a proper trunk, large hatchback and a lot of self-esteem. The Iroc concept takes up this fascinating idea again.

Purebred sports car instead of a classic coupé: ­However, in contrast to the original Scirocco the Iroc is no classic coupé, but a progressively designed sports car with an extremely long roof and a comparatively steep rear end. This has two advantages. Firstly: The Iroc features sharp proportions. Especially when viewed from behind it becomes immediately apparent that this long roof together with side window sections is situated on very broad and powerful shoulders. The Iroc thus achieves a waist of flawless sports car theory. Secondly: The Iroc also has room in back for two adults and ample luggage. On balance the provocatively designed Iroc combines a high degree of suitability for daily use, pure driving fun and expressive design into a Volkswagen that as a possible series-production vehicle will also be very attractively positioned in terms of price.

Viper green meets dark carbon: The Iroc concept exhibits numerous subtleties in detail. Paint example: Although anything but retro styled, the green used is an homage to the first generation Scirocco for which this exact shade of color was especially typical starting with the 1976 model. Then as now it’s called “viper green metallic”. This glaring green of the Iroc is especially effective in combination with the high contrast black shades of the concept. Carbon example: The central roof element is composed of dark tinted glass; this element is supported by a structure covered with carbon. An integrated lengthwise support is also a part of these materials. The side sills of the Iroc also have a carbon surface. The structure of the sill visible from outside continues seamlessly into the interior.

Sexy dimensions: ­With its short overhangs the Iroc efficiently utilizes a wheelbase of 2,680 mm for the space provided inside. The concept is 1,400 mm high, 4,240 mm long and 1,800 mm wide. ­The light-alloy rims specially designed for the Iroc and 235 tires are implemented in 19 inch size.

Twincharger and DSG: The Iroc is powered by a TSI engine, referred to in-house as a Twincharger. Shifting tasks are handled by the DSG direct shift gearbox. About the Twincharger: First employed in the Golf GT in 2006, TSI engines are currently the most efficient four-cylinder gasoline engines in the world. The combination of compressor and turbocharger shows the path to the future. The compressor compensates for the typical powering up weaknesses of turbo-only gasoline engines at low rpms. The turbocharger in contrast packs a mighty punch at higher revs. The combination of both superchargers in large-volume production engines is the only one of its kind in the world. The TSI version used in the concept achieves 155 kW / 210 hp. In principle, a large range of supercharged engines are conceivable for the Iroc that could start significantly under 110 kW / 150 hp. But there’s one thing every engine theoretically employed in the Iroc has to guarantee: Driving fun.

General Motors has officially launched its 2009 Pontiac Vibe at an event held today in Detroit. Not surprisingly, the Vibe shares many of its mechanics with its sister car — the recently unveiled Toyota Matrix — although the exterior is unique to the Pontiac brand. Like the Matrix, the Vibe will also offer an all-wheel drive model for 2009.

The Vibe's engine choices mirror that of the Matrix; customers can choose from either a 1.8L four-cylinder rated at 132 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque or a 2.4L four rated at 158 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. The 2.4L will be standard on all-wheel drive models and GT models and will be optional on the base model..

Depending on the model and powertrain options, customers will be able to choose from several transmissions. Base model cars with the 1.8L engine will come standard with a five-speed manual transmission, with a four-speed auto optional. AWD models will only be available with a four-speed automatic. GT models and cars equipped with the 2.4L engine will come with a five-speed manual, with a five-speed automatic optional.

Fuel economy for the 1.8L engines ranges between 25-26 city and 31-31 highway, depending on transmission is selected. The 2.4L ranges between 21 city and 28-29 highway. As expected, the AWD option decreases mileage to 20/26 city/highway.

All models will feature a MacPherson-strut front suspension design, with the base model using a solid beam rear axle and GT and AWD models using a fully independent rear suspension. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS will be standard throughout the model range, as well as electronic stability control and traction control.

The exterior of the Vibe is "clean and purposeful," and GM claims it exemplifies the future of Pontiac’s design. Like with the Matrix, each trim level will have its own unique styling cues, with AWD models receiving a roof rack and GT models wearing a new front fascia. The interior is also all-new and has a driver-focused cockpit design. The 2009 Vibe has 49.4 cubic feet of cargo space with its rear seats folded down.

The 2009 Pontiac Vibe is expect to hit dealer showrooms in early 2008.

PRESS RELEASE:
The essence of the marque: just 20 examples of a design masterpiece

Clearly a Lamborghini, but nothing quite like it. A super car without equals: The Lamborghini Reventon is a road vehicle with an extreme specification and, at the same time, a limited edition masterpiece - a coherent style, angular with sharp lines, inspired by the very latest aeronautics.

With just 20 produced, each Lamborghini Reventon is a symbol of extreme exclusivity, yet still offering the extraordinary performance that makes the Murcielago LP640 so unrivaled: under the completely autonomous design, the Reventon possesses the entire technical and dynamic competence of the twelve cylinder Lamborghini.

Lamborghini prides itself on being the extraordinary manufacturer of extreme super cars without compromise. Sensuality and provocation characterizes every Lamborghini, with an aggressively innovative style. "However, the Reventon is the most extreme of them all, a true automotive superlative. Our designers at the Lamborghini Style Center took the technical base of the Murcielago LP640 and compressed and intensified its DNA, its genetic code," affirms Stephan Winkelmann, chairman and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, S.p.A.

Born in Sant'Agata Bolognese

The Lamborghini Reventon has been entirely designed in Sant'Agata Bolognese, the original birthplace of the Lamborghini and the native home of every super car born under the sign of the bull. Every detail of the projects drawn up in Lamborghini's Centro Stile (Style Center) is fine-tuned in close collaboration with the Lamborghini Technical Department and Development Division. Thus, the Reventon is not only "haute couture" but it also stands out for its elevated dynamism whilst entirely suitable for every day use.

The Lamborghini Reventon is not destined to remain a one-off. A total of 20 Lamborghini friends and collectors will be able to own this extraordinary car and, naturally, enjoy the incomparable pleasure of driving it.

Inspired by the fastest airplanes

The present-day Lamborghini models are distinguished by the clear language of their shape. The coherent proportions of the Murcielago and Gallardo highlight their power and dynamism. Sharp edges, precise lines and clean surfaces: these are ingredients of a style reduced to the essential. Each element is created exactly according to its function; ornaments and decorations are totally foreign to a Lamborghini.

With the Reventon the Centro Stile designers have coherently developed this philosophy, inspired by another sphere where speed and dynamism reign absolute: modern aeronautics, responsible for the fastest and most agile airplanes in the world. This has created a new extremely precise, technically striking style with a new vitality: interrupted lines and contorted surfaces create a fascinating play of light, giving the car incredible movement.

Made of Carbon Fiber and precision

Although it is based on the extraordinarily successful Murcielago LP640, the exterior design of the Reventon is completely new. Just like the base model, the exterior of the second edition is made of CFC, a composite carbon fiber material, which is as stabile as it is light. The exterior components are glued and riveted to the body comprised of CFC and steel, resulting in the dimensions and proportions of the Reventon being very similar to the Murcielago.

The front is characterized by the acute angle of the central 'arrow' and by the powerful forward-facing air intakes. Although they do not supply air directly to a turbine like an airplane, bearing in mind the 640 hp, an abundant volume of air is necessary to cool the carbon brake discs and the six-cylinder calipers.

Characterized by coherent fuctions

Naturually, both doors on the Reventon open upwards - since the legendary Countach this has also been a symbol of the V12 Lamborghini production line. With their asymmetric configuration, the large spoilers below the doors provide an example of extreme coherence with which a Lamborghini fulfils its function: the spoiler on the driver's side is large to increase the flow of oil to the radiator. On the right side of the vehicle, the spoiler is flat because in this case, it only has to ensure the flow below the floor. The aerodynamically optimized flag below-floor structure terminates at the rear with a diffuser featuring an accentuated shape. This guarantees excellent road grip and stability even at 340 km per hour.

In spite of the extreme and innovative language of its shape, the Reventon not only maintains all the strong features of the Murcielago LP640, but also offers further amelioration in terms of aerodynamics, the important engine cooling system, the air intake system, and brakes. The airflow and the section of the variable geometry air intakes of the engine and rear spoiler (also adjustable) have been modified. Ultimately, owners of the 20 examples will be able to test the performance of his or her Lamborghini in person!

Perfected to the ultimate detail

The engine hood made of glass laminate with open ventilation slits offers a glimpse of the beating heart of the twelve 6.5 liter cylinders of the super car. The glass also features the marked arrow angle that characterizes the design of the second edition from the front to the rear spoiler. The Lamborghini designers' love for detail is beautifully illustrated by the fuel tanklid: a small mechanical work of art, achieved by milling a solid aluminum block.

The combination of lights transform the incisiveness of the design into light: the front features the most modern light-emitting diodes alongside Bi-Xenon headlights. Seven LEDs ensure continuous daylight while there are a further nine diodes for the indicator and hazard lights. Another technical innovation is found in the rear LEDs. Located near a fire-spluttering volcano (the exhaust system) and above the cooling air outlet, where in spite of the excellent insulation the temperature can reach up to 120 degrees (just too much for common diodes) the rear LEDs have to be especially resistant. Therefore, special heatproof LEDs were developed for the indicator and hazard lights, stoplights, and rear lights with a triple arrow optical effect.

Wheels with surgical precision

Naturally, such a refined language of chape also demands an extraordinary color. For the 20 examples of the Reventon, the designers from Sant'Agata Bolognese - which includes one trained as an aeronautics engineer - have created a totally new hue: Grey Barra due, a mid opaque grey without the usual shine. However, thanks to the metallic particles, in the sun this color tone features surprising depth. The opaqueness of the carbon exterior creates a complementary contrast compared to the individual body elements, in the same color but with a higher degree of shine.

This play of opaque and luster is also featured on the wheel rims, especially created for the Reventon. Brilliant carbon fins are screwed onto the opaque black aluminum spokes, not only creating a visual effect but a turbine effect also ensures optimum cooling for the powerful ceramic brake discs.

TFT display similar to an airplane

The same innovative force applied to the exterior design characterizes the cockpit of the Reventon. Designed and created using Alcantara, carbon, aluminum, and leather that comply with the top quality standards, the interior is inspired by the next generation cockpits: just like in modern airplanes, the instruments comprise three TFT liquid crystal displays with innovative display modes. At the touch of a button, the driver can choose from three vehicle information display modes. The instruments are housed in a structure milled from a solid aluminum block, protected by a carbon fiber casting.

The G-Force-Meter is also completely new: this display shows the dynamic drive forces, longitudinal acceleration during acceleration and braking, as well as transversal acceleration around bends. These forces are represented by the movement of a sphere within a circuit depending on the direction and intensity of the acceleration. A similar instrument can be found in high performance airplanes. Formula One teams also use a similar device to analyze dynamic forces.

Customizable Instruments

The speedometer on the Reventon resembles a road in which the current speed is represented in a digital fade mode. The instrument on the left associates the number of revolutions in the form of a luminous column with the display of the selected gear. Finally, every Reventon is equipped with a robotized e-gear controlled by two small levers under the steering wheel.

By simply pressing a button, the driver can switch to the second, quasi-analogical display, where the classic circular instruments, speedometer and tachometer are configured in the equally innovative way and transformed into luminous pilot lamps with varying colors. The G-Force-Meter naturally remains at the center of in this display mode.

Electronic system developed entirely by Lamborghini

All this is possible thanks to the fact that the entire electronic platform of the Murcielago, together with all the control devices, has been autonomously developed by the Lamborghini experts.

The same process for integrating the electronic displays in the car was applied to the Lamborghini Engineering Department.

From the conception of the very first radical ideas, the entire Reventon has been developed in Sant'Agata Bolognese thanks to tight teams of remarkably creative experts. An extremely refined and efficient process was employed: CAD video design and development, creation of the prototype in Centro Style workshop, all carried out under the constant supervision of the Development Division technicians and testers.

Atelier of creativity and high efficiency

Inaugurated in 2004, the Centro Stile is dedicated to design and characterized by a high degree of efficiency: an "atalier" of creators, designers, and prototype constructors, who encapsulate the Lamborghini culture and the spirit by using their remarkable skills to create aesthetic innovation. Under the direction of Manfred Fitzgerald and his team grouped around the design manager, the Lamborghini Centro Stile incarnates the best Italian tradition and takes it into the future via advanced production processes.

The Centro Stile is located in a 2900 square meter building made of aluminum and glass featuring two interconnecting floors. The large pavilion houses two test floors and related production and analysis equipment, while other rooms are set aside for the most advanced computerized workstations for designers and a prototype construction workshop. The Centro Stile is also closely linked to the nearby engineering department: the direct line between the Lamborghini development departments guarantees that ideas rapidly become reality.

Creativity and production under the same roof

The Lamborghini Reventon is a practical illustration of the streamlined functionality and efficiency characterizing the Centro Stile: it took less than a year to progress from the first ideas to the finished car. The complete design process from the first sketches on paper, to three dimensional computer models, with 1:10 or 1:4 scale, right up to the real size prototype is organized around streamlined, fast, efficient work groups. Thanks to the Centro Stile, for the first time in history, Lamborghini is now able to create its own style philosophy in-house without having to rely on any external collaboration.

The Reventon prototype was created using the same quality standards as for customer cars. Moreover, the next 20 examples will be manufactured in Sant'Agata, using a production process characterized by artisan perfection and rigorous quality standards.

A design masterpiece with tested technology

The technology found in the Murcielago LP640 has not been modified. The engine in the LP640 forwards is the classic twelve-cylinder engine with 6.5 liter displacement. At 8000 revolutions per minute, the power reaches an astounding 640 hp (471 kW). The huge torque, equal to maximum 660 Nm, ensures a powerful switch from any number of revolutions: even the slightest pressure on the accelerator is spontaneously transformed into thrust. The robotized e-gear changes gear faster than even the most expert driver. In addition, the permanent Viscous Traction four-wheel drive system ensures that every force is constantly translated into movement.

As in the original Murcielago LP640, the Reventon accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds, with a maximum speed of over 340 km/h.

Born to become a legend

Since its foundation, Lamborghini has been a creator of trends in the world of sports cars and has always manufactured cars with an absolutely unmistakable character. Models such as the Miura or Countach, for example, were veritable forerunners and rapidly acquired the status of timeless classic cars. From the moment they are launched, every new Lamborghini promises to become a legend, destined to become a sought-after and precious possession.

With the Lamborghini Reventon, Lamborghini has done it again; it has created an unequalled super car; the perfect synthesis between the exclusivity and appeal of a limited edition design masterpiece, and the dynamism and drivability of a standard sports car. Thus, the Lamborghini legend is further enhanced by another, stylish future classic.

Lamborghini is a well known brand of high perfornace Italian sports cars that is now a subsidiary of German car manufacturer Audi. Usually when we see a like this we stop a little because a Lamborghini can catch your eye very easily. In this case the owner wanted more from his Lamborghini, and he painted his car in a way that will 100% get your attention, no matter what.




Someone truly invested in painting this car. Like it wasn't enough it's a Lamborghini... Lamborghini itself is usually a show stopper, but this car is a state of art. If the dude who owns this Lamborghini decides to sell it one day, I'm sure it will fetch much more than the average market price for a Lamborghini. This Lambo is a work of art!

Ford Escape 3.0 V6, the top of the range model that looks pretty much the same on the outside as the 2.3 liter version, except for a two-tone paint scheme that is exclusive to the 3.0 V6.
This Escape’s 3.0 liter V6 engine produces 206 PS at 6,000rpm and 276Nm of torque at 4,750rpm making this likely the most powerful SUV you can get for under RM200,000. It’s rather torquey with a typical V6 growl from the low the mid engine speeds, but tends to sound like it is loosing its breath at high revs unlike other V6 engines I’ve tried which happily bumps against the rev limit in every gear.

Highway cruising at 110km/h puts the engine revs at about 2,800rpm, and 80km/h puts it around the 2,000rpm mark. Driving this SUV around is quite relaxing when it comes to the throttle department - downshifts with the 4-speed auto are hardly necessary and you rarely have to go over the 3,500rpm mark because of the huge amount of torque available. From personal experience, this is not something that any of its competitors except maybe the 2.5 liter X-Trail can boast about.

The Ford Escape is built with a monocoque chassis and rides on a multilink suspension with MacPherson strut setup for both the front and rear. It is a SUV after all, and with the higher body and seating position comes a feeling of a relatively high center of gravity, so the body car does tend swing around if you do highway speed lane changes.

Driving around town, everything is dandy for the driver but during a test the rear passengers reported feeling uncomfortable because of the body sway especially in any sudden maneuvers, so you have to drive the Escape in a rather sedate way to keep all 5 people happy.

The interior has a spacious feel thanks to a beige interior, tall roof and an electric sunroof. The stereo is nothing special except for integrating a 6CD changer in the dash but it is of a standard 2-DIN size so there’s unrestrained room for your own improvements there.

The gear shifter is steering column-mounted - you have to pull it towards you a little and move it up or down, then let go. It is configured in the usual 4-speed P-R-N-D-2-L setup, with 3rd selectable in D with overdrive turned off. The overdrive button is on the head of the stalk and because the stalk is long, the button ends up rather far from the driver and this makes it a bit unnatural to reach it, so I suggest you just use the kickdown feature of the throttle if you want the Escape to stay in third.

There are two ways to access the boot at the rear - via opening the whole hatch which swings upwards or through the rear glass window which opens independently of the rear hatch.

Safety features include antilock brakes with ventilated discs at the front and drum brakes at the rear, and there are 4 airbags - front and side, which is the most airbags available in an SUV under RM200,000.

The 4WD system varies power between the front and rear wheels, but in normal situations it runs mostly on the front wheels, with power being split progressively to the rear wheels as the need arises, up to a 50:50 split.. There is a button on the dash which you can press to lock the 4WD system to the maximum 50:50 split.

Because this is a 3.0 liter vehicle, the 61 liter tank will give you between 300 to 350km of mileage - but you’ve got decent power on tap whenever you need it.

It's been a good year for Ferrari. In the spring Ferrari celebrated its 60th anniversary with the "Ferrari 60 Relay Tour", sales in 2007 have been higher than ever before and just two weeks ago Kimi Raikkonen clinched the F1 Drivers World Championship for Ferrari. To continue in the same fashion, Ferrari announced that it will build the world's first Ferrari theme park, stretching over 250,000 sqm in the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi. Last Saturday, on November 3rd, Ferrari celebrated the start of construction with invited guests and Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo himself.

During the foundation stone ceremony a time capsule was buried, containing a conrod and a piston straight from this years World Champion F2007 F1 along with the first artist's impressions of the theme park. The capsule will be opened in 2047, when Ferrari celebrates its 100th anniversary.

The theme park, located on Yas Island, will according to Ferrari be "a unique oasis of discovery, hospitality and beauty that captures culture, flavour and the true spirit of Italian country, as well as the legendary automotive history, feeling and heritage of Ferrari cars and racing." When construction is completed in 2009 the park will feature a circuit that will offer driving courses for visitors. The very same circuit will host the first Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix in 2009. This should be a good opportunity for all Middle-Eastern Ferraristis to get acquainted with the F1 circuit.

After the ceremony, Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo headed to the grand opening of the Ferrari Store at Abu Dhabi's Marina Mall, the first in the Middle East. The store offers a wide selection of Ferrari products from leather goods to toy models.

Press Release

Foundation Stone Ceremony celebrates construction start for world's first Ferrari Theme Park in Abu Dhabi

Yas Island - Abu Dhabi, November 3rd, 2007 - A Foundation Stone Ceremony was held today in Abu Dhabi to officially signify the start of construction of one of the most multi-dimensional and highly anticipated themed entertainment attractions in the world, the Ferrari Theme Park.

Officials and special guests in attendance for today's event included Ferrari's President Luca di Montezemolo and Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Chairman, ALDAR Properties, as well as invited guests representing media, government and business organizations from around the world.

During the Foundation Stone Ceremony a special time capsule was buried, containing a Conrod and Piston of the F2007, the F1 World Champion Ferrari car, together with the first artist's impression of the Ferrari Theme Park on Yas Island. The capsule will be then opened again at Ferrari's 100th anniversary, in 2047.

"This is a very special year for Ferrari" - Mr. Montezemolo said. "Together with the extraordinary commercial success of our GT cars, it brought to Maranello the F1 Constructors World Championship and the F1 Drivers World Championship with Kimi Raikkonen, and I am particularly proud to be present to mark the symbolic start of this great project. Moreover, 2007 is the year of Ferrari's 60th anniversary, and this Ceremony has therefore a further, important meaning".

Part of a joint project between Italian automotive manufacturer Ferrari and ALDAR properties PJSC, the 250,000 sqm park (80,000 of them covered) will be a unique oasis of discovery, hospitality and beauty that captures culture, flavour and the true spirit of Italian country, as well as the legendary automotive history, feeling and heritage of Ferrari cars and racing. "Today is a celebration of the first step along the way to making the world's first Ferrari theme park a reality, with the laying of the foundation stone" - commented Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Chairman, ALDAR Properties. "An incredible amount of real estate growth is taking place in Abu Dhabi, and it is our responsibility to deliver projects of the highest quality, while protecting the natural, social and cultural assets of the Emirate. I am confident that the blend between the power and beauty of one of the world's leading brands, Ferrari, with ALDAR's expertise in development and regional knowledge, will combine to create a destination that resonates with sports lovers around the world."

When completed in 2009, the attraction will provide amusement for the whole family, featuring multi-format high tech theatres, a variety of sophisticated driving schools (for both children and adults), Ferrari automotive displays and participatory learning centres as well as food and entertainment. Among the 24 attractions, the Park will offer a mix of high-octane and family rides with roller coasters jetting into the sky and dipping through the covered areas. At the heart of the park will be an advanced and sophisticated circuit offering driving courses, which will be the home of the first Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix in 2009.

After the Foundation Stone event at Yas Island, a brand new Ferrari Store will have its official grand opening in Abu Dhabi's Marina Mall. Ferrari's President Luca di Montezemolo, Commercial and Brand Director Dany Bahar, Abdullah Abdel Rahim Al Fahim, Chairman of Al Fahim Enterprises and Ahmed Al Sayegh, Chairman of ALDAR Properties will take part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Forward thinking tyre manufacturer Kumho is paving the way for the world’s first truly eco-friendly racing car. Inspired by the company’s success in this year’s Le Mans 24 hour race, it decided to employ its unique conceptual abilities to show exactly what an environmentally friendly Le Mans car of the future could look like. The result is the Epoch!

Epoch by name and nature, Kumho’s revolutionary single-seater simply bristles with futuristic technology and green credentials. Its chassis is grown from bamboo, thereby providing an immediate carbon offset, while its lightweight body panels are formed from recycled tyre tread rubber.

Power comes from Maglev (Magnetic Levitation) units integral to the four-wheel hubs. Proven in the railway industry, this advanced electromagnetic technology has the advantage of zero friction as well as maximum torque at zero rpm.

As you’d expect from one of the world’s leading tyre manufacturers, the Epoch also boasts revolutionary tyre technology. Known as EAP (Electro Active Polymer), it allows the tread and even the shape of the tyres to be fundamentally altered simply by passing an electric current through the rubber. This is achieved via the positioning of magnets on the hubs and within the wheel rims. It effectively allows the characteristics of the tyre to be altered at will, to suit different tastes and conditions.

Even the car’s interior benefits from an example of Kumho’s innovative tyre technology, being clad with the type of scented ‘aroma’ rubber already available for the tyres of various luxury saloons and compact SUVs.

Epoch is the work of Kumho’s in-house designer, Rob Dolton. The only qualified vehicle designer employed within the world’s tyre industry, he is retained by Kumho’s European Technical Centre in Birmingham specifically to explore future technologies for road and track vehicles, and the tyres they run on. A graduate of the internationally renowned Automotive Design Department of Coventry University, he worked for Fiat Advanced Design in Turin before joining Kumho in 2005.

Enthusing about his brainchild Rob Dolton said, “While delighted at winning the LMP2 class at Le Mans this year, we accept that environmental pressures will not allow motorsport to carry on in its current form indefinitely. However, rather than viewing it as an increasingly antisocial pastime, we regard it as a perfect platform for developing green technology solutions. Epoch is an example of just how exciting the future could be.”