What's New: October 2004

Fri, 01 Oct 2004

Volvo 3CC

The Volvo 3CC concept vehicle has been unveiled at the Michelin Challenge Bibendum in Shanghai, taking the event's 'Best Design' award. The 3CC was designed at the Volvo Monitoring and Concept Center in California, with an aim to create a `future-proof concept? that would enhance sustainable mobility.

Just 3899 mm long, 1624 mm wide and 1321 mm high, the 3CC has dimensions similar to a classic two-seater sports car, but with a 2+1 configuration, it provides seating for two adults in the front and a unique rear seat solution for an additional adult or two children.

The 3CC interior has been designed to feel spacious through organic lines and light colours. Fixed eye plane ergonomics and low profile A-pillars create a sense of openness aided by three transparent panels in the roof. As the doors open by swinging upwards, a floating dash panel slides forward to ease ingress and egress. A sliding seat system also assists access to the rear seat.
An electric powertrain propels the 3CC to a governed top speed of over 135 km/h (85 mph) and delivers 0-100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration in 10 seconds, with zero emissions. The 3CC uses a high strength steel space frame, composite sandwich floor panels for safety and light weight and an outer body which is a bonded one piece carbon fibre shell.

Dodge Charger

DaimlerChrysler's Dodge division has released the first official sketch of the 2006 Dodge Charger. It is based on the same platform as the Dodge Magnum wagon and Chrysler 300 sedan. While it is a four-door, the designers have sought to preserve a coupe-like look with a sloping rear roofline, steeply raked rear window and short decklid, as well as strongly defined rear fender forms extending through the rear doors. The Charger will be available with a 340 hp 5.7 liter engine, and will debut at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show in January.

Honda Legend

Honda has introduced the all-new Legend, Honda's flagship luxury performance sedan, with a 300hp engine, the 'Super Handling All-Wheel Drive' system, and comprehensive weight reduction to significantly enhanced performance. The new Legend also offers a range of advanced driver support technologies, including an Intelligent Night Vision System, which detects pedestrians and provides visual and audio cautions to help prevent accidents.

Mitsubishi Raider

Mitsubishi's new midsize truck, to be unveiled at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, will be named 'Raider'. Mitsubishi Motors dealers have been given a preview of the new truck, along with the new Eclipse sports coupe also scheduled to debut at the Detroit show. Both vehicles were designed at the Mitsubishi Motors Cypress, California design studio. The Eclipse will go on sale in summer 2005, followed by the Raider in early fall. The Raider will include V6 and V8 engine options, and is based on the Dodge Dakota midsize truck. It will be built in the DaimlerChrysler plant in Warren, Michigan.Mercury Milan

Mercury has unveiled a teaser sketch of the all-new 2006 Mercury Milan, an entry-level sedan that will debut in the fall of 2005. The five-passenger Milan will enter the midsize-sedan market, which remains one of the industry's largest segments. The Milan will be based on Ford Motor Company's CD3 architecture.

The sketch hints at the U-shaped lines that will carry through Milan's hood, front fascia with waterfall grille and bumper as well as through its rear deck-lid, lift-gate, LED tail lamps and bumper. The interior will feature upscale materials, precision fit-and-finish, and satin-aluminum appearance trim accents. The Milan goes into production in Hermosillo, Mexico in late 2005.