Land Rover DC100 Concepts Gain a Red Hue for New Delhi Auto Expo

Given that since June 2008, Indian conglomerate Tata owns Land Rover, the presence of the British firm's DC100 concepts that preview a replacement for the iconic Defender at the 2012 New Delhi Auto Show was a certainty.

The Defender Concept 100 and Defender Concept 100 Sport, as the three-door hardtop and open-top versions are named respectively, are identical to the revised models launched at the 2011 Los Angeles Motor Show save for a couple of differences.

More specifically, they both sport a “Firenze Red” body color with a white roof for the fixed-top version and new-design alloy wheels, still at 20-inches in diameter and wrapped around in Cooper all-terrain tires.

Land Rover Director John Edwards commented: “Our ambition is to create an all new Defender for the global market that remains absolutely faithful to its original DNA: tough, versatile, durable and capable. At the same time, it will be developed for the 21st century and adaptable for the needs of future generations.”

Like the two previous versions that were displayed at last year’s Frankfurt and LA Motor Shows, both models are powered by 2.0-liter engines, the DC100 by a diesel and the DC100 by a gasoline engine that transmit power to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The concepts also feature Land Rover’s Terrain Response system along with an array of new features, like sonar sensors that measure water depth and a 3D-mapping navigation system that can identify potential hazards and suggest alternative routes off road, and pedestrians and other obstacles in urban environment.

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Ford EcoSport Crossover Concept with 1.0-liter EcoBoost Engine Debuts at New Delhi Auto Expo

As anticipated, Ford's surprise world premiere at this week's New Delhi 2012 Auto Expo was indeed a near-production-ready small five-door crossover model named EcoSport.

The EcoSport is based on the B-segment Fiesta platform with its exterior sporting several styling cues from the Evos concept that was displayed at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. Highlights include a very large, trapezoidal grille at the front, while the back we find a tailgate-mounted spare tire.

“EcoSport has a tough, robust attitude that says ‘I can play with the big boys’”, says Ford’s chief designer J Mays. “But it also makes you want to play. That’s why it’s so appealing. EcoSport is perfect for crowded urban streets and inspires you to seek adventure away from the city too.”

Apart from the aggressive front end, the EcoSPort’s design features a steeply raked windscreen, blacked-out B-pillars and a wraparound rear window.

Although Ford hasn’t released any images of the interior yet, Mays commented that “it will be as expressive and well-crafted as the exterior, as it’s a very important part of the inviting spirit of the EcoSport.”

Its debut in India was not coincidental, since this is the market where the production version will first be available, although Ford says that it will be sold in nearly 100 markets worldwide.

Ford’s first entry in the small crossover segment, will be offered with the company's new direct injection and turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost engine.

Despite is diminutive displacement, the smallest member of the EcoBoost family has an output of 120HP and emits less than 140 gr/km of CO2 which, according to Ford, brings it on par with rivals’ conventional 1.6-liter engines.

“The 1.0-litre EcoBoost delivers great low-speed responsiveness, power, torque and smoothness. To produce an engine with such impressive performance and fuel economy clearly reflects our commitment to be class-leading in fuel economy around the world”, said vice president of Ford’s Global Powertain Engineering Joe Bakaj.

The new three-cylinder engine was developed at Ford’s UK Dunton Technical Center. It sports twin variable camshaft timing and a compact, high-performance turbocharger that can reach almost 250,000 rpm. Ford claims that turbo lag is almost non-existent and the new turbocharger helps deliver a peak torque of 170 Nm (125.4 lb-ft) b 1,300-4,500 rpm.

The engine block is made of cast iron, which reduces the amount of energy needed for warming up by 50 percent. A “split cooling” system also contributes in warming up the engine more quickly, further reducing fuel consumption.

The brand-new 1.0-litrer EcoBoost engine will also be offered in other Ford models in North America, Europe, China and other markets such as the upcoming B-MAX small MPV.

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Ford Updates F-150 for the 2012 Model Year with New Equipment and Styling Package

The most popular truck in Ford's range, the F-150, is entering the 2012 model year with a few mild upgrades concentrated on fine-tuning the driveline and improving the equipment packages.

Under the sheetmetal, Ford replaced last year’s electronic shift-on-the-fly with a an enhanced two-speed automatic 4x4 system that gains a 4x4 auto mode for Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum trim levels. Across the range, there's a new standard Hill Start Assist feature that prevents the truck from rolling backward at a stop.

Ford also expanded the availability of electronic locking rear axles on 3.5-liter and 5.0-liter engines, while also increasing the fuel tank size on all EcoBoost 4×4 models from 26 to 36 gallons. There are no other changes to the engine lineup.

Making its debut on the 2012 F-150, is a new FX Appearance Package that is offered on both FX4 and FX2 trucks. Available with any exterior color, the package adds flat-black accents and graphics on the body, along with badges featuring red lettering, smoked lights and new 20-inch wheels in a flat-black finish.

Inside, the black leather seating surfaces with red perforations and red piping, the black-painted dash accents, brushed-metal surfaces, and satin shifter knob, door handles and air conditioning vent bezels, distinguish the FX model.

 

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