Category: Motoring

Presented at the Paris Motor Showin September, the new Peugeot 508 benefits from major changes in styling, technological content and engines. As a result, this grand tourer embodies the expression of the Brand’s move up-market more than ever.

The new Peugeot 508 bears the new grille, emblematic of the brand’s future models, and is fitted with new equipment such as the touch screen, reversing camera and blind spot sensors. It also benefits from economical and efficient Euro 6 power units, such as the 2.0-litre BlueHDi 150 6-speed manual that, with CO2 emissions of just 105g per km. It is the best offering in the segment for this level of engine power. Finally, available in three body styles since 2012, the 508 family is growing with the introduction of an exceptional new version, the 2.0-litre BlueHDi 180 6-speed Automatic (EAT6) RXH, which will be marketed in Europe from November 2014.

The D segment of grand tourers is a segment in which Peugeot has been present for many decades. The reputation of the brand has long been based on the success of the 4 and 5 series models.

In Europe 30, this segment represents close to 1,500, 000 vehicles a year, of which 45 per cent are sedans and 55 per cent estate cars. Available as a sedan and an SW estate from its launch in early 2011, the Peugeot 508 climbed to its position at the head of the mainstream models in the segment. This is a segment traditionally dominated by the premium brands, but nevertheless strongly contested by the mainstream brands that now represent 50 per cent of volumes in Europe.

In 2012, the Peugeot 508 RXH HYbrid4 arrived to expand the range with a resolutely innovative offer in the segment for all-road vehicles. What was still just a niche with the RXH body style is today developing rapidly with the arrival of new models. In this top of the range world, the Peugeot 508 RXH HYbrid4 still stands out: associated with the Diesel-electric hybrid drive train, its all-road posture, its versatility in use and its environmental performance remain unique in the automobile world.

Bearing an enhancing and differentiating image, the body style offered by the Peugeot 508 RXH HYbrid4 is now also available with a conventional internal combustion drive train. Associated with the 2.0-litre BlueHDi 180 6-speed Automatic (EAT6), the new Peugeot 508 RXH BlueHDi will attract a wider potential customer base in this segment.

Topping the Peugeot’s new ‘8’ range, which now becomes the youngest in its history, the Peugeot 508 embodies the Brand’s ambition in moving up-market, its expertise in producing high quality products and the enhancement of its image throughout the world. Built in France and in China, to date more than 370,000 units have been sold since launch. And in China, which since 2013 has become the biggest market for the Peugeot 508, represents today more than 36 per cent of sales.

The new Peugeot 508 builds on the qualities recognised at the launch of the vehicle: its styling, the range and modernity of its equipment and its dynamic performance.

The original styling of the Peugeot 508, inspired, full of elegance, was already evocative of a robust vehicle with irreproachable build quality. Peugeot’s designers built on these qualities to produce a vehicle with even more technology, presence and character.

The new grille is an essential element of the Peugeot 508’s styling. More upright and from now on including the Peugeot Lion at its centre, it is a clear acknowledgement to its illustrious predecessors in the 5 series. It also allows the new Peugeot 508 to introduce a corporate style at the front that is more self-assured and endowing greater status, which will be deployed on the Brand’s future models.

The bonnet has been redesigned to make it more horizontal, firmly placing the three versions in the world of top-of-the-range vehicles and on the sedan improving the balance between front and rear.

Still on the sedan, the rear end is more structured, with a redesigned rear bumper which is distinct from the boot while enhancing its protective function. So the new Peugeot 508 sees its length increased by 38mm for the sedan, 16mm of which is in the front overhang (the same for SW) and 22mm for the rear overhang on the sedan.

The integration of the new front end on the Peugeot 508 RXH required an increase of 5mm in its front overhang, bringing its length to 4.828m.

These new exterior dimensions accentuate the values of elegance, purity and economy in operation that the Peugeot 508 has presented since launch. The spaciousness and boot volume resulting from its generous interior dimensions are unchanged.

On the top of the range versions (RXH, GT & Allure), the front of the vehicle is also characterised by the new lighting – headlamps, daytime running lamps, direction indicators, foglamps –  all high technology 100% LED.

The headlamps are made up of 3 modules of 4 LEDs each, to which are added 3 additional LEDs outboard of each headlamp for the cornering lighting function.  This technology, apart from the factors of safety, speed of operation and economy in use, allows the lighting to be fine-tuned and also accentuates the vehicle’s feline look.

The interior has changed as well. The dashboard now includes as standard from trim level 2 (Active), a 7 inch touch screen grouping together most of the vehicle’s functions in an intuitive way. Shortcut buttons for the main menus – navigation, air conditioning, radio, connectivity, etc. – are accessible at all times below the touch screen in the dashboard central panel. The integration of the touch screen and its virtual buttons has allowed the central panel to be freed of a few buttons while the centre console includes a new closed storage box.

Positioned in front of the driver, the rich and ultra complete instrument panel makes reference to precision watch making.

The quality of materials used, whether for finishers or trim cloth, the quality of the equipment and the care taken with finish immediately place the interior of the new Peugeot 508 in a top of the range world that is modern and refined, while not ostentatious.

This high value automobile world marries nobility and technology with the presence of numerous systems for comfort and safety. Examples are Peugeot Open and Go Keyless Entry and Starting, the automatic electric parking brake, automatic headlamp dipping, the electro-chrome interior mirror, under-inflation detection, front and rear parking sensors, quad-zone automatic air conditioning and JBL badged Hi-Fi. To this, comprehensive list of equipment can be added two new systems: Blind Spot Sensors and the reversing camera, providing a colour image in the touch screen.

The new 2015 Ford F-150 has been tested to ensure resistance against fading and damage from harsh sunlight. The interior is designed with brims and brows to minimise glare and shield gauges in the instrument panel while adding lighting for easier viewing of recessed areas, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO.

When the all-new 2015 Ford F-150 has its day in the sun, it will be better prepared than ever for damaging rays both inside and out.

Advanced computer modelling and testing in Ford labs has helped to  ensure sunlight reflecting off interior surfaces of the vehicle will not wash out gauge and screen displays

Much of the glare and fade testing was performed in the company’s Central Lab where Ford engineers focused on making individual parts stronger and more durable. A device known as a Therhj matron simulates damaging UV sunrays, and can be used over long periods of time on prototype parts to help identify the best design for production.

The antiglare testing took place in the Visual Performance Evaluation Lab, also known as the Ford lighting lab. The facility can replicate almost any sunlight conditions from dawn to dusk, as well as change to natural light caused by weather conditions. Materials Engineer in the Central Lab, Cindy McComb, said:  “We like to think our work on this truck has given it the kind of sun protection Built Ford Tough trucks require to look as good after five years of exposure to sun, wind and rain as they do when they leave the showroom floor.”

Also, in Ford Central Lab facilities located in Florida, United States, engineers place individual exterior and interior parts on outside racks for six months at a time to look for fading and other signs of degradation. The parts are examined under special xenon light to reveal damage invisible to the human eye. Parts are approved for production only when they meet rigorous fade-resistance standards.

Direct sunlight does more than fade vehicle parts over time. It can also make it hard to see information displayed on gauges and screens used for navigation and entertainment systems. Ford engineers used advanced computer-aided design software to identify the least reflective materials to use, and incorporated shaded gauges on the instrument panel of the all-new truck designed to minimise glare.

In some cases, gauges and instruments shaded from glare are enhanced with supplemental lighting throughout the Ford F-150 interior to make them readable in their recessed positions.

Indirect glare from general daylight brightness can wash out navigation and entertainment screen displays. Engineers tested various colours for the new F-150, ultimately choosing those that are easy to see under bright conditions.

On his part, Ford human factors Engineer, Cary Diehl, says “In addition to testing gauges and screens under these conditions, we looked at the amount of light given off by LEDs in window and steering wheel control switches to ensure they would not be distracting to the driver when lit.”

During antiglare evaluations in the Ford lighting lab, which boasts 6, 000 watts of light and a planetarium-like dome, Ford tested prototype F-150s under a variety of simulated lighting conditions. Because many F-150 customers use their trucks for work at job sites, they don’t have the time or the patience to deal with hard-to-read gauges or controls inside the truck.

Also speaking on this, Ford Lighting Technical Specialist, Mahendra Dassanayake said: “Our work in the lighting lab ensures that despite almost any weather outside, customers will find it easy to read controls inside the truck today and years down the road”.

The luxury hotel entrepreneur, who owns the Louis XIII hotel in Macau, Stephen Hung has ordered a fleet of 30 Rolls-Royce Phantoms, the largest single order ever for the luxury car, according to the company.

Hung will use his 30 Bespoke Extended-Wheelbase Phantoms to chauffeur guests of the hotel back and forth to their destinations.

Neither company would give the price for the order, but Bespoke Extended-Wheelbase Phantoms typically start at around $475,000. However, the order also includes the two most expensive Rolls-Royce Phantoms ever commissioned, complete with gold-plated accents on the inside and out.

The other cars include several custom elements and “bespoke clocks designed and created by Graff Luxury Watches,” according to Rolls-Royce.

“The Louis XIII fleet of Phantoms promises to be one of most impressive sights ever seen in Macau when they arrive at the Louis XIII hotel in 2016,” said Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

Hung need not worry about parking spaces as Rolls-Royce helped design the parking and driveways to house the cars, and will provide training for the chauffeurs and valets.