2
Motoring News
With the entire concept of the Nissan ZEOD RC fo‐
cussing heavily on downsizing and efficiency, Nissan
turned to new lubricants partner Total to help develop
the engine. e French lubricants manufacturer has
worked closely with Nissan engineers to develop fuel
and lubricants to maximise the potential of the engine.
e Nissan ZEOD RC will occupy “Garage 56” at this
year’s Le Mans 24 Hours, an additional entry reserved
by the Automobile Club de l‘Ouest for new and groundbreaking technologies never previously seen at the clas‐
sic French endurance event.
Lessons learned from the development of the revolu‐
tionary racecar will also be used in the development of
Nissan’s planned entry into the LM P1 class of the FIA
World Endurance Championship in 2015.
A SMARTPHONE ON
WHEELS
“Our engine team has done a truly remarkable job with
the internal combustion engine,” said Darren Cox, Nis‐
san’s Global Motorsport Director.
“We knew the electric component of the Nissan ZEOD
RC was certainly going to turn heads at Le Mans but
our combined zero emission on-demand electric/petrol
power plant is quite a stunning piece of engineering.
“Nissan will become the first major manufacturer to use
a three-cylinder engine in major international motor‐
sport. We’re aiming to maintain our position as indus‐
try leaders in focussing on downsizing. Lessons learned
from the development of the engine will be seen in Nis‐
san road cars of the future.
“Our aim is to set new standards in efficiency in regards
to every aspect of the car – powertrain, aerodynamics
and handling. For the powertrain we have worked
closely with the team at Total to not only reduce friction
inside the engine, but within all components of the
powertrain.
“Friction is the enemy of horsepower and tackling that
has been one of the efficiency targets we have concen‐
trated on heavily.”
Aer extensive dyno testing, the Nissan ZEOD RC hit
the track for the first time last week with both the elec‐
tric and internal combustion engines in place.
Both the petrol and electric powerplants run through
the same five-speed gearbox that transfers power to the
ground via Michelin tyres.
“Being chosen by a car manufacturer as a technological
partner to achieve a demonstration of innovation, is al‐
ways a source of pride, especially on this legendary race
- 24 Hours of Le Mans. It drives our researchers to find
solutions and get the most out of the technical specifi‐
cations as well as the fuel economy properties that our
TOTAL QUARTZ lubricants range provides to all pas‐
senger cars,” said Philippe Girard, Scientific Delegate
for Total.
e Nissan ZEOD RC will undergo an extensive test
program over the next four months prior to it making
its race debut at this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours on June
14-15.
Vauxhall Motors has launched a limited edition of 250
ADAMs creating even more levels of personalisation
for the urban chic city car. e ADAM Black Edition
and ADAM White Edition take their design cues from
a smartphone, encompassing optimal connectivity and
a sleek and stylish feel.
Performance Figures Fuel Economy mpg (litres /
100km) Engine Max Speed
(sec) Acceleration
0-62mph (sec) Urban
Driving Extra Urban
Driving Combined
e Vauxhall ADAM is the best connected small car in
its segment and the new ADAM Black Edition and
ADAM White Edition come with Vauxhall’s IntelliLink
infotainment system and Siri Eyes Free voice control fit‐
ted as standard. ey reflect typical smartphone looks
in black or white, with accents in brushed aluminium
effect.
“e ADAM Black Edition and ADAM White Edition
models resemble sophisticated smartphones on wheels,”
says Duncan Aldred, Chairman and Managing
Director, Vauxhall Motors. “e ADAM combines in‐
novative technologies with countless personalisation
possibilities which are not available in its segment. With
these new models, our urban chic city car once again
shows that it is the best connected small car and a true
individualisation champion all wrapped up in one.”
ADAM drivers who have an iOS 6 – or later – compati‐
ble iPhone can comfortably and safely activate the Siri
Eyes Free function via steering wheel controls and op‐
erate it with voice commands while keeping their hands
on the wheel and their eyes on the road.
A DA M B l a c k E d i t i o n a n d W h i t e E d i t i o n
Performance, Emissions and CO2
Figure CO2 Emissions
g/km 1.4i 16v VVT (87PS) 109 12.5 38.2 (7.4) 62.8
(4.4) 51.4 (5.5) 130
Ultra-modern technology and design is mirrored in the