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Magneti Marelli at Geneva Motor Show 2014
- 13.03.2014Lighting, infotainment system, electronic systems and powertrain components. This year in Geneva many producers displayed their cars fitted with technologies developed by Magneti Marelli. Jeep Renegade and Peugeot 308, which earned the Car of the Year 2014 title, deserve particular attention.
The presence of Magneti Marelli's technologies at the Geneva Motor Show was undeniable. Until March 16th the visitors to the Swiss event could see the most interesting technological solutions from the fields of lighting, engine control and electronic systems, suspension systems, shock absorbers, plastic components and exhaust system parts.
Jeep Renegade was one of the most anticipated avant-premières. The car uses innovative Magneti Marelli technologies for business class cars. The new instrument cluster with an embedded 7” colour display and infotainment features. Two analogue gauges, speedometer and tachometer, are situated on both sides of the display. Jeep Renegade uses halogen and xenon 25 watt lighting system, DRL (Daylight Running Lighting) and rear lamps developed by Magneti Marelli Automotive Lighting. As far as powertrain is concerned, Magneti Marelli supplied an exhaust manifold with a throttle, an intake manifold and sensors for petrol and diesel engines and electronic control units for Etorq 1.6 and Fire 1.4 petrol engines. Electronic control units and actuator kits have also been fitted into dual clutch systems. Other noteworthy technologies are: a suspension system and shock absorbers with FSD (Frequency Selective Damping), a constantly working valve that models the functioning of the shock absorber thus improving the comfort of driving on a rough surface. Plastic components and exhaust system components could not be ommitted.
What is more, the producer displayed their new Jeep Cherokee, with halogen and xenon headlights, DRL, body computer and powertrain elements, in Europe for the first time.
The new Peugeot 308 was significantly rewarded - it was granted the European Car of the Year 2014 title. The new 308, whose SW version was displayed in Geneva, features many modern technological solutions developed by Magneti Marelli, such as lighting systems, an infotainment system, an instrument cluster, shock absorbers and engine control systems. Full LED headlights fitted into the Peugeot 308 use LED technology for all lighting and signalling features, and each includes as many as 31 LED lamps. All these functions were designed to work on the basis of thermal dissipation, which results in optimising CO2 emission thus decreasing it to 50% compared to traditional halogen lights.
The on-board Touchscreen entertainment system, which is one of the main components of Peugeot i-Cockpit on the new Peugeot 308, is one of the best examples of Magneti Marelli technology in integrated infotainment, connectivity and navigation systems. It is characterised by a number of buttons reduced to minimum as well as simple ergonomics and intuitive operation. The new version of the touch display used in Peugeot 308 allows the driver to easily operate air conditioning and such auxiliary systems as Driver Assistance Pack, Pack Assist or a rear view camera.
The audience at the show also appreciated the new Citroën C4 Cactus fitted with an infotainment system named "Touch pad" with a 7” high resolution colour display. The system's features include multimedia display and embedded satellite navigation. What is more, it allows the user to monitor and control selected vehicle functions due to its connection to the CAN network of the vehicle. "Touch pad" also enables the access to extra multimedia services. Citroën C4 Cactus also has an electronic control unit and a hydraulic ATM (Automatic Manual Transmission) kit, as well as powertrain components, such as the exhaust gas recirculation valve.
The infotainment system developed by Magneti Marelli is also offered by BMW in Series 2, Series 3 and Series 5 as well as in the new Mini cars. It is the first solution of its kind, resulting from the agreement between BMW and Magneti Marelli concluded in 2010. The new Magneti Marelli multimedia system offers a whole set of interesting solutions such as improved navigation, excellent graphics, Internet access and wireless connectivity, not available in entry-level systems before. The biggest innovation in business-class navigation systems are the pictures which are shown on a high resolution 5.6” display up to 10 times faster than previously. High resolution maps with newly introduced elements and 3D animations as well as faster route calculation are an excellent example of the progress that was made in order to optimise the control panel functioning.
The new infotainment system uses the open Magneti Marelli platform that enables making a wide range of entertainment, information and connectivity applications available. The proposed features include wireless connectivity, mobile office, advanced navigation and connectivity systems.
Series 2 and Series 4 BMWs have been fitted with halogen, LED and Bi-Xenon headlights with the adaptive LED-system respectively.
Magneti Marelli Automotive Lighting technologies were also represented in the new Ferrari California T, equipped with Bi-Xenon headlights with the AFS system and LED lamps. The car also features a body computer, GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) and an electronic control unit for the DTC (Dual Clutch Transmission).
The avant-première of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider prototype also took place in Geneva. The Spider features new xenon headlights, which complement the range of Magneti Marelli technologies used in the coupé version such as LED lamps, an electronic control unit, a hydraulic kit for the dual-clutch transmission, exhaust system, modules, suspension systems and shock absorbers. Alfa Romeo Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde with 240 HP 1750 cm3 engine had its global première, the car has been fitted with a dual clutch transmission for the very first time. This version includes solutions featured in the whole Giulietta range, such as a body computer, headlights and lamps, suspension systems, electronic engine control units, powertrain components, a control unit and a hydraulic kit for dual-clutch transmission.
The world-premières included Fiat 500 MY 14, which has achieved maximum expression in the exclusive Cult version, which features a refreshed instrument cluster with a 7” TFT touch display, developed in cooperation with Magneti Marelli. The display provides all the information necessary for the driver, such as a speedometer, a tachometer and a trip computer, and they can be accessed quickly and easily. The central part of the display with a picture of the vehicle may be configured depending on the user's need, and they may choose from information provided by the trip computer such as mileage, instantaneous fuel consumption or the maximum distance with current fuel reserve. New features were fitted into Fiat Panda, whose new Cross version includes all Magneti Marelli technologies available in other models, such as lighting system, electronic engine control units, powertrain and exhaust system components, as well as suspension and shock absorbers.
Mercedes-Benz also decided to rely on Magneti Marelli lighting systems using full-LED headlights in the S-class coupé as well as halogen and LED headlights with adaptive system in the C-class.Magneti Marelli lighting can be also found on Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake, featuring halogen or Bi-Xenon headlights and lamps with AFX (Adaptive Frontlighting Extended) and LED lamps.
Our technology has also been fitted into Audi RS4 Avant Nogaro Selection, which is equipped with both Bi-Xenon and full-LED headlights. The new Audi TT offers as many as three versions of headlights provided by Magneti Marelli Automotive Lighting: 25 Watt Xenon, full-LED and full-LED with active matrix. Audi RS4 Avant Nogaro Selection is fitted with an instrument panel developed by Magneti Marelli.
The newest Renault Clio RS features the new 25 Watt Xenon headlights that highlight the sporty nature of the car. Magneti Marelli lighting technologies have been also used in AFX xenon headlights fitted into Opel Zafira, lamps of Golf Sportsvan (LED lamps), Opel Astra and Zafira.
This year's Geneva Motor Show involved a 24 hours of Le Mans special display, where twenty three best and most beautiful cars that competed in this race were presented. Technologies of Magneti Marelli and some of its historic brands (Carello, Jaeger and Weber) could be found in many legendary cars such as Ferrari 166MM and Testa Rossa, Bugatti Type 57, Alpine Renault and Peugeot 905.
Geneva – Milan, 13 March 2014.
