Cervelo (continuation of previous thread)
Posted: Wed Feb 16, 2011 2:10 amnew storefront due in April.
About the Cervelo One Project
The One was designed with two things in mind. The first was value for money. For this car to be successful, it needed to appeal to the common denominator, the average working class family or small business who needs a new car yet can't afford what they are really looking for space and pace wise. Of course, used cars are always a viable alternative, but can you really be certain that the used car you want will give you the reliability you need? The One seeks to be a no-frills large sedan or wagon with plenty of space and power. While the list of options is extensive, you only pay for what you need. Nothing more, nothing less. The starting price is very low. Lower than almost every other car on sale. This is acheived through huge savings in mass-production, a minimum profit gain for Cervelo, clever automated body construction and advances in materials used. While the NVH and ride refinement aren't quite up to normal standards, the One is nothing less than an accomplished drive. After all, why does a cheap car have to be a misery to drive?
How was Forza able to offer the Cervelo One so cheap? A number of factors contributed to this. The first was the overall buying power of Forza. In explanation, the average profit Forza makes on a car is $18,000, meaning that the Cervelo One can be sold at minimum cost as Forza doesn't require the profit from the Cervelo One to keep it afloat. With regards to the Cervelo One, Forza takes home just $50 profit per car. Most of the money lost by Forza was on research and development costs, all up the Cervelo One project cost Forza a staggering $2.5 billion. The second factor was mass production of modern technology. Technologies such as Hydroforming are now employed on a mass scale on the Cervelo meaning the cost is lower than ever before.
So what is Forza offering? We are able to offer the base Cervelo One for a staggeringly low $5590. This no frills package offers a large 5 seat car, with a heater and fan, ABS and ESC with the four cylinder base engine teamed with a manual gearbox. If you want more than just a base package, there are choices of 3 different trim packages with 2 different engines, 2 different transmissions and suspension settings.
| One 2.5 Manual | $5590 |
| One 2.5 Manual Executive | $6300 |
| One 2.5 Manual Wagon | $5590 | One 2.5 Manual Executive Wagon | $6300 |
| One 3.0 Manual | $6500 |
| One 3.0 Manual Executive | $6950 |
| One 3.0 Manual Wagon | $6500 |
| One 3.0 Manual Executive Wagon | $6950 |
| One 2.5 Automatic | $6590 |
| One 2.5 Automatic Executive | $7300 |
| One 2.5 Automatic Wagon | $6590 |
| One 2.5 Automatic Executive Wagon | $7300 |
| One 3.0 Automatic | $7500 |
| One 3.0 Automatic Executive | $8250 |
| One 3.0 Automatic Wagon | $7500 |
| One 3.0 Automatic Executive Wagon | $8250 |
| One 2.5 Manual Utlity | $5090 |
| One 3.0 Manual Utility | $6000 |
| One 2.5 Automatic Utility | $6090 |
| One 3.0 Automatic Utility | $7000 |
| Model | One 2.5 | One 3.0 |
| L/W/H | 4902/1630/1790 | |
| Wheelbase | 3220 | |
| Body | Steel: 4 doors 5 seats | |
| Boot capacity | : 570L | |
| Weight (kg) | 1560 | 1570 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | Discs Ventilated 300mm/290mm | |
| Suspension Front | MacPherson Struts, A-Arms, anti roll bar | |
| Suspension Rear | Multi-links, Electronically coil springs, anti roll bar | |
| Tyres | Bridgestone Turanza 245/55 R16 | |
| Drivetrain | Front Engine Rear Drive | |
| Engine | 2.5L L4 | 3.0L V6 |
| Output power/torque | 140/250 | 190/350 |
| Power/Weight Ratio | 90kw/Tonne | 121kw/Tonne |
| Transmission: | Tremec 5-Speed Manual | Tremec 5-speed Manual |
| Redline: | 7000rpm | 6750rpm |
| Fuel | :91RON/E85 | 91 RON/E85 |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8L/100km | 9.5L/100km |
| Model | One 2.5 Wagon | One 3.0 Wagon |
| L/W/H | 4902/1630/1790 | |
| Wheelbase | 3220 | |
| Body | Steel: 5 doors 5 seats | |
| Boot capacity | 770L | |
| Weight (kg) | 1580 | 1590 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | Discs Ventilated 300mm/290mm | |
| Suspension Front | MacPherson Struts, A-Arms, anti roll bar | |
| Suspension Rear | Multi-links, Electronically coil springs, anti roll bar | |
| Tyres | Bridgestone Turanza 245/55 R16 | |
| Drivetrain | Front Engine Rear Drive | |
| Engine | 2.5L L4 | 3.0L V6 |
| Output power/torque | 140/250 | 190/350 |
| Power/Weight Ratio | 90kw/Tonne | 121kw/Tonne |
| Transmission: | Tremec 5-Speed Manual | Tremec 5-speed Manual |
| Redline: | 7000rpm | 6750rpm |
| Fuel | :91RON/E85 | 91 RON/E85 |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8L/100km | 9.5L/100km |
Performance
| Model | One 2.5 | One 3.0 |
| 0-100kmh | 8.6 | 7.2 |
| 0-160kmh | 16.2 | 15.2 |
| 0-400m | 16.14 | 14.95 |
| Speed in gears | ||
| 1st | 65 | 75 |
| 2nd | 95 | 115 |
| 3rd | 130 | 140 |
| 4th | 170 | 185 |
| 5th | 220 | 200 |
Standard Features: Stereo. Heater. Cloth trim on seating. Manually adjustble steering wheel, mirrors and seat. Wind up windows. Two cupholders. Four door bottle holders. Four door storeage compartments. 60/40 split folding rear seat.
Executive Trim CD player. Single Zone climate control. Trip computer. Power windows and mirrors. Luggage Anchors
Cost Options
| Sunroof | $1550 |
| Hydrogen Conversion | $3400 |
| Hybrid Conversion | $3400 |
| LPG Conversion | $750 |
| Raised Ride height | $275 |
| 17" Pentastar Alloy Wheels | $350 |
| 18" Omni Alloy Wheels | $520 |
Interior Design
The Cervelo One is a large car easily capable of seating five adults in its interior. From the outset, the Cervelo One was designed as nothing less than a large family car that offered interior space for a large family. Another benefit of a large interior, aside from passenger comfort, is the load carrying ability that the Cervelo One offers. The sedan version of the Cervelo One offers a large 570 litre boot with a 60/40 split folding rear seat which further increases the boot capacity to an enourmous 1640 litres. Theoretically, this is more than enough to carry anything from groceries to a bicycle. The wagon version of the Cervelo One offeres a further increased space of 780 litres and when the rear seats are folded flat, the space increases to 1860. While the obvious advantage of the wagon is far increased luggage space, many prefer the body shape of the sedan to a wagon, which is why the wagon is priced the same as the sedan.
Front and rear seat passengers have access to air vents, which they can open, close and alter the direction of the airflow. Two cigarette ash trays are provided, one in the front console and one in the rear console, however only one cigarette lighter is provided in the centre console.
Interior Features
The interior of the car is relatively ulitarian in concept. Basic comfort features such as single zone climate control, cd player, radio and cruise control are fitted standard to the Cervelo One. Optional extras include power mirrors and windows, leather seats and a trip computer. The Cervelo One seeks only to provide what people really need and saves money by offering features that aren't necessary as options. The standard cabin trim is in grey, with cloth seating covers. Steering wheel, gearknob, stereo and climate controls have been designed for durability in harsh areas. The Cervelo One has a simple black on yellow LED display of the time, radio channel/CD track, climate and trip computer readings. Steering wheel and pedals can be adjusted for height and reach to ensure that every driver is capable of driving the Cervelo One.
The trip computer can adjust the automatic transmission to two different modes, Economy and Power. Power mode is best suited for performance driving or towing/carrying heavier loads. Economy mode has been designed to save petrol by shifting gears earlier. The driver can change this funtion using the trip computer control buttons mounted on the steering wheel. Although this technology sounds complex, in reality it is breathtakingly simple. This technology is not available on a manual car.
Sun & Element Protection
The front and rear windshields and side windows are all slightly tinted to offer protection from the sun in some of the more harsh climates around the globe. A sunroof in the ceiling above the drivers seats is an option, albeit quite pricey. Dashboards and interior plastics have been glazed and protected to help increase durability and reduce wear and tear.
Waterproofing has been done along the bottom of the chassis to prevent water from seeping into the cabin during heavy or torrential rains. This is a must have feature for tropical areas or for areas prone to flash-flooding. The Cervelo One can 'wade' through waters up to 60 cm high.
Occupant Protection
Keeping occupants safe is one of the priorities of the Cervelo One, and one of the areas in which the Cervelo One will set itself ahead of other cars similarly priced. Both the driver and the front passenger each have one front SRS airbag, and a side/ curtain airbag. To aid in packaging, the side/curtain airbag deploys up to the roof and about 20 cm away from the door, saving the need for an extra airbag whilst offering the same protection. Rear occupants do not get airbags. All five seats have Lap-Sash load limiting seat belts, as well as pre-tensioners. The advantage of buying a new Cervelo One over a similarly priced used car, is that the Cervelo One has all the modern safety features that todays cars will offer. A used car may not offer these safety features.
Engine
The One has the option of two choices of powertrain. The first is a 2496cc inline four cylinder engine, producing 140kilowatts of power and 250 newton metres of torque.
| Type | Inline Four dohc 16v |
| Capacity | 2496cc |
| Bore/Stroke | 92.0/89.6mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.2 |
| Power | 140kw/6500rpm |
| Torque | 250nm/3000rpm |
| Redline/Cutout | 7000/rpm |
| Recommended Fuel | 91 RON/E85 |
| Specific Output | 56kw/litre |
The second option is a 2979cc direct injection V6 engine, producing 195kw of power and 300nm of torque.
| Type | Vee Six dohc 24v |
| Capacity | 2979cc |
| Bore/Stroke | 82.0/89.6mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.1 |
| Power | 190kw/6500rpm |
| Torque | 300nm/3000rpm |
| Redline/Cutout | 6700/rpm |
| Recommended Fuel | 91 RON/E85 |
| Specific Output | 63kw/litre |
The inline four engine is the 'base' engine of the range and will be fitted standard to all models. Buyers can opt for the upgrade to the V6 engine should they prefer. The inline four returns superb fuel economy and generates more than enough power to motivate the large body of the One. For many buyers, the 140kw four cylinder engine will provide all the power they could ever want. For others, such as those who tow or simply those who prefer more power, the V6 option is there as well. Although the obvious advantage to the larger V6 is that the V6 One is faster, the V6 is less frugal on fuel and significantly more expensive to buy than the base inline four.
Both engines are capable of running on 91RON and E85 ethanol, therefore they should be suited to most country's fuel suppliers. All figures have been obtained from running the car on 91RON petroleum, E85 ethanol is predicted to give slightly less power and torque, while using more fuel. However, ethanol is often cheaper and 'greener'
Alternate Power
Buyers can opt for the hydrogen system, however this will significantly increase the price. The hydrogen option mounts a separate insulated hydrogen tank above the rear axle and extending into the boot of the car. This cuts boot space by approximately 200L to make room for the tank. Drivers can fill up on both Hydrogen and petrol, however must take due care to put the correct fuel in the correct tank. If a contamination occurs, both tanks have a manual release button to drain the tank. Fuel nozzles are clearly labelled. The driver can switch fuel sources by pulling over the car, switching off the engine, selecting 'ACC' on the ignition, and switching the fuel knob located beneath the igition from petrol to hydrogen. The tank will then decontaminate and change fuel lines in the process of seven seconds. The driver is then free to continue on their journey. Emissions from the hydrogen system can either be collected as water in a separate 50L tank adjacent to the hydrogen tank in the boot, or heat the water vapour to steam and exhaust normally.
The One also offers a hybrid electric system on both powerplants. This mounts a 40kw generator in the engine bay and a powerful lithium-ion battery pack under the car floor, either side of the driveshaft. Energy for the battery pack is collected while the engine is running, or through a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) when the car brakes or turns a corner. The petrol engine shuts down and turns on only as needed. Battery life, and information on the electric system is displayed on the small LED screen fitted standard to the interior. This pricey option greatly reduces fuel economy and slightly improves performance, while enhancing the Cervelos green credentials. The hybrid pack includes a trip computer as standard, thus is only available with an automatic transmission.
Transmission
Power is directed to the rear wheels via an alloy driveshaft. Rear wheel drive was chosen for the One due to the power of the engine needed to move a car this size. Front wheel drive cars with 140kw+ are prone to torquesteer, understeer and tramlining. Gears are swapped by a choice of two transmissions, a manual five speed gear box or an automatic five speed gearbox. The manual 'box features a single clutch with five forward and one reverse gear. The manual is cheaper to purchase than the automatic transmission and will last much longer, however many drivers will prefer the convenience of an automatic gearbox. The five speed automatic does not features a manual shift mode unlike some automatic gearboxes, although the driver can select how early or late the One will shift up or down by using their trip computer.
Exhaust system
The exhaust system comprises of an alloy exhaust manifold to collect gases, which then sends them through the exhaust pipe, through catalyic covers and finally through a muffler mounted at the rear. The One is compliant with a Euro V standard.
Suspension & Brakes
The front suspension of the One comprises of struts, A-arms and an anti roll bar. The rear suspension features multi-links, coil springs and an anti roll bar. Ride height is set at 80mm, however this can be set higher to allow for country or rough roads. The overall damping and spring settings are aimed more towards comfort than dynamic finesse, although buyers may opt for a sport pack, which gives stiffer springs for better handling and control. As with most features on the One, this option will cost extra.
Brakes are ventilated discs front and rear, with 300mm up the front and 290mm up the back. Brake pads are set up for durability, although this results in a rather firm brake pedal action.
Active Safety Features
Anti-Lock Brakes and Electronic Stability Control are fitted standard to the One, both working in tandem with each other. For the V6, traction control is also fitted standard, this is not an option on the four cylinder. The Electronic Stability Control and traction Control can be switched on or switched off, however only these two modes are available. ABS cannot be disabled.
Body and Chassis Construction
The exterior is made of steel panels, close fit to ensure than gaps between the panels are minimal which results in a stiffer body, noise and vibration reductions and far improved safety. Although this would sound like a huge cost increase, the only real cost has been in research and development. Close fit steel panels along with the advanced use in steel puts the One ahead of many other cars twice its price in terms of refinement and safety. Although great refinement isn't what you would expect from a minimum cost car, the One doesn't disappoint.
Entire sections of the car can be assembled off the foremost production line. This new production method allows for complete sub-sections like the engine and transmissions to be constructed seamlessly together on rigs that simplify production. This process is applied to the front-end module of the One, consisting of the headlights, bumpers, airbag sensors and other accessory components. It can be easily removed as one-piece leading to lower repair costs and easier access to the engine bay.
The frame uses hydroforming technology on a mass production scale, keeping costs down but providing all the benefits that hydroforming offers. Parts of the frame, such as the A, B and C pillars are made of extreme high density steel to boost rigidity while other parts use less dense steel to save weight and money.
The chassis of the One is based on the platform donated by the Forza H-Series large car, of similar size but far greater cost. High technology elements of the H-Platform had to be scrapped to keep costs down, such as the use of aluminium and alloy materials in favour of steel. Suspension was also tweaked and down graded from the advanced set up of the H-Series to a more affordable system.
Wheels and Tyres
The One offers standard 16" steel wheels with plastic hubcaps over the top. These wheels are much heavier than alloy wheels offered on some other cars, however at this price weight gains aren't necessarily an issue. 17" and 18" Alloy wheels are offered as an optional extra.
Tyres are Bridgestone Turanza 245/55 R16. The Turanza series of tyre provides long life and superb handling. They also offer a relatively comfortable ride compared to other low profile tyres offered on other cars.
A full size spare wheel comes standard, located in the boot. A jack and handle are also provided.