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Remember that funky I.DE.A ERA roadster shown at the 2009 Geneva show? We didn't either until we were told it served as the design forerunner for the Institute's SOFIA sedan that's on display at this year's Geneva event. The female figure supposedly influenced the car's design, but we're not seeing much of that influence.

The I.DE.A Institute is a firm that claims it can handle every stage of the product development cycle from an initial sketch on up to prototype production. Designs for the Daihatsu Move and Fiat Tipo were created by I.DE.A, which is headquartered in Turin, Italy.

The SOFIA sedan is supposed to be powered by a transverse-mounted V-8 engine of unknown origin that develops up to 400 horsepower. An optional hybrid system could add another 100 horsepower to the tally and utilize lithium-polymer batteries. Interestingly enough, the sedan could be front- or rear-wheel drive and hybrids would send power to all four wheels. A hybrid SOFIA would be able to run on battery power for some distance, but I.DE.A isn't giving out many specifics on range or speed limitations in EV mode - likely because it's vaporware at this point.

Dimensionally, the SOFIA is an inch longer than a BMW 750i sedan at 200.6 inches, nearly three inches wider, and about three-and-a-half inches shorter in height, with a virtually identical wheelbase of 120.6 inches. Those dimensions should comfortably accommodate four adults and the batteries for the hybrid system.
Thanks to: Motor Trend

As Hyundai continues to branch out into new segments, its European operation, which until recently has focused primarily on small cars, is debuting the Hyundai i-flow concept in Geneva. It's a vision of a coming Hyundai that's expected to do battle in Europe's larger D-segment.

The i-flow is the latest concept to wear Hyundai's "fluidic sculpture" design language, and the large D-segment sedan wears it well. Hailing from Hyundai's European Design Headquarters in Russelsheim, Germany, the i-flow incorporates lightweight materials and solar cells from supplier BASF meant to reduce weight and increase energy efficiency.

The i-flow is fitted with Hyundai's first-ever diesel hybrid drivetrain, in which a 1.7-liter diesel engine with dual-stage turbocharging is mated to Hyundai's Blue Drive hybrid system and a new six-speed dual-clutch gearbox. As we understand it, the i-flow is a parallel hybrid, allowing it to be powered by its lithium-polymer battery pack and electric motors, the diesel engine or a combination of both. Combined with a slippery 0.25 coefficient of drag, the i-flow will reportedly return 78.4 mpg and emit 0.30 grams of CO2 per mile.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Honda has had a thing lately for creating small, urban-themed personal transport concept vehicles. Just last December, its designers brought out the three-passenger P-Nut to the L.A. Auto Show. At this year's Geneva show, the Big H will continue its prototype lineage with an interesting looking concept vehicle called the 3R-C.

While the P-NUT concept was the brainchild of Honda's American R&D styling studio, the 3R-C was designed and developed solely by the company's European studio, based in Milan, Italy. Billed as a "minimal urban transport vehicle," it's hard to call the 3R-C a concept car, as the one-passenger, three-wheeled design study blurs the line between microcar and scooter.

Although it appears to have a translucent canopy in these pictures, it only shields the cockpit when the 3R-C is parked -- in normal operation, it rotates upright, serving as a windshield and air deflector. Designers wrapped the "safety seat" in bodywork, helping protect the driver from debris and traffic. We'd imagine a helmet would be requisite, and conveniently enough, the 3R-C sports a locking trunk, large enough for such gear or small luggage.

Power, we're told, comes from a battery-electric driveline mounted low in the chassis, but Honda hasn't provided any details and and hasn't indicted yet if the concept is actually functional.
Thanks to: Motor Trend

The 2012 Ford Focus Wagon being unveiled at the 2010 Geneva show is the fifth variant derived so far from Ford's new Global C-car platform, the development of which is part of its evolving "One Ford" effort. We first saw the platform underpinning the C-Max and Grand C-Max at last fall's Frankfurt motor show, then the Focus sedan and hatch in Detroit. Ford has plans for at least five more cars derived from the platform. The U.S. market will see several of those vehicles, but the Focus Wagon reportedly won't be one of them.

While almost entirely developed in Europe, the new Focus line will be approximately 80 percent identical across the globe, with the other 20 percent accounting for subtle differences in taste according to individual markets. Even suspension tuning is virtually identical.

We are getting the funky five-door Focus hatchback, which is almost as versatile as a wagon and doesn't come with the negative stigma. Indeed, Americans appear to be warming up to the idea of hatchbacks if orders for the Fiesta -- Ford's other new world car -- are any indication. So far, Fiesta orders in the U.S. are reportedly evenly split between sedan and hatches.

In addition to getting the Focus Wagon, the Europeans are also getting diesel engines for their Foci. A 2.0-liter Duratorq TDCi engine lineup is available in 161, 138, and 113 hp flavors, while the 1.6-liter Duratorq TDCi can be had with 113 or 94 hp. Ford hasn't released any torque output for the diesels yet, but we do know the automaker will offer its six-speed dual-clutch automatic (aka PowerShift) transmission with the 2.0-liter diesel engines.

Other exciting engine news for non-Americans includes the launch of the 1.6-liter EcoBoost I-4 engine, which will produce up to 177 hp in the wagon. Ford will offer the EcoBoost engine with 148 or 177 hp in Europe. Again, Ford is withholding torque ratings on its EcoBoost engine at this time. U.S.-bound Foci will only have a 2.0-liter I-4 producing 155 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

The future is green for Ferrari – and here’s the proof! This vividly coloured 599 GTB Fiorano is the firm’s first-ever hybrid, and it points the way to an eco-friendly supercar of tomorrow that combines increased efficiency with even greater performance.

It is called the HY-KERS, and is the star of the Prancing Horse’s Geneva Motor Show stand. It boasts a stack of ‘green’ technology, most of which has been transferred from the company’s Formula One racing cars.

Beneath the skin, it boasts what is, at 20mm, an extremely slim lithium-ion battery pack, mounted between the floorpan and aerodynamic undertray. A new Ferrari-developed electric motor is positioned beneath the boot floor, coupled to the 599’s dual-clutch seven-speed gearbox.

The 100bhp unit boosts the 620bhp 6.0-litre V12’s output to a storming 720bhp and increases total torque by 150Nm to around 750Nm. Under braking it acts as a generator, using the kinetic energy produced to recharge the batteries.

A new start-stop system is teamed with the hybrid powertrain, and Ferrari estimates CO2 emissions are reduced from 415g/km to around 250g/km. Meanwhile, fuel economy increases from 15.8mpg to an anticipated 22mpg. Crucially, though, the HY-KERS is not only more efficient than the standard car, it’s faster and even better to drive.

The hybrid system adds 80kg to the weight of the vehicle. However, together with the boost in power and torque – Ferrari says that it aimed to offset every extra kilogram by a gain of at least 1bhp – the HY-KERS covers 0-124mph in a mere 10.4 seconds (that’s 0.6 seconds faster). It’s not only straight-line speed which has been improved – driving dynamics have as well.

The F1 influence is apparent in the electric motor which cuts in automatically during acceleration, providing instantaneous torque when moving away from a standstill and during overtaking manoeuvres. This enhances traction and braking, too. As with the F1 KERS system, Ferrari says drivers can be given the option of a steering wheel-mounted button to boost performance when required.

However, don’t expect a hybrid 599 to be available any time soon. The technology is so advanced that Ferrari estimates if it was to put the HY-KERS on sale now, the car would cost £400,000 – which is twice as much as the standard 599.

Talking to Auto Express, concept engineer Ferdinando Cannizzo said: “We’re not using the same components as other hybrids. This is totally new. The cost will come down, and perhaps getting a hybrid on sale in 2015 is a realistic goal. By then, we will reduce the system’s weight so there is no overall penalty – and we will also have extra performance. What’s more, the set-up will improve dynamics. It is possible that the entire Ferrari range will be hybrid.”

Meanwhile, Ferrari will make stop-start available on the California convertible this month. It boosts fuel economy by six per cent. The system will be rolled out across the range in the coming years. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

It's compact, spacious, and muscular. And it's called the Citroen DS High Rider. The French automaker is slated to bring its newest concept to Geneva where it'll show off the future design cues and philosophies expected to make production in the near future on the upcoming DS4.

Rather than go the traditional, sleek two-door route, Citroen's design team focused creating a sturdy look. Its broad shoulders and rear haunches accentuate that goal, while a pulled back windshield and seamless side glass give it a contemporary and clean profile. Like the Aston Martin Rapide and other cars of late, its hidden B-pillar emphasize athleticism and refinement.

It's compact, spacious, and muscular. And it's called the Citroen DS High Rider. The French automaker is slated to bring its newest concept to Geneva where it'll show off the future design cues and philosophies expected to make production in the near future on the upcoming DS4.

Rather than go the traditional, sleek two-door route, Citroen's design team focused creating a sturdy look. Its broad shoulders and rear haunches accentuate that goal, while a pulled back windshield and seamless side glass give it a contemporary and clean profile. Like the Aston Martin Rapide and other cars of late, its hidden B-pillar emphasize athleticism and refinement.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

BMW’s hybrid countdown continues. Following on from the 7 Series and X6 ActiveHybrids, the new 5 Series version is all set to make its Geneva Motor Show debut.

The Concept ActiveHybrid 5 Series features the latest version of BMW’s modular hybrid drivetrain. Under the bonnet there’s the same 300bhp 3.0-litre straight six that powers the 535i, equipped with a specially-tuned hybrid stop start system. Sandwiched between the engine and eight-speed automatic gearbox is a 54bhp (40kW) electric motor which draws its power from a boot-mounted battery.

An automatic clutch ensures that power is switched seamlessly between the conventional engine and motor, disengaging the power sources as necessary. The hybrid system allows the car to be powered by electricity alone, or use the electric motor and engine in combination to boost performance when accelerating. The motor also acts as a generator on the overrun and when braking, feeding electricity back to the battery.

The hybrid 5 also features intelligent energy management system. Using sensors in the engine and dampers, and taking into account any pre-programmed route in the satnav, the system analyses how the car has been driven and where it’s heading to and works out the most efficient way for the hybrid system to operate.

For example, if you have a long, downhill stretch of motorway coming up, the car primes itself to regenerate as much energy as possible. The system is also programmed to ensure that the battery is fully charged as you near the your journey’s end, maximising the amount of time that the petrol engine can be switched off. BMW claims the system extends electric range by 30 per cent. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Here's the car that proves Audi's electric revolution is on full charge! This concept is the latest model to wear the firm's e-tron badge, and it points the way to a new electric A1 for the near future.

At the front lies an electric motor which is backed up by a range extending 254cc Wankel rotary engine under the boot floor. Together the powertrain provides 61bhp and 240Nm of torque.

The system is capable of running on electric power alone for 31 miles, at which point the engine kicks in to extend the range to 124 miles. It runs at 5,000rpm to provide energy for the on-board batteries.

The A1 e-tron posts some remarkably green figures, emitting 44g/km of CO2 and returning 149mpg on the combined cycle. And it's pretty quick too – 0-62mph in 10.2 seconds and a top speed of 81mph.

However, don't expect to see it in showrooms alongside the new A1 – which goes on sale later this year. Speaking exclusively to Auto Express, project engineer Matthias Seer said: "We will start testing A1 e-tron prototypes in June and the development process will take two years.

"After that we will see what happens, but as for other projects, the e-tron supercar [based around the R8] will go on sale at the end of 2012."For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

The Quattro is back! In a spectacular show debut, Audi unveiled the new RS5 alongside its forebear – the original Quattro. Marking the 30th anniversary of the legendary four-wheel-drive machine, the new model gets a 444bhp 4.2-litre V8.

This is hooked up to a seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch gearbox and uses Audi's legendary Quattro all-wheel drive, which means the RS5 does 0-60mph in 4.6 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155mph, although Audi can increase that to 174mph on request.

A new compact and lightweight centre differential means up to 85 per cent of the power can be sent to the rear wheels. A rear differential can also be added to improve the on-limit handling. Suspension lowered by 20 millimetres and Audi's Drive Select system, which allows you to choose between three driving modes - Comfort, Auto and Dynamic - should sharpen up the experience even further.

It looks the part, too, with a new front bumper with larger air intakes, bulging wheelarches and a new honeycomb grille. At the back a reprofiled rear bumper sits above a blacked-out diffuser with the trademark RS oval tailpipes either side. Unique 19 or 20-inch alloys, revised LED tail-lights and a rear spoiler that deploys automatically at 74mph, finish off the exterior tweaks.

Prices are expected to start from under £60,000 when the car goes on sale in May. First deliveries begin in October. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Though Audi still believes hybrid vehicles are merely a stopover on the way to full-electrification, the company is somewhat reluctantly building several hybrid models that it hopes will lead the way to full-electric vehicles in the future. One of the first results of this plan is the upcoming Audi A8 Hybrid.

Based on the 2011 Audi A8 (pictured), which itself just broke cover a few months ago, the A8 Hybrid is expected to be a full two-mode hybrid capable of moving itself under engine power, electrical power or a combination of both. While Audi plans to bypass "mild" hybrids that can't move under electrical power, the A8 Hybrid is not expected to be a range-extened electric vehicle, one that uses its gasoline engine only as a generator. The A8 Hybrid's engine will most likely still be connected to the wheels.

Which engine Audi will use to power the hybrid is as of yet unknown. In Europe, the car carries both V-6 and V-8 diesel engines and both V-6 and V-8 gasoline engines. To date, nearly all hybrids have used gasoline engines, but Audi could decide to break that trend. Given that the U.S.-market A8 comes with a gasoline V-8 only, it's the most likely choice of engine for this application.

Little else is known about the A8 Hybrid, but we expect it will be offered both in Europe and the U.S. and possibly other markets. It's also expected to carry a premium price over a base A8, itself an expensive model as the brand's flagship, which could limit appeal.
Thanks to: Motor Trend

This isn't just the new and sophisticated Alfa Romeo. Behold, also, Chrysler's life-support machine. The all-new platform under the Giulietta will also provide for several Fiats, and is planned for a generation of cars under Chrysler Group nameplates built in North America.

This includes replacements for the

• Chrysler PT Cruiser (MY2013)

• Dodge Caliber (MY2013)

• Jeep Compass (MY2014)

• Dodge Journey (MY2014)

• Chrysler Sebring/Dodge Avenger (MY 2015)

The Fiat group will provide underbodies for all future front-drive cars made by both the Fiat and Chrysler Groups. It will do this in three platforms. First is the baby or A-segment, the platform under the Fiat 500. Next is the B-car size, under the Alfa Romeo MiTo and Fiat Grande Punto, a Ford Fiesta rival in Europe. This B-platform is planned to provide a basis to revive the long-stalled Dodge Hornet project for MY2014.

Finally -- and most significantly for North America -- is this new C-platform. For the Giulietta, the platform begins life with front-drive, a sophisticated aluminum-intensive all-independent suspension, and a wheelbase of 103.7 inches.

Power goes up to 235 horsepower, using Alfa's own new '1750' engine. But the Chryslers will use, according to output, the Fiat 1.4 turbo made in Dundee, Michigan, or the Chrysler big fours. All these engines will have the option of Fiat's MultiAir ultra-variable vale control. (Watch it in action in Fiat's official video)

The new steel platform's floor is modular between the axles, and is designed for a wheelbase stretch for bigger cars. It's also protected for future all-wheel-drive applications. At the same time, engineers say its width can be extended, thus providing for a huge variety of car lines.

In return for these Fiat Group FWD underbodies, Chrysler will do the rear-drive and medium-to-large SUV platforms. That means Alfa Romeo will at last get the chance to return to its historical rear-drive sedan heritage for its biggest models.

Early reports indicated that the Giulietta and related Chryslers would use a derivative of Fiat's previous-generation platform of the same size, which underpins the Fiat Bravo and Lancia Delta (shown at Detroit as the Chrysler Design Study). But no, this Alfa really is pretty well all-new: shell, chassis, interior furniture structures. Even the HVAC system is all-new, and Alfa says it uses 30 percent less fuel than a normal system while increasing performance.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

The supercar of tomorrow is here! This is Porsche’s 918 Spyder, a hybrid performance car built to give the best of both worlds, offering a near-200mph top speed, yet managing almost 100mpg.

The Spyder joins the new Cayenne hybrid in Geneva, and previews the replacement for the Porsche Carrera GT. But while that car featured a 5.7-litre V10, the concept car uses a mid-mounted 493bhp 3.4-litre V8 derived from the firm's Spyder racing car, and it revs to 9,200rpm.

But what makes this new car special is the addition of two hybrid motors, which add a further 160kW (215bhp). One drives the front axle through a fixed transmission, and the other is sandwiched between the conventional engine and a seven-speed PDK gearbox. The motors are powered by a lithium ion battery pack located behind the passenger cell.

The hybrid system has four modes, so depending on whether speed or economy is your priority, the car is always operating at its most efficient.

Around town, E-drive mode allows the car to travel up to 16 miles on electricity alone. Next is Hybrid mode, which uses both power sources in moderation, giving claimed economy figures of 94mpg and 70g/km of CO2.

Sport Hybrid mode offers more aggressive power delivery and a torque vectoring function for improved dynamics. The most aggressive mode is Race Hybrid, which gives the most power and features a push-to-pass function.

In this mode, Porsche claims that the 918 can sprint from 0-62mph in 3.2 seconds, hit 198mph and can lap the legendary Nurburgring Nordschleife in under 7 minutes 30 seconds, making it faster than a Carrera GT.

The performance is helped in part by the comprehensive use of lightweight materials in the car’s construction. Carbon fibre reinforced plastics, magnesium and aluminium feature throughout, meaning the 918 Spyder tips the scales at 1,490kg.

Finally Porsche has confirmed that the concept’s look is not just a technological showcase. The interior of this car is set to dictate the look of the next generation of Porsches, beginning with the next 911 in 2012. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

There’s nothing quite like a new Lamborghini to excite a motor show crowd, and Geneva is no exception! Building on the success of the LP 560-4 and the limited-run rear-wheel drive Balboni edition, this is the new flagship in the Gallardo range.

The idea behind the car is simple; more power and less weight. The 5.2-litre V10’s output has been increased by 10bhp to 562bhp, while 70kg has been stripped from the kerbweight. This was achieved by fitting plastic windows and rear windscreen, as well as various carbon fibre body parts. Even Alcantara is used on the seats instead of leather to save vital pounds.

And the result? A 0-60mph dash in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 202mph.

According to a Lamborghini spokesman, every exterior modification is to the benefit of downforce. So the enormous front splitter, completely flat underbody and small rear spoiler are all functional, as well as giving the car a meaner new look.For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Meet the fastest four-seater convertible in the world! We’ve already driven and been blown away by the lighter and faster Bentley Continental Supersports. But now the Crewe-based firm has revealed a convertible variant, revealed here in a brand-new ‘citric’ paint tone.

Using the same 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engine as the coupe, which produces 621bhp and 800Nm of torque, the GTC can travel from 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds and 0-100mph in under 10 seconds. The top speed is a sensational 202mph – whether the roof’s up or down!

Lightweight 20-inch alloys, carbon-ceramic brake discs and carbon-fibre bucket seats strip 90kg from the standard GTC’s weight, which boosts performance and economy. The monster engine can even run on E85 bioethanol – something that will be true of all Bentley’s 12-cylinder engines by the middle of 2010.

Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen, Chairman and CEO of Bentley said: “In a crisis, we as luxury car makers face a number of challenges. Bentley has reacted to these challenges by launching new products.”

Orders are being taken now for delivery towards the end of the year – prices are yet to be revealed. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Audi's MINI-beater has arrived! Revealed for the first time in front of a packed auditorium at VW’s pre-Geneva party, the German firm’s first foray into the premium compact market is the most hotly anticipated model at the show.

As if the media frenzy surrounding the A1 wasn’t enough, Audi has signed up singer Justin Timberlake as a brand ambassador - and he was on hand to drive the car onto the stage with Audi Chairman Rupert Stadler in the passenger seat. Timberlake commented: “I’ve driven the car several times now and it’s fantastic, Defintiely faster than you think.”

Stadler also gave his thoughts on the newcomer: “This is the type of car we’re going to see much more in years to come – it’s the right response for Audi to make for the future.”

He also hinted at the possibility of a much anticipated A2 replacement: “We have left a clear gap between A1 and A3 – it’s an area we have lots of ideas for at the moment.”

Available to order in May with prices from £13,000, the A1 is the new entry point to Audi ownership. As well as a stylish shape, classy cabin and great scope for personalisation, the A1 offers ultra-efficient turbocharged engines and what Audi says will be the sportiest driving experience in the class. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express