|
|
|---|
.jpg)
Friday, February 29, 2008
Photos of the Volkswagen Scirocco have made their way onto the web ahead of the hot hatch's Geneva Motor Show Debut next week. Sleeker and sportier looking than its GTI sibling, the production Scirocco retains the shape of the IROC concept (green car) from which it was born while improving in the looks department.
Gone is the IROC's gaping maw. In its place is a simple two piece upper/lower grille that is unlike that of any other Volkswagen on the road. It's almost French in its design and works well with the car's shape. The rear end doesn't change quite as drastically. Both exhaust outlets are now on the car's left side and the lower fascia is body color instead of gray.
Since blowing the minds of 2008 Detroit auto show goers with its sensational, sculptural CTS coupe concept, Cadillac has been relatively quiet about its production plans.
These first spy shots tell us is that not only is the coupe well into its development cycle, but that much of the concept’s striking styling will make it to the production car, too.
GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz himself said that when he and his team saw the proposed bob-tail styling of the coupe during its earliest design phase—with its radically sloping roof and rear window; chopped rear; tall, spear-like taillamps; and razor-thin windows—they knew they had to bring it to life. However, Lutz stopped short of making a formal production announcement (though we had sources that winked and nodded and more or less confirmed it for us).
Then appeared not one, but two CTS coupes in a convoy on public roads, and though we were only able to catch them from a rear three-quarter angle, we’d seen enough: the severely canted roofline, cropped tush, big wheels, dual center-mounted exhaust, and parking assistance sensors (which will probably come standard, given the trunk height and poor rearward vision inherent to the design).
In other words, it appears that what we saw and loved so much on the CTS coupe concept will make it to the showroom. But that may not be until the end of 2009, which for many of us here, can’t arrive soon enough.
These first spy shots tell us is that not only is the coupe well into its development cycle, but that much of the concept’s striking styling will make it to the production car, too.
GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz himself said that when he and his team saw the proposed bob-tail styling of the coupe during its earliest design phase—with its radically sloping roof and rear window; chopped rear; tall, spear-like taillamps; and razor-thin windows—they knew they had to bring it to life. However, Lutz stopped short of making a formal production announcement (though we had sources that winked and nodded and more or less confirmed it for us).
Then appeared not one, but two CTS coupes in a convoy on public roads, and though we were only able to catch them from a rear three-quarter angle, we’d seen enough: the severely canted roofline, cropped tush, big wheels, dual center-mounted exhaust, and parking assistance sensors (which will probably come standard, given the trunk height and poor rearward vision inherent to the design).
In other words, it appears that what we saw and loved so much on the CTS coupe concept will make it to the showroom. But that may not be until the end of 2009, which for many of us here, can’t arrive soon enough.
The Volkswagen Golf is ready to join the hybrid club! The German company will unveil a new diesel-electric version of its best-selling hatchback at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. Set to be the most efficient and cost-effective model in the line-up, the Golf will return an incredible 83.1mpg and emit only 89g/km of CO2.Unlike the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic IMA, the newcomer will use an oil-burner instead of a petrol engine as its main source of power. While no details have been officially released, the unit in question is expected to be the common-rail 2.0-litre recently launched in the Tiguan SUV, as it will need to meet strict Euro V emissions rules.Driving the front wheels, this powerplant will be boosted by an electric motor that not only gives extra performance, but could allow the car to run on its battery only at low speeds, too. The Golf is also likely to get a modified version of VW’s efficient, quick-shifting DSG double-clutch transmission. In addition, engineers will fit a stop-start system to cut the engine when the car is stationary.Further fuel-saving measures will include regenerative braking and aero-dynamic tweaks similar to those seen on VW’s efficient Bluemotion models. For now, only Peugeot has a potential rival for the VW. The French marque unveiled its 308 Hybride HDi at last autumn’s Frankfurt expo, and plans to bring it to dealers by 2010. Mating a 110bhp 1.6-litre diesel with a 22bhp electric motor, the family hatchback is capable of returning 83mpg economy, and puts out only 90g/km of CO2.The first hybrid Golfs are expected here late next year. And the innovative drivetrain will find its way into other VW Group cars, including Audi’s A3.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
It was supposed to be a secret until next week's Geneva Motor Show, but Vauxhall’s Meriva concept has been leaked!
Following on from the official sketch of the new city car, these images reveal all the details of the new Corsa based five-door. With a sharp style and attractive details the new Meriva is set to see Vauxhall tempt buyers away from trendy rivals.
The features set to draw the biggest crowds at the Geneva show are undoubtedly the revolutionary rear hinged back doors. While Mazda RX-8 and MINI Clubman already have similar openings, the Vauxhall’s FlexDoors are unique because the front and rear doors can be opened independently of each other.
The downside is that designers have been forced to include a conventional B-pillar to maintain occupant protection in side impacts.
Other styling cues include what Vauxhall calls Blade body sides - neat ticks stamped into the bodywork behind the front wheels.
At the back, designers have penned a rear screen that stretches up over the roof to create a lighter cabin environment.
The production version of the new Meriva is set to go on sale in the UK early next year. Sharing many parts with the current Corsa, the people carrier will get a range of engines including 1.3-litre and 1.7-litre CDTI diesels and a 1.6-litre turbo petrol. What’s more, all units will have stop-start technology to help to improve fuel economy and reduce CO2 emissions.
American tuner and boutique automaker Saleen has released this sketch of a supercar concept it plans to unveil at March’s New York auto show.
The producer of the prodigiously powerful and prodigiously expensive S7 and S7 Twin Turbo, Saleen says the S5S Raptor concept is “designed for the premium performance market,” which to us places it in competition with anything from the Corvette ZR1 up to the Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 or beyond. Remember that the awesome S7 Twin Turbo’s base price was near $600K, a figure nearly as eye-popping as its 750 horsepower.
While the Raptor’s exact horsepower figure remains a secret for now, it will be powered by an E85-burning, 5.0-liter supercharged powerplant. Based on Saleen’s past body of work, we can assume the engine will be a V-8. The car will utilize aluminum construction and composite body panels to keep weight down, and top speed is claimed to be in excess of 200 mph.
Check back during the New York auto show press days for all the details on this sure-to-be-hot supercar concept.
It's all change at Alfa. The Italian brand has revamped its range for 2008 – and first up is the Spider (above), which now comes in an Ice White finish. There are new, lightweight 18-inch alloys, while the drop-top’s upgraded cabin gets more supportive seats. The tin-top Brera benefits from the same changes. Also revamped is the 159, with new wheels and aluminium brake calipers shaving 45kg off the weight, and sharpening up performance across the range. A Q2 electronic differential is now fitted on all front-wheel-drive Brera, Spider and 159 models. And finally, from July, buyers of Alfa’s GT coupé will be able to specify the more potent 168bhp 1.9 JTDM diesel engine.
Look out Porsche – the new Lotus Eagle is almost ready to swoop.Auto Express can exclusively reveal the best spy shots yet of the new Lotus flagship that promises to propel the Norfolk based firm back into the supercar premier league. As you can see, the aggressive lines and low stance show that Lotus means business!Rumoured to be powered by a twin-turbo V8 BMW engine shared with the new X6, the mid-engined model will sprint from 0-60mph in around 4.0 seconds and on to a top speed in excess of 175mph.Codenamed the Eagle, it’s not yet known what the high performance model will be called in showroom ready form. All will be revealed when the Lotus makes its official debut at the British Motor Show in July.
Mitsubishi’s hatching a plan to launch a cut-price Evo X – and this is how it will look.These are the first official pictures of the Lancer Sportback, which will make its public debut at next week’s Geneva Motor Show.The Japanese firm states the model shown here “closely previews the Lancer Sportback”, but the sporty elements of the design will all feature most prominently on a Ralliart badged hot hatch flagship.At the front, the four-sided Mitsubishi grille gives an aggressive look, while 19-inch wheels hint at the performance on offer. The final production version won’t have the extreme looks of the Evo X, but will offer a cheaper and more practical alternative to the four-door flagship.The Ralliart gets a 238bhp version of the Evo’s 2.0-litre turbo engine and a six-speed semi-automatic gearbox. This combination should launch the five-door from 0-60mph in less than six seconds.When all variants of the five-door go on sale in the UK later this year, they are expected to account for 80 per cent of Lancer sales in Britain.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Has MINI Worked another marvel? Take a look at the first official pictures of the MINI Cooper S Works – in both hatchback and Clubman form for the first time.With the John Cooper Works brand now brought in house, we can expect to see more JCW badged MINIs than ever, and it looks like enthusiasts will be far from disappointed.Set to make its debut at next week’s Geneva Motor Show, the pair of red hot MINIs promise to be the wildest pocket rockets on the road.Equipped with a 208bhp turbocharged engine, race-developed chassis and hi-tech limited-slip diff, the John Cooper Works is capable of keeping pace with performancecars which have twice its power.To set the Works variants apart from standard Cooper S models, the range toppers get 17-inch alloy wheels, while the rear is dominated by stainless steel exhausts. Subtle Works logos sit on the grille, the tailgate and the large, bright red front brake callipers. Many more beefy extras are available on the options list.Inside, there’s a tactile leather-trimmed three-spoke steering wheel and heavily bolstered sports seats. Deep Recaro buckets are optional.Powered by a thoroughly redeveloped version of the Cooper S’s 1.6-litre petrol engine from the Cooper S, the JCW models come with a new twin-scroll turbocharger, strengthened pistons, a bigger oil cooler and revised fuel injection system create 208bhp and 260Nm of torque. That rises to 280Nm with an overboost facility.In the hatchback the sprint from 0-60mph takes a thrilling 6.5 seconds – and the Clubman is only 0.3 seconds slower.What’s more, thanks to parent company BMW’s Efficient Dynamics technology the design of the engine means the hatchback will return 40.9mpg and emit 165g/km ofcarbon dioxide, while the Clubman achieves 40.4mpg and 167g/km.The MINI chassis has also been thoroughly reworked, and there’s also the optionof a 10mm lower ‘Extreme’ suspension pack. The ace up the MINI’s sleeve is the new Dynamic Traction Control differential. With three separate settings, drivers can tailor the set-up to suit the circumstances, from a full electronic safety net to race-readymode.The John Cooper Works will go on sale in the UK in July. Prices are expected to start at £20,500 for the hatchback, while the Clubman is estimated to cost £21,700.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
MERCEDES E-CLASS IS
THE FAVORITE EXECUTIVE CAR
- Mercedes E-Class (45%)
- Audi A6 (36%)
- BMW 5-Series (27%)
- Lexus GS (0%)
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Ford's next-generation Fiesta isn’t the only supermini heading for the limelight. As our spies can reveal, Renault also has plans to shake up the sector – with an all-new evolution of the Clio.Inspired by the latest Laguna, the Clio MkIV is expected to go on sale early in 2009. There will be three and five-door hatchbacks, plus a new estate, and the most obvious changes have been made to the nose. As part of a push to improve its pedestrian safety rating and road presence, it has revised headlights, a fresh grille, larger badge and reshaped bonnet.At the rear, the alterations are less obvious, but include distinctive lamps and a sharp horizontal crease across the tailgate which helps to improve boot capacity. Changes to the supermini’s profile are less pronounced, mainly because the next Clio shares its chassis with the current machine. That means the wheelbase remains the same, as does the roofline. Inside, however, a host of enhancements to the layout and equipment have been made. As a result, the Ren-ault will be more of a match for the new Fiesta, which promises to be the best-equipped car in its class. Clio buyers can expect rain-sensing wipers and keyless entry and start, as well as a new satellite navigation system to replace the basic set-up in the existing model. Although details of the engines remain secret, it’s thought the French firm will carry over the current line-up – so the Clio will get a varied range of petrol and diesel units.
Renault will be unveiling the GT performance variant of the the Laguna midsize sedan and wagon next month at the Geneva Motor Show. Powering the Laguna GT will be either a 2.0-liter turbo four that makes 205 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque or a 2.0-liter turbodiesel that makes 180 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Additonally, the Laguna GT is equipped with bigger brakes, 12.9 inch discs up front and 11.8 inch discs in the rear and four-wheel steering using a chassis called Active Drive.Visually, the Laguna GT is separated from the standard Laguna with 18-inch alloy wheels, larger front grille and air intakes, smoked taillights, and black-background headlamps in addition to the obligatory GT badging. Inside, the Laguna GT is fitted with leather/alcantara sports seats, aluminum pedals and shift knob, and a GT steering wheel.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Hyundai's coming Genesis Coupe, far and away the hottest car at last year's L.A. auto show in concept guise, has been caught chilling in the great white north during cold-weather testing in advance of its debut in production form at the upcoming New York show in March.
The highly anticipated rear-drive coupe is sporting some significant differences through its camouflage cloak. The grille looks to be bigger and is now sporting more of a traditional Hyundai look. The rest of the front fascia has toned down as well, with a look that's more in line with a production vehicle. The bottom area appears to be sporting chrome-style strakes and the foglamps seem rounded off.
Out back, the biggest visible changes are the exhaust pipes, which are now fitted horizontally as opposed to the vertical trapezoids of the concept show car, and the rear taillights also appear to have been transformed and now look to have three vertical elements. There have also been some changes to the car's side profile. The prominent creases on the concept that moved from the fender along the top of the door look to have been smoothed out some, as has the line along the bottom of the concept. The tapering of the rear windows has also apparently not made it to the production version.
The Genesis Coupe will join the sedan as Hyundai's one-two rear-drive punch. The vehicle is expected to be powered by two engines, a 3.8-liter V-6 boasting some 300 horsepower and about 250 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter turbo four pushing somewhere north of 200 horsepower, mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic.
Hyundai is reportedly working hard to keep the weight to a minimum and to achieve a 50/50 weight balance, which should help make the coupe a competent handler. Other options likely to be available on the car will be Brembo brakes and a limited-slip differential.
Expect pricing to start in the low 20s for the turbo four, and mid-20s for the V-6-equipped models when the car hits Hyundai showrooms, likely late this year or early in 2009.
Leonardo Fioravanti is scheduled to unveil his latest creation at the Geneva Motor Show in a few weeks time.
Called the Hidra, the new multi-purpose coupe concept is a four-seater, five-door vehicle based on a layout that produces 'notable results' in vehicle dynamics, passive safety and flexibility. Claimed to marry Fioravanti's propensity for innovation, functionality and elegance, the Hindra also holds a revolutionary patent for transparent surfaces.
As the former Managing Director of Pininfarina's research arm, Fioravanti also worked at Fiat Group between 1988 and 1991, first as deputy General Manager at Ferrari and then as head of Fiat's design center.
The company, which showed the Thalia at last year's Geneva show (pictured bottom right), is based in the historic Italian town of Moncalieri, outside of Turin. It is now in its 20th year of researching new architectures for future vehicles utilizing alternative sources of energy.
Called the Hidra, the new multi-purpose coupe concept is a four-seater, five-door vehicle based on a layout that produces 'notable results' in vehicle dynamics, passive safety and flexibility. Claimed to marry Fioravanti's propensity for innovation, functionality and elegance, the Hindra also holds a revolutionary patent for transparent surfaces.
As the former Managing Director of Pininfarina's research arm, Fioravanti also worked at Fiat Group between 1988 and 1991, first as deputy General Manager at Ferrari and then as head of Fiat's design center.
The company, which showed the Thalia at last year's Geneva show (pictured bottom right), is based in the historic Italian town of Moncalieri, outside of Turin. It is now in its 20th year of researching new architectures for future vehicles utilizing alternative sources of energy.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
A senior Nissan source has confirmed the company is studying the possibility of producing a high-performance four-door sedan based on the exotic Nissan GT-R hardware. The source suggested the car may be sold as an Infiniti.
Producing a four-door GT-R is certainly feasible, though it wouldn't be cheap. Although the GT-R coupe is based on Nissan's flexible FM (front midship) platform, it is what one analyst calls "a major deviation" from that platform's architecture, to the point where it's known internally as PM (premium midship).
The PM platform could be stretched to allow an extra set of doors and useable rear passenger space, while keeping the existing suspension pickup points, powertrain mountings, and other sheetmetal. This would enable the four-door to share a lot of the GT-R's mechanical hardware, including the 480-horsepower twin-turbo 3.8-liter VR38 V-6 engine, all wheel drive, and the rear-mounted six-speed DSG-style auto-clutch transmission.
However a sedan version would require a new bodyside, plus expensive revisions to the carbon fiber intensive front structure, so while Nissan could save some money through component sharing with the GT-R, it's likely that a sedan variant would cost $3000 to $5000 more. One alternative would be to make the car with a conventional steel body (it would add weight, but Nissan would want the GT-R coupe to remain its performance flagship anyway).
The drawings here are purely illustrative; it's unlikely Nissan would retain too many GT-R cues on an Infiniti-badged car. Nissan knows a four-door GT-R would have about as much credibility in Japan as a four-door Corvette would here in the U.S. Furthermore, American and European buyers likely would balk at the idea of paying $85,000 for a sedan with Nissan badges. Making the car an Infiniti could help solve both problems, and it would give the brand the halo vehicle it lacks.
A high-tech, high-performance Infiniti sedan also could serve as a halo car for the expansion of Nissan's luxury brand into Europe, China, Japan, and other world markets. After dithering for a decade or more, Toyota has finally made Lexus a global brand, and its new IS-F sedan signals an entry into the premium high-performance segment dominated by Mercedes-Benz's AMG and BMW's M cars.
The significance of both moves won't have been lost on Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn.
A high-tech, high-performance Infiniti sedan also could serve as a halo car for the expansion of Nissan's luxury brand into Europe, China, Japan, and other world markets. After dithering for a decade or more, Toyota has finally made Lexus a global brand, and its new IS-F sedan signals an entry into the premium high-performance segment dominated by Mercedes-Benz's AMG and BMW's M cars.
The significance of both moves won't have been lost on Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
