New Car Collection Blog's

The I.DE.A Institute's ERA concept was penned last May for the Italian engineering and design firm's 30th anniversay. I.DE.A, which has worked with Ducati and Fiat, calls the ERA a representation of a roadster built "for pure driving pleasure through the instinctive pencil strokes of the designer on a blank page." Sure. All we can say is the styling looks like fun. The mechanical bits, however, are not fully-disclosed. Concrete details include underpinnings from an existing monocoque chassis, independent suspension all around, and 19-in. wheels wrapped with 245/40 tires. The ERA's listed dimensions place it inches longer and wider than a Honda S2000, but much shorter in height.idea-era-side
As to what's under the hood, we have no idea. The website lists four- or six-cylinder engines, a possible 300 hp, and both front- and rear-drive layouts. Transmissions will be either manual or sequential, with five or six gears. The expected weight is up in the air, too; I.DE.A offers a range from 3,300-lbs to 4,400-lbs.

Initially called HED-6, the Hyundai ix-onic concept is being billed by Hyundai as having a 'dramatic new look for compact SUVs' and says it serves an indication of the new direction for Hyundai utes. Judging by the sketch, we're not so sure it's all that dramatic, but we'll see for ourselves shortly. Powering the ix-onic is 1.6L direct-injected and turbocharged gasoline engine producing 168 hp. Mated to a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox that is expected to emit just 0.53 lb. of CO2 per mile.
Fuel economy hasn't been announced, but it should be impressive thanks to the use of Hyundai's new Idle, Stop & Go technology that shuts down the engine when the vehicle isn't moving. At 173.2 in tall, 72.8 in wide and 65 in tall, the ix-onic is two to three inches bigger in every direction than the current Hyundai Tucson, which it's rumored to replace sometime in the future.

When the Hyundai i20 three-door hits the road some time in the second quarter of 2009, Hyundai says it will be the best value in its class and targeted at young professionals that don't have kids. Slotted between the i10 and i30, the i20 will come with several gas and diesel engines for a total of seven, all of them Euro-IV emissions compliant. Hyundai expects that the volume sellers will be then new Kappa 1.2L gas engine and the 1.4L diesel engine. The Kappa engine is the latest in Hyundai's new Greek-named engine series, following the Tau V-8, and will pump 77 hp and 88 lb-ft of torque out of its four cylinders. At 182 lbs, Hyundai says it will be the lightest engine in its class and will help the i20 achieve 45 mpg combined while emitting only 0.44 lbs of CO2 per mile. The 1.4L diesel, meanwhile, will churn out 74 hp and pull off 53 mpg combined while emitting only 0.41 lbs of CO2 per mile.
Cosmetically, the i20 three-door is little changed from the five-door. In fact, Hyundai really just took out the rear doors, lengthened the front doors and reshaped the back windows. The front and rear are completely unchanged. Despite the minor design changes, Hyundai did manage to shave 22 lbs off the curb weight, likely thanks to the removal of the extra doors. The i20 three-door will also be mostly the same inside and will come in the same three trim levels -- Classic, Comfort and Style -- as the five-door.

The redesigned, wind-tunnel tested Ford Ranger pickup receives a complete revamping both inside and out, and safe to say, it looks pretty well done. Built in Thailand and shipped to Europe for sale, the Ranger can be had in three body styles with two diesel engines -- 2.5L Turbo (141-hp/ 243 lb-ft) or 3.0L (154-hp/280 lb-ft) -- mated to five-speed automatic or manual transmissions. It can also come in 4x2 or 4x4 configurations for those looking for off-road capability and touts a claimed towing capacity of 3000 kg (6614 lbs). Europeans will get all the new Ranger fun beginning this April.

Carbon fiber appears to adorn every inch of the Ferrari 599XX supercar, starting at the adjustable splitter attached to a lower, aggressive front nose. The composite undertray continues the length of the car and is bolstered by thicker side skirts directing passing air to its rear carbon ceramic brakes. Likely 19-in. forged one-piece centerlock wheels sit snugly in front of the extra-large binders. Slimmer racing mirrors match the matte black theme on the roof portion of 599XX. In place of regular Maranello glass, racing-style windows have been installed for increased safety and weight reduction. Also on the canopy's C-pillar are "winglets" ala Ferrari's 2008 Formula 1 racecar. The exotic's trunklid hosts a wraparound duckfin spoiler, while the rear gets a complete overhaul with huge diffuser and bumper integrated dual exhaust.

The 621-horsepower Bentley Continental Supersports is fast. In fact, it's the fastest Bentley in history. Engineering boss Ulrich Eichhorn claims the Supersports will sprint from 0-to-60 mph in 3.7 seconds, nail 100 mph in 8.9 seconds, and hit 204 mph. Eichhorn also says it is -- shock! -- a lightweight Bentley. Then he pauses and, with a twinkle in his eye, adds, "but it still weighs 4800 pounds"
Then there's this: The Continental Supersports will deliver that staggering performance running on the same E85 ethanol/gasoline mix you pump into a flex-fuel Chevy SUV. That's right, the fastest Bentley ever is also the first bio-fuel Bentley. So it's a tree-hugger's supercar? Well, that depends on how you track the carbon-dioxide molecules (see sidebar), although Eichhorn points out the Supersports is also 95 percent recyclable. "Not that this happens with a Bentley," he grins. "Most of our cars typically end up in museums, not landfills."

We've been waiting nearly seven months for the ultra-exclusive Aston Martin One-77 luxury supercar finally to be introduced to the world. If you haven't already put in your down payment and have a spare $1.43 million lying round, now may be the time.
Aston Martin is billing the One-77 -- which is being revealed at the 2009 Geneva show after several teases -- as the ultimate expression of its automotive know-how, with performance potential that eclipses any other Aston ever made. For a rumored 1.02 million pounds ($1.43 million at current exchange rates), we certainly hope so. Aston promises us the car will be rolling artwork as well as an incredible performance machine.
To make it so, the folks at Aston shipped their 6.0L V-12 motor off to famed engine-builder Cosworth for an upgrade. What they got back was a 7.3L V-12 monster that reportedly will make more than 700 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque in its final tune. As if that weren't enough, Cosworth reduced the mass of the engine by 25% and fitted it with a dry-sump oiling system that will allow Aston to mount it almost 4.0 in. lower in the car than any other V-12 has ever been mounted in an Aston. In addition to reducing the engine's weight and lowering its mounting point, Aston also pushed it back over 10 in. behind the front wheel centerline for better front-to-rear weight balance.

The Aston Martin Lagonda Concept is a daring move for the purveyor of high end exotic supercars, although understandable from a practical standpoint. Like Porsche with the Cayenne, Lagonda will allow the automaker access to a different market segment.
Aston says Lagonda will serve as a platform for advanced powertrain technologies, including diesel and hybrid systems and flexfuel options. As with other high end luxury automakers, the brand is keen on reducing its carbon footprint, and Lagonda will apparently serve as the vanguard for its overall efforts to reduce the emissions of its vehicles.
Very little is known so far about the concept vehicle pictured, other than it is an all-wheel-drive four seat vehicle, and as one would expect, Aston promises it will combine 'exceptional ability with unsurpassed elegance, inside and out.'

Here’s a car that's the Essence of style! Say hello to Infiniti’s show stealing concept car. The Essence is two-seater super coupe that has been designed to mark the luxury brand’s 20th birthday.
Measuring 4.6 metres long and with gigantic 22-inch alloy wheels it has real presence. And if you like it there’s good news, because the sleek coupe previews the look of future Infiniti models.
It also hints at the technology that will underpin a future hybrid model. Bosses have already confirmed that Infiniti will have a hybrid vehicle by 2010, and it will use a development of the system used in the Essence.
At its heart is a twin-turbo 3.7-litre V6 petrol unit which works in parallel with an electric motor to provide zero emission running in the city and a much as 592bhp on the open road.
In other Infiniti news, work has already started on the marque's first UK dealership. The Infiniti Centre in Reading, Berkshire, will open in September, followed by a site in Central London. In all, Nissan's luxury arm is planning to have 13 outlets within the next two years. Infiniti's four-strong line-up has a price range of £30,000-£55,000 and the firm aims to beat luxury brands such as Lexus for its customer service. For more details click here.

Volkswagen took the cover off its fifth generation Polo at the Geneva Motor Show. Although the new compact is larger and more powerful than its predecessor, the Polo weighs 7.5% less, offers strong fuel economy, and even lower emissions.
The new styling bears a strong resemblance to the striking Scirocco and sixth-generation Golf. The design team at VW has stretched the track to 57.6-in. front and 57.3-in. rear to give a wider stance. The Polo also grows in length by 1.4-in. and in width by 1.2-in., but drops in height by 0.5-in. These changes have increased head, shoulder and legroom as a result, but at an undisclosed amount. The interior also receives white backlit dials and aluminum highlights. Customers can opt for an air conditioned glove box, MP3 capability and a touchscreen satellite navigation system.
New to the Polo lineup are a 105-hp 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and a 1.6-liter BlueMotion diesel engine, the latter supplanting the 1.4-liter TDI. Volkswagen claims the new 90-hp diesel will return 74 mpg UK (62 mpg) combined and emit 96 g/km of CO2. Even further, VW will unveil its second generation of BlueMotion diesels in 2010, which will raise the mileage envelope even further through automatic stop-start systems and regenerative braking. All engine options come equipped with five- or six-speed manual transmissions, with an optional seven-speed dual-clutch transmission available on the 80-hp 1.4-liter engine.
Production of the new Polo begins this summer and customers can expect to receive theirs by October. We're likely to see the refreshed Polo cross the pond in the not-too-distant future.

Chevy's well-received Beat minicar concept is coming to life in the form of the five-door Chevrolet Spark, a new small car from GM.
The production Spark is reportedly 143.3 in. long and has a 93.5-in wheelbase (the Mini has a 97.1 in. wheelbase). When the Spark goes on sale in Europe, it will come with either a 1.0 or 1.2L 16-valve four-cylinder DOHC gasoline engine on board.
The wedge-like look of the Spark features Chevy's two-tier grille setup and strongly-creased wheel arches that can house up to 15-in. rims. The Spark's rear door handles are integrated into the upper part of the door in an effort to preserve the vehicle's rear-flank lines. Out back, there's an integrated tailgate spoiler and a new take on Chevrolet's trademark round taillight setup.
Despite its compact size, GM insists the Spark will have a spacious cabin with interior noise levels on par with larger vehicles. The cabin is highlighted by the Spark's motorcycle-themed, steering wheel mounted instrument cluster and dual cockpit layout.
Spark is expected to arrive in European dealerships early 2010, followed by other regions including the U.S. reportedly sometime in 2011. Expect a bigger engine for the U.S. market Spark, most likely GM's 1.4L four cylinder engine.

It will be difficult to find a way to beat Bugatti's claim that its new Centenaire is the "ultimate limited edition," in the words of CEO Franz-Josef Paefgen. That's because the automaker plans to produce a grand total of just one of them.
Bugatti, the top-line division of the Volkswagen Group, was decidedly tight-lipped with the details when it came time to reveal the one-off during a day-early preview of VW's various Geneva Motor Show offerings. But from internal documents that have leaked out, recently, it appears likely that Centenaire will outperform the "base" Veyron's 0 to 62.5 mph (0-100 kmh) times of 2.5 seconds, perhaps by another tenth of a second. Meanwhile top speed is expected to jump noticeably from the current 253.8 mph (408.9 kmh), perhaps nudging the 265 mph mark. Another significant data point? Expect the Centenaire's brakes to deliver the car to a complete rest from 62 mph in just 2.2 seconds. Official details will be released on Tuesday morning.
As for the name, it signifies the fact that the legendary brand's exalted founder, Ettore Bugatti opened his company 100 years ago.

The Audi A4 Allroad Quattro is the vehicle for the true wagon aficionado, an A4 Avant taken to a higher level of refinement and character. Seeing as Americans and wagons usually go together like oil and water, we won't be getting the Allroad option here, which will start at 37,100 euros ($47,726) when it hits European markets this summer.
Of course, the Allroad Quattro starts off life as an A4 Avant, but befitting the Allroad's special status new exterior trim has been added including updated front and rear bumpers, grille and air inlets, fog light surrounds, wheel well and sill trim, and a stainless steel underbody plate. Other external touches include special 17-in. (18-in. are optional) wheels, a roof rail system and sills with available stainless steel inserts
Engine options are three of Audi's best: the 211-hp 2.0L TFSI engine (0-62 in approx. 6.9 sec), the 2.0L TDI and the 3.0 TDI, which boasts more than a 33 mpg average in the European cycle and is capable of 147 mph. The 2.0L TDI is mated to a six-speed manual, while the other engines get Audi's S tronic dual-clutch transmission. And of course, Audi's quattro is standard.

Although no information has been released as of yet, Ferrari's all-new 599XX is causing quite a stir on the Web ahead of the Geneva Motor Show. Judging by the pictures -- and as you probably have already guessed -- its one mean Prancing Horse from the same bloodline responsible for the ultimate Ferrari test vehicle, the Enzo FXX.

Carbon fiber appears to adorn every inch of the 599XX supercar, starting at the adjustable splitter attached to a lower, aggressive front nose. The composite undertray continues the length of the car and is bolstered by thicker side skirts directing passing air to its rear carbon ceramic brakes. Speaking of brakes, those on the 599XX look to be enshrouded by a carbon fiber shielding donning yet unreadable script. Why the brakes are covered like this is a mystery to us, as optimal cooling is essential to the system's function. Likely 19-in. forged one-piece centerlock wheels sit snugly in front of the extra-large binders.

Slimmer racing mirrors match the matte black theme on the roof portion of 599XX. In place of regular Maranello glass, racing-style windows have been installed for increased safety and weight reduction. Also on the canopy's C-pillar are "winglets" ala Ferrari's 2008 Formula 1 racecar. The exotic's trunklid hosts a wraparound duckfin spoiler, while the rear gets a complete overhaul with huge diffuser and bumper integrated dual exhaust.Expect more details to coming in the coming days.

These are the first official images of the Skoda Yeti, the Czech manufacturer's compact SUV and a likely rival for the Ford Kuga.
The Yeti is a 4.2m-long five-door hatchback that's based on a unique mix of VW Group four-wheel drive hardware and chassis parts from the Fabia and Octavia. Skoda's designers have stuck reasonably close to the original concept's looks, and the chunky styling is helped by 17in alloys.

Five engines will be offered: two petrols and three diesels. The entry-level unit is a turbocharged 1.2-litre TSI unit with 103bhp; it's available with front-wheel drive only. The four-wheel-drive petrol model uses a 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 158bhp.
The three diesel options are all common-rail units; the base 109bhp unit is available with two-wheel drive only, while the two more potent motors (138bhp and 168bhp) come with four-wheel drive.

Skoda is also claiming considerable levels of practicality; the Yeti offers 1760 litres of boot space with its rear seats folded down, and features a luggage cover and a cargo net.
No prices or trim levels have been released for the Yeti, but the car is due on sale in the UK in September.

Thanks to: Autocar