More speed for one life!!!

Car Awards 2010

2011-02-02T17:16:00.007+02:00

Last week at the Paris took place the International Automobile Festival. Here was awarded the prize for the most beautiful car of the year 2010. Candidates for this position were: VOLVO V60, INFINITI M37, MINI COUNTRYMAN, RENAULT WIND, HONDA CR-Z Hybrid, CITROËN DS4, BMW SERIE 5.

The car which won and which will be called the most beautiful car is CITROËN DS4.
It won due to its design. The DS signature (muscular and compact) and also the red led which surounds the fog lights secured it the first place.
The ranking was continued by : BMW, HONDA and RENAULT, the other being eliminated from the competition.
The International Automobile Festival also gave "The Grand Prizes" (below you can see the category and the winner):
THE GRAND PRIZE FOR THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CONCEPT CAR OF THE YEAR:
JAGUAR C-X75
THE GRAND PRIZE FOR THE MOST BEAUTIFUL INTERIOR OF THE YEAR
CITROËN DS4

THE GRAND PRIZE FOR THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BOOK OF THE YEAR

Gotha de l'Automobile Française - E-T-A-I - Laurent Friry et Claude Rouxel

THE GRAND PRIZE FOR THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PHOTO OF THE YEAR

Nasser Al Attiyah marchand de sable, Dakar séries 2010 - Eric Vargiolu - Agence DPPI
THE DESIGN GRAND PRIZE
BERTONE Design - Italie
THE ENVIRONMENT GRAND PRIZE
BMW - Programme Efficient Dynamics
THE ART GRAND PRIZE

Art Car : BMW M3 GT2 - Jeff Koons

THE FESTIVAL GRAND PRIZE

MERCEDES-BENZ CLS
THE SPECIAL GRAND PRIZE OF THE JURY

Adrien Maeght
THE PALME D'OR

Red Bull Racing - Sebastian Vettel - Adrian Newey - Dieter Mateschitz

THE GRAND PRIZE FOR THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ADVERTISING FILM OF THE YEAR

Mercedes - The best or Nothing- Jung von Matt/Alster, Hambourg - International

XL1 Volkswagen Concept, a hybrid with a consumption of 0.9 litres/100 km

2011-02-01T11:25:00.002+02:00

Volkswagen introduced the Auto Show in Qatar XL1 concept, a prototype able to travel 100 km on only 0.9 liters of fuel and CO2 emissions of just 24g/km. The world's most efficient and carmaker says, is a concrete step towards launching a car with a consumption of less than one liter of fuel per km.

VW XL1 measuring 3.88 m long, 1.66 m wide and has a height of 1.15 m. The model is built on a carbon fiber structure, the same material being used in developing other parts of the body, leading to Weighing only 795 kg.

The concept is powered by a hybrid system consisting of a 800 cc turbo diesel with an output of 48 hp and 120 Nm of torque and an electric motor capable of delivering 27 hp and 100 Nm of torque.

XL1 has a dual-clutch transmission with DGS and seven reports and can travel 35 km only electric propulsion. Lithium-ion batteries can be recharged from a normal outlet. In addition, the energy lost from braking is recovered and stored for "power" electric drive.

The prototype has a maximum speed of 160 km / h and sprint from 0-100 km / h is achieved in 11.9 seconds. The autonomy offered by the hybrid system is about 550 km with a full 10 gallons of fuel and total battery charged.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage S launched at Geneva

2011-01-31T12:13:00.002+02:00

Aston Martin will present at the Geneva Motor Show a sportier version of the V8 Vantage, the flagship that benefit from a drivetrain improved and more power.

The aesthetic is inspired at V12 Vantage is powered by 4.7 liter V8 engine that now offers 430 hp with 10 extra horses. The engine provides a torque of 490 Nm, 20 Nm in addition to the standard version.

New transmission unit is coupled to the robotic SPORTSHIFT seven reports, which is lighter by 24 kg compared to old automatic gearbox. In addition, gear shifting is faster by 20%. S V8 Vantage has a weight of 1,600 kg, 30 kg less than the standard.

New supercar benefiting from springs and dampers, larger brake discs and six-piston calipers. System Stability Control (DSC) has been specially modified to Vantage S. In addition, the Sport has a function that changes the sound of the eviction, how to change gear and optimize throttle response.

It looks like Aston Martin V8 Vantage S will cost more than 15,000 euros compared to the standard model.

VIDEO:Totally crazy!!!Pagani Huayra has 700 HP!!!

2011-01-30T18:00:00.006+02:00

Pagani, one of the most exclusive car manufacturers in the world,surpassing including Ferrari, will present the Geneva Motor ShowHuayra new, super-sports model designed to overcome the Zonda,the current model of the Italian brand.

The new model features a 700 horsepower V12 enginemanufactured by AMG - Mercedes-Benz official tuner,supercharged by two turbochargers.
The engine is mated to a seven-speed semi-automatic clutch - isshifting with lever or shift paddles on the steering wheel, but at thatmoment you must press the clutch - the solution has been adoptedto reduce vehicle weight by almost 70 kg versus a fully automatic.Thus, the weight comes Huayra odes to 1,350 kg weight machines"normal" in a meeting at the compact class and VW Golf. These"performances" were achieved while the chassis is made oftitanium and carbon and designed by MHG evacuation weighs only 10 kg.

About the price of the car does not know anything, but most likely it will be somewhere around 700 to 800,000 euros at least.

Pagani Huayra has 700 horsepower, get 370km / h and is the mostpowerful car appeared in 2011, ready to turn all eyes on the roads inthe world.

Hyunday at the Detroit auto show

2011-01-30T15:42:00.006+02:00

Hyundai brought at the Detroit auto show their new crossover Hyundai Curb. The car appears to be inspired by the Range Rover Evoque. It might compete with the new Juke from Nissan. Curb's price will probably be around $15.000- $20.000, while Juke's price is $19.000 .
Inside is a touch-screen , which even if it might be a little troublesome, it looks pretty well. The design is funky which compensates all the defects.
Cars.com gives it a 50/50 chance to be mass-produced, and even if that would happen, it will be in 2013-2014.
Below you can see for yourself the differences between Nissan Juke and Hyundai Curb.

Honda Accord facelift comes to Geneva

2011-01-30T11:27:00.003+02:00

Honda will launch at the Geneva Motor Show the Accord, which has undergone a facelift to make minor changes to the inside forextra comfort, and reduced consumption.

The current generation, placed on sale in 2008, received a newgrille with chrome accents, lights have been refreshed and benefitfrom bi-xenon headlamps with Active Cornering Lights technology.

Also, have added new shades of the body: Alabaster Silver,Graphite and Celestial Blue Pearl Lustre. The cabin comes withnew materials for the seats and door panels. Major changes arereserved only for Type-S version, which gets mixed upholstery:leather, fabric, metal inserts the hand brake.

Honda Accord facelift is powered by the same i-DTEC diesel engine that develops 150 hp and 350 Nm of torque, but now issubject to Euro 5 pollution standards. After having undergonechanges to the SRB, CO2 emissions fell by 9 g / km, incombination with manual transmission, and 11 g / km for theautomatic transmission variant.

Onset of the European markets will be held starting April this year.

Happy Birthday Mercedes Benz!

2011-01-29T18:20:00.002+02:00

Today Mercedes celebrates 125 years since they have created their first car.
On January 29th 1886 Carl Benz showed to the world his new three wheel car. Thus Benz was the creator of the modern world because he was the first car manufacturer creating Benz & Co.. Rheinische-Fabrik Gasmotoren. It merged with Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft and created Daimler-Benz AG. leading car market for a long time, still being in the charts.

History of Mercedes-Benz design:
1886: Mercedes is creating their first car. A three wheel car inspired from the design of bikes.
1901: Appears Mercedes 35 hp, considered the first car of modern age and also becoming the new model for this brand.
1909: Is created the first aerodynamic car called Lightning Benz.
1934: The new Mercedes 500k designed by Hermann Ahrens
1936: Mercedes 540k, which becomes dreamcar of the 30's
1954: Appears 300SL with gullwing, the sports car period
1959: Are created 220; 220S and 220 SL limos, having new safety elements
1963: Is launched the new 230 SL
1982: Appear mercedes 190 and 190 E
1995: The new E-Class is the first car which has four lights
1996-1997: Appear new models like SLK, CLK, A-Class and M-Class
2007: C-Class is the first limo with two diferent models: ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE
2010: Mercedes shows a prototipe of the limo of tomorrow F800 Style

Porsche launches new 911 "special" Black Edition

2011-01-28T12:06:00.013+02:00

As the name suggests, the new Porsche Carrera 911 Black Edition is basically a Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe and Cabriolet finished in, you guessed it!, Black. Prospective Customers CAN choose the black color or black metallic exterior, walk hand thos Who version with no roof and WAS forced to Settle with the black soft top. And if that's not enough, the 911 Turbo II calipers painted and we're on 19 inch wheels so as to continue the theme imposed by the German manufacturer (Thank God, Will finally get aluminum Accents). Once inside, Same Passengers Will embrace the dark theme, Combined with a series of special touches: Logos specific, single-board clocks, three-spoke sport steering wheel, center console and Sills finished in bespoke exterior color. Just as with the standard model for eight year prospective Customers CAN dressed interior (Almost) Completely in leather - black leather, of course.Moreover, the standard equipment list now includes, Among Others, navigation system, Bose audio system with 13 speakers plus (12 speakers if Cabriolet version). Under the hood, Porsche 911 Carrera Black Edition retains the Same 3.6-liter engine and 345 horsepower, Which Can be Combined with a six-speed manual gearbox or optionally, with transimia PDK seven-speed dual-clutch. Available in April 2011 Will arrive at new special edition of Starting price of 85,538 euros (coupe) and 96,843 euros (Cabriolet).

Fiat 500 fuel economy rated near 40 mpg

2011-01-28T12:01:00.003+02:00

With an EPA rating of 38 mpg on the highway, the 2012 Fiat 500 will rank near the top of the non-hybrid small car mpg standings, though it falls short of the 40 mpg milestone.

The 500 will get its best gas mileage equipped with a five-speed manual transmission: 38 mpg highway, 30 mpg city and 33 mpg combined.

Such mileage figures put the 500 in a league with vehicles like the Toyota Yaris, Mini, Hyundai Elantra, Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit in an increasingly crowded small-car field. Fiat expects the majority of 500s will be sold with a six-speed automatic transmission, rated at 34 mpg highway, 27 in the city and 30 combined.

Production began on manual transmission versions in early January at a factory in Toluca, Mexico. Production of the automatic version commenced Jan. 24. Some of the 130 designated Fiat dealers are beginning to receive versions of the car for marketing purposes and to show to customers. The car will start arriving in larger volumes in March.

About 40-50 of the 130 dealerships will be open by the end of March, said Laura Soave, head of Fiat North America in an interview at the media launch here. The remainder are completing work on their facilities and should be open by year-end, she said.

The 500, known to Italians as the Cinquecento, comes in three models: the entry level Pop at $15,995; a Sport version at $17,995, and the Lounge, starting at $19,995, including destination. Fiat officials expect the Sport model to be the biggest seller.

The automatic gearbox was one of several major additions Fiat made to its European-designed car to make it more saleable to American consumers.

The North American car is quieter and rides more softly than its European counterpart. The added quietness is due to extra sound insulation in the body structure and powertrain, including a large plastic engine cover the European model doesn't have.

The ride quality gets a boost from a new, beefed up rear axle, which is 300 percent stiffer than the European model, allowing the springs more travel, according to Fabio Di Muro, chief engineer for the car.

The biggest difference between the North American model and its European counterpart is the 1.4-liter FIRE engine is equipped with Fiat's Multiair system. Fiat claims the system, which regulates the intake valves for best fuel economy and horsepower under most conditions, improves fuel economy and power by 10 percent over the same engine without Multiair.

The U.S. engine, built at Chrysler's Dundee, Mich. factory, cranks out 101 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 98 lb. ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm.

The 500 comes with a four-year, 50,000-mile warranty.

Read more:Link

Lambo Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce Stomps Into Geneva

2009-03-26T21:50:00.002+02:00

The Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce charges into Switzerland, bringing all of 670 hp in a lightened chassis to the Geneva Motor Show. A power-to-weight ratio of 5.1 lbs. per hp and all-wheel drive mean a 0-60 mph sprint in just 3.2 seconds on the way to a top speed of 212 mph.

The LP 670-4 is being produced in an exclusive run of just 350 vehicles, and they say that "distinctive design refinements" will proudly shout this exotic's abilities to the world.

A new front and rear grace the vehicle, as do an "innovative engine bonnnet" and a choice of rear spoilers both big and small. Carbon fiber and Alcantara inside match the exterior's bespoke design.

Reductions in weight were achieved by an extensive re-working of chassis, engine, transmission, and interior. And the 30 hp gain in the engine room was achieved by altering the valve timing and bettering the engine's breathing through the intake system.

President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini Stephan Winkelmann proudly calls the new Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce "more extreme and uncompromising than virtually any other automobile" and promises that the small collection of potential owners should enjoy a driving experience nonpareil.

This article is one of the last of Geneva Auto Show.

Opel Ampera preview

2009-03-25T21:45:00.000+02:00

Based on the Voltec powertrain and chassis architecture of Chevrolet's Volt, the Ampera promises to surpass that car in terms of style by some margin. The body appears to be nearly identical between the A- and C-pillars, but the deformed horseshoe-shaped headlamp design and two-bar grille come straight from the 2007 Flextreme concept, as do the car's tree-branch alloy wheels. Sadly, the Ampera prototype will feature a conventional rear hatch rather than the Flextreme's novel two-piece gullwing design

MITSUBISHI I MIEV SPORT AIR

2009-03-24T20:19:00.000+02:00

Using the same nomenclature as the Saab 9X 'Air', the new car is an open top variant of the i MiEV Sport design study first unveiled at the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show.

Like its hardtop counterpart, the two-door concept has a bold, wheels-at-each-corner stance and accentuated fenders, while chiseled body lines guide airflow to cool the rear-mounted electric motor. Above the cabin, a 'clear cutaway' roof (with integrated solar panels) is said to enable the driver to 'enjoy the exhilaration of fresh-air motoring while also highlighting its eco-friendly qualities', according to the Japanese automaker.

Claimed to emphasize exhilarating driving pleasure by providing a balance between environmental and dynamic performance, the car has a lithium-ion battery pack mounted in the floor for a lower center of gravity. It measures 3450mm long and has a 2550mm-long wheelbase.

ROLLS-ROYCE 200EX

2009-03-23T20:18:00.002+02:00

This is the new Rolls-Royce saloon, a car referred to internally as ‘RR4’, and one that will see production in 2010. It will be at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.

The 5.4m-long four-door is likely to utilise the latest BMW 7 Series platform and will be powered by what the company describes as a ‘new V12’. The innovative forward-opening rear doors of the Phantom are carried over to the smaller (by 435mm in length, although only a touch narrower) car.

Rolls-Royce has traditionally used the ‘EX’ suffix to signify experimental models. Since its incorporation into the BMW empire, the now Goodwood-based company has launched EX models at shows that were, in effect, production-ready advanced prototypes. 100EX debuted at Geneva in 2004 and was then officially launched in Detroit in January 2007 as the Phantom Drophead Coupé.

Like all Goodwood Rolls, it does look impressive. The famous radiator has become less ‘Parthenon’ and is now seamlessly morphed into the bonnet and front of the car. 200EX will carry a silver satin finish applied to the bonnet and A-pillar, similar to the brushed aluminium of the Coupé and Drophead Coupé. The paint on this experimental model is Darkest Tungsten – a classic colour that contrasts nicely with not only the satin silver bonnet, but also the natural grain Crème Light leather interior. Cornsilk carpets complete the luxurious effect.

One of the best aspects of the car is the rear. If you tend to consider Rolls-Royce as a manufacturer of luxurious, superbly appointed and finished limousines - you may have to reconsider. Like the two-door Phantoms, the 200EX has a sporting intent and looks aggressive, with broad haunches covering 285/40 R 20in rear wheels and tyres.

The dashboard is clear and simple, with the trademark thin-rimmed steering wheel. The cabin will be airy for the occupants yet, as in the Phantom, allowing a degree of privacy not found in similar cars.

No price has been mentioned, but most commentators would estimate a UK price of in the region of £170,000 – 180,000.

The Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4 “Pur Sang” Edition

2009-03-21T20:46:00.005+02:00

Visitors to the Atelier in Molsheim are always intrigued to see the Bugatti Veyron's high-tech components being meticulously assembled into an automotive work of art. Watching the car coming together, coupled with an admiration for the technical beauty of its structure, gave the designers the idea of finishing the car in its pure material configuration - meaning no color coating. The result is the EB 16.4. Veyron "Pur Sang", a two-tone study of pure materialness showing the car's true essentials: carbon and aluminum.

The carbon monocoque holds the engine plus the passenger cell, while the polished aluminum panelling is enhanced by reflections in the sculpted bodywork. Interestingly, the rawness of the materials even more strongly highlights the dual character of this car: performance power coupled with cruising comfort, structure and body, dark and light.

A closer look at the details reveals the technical logic behind this stylistic appearance. The sophisticated monocoque contains all the core structural components, including the W16 engine, the passenger cell, the crash box and the linkages to the wheels. It is this purpose-driven fundament that is visible as the center of the car in clear-coated carbon fiber.

Equally consistent is the use of the aluminum paneling. This lends shape and a unique body sculpture to the car, covering the wheels in a muscular and powerful expression by way of elaborately shaped fenders. Highly polished, these perfectly tensioned shapes strongly visualize the fascinating surface reflections that define every Veyron.

The balanced graphic appearance is also visible when looking down onto the car from above. These qualities take on a distinct appearance - almost like that found in a Mondrian painting. As its pur sang label suggests, this individualized customer car shares the same kind of DNA as that of classic cars from the Bugatti past: the "Atalante", the Type 55, the Type 41 "Royal" all had an unmistakable and characteristic graphic signature. It is this precise division of performance components and body paneling - in this form - that makes the EB 16.4. Veyron "Pur Sang" unique in the supercar world.

Ferrari Reveals 599X Concept Details At Geneva Motor Show

2009-03-20T19:09:00.000+02:00

The engine uses carbon fiber pieces in the intake system and pieces like a lighter crankshaft to reduce the volume of material used for engine manufacturing. As well, combustion chambers and airflow systems have been redesigned to increase redline to 9,000 rpm. And also like the Aston, power levels are quoted at 700 hp or thereabouts.

"High Performance Dynamic Concept" is a newly-designed electronics suite meant to wring max performance from the 599X concept's chassis by "managing the combination of the car's mechanical limits with the potential of its electronic controls." It comes into effect on the track to achieve best possible lap times. Increasing mechanical limits is a new suspension dubbed SCM and custom tires. And F1-style "doughnuts" provide extra brake cooling as well as improving aerodynamics.

Extra downforce, engine bay heat vents moved to the front of the car, and underbody fairings covering the front underside fully improve aerodynamics across the board. An "Actiflow" system increases downforce as well as cutting drag by using a novel porous surface for spoilers and the diffuser.

Zagato Perana Z-One

2009-03-19T19:06:00.001+02:00

Though the coachbuilder has not provided much information on the two-seat concept, the gaping oval grille and large air intakes above the sill and below the shoulderline indicate the car is powered by a large front-mounted conventional powerplant. Large vertical headlamps flank the hood, which features still more mesh-covered air outlets for dissipating heat. In profile, the concave fender morphs through the door to become a pronounced rear haunch. The grille's shape is also repeated at the rear on a broader scale, as is the headlamp design, with smaller circular lamps encased within the taillamp housing. The concept's double bubble roof, flowing from the steeply raked windscreen through to the backlight, is also a definitive Zagato design element.

We'll bring you additional details once we see the Perana Z-One in the metal at the Geneva Motor Show next week.

Citroen DS Inside

2009-03-17T21:00:00.001+02:00

The DS Inside is the preview of the forthcoming DS3 model likely to be revealed at Frankfurt Show in September, a Mini Clubman-sized two-door wagon, based on the C3/Peugeot 207 platform.

Two versions have been produced: the ‘alluring' version released in the original press images with dark brown bodywork and a metal-flecked roof and a second ‘dandy elegance' version seen here at the show with deep grey color and contrasting bright pink roof and rearview mirror housings.

Although it's called DS Inside, the interior was the one part of the car that was not available for viewing, Citroën preferring to keep that part of the story for the later production launch. However we can confirm that the DS Inside model was fully production-ready, complete with pressed panels, wipers and glass seals, so there will only be detail changes for the DS3. In addition, viewing the car wasn't easy, as it was presented in a darkened room behind the main booth, with low levels of colored lighting that made photographing the dark grey car very difficult.

Seen from the side, the most notable feature is the way the shoulderline is terminated behind the door and turns up into the kicked-up B-pillar treatment, meant to resemble a shark's fin. At the front, the vertical gills on either side of the big chrome trapezoid grille continue this shark theme of the design. Overall, the new DS Line is a promising development and we look forward to seeing the finished result later this year.

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

2009-03-16T19:59:00.007+02:00

The marriage between Mercedes-Benz and McLaren has been something of a disappointment. Their co-created product, the SLR McLaren, has never met sales expectations, and its marketers have resorted to increasingly gimmicky special models in order to reach their contractually obligated goal of 4000 total units. There's been the convertible, the 722 edition, and most recently the totally topless, essentially windshield-less, and all but pointless SLR Stirling Moss, which is the final special edition before SLR production shuts down forever later this spring.

With the SLS, AMG for the first time ever is responsible for the development of an entire vehicle, and the new Gullwing is an ambitious, ground-up effort. The car uses an aluminum body draped over an aluminum spaceframe chassis, which is a first for Mercedes-Benz. The extensive use of lightweight metal helps it reach a target curb weight of 3571 pounds. And, of course, the two-seater will use the characteristic gullwing doors, made famous by the Mercedes 300SL more than fifty years ago.

Infiniti Essence concept

2009-03-16T19:26:00.002+02:00

The fruit of a global individual competition, the design was initially penned by designer Aroba Giovanni while at NDA in San Diego California, who has since moved to work at Nissan Design in Tokyo where the concept was refined and developed. Speaking to CDN, product chief designer Mamoru Aoki told us how the concept was inspired by big waves and Japanese brush strokes. "The idea comes from the power of nature," Aoki said, calling the design theme of the complex surfacing "comfortable complexity."

Powerful front fenders lead into the strong, slightly curved body side, which features a pronounced beltline ledge that contours the DLO. When seen in profile, this horizontal element and deep concave undercut bridges the voluptuous surfacing of the body side, emphasizing the front fenders and pronounced rear haunch..

The two-tone interior, created by two designers at Nissan's Japanese studio and a designer at NDE in London, is divided into two very distinct parts: a dark-grey driver-oriented cockpit and the burgundy-colored passenger area.

With its expressive and avant-garde design, the concept certainly pushes the design envelope, yet still manages to be refined and elegant. And its complex convex and concave surfacing, though polarizing, has already been widely accepted by BMW buyers.

Alfa MiTo GTA Concept at Geneva: Small Car, Big Performance

2009-03-16T19:26:00.001+02:00

The MiTo GTA Concept relies largely on weight reduction to produce the best possible power-to-weight ratio – which is all in the best traditions of ‘GTA’, or ‘Gran Turismo Alleggerito’ branding (alleggerito is Italian for lightened).

There’s also been much work done to lower the car’s centre of gravity. Hence the tailgate spoiler, as well as the roof and mirror fairings, are in carbonfibre, while aluminium is used extensively in the braking system, suspension and some parts of the chassis.

Under the bonnet, the compact new petrol engine exploits Alfa’s experience in developing its Twin Spark and V6 road and race engines, with direct injection, dual variable valve timing, state-of-the-art turbocharging and advanced electronic management systems. The combined effect of these technologies is a highly impressive 240bhp from just 1742cc. In this way, Alfa is following the current trend towards high power and efficiency from a smaller, lighter power unit.

The MiTo GTA Concept is 20mm lower than the standard MiTo, with new geometry for the front suspension, while the revised chassis has an ‘active’ suspension system to counteract weight transfer under acceleration, stiffening the rear and maximising traction. Meanwhile, a ‘Sky-Hook’ function aims to give high levels of passenger comfort, despite the sporting aspirations of this desirable Italian hot-hatch.

About Suzuki XL7

2009-03-15T14:55:00.001+02:00

The XL7 has a 252 hp V6 3.6-liter, double overhead camshaft, 4-valve-per-cylinder powerhouse of an engine. And with 243 lb.-ft. of torque, new 6-speed automatic transmission with manumatic shift mode, Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), Traction Control System and available electronically controlled full-time AWD, you have the power and traction you need, when you need it—for towing to the lake in the summer and getting up the mountain to the ski resort in the winter.

As the winner of the AutoPacific 2008 "Best in Class Vehicle Satisfaction in the Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV category," the XL7 excelled. With power and acceleration, braking, handling, traction in all weather conditions and safety features among the highest of many breakthrough scores the XL7 received, owners also gave the vehicle top marks for being fun to drive

With an improved EPA-estimated mpg of up to 17 mpg city and 24 highway, the 2009 XL7 is one of the most efficient SUVs around, but still is equipped with all the creature comforts you desire—and have earned.

Citroën DS Inside concept

2009-03-15T14:31:00.001+02:00

The announcement of the much-lauded nameplate's revival is also joined by a new three-dimensional logo design and an invigorated development plan, which marks the company's 90th Anniversary and the birth date of its founder, Andre Citroën.

The French automaker's new product line takes inspiration from its historic design DNA to strengthen its positioning. Called the DS3, DS4 and DS5, the three new cars will occupy the small, medium and large car segments and be launched successively from 2010. The Inside concept (pictured), which will make its debut at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show, will likely spawn the upcoming smaller derivation, the DS3.

Aiming to satisfy the needs of customers who are seeking fundamental mobility, prestige, thrills and refinement, Citroën wants to broaden its product portfolio to appeal to those looking to downsize but who still desire intelligent and appealing products. The company claims the 'accessible objects of desire' will stand apart through their creativity, intelligent design and build quality, embodying the 'different spirit' of their ancestor.

Aston Martin DBS Volante

2009-03-15T14:28:00.002+02:00

The new DBS Volante is Aston Martin’s 16th convertible in the company’s long history and is a 2+2 with the occasional rear seats intended for young people or extra luggage. Although the DBS was originally conceived as a two-seater sports GT, Aston Martin states that a possible Volante version was always in mind.

The all-alloy 6.0-litre V12 engine produces 510bhp and 570Nm (420lb ft) of torque, giving a top speed of 191mph and 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds. In standard form, the DBS has a rear-mounted six-speed manual gearbox, while an automatic six-speed ‘Touchtronic’ option is also available. As with the coupé, the Volante is offered with carbon ceramic brakes as standard, providing exceptional stopping power. The bonnet, front wings and boot lid are made from carbonfibre materials derived from the motorsport and aerospace industries.

The DBS Volante will be built at Aston Martin’s headquarters at Gaydon, Warwickshire, with the first customer deliveries expected to start in the third quarter of this year. Prices will be announced at the Geneva Auto Salon.

Kia cee'd Hybrid in Geneva: 49 mpg, 77 Lb-ft From Electric Motor

2009-03-14T11:54:00.000+02:00

The cee'd Hybrid makes use of Kia's Gamma 1.6-liter four paired with a 15 kW AC electric motor, a CVT transmission, and Kia's new engine stop/start system (ISG - Idle Stop & Go). Torque for the electric motor is a stout 77 lb-ft, presumably giving the cee'd Hybrid some ultra-efficient electric only acceleration and cruising capability.

Acceleration to 62 mph is a leisurely 11.8 seconds; top speed is approximately 115 mph. Mileage improves by 25 percent over the standard 1.6-liter gasoline cee'd, rising to approximately 49 mpg.

Frazer-Nash Namir by Giugiaro concept

2009-03-14T11:53:00.001+02:00

Technically it's interesting, featuring a hybrid electric drivetrain comprising an 814cc rear transverse rotary petrol engine coupled with electric motors installed on the front and rear suspensions - developing an overall power of 362bhp - yet has very low emissions of 60g/km of CO2.

From a design perspective it's less impressive, although it's still a striking Italian supercar. A diamond theme dictates the design from all points of view, drawing its inspiration from the historic logo of the Frazer-Nash name. Seen in plan view or side view it works OK, but it's a fairly contrived approach for an all-new brand and the over-use of graphics to define the design leads to a number of functional shortcomings. The diamond-shaped air intakes on the bodyside can be seen as a graphical extension of the pronounced V-shape to the top and base of the screen. However, visibility from the driver's seat is very limited, while the lean-forward B-pillar severely restricts entry, though the little triangular extensions from the doors into the roof seem to be an attempt to redress this.

The interior features brown Alcantara and leather, with baseball stitching used on the seat sides, plus herringbone tweed cloth used on the lower dashboard. Three touch screen monitors are installed behind the hexagonal single spoke steering wheel.

In summary, the Namir disappoints and appears as a collection of old-school Lamborghini ideas: the basic profile, scissor doors, number of intakes, even the orange color. It would have been nice to see a more original styling approach for a newly revived brand.