Geneva Motor Show
Geneva Motor Show, Automotive News, Latest car models
Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Technology, Videos, Lotus
The manufactured sounds of the Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid - Click above to watch video after the jump
Two years ago, we wrote about Lotus' Safe and Sound hybrid technology which added a V8 soundtrack over the quietude of a hybrid's electric motor. That demonstrator was a Toyota Prius, but at the Geneva Motor Show Lotus had an Evora 414E Hybrid equipped with several versions of aural enjoyment: a V6, a V12 and a non-ICE audio stab at what an electric car could maybe possibly sound like. Think Buck Rogers. Car and Driver magazine's technical editor Michael Austin sat with a Lotus engineer and tried it out. Follow the jump for the first strains of the future.
Gallery: Geneva 2010: Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid
[Source: Car and Driver]
Continue reading Video: C/D takes the Lotus Evora Hybrid for a virtual spin
Video: C/D takes the Lotus Evora Hybrid for a virtual spin originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show
After years of covering the world's auto shows at Autoblog, the Geneva Motor Show never ceases to amaze. It's in Switzerland, so by nature, it's neutral, and since there's no "home team" like in Detroit, Frankfurt or Paris, every automaker comes out to play. And play they did.
While this year's showing wasn't nearly as impressive as the end-of-the-recession shindig we endured in Germany last September, the shear number of reveals boggles the mind and cramps the fingers. But despite six pairs of aching feet, one broken laptop, countless espresso triple-shots and braved our fair share of sharp-elbowed shooters and clueless colleges, we survived (mostly) unscathed and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our time in Switzerland.
After the jump we've assembled our favorite debuts from the show, but rather than creating another "Best and Worse" or "Top Picks" post, we've singled out two vehicles: One that embodies our no-cost, no-holds-barred, fantasy ride and another production-ready example that we could conceivably drive home tomorrow given our meager (or not-so-meager) means. Check out our picks after the break and let us know what your own choices are in 'Comments.'
Continue reading Geneva 2010: Our top Fantasy and Reality vehicles of the show
Geneva 2010: Our top Fantasy and Reality vehicles of the show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Technology, Hatchback, Kia, Electric
Kia Venga EV concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
Apparently, we we missed at least one interesting machine from the recently concluded press days at the Geneva Motor Show. Kia showed off a battery electric version of its new Venga B-segment hatchback. Like the rest of Kia and Hyundai's hybrids and plug-in concepts either in production or recently shown, the Venga EV uses lithium polymer batteries, likely sourced from LG Chem. The battery pack is stored under the floorpan of the electric vehicle (EV).
The Venga EV contains 24 kilowatt-hours of battery capacity. The front wheels are driven by an 80-kilowatt motor packing a stout 206 pound-feet of torque. Kia says that the concept has about 112 miles of driving range and a 50-kW fast charge can provide an 80-percent recharge in as little as 20 minutes, while a full charge at normal power levels takes about eight hours. The rest of the details can be found in the press release after the break.
Gallery: Kia Venga EV
[Source: Kia]
Continue reading Geneva 2010: Kia Venga EV, sorry we missed you the first time around
Geneva 2010: Kia Venga EV, sorry we missed you the first time around originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz
2010 Brabus E V12 Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery
It's been several days since we left the Geneva Motor Show and we're still finding cars that we somehow missed out on the floor. We especially don't know how we managed to skip this bad boy in the Brabus booth, as it should have been nearly impossible to miss. It's called the E V12 Coupe, and it's got 800 horsepower. Enough said.
There's nothing new about Brabus stuffing a V12 into an E-Class. They've been doing it since 1996, and have been making twin-turbo models since 2003. The latest version is based off of the new E Coupe, and it's a much prettier car than the awkward looking E V12 Black Baron that we saw in Frankfurt. Fortunately it does share the same engine - a 6.3-liter twin-turbo V12 putting out 800 horsepower and 1047 lb-ft torque. Brabus quotes a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 230 mph, and judging from the performance of their previous cars we are inclined to believe them.
Besides the engine, the E V12 Coupe also comes with larger brakes, a Brabus-spec coilover suspension system, 19-inch wheels and more carbon fiber than you can shake a stick at. The front spoiler, grille, front and rear fenders, rear diffuser, intake system, interior trim and seats are all made from the lightweight material. What is all of this going to cost you? 478,000 Euros - approximately $650,000 using today's exchange rate, or more than 13 E-Class Coupes.
Gallery: 2010 Brabus E V12 Coupe
[Source: Brabus]
Continue reading Super Coupe: Brabus E V12 now in two-door form
Super Coupe: Brabus E V12 now in two-door form originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Aftermarket, Performance, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Land Rover, Luxury
Hamann Conqueror II - Click above for high-res image gallery
There were so many debuts at the Geneva Motor Show this year that a few new cars were bound to slip through the cracks. We happened to miss this custom Range Rover Sport from Hamann, probably because the 670 horsepower Tycoon Evo M was sharing the same stand. Named the Conqueror II, it follows up on Hamann's first take of the Range Rover Sport that debuted a few years ago.
Benefiting from the RR Sport Supercharged's new 5.0-liter V8, the Conqueror II packs 560 horsepower and 506 lb-ft torque thanks to a revised engine management system and a sport exhaust. The exterior gets the full Hamann treatment, with a full body kit, carbon fiber hood, LED running lights and forged 23-inch wheels. Interior modifications are relatively subtle (the snakeskin seats in Conqueror I are thankfully absent) and include the usual stuff like embriodered mats, plus aluminum and carbon fiber accents. Hit the jump for full details, and high-res photos can be found in the gallery below.
Gallery: Hamann Conqueror II
[Source: Hamann]
Continue reading Conqueror II: Hamann builds second rendition of Range Rover Sport
Conqueror II: Hamann builds second rendition of Range Rover Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Mar 2010 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: New York Auto Show, Hybrid, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Chevrolet, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Toyota, Volkswagen, Ferrari, Diesel
The votes from 59 international journalists have been counted and the finalists for World Car of the Year have been named. The Detroit News is reporting that the Toyota Prius, Volkswagen Polo and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class have made the final cut, and the three vehicles will go toe-to-toe on April 1st (no foolin') at the start of the New York Auto Show, which is where the World COTY award is announced.On the performance vehicle front, the Audi R8 V10, Porsche 911 GT3 and Ferrari California are jockeying for the big prize. We feel sorry for the judges who have to choose from among these three junkers, but we're sure they'll somehow make it fun for themselves.
Design finalists are the Citroen C3 Picasso, Kia Soul and Chevrolet Camaro, and from the green category we have the previously mentioned Prius, the Honda Insight and Volkswagen's BlueMotion diesel offerings. Check back on these pages to see the winners of the individual categories when they are announced in New York on April Fool's Day.
[Source: The Detroit News]
Final three World Car of the Year finalists announced originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Concept Cars, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Toyota
Toyota FT-86 Sports Concept - click above for high-res image gallery
Toyota Motor Co. president Akio Toyoda has stressed that his family's company must work to create more emotionally engaging products as part of its bid to reinvent its now-battered image. Central to that effort will be the production version of its well-received FT-86 Sports Concept, the two-door rear-driver that made its European debut at this week's Geneva Motor Show, where it drew quite a crowd.
Toyota now appears to be pushing its brand's enthusiast heritage, something it hasn't truly done with fresh products in some time - at least not outside of its Lexus brand. In any case, the Japanese automaker has just released a series of new photos, including a family portrait of sorts that places the FT-86 in the context of the Corolla AE86 (its most obvious spiritual predecessor) as well as the Celica and Supra. Although the press release available after the jump pays lip service to the MR2, none is pictured.
While there is no substantive new information about a production timetable for the comely coupe, Toyota has released a series of images of the FT-86 that are certainly worth perusing. You can check them out below while you're waiting for more info about the car's future.
Gallery: Toyota FT-86 Sports Concept 'Family Portrait'
[Source: Toyota]
Continue reading Toyota FT-86 concept gets a family-style welcome
Toyota FT-86 concept gets a family-style welcome originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Geneva Motor Show, Tesla, Electric
IED Tesla EYE concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
The gaping openings on the front of the EYE design study vehicle from the Istituto Europeo di Design of Turin (IED) that's on display at the Geneva Motor Show this week would cause troublesome impacts on airflow if they were on a real electric car, we think. In the fantasyland of the auto show floor, though, they give the concept vehicle a menacing, moose-like nose (wait, does that make sense?). At least we can hope that the 11 transportation design master course students from IED who worked with Tesla Motors' chief designer Franz von Holzhausen on the project enjoyed the process.
Considering there's almost no chance we'll ever see the EYE concept cruising the streets, we'll just have to enjoy the car for what it is: a good-looking show car with a Tesla badge. Sure, we can imagine putting an electric powertrain in there and showing up at the soccer game in one of these, but for now we'll just have to click through the gallery below and ask ourselves if the IED students managed to create a new status symbol with the EYE, something they said they were shooting for.
Gallery: Geneva 2010: IED Tesla EYE concept
Photos by Damon Lavrinc / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
Geneva 2010: IED Tesla EYE Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Renault
Renault Clio Gordini R.S. - Click above for high-res image gallery
It's amazing what a little paint and a few stickers can do for a small car. To illustrate that point, take a gander at the special Gordini edition Renault Clio and Twingo in the gallery below. Granted, the improvements reach much deeper than just those stickers, but the matte blue paint, white accents and white decals give these little runabouts a purposeful look and signal to the world that they are the top-of-the-performance-heap Gordini editions.
For those who need a refresher, Gordini is the name of a legendary Renault racing engineer. Amédée Gordini brought Renault some rally racing glory in the mid-'60s with the iconic R8 Gordini. Renault recently revived the name, reestablishing it as the top rung trim level on its already racy Renault Sport (R.S.) editions. Mechanically similar to their R.S. counterparts, they are mainly distinguished by retro styling touches (like the classic French racing blue paint scheme with white stripes) and an extra dose of exclusivity. Plus, they just look badass.
The first product in the new range, the Twingo Gordini R.S. had already debuted last November, but here at the Geneva Motor Show, the company unveiled their Gordini edition Clio as well. We have galleries of both cars for you below, the Mini-sized Twingo and the slightly larger Clio. Both cars have the performance upgrades found on R.S. models, with larger wheels, Brembo brakes, Conti SportContact3 tires, diffusers, heat extractors and that great livery. Check out the little "G" confetti in the stripes - classic.
Gallery: Geneva 2010: Renault Twingo Gordini R.S.
Gallery: Geneva 2010: Renault Clio Gordini R.S.
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
Geneva 2010: Renault Clio and Twingo get the Gordini treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz
Carlsson C25 - Click above for high-res image gallery
We have to admit that we were a little disappointed when we saw the Carlsson C25 in person. The finished product doesn't seem to quite have the ultra-aggressive look of the original concept sketches. It could also be that we're not huge fans of the silver, black and orange paint scheme, nor of the brown and orange interior. In Carlsson's defense, the color combination was chosen by their customer, and we'd like to see another version in a solid color and a better choice of interior hues before we declare a verdict.
Even so, the C25 is an impressive beast. Under the hood is a Carlsson-built 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 putting out 753 horsepower and 974 lb-ft of torque, good for a conservatively listed 3.7 second sprint to 100 km/h and a top speed of just under 220 mph. To also appeal to potential clients, Carlsson has made exclusivity a top priority, limiting production to just 25 units and selling only one example in each country where they're available. As is proven by the car you see here, customers can choose from a near-limitless range of exterior and interior color combinations. Hit the jump for more details on the Carlsson C25 or browse through the gallery of live photos below.
Gallery: Geneva 2010: Carlsson C25
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
Continue reading Geneva 2010: Carlsson C25 is a 753-horsepower twin-turbo terror
Geneva 2010: Carlsson C25 is a 753-horsepower twin-turbo terror originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Fiat
Abarth Punto Evo - Click above for high-res image gallery
Getting a lot from a little. That might as well be Abarth's official slogan, translated into Italian, of course, for that added dose of Mediterranean flair. Fiat's performance division manages, first of all, to construct an entire line-up of hot hatches based on two models. And what they turn them into are genuine giant slayers.
As we reported just last week in the run-up to this year's Geneva Motor Show, the Abarth Punto Evo takes the recently revised Fiat hatchback as its basis, and upgrades it, first and foremost, with 1.6-liter turbocharged MultiAir four-bangers in either 165- or 178-horsepower guise. Add to that upgraded wheels, brakes, suspension, interior and body kit, and suddenly this scorpion-emblazoned hatchback - a decidedly more modern alternative to the 500 - packs a real sting.
For better or worse, though, while its much-loved retro stablemate may finally make it Stateside in the near future, no such plans are known for the Punto in any form, so enjoy the live photos from the show floor in the high-res gallery below and the details in the press release after the jump.
Gallery: Geneva 2010: Fiat Punto Abarth
Gallery: Abarth Punto Evo
Photos by Noah Joseph / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
Continue reading Geneva 2010: Abarth Punto Evo takes the next step
Geneva 2010: Abarth Punto Evo takes the next step originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Convertible, Budget, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Renault
Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet - Click above for high-res image gallery
In addition to the smaller Wind roadster, Renault is showing off another droptop at this year's Geneva Motor Show - the Megane Coupe-Cabriolet. Much larger than the Wind, the Megane CC is poised to compete with the likes of the Volkswagen Eos or Audi A5 convertibles. And while the design isn't nearly as svelte as the Audi, it's a bit more attractive than the often-overlooked Eos.
As is the trend these days, the Megane uses a folding hardtop configuration with a glass roof so drivers can let the sun shine in even when the lid is closed. From there, Renault is offering a total of seven powertrain configurations, encompassing both gas- and diesel-powered mills, as well as dual-clutch, manual and continuously variable transmissions. The new Megane CC will hit European dealerships this spring and you'll never see it in the U.S, so check it in both galleries below.
Gallery: Geneva 2010: Renault Megane Coupe Cabriolet
Gallery: 2011 Renault Megane Coupe-Convertible
Live photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
Geneva 2010: Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet lets the light shine in originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Electric
Lumeneo Smera Concept - click above for high-res image gallery
if there's one overriding theme at this year's Geneva Motor Show, it's the electrification of the automobile. Long story short, even scorched earth king Ferrari showed a hybrid. The show floor was littered with dozens of electric contraptions of all shapes and sizes, but we're taking a moment or so to tell you about the Lumeneo Smera because it made us smile. Here's why.
For the ten minutes or so we spent photographing the Smera, half a dozen people managed to squeeze themselves inside its tiny body. And the second the door shut, everyone of them burst out laughing, especially the poor schmucks who took the plunge and shoehorned into the back seat. That's right, the Smera is an inline two-seater. Even cooler than that, the Smera does that cool leany thing going around corners, just like the now defunct Carver.
But that's not all - France's Lumeneo Smera might be of great interest to you enthusiast types. Lumeneo claims that it's 15-kilowatt electric motor produces - we hope you're sitting down - 737 pound-feet or torque, a figure that would give the little-bitty 992-pound pod a power to weight ratio of something approximating Arnold Schwarzenegger in his prime. Are they using e-tron math? Probably, but that's the story they're telling to the world. We'll believe it when it forces our eyeballs back into our skulls.
Gallery: Geneva 2010: Lumeneo Smera
Continue reading Geneva 2010: Lumeneo Smera Concept is a lean(ing), possibly hyper-mean, electric machine
Geneva 2010: Lumeneo Smera Concept is a lean(ing), possibly hyper-mean, electric machine originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Aftermarket, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Crossover, BMW
Hamann Tycoon EVO M - Click above for high-res image gallery
We'll come clean. Collectively, we spend an unexpected amount time repeating the following sentence, "As much as I know I shouldn't, I love the BMW X6. I know it's wrong, I know. But it's just a great car." But you know what makes less sense than the X6? The X6 M. That car's stone cold crazy. Therefore we like it even more than the regular flavor SAC (Sports Activity Coupe). Have you met our friend Hamann?
For the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Hamann brought along its new Tycoon EVO M. And... it's quite bonkers.The 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 has been pumped up to the tune of 670 horsepower and 576 pound-feet of torque. For comparison's sake, the Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce's mighty 6.5-liter V12 produces 670 hp - exactly the same amount as the Hamann Tycoon EVO M. Crazy, no? Oh, also, the mightiest ever Lambo makes 89 lb-ft of torque less than this mental patient Hamann.
Then there's the little matter of the carbon fiber. Look, we're all for saving precious pounds but keep it real for a minute. Before Hamann got their filthy mitts all over it, the X6 M weighed in at 5,324 pounds. Lord (and Hamann) only knows what it weighs now. And since we're keeping it real, shaving a few pounds off the front end of an over-powered beast like the Tycoon is killing a mouse with the 101st Airborne. In other words, the carbon fiber hood and splitter is nothing but blingy, look-at-me bunting. And since we're ragging on conspicuous displays of too much wealth, Tycoon? Really? That said, we've never seen 23-inch wheels look so perfectly at home.
Gallery: Geneva 2010: Hamann Tycoon Evo M
Geneva 2010: Hamann Tycoon EVO M more powerful than mightiest Lamborghini originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Aftermarket, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Porsche
Techart at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show - Click above for high-res image gallery
There were dozens of tuners exhibiting at the Geneva Motor Show, but Porsche specialist Techart had one of the more impressive displays. Three of their cars made world debuts this week including a customized 911 Turbo, their latest version of the GTStreet R and a concept based on the Panamera.
The Panamera, named the Concept One, is undoubtedly the most interesting of the bunch. The exterior features a new body kit that's on the reserved side compared to some of the others we've seen, although the new front end and the vented hood give it a fairly aggressive look. The interior really caught our attention, however, with its cocoa and white colors combined with green stitching and cerbero leather trim. It looks pretty cool, but realistically we guess it would be pretty tough to keep clean. Check out each of the cars live from the show floor in the high-res gallery below.
Gallery: Techart at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
Geneva 2010: Techart debuts trifecta of tuned Porsches originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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