2012 Archives | Page 11 of 30

Geneva 2011: 2012 GTA Spano makes world debut with 820 horsepower

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe

2012 GTA Spano

2011 GTA Spano – Click above for high-res image gallery

GTA Motor has just rolled out its brand-new supercar, the V10-powered, 820-horsepower Spano here at the Geneva Motor Show. The car has a carbon fiber-kevlar composite and aluminum chassis, and will be limited to a run of 99 examples worldwide.

With all that power and very little weight, the Spano makes it to 60 mph in under three seconds, and GTA says it will top out at 217 mph. The car carries massive 380 mm (nearly 15-inch) six-piston caliper AP Racing disc brakes with ABS, and the brakes sap off speed with the help of a ridiculous wide set of Pirelli PZero Rosso 330s (19- and 20-inches wide, respectively).

The car is designed with performance in mind, but it’s not a totally stripped-out track-day car, keeping things civilized with a panoramic roof and a carbon fiber luggage compartment complete with fitted bags.

Gallery: 2011 GTA Spano

2011 GTA Spano 2011 GTA Spano interior

[Source: GTA Spano]

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Geneva 2011: 2012 GTA Spano makes world debut with 820 horsepower originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2011: 2012 Audi RS3 Sportback; R S is begging for seat time

Filed under: Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Audi

2012 Audi RS3 Sportback

2012 Audi RS3 Sportback – Click above for high-res image gallery

In the land of Four Rings, anything with an ‘A’ at the start of its model name means it’s a fairly standard model. Should you see an ‘S,’ get excited, because that means the fun factor has been ratcheted up a notch. However, if the alpahnumeric starts with ‘RS,’ then it’s time to put on your best steel-eyed gaze, because that particular Audi means business. The RS moniker has been used throughout the German automaker’s family, and now it is landing on the A3’s hatch lid, transforming the mild-mannered five-door into the 2012 Audi RS3 Sportback.

Audi has taken its 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five engine and forced it to work a little harder. Adding more boost (now running over 17 psi, in fact), the mill in the RS3 pumps out 340 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. That power is routed through a seven-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch transmission and out to all four wheels, which helps pull the 2012 Audi RS3 from 0-62 miles per hour in 4.6 seconds. If you feel like 60 mph is too slow for your liking, then hold down the gas and you’ll eventually bump against 155 mph.

There’s no word yet on whether this juiced-up hot hatch will make its way Stateside, but we won’t be holding our breath, as the bog-standard A3 is already plenty expensive for U.S. tastes. Either way, the RS3 goes on sale in Europe sometime during the first half of 2011.

Gallery: 2012 Audi RS3 Sportback: Geneva 2011

2012 Audi RS3 Sportback: Geneva 2011

Gallery: 2011 Audi RS 3 Sportback

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Geneva 2011: 2012 Audi RS3 Sportback; R S is begging for seat time originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2011: 2012 Kia Rio falls in line with the rest of its swoopy family

Filed under: Budget, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Kia, Diesel

2012 Kia Rio at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show

2012 Kia Rio – Click above for high-res image gallery

The fourth-generation 2012 Kia Rio has made its world debut in front of the 2011 Geneva Motor Show crowd. From the subtle swooping body lines to the front grille, the all-new Rio now resembles the rest of the Kia family.

For the 2012 model year, the Kia Rio has become longer (3/4-inch), wider (1-inch) and lower (1/2-inch). Kia has pushed the wheelbase out to 101-inches, an increase of nearly three-inches over the outgoing Rio.

Available as a five-door or three-door, the 2012 Rio is offered with a choice between four engines and three transmissions. The two gas-burning options are a 1.25-liter inline-4 producing 83 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 87 pound-feet of torque, or a 1.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 108 hp and 100 lb-ft of torque. Two turbocharged diesel options are available; a 1.1-liter triple that generates 81 horses and 69 pound-feet of torque or a 1.4-liter unit producing 89 hp and 159 lb-ft. Both diesel burners and the 1.4-liter gas engine are paired with a six-speed manual while the 1.25-liter gas-sipper gets a five-speed manual transmission. The 1.4-liter gasoline engine is also available with a four-speed automatic.

No word yet on which engines and door configurations are headed to the States, but we do expect for this much better looking hatchback to supplant the aging Rio here in North America soon. While you’re waiting, check out our galleries below and the official presser after the jump.

Gallery: 2012 Kia Rio: Geneva 2011

Gallery: 2012 Kia Rio

2012 Kia Rio

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Geneva 2011: 2012 Kia Rio falls in line with the rest of its swoopy family originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2011: 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan keeps calm and carries on

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Volkswagen

2012 Volkswagen Tiguan

2012 Volkswagen Tiguan – Click above for high-res image gallery

The trusty Volkswagen Tiguan gets a modest refresh for the 2012 model year, most immediately noticed by the revised front fascia. The German automaker’s new corporate face is nicely presented on the small crossover, incorporating an attractive set of LED running lamps, similar to the larger Touareg.

The other major change for 2012 isn’t anything visual, but instead a mechanical change to the six-speed automatic transmission that yields a healthy boost in fuel economy. The turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four is now capable of achieving 29 miles per gallon on the highway – up from 25 mpg in the 2011 model. Volkswagen lowered the shift point RPM for each gear, moved the idle speed down to 600 RPM and adjusted the ratios of fifth and sixth gear to improve highway cruising economy.

Volkswagen will still be pricing the Tiguan above the majority of its competition, and while official numbers haven’t been released as of yet, expect things to continue to sit around the $23,000 mark. Click through our high-res gallery below to see the 2012 Tiguan live from the Geneva Motor Show floor.

Gallery: 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan: Geneva 2011

Geneva 2011: 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan keeps calm and carries on originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2011: 2012 Opel Ampera set to electrify Europe

Filed under: Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, GM, Opel, Electric

2012 Opel Ampera

2012 Opel Ampera – Click above for high-res image gallery

Just as the first round of Chevrolet Volts are hitting the streets of the United States, Europe’s own version of the electrified sedan makes its debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. General Motors took the wraps off the 2012 Opel Ampera, a sedan that wears more aggressively styled body panels than its Chevy cousin. It’s pretty slick, and when you consider the technology that exists underneath that shapely sheetmetal, Europe should be pleasantly surprised.

Pricing, however, is a bit steep. GM has set the Ampera’s base price at €42,900, which includes Europe’s steep Value Added Tax, and that translates to roughly $60,000 based on current exchange rates. Still, Opel says that it already has about 1,000 orders placed for the sedan across the continent, and with Voltec engineering on tap, hopefully the Ampera will make as big of a splash in Europe as the Volt has here in America.

Gallery: 2012 Opel Ampera: Geneva 2011

Geneva 2011: 2012 Opel Ampera set to electrify Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2011: 2012 Ford Ranger Wildtrak finds open arms around the globe (U.S. not included)

Filed under: Truck, Geneva Motor Show, Ford

Ford Ranger Wildtrak

Ford Ranger Wildtrak – Click above for high-res image gallery

Cinderella was right when they sang “Don’t Know What You’ve Got (‘Til It’s Gone).” The Ford Ranger has left the country only to reappear around the globe, looking pretty darn good in the process. Leading the charge into our now-broken heart is the 2012 Ford Ranger Wildtrak; a diesel-sipping, off-road ready, gadget-packed pickup truck that’s making out with the rest of the world while all we can do is watch from the sidelines.

The Wildtrak is the newest range-topping trim and it comes crammed full of features. On the outside, the Ranger Wildtrak sports a unique color scheme on its front fascia, 18-inch wheels and a roof rack. Inside, the cabin is fitted with a touch-screen control system that features satellite navigation, Bluetooth, iPod integration and voice recognition.

Under the hood, the 2012 Ford Ranger Wildtrak is offered with a choice of two diesel engines: A 2.2-liter four-cylinder that produces 277 pound-feet of torque or a 3.2-liter inline-five that generates an impressive 347 lb-ft.

You can stare at it all you want in the gallery below. Just know that heartaches come and go, and all that’s left are the words.

Gallery: Ford Ranger Wildtrak: Geneva 2011

Continue reading Geneva 2011: 2012 Ford Ranger Wildtrak finds open arms around the globe (U.S. not included)

Geneva 2011: 2012 Ford Ranger Wildtrak finds open arms around the globe (U.S. not included) originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2011: 2012 Saab 9-5 SportCombi is one sharp cargo-hauler

Filed under: Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Saab

2012 Saab 9-5 SportCombi

2012 Saab 9-5 SportCombi – Click above for high-res image gallery

We’re glad to see that the Saab 9-5 SportCombi is looking good once again. During the General Motors-influenced mid-2000s, the 9-5 took on a bit of a weird shape (those chrome-ringed Dame Edna headlamps were just awful), and thus, the subsequent wagon variant wasn’t nearly as special as the generation that debuted in the late-1990s. That all changes now, as Saab has officially pulled the wraps off of the SportCombi of the new 9-5, and might we say, hubba hubba.

Aside from the addition of some rear windows and some sheetmetal, nothing significant has changed in the 9-5’s transition from a sedan to a proper station wagon. Both the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four and 2.8-liter turbo-six will still be on hand, with the larger engine paired to the automaker’s XWD all-wheel-drive system. Look for production to start later this year.

Gallery: 2012 Saab 9-5 SportCombi: Geneva 2011

Gallery: 2012 Saab 9-5 SportCombi

2012 Saab 9-5 SportCombi

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Geneva 2011: 2012 Saab 9-5 SportCombi is one sharp cargo-hauler originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2011: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate puts the hammer down

Filed under: Performance, Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate – Click above for high-res image gallery

Mercedes-Benz hasn’t made a whole host of changes for the 2012 C63 AMG. Exterior styling aside, the engine has carried over unchanged, and if we’re honest, that’s perfectly fine with us. After all, the 451-horsepower 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 under the hood is a gravel-voiced honey of a powerplant, and even if you don’t add in the optional AMG Development package that boosts output to 481 hp, the end result is simply stunning.

Among the limited changes under the skin is the institution of AMG’s 7-speed Speedshift MCT gearbox derived from the cogswapper in the SL63 AMG. The transmission has a new ‘Controlled Efficiency’ mode, and combined with a new power steering pump and other small changes, Benz says the C63 gulps down about 10 percent less fuel than it did last year.

So, what’s new for 2012? There’s a new front fascia with a redesigned lower apron, grille and daytime running lamps, and the new headlamps are a bit more akin to what we see on the SL roadster. Inside, there’s a new dashboard with LCD screen, a revised three-spoke steering wheel, and an expanded range of optional tech features like lane-departure warning and internet access. Good stuff, but with a car like this, we could hardly care about appearance with such an absurdly fantastic powerplant under the hood.

The 2012 C63 AMG makes its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, and we have a fresh batch of images of the new hotness direct from the show floor. In fact, just to tease us a bit more, the automaker even chose to debut the not-for-U.S. Estate version, which turns the awesomeness level up to 11. Click through the gallery below to see what’s what, then head on over to the jump to read about the million tiny ways in which one of our favorite sport sedans has improved for 2012.

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate: Geneva 2011

Continue reading Geneva 2011: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate puts the hammer down

Geneva 2011: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate puts the hammer down originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2011: 2012 Lancia Ypsilon is a tiny taste of things to come

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Chrysler, Lancia

Lancia Ypsilon at Geneva Motor Show launch

2012 Lancia Ypsilon – Click above for high-res image gallery

Take a good long look at the Lancia Ypsilon. If not because it’s a vital new product for one of the oldest marques in autodom, then because it’s also slated to wear a Chrysler badge one day soon.

That Lancia and Chrysler are getting closer than a couple of drunk teens after the prom is no longer a secret. They share a common CEO – both at the group and brand levels – and will act as each-other’s agents in their respective markets (not unlike their counterparts at General Motors’ Vauxhall, Opel and Holden units). Vehicles we know as Chrysler models will soon be sold in Europe under Lancia’s umbrella. This car will be marketed as a Lancia in contental Europe, as a Chrysler in the UK, and possibly as a Chrysler in the States as well.

We ran through the full details of the new Ypsilon a couple of weeks ago when Lancia dropped the details, but if you want to see this upscale five-door Fiat 500 platform-mate looks outside the studio and on the floor of the Geneva Motor Show, click through our live gallery below.

Gallery: 2012 Lancia Ypsilon: Geneva 2011

Gallery: 2012 Lancia Ypsilon

Geneva 2011: 2012 Lancia Ypsilon is a tiny taste of things to come originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2011: 2012 Aston Martin Virage is more of a good thing

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Aston Martin

Aston Martin Virage debut in Geneva

Aston Martin Virage – Click above for high-res image gallery

Truth be told, we didn’t really see the need for a new Aston Martin to slot between the DB9 and DBS, but after getting the low-down on the new 2012 Virage, we’re welcoming it with open arms. Based on the same VH architecture as the other cars in the English brand’s lineup, the Virage uses Aston’s wonderfully vocal 6.0-liter V12 to crank out 490 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. In the Virage, those dozen cylinders are stirred exclusively through the company’s six-speed Touchtronic 2 paddle-shift transmission.

While the Virage’s design isn’t vastly different from anything else in the automaker’s portfolio, it’s definitely got some pizzaz. Much like the larger Rapide, we can’t help but stare at this coupe for long periods of time – it’s simply gorgeous. Need proof? Click through our high-res gallery below to see the Virage from all angles, then learn more in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Aston Martin Virage: Geneva 2011

Aston Martin Virage: Geneva 2011

Gallery: 2012 Aston Martin Virage Coupe

2012 Aston Martin Virage Coupe

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Geneva 2011: 2012 Aston Martin Virage is more of a good thing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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