geneva Archives | Page 3 of 13

Geneva 2011: Polished MTM R8 Biturbo is a blinding twin-turbo spacecraft

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Audi, Design/Style

Polished MTM R8 Biturbo debut in Geneva

Polished MTM R8 Biturbo – Click above for high-res image gallery

The hand-polished MTM Audi R8 V10 BiTurbo has come out from its shell with its little brother, the MTM Audi TTRS, in Geneva today. We said previously this thing would be visible from space, and it looks like we were right. The naked polished aluminum body work took nearly 700 man hours to get looking just so, and we gotta say, it was worth it.

The MTM R8 BiTurbo sports the mirror-like good looks of Audi’s seminal 1991 Avus Quattro concept (remember that?), but packs a Joe Louis-worthy knockout punch with twin hairdryers bolted to its 5.2-liter FSI V10, routed through the stock R8 V10’s six-speed manual. The worked-over mill is good for 777 hp and a top speed of 224 mph.

Delicious.

Gallery: Polished MTM R8 Biturbo: Geneva 2011

[Source: MTM]

Continue reading Geneva 2011: Polished MTM R8 Biturbo is a blinding twin-turbo spacecraft

Geneva 2011: Polished MTM R8 Biturbo is a blinding twin-turbo spacecraft originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Geneva 2011: Polished MTM R8 Biturbo is a blinding twin-turbo spacecraft”

Geneva 2011: SEAT IBX Concept looks… appliance white

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, SEAT, Design/Style

Seat IBX Concept

SEAT IBX Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Geneva Motor Show is in high gear, and Volkswagen subsidiary SEAT has no intentions of sitting on the sidelines during the massive European show, as the IBX crossover clearly illustrates.

The IBX was penned to show the Spanish brand’s future design direction, as well as the company’s commitment to environmentally friendly technology. Power for the front-wheel-drive concept comes from a Chevrolet Volt-like mixture of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery pack. SEAT hasn’t provided many details about the powertrain, only mentioning that the vehicle could travel 45 kilometers (28 miles) on an electricity alone, with the range-extending gas or diesel engine kicking in once electro-juice is exhausted. SEAT says that the engine could come courtesy of one of the gas or diesel offerings already available in its lineup.

On the design front, this little ute’s two-door design carries some coupe-inspired lines while still
aiming for the roominess of a crossover. The overall form is clean and attractive, if a bit nondescript (an impression no doubt enhanced by its relentlessly white paint). Chief designer Luc Donckerwolke says in the company’s press release that the IBX represents the footprint of future SEAT design, adding that “this design DNA will have a profound impact on every one of our models.” Hit the jump to read over the official press release, and peruse the high-res images of the IBX concept by clicking on the galleries below.

Gallery: Seat IBX Concept: Geneva 2011

Gallery: Seat IBX Concept

Seat IBX Concept

[Source: SEAT]

Continue reading Geneva 2011: SEAT IBX Concept looks… appliance white

Geneva 2011: SEAT IBX Concept looks… appliance white originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Geneva 2011: SEAT IBX Concept looks… appliance white”

Geneva 2011: Tata Pixel Concept turns on itself

Filed under: Concept Cars, Budget, Geneva Motor Show, Technology, Hatchback, Tata, Diesel

Tata Pixel Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Tata has revealed its Euro city car concept in Geneva today and it’s a trick little piece. First off, Tata says it is the most efficiently-packaged four-seater in the world, comfortably seating four regulation-size adults in a car just 10 feet long.

Even more trick is the car’s zero turning radius system, which, in simple terms, rotates the rear wheels in separate directions to make parking as easy as possible in tight spaces. According to Tata, the system works with the help of something called a “Zero Turn turoidal traction-drive Infinitely Variable Transmission. Right. The effect is that the outside rear wheel spins forward while the inside wheels spins backward, creating a pivot point.

In keeping with the modern microcar trend, Tata claims that the Pixel will return more than 60 mpg and only releases 89 grams of C02 per kilometer. The efficiency comes by way of a 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbodiesel, which, though it isn’t a full hybrid, employs stop-start technology and regenerative battery charging.

Could we be looking at a blueprint for a future Nano? Perhaps more in form factor than in specific technologies, but either way, this is a nifty looking little space egg.

Gallery: Tata Pixel Concept: Geneva 2011

Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL
[Source: Tata]

Continue reading Geneva 2011: Tata Pixel Concept turns on itself

Geneva 2011: Tata Pixel Concept turns on itself originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 15:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Geneva 2011: Tata Pixel Concept turns on itself”

Geneva 2011: Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package is an orange crush

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Lexus, Racing

Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package

Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package – Click above for high-res image gallery

Finally, the moment is upon us. Lexus has released the most-exclusive version of its already hyper-exclusive LFA supercar. Behold, in person, the 2012 Lexus LFA Nurburgring Edition. For those who need reminding, the LFA is Lexus’ $375,000 supercar. There will only be 500 LFAs built worldwide, and of those, a scant 50 will have the Nürburgring package bestowed on them.

The package takes the standard LFA, which is certainly no slouch on a racetrack, and makes it even harder core. To start with, Lexus added 10 horsepower to the LFA’s 4.8-liter V10 (for a total of 562), and has dropped gearshift times from .20 seconds to .15.

Helping out the reworked go-bits is a track-tuned suspension calling the shots for Nürburgring Edition-specific basketweave wheels shod with very sticky, very expensive rubber. The bodywork on the LFA Nürburgring gets some upgrades, too, most notably a unique front splitter and a huge fixed rear wing. According to Lexus, the extra 10 ponies are to overcome the increased aerodynamic drag from the aero bits, not to make the car any quicker.

The car can be had in white, gloss or matte black or screaming orange as seen here. If you’re lucky enough to be in line for one, you’ll need to have an extra 70 large in your hand for the package. Add another $20k if you want it matte black. For all that, Lexus will let you choose between an all-black interior, a black and red interior or a black and purple interior – and if you’re European, you can have an all-carbon fiber interior.

Of course, as part of the Nürburgring package, you’ll also get access to the legendary German racetrack itself. Buyers get driving lessons with a special instructor, a branded jacket, and a one-year pass to the Nordschleife and to its related themepark. Ye-haw.

Press release after the jump.

Gallery: Lexus LFA Nrburgring Package: Geneva 2011

Gallery: Lexus LFA Nurburgring package

[Source: Lexus]

Continue reading Geneva 2011: Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package is an orange crush

Geneva 2011: Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package is an orange crush originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Geneva 2011: Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package is an orange crush”

Geneva 2011: Peugeot 908 Hybrid4 looks ready for Le Mans

Filed under: Motorsports, Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Peugeot, Diesel, Racing

Peugeot 908 Hybrid4 - Geneva reveal

2011 Peugeot 908 Hybrid4 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Peugeot is looking for ways to add an environmentally-conscious side to its endurance racing efforts of late, and brought yet another one of its ideas to this year’s Geneva Motor Show. The Peugeot 908 Hybrid4 uses hybrid diesel technology to help it not only burn cleaner, but stay on track longer than a standard LeMans entry.

Like most hybrid racers, the electric motor on board the 908 uses regenerative braking to store up power for an electric motor than can be used for short squirts of 80 hp when the driver needs it. The diesel engine is a 3.7-liter, 550-horsepower V8, backed up by a six-speed sequential gearbox.

The 908 Hybrid4 doesn’t make its track debut until the end of this month, so an actual racing season is pretty much out for 2011. Instead, Peugeot says it’s hoping to have the car ready for the first official pre-LeMans test in June. Of course, that will all depend on how well the 908 Hybrid4’s first track outing goes.

Gallery: Peugeot 908 Hybrid4: Geneva 2011

Gallery: 2011 Peugeot 908 HYbrid4

2011 Peugeot HYbrid4 side 2011 Peugeot HYbrid4 top

[Source: Peugeot]

Continue reading Geneva 2011: Peugeot 908 Hybrid4 looks ready for Le Mans

Geneva 2011: Peugeot 908 Hybrid4 looks ready for Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 14:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Geneva 2011: Peugeot 908 Hybrid4 looks ready for Le Mans”

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

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

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Geneva 2011: 2012 Audi RS3 Sportback; R S is begging for seat time”

Geneva 2011: Ssangyong SUT 1 Concept is a Korean Honda Ridgeline

Filed under: Concept Cars, Truck, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Diesel, South Korea

Ssangyong SUT 1 Concept - Geneva reveal

Ssangyong SUT 1 Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Ssangyong, the other other South Korean automaker, has cranked out a “concept” SUV/pickup for the overseas markets. Please, hold your applause until the end. In reality, the SUT-1 Concept is actually a near-future production model for Ssangyong, and only a concept because they’ve dubbed it one.

As shown here, the SUT-1 draws power from a 153-horsepower 2.0-liter diesel four-banger sporting 265 pound feet of torque. Buyers in the European and Asian markets where this vehicle will be sold will have the choice between a manual or automatic transmission.

Unfortunately, truck fans, Ssangyong won’t be gracing us with the SUT-1’s presence. That’s a bummer, because we still believe there’s promise in the idea of a small pickup – particularly with a diesel. Besides, this one looks a good bit better than the aging Honda Ridgeline, no?

Gallery: Ssangyong SUT 1 Concept: Geneva 2011

Continue reading Geneva 2011: Ssangyong SUT 1 Concept is a Korean Honda Ridgeline

Geneva 2011: Ssangyong SUT 1 Concept is a Korean Honda Ridgeline originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Geneva 2011: Ssangyong SUT 1 Concept is a Korean Honda Ridgeline”

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

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

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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

Geneva 2011: Rolls-Royce 102EX Concept is going to rock down to Electric Avenue

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Technology, Rolls-Royce, Electric, Luxury

Rolls-Royce 102EX Concept

Rolls-Royce 102EX Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

The electric car has come of age. How do we know? Well, see for yourself. Rolls-Royce, perhaps the most iconic of classic luxury marques, has stepped firmly into the EV waters with the 102EX Concept. According to CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös, this machine was created to help the company “[seek] clarity on which technology may be suitable to drive Rolls-Royce motor cars of the future.”

We’d imagine a nice big diesel engine (perhaps fueled with a biodiesel blend) would work just fine and dandy, but electric drive is certainly a workable option, as well. Apparently, the 102EX, which is apparently also known as the Phantom Experimental Electric, will be used throughout 2011 as a test bed to shuttle… well, whomever Rolls-Royce deems worthy of transport. It won’t, however, be made into a production vehicle.

The Phantom Experimental Electric started life as a run-of-the-mill Rolls-Royce Phantom from which the 6.75-liter engine and six-speed automatic gearbox were removed and replaced with a pair of electric motors putting out 145 kilowatts each. That thrust is sufficient to send the 6,000-pound EV to 60 miles per hour in “under eight seconds.”

More impressive is the battery pack, which is comprised of 96 individual cells assembled (on purpose, we gather) to resemble the shape of the original engine and transmission. Rolls-Royce believes its 338-volt, 71-kWh unit is the largest battery ever fitted to a road car. Also of note is the inductive charging technology that eschews an actual plug in favor of a charging mat on the ground and an inductive mat on the underside of the vehicle that wirelessly recharges the battery. A plug also exists where the fuel filler normally resides.

Naturally, there’s an exhaustive press release pasted after the break. Be sure to check out our high-res image gallery of live photos below, and pay special attention to the clear Spirit of Ecstasy that is illuminated in blue light.

Gallery: Rolls-Royce 102EX Concept: Geneva 2011

Continue reading Geneva 2011: Rolls-Royce 102EX Concept is going to rock down to Electric Avenue

Geneva 2011: Rolls-Royce 102EX Concept is going to rock down to Electric Avenue originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 06:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Geneva 2011: Rolls-Royce 102EX Concept is going to rock down to Electric Avenue”

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Geneva 2011: 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan keeps calm and carries on”