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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

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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: Renault R-Space is near-term look at the future of MPVs

Filed under: Concept Cars, Minivan/Van, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Renault

renault r-space

Renault R-Space concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Renault wants to design vehicles that fit into various cycles of its consumers’ lives, and to that end, the R-Space concept is the vehicle that you will need once you start a family.

The Cash Cab-like interior is designed to make transporting children an easy task. In what is perhaps its most interesting and showcar-like features, no fewer than 27 small motors control height-adjustable hexahedron-shaped platforms in the rear of the R-Space. Those motors can be can be modulated to produce a flat space, booster seat, table or a freestyle area for children to sit and play. From our vantage point, the rear area looks like a bar graph come to life (check our galleries below to see what we mean).

When the rear area is transformed back into a section for seating, the R-Space can get underway. Power is provided by a tiny 900-cubic centimeter three-cylinder engine (that’s .9 liters), which makes use of direct-injection and a turbocharger. The unit is good for 110-horsepower and 118 pound-feet of torque, with that power being funneled to the wheels via a dual-clutch gearbox. The handsome MPV is also green – it also produces just 95 g/km of CO2 while achieving 64 miles per gallon.

Gallery: Renault R-Space concept: Geneva 2011

Gallery: Renault R-Space Concept

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Geneva 2011: Renault R-Space is near-term look at the future of MPVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 18:00:00 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: BMW Alpina B5 BiTurbo Touring is the one we want

Filed under: Performance, Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, BMW

Alpina B5 BiTurbo Touring

BMW Alpina B5 BiTurbo Touring – Click above for high-res image gallery

Sure, the BMW Alpina B7 is nice, but if we had the choice, we’d much rather have the new B5 BiTurbo Touring. After all, what’s not to love about an Alpina-tuned station wagon that puts down 507 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque? All that grunt comes courtesy of BMW twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, running through a sport-tuned ZF eight-speed automatic.

There’s far more to love about the B5 BiTurbo Touring aside from its sheer power. The already-attractive BMW 5 Series wagon gets a host of aero enhancements, as well as the Alpina-standard 20-spoke wheels. It’s always nice to see a BMW painted in the tuning company’s signature blue hue, too.

Unfortunately, the Alpina B5 BiTurbo Touring isn’t slated for consumption here in the United States (much like the standard 5 Series wagon). At least we still get our kicks with the B7.

Gallery: Alpina B5 BiTurbo Touring: Geneva 2011

Alpina B5 BiTurbo Touring: Geneva 2011

Geneva 2011: BMW Alpina B5 BiTurbo Touring is the one we want originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2011: Koenigsegg Agera R haunts our sweetest dreams and darkest nightmares

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

Koenigsegg Agera R

Koenigsegg Agera R – Click above for high-res image gallery

It’s official: Koenigsegg now makes ballistic sex machines. The Koenigsegg Agera R is parked in front of us at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, and we can’t get “Breaking the Law” out of our heads.

If you pour E85 into the oh-so-thirsty gas tank, the Agera R rewards you with 1,115 horsepower at 6,900 rpm and 885 pound-feet of torque at 4,100 rpm. Additionally, the twin-turbo 5.0-liter V8 engine produces 738 pound-feet of torque from 2,700 rpm up to 6,170 rpm.

All that power is funneled through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddle-shifters and an electronic differential. The engine and the transmission work in concert to push the Agera R from 0-62 miles per hour in a scant 2.9 seconds. Stay on the gas, and you’ll reach 124 mph in 7.5 seconds. If you decide to slam on the binders the moment you hit 124 mph, the entire trip will take 12.7 seconds to get back to zero. We know of cars that take that long to crest 60 mph.

From its 260-mile-per-hour-rated tires to the carbon fiber monocoque to its devil-developed engine, the Koenisegg Agera R is a true hypercar. Get a wet nap ready before you click through our high-res galleries below and the massively detailed press release after the jump.

Gallery: Koenigsegg Agera R: Geneva 2011

Gallery: Koenigsegg Agera R

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Geneva 2011: Koenigsegg Agera R haunts our sweetest dreams and darkest nightmares originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2011: Smart ForSpeed Concept is urban green toplessness

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Geneva Motor Show, Smart, Electric

Smart Forspeed Concept

Smart ForSpeed Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Here we have the none-too-speedy Smart ForSpeed concept. Well, perhaps that’s not quite fair, as the diminutive Smart actually is plenty quick enough for its intended mission, which is to say it’s fully capable of jetting between urban skyscrapers while dodging taxi cabs and pedestrians.

Want hard numbers? Smart claims the roofless ForSpeed can hit (a seemingly arbitrary) 37 miles per hour in 5.5 seconds on its way up to a top speed of 75 mph. Perhaps more importantly, Smart estimates its little electric mobile unit has a range of 85 miles per charge and that an 80-percent charge is possible in just 45 minutes.

Naturally, there’s a whole press release of details that can be found after the break, along with a high-res image gallery of live photos below.

Gallery: Smart Forspeed Concept: Geneva 2011

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Geneva 2011: Smart ForSpeed Concept is urban green toplessness originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 15:31:00 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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Geneva 2011: Toyota Prius+ sips fuel with room for seven

Filed under: Hybrid, Minivan/Van, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Toyota

Toyota Prius+

2012 Toyota Prius+ – Click above for high-res image gallery

As the second size extension of the Toyota Prius family tree, the 2012 Prius+ adds a healthy dose of roominess to the well-known fuel-sipping hybrid equation, and it’s making its world debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. There’s seating for seven occupants inside, but the multi-purpose vehicle shares a clear design language with Toyota’s standard-bearing Prius. What’s more, it manages a low 0.29 drag coefficient thanks to its extended roofline and carefully designed front fascia.

Equally as notable is the battery. This is the first lithium-ion battery pack to be incorporated within a non-plug-in Toyota full hybrid. Toyota has found enough room underneath the center console between the driver and the front passenger to fit the battery, which helps maximize interior space for occupants and their cargo.

As you would expect from a Prius, there are three drive modes: A zero-emission EV mode that relies on electric motor power alone, an ECO mode that maximizes efficiency and fuel economy and finally a somewhat ambitiously named POWER mode that is said to boost overall performance.

Toyota is saying that the Prius+ will be on sale in Europe in the first half of 2012, but it’s coming to the U.S. around the same time in the form of the Prius V, which we previously saw at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show. Check out the complete press release after the break and be sure to check out our high-res image gallery of live photos below.

Gallery: Toyota Prius+ MPV: Geneva 2011

Toyota Prius+

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Geneva 2011: Toyota Prius+ sips fuel with room for seven originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 06:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2011: Alfa Romeo 4C Concept shows us what matte(rs)

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo 4C Concpet at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show

Alfa Romeo 4C Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

The beauty of Alfa Romeo is that it embodies the same sort of Italian flair as Ferrari and Maserati, but in a smaller, more accessible package. Unfortunately, their current range doesn’t offer the same level of excitement. (Well, the 8C Competizione did, but then it was hardly any more affordable than its Modenese counterparts.) Enter the Alfa 4C.

Smaller than the 8C it essentially succeeds, the 4C doesn’t shed the excitement factor, just concentrates it into a more compact shape. In fact, at less than eight feet long, it doesn’t get much more concentrated than this. Or much lighter: carbon fiber and aluminum construction helps keep the weight down to below 850 kilograms (1873 lbs). The 1750cc, direct-injection turbo four from the Giulietta QV mounted amidship drives just over 200 horsepower via Alfa’s TCT dual-clutch transmission to the rear wheels for a 0-60 time in the fours; and speed being relative to size, we bet it would be one heck of a ride along the way.

The best part? Alfa is currently evaluating production possibilities for the 4C, which could finally lead the company’s long-awaited return to the North American market. That, and the simply awesome matte red paint scheme in which the show car was unveiled here in Geneva. See for yourself in the live gallery below, and scope out the full details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo 4C Concept: Geneva 2011

Gallery: Alfa Romeo 4C Concept

[Source: Alfa Romeo]

Continue reading Geneva 2011: Alfa Romeo 4C Concept shows us what matte(rs)

Geneva 2011: Alfa Romeo 4C Concept shows us what matte(rs) originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2011: Subaru’s RWD Sports Car getting 2.0-liter non-turbo engine, confirmed for America

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Subaru, Toyota, Design/Style

Subaru Boxer Sports Car Architecture

Subaru Boxer Sports Car Architecture – Click above for high-res image gallery

Peanut butter and jelly. Beer and brats. Wine and cheese. Subaru and all-wheel drive. It’s true – Subaru has done an enviable job convincing Americans that its automobiles are synomous with all-wheel drive, and the idea of a Subie that eschews four driven wheels for a powertrain sending its horsepower to the rear wheels only sounds like heresey to the diehard WRX driver.

But it shouldn’t… at least, that’s what Subaru is now trying to convince the masses with its new rear-wheel-drive Boxer Sports Car Architecture. It’s worth noting that the automaker has confirmed for the first time here at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show that the upcoming production version of this sports car is coming to America. If all goes to plan, production will commence in the spring of 2012 at a Subaru production plant in Japan.

Follow the jump for more confirmed details and specifications about Subaru’s rear-wheel-drive Boxer Sports Car.

Gallery: Subaru Boxer Sports Car Architecture

Subaru Boxer Sports Car Architecture

[Source: Subaru]

Continue reading Geneva 2011: Subaru’s RWD Sports Car getting 2.0-liter non-turbo engine, confirmed for America

Geneva 2011: Subaru’s RWD Sports Car getting 2.0-liter non-turbo engine, confirmed for America originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 05:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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