Autoblog

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Rinspeed sQuba concept.

While the Geneva Motor Show provides its own brand of ridiculousness, the Rinspeed crew takes the cake in Switzerland. We've already seen the pics, the prosperously pompous video and have attempted to rationalize the Rinspeed sQuba concept, but until we saw it in person, we just couldn't cope with the realization that a perfectly good Lotus Elise could be made into a pseudo-submarine. Well, we saw it. We shot it. And our necks are sore from shaking our heads.

Our previous post on the sQuba concept tells the whole tale and we've assembled a gallery of live shots to prove that where there's an ill-advised will, there's a way.

Click above for a high-res gallery of the production KTM X-Bow.

A year ago, we had our first formal introduction to the KTM X-Bow concept. After a scant 12 months, the famed motorcycle manufacturer has officially unveiled the production version of the X-Bow, and over 2,000 people have lined up to get their hands on one of the most driver-focused vehicles to be released since the introduction of the Ariel Atom.

Not much has changed from the original concept. The same Audi-sourced, 220 hp TFSI four-cylinder engine is mounted out back and with only 1,500 pounds holding the carbon fiber track tool back, the sprint to 60 comes up in 3.9 seconds. KTM has smoothed out some of the rough edges, including the exhaust/intake systems, added a fully adjustable suspension and tweaked the bodywork and cockpit, but it's still minimalist motoring at its finest. Back in 2007 we called it better than the best rollercoaster around, and one year later, we're sticking with that assessment.

Our previous post on the production X-Bow and the 1,000 limited edition Dallara series models is available here and we've posted two galleries of the X-Bow below, including the concept from the 2007 Geneva Motor Show and the production version shown this year.

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Hyundai HED-5 i-Mode.

Some automakers consistently trot out well-conceived, beautifully sculpted concepts to the world's auto shows. Others swing for the fences and rarely make it passed the infield. Hyundai seems to do a little of both. The Genesis duo proved that Hyundai could bring impressive ideas to life, but in the case of the i-Mode, the CUV of the future reminds us of too many concepts in the past.

The theory behind HED-5 iMode is sound: schlep four occupants to and fro, with an emphasis on isolation and comfort. However, the design remains the biggest stumbling block for this far-reaching people mover. The front end is an amalgamation of creases, bulges and oddly shaped panels, and while the profile is appealing enough, the D-pillar and rear end err on the side of design for design's sake.

LG Electronics was tapped to provide the entertainment systems, which aims to provide people on the move the digital lifestyle they've become accustomed to at home. Web access, video games, movies and mobile phone integration are all included, as well as a wireless network that allows despondent teens to avoid awkward interactions with their parents during long journeys.

While the iMode is strictly a design exercise, the 2.2-liter diesel powerplant making 212 hp and 340 lb.-ft. of torque, will be equipped on select Hyundai models in 2009. All the details are available in the press release after the jump.

Click above for a high-res gallery of all the Kia SOUL concepts.

The production version of the Kia SOUL is on its way, and is likely to make its official debut sometime later this year. As an appetizer for what's to come, Kia unveiled three SOUL concepts in Geneva that supposedly speak directly to the perceived intentions and personalities of its buyers.

The first of the three concepts shown was the SOUL Burner, which takes the Korean automaker's idea of the bad-boy lifestyle to an ill-informed, urban extreme. From there, Kia takes off a pop-idol tangent with its "Diva" model, which purports to be sporting a more feminine, yet edgy appearance. We're not sure about how someone of the female gender would feel behind the wheel of a the SOUL, but we're guessing that the gold wheels and matching trim might turn off someone that was upwardly mobile. Lastly, the SOUL Searcher is exactly as its name implies: someone who's attempting to get in touch with the softer side of the automotive spectrum – essentially a modern day VW Camper Van.

All the details about each concept are available in the press release after the jump.

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Toyota iQ.

In what was arguably the largest press conference here in Geneva, Toyota unveiled the production version of its ultra-compact city car, the iQ. Originally shown in concept form during last year's Frankfurt Motor Show, the production iQ remains true to its conceptual forbearer, combining short overhangs with smoothed, angular accents.

The iQ measures 2,985mm in length with a 2,000mm wheelbase, which aids in both drivability and interior volume. The inside benefits from many of the angles and curves that adorn the exterior sheetmetal, including a triangular center console fitted with a 5.8-inch display. Additional storage comes courtesy of 50/50 split folding rear seats and an under-floor fuel tank that maximizes interior space.

Toyota didn't divulge what kind of powertrains the iQ would come equipped with, but sales are slated to begin in late 2008, with production expected to crest the 100,000 mark during its first year.

Toyota's full press release is available after the jump.

A certain sales manager from a certain dealership in Long Island was kind enough to take a little bit of the wind out of Infiniti's sails ahead of its unveiling of the redesigned FX CUV. The detailed headlamp shot above was posted on an Infiniti FX forum (who knew?), and pretty much confirms the styling tweaks the new fascia will get, particularly when you imagine it on the set of spy shots we've seen already. The only thing that's left to the imagination is the reconfigured rear end, which will likely sport some new tail lamps and a redesigned bumper. We'd be remiss not to point out that it's not in the dealer's best interest to include his name and contact information in his forum signature, lest Infiniti's corporate communications folks come calling.

Thanks for the tip Jonathan.


[Source: InfinitiFX.org]

The product leakage continues as we're packing our bags for Geneva. This time, Autoweek.nl has released images of the Kia SOUL Burner Concept, one of three concepts that the Korean automaker will be unveiling in southern Switzerland.

The SOUL is obviously taking aim at the Scion xB, which took the two-box design to literal levels. This new image gives us the full-frontal treatment of the new Kia people-mover, with a fascia that mixes sportiness with an upright demeanor. It's not bad, although the pseudo-tribal graphics are so 1996. But the raked windshield and shortened D-pillar make it stand out a bit more than the xB from which it finds inspiration.

[Source: Autoweek.nl via WCF]

Click above for a gallery of the Webasto LiGHT concept.

Webasto's LiGHT concept isn't due to be unveiled for another week, but the convertible and sunroof manufacturer from Deutschland has released the first image of its drop-top, two-seater.

Webasto tasked IED Automotive, associated with Istituto Europeo di Design, to create the concept and its pseudo-Italian flare is supposed to be inspired by the Fiat 124 Spider. While the design is attractive enough, the major party piece of the LiGHT concept is its frameless soft-top that features a heated glass rear window and is made from a polyurethane material that's both strong and lightweight. From an aesthetic point of view, when the roof is stowed away, it sits flush with the LiGHT's haunches, something that maintains the concept's lines while reducing wind disturbance and not detracting from boot space.

Check the gallery below for more angles of the LiGHT concept.


[Source: Auto Motor und Sport]

Click above for a high-res gallery of the KTM X-Bow

The unveiling of the production KTM X-Bow is just a week away, but the biker builder has bigger plans to expand its foray into four-wheeled conveyances. KTM's head honcho, Stefan Pierer, has revealed to CAR that the future of the X-Bow will include five different versions of the lightweight roadster, and that KTM is looking to take on Lotus as a manufacturer of specialty performance vehicles.

With over 2,000 orders for the X-Bow already placed, KTM has a hit on its hands. So aside from the base model and a race-spec version that will be campaigned in the FIA GT4 lightweight class, KTM also plans to offer another road-going variant that will be sporting a set of doors and a roof. From there, it's looking to upgrade the stock mill with a 330-hp V6 pulled from the Audi S3, and since the architecture of the X-Bow has been designed from the onset to handle the rigors away from the tarmac, an off-road version is underway that may compete in the Dakar Rally.


[Source: CAR]

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Audi A4 Avant.

Audi was nice enough to provide us with some more shots of the 2009 A4 Avant ahead of its official unveiling in Geneva next month. As discussed previously, the new estate gets an extra five inches tacked onto its back end to produce a total of 50-cubic feet of storage in the boot. At this point, Audi will only be offering those of us in the States the 2.0-liter TFSI, whereas sedan buyers can opt for the larger 3.2-liter V6. Disappointing as that may be, Audi was able to shave off ten-percent of the weight on this model when compared to the outgoing version.

Check our original post for all of the details and see the gallery below for 29 images of Audi's new A4 Avant.