Autoblog

Geneva 2008: Faster, limited, Euro-only Jaguar XKR-S unveiled

Alex Nunez — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:56:00 EST

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

Click image for a hi-res gallery of the Jaguar XKR-S

Jaguar will produce a limited run of 200 XKR-S coupes, which will be offered in Europe only. Now, the regular XKR is a delectable conveyance that combines endless sex appeal with eye-widening performance. Put plainly, it is an absolute hoot to drive. The XKR-S takes all that goodness and ramps things up a bit. The 420-horsepower blown V8 is unchanged, and the XKR-S has the same 0-60 time (4.9 seconds) as its standard counterpart. What does change is the electronically governed top speed. Adding the "S" also adds 19 mph to the cat's top end, now 174 mph.

Among the myriad other changes made for the XKR-S are the addition of big Alcon Performance R brakes, a retuned suspension, and a host of visual and aerodynamics upgrades, such as new wheels with retro-logo caps, a new front splitter, side skirts, a new rear spoiler, and a rear diffuser insert. Inside, what was already a very nice cabin becomes opulent, with new interior trim, a higher-end audio system, updated instruments (to accomodate the higher top speed) and other sundry niceties. You can sum the whole thing up in two words: "fast" and "beautiful." We want.

Gallery: 2008 Jaguar XKR-S

[Source: Jaguar]

Continue reading Geneva 2008: Faster, limited, Euro-only Jaguar XKR-S unveiled

Geneva 2008: Faster, limited, Euro-only Jaguar XKR-S unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 first official pics!

Alex Nunez — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 16:22:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Supercars, Lamborghini

Click image for a hi-res gallery of the Lamborghini LP560-4

We just detailed the changes made to the Lamborghini Gallardo as it evolves into the spectacular LP560-4. And while the name might not be exciting, the car sure is. New front and rear fascias, as detailed here, give the "baby" Lambo a menacing new look that's backed up by an upgraded 5.2L V10 that reportedly dishes out 560 PS/ 552 HP while tipping the scales at 44 lbs. less than the Gallardo. That's what fast is made of.

UPDATE: For those of you who want to compare the LP560-4 to the the pre-facelift bodystyle, here's a gallery of the current Gallardo Superleggera.

Gallery: Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4

[Source: Lamborghini]

BREAKING: Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 first official pics! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 16:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva '08 Preview: Land Rover LRX puts on a tux, looks sharp

Alex Nunez — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 23:46:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Land Rover

Click image for a hi-res gallery of the Black & Silver Land Rover LRX

And here we thought it looked good in white. Land Rover is quick to remind that the LRX is just a concept, but it's sending a pretty strong message in Geneva, where a second, black-and-silver LRX will join the original white truck that premiered in Detroit. And the new one is even hotter than the original, itself one of the best concepts of the last year. It's supposed to demonstrate how a (potential) production LRX could be personalized, and we would like to have one delivered to our personal garage approximately yesterday.

The rakish shape now features a silver roof fitted with side rails and a removable carbon-composite panel. This beautifully contrasts the black primary finish, and aluminum-accented details do their part to further dress up the exterior. As a subtle reminder to onlookers that this is still a Land Rover despite its elegance, matte-finished protective trim adorns the side sills and wheel flares. Furthermore, carbon-composite skidplates supply underbody protection. Inside, a sumptuous-sounding (LR hasn't released any pictures yet) tan-and-dark chocolate interior awaits. Motivation comes from a 2.0L diesel hybrid that is theoretically capable of 60 mpg on the EU combined cycle. The Electric Rear Axle Drive can power the SUV on its own up to 20 mph, and it also can be used to supply additional torque when the LRX is playing in 4x4 mode. Like we said earlier, the LRX is still only a concept, but Land Rover will be actively monitoring customer and dealer interest in Geneva.

The white one got our attention, but this one closes the deal. Hey Land Rover: white or black, just color us interested.

Gallery: Land Rover LRX Concept - Black & Silver

[Source: Land Rover]

Continue reading Geneva '08 Preview: Land Rover LRX puts on a tux, looks sharp

Geneva '08 Preview: Land Rover LRX puts on a tux, looks sharp originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Mar 2008 23:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva '08 Preview: VW Golf TDI Hybrid hits the web

Alex Nunez — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 11:21:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Green, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Click image for a gallery of the Golf TDI Hybrid

Auto Bild has decided to "help" Volkswagen introduce the VW Golf TDI Hybrid concept that the automaker will be unveiling in Geneva a few days from now. So, how does it look? Pretty impressive. The car mates a 75 PS (74 HP) 3-cylinder TDI (presumably the 1.4L used in the Polo BlueMotion), a 27 horsepower electric motor and a 7-speed DSG to average 69 mpg (3.4l/100km) in the European cycle with carbon dioxide emissions of just 90 g/km. The electric motor is powered by a trunk-mounted NiMH battery. Based on the Google Translation of the page, we glean that the Golf TDI Hybrid is a full hybrid capable of running on electric power, diesel power or a combination of the two. It also uses regenerative braking, a stop/start system, and one of those energy monitor videogame screens that gives you a graphical representation of the powertrain's activity. Visually, the car sports a new Vivid Blue finish and employs narrower grillework, a lowered suspension, and low-rolling-resistance rubber to help maximize aerodynamics and fuel economy. We'll bring you full details from the show next week.

Gallery: VW Golf TDI Hybrid

[Source: Auto Bild via German Car Blog]

Geneva '08 Preview: VW Golf TDI Hybrid hits the web originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Mar 2008 11:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva '08 Preview: John Cooper Works MINI and Clubman

Michael Harley — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Mini

Click image for more hi-res pics of the John Cooper Works MINIs

Hitting the bull's-eye for enthusiasts, BMW's MINI brand is launching two hot new models next month at the Geneva Auto Show. Loaded with performance upgrades and new interior appointments, each race-bred model serves as the basis for the MINI CHALLENGE 2008 race car.

Based on the three-door MINI and the five-door MINI Clubman, the heart of each model is a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder massaged to 207 hp. Pedal to the floor, it should be good for a sprint to 60 mph in just under 6.5 seconds (the MINI Clubman, a bit heavier than the three-door, is a few tenths slower). Unique light alloy wheels, a new performance exhaust system, upgraded suspension, and a modified 6-speed manual transmission are just some of the mechanical upgrades. Aesthetically, the John Cooper Works models will be differentiated by their distinctive body kits and unique interiors. With a base price of under $30,000, get ready to storm your dealers when they're released in late summer. Follow the jump for MINI's endless press release.

Gallery: 2008 John Cooper Works MINI and Clubman

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Geneva '08 Preview: John Cooper Works MINI and Clubman

Geneva '08 Preview: John Cooper Works MINI and Clubman originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Lamborghini LP550 gets ready for its debut

Alex Nunez — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 14:16:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Supercars, Lamborghini

Click image for a gallery of the LP550 spy shots

Last week, Inside Line reported that Lamborghini would use the Geneva Motor Show to unveil a facelifted, juiced-up Gallardo that would take a new name: LP550. Now, Brenda Priddy's spies have caught the updated Lambo covered head-to-toe in black tape. That's OK, though, because the car's updated details remain visible, and you can now get an idea of what's in store for Geneva. In front, the two primary intakes retain their shape, but the front air dam itself is now much deeper and more pronounced, with a pair of new struts hanging down and framing what appears to be a third, central intake below the front bumper. New vents also adorn the leading edges of the front wheel wells. Out back, a new rear fascia incorporates reshaped (thinner) grillework for engine heat dissipation, as well as rehaped openings for the exhausts, which now use double-barreled tips. As Inside Line originally reported, the car's V10 grows to displace 5.2 liters and dishes out 550 horsepower. According to Priddy's shooter, it's also very quiet at idle. Don't worry, though -- the photographer also reports that it makes all the right noises under power. We'll be there when the big reveal happens in Geneva. In the meantime, you can compare the spy pics to shots of the current Gallardo to see the differences.

UPDATE: An Italian mag has published shots of the real thing -- scans are in the spy shot gallery. The revised front and rear ends are there for you to see sans tape. The rear grillework is now a single piece that stretches the width of the car. Overall, it looks good.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2009 Lamborghini LP550

[Source: Brenda Priddy & Co.]

Spy Shots: Lamborghini LP550 gets ready for its debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Feb 2008 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva '08 Preview: Mitsubishi Prototype S unmasked!

Alex Nunez — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 12:38:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Mitsubishi

Click image for a gallery of the Prototype S

German pub Autobild has spilled the beans on the Geneva-bound Mitsubishi Prototype S. The "S" is for Sportback, and this show car forecasts a future production vehicle that will probably carry that moniker. The Sportback is crucial for the European market, where hatches account for the majority of car sales. Up front, you essentially have the Lancer Ralliart's nose, which is dressed up with more ornate, concept-style headlamps and foglights. Head around to the car's rump, and you can almost see Mitsu's people drawing a line in the sand, daring the 5-door WRX to come over and "play." The sloping rear hatch is topped by a large, body-colored roof spoiler, and restyled rear lighting wraps from the lid onto the quarter panels. Dual exhaust tips poke through a diffuser insert on the rear bumper, and stylish split-spoke wheels in a gunmetal finish occupy the lightly-flared fender cutouts. Mechanically, it seems that the Prototype S is outfitted with the same running gear as the Lancer Ralliart. The 2.0L turbo four delivers 240 PS (236 hp) and 343 Nm (253 lb-ft) of torque through a dual-clutch setup to a full-time AWD system with an active center differential. It's cool, we want it, and most importantly, it'd fit -- after all, Subaru markets the WRX here as both a sedan and a hatchback. Come on, Mits. Go tit for tat with them and bring this one across the pond after you give it to Europe.

Gallery: Mitsubishi Prototype S

[Source: Autobild]

Geneva '08 Preview: Mitsubishi Prototype S unmasked! originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Feb 2008 12:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva '08 Preview: First Fiat 500 Abarth official images leaked

Alex Nunez — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Fiat

Click image for photo gallery

This morning, we brought you a Fiat-provided doodle showing a super-deformed 500 Abarth meant to give us a gist of what to expect when the Italian automaker pulls the cover off the Scorpion-emblazoned performance variant. What we didn't expect was that we'd be seeing official images on the same day we posted the sketch. Thanks to Carscoop (and one of its generous readers), we've got exactly that.

The first four (of many, we're sure) official images show the Nuova 500 dressed in the equivalent of a tracksuit and running shoes, with a full bodykit consisting of a new front spoiler, side skirts, and rear bumper with a nifty-looking diffuser insert through which a pair of rolled exhaust tips peek. Black, Scorpion-emblazoned 5-spoke wheels with silver and red accents sit inside the hot hatch's flared fenders, while the endlessly-cool Abarth shield adorns the nose, rear quarters, and hatchback lid. Flashes of red make their way onto the rearview mirrors, brake calipers, and side stripes, too. Inside, the leaked cutaway drawing shows us read seats with matching door panel inserts. The whole thing is very butch...like a little bulldog puppy, and it's bound to be one of the stars of the show when the doors are thrown open in Geneva. We can't wait to see it in person.

[Source: Carscoop]

Gallery: Fiat 500 Abarth

Geneva '08 Preview: First Fiat 500 Abarth official images leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Feb 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva '08 Preview: Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe breaks cover

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Rolls-Royce

click above for high-res gallery of the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe

Rolls-Royce has released pics of the Phantom Coupé, and if any one from Rolls is reading this, you can sign us up for one in every color. And we don't mean the standard colors -- we mean every single color. Sure, the car only has two doors, but even we still experience a bit of a catch when calling this car -- all eighteen-and-a-half feet of it -- a coupe. Which is why we don't: we call it a "coupé." That final accent, like the Alpine summits in the above picture, puts the car in its proper perspective: that of the Jazz Age gentleman racer hopping from Antibes to Nice for dinner with the Polish Countess and a moonlight sail.

Descended from the 101EX concept, the Coupé is nearly all-aluminum on an aluminum spaceframe, with steel apparent in only the A-pillar surround, the hood, and the picnic boot. Behind the raked grill of the Coupé resides the by now well known 6.75-liter V12 with 453-HP and 530 lb-ft to pull its 5,798 pounds. The back end of the car comes up 250mm short of the Phantom's length and manages to pull out a BMW-like 49:51 weight distribution. To keep up those kinds of driver's car credentials, the rear dampers are stiffer, there's a thicker anti-roll bar, and the steering has been given some additional feel. A Sport button on the new, thicker steering wheel enacts a new shift program that holds gears longer, the autobox kicks down faster, and the pedal response is quicker. With the changes, sixty comes up in a rather sporting 5.6 seconds. Three choices of 21-inch wheels will be offered, two of them forged alloy numbers.

Inside are all of the usual Rolls-Royce accoutrements, but the only two words you need to remember are: "starlight headliner." You might not want to have it on all the time, but as a showstopper it will certainly do the trick. But don't take our word for it: the full press release is after the jump, and check out the gallery of hi-res images below.

Gallery: Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe

[Source: Rolls-Royce]

Continue reading Geneva '08 Preview: Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe breaks cover

Geneva '08 Preview: Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe breaks cover originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Feb 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva '08 Preview: Production Toyota iQ, Urban Cruiser revealed

Alex Nunez — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 09:38:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Japan, Crossover, Hatchback, Toyota

click either image to enlarge

Unlike the Dodge Challenger Midwest Regional Auto Show, Geneva's shaping up to be bursting with new-car debuts. Toyota will be in the thick of it, showing off the production-spec version of the iQ microcar, which the automaker debuted as a concept last year in Frankfurt and will be heading to the European market. The little runabout measures just under 3 meters in length, and it should be as wide and tall as a Yaris, if the iQ concept is an indication. As a basis of comparison, the smart fortwo is 2.5 m long. Unlike the smart, the iQ has seating for three adults plus a child or additional cargo. (And hey, depending on your darling little one's mood, he/she might seem more like baggage on some journeys anyway.) Over at AutoblogGreen, Sam suggests that the iQ could get a 1.0L engine with stop/start functionality. Whatever the company sticks underhood, we do know this: the iQ will go into production at the end of this year.

Joining the iQ will be the Urban Cruiser, which appears to be little more than a jacked-up Toyota ist (Scion xD). Earlier reports said that it would borrow styling cues from the 2006 Urban Cruiser concept, but clearly the only thing the production ride cribbed is the show car's name. Toyota hasn't released tech specs for either the iQ or Urban Cruiser yet, and we'll bring you all the news from Geneva as it happens early next month. It's worth noting that the JDM ist is available with optional 4WD, which would be in keeping with the Urban Cruiser's SUVish stance.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Geneva '08 Preview: Production Toyota iQ, Urban Cruiser revealed

Geneva '08 Preview: Production Toyota iQ, Urban Cruiser revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Feb 2008 09:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva '08 Preview: Lamborghini Gallardo LP550 to debut with new face, more power

Alex Nunez — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 07:56:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Supercars, Lamborghini

The current Gallardo (above) will get a new look in Geneva

Inside Line reports that Lamborghini will unveil an updated Gallardo at Geneva, and that, like its big, bad MFer of a brother, the Murcielago LP640, the "baby" Lambo will get an addition to its proper name. The Gallardo LP550, as it's expected to be called, will now deliver 550 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque from its 5.2L ten-cylinder (up from 5.0L). Fully restyled front and rear fascias will reportedly adorn Sant'Agata's latest monument to hauling ass, too. Under that new skin sits a stiffer architecture, a lighter all-wheel-drive system, and updated versions of the car's manual and sequential gearboxes. Naturally, all this will come at a price, so look for the Gallardo's $180,000 sticker to rise accordingly. We don't foresee Lambo shoppers letting that stop them from pulling out the 'ol checkbook, and we'll be on hand in Geneva to see the newest bull enter the ring. Thanks for the tip, Mike!

[Source: Inside Line]

Gallery: 2007 Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera

Geneva '08 Preview: Lamborghini Gallardo LP550 to debut with new face, more power originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Feb 2008 07:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2009 Infiniti FX

Alex Nunez — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Infiniti

Click image for photo gallery

The official unveiling of the 2009 Infiniti FX in Geneva is just a few weeks away, but prototypes are out and about as we speak, and one of Brenda Priddy's minions caught a copper-colored example in Los Angeles yesterday. While the head and taillights are taped off, not much is left to the imagination. The car's basic overall shape remains the same, but a more pronounced grille opening dominates the protruding nose. It's flanked by angry-looking reshaped headlamps that stretch backward onto the fenders. It's certainly a departure from the more reserved look of the current one's schnoz. The tape running the length of the body obscures a character line that's been seen in other photos.

Out back, pointier taillamps mimic the reshaped lighting up front, and the integrated spoiler on the rear hatch is now body-colored, as opposed to the blacked-out piece on the current car. Brenda also reports that the new FX is slightly longer than the one it's set to replace. An FX37 with at least 300 horsepower is expected, as is as a step-up model sporting a 5.0 or 5.5-liter V8 making something in the vicinity 375 - 400 horses. We'll be in Geneva to bring you the news as it happens.

[Source: Brenda Priddy & Co.]

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2009 Infiniti FX

Spy Shots: 2009 Infiniti FX originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Feb 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva '08 Preview: Subaru Legacy 2.0D & Outback 2.0D

Alex Nunez — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 07:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Japan, Subaru

click above for high-res gallery of the Subaru Legacy Diesels

Next month in Geneva, Subaru will officially pull the wraps off the Legacy 2.0D and Outback 2.0D, which, of course, are the first vehicles to be powered by Subaru's new 2.0L Boxer Diesel. Visually, the cars look just like their gasoline-engined counterparts, with the only giveaway being the D-shaped "Boxer Diesel" badge affixed to their rear ends.

As for the new 2.0 CRD boxer, it's just as wide as a 2.0L gasoline version, but is shorter overall, making for a neat, compact package that produces 147 horsepower (110 kw, 150 PS) at 3,600 rpm and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) at 1,800 rpm. It's also Euro 4 compliant, emitting 148 g/km of CO² in the Legacy sedan. That's great and all, but we're most curious to hear what the oil-burning boxer sounds like. We'll have plenty more next month when we see the cars in person.

[Source: Subaru]

Gallery: 2008 Subaru Legacy 2.0D and Outback 2.0D

Geneva '08 Preview: Subaru Legacy 2.0D & Outback 2.0D originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Feb 2008 07:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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