Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[VIDEO: BMW ConnectDrive mobile internet in action]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/27/video-bmw-connectdrive-mobile-internet-in-action/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/27/video-bmw-connectdrive-mobile-internet-in-action/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/27/video-bmw-connectdrive-mobile-internet-in-action/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The Internet is everywhere, and later this year BMW is joining other digitally connected automakers with its own mobile web service. We gave you details on the ConnectDrive mobile Internet while we were in Geneva, and BMW TV is following up with video of how the technology works. After the jump is a short promotional video that shows what the BMW interface looks like from the cabin of a new X6. If you've got an iPhone or any other mobile device that uses the EDGE network for access to the web, try not to choke when ConnectDrive Internet boss Daniel Wittwer calls the surfing experience "fast and pleasant." Yeah, right. Regardless of the speed, the technology won't be available in the US any time soon, but it'll be available in Europe later this year.

[Source: YouTube via: eGMCarTech]

Continue reading VIDEO: BMW ConnectDrive mobile internet in action

VIDEO: BMW ConnectDrive mobile internet in action originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMW X6BmwX6Geneva 2008Geneva2008in-car internetIn-carInternetThu, 27 Mar 2008 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva 2008: Ferrari One-to-One personalization program]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/09/geneva-2008-ferrari-one-to-one-personalization-program/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/09/geneva-2008-ferrari-one-to-one-personalization-program/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/09/geneva-2008-ferrari-one-to-one-personalization-program/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to view in high resolution

Show-stopping new production cars and concepts were not lacking in Geneva this year. There were so many, in fact, that we struggled to take it all in. Yet while Ferrari didn't have any new models to show us, somehow we couldn't help but slow down in front of its booth as we rushed from press conference to press conference. Maybe it was the classic Daytona sitting next to the 612 Scaglietti bathed in soft light, or maybe the pair of lookers standing next to them. Guess we'll never know, but you can feast your eyes on all the sexy models in the gallery below.

What Ferrari did unveil at the Swiss show, however, was a new customization program. Called One-to-One, the program takes the catalog of options under the existing Carrozzeria Scaglietti Programme a step further. A customization studio is being built at the factory in Maranello where clients can hand-pick a wide variety of options from leather swatches to brake calipers and everything in between. The program is being launched on the 612 Scaglietti, but will assuredly be broadened to the entire range in due course. For the 612, Ferrari also announced the availability of the SuperFast robotic gearbox and a new electrochromatic glass roof that can tint and lighten at the push of a button like the folding hardtop on the limited edition Superamerica. More on the latest from Maranello is available in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Ferrari at Geneva 2008

Continue reading Geneva 2008: Ferrari One-to-One personalization program

Geneva 2008: Ferrari One-to-One personalization program originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Mar 2008 19:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ferrari 365gtb4ferrari 612 scagliettiferrari daytona genevaferrari f2008ferrari personalizationferrari programFerrari365gtb4Ferrari612ScagliettiFerrariDaytonaGenevaFerrariF2008FerrariPersonalizationFerrariProgramgenevageneva 2008geneva ferrariGeneva2008GenevaFerrariSun, 09 Mar 2008 19:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva 2008: updated Alfa Romeo 159]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/09/geneva-2008-updated-alfa-romeo-159/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/09/geneva-2008-updated-alfa-romeo-159/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/09/geneva-2008-updated-alfa-romeo-159/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above to view the updated Alfa Romeo 159 in hi-res

We had plenty of reason to frequent the Alfa Romeo pavilion at this year's Geneva show. After the unveiling of the production 8C Spider along with the updated Brera and Spider came the revisions to the 159 sedan and Sportwagon.

Like its two-door counterparts, the changes to the 159 consist of a few small updates that don't interfere with the model's stunning lines. Better ergonomics and new electronics update the interior, while weight reduction where the car meets the road should help the car's driving dynamics slightly. Most importantly, however, the tweaks which Alfa Romeo announced for the 159 range gave us and our cameras another reason, as if we needed one, to get reacquainted with one of our favorite European sports sedans and wagons. To see the product of our emotional reunion, click on the thumbnails below and jump to our high-resolution image gallery.

Gallery: Geneva 2008: Alfa Romeo 159 & 159 Sportwagon

Geneva 2008: updated Alfa Romeo 159 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Mar 2008 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>159 sedan159 sportwagon159Sedan159Sportwagonalfa 159alfa romeo 159alfa romeo genevaAlfa159AlfaRomeo159AlfaRomeoGenevageneva 2008geneva motor showGeneva2008GenevaMotorShowSun, 09 Mar 2008 16:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva 2008: 1967 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/09/geneva-2008-1967-alfa-romeo-33-stradale/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/09/geneva-2008-1967-alfa-romeo-33-stradale/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/09/geneva-2008-1967-alfa-romeo-33-stradale/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click to view the 1967 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale in hi-res

As if Alfa Romeo didn't come to Geneva with enough eye candy, sitting at the back of its booth at the Palexpo, behind the new 8C Spider and updated Brera, Spider and 159, sat a rare classic supercar, bathed in more red lights and surrounded by more mirrors than an Amsterdam window.

The 1967 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale was, for all intents and purposes, the Bugatti Veyron of its day. It was the most expensive road car available to the public. Only 18 were ever made. Its 2-liter V8 was pulled directly from Alfa's racing cars, bearing no relation to the production units of the time, and featured such advanced systems as fuel injection and dry-sump lubrication. It sported butterfly doors long before they appeared on the likes of the Ferrari Enzo and McLaren F1. And it was and remains unspeakably gorgeous, like a true Alfa supercar should be. We had fun photographing this stunning beauty, and bring you the results in the gallery below.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale

Geneva 2008: 1967 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Mar 2008 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above to view the Ford Kuga in hi-res

Kinetic design has been swallowing Ford of Europe's product range whole, and took a big bite at this year's Geneva Motor Show. Alongside the new Fiesta, Ford showed off the production version of the all-new Kuga crossover. Previewed by the concept unveiled at the last Frankfurt show and drawing on styling cues from the Iosis X show car, the Kuga is based on the same platform as the slicker Focus they get overseas.

Although the Kuga is admittedly one more European model that Ford won't offer in its home market, we're not short of Ford crossovers to choose from over here, so we'll let the Europeans have this one. (Just give us the Focus RS and we'll be happy.) But to see what we're missing, check out our gallery of images from the Geneva show floor by clicking on the thumbnails below. Unfortunately, although we're sure the Kuga rolled off its turntable at night after we were gone and duked it out with the Renault Koleos for market share, we couldn't prove it.

Gallery: 2008 Ford Kuga - Production

Geneva 2008: production Ford Kuga originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Mar 2008 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>design languageDesignLanguageford crossoverford europeford kugaFordCrossoverFordEuropeFordKugagenevageneva 2008geneva fordgeneva motor showGeneva2008GenevaFordGenevaMotorShowkinetic designKineticDesignproduction ford kugaProductionFordKugaSun, 09 Mar 2008 11:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva 2008: Japanese ambition, the K07 Spyder]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/07/geneva-2008-japanese-ambition-the-k07-spyder/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/07/geneva-2008-japanese-ambition-the-k07-spyder/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/07/geneva-2008-japanese-ambition-the-k07-spyder/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a gallery of the K.O. 7 and 8.

When we make the trek to Switzerland each year, there always seems to be one particular car that stands out. It's generally something unexpected from an independent automaker far removed from the spotlight. This year, tucked away in a corner cubicle of the Geneva Motor Show's basement, was the K.O. 7 Spider, a concept hailing from Japan that attempts to strike a balance between bespoke supercar and track-day terror.

There were actually two vehicles on display at the Ken Okuyama Design booth: the K.0. 8 coupe, an E.V. that's decidedly less attractive and strictly a design exercise, and the K.O. 7, a production model that will be on sale sometime in 2008.

Hit the jump for all the details.

Gallery: K.O. 7 and K.O. 8

Continue reading Geneva 2008: Japanese ambition, the K07 Spyder

Geneva 2008: Japanese ambition, the K07 Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Mar 2008 20:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>genevageneva 2008geneva motor showGeneva2008GenevaMotorShowk.o. 7k.o. 8K.o.7K.o.8ken okuyama designken okyamaKenOkuyamaDesignKenOkyamaFri, 07 Mar 2008 20:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva 2008: Renault Megane Coupe Concept - more details, more pics, more slick]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/07/geneva-2008-renault-megane-coupe-concept-more-details-more-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/07/geneva-2008-renault-megane-coupe-concept-more-details-more-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/07/geneva-2008-renault-megane-coupe-concept-more-details-more-p/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Click above to view high-res gallery of the Renault Megane Concept

Renault is known for doing hatchbacks, and it does them well, but that's about it. Seeking to increase its market share, Renault's range is rapidly expanding to include a more diversified line-up. Unveiled alongside the new Laguna GT and the Koleos crossover - both also divergent models from the company's small hatch mainstream - the Megane Coupe Concept aims to show the way forward for Renault.

Although what you see here is not what will hit the road when the new Megane arrives, Renault insists that its "dynamic voluptuousness" is a direct indicator of the more fluid form its upcoming Golf-fighter will take. While everyone else was scrambling to come up with new ways to reinvent the wheel internal combustion engine, Renault's new concept is powered by a regular old 2-liter turbocharged four with 200 horsepower, which frankly doesn't seem that impressive considering that the Clio Renaultsport's naturally-aspirated 2.0 produces just three negligible horsepower less. Fine, so notwithstanding its F1 cars, big impressive engines aren't Renault's thing. Meanwhile, the big gullwing doors are the most obvious element to get axed along the next Megane's road to production, but if the road car bears even a passing resemblance to what could easily be labeled as Renault's most engaging show car in years, European customers will have reason to celebrate and we'll have one more entry on our list of cars we wish we could get Stateside.

Right up until its unveiling, Renault was highly secretive on the Megane Coupe Concept, revealing only that there would be a fourth model premiering in Geneva alongside the Koleos and Laguna GT. Now that the veil has been lifted, however, we've garnered all the details in the press release after the jump and Renault's images, which join our own in the gallery below. Check 'em out to learn more about Renault's vision for the future of the automobile.

Gallery: Renault Megane Coupe Concept

Continue reading Geneva 2008: Renault Megane Coupe Concept - more details, more pics, more slick

Geneva 2008: Renault Megane Coupe Concept - more details, more pics, more slick originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Mar 2008 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>genevageneva 2008geneva motor showgeneva renaultGeneva2008GenevaMotorShowGenevaRenaultrenault megane coupe conceptRenaultMeganeCoupeConceptFri, 07 Mar 2008 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva 2008: updated Alfa Romeo Brera & Spider]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/07/geneva-2008-updated-alfa-romeo-brera-and-spider/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/07/geneva-2008-updated-alfa-romeo-brera-and-spider/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/07/geneva-2008-updated-alfa-romeo-brera-and-spider/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click to view the Alfa Romeo Brera and Spider in hi-res

We here at Autoblog would like to thank Alfa Romeo for releasing updated versions of the Brera and Spider models. Not because we're that excited about the minimal updates themselves, but because it gave us another excuse to stop by the Alfa booth and gawk at this pair of stunning two-doors, whose beauty in the Alfa Romeo range is rivaled only by the luscious 8C, the roadster version of which Alfa also unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show.

As we brought you back in late February, the updates to the Brera and its Spider counterpart are modest, limited mostly to removing weight from the rolling stock. Modest improvements, which we'll let interested parties read about in more detail in our preview post and attached press release, but with a vehicle this breathtaking, as you can see from our images in the gallery below, we're glad Alfa kept the changes minimal in addressing some of the vehicle's dynamic shortcomings without tinkering with the styling.

Gallery: Geneva 2008: Alfa Romeo Brera


Gallery: Geneva 2008: Alfa Romeo Spider

Geneva 2008: updated Alfa Romeo Brera & Spider originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Mar 2008 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above to view high-res gallery of the new Renault Koleos

Renault pulled out all the stops for this year's Geneva Motor Show, taking the wraps off the swoopy Megane Coupe concept, as well as debuting the Twingo Renaultsport, Laguna GT and this, the Koleos crossover. Although closely based on mechanicals borrowed from sister-company Nissan, the Koleos is far more of a complete project than that other pair of French sport-utes from archrival PSA Peugeot-Citroen.

The Koleos shared center stage with the Megane Coupe this week, outlining how important the new model is to Renault. This is its first proper foray into the sport-ute segment, finally surrendering when the French automaker realized the crossover craze would not be subsiding any time soon. When you can't beat 'em, join 'em, the saying goes, but push come to snooty shove, Renault actually appears to have done a decent job.

For all the details, refer back to the preview post we featured on the Renault Koleos, and be sure to view our gallery of live shots from the show floor alongside Renault's own press shots by clicking on the thumbnails below.

Gallery: 2008 Renault Koleos

Continue reading Geneva 2008: Renault Koleos clocks in for work

Geneva 2008: Renault Koleos clocks in for work originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GenevaGeneva 2008Geneva Motor ShowGeneva2008GenevaMotorShowRenault KoleosRenaultKoleosThu, 06 Mar 2008 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva 2008: Honda F1 RA300 and RA108]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/06/geneva-2008-honda-f1-ra300-and-ra108/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/06/geneva-2008-honda-f1-ra300-and-ra108/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/06/geneva-2008-honda-f1-ra300-and-ra108/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of Honda's 1967 RA300 and new RA108

Honda has a long history in grand prix racing. The sport's first Japanese team debuted with its own home-grown chassis and engine in 1964, taking its first victory in only its second year in Formula One at the 1965 Mexican Grand Prix. The original RA271 was replaced by the RA300 at the 1967 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, which John Surtees won on its maiden race. Honda withdrew from Formula One in 1969, supplied engines to various teams between 1983 and 1992 and again with British American Racing in 2000, which Honda had adopted as its own factory team by 2005 before winning the 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix.

Keen to highlight its rich heritage in Formula One, Honda came to the Geneva Motor Show with and old RA300 and its latest successor, the RA108. Compared to the 3-liter 420-hp V12 and 5-speed manual in the vintage RA300, the new RA108 is driven through a seven-speed sequential gearbox by a 2.4-liter V8 producing over 700 hp. The two cars represent over 45 years of F1 development, clearly evident in their forms that you can see for yourself in our high-resolution gallery by click-clickin' on the thumbnails below.

Gallery: Honda F1 RA300 and RA108

Geneva 2008: Honda F1 RA300 and RA108 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>genevageneva 2008geneva motor showGeneva2008GenevaMotorShowhonda f1honda f1 genevahonda genevahonda heritagehonda ra108honda ra300honda racingHondaF1HondaF1GenevaHondaGenevaHondaHeritageHondaRa108HondaRa300HondaRacingThu, 06 Mar 2008 08:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva 2008, a Space Oddity: Italdesign-Giugiaro Quantara]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/05/geneva-2008-italdesign-giugiaro-quantara-oddity/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/05/geneva-2008-italdesign-giugiaro-quantara-oddity/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/05/geneva-2008-italdesign-giugiaro-quantara-oddity/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Italdesign Giugiaro Quaranta concept

Beauty may be in the eye of the proverbial beholder and all that, but the Italdesign Quaranta wasn't quite the beauty of the Geneva ball. And while Giorgetto Giugiaro, the celebrated designer at the studio's helm, has more iconic designs to his name than we could possibly list here, his latest was not his best, easily outclassed by the Giugiaro Mustang concept with which we fell so deeply in love and the Ferrari GG50 he built for himself.

The Quaranta concept was built to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Italdesign Giugiaro, and features the Lexus RX400h's mid-mounted hybrid 3.3-liter V6 powerplant driving all four wheels through a CVT and supported by a solar panel on the unfortunately styled nose. Think of archrival Pininfarina's Maserati Birdcage concept crossed with Robocop 3 and you're beginning to get the picture. While we're reassured by the knowledge that this is purely a design study and has no chance of seeing production, we wonder what the future holds if this is what's supposedly pointing towards it.

We managed to assuage our angst long enough to snap off a few photos, which we've added to the gallery below along with the images released by the studio.

Gallery: Italdesign Giugiaro Quaranta Concept

Continue reading Geneva 2008, a Space Oddity: Italdesign-Giugiaro Quantara

Geneva 2008, a Space Oddity: Italdesign-Giugiaro Quantara originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 20:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conceptdesign studyDesignStudygeneva 2008geneva motor showGeneva2008GenevaMotorShowgiugiarogiugiaro italdesign quarantaGiugiaroItaldesignQuarantaitaldesignquarantaWed, 05 Mar 2008 20:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva 2008: Swiss Misses]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/05/geneva-2008-swiss-misses/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/05/geneva-2008-swiss-misses/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/05/geneva-2008-swiss-misses/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Swiss Misses from Geneva

There were quite a few models here in Geneva who were eager to show off their employers' latest and greatest offerings. Of course, we want to make sure that they don't lose their jobs due to our lack of attention, so we lent a hand and snapped away. Although we were extremely busy this go-around, the whole team pitched in to help save their jobs. Won't you do your part and click, too?

Gallery: Geneva 2008: Swiss Misses

Geneva 2008: Swiss Misses originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 20:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredGenevaGeneva 2008Geneva Motor ShowGeneva2008GenevaMotorShowWed, 05 Mar 2008 20:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva 2008: Spyker C8 Aileron]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/05/geneva-2008-spyker-c8-aileron/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/05/geneva-2008-spyker-c8-aileron/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/05/geneva-2008-spyker-c8-aileron/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to view high-res gallery of the Spyker C8 Aileron

Making any car longer, particularly a sportscar, comes with penalties and concessions. But Spyker managed to circumvent them with the new C8 Aileron, which the eccentric Dutch automaker unveiled here in Geneva. Despite a ten-centimeter stretch in wheelbase, torsional rigidity has improved by a whopping 40-percent without adding extra weight to the C8's aluminum space frame. The same Audi V8 continues to deliver 400 horsepower as in the shorter C8 Laviolette, but is now offered for the first time mated to an automatic transmission, which Spyker hopes will help improve its sales and extract the company from its financial woes.

The longer wheelbase of the C8 Aileron also means that Spyker will be able to produce a more functional convertible than the spyder it's offered in the past. In the meantime, a slew of new visual details are added to the already busy design along with the stretch, including some new vents and scoops drawn from the forestalled C12 Zagato. If you want more details, we've got the full press release for you after the jump, and a whole gallery of high-resolution images of the C8 Aileron from the floor of the Geneva Motor Show.

Gallery: Spyker C8 Aileron

Continue reading Geneva 2008: Spyker C8 Aileron

Geneva 2008: Spyker C8 Aileron originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above to view the Pininfarina Sintesi concept in hi-res

Pininfarina. Just the name evokes thoughts of sheet-metal rendered into curvaceous works of art. And at Geneva this year, Pininfarina did not disappoint, unveiling one of the most achingly beautiful four-door concepts we've seen to date. In fact, we were so taken with it, we had to bring you more after our own Jonathon Ramsey brought you the first live pics yesterday.

The Sintesi, whose slow reveal we brought you incrementally as the studio released details week by week in the wind-up to this year's Geneva Motor Show, takes the notion of a four-door coupe, crumples it up and ever so elegantly throws it in the face of just about every passenger vehicle that has come before it, including Pininfarina's own Maserati Quattroporte. Come to think of it, the QP is due for a replacement, and if the Sintesi previews the next Trident sedan in any way, we just might have to mortgage our homes.

Click on the thumbnails below to view all our best live shots and a host of new press pics.

Gallery: Pininfarina Sintesi concept

Geneva 2008: more images of the Pininfarina Sintesi originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 19:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for a high-res gallery of the Tata Nano.

The Geneva Motor Show provided our first opportunity to get up close and mildly personal with Tata's potentially revolutionary Nano. Overall, we're pretty damned impressed. The squat dimensions and short overhangs lend themselves well to the Nano's protuberant proportions, and as much as we tried, we had a hard time finding where Tata really skimped on the exterior elements.

There were two models rotating on stage, the $2,500 "basic" version that's garnered more press than Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan combined, and the lesser-known "luxury" version that gets an enhanced interior, some color-keyed body panels, fog lamps and larger wheels with an additional bolt (the lesser model only sports three lugs versus the upgraded model's four). Unfortunately, when we asked to take a look inside, the nice gentlemen from Tata kindly told us that the doors were locked and we'd have to make better use of our telephoto lens. That might be an indication as to where Tata skimped on materials, but for the money, the intended audience won't be expecting Audi-quality interiors.

Gallery: Tato Nano - Live from Geneva

Geneva 2008: Spending time with the Tata Nano originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>genevageneva 2008geneva motor showGeneva2008GenevaMotorShownanotatatata nanoTataNanoWed, 05 Mar 2008 19:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Blame the dollar for no VW Scirocco in the States]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/05/blame-the-dollar-for-no-vw-scirocco-in-the-states/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/05/blame-the-dollar-for-no-vw-scirocco-in-the-states/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/05/blame-the-dollar-for-no-vw-scirocco-in-the-states/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 VW Scirocco

Volkswagen has made it categorically clear that the only reason it will not sell the recently unveiled Scirocco in the United States is because of the weak dollar. Bloomberg quotes VW's sales and marketing chief Detlef Wittig as saying, "The exchange rate is the only reason for not selling it in the U.S." Wittig goes on to say that the Scirocco would fit the U.S. market, which is arguable considering that VW already sells the Rabbit hatchback here in multiple forms, including GTI and R32 variants for the performance-minded enthusiast. But because of the weak buck, the point is moot since VW would make no money importing the Scirocco from the factory in Palmela, Portugal where it will be built alongside the Eos convertible.

Is all hope lost for those in the U.S. hoping to relive thier youths in a reborn Scirocco? Not quite, as the dollar will likely make a comeback against the euro at some point. Since no one is saying that it's likely to happen in the near future, VW also announced that it has begun scouting locations for a U.S. plant where it can build some of its cars free of the profit-sapping exchange rates. Perhaps then when we're building our own VWs in Alabama, Germany's largest automaker will decide to start selling the Scirocco in the U.S. Thanks for the tip, Mike!

[Source: Bloomberg]

Blame the dollar for no VW Scirocco in the States originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Last October, when Yamaha showed off its Tesseract concept, we had trouble deciding how to classify the vehicle other than as extremely awesome. We are left scratching our heads yet again as Swiss automobile and motorcycle customizing company Sbarro unleashes its Pendolauto concept. Like the Tesseract, the Pendolauto leans into turns like a motorcycle would, yet features four wheels, like a car or a quad. With most of the excitement of a motorcycle, the machine would certainly be a blast to ride, but perhaps a bit more stable due to the addition of the two extra contact patches. Piaggio has seen a great deal of success with its MP3 scooter, but that machine features three wheels and is classified as a motorcycle. Because the Tesseract and Pendolauto have four wheels, nothing quite like them will be available in the U.S. any time soon. Unfortunately, the powers-that-be have yet to understand that a machine like the Pendolauto can offer similar benefits as motorcycles while perhaps adding a few degrees of safety. Click one of the sources below for more pics.

[Source: Yahoo, Salon Auto]

Geneva 2008: Sbarro Pendolauto leaning motorcycle originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Ford Fiesta hatchbacks

Though Ford has stated that it will only sell the new Fiesta in the U.S. as a sedan, the debut of two hatchback versions at the Geneva Motor Show this week, a three-door and a five-door model, apparently has the Blue Oval boys and girls reconsidering. Ford's new marketing chief Jim Farley told Automotive News that a decision about whether to sell the hatchbacks in the U.S. as well will come in 12 months. The company will be watching consumer reaction to the Verve hatchback concepts at second-tier U.S. auto shows this year to see if they resonate with young buyers (It may also show the production Fiesta hatchbacks in the U.S., as well). Hatchbacks have traditionally been a tough sell in the U.S., which is what prompted Ford's initial decision not to sell them here, as well as, we presume, the decision cancel the Focus three- and five-door hatchback models when that car was redesigned this past year.

Of course, we think the new Fiesta looks like a winner based on what we've seen this week in Geneva of the production models. But whether or not the hatchbacks will sell in the heartland of America depends more on what they will cost than anything else. And there's the rub. Since the Fiesta was designed to satisfy European tastes that demand quality small cars, they will likely be more expensive than the economy car fare we're used to in the U.S. Would you pay a few bills more for a Fiesta hatchback knowing it was a direct port from Europe? Our answer is yes.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Fiesta


[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

What say you? Should Ford sell Fiesta hatchbacks in U.S.? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for high-res gallery of the Artega GT Intro 2008 Edition

What started as an innocent crush last year in Geneva and blossomed into a budding romance in Frankfurt, has finally turned into a full-blown obsession. Our first introduction to the Artega GT proved love isn't blind, particular when Henrik Fisker pens it. The sensuous curves of the initial prototype had us drooling from across the room, and after seeing the production version late last year in Frankfurt, it quickly found a slot in our dream garage.

One year later, we're still smitten. The combination of the Artega's small footprint, 300-hp rear-mounted DI V6, and carbon fiber bodywork has us on pins and needles. And for the 99 lucky souls that got their orders in early, they'll be receiving a limited edition "Intro 2008" model swathed in either Vanillegelb or Tiefseeblau, a bespoke interior and lightweight, five-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in Pilot Sport PS2 Michelins. The cost of entry is just under 80,000 euros and if you've got the coin to purchase one of the 170 models Artega is expected to produce annually, you can pour over all the details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Artega GT - Intro 2008 Edition

Continue reading Geneva 2008: Weak in the knees for the Artega GT Intro 2008 Edition

Geneva 2008: Weak in the knees for the Artega GT Intro 2008 Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artegaartega gtArtegaGtgenevageneva 2008geneva motor showGeneva2008GenevaMotorShowintro 2008 editionIntro2008EditionWed, 05 Mar 2008 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva Surprise: Christian von Koenigsegg speaks about the Edition]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/05/geneva-surprise-christian-von-koenigsegg-speaks-about-the-editi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/05/geneva-surprise-christian-von-koenigsegg-speaks-about-the-editi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/05/geneva-surprise-christian-von-koenigsegg-speaks-about-the-editi/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click image above for high-res gallery of the CCXR Edition

Covering a show like Geneva has its ups and downs for a journalist. Most of the time you are trying to follow a very tight schedule of press conferences that has you shifting 50 feet every fifteen minutes for about 12 hours a day. The upside is that the cars (and sometimes people) around you are quite often breathtaking and, besides the travel expenses, the whole party is free. As much as you'd like to linger, it can be extremely difficult because of the itinerary. Automakers generally have personnel on hand to answer questions, but if you linger you risk missing out on the next big thing across the aisle. But then there are those serendipitous moments when you just happen to be in the right place at the right time.

When we went back into the hall a few minutes ago to get a few more interior shots of the Koenigsegg CCXR Edition, we happened to spot Christian von Koenigsegg himself. We reached out a hand, introduced ourselves and mentioned that we had the chance to drive one of his supercars last fall in Las Vegas. We chatted a bit about the fact that we were expecting a black/red Edition here in Geneva and he said that this was a one-of-a-kind special order, "a Picasso" he joked. What he said next just about floored us. According to Koenigsegg, it took his team about 3,000 hours to hand lay the carbon fiber for this naked knockout. Then he mentioned that the beauty is far more than skin deep. The car produces so much more downforce that he thinks it is one of the easiest supercars to drive. We know we never had any trouble with the old one, but some others have. Then he talked about the fact that he wants to get the car out for more testing. He mentioned the 'RIng and another assault on the Top Gear track. He also shared that six of these Editions have already been sold and that more orders are in process since the show started yesterday. And just like that we remembered that we had to be elsewhere and said goodbye. Oh wow, is that Sir Jackie Stewart over there?!

Gallery: Koenigsegg Edition


Gallery: Koenigsegg Edition CCXR

Geneva Surprise: Christian von Koenigsegg speaks about the Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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