Autoblog

Geneva 2009: Kia No 3 concept cooler than expected

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 17:21:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Kia

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Kia No 3 concept

After all the teaser shots of the Kia No 3 concept, we finally got to see it in the metal out on the floor of the Geneva Motor Show today. In its press materials, Kia describes this as a new five-seat MPV, although we're personally a bit dubious of that description. In Europe there are taller versions of various hatchbacks that fit the description of an MPV such as the Ford C-Max and VW Golf Plus. The closest we have in the U.S. is the Mazda5, and the No 3 concept doesn't seem to fit with any of those.

Aside from its odd categorization, the No 3 is quite an attractive piece. It's a five-door hatchback close in overall size to the Honda Fit but with a 4.5-inch longer wheelbase. The overall proportions of the No 3 are handsome with short overhangs and reasonably large areas of glass. If the No 3 does make it to production (hopefully with a different name), it will likely loose a big chunk of that glass, namely the roof. The diagonal windshield header on the concept is is reiterated in the random diagonal ribs of the seat upholstery. Even without its clever concept trappings, we hope to see the No 3 get a green light for production.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Kia No 3

Gallery: Kia No 3 concept

Geneva 2009: Kia No 3 concept cooler than expected originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2009: Ferrari 599XX is our kind of menace to society

Noah Joseph — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 08:25:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Supercars, Ferrari

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Ferrari 599XX

Ferrari stormed Geneva with a pair of new versions of the 599 GTB Fiorano. We'll have more for you soon on the new Handling GT Evoluzione package being offered on the V12 supercar, but what you really want to see is this: the 599XX. Following up on the FXX development program, the 599XX is a rolling test bed for new technologies making their way from the F1 circuit over to Ferrari's road car division.

Only 20 or 30 examples off the 599XX will be offered to a very select clientele, and participation in the program (which includes the car) will cost upwards of one million euros. The vehicles itself is technically based on the existing Fiorano road car, but is treated to an extensive array of track-spec modifications including a retuned V12 corralling some 700 prancing ponies at 9,000 rpm, revised electronics, an "Actiflow" aero package that produces some 280 kilos of downforce at 200 km/h and 19-inch competition rims with F1-derived covers. You can read all about it in the press release after the jump, and see live shots of the rolling menace from Ferrari's show stand here at the Geneva Motor Show where it's made its debut.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Ferrari 599xx

Continue reading Geneva 2009: Ferrari 599XX is our kind of menace to society

Geneva 2009: Ferrari 599XX is our kind of menace to society originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 08:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2009: Zagato's Perana Z-One is desire in motion

Noah Joseph — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 05:27:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Geneva Motor Show

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Zagato Perana Z-One

Okay, okay. We'll admit it. The world doesn't need another sportscar. But then we don't really need anything beyond food, clothing and shelter. Everything else is desire, and the Zagato Perana Z-One definitely fits the mold... and fits it well. The Z-One's got the power (a 440hp 'Vette-sourced V8), the looks (styled by Milanese coachbuilder Zagato), the exclusivity (less than 1,000 units annually) at a competitive price (starting at 50k euros). To our eye, the South Africa GT is one of Zagato's best contemporary designs - following such recent examples as the Maserati GS, Ferrari 575 GTZ, Spyker C12, Diatto Ottovu and Bentley GTZ - but don't take our word for it: check it out in the galleries below. Details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Zagato Perana Z-One

Gallery: Zagato Perana Z-One

Continue reading Geneva 2009: Zagato's Perana Z-One is desire in motion

Geneva 2009: Zagato's Perana Z-One is desire in motion originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 05:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2009: Bentley takes a tipple, Continental SuperSports goes FFV

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 04:24:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Supercars, Bentley

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Bentley Continental Supersports

Bentley claims that the new Continental Supersports is the fastest, most powerful production Bentley ever produced. But beyond raw power and speed, CEO Franz-Josef Paefgen said it was the beginning of a new era for Bentley. Paefgen declared that when this recession ends outstanding cars will be needed to lead the way. To that end the Continental Supersports program shaved 242 pounds off the big coupe, removed the back seat and bumped up the output to 621 hp. That's enough to push this big coupe to 204 mph top end and while passing through 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds.

The really big news is the addition of flex-fuel capability to the twin-turbo W12. Paefgen claims that fueling the Supersports on E85 can reduce well-to-wheel CO2 emissions by up to 70%. Of course that figure would be commensurate with using cellulosic ethanol which is currently available... no where. Paefgen announced that between now and 2012 all Bentley's will get flex-fuel capability and in that year an all new powertrain will be introduced. Paefgen did acknowledge that E85 capability is simply a stepping stone to future technologies like plug-in hybrids start to make a dent over the next decade.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Bentley Continental Supersports

Gallery: Bentley Continental Supersports

Continue reading Geneva 2009: Bentley takes a tipple, Continental SuperSports goes FFV

Geneva 2009: Bentley takes a tipple, Continental SuperSports goes FFV originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 04:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2009: Rinspeed iChange in the flesh

Noah Joseph — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 03:53:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Green

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Rinspeed iChange

With automakers pouring into Geneva from around the world, it's largely up to Rinspeed to hold down the home fort here in Switzerland, and the quirkiest of niche automakers never disappoints. So this year we made sure to swing by Rinspeed's show stand right away to take in its latest concoction. Called the iChange, we've already brought you the details and factory photos of this innovative electric vehicle, and it looks no less unique in person. Its low-slung body is punctuated by a forward-hinged canopy, which can be expanded to accommodate a third passenger as needed.

Stay tuned as well for live shots of the E2, a split-personality Fiat 500 that joined the iChange on Rinspeed's show stand here at the Geneva Palexpo.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Rinspeed iChange

Gallery: Geneva Preview: Rinspeed iChange concept

Geneva 2009: Rinspeed iChange in the flesh originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 03:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #117

Dan Roth — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

This week, Sam and Chris return from a short hiatus for some fun with a Rolls Royce and a BMW 750Li. After we get all the iDrive carping out of our systems, we move on to what we might see at the Geneva Motor Show, touch briefly on the Autoblog Garage, and finish up with a dandy little bailout/bankruptcy argument. Thanks for listening, and please keep your notes coming in to Podcast at Autoblog dot com, we're going to do another all-questions edition soon. See you next week!

Follow the jump to subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, add the show to your RSS aggregator or listen to it right now!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #117

Autoblog Podcast #117 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Opel Ampera caught in the buff ahead of Geneva reveal

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Green, Chevrolet, Opel

One of the many cars we'll be seeing at the Geneva Motor Show is the Opel Ampera. The Ampera is essentially nothing more than a Chevrolet Volt with a new face. The Opel grille and headlights have largely been lifted from the Flextreme concept that appeared at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. General Motors has already said it will sell both the Volt and an Opel-badged car using the same Voltec powertrain in the European market. Judging by the appearance of the Ampera, it looks like GM's money troubles mean that body changes for the Opel will be kept to a bare minimum. Of course, a big part of the reason for the production Volt's shape is the need for optimized aerodynamics, so it's unlikely the Opel would have changed much anyway.

Although AutoCar reports that the Ampera will be built at one of GM's European factories, the reality is that initial production volumes are likely to be small (in the very low tens of thousands annually, at best). That means for at least the first few years, even the Opel- and Vauxhall-badged versions will be sourced from GM's Detroit/Hamtramck factory where the Volt will be made. Thanks for the tip, Mehdi!

[Source: AutoCar]

Opel Ampera caught in the buff ahead of Geneva reveal originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ain't nothin' but a G thang: BRABUS to show twin-turbo V12 Gelandewagen in Geneva

Noah Joseph — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz, Brabus

Click above to view the Brabus G V12 S Biturbo in high resolution

Welcome to the year of the G-Wagen. Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, the mainstay of Mercedes' sport-ute line-up has reason to celebrate, and friends to celebrate with. Mercedes itself has released a pair of special-edition Geländewagens to mark the occasion. Floridian Benz tuning house RENNtech is toying with a special G of its own. And now BRABUS is preparing to storm the Geneva Motor Show with its own modified G-Class, and the stats are mind-boggling.

We'll start with the good stuff: BRABUS has dropped in the twin-turbo V12 from the Mercedes S600, but bored out from a prodigious 5.5 liters to a gargantuan 6.3. With the help of a new crankshaft, cylinder heads, custom exhaust, optimized intercooler and bigger turbos, the Brabus G V12 S Biturbo pumps out a whopping 700 horsepower and even more jaw-dropping 973 lb-ft of torque from just 2,100 rpm. Driving through a retuned five-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive, all that power and twist is enough to propel the beast to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.3 seconds. And though the top end is electronically limited to 150 mph, BRABUS says its monster, despite having the aerodynamic profile of a Panzer with a parachute, could hit 163. Custom aero kit, lighting, wheels and electronics round out the package for a sticker price that may be the most mind-boggling number of all: 379,000 Euros, or about $483,000 in American greenbacks. You're on your own at the fuel pumps, though. Check out high-res images in the gallery below and the press release from BRABUS after the jump.

Gallery: BRABUS G V12 S Biturbo

[Source: BRABUS]

Continue reading Ain't nothin' but a G thang: BRABUS to show twin-turbo V12 Gelandewagen in Geneva

Ain't nothin' but a G thang: BRABUS to show twin-turbo V12 Gelandewagen in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: Rolls-Royce 200EX Concept teaser surfaces

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 10:25:00 EST

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

The oft-spied Rolls-Royce RR4 finally has a name -- 200 EX -- and will be unveiled in concept form at the Geneva Motor Show in a couple of weeks. The 200EX will be a new, smaller model to slot in below the current Phantom sedan and coupe, riding on a new platform and with an all-new engine. The underpinnings are believed to be derived from the just launched 7 Series and may be powered by a newly designed V12 engine. If 12 cylinders are employed, the engine will not be a variant of the motor used in the Phantom, but an all-new design.

Judging from the teaser, Rolls-Royce is sticking with the lower wider grille look that debuted on the 100EX and then the Phantom coupes and lighting is likely to come from a full LED array rather than the usual xenons. Steel is believed to replace much of the aluminum used in the Phantom for improved durability and a power closing "coach" doors will carry over from the Phantom. We should be seeing more complete photographs and other details of the 200EX in the coming days.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Geneva Preview: Rolls-Royce 200EX Concept teaser surfaces originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: Skoda Fabia becomes a Scout, goes camping

Noah Joseph — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Skoda Fabia Scout

When the Volkswagen Group and all its many subsidiaries roll through Switzerland in a couple of weeks, the new Audi A4 allroad quattro and Saab 9-3X won't be the only ruggedized wagons in town, as renderings of the new Skoda Fabia Scout have surfaced.

Based on the existing Fabia Kombi wagon, the jacked-up Fabia joins Scout versions of the Octavia and Roomster as well as the new Yeti crossover that Skoda will also be unveiling in production form at the Geneva Motor Show. What sets the Fabia Scout apart from its street-bound counterparts is the body-cladding and bigger wheels, so don't go poking around underneath for an all-wheel-drive system. Six different engines - three gasoline and three diesels - are on offer, along with a utile 1460 liters of cargo room with the rear seats folded flat.

Gallery: Skoda Fabia Scout

[Source: Autoblog Spanish]

Geneva Preview: Skoda Fabia becomes a Scout, goes camping originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Extreme Bentley to pack 630 HP, hit 60 mph in four flat

Noah Joseph — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Green, Bentley

With the days winding down until the Geneva Motor Show, more and more details are coming to the surface on the basket of delectable treats in store for us this year in Switzerland. The latest reports indicate that Bentley's new show car, a bio-fuel version of its Continental model, will pack an awesome 630 horsepower from its mulch-munching twin-turbo W12. That's a considerable 30 more horses than Bentley's current most powerful version, the Continental GT Speed, and the package promises to be enough to propel the renewable-fueled luxo-tank to sixty in four seconds flat.

Laughably, Crewe is also said to have removed the rear seats from the Extreme Bentley to save weight , which, when you consider the enormous heft of the Continental, isn't likely to make much of an impact. That said, we appreciate the gesture... and those 630 horses.

[Source: Autowereld via World Car Fans]

Extreme Bentley to pack 630 HP, hit 60 mph in four flat originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe

Noah Joseph — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 09:55:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe

In the ramp-up to the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, we've heard from all the big luxury players and then some on the new concepts and production vehicles they'd be bringing to the Swiss show, except for Mercedes-Benz. But at long last, here's the big debut that the Three-Pointed Star will be presenting at the Geneva Palexpo in a couple of weeks: the new E-Class Coupe.

Replacing the CLK, the new E coupe follows along the same path as the new E-Class sedan which Mercedes unveiled just a few months ago, albeit with with two fewer doors and a sleeker, more...well, coupe-like profile, with no B-pillars to obstruct the view and a low drag coefficient. Carrying a Cd of just 0.24, Mercedes claims the new E-Class Coupe is the most aerodynamically efficient production car on the market. Coupled with an efficient range of engines - ranging from the E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY that produces more power and torque while sipping less fuel, all the way up to the 388-horsepower E500 Coupe - and a host of new features - including a pedestrian-friendly self-deploying hood, Dynamic Driving package, adaptive headlights, road sign recognition and an automatic emergency braking system - the E-Class Coupe promises to offer an alluring package when it goes on sale in European markets this coming May. We'll have more for you from the Geneva show floor, but in the meantime, you can scope out the long press release after the jump and the even bigger gallery of high-resolution images by clicking the thumbnails below.

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe

Geneva Preview: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: 2010 Audi A4 allroad quattro ready for its closeup

Noah Joseph — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 07:45:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Audi

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the new Audi A4 allroad quattro

While every other automaker was pumping out SUVs by the truckload (so to speak), Audi insisted that its wagons could offer the same benefits as a sport-ute - all wheel drive, rugged looks, cargo capacity - without the drawbacks. Ingolstadt has jumped on the sport-ute bandwagon since then, but hasn't given up the ghost on the wagon/SUV debate. While the A6-basded allroad quattro had to hold down the fort all by itself until now, at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, Audi will give it a kid brother based on the A4.

The Audi A4 allroad quattro is essentially an A4 Avant wagon, only beefed up for that go-anywhere look. Ground clearance is jacked up to a more commodious 180mm, while the underbody is reinforced front and rear with steel plates. Contrasting lower body cladding and flared wheel arches contribute to the off-road look, along with a unique grille, restyled rear bumper and roof rails on top of the Avant's sleek roofline. Of course traction is provided by Audi's trademark quattro all-wheel-drive system, putting the power down from the 211 hp 2.0-liter TFSI, 170hp 2.0-liter TDI or 240hp 3.0-liter TDI (gas, diesel and diesel for those unfamiliar with VW Group lexicon) through the six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. All the details can be found in the press release after the jump, with a gallery of high-resolution photos accessible via the thumbnails below.

Gallery: 2010 Audi A4 allroad quattro

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: 2010 Audi A4 allroad quattro ready for its closeup

Geneva Preview: 2010 Audi A4 allroad quattro ready for its closeup originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Feb 2009 07:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: Skoda to unveil production Yeti

Noah Joseph — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 18:33:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Crossover

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Skoda Yeti concept

Volkswagen's Spanish subsidiary SEAT has a raft of new models to debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, but its Czech cousin isn't about to sit it out. In addition to unveiling the Greenline version of its Octavia model (now celebrating its 50th anniversary) and the Scout and S2000 versions of its smaller Fabia, Skoda will descent on the Swiss lakeside town with the production version of its new Yeti soft-roader.

Previewed by the Yeti concept from the 2005 Geneva show, the new Yeti is expected to be based on the company's slick Roomster cargo van, but with a more off-road bent to it. The 2005 concept car combined a rugged look with clean lines and a retro white roof, suitable for a vehicle that seems to cross the best elements of the MINI and the Toyota FJ Cruiser. While we count down to the opening of the Geneva Motor Show next month, you can read the press release after the jump and view the images of the 2005 Skoda Yeti concept in the mega gallery we've assembled below.

Gallery: Skoda Yeti concept

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Skoda to unveil production Yeti

Geneva Preview: Skoda to unveil production Yeti originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lead Zeppelin? Maybach exhumes long-dormant nameplate for new super-lux model

Noah Joseph — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Maybach, Specialty

Click above to view the Maybach Zeppelin in high-resolution

One of these days, the guys at Daimler headquarters in Stuttgart will realize that, to make Maybach a success, the marque is going to need to do more than revive some old names and slap 'em on an oversized version of the old Mercedes S-Class. Until then, however, it's full speed ahead on the current course, as Maybach is poised to unveil Zeppelin editions of its current models.

Reviving the old nameplate of the original Maybach's top-spec model, the new Zeppelin is little more than a pricy trim package. €406,000 (about $525k USD by today's rates) gets you a Maybach 57 Zeppelin, while the larger 62 commands a €473,200 ($612k) sum. In exchange, you get some unique 20" dark chrome rims, the requisite special badges, dark red tail lights, vertical exhaust outlets, special leather upholstery ("California beige" with "Stromboli black" stitching), piano lacquer trim, a set of silver champagne flutes and a plastic fragrance dispenser.

Maybach says they'll only make 100 Zeppelin editions, but remember: that's a maximum, and we'd be surprised if they actually sold that many. Full details in the press release after the jump and photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: Maybach Zeppelin

[Source: Daimler]

Continue reading Lead Zeppelin? Maybach exhumes long-dormant nameplate for new super-lux model

Lead Zeppelin? Maybach exhumes long-dormant nameplate for new super-lux model originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: Updated Renault Clio

Noah Joseph — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Renault

Click above for a high-res gallery of the updated Renault Clio

With Europe's other major international car show alternating to Frankfurt in 2009, the upcoming Geneva Motor Show is as close to home turf as the French automakers will get this year. Along with the new concept its Romanian budget brand Dacia is tipped to unveil at the show, Renault will be descending on the lakeside Swiss city with an updated version of its bread-and-butter Clio. The modest facelift draws on cues from the larger and newer Megane and Laguna models, with a small air inlet on the nose and a larger one integrated into the front bumper. The rear bumper as also bee mildly revised, while the updated cabin features a new sat-nav unit which Renault has developed together with TomTom to offer the cost-effective and web-upgradeable benefits of a standalone aftermarket GPS with the integration of a factory nav unit.

The updated Clio will debut with a new GT trim level that slots in below the hot Renaultsport version, with some of the aggressive cues but without the go-fast bits that make Renault's hot hatches the king of the hill. Renault has released a slew of photos of the new Clio ahead of its debut, which you can check out in the gallery below, along with the details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: updated Renault Clio

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Updated Renault Clio

Geneva Preview: Updated Renault Clio originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dacia teases with new concept ahead of Geneva debut

Noah Joseph — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:18:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Renault

Click on the image above to view a gallery of Dacia concept teasers

If Dacia has managed to establish a name for itself, it has been on no-frills, low-cost vehicles. But Renault's Romanian budget brand is preparing to unveil a new concept car at the Geneva Motor Show that looks poised to blow the doors off its lackluster image with some show-stopping forms.

The leaked teaser images shown here preview the new Dacia concept, but no details have emerged to go along with them. Although some sources suggest that Dacia is poised to launch a new crossover, big wheels on low-profile rubber sheltering Brembo calipers and the two-door format suggest a sportier model in the works. We'll be keeping our eyes open as we get closer to Geneva in March for more details on the shapely Dacia concept. In the meantime, we'll just have to ponder the renderings in the gallery below.

Gallery: Dacia concept teasers

[Source: Carscoop]

Dacia teases with new concept ahead of Geneva debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Double Treat: Aston to debut DBS roadster, V12 Vantage in Geneva?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Supercars, Aston Martin

Click above to view the Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS concept in high resolution

Aston Martin doesn't have a huge product range. In fact, until the Rapide and One-77 come along, its line-up essentially boils down to two models: the Vantage and the DB9. And if reports coming straight from Switzerland are to be believed, the now-independent British sportscar company is descending on the Geneva Motor Show next month with new top-of-the-line variants of both.

First up is the convertible version of the DBS. The iconic Bond-mobile, whose name may have finally been determined, will make for a stunning drop-top. Not unlike arch-rival Ferrari, which took the 430 Scuderia and crossed it with the F430 Spider to create the 16M Scuderia Spider, Aston will take the fixed-roof DBS and put it in a room together with the DB9 Volante, dim the lights, put on some Boys2Men and let nature run its course.

Reportedly joining the DBS Volante/Roadster will be the production V12 Vantage RS. Forgot about that one? It's easy when Aston keeps serving up delectable new flagship supercars, so we'll scribble the recipe down for you again: take one V8 Vantage and the 600-hp V12 engine from the DBRS9 race car. Add louvers, spoilers, carbon fiber and alcantara. Shake (don't stir). Production should be very limited, and performance should be blistering. Stay tuned.

Gallery: Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS Concept

Gallery: Aston Martin DBS Volante - spy shots

[Source: topcarblog.ch]

Double Treat: Aston to debut DBS roadster, V12 Vantage in Geneva? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Low-spec MINI One Clubman set for Geneva debut

Noah Joseph — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Mini, UK

Click on the image above to view a high-res gallery of the MINI One Clubman

It's exciting for us when we get to report on a new, more powerful version of a much-loved car, but this isn't one of those moments. Thankfully, we also like it when a much-loved car becomes available in a less expensive formula. What you see here is the soon-to-be minted entry-level version of the MINI Clubman.

The stretched version of BMW's MINI has until now been offered only in Cooper guises: The standard Cooper with 120 horsepower, the sportier Cooper S with 175hp and the diesel Cooper D with 110hp. The MINI One Clubman makes do with lower levels of equipment and a less powerful 95hp 1.4-liter four, mated to the buyer's choice of a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Despite the lower content, it also includes such green touches as regenerative braking and start-stop engine management, giving the One the second best fuel economy and emissions figures in the range, trailing only the Cooper D.

Naturally, the decontented Clubman will come in as the cheapest version of the MINI wagon, retailing in the UK for £13,290 (approximately $19,250). That's a comparable price to the smaller but more powerful MINI Cooper hatchback (£13,715), about a grand more than the MINI One hatchback, but more than a grand less than the Cooper Clubman. MINI will continue to offer the North American market the Cooper, Cooper S and JCW versions, while the MINI One Clubman makes its debut in Geneva this coming March. Details in the press release after the jump and plainly superimposed high-resolution photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: MINI One Clubman

[Source: MINI]

Continue reading Low-spec MINI One Clubman set for Geneva debut

Low-spec MINI One Clubman set for Geneva debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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