Autoblog

Report: Ferrari to show 599 hybrid concept in Geneva

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari

Italian pub, Quattroroute reports Ferrari will show its first road-going hybrid next March at the Geneva Motor Show. Based on the 599 GTB, the Ferrari hybrid is expected to use a derivative of the kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) used on the prancing horse's Formula One cars during part of the 2009 season.

The KERS setup and the concept will reportedly use a lithium ion battery pack, and based on the diagram (right) the road car will have the battery and the power electonics mounted on either side of the rear transaxle, with an electric motor incorporated into the transaxle itself. If the road car is similar to the race car, this will essentially be a mild hybrid system providing automatic start-stop, regenerative braking and electric boost. Judging by the battery size, Ferrari won't offer any pure electric propulsion. The system is expected to boost urban driving mileage by over 30 percent from the current 8.7 mpg (US) to a slightly less miserable 13.8 mpg.

Thanks to Daniele for the tip!

[Source: Quattroroute]

Report: Ferrari to show 599 hybrid concept in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: BMW ActiveHybrid 5 concept could debut in Geneva

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, BMW

2011 BMW 5 Series - Click above for high-res image gallery

Late last month, BMW officially revealed its next generation 5 series sedan in Munich and the opening salvo of powertrains includes the usual array of gas and diesel six- and eight-cylinder engines. However, with the recent launches of the ActiveHybrid X6 and 7, no one expects it to stay that way for long. BMW officials have acknowledged its intent to expand hybrid capability to other models going forward and, as the next redesign, the 5 would be the logical choice.

We're not sure if the new 5 will show up at the Detroit show next month, but it should appear by the Geneva Motor Show in March. At that time, the ActiveHybrid 5 will probably debut as a concept with the production version possibly arriving by the end of 2010. At this point, it appears unlikely that we'll see any more BMW applications of the two-mode hybrid system used in the X6 (with the possible exception of the X5). Instead, the modular mild hybrid from the 7 is the likely candidate since it delivers much of the benefit at a lower cost and smaller packaging size.

Gallery: 2011 BMW 5 Series sedan

[Source: BMWBlog]

Rumormill: BMW ActiveHybrid 5 concept could debut in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: Rinspeed to unveil the UC? electric city car

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:58:00 EST

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

Rinspeed UC? - click above for high-res image gallery

When we get to Geneva next March, eccentric Swiss design house Rinspeed will be showing off a design for a new electric commuter vehicle called the "UC?" The design of the car itself doesn't appear to be particularly novel with styling that looks like a cross between the Smart ForTwo and Fiat 500 (not to mention the Aston Martin Cygnet from earlier today).

However, Rinspeed is proposing an interesting approach to extending the range of the EV. Because the UC? is only 2.5 meters long, it could theoretically take advantage of the same kind of perpendicular parking that many Smart drivers use. With that in mind, Rinspeed is proposing that railroads build special train cars that would allow the UC? to be driven straight on and off for travel between cities where the 75 mile nominal plug range would make travel impractical. Since most European trains are electric, it's even conceivable that drivers could plug in their UC? models during the train trip. Rinspeed hopes to offer up the UC? to outside manufacturers who may want to build it.

Gallery: Rinspeed UC?

[Source: Rinspeed]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Rinspeed to unveil the UC? electric city car

Geneva Preview: Rinspeed to unveil the UC? electric city car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Romeo previews stylish new Giulietta

Noah Joseph — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo Giulietta - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been a long time in the making. It has changed names several times along the way. But it's finally here. Well, almost. It's the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, and it's coming to the Geneva Motor Show this March to coincide with its phased market launch across Europe next year to coincide with the marque's centenary.

Positioned just above the MiTo in Alfa's lineup (and, tellingly, below the anticipated upcoming 159-succeeding Giulia), the Giulietta replaces the 147 as Italy's answer to the Volkswagen Golf. Since Alfa's parent company Fiat already targets the Golf with its own Bravo, though, some might consider this more of an aggressively-priced competitor to the Audi A3. The hatchback takes its styling cues from the sumptuous 8C Competizione, but carries it off in a decidedly more aggressive way than implemented on the MiTo. Plenty of glass also make the cabin more airy, with a body-colored panel running across the dashboard.

A range of transverse four-cylinder engines - both gasoline and diesel - will be on offer, producing between 120 and 170 horsepower until a 230 hp Quadrifoglio Verde model comes along. They've all got start-stop engine management and Alfa's DNA adjustable suspension system as standard equipment. Fiat's cutting-edge MultiAir valve-actuation system will eventually find its way into all of the engines, while the selection of five- and six-speed manual gearboxes is set to be joined by a new dual-clutch transmission as well.

The new Giulietta marks a pivotal product launch for Alfa Romeo, as the company is hoping to make this its volume offering the most prolific model in its history - with production targeted for an ambitious 100,000 units annually. Check out the trifecta of images in the gallery below and the press release after the jump for full details.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo Giulietta

[Source: Alfa Romeo]

Continue reading Alfa Romeo previews stylish new Giulietta

Alfa Romeo previews stylish new Giulietta originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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: 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 Preview: Protoscar Lampos promises clean-air top-down motoring

Chris Paukert — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Hybrid, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Green, Technology

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Protoscar LAMPO concept

While Tesla has made the biggest splash with its Roadster, a number of other companies have been busily developing their own electric-powered droptops, including Protocar. You may remember Protoscar as the builders of a wacky Porsche 911-based Shooting Brake from a few years back. In any case, the Swiss firm is back, and they're teasing the public unveiling of their LAMPO concept car ahead of its debut at next week's Geneva Motor Show.

The LAMPO is an all-wheel-drive electric cabriolet that uses lithium ion power to extract 268 horsepower and 440 Nm (325 pound-feet) of torque from its two electric motors. Protoscar says the LAMPO ("lightning" in Italian) has a 32 kilowatt-hour battery pack that should yield a range of 200+ kilometers (about 125 miles). However, the company seems to be most proud of its "interactive GPS-based 'range estimator'" as well as its so-called "intelligent charging" capability. At the moment, Protoscar says the LAMPO is configured to draw its power from a photovoltaic plant in Tuscany, with the goal being to have the car as an integral part of a self-sustaining transportation and energy system. Official (if confusingly worded) press release after the jump, high-res gallery of teasers below.

Gallery: Protoscar LAMPOS

[Source: Protoscar]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Protoscar Lampos promises clean-air top-down motoring

Geneva Preview: Protoscar Lampos promises clean-air top-down motoring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 15:28:00 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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REPORT: 1350 HP Bugatti Veyron Centenaire headed for Geneva

Noah Joseph — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Coupe, Geneva Motor Show, Supercars, Bugatti

It may have only been ten years or so since the Volkswagen Group relaunched Bugatti, but anyone familiar with historic automobiles - or automotive history - will tell you that the stoic automaker has been around a lot longer than that. 100 years, to be exact. Although there were periods in between when the carmaker was dormant, it's been a century since the venerated Ettore Bugatti launched his company. Bugatti's patrons in the Volkswagen Group aren't about to miss that opportunity, and to that end, they are reportedly working on something special to present at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.

Bugattis are special enough as they are, but special Veyrons are hardly uncommon in the scheme of things. Bugatti has launched a seemingly endless succession of special edition supercars with unique paint schemes and trim packages. If the latest rumors are to be believed, however, the new special Bugatti could be very special indeed. Supposedly called the Centenaire edition, reports suggest the special Veyron an increased power rating - word on the street has always been that the Veyron's quad-turbo W16 was always capable of more than the already astronomic 1000 horsepower rating it got - up to some 1350 horses, good enough to boost the top end up to 420 km/h (261 miles-per-hour) from the current benchmark of 400 km/h (253 mph). Special paint schemes and trim pieces will surely be part of the mix as well, but hitting the Willard Scott mark may prove enough to warrant a more substantial birthday gift if the rumors are to be believed. We'll know for sure soon as the Geneva show is just around the corner.

Gallery: Bugatti Veyron Sang Noir

[Source: Autoblog.nl]

REPORT: 1350 HP Bugatti Veyron Centenaire headed for Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 12:58:00 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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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: Mighty Morphin' iChange proves Rinspeed is up to its old tricks

Chris Paukert — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Technology

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

From the gloriously fertile mind of Frank Rinderknecht comes the Rinspeed iChange, a shape-shifting zero-emissions concept car. As its name suggests, the iChange actually morphs its body shape depending on how many people are going to be onboard, thus optimizing its aerodynamic profile around the passenger load that is called for.

The Swiss auto designer's creations have always been a highlight of the Geneva Motor Show, from outsized roadsters with crazy paint jobs to cars that run on garbage and have tilting occupant cells to exoskeltal minimalist roadsters to Lotus Elise-based roadgoing submarines. Next month, we expect the iChange to be no different.

In the main, the lightweight (1,050 kilograms, or 2,315 pounds) zero-emissions iChange starts off as a one-seat sports car that is capable of changing to a three-seat coupe thanks to a pop-up rear end.

In the drivetrain department, the iChange is motivated by a 150-kilowatt motor, whose power is routed through a six-speed "pre-selector" gearbox which Rinspeed says is borrowed from Subaru's WRX. Juice storage is provided by one of two stack configurations of lithium-ion batteries, depending on whether short- or long-distance driving is planned. So-equipped, the iChange will whir its way to 100 kilometers-per-hour (62 miles-per-hour) in just over four seconds, topping out at 220 km/h (137 mph). The car's pure-electric drivetrain is further supplemented by a roof shingled in solar panels, which generates power that is stored in the batteries and also helps operate cooling fans to vent the interior.

Click on the jump for more details and a stupendously-large press release, and check out the 70+ image high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Geneva Preview: Rinspeed iChange concept

[Source: Rinspeed]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Mighty Morphin' iChange proves Rinspeed is up to its old tricks

Geneva Preview: Mighty Morphin' iChange proves Rinspeed is up to its old tricks originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:58:00 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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Spy Shots: BMW Alpina B7 caught in traffic ahead of Geneva debut

Noah Joseph — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Spy Photos, Tuners, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, BMW

Controversial BMW designer Chris Bangle may be out of the picture, but Bimmer's new 7-Series still bears his hallmarks. That aside, the new F01-generation holds much promise, with the possibility of a seemingly endless succession of performance variants speeding down the autobahn in hot pursuit.

Rumors of an M7 may turn out to be unfounded, although a V12 version looks to be on the way. But not before pseudo-works tuning house Alpina lays their new B7 on us. The high-performance luxury sedan is tipped to bow next month at the Geneva show, but an undisguised prototype has just been spotted on German streets.

Following the teaser sketch released by Alpina back in December, this is the most we've seen of the upcoming bahn-stormer. Visible mods to the standard 7 remain low-key on the Alpina version, but the spy shots show small lip spoilers on the lower fascia and on the trunk lid, rounded out by bigger wheels. But the real treat will come under the hood, where Alpina's performance gurus are thought to have pulled 500 juicy horsepower out of the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8. Thanks to Andrus for the tip!

[Source: GlobalMotors.net]

Spy Shots: BMW Alpina B7 caught in traffic ahead of Geneva debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 15:57:00 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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Geneva 2008: Bertone B.A.T. 11's clandestine debut

Dan Roth — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Alfa Romeo

Bertone's not officially exhibiting at Geneva this year, as the company is going through some upheaval, but it still made a splash in Switzerland. The B.A.T. 11, paying direct homage to the original B.A.T. concepts, was unveiled in Geneva at the AutoDesignNight event. The car was commissioned by Gary Kaberle, and you'd never know that there's an Alfa Romeo 8C hiding under the sheetmetal that's strongly evocative of the 1955 B.A.T. 5. Tapered fins and faired in wheels follow the design fundamentals laid down 50-plus years ago by Nuccio Bertone and Franco Scaglione, and the unique wheels with two layers of spokes are a 21st-century interpretation of the classic Borrani wires. Surfaces with a mix of soft and crisp forms and details still look futuristic, even while paying homage to the past. Financial woes or not, Bertone is still one of the world's premiere houses of automotive haute couture, and the B.A.T. 11 will hopefully not be the company's last gasp. Click the source to view more photos of the B.A.T. 11 concept at its off-site debut in Geneva yesterday.

[Source: Car Design News, Photo by Brett Patterson]

Geneva 2008: Bertone B.A.T. 11's clandestine debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2008: Morgan LifeCar

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Geneva Motor Show

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Morgan LifeCar

For a company that still makes cars out of wood, Morgan knows not only how to hang in there, but to come up with some really neat stuff. The LifeCar divides a line that reaches well into the past and well into the future. Its lines are retro modern -- or is that modern retro? -- with all the traditional early-20th-century coupe cues done in aluminum. The hydrogen powerplant is theoretically good for a 200-mile range and "sporting" British performance. Check out the press release for the full details, and be sure to look at the gallery of hi-res images below.

Gallery: Morgan LifeCar concept

Continue reading Geneva 2008: Morgan LifeCar

Geneva 2008: Morgan LifeCar originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2008: Bentley's future involves drawing straw

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 17:15:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Green, Bentley

The big news from Bentley in Geneva wasn't really about today -- but stay tuned for 2012. Bentley plans to have its wheel-to-well measure of CO2 emissions down to less than 120g/km, from 400 g/km now. How? By lightening the cars, by engineering better transmissions, and through powerplants able to take advantage of 2nd generation biofuels, meaning cellulosic ethanol from straw and waste products. The best Bentley head Dr. Josef Paefgen would say for specifics was "everything is being considered." So there. Click through the jump to get the full press release and the science, and be thankful Bentley's given you something to look forward to.

[Source: Bentley]

Continue reading Geneva 2008: Bentley's future involves drawing straw

Geneva 2008: Bentley's future involves drawing straw originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Mar 2008 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2008: Bugatti Veyron Fbg by Hermes, scepter and empire not included

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Supercars, Bugatti

Click above for hi-res gallery of the Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermes

The press release says "This car's greatest strength is its ability to make you feel like a child again (a somewhat boisterous child, admittedly)." We can't agree enough. Who among us doesn't have childhood tales of doing 200-plus in our €1.55 million toys? This blogger used to do it all the time -- no, really, all the time, 'cause I was really boisterous -- and I am sure I'm not alone. Hyperbole aside, it's a Bugatti, and that makes it exquisite. And frankly, even if you aren't a fan of Hermes, they do amazing work, which, incredibly, makes the Bug even more exquisite. The "H"-logoed wheels and the fitted bag are spot on. The Hermes engraved fuel filler door could be over the top, but one loses any sense of O.T.T. after flying by the $2 million mark. But hey, if we're all feeling like kids again, maybe I can get them to take 1.55 million mud pies instead of euros. Until then, thirty one hi-res photos await you in the gallery below. Enjoy.

Gallery: Geneva 2008: Bugatti Veryon Fbg par Hermes

Continue reading Geneva 2008: Bugatti Veyron Fbg by Hermes, scepter and empire not included

Geneva 2008: Bugatti Veyron Fbg by Hermes, scepter and empire not included originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Mar 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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