Autoblog

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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Spy Shots: Alfa Romeo Kamal Concept snapped at Fiat R&D facility?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Europe, Crossover, Alfa Romeo

If this crossover looks a little familiar, your eyes are not playing tricks on you. Alfa Romeo unveiled this concept vehicle at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show. It was called the Kamal, and it was supposed to have gone into production by now. But things have been a little crazy over at the Fiat group. Mergers and acquisitions have collapsed and others have gone through, forcing the Italian automaker to change its product strategy at every turn.

What has us asking questions all over again is this batch of spy shots reportedly leaked by an employee at Fiat's Elasis research and development facility in Pomigliano, Italy. Of course, it's entirely possible the original concept was being moved from one storage facility to another, but then they could be bringing it out again for another reason. One way or another, we should find out soon as Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne prepares to decide on Alfa's fate in due course.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo Kamal concept

[Source: alvolante.it via Worldcarfans]

Spy Shots: Alfa Romeo Kamal Concept snapped at Fiat R&D facility? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: 2011 Audi A1 teased ahead of Geneva unveiling

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:40:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Audi, Luxury

2011 Audi A1 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Two years ago, the Audi Metroproject Quattro concept bowed at the Tokyo Motor Show. A year later, the Audi A1 Sportback study was unveiled in Paris. And in less than two months, the production 2011 Audi A1 will finally be revealed online ahead of its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show... but not before the hype machine is put into full effect.

After the jump, you can check out three teaser videos of the A1, beginning with a graffiti homage to Audi's new compact hatch, followed by a brief statement from Chairman Rupert Stadler and a design discussion with a few of the A1's creators.

Predictably, all three spots are mum on details, but from previous reports, we know that the A1 is likely to be powered by a 1.4-liter TFSI four-cylinder channeling around 150 hp to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. All-wheel drive may be exclusive to the 180-hp S1 -- due to arrive sometime in 2011 -- with the standard model dolling out power to the front wheels alone, and a cabrio variant arriving in 2012. Expect all the details to come down from on high in February -- including an announcement about Audi's intent to sell the A1 Stateside -- but until then... jump.

Gallery: 2011 Audi A1 Graffiti Teasers

Continue reading VIDEO: 2011 Audi A1 teased ahead of Geneva unveiling

VIDEO: 2011 Audi A1 teased ahead of Geneva unveiling originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EXCLUSIVE: First shots of the Hennessey Performance Venom GT

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST

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

Hennessey Venom GT - Click above for image gallery

Hennessey Performance is on a roll. First we got a Cadillac CTS-V that accelerates so violently it sets off its OnStar system. Then we get a Chevrolet Corvette ZR1-powered pony car that handily won our Best Camaro of SEMA. Now this: The first shots of the Hennessey Venom GT, a lightweight, LS9-powered ICBM aimed directly at the world's hypercar elite.

Originally teased way back in November of 2007, the House That Hennessey Built has been working overtime to create this Lotus Elise-based, mid-engine masterpiece for the Geneva Motor Show this March, and judging by these first shots from the shop, things are looking downright diabolical.

According to Hennessey, the final weight - with fuel, but no driver - should come in under 2,400 pounds, and with the "mildly tweaked" LS9 putting out between 650 and 700 horsepower, that puts the Venom in contention with the Bugatti Veyron for power-to-weight bragging rights. But naturally, Hennessey isn't stopping there. After the bugs are worked out, the supercharger will be dispatched in favor of a duo of turbos, netting output somewhere north of 1,000 hp. 0-60 times? Less than 2.5 seconds. Top speed? An estimated 262 mph.

Putting that grunt to the ground is a Ricardo six-speed manual gearbox - the same transmission the tuning firm used on its 1,000+ hp twin-turbocharged Ford GTs - with carbon fiber Dymag wheels fitted at all four corners, each shod in Michelin PS2 tires. Fifteen-inch carbon ceramic discs with eight piston Brembo calipers are mounted up front, while 14-inch rotors with six piston calipers reside in the rear, and ~~although we haven't gotten confirmation, the shot above suggests the driver sits front and center.~~ Nope, the Venom will be available in traditional left- or right-hand drive, according to Hennessey.

That's all for now, but look for more details to be released in the coming weeks and get an exclusive eyeful in the gallery below.

Gallery: Hennessey Performance Venom GT in the shop

EXCLUSIVE: First shots of the Hennessey Performance Venom GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Infiniti still mulling production Essence coupe

Chris Shunk — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Infiniti, Luxury

Infiniti Essence Concept - click above for high-res image gallery

When we first laid eyes on Infiniti's Essence concept at this year's Geneva Motor Show, we were, quite frankly, smitten by its voluptuous lines. We apparently weren't alone, as Infiniti exec Ben Poore has reportedly told Motor Trend that reaction to the concept was "phenomenal." When the Essence was unveiled, Infiniti told the audience at Geneva that the vehicle was concept-only and that future vehicles would be influenced by its stunning design. We were a bit disappointed by that news, because, of course, the world can never have too many stunning twin-turbo V6 hybrid coupes capable of a combined 592 brake horsepower.

But while we were let down by Infiniti's initial decision on Essence, we're at least encouraged by the fact that Poore recently told MT that that the concept is "only a show piece... for now." Could that mean that we could have a production vehicle based off of the Essence in the future? We hope so. Will it have a twin-turbo 3.7-liter V6 with a lithium-ion backed disc-shaped electric motor? Perhaps not, but we wouldn't exactly be disappointed if it did.

Gallery: Infiniti Essence Concept

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Infiniti Essence

[Source: Motor Trend]

REPORT: Infiniti still mulling production Essence coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 11:28:00 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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Spy Shots: 2011 Audi A7 caught in production form

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:56:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Audi, Luxury

2011 Audi A7 Spied - Click above for high-res image gallery

The intrepid spy shooters at KGP have caught the 2011 Audi A7 uncovered in a testing lab in Germany ahead of its official reveal next year, and the sleek, low-slung saloon/coupe hasn't lost much of its flavor in the transition from showcar to production.

Although the shots don't give us a clear view of the front fascia, the headlamps and front clip have obviously been toned down from its conceptual predecessor shown earlier this year the Detroit Auto Show. However, its sloping roofline and well-integrated hatch would appear to prove that at least one automaker can create a five-door hatch that's simultaneously attractive and functional.

If our tea leaf-reading is accurate, we'd expect to see the A7 make its production debut either in Detroit this January or at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Powertrain options should include everything from Audi's turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four to the S4's supercharged six, along with a V8 option further down the line. And if the BMW 5 Series GranTurismo proves to be a hit in the States, we won't be at all surprised if Audi follows suit and by offering the A7 in North America.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Audi A7

Spy Shots: 2011 Audi A7 caught in production form originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lookin' Swede: Volvo reveals Geneva-bound 2010 S60 sedan

Noah Joseph — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Volvo

2010 Volvo S60 - Click above for high-res image gallery

A company's image can be a burden and a blessing. Volvo, for example, remains keen on ditching its image for boxy, lackluster automobiles, but it's eager to capitalize on its reputation for safety. With its sale from Ford's empire looming on the horizon, the Swedish automaker has been hard at work to spruce up its image, and this is the latest result.

Though predictably toned down for public consumption, the production-ready Volvo S60 sedan bears close resemblance to the stunning S60 Concept that debuted at the Detroit Auto Show nearly a year ago. Gone are the suicide rear doors and the flashy panoramic roof, and the shape of the headlights have been toned down just a touch, but the coupe-like roofline and the aggressive overall styling stay.

On the safety front, the new S60 features a new Pedestrian Detection system that - you guessed it - detects pedestrians and brakes the car to a full stop from up to 30 mph if the driver fails to react.

The new sedan will debut at the Geneva Motor Show next March, with production slated to begin at Volvo's plant in Belgium early next summer. Once out on the road, the new S60 will be gunning for the likes of the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Acura TL and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, all of which comprise of the most competitive segments in the industry. In the meantime, Trollhattan has released a pair of images you can view in the gallery below and a short press release which we've posted after the jump. Thanks for the tips, everyone!

Gallery: 2010 Volvo S60

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Lookin' Swede: Volvo reveals Geneva-bound 2010 S60 sedan

Lookin' Swede: Volvo reveals Geneva-bound 2010 S60 sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dealer accidently unveils Audi R8 Spyder in classified ad?

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Audi, UK

Stafford Audi, a U.K. Audi dealer, placed an advertisement on the popular website Pistonheads for the forthcoming R8 Spider. For a picture of the car, they used an uncamouflaged picture of an R8 Spider from the Iron Man sequel, as you can see from the California license plate that reads "Stark." According to the ad, though, the car was "spotted testing in Germany."

The ad copy goes on to say that the production car will differ from the coupe in the lack of side blades, extra air intakes behind the rear seats, a different location for the fuel filler cap, and the addition of rollover hoops that we assume are hidden until needed.

The car won't make its debut until the Geneva Motor Show in March 2010, but you can deposit down on one right now with Stafford. Estimated price: £105,000 ($177K U.S.).

Gallery: 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro

[Source: Pistonheads]

Dealer accidently unveils Audi R8 Spyder in classified ad? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Spyker D12 SSUV to get Cadillac CTS-V supercharged V8?

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Spyker

It's been two-and-a-half years since the Spyker D12 Peking-to-Paris SSUV debuted at the Geneva Motor Show, and although the recent spate of spy shots indicate work is well underway, Spyker won't make its self-imposed release date this year.

Instead, the high-speed luxo-'ute will likely appear at next year's Geneva expo and when it does, it will like drop its "D12" moniker for "D8" thanks to the supercharged V8 lying under its sculpted hood.

Coinciding with earlier reports, Spyker plans to utilize an American-sourced V8 to power the D8 SSUV, and if Autoblog.nl's sleuthing abilities are to be believed, it's none other than General Motor's supercharged 6.2-liter LSA - the mill that powers the Cadillac CTS-V.

The Dutch site caught the same Land Rover mule we saw earlier this year, and after investigating the prototype's license plate, discovered the engine met the same specifications as the LSA. That would mean at least 550 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque, which should allow the SSUV to hit 60 mph in around five seconds and max out around 174 mph. If all goes according to plan, we'll see the production version in Geneva this March with sales beginning later in 2010.

Gallery: Pre-Production Spyker D12 Peking-to-Paris

[Source: Autoblog.nl via GTSpirit]

REPORT: Spyker D12 SSUV to get Cadillac CTS-V supercharged V8? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Lexus' A3, 1 Series competitor coming to Europe in 2010

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Lexus

As previously reported, Lexus will unveil a new concept at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show that aims to compete with the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series in Europe.

The new model - rumored to carry either the "BS" or "CS" nameplate - won't be built atop the Lexus HS250h's architecture, but it will utilize the gas-electric hybrid's 2.4-liter four-cylinder to deliver around 185 hp to the front wheels.

Although the model we'll see in Frankfurt is technically a concept, according to Lexus insiders, it will be "a 90% match for the real thing" which will debut in production form at the Geneva Motor Show in March, with sales beginning in Europe in the fall of 2010.

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Lexus' A3, 1 Series competitor coming to Europe in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Production-ready Dacia crossover spotted?

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Nissan, Renault

Spy shots of the 2010 Dacia crossover -- Click above for high-res image gallery

These are said to be pictures of Dacia's coming crossover, caught in a Dacia facility in Romania. Said to be based on the Nissan Qashqai platform and using four wheel drive tech from the Nissan X-Trail, this is another in a line of vehicles with which Dacia wants to take its brand to the world. Names mentioned include Duster and Steppe, and production plans call for one million units per year at a price of €12,000. It is expected to be officially unveiled at next year's Geneva Auto Show. You can have a closer look at it in the gallery of high-res photos below. Hat tip to Ironick

Gallery: Dacia CUV Spy Shots

[Source: Dacia Club via Automarket]

Spy Shots: Production-ready Dacia crossover spotted? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CONFIRMED: Rolls-Royce RR4 getting 500+HP turbo V12, 8-speed gearbox

Chris Paukert — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Technology, Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce 200EX Geneva debut - Click above for high-res image gallery

Historically, Rolls-Royce has somewhat smugly declined to quote horsepower numbers, utilizing amusingly evasive language like "entirely sufficient" to describe its engines' power outputs. Perhaps a sign of the times, Rolls is now being a bit more forthcoming about details for its upcoming "baby" RR4 model, including approximate horsepower numbers.

The company has disclosed that the RR4 will be powered by a new, 6.6-liter turbocharged V12 engine that gives "upwards of 500bhp." Further, it will route that prodigious output through a ZF transmission with no less than eight forward ratios. Despite its ability to generate big power figures, Rolls says that one important drivetrain figure will be smaller than any other Rolls on the market: C02 output.

The news came from CEO Tom Purves himself at a New York press event for the 200EX, where the Geneva concept car is making its first stop on a world tour designed to get prospective clients in the car and booking orders for the production RR4 version.

The BMW-owned British automaker has long been famous for its peerless interiors and isolated ride, but Purves promises that the RR4 will bring with it a new emphasis on driving entertainment: "... we have consciously engineered this car to be more involving and dynamic for those owners around the world that will wish to drive it themselves."

While we don't expect Porsche Cayman-baiting dynamics, we look forward to seeing what the company views as more involved driving dynamics when the car starts rolling out the front doors of its Goodwood production facility. Official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Rolls-Royce 200EX concept

[Source: Rolls-Royce]

Continue reading CONFIRMED: Rolls-Royce RR4 getting 500+HP turbo V12, 8-speed gearbox

CONFIRMED: Rolls-Royce RR4 getting 500+HP turbo V12, 8-speed gearbox originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dacia Duster concept to spawn production model?

Chris Paukert — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Technology, Crossover, Rumormill

Click above for high-res image gallery of the Dacia Duster Concept

Say "Duster" to most auto enthusiasts and you're likely to conjure up images of 1970's Plymouth Valiant-based muscle cars, or perhaps the P-bodied Chrysler buzzbins of the Eighties. What doesn't usually come to mind is the very first concept car from the Romanian low-cost transportation experts at Dacia.

Initially shown at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month, word from Autocar now suggests that a production version of the showcar is on the way. According to the UK publication, the Duster will hit the ground running at next year's Geneva show, and it will launch with a choice of four-cylinder gas and diesel engines, as well as available all-wheel drive.

Interestingly, Autocar suggests that the production crossover will likely retain the concept's trick reconfigurable seats, including a passenger seat that can slide under the driver's seat for extra room. Check out the jump a video that shows the Dacia's trick disappearing seat, as well as the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Dacia Duster Concept

[Sources: Autocar; Dacia]

Continue reading Dacia Duster concept to spawn production model?

Dacia Duster concept to spawn production model? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crossover Redefined: Lagonda concept based on Mercedes GL

Noah Joseph — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:56:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Aston Martin, Mercedes-Benz

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Lagonda concept

It's been a while since we heard anything about the long-time-coming partnership between Mercedes-Benz and Aston Martin. But while we got a good look at what's inside Aston's new One-77 supercar, reports indicate that if we'd taken a peek under the Lagonda concept's skirt we would have seen the familiar parts of the Mercedes GL-Class sport-ute.

According to Aston CEO Ulrich Bez, the company tested a wide variety of luxury SUVs and found the Mercedes the most suitable. Only the wheelbase and A-pillar positioning are said to have carried over, with everything else having changed. The engine, however, is Aston's own. If they decide to build the Lagonda - a decision on which the mixed reaction in Geneva will undoubtedly be a factor - it could be ready in three to five years, but production would likely take place at Aston's own facilities in the UK rather than Mercedes' plant in Alabama.

Gallery: Lagonda Concept

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Aston Martin Lagonda Concept

[Source: Automotive News Europe - sub. req'd]

Crossover Redefined: Lagonda concept based on Mercedes GL originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gigapan images of 2009 Geneva Motor Show

John Neff — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 18:03:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show

What the hell is a gigapan image? It's an image used taking a robotic device that takes a bunch of little images and stitches them together to make one giant, high-resolution image. You may remember seeing the gigapan image of President Obama's inauguration speech back in January. That same technology was recently used by the folks at image engineers to take some interesting photos of the 2009 Geneva Motor Show this past week. If you're not part of the automotive press, you've probably never seen what a show floor looks like beyond the small windows we give you in our coverage of production vehicles and concepts that are unveiled there. These images, one of the show floor and one of the Bugatti Veyron Bleu Centenaire, reveal an angle of the show that you've likely not seen before. We've also embedded a time lapse video of the action that takes place at the Geneva Motor Show after the jump. These three bits of media are a great way to bring our coverage of the 2009 Geneva Motor Show to a close. Hope you enjoyed it.

[Source: image engineers]

Continue reading Gigapan images of 2009 Geneva Motor Show

Gigapan images of 2009 Geneva Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Mar 2009 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin One-77 Uncovered: In-depth on what's under the skin

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Technology, Supercars, Aston Martin

Aston Martin One-77 internals - Click above for high-res gallery

At the Geneva Motor Show this week, Aston Martin publicly showed its limited-edition One-77 super-car for the first time. While the design is certainly attention grabbing, the machinery sitting next to it was perhaps even more so. On the first of two press days, the Aston stand was dominated by the first complete One-77 chassis laid bare for all the world to see. Resplendent in carbon-fiber and cast, forged and extruded aluminum, the skinless One-77 is an engineer's dream.

Chris Porritt, Chief Program Manager for the One-77, took a few minutes to give us a guided tour of this remarkable example of engineering art. The mechanical bits of the One-77 are built more like the guts of an Le Mans Prototype racer than any typical production car. Of course, calling this a production car is a stretch anyway given that only 77 examples will be produced. Major automakers typically produce more prototypes than that for a new vehicle program. Follow the jump for a walk through of the One-77.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Aston Martin One-77 in depth

Continue reading Aston Martin One-77 Uncovered: In-depth on what's under the skin

Aston Martin One-77 Uncovered: In-depth on what's under the skin originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Production version of Geneva's Kia No. 3 concept spotted testing

Dan Roth — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Spy Photos, Budget, Hatchback, Kia

No. 3, not exactly the most imaginative name, but the Kia concept car that so intrigued us at this week's Geneva Motor Show looks to be headed for production.

What looks to be a Soul-based mule has been nabbed in spy photographs while cold-weather testing in Sweden. Kia says the slick-looking MPV will haul five passengers in its Honda Fit sized footprint. From what we can tell in the spy shots, the No. 3 will be another entry in the small/useful/fun (hopefully) segment that actually looks pretty good. Hopefully they beautify the name to match the rest of the car.

[Source: NextAutos]

Production version of Geneva's Kia No. 3 concept spotted testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2009: Toyota Verso crams three rows into Corolla-sized package

Dan Roth — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Geneva Motor Show, Toyota, UK

Toyota Verso - Click above for high-res gallery

Toyota officially unveiled the latest version of its slick looking, Euro-centric people mover at the Geneva Motor Show this week. Called the Verso (not to be confused with the Nissan Versa), the three-row, five-door hatchback wears handsome sheetmetal with lines that are definitely "in family" for Toyota. For as much as we like the outside, the instrument panel has Scion disease. Center gauges. Please stop it. That third row also has severely limited legroom, but it's still a neat trick to fit so many perches within a Corrola-sized footprint, even if some are occasional-use grade. The Verso will likely delight for bopping across the moorland, but you might need to have your legs removed so you'll fit in back.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Toyota Verso

Geneva 2009: Toyota Verso crams three rows into Corolla-sized package originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Mar 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2009: Skoda descends on Switzerland with a Yeti

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Crossover

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

Europeans are about to get one more soft-roading cute 'ute to add to their shopping lists now that Skoda, Volkswagen's Czech subsidiary, has released the production version of the Yeti at the Geneva Motor Show. First shown in concept form back at the 2005 show in Geneva, the production Yeti keeps the same basic design as its conceptual forebear, but we think it loses some of what made it so interesting in the first place.

Gone is the contrasting white roof that was obviously cribbed from Toyota's FJ Cruiser but looked perfect in this application. So too gone are the flanks, now smoothed out and looking very first-gen Honda CR-V-ish and missing the hidden rear door handles from the concept. See for yourself, we've included a gallery of the concept along with live shots of the production Yeti below.

Inside, the Yeti features the same innovative seating arrangement as the Roomster, featuring three separate rear buckets that can individually slide fore and aft or be removed completely. Gas and diesel-powered engines ranging from 1.2 liters to 2.0 liters will be offered with up to 170 horsepower along with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. Expect sales in Europe to begin later this year.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Skoda Yeti

Gallery: Skoda Yeti concept

Geneva 2009: Skoda descends on Switzerland with a Yeti originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Mar 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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