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2014 Bentley Flying Spur brings new design to four-door Continental

Jeffrey N. Ross — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Bentley, Luxury

After showing us a couple teasers recently, not to mention the leakage of official shots earlier today, Bentley has finally pulled the cover off the all-new 2014 Flying Spur, which will receive its global debut next month at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The big, bespoke sedan not only promises plenty of luxury in its full redesign, but Bentley is also saying that the new Flying Spur will be the "fastest, most powerful four-door" model it has ever produced.

To make sure it comes through on that bold statement, the 2014 Flying Spur is powered by the same twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 engine used in the Continental GT Speed. In the Flying Spur, this 12-cylinder engine produces 616 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, and it sends that power to the ground through a new eight-speed automatic transmission and a rear-biased (40/60) all-wheel-drive system. Launching the 5,451-pound sedan from 0-60 miles per hour will take just 4.3 seconds and 100 mph comes in less than 10 seconds; overall top speed is rated at 200 mph. Even with all that power and mass, Bentley is still expecting the next-generation Flying Spur to return better EPA fuel economy than the current model with projected (but not certified) estimates of 12 miles per gallon in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.

Befitting of its more powerful engine, the Flying Spur also gets a more athletic appearance with a more upright face, arched front and rear fenders and horizontal taillights that better distinguish it from the Continental GT. The new roofline also gives the car a sportier shape and the side windows add a more contemporary look, but this car is almost identical in size to the current model including the massive rear overhang, which helps accommodate 16.8 cubic feet of cargo.

For a car that will surely retain a starting price of just under $300,000 for the base model, there will be no shortage of luxury or technology inside the Flying Spur. The Flying Spur is offered with either seating for five or a four-passenger layout with a full-length center console. Front occupants are treated to the same interior found on the Continental including the dual brow instrument panel, the sporty, three-spoke steering wheel and the large touchscreen display. Some of the optional features for rear passengers to enjoy include a 1,100-watt, 11-speaker Naim audio system, a rear-seat entertainment system with a pair of 10-inch displays and there's even the availability of a WiFi hotspot.

Continue reading 2014 Bentley Flying Spur brings new design to four-door Continental

2014 Bentley Flying Spur brings new design to four-door Continental originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeep Grand Cherokee with 3.0L diesel V6 to bow in Geneva

Chris Shunk — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Chrysler, Jeep, Diesel

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler would like to sell a healthy quantity of Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs in Europe, but the Auburn Hills, MI-based automaker knows that won't happen without a diesel option. That's why Team Pentastar will unveil a new 3.0-liter oil burner early next month at the Geneva Motor Show. The new mill packs 241 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque; more than enough grunt to motivate Jeep's handsome ute.

The new mill will feature Fiat's MultiJetII technology, making the new engine cleaner and more efficient, with 10 percent more horsepower and eight percent more torque than Chrysler's outgoing CRD offering. The new engine also carries a lower compression ratio of 16.5:1, which helps minimize harmful emissions. Chrysler claims that the new 3.0-liter will average 8.3 liters per 100 kilometers, while emissions will come in at an average of 218 g/km. Chrysler will also offer a detuned version of the engine, with 191 hp and 324 lb-ft of torque. This mill will enable the Grand Cherokee to be available in more markets.

Chrysler tells us that he new diesel-equipped Grand Cherokee will be available in European markets by the end of the first half of 2011. Chrysler hasn't announced any plans to offer this engine here in the U.S., sadly. Hit the jump to read over the Chrysler press release.

Gallery: Review: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

[Source: Chrysler]

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Jeep Grand Cherokee with 3.0L diesel V6 to bow in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi sketches 408-hp A3 sedan concept ahead of Geneva debut

Damon Lavrinc — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Audi, Luxury

Audi A3 Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi has released a few sketches of its Geneva-bound A3 concept, and in keeping with previous reports, the automaker is intent on bringing a sedan version of its smallest model to market.

Audi describes the A3 concept as a "four-seater notchback sedan" and measures in at 174.84-inches long - about six inches longer than the current five-door model. The front fascia is a further evolution of Audi's more aggressive snout, complete with full LED headlamps and new trapezoidal grille. The greenhouse is suitably squat, with an arching roofline that terminates in a thin, low-slung C-pillar to give it the de riguer "four-door coupe" shape.

More intriguingly, the powertrain is comprised of a turbocharged five-cylinder engine - likely pulled from the TT-RS - outputting 408 horsepower through Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system. We'll have a full report from the show floor in less than two weeks, but in the meantime, get the full details in the press blast below the fold.

Gallery: Audi A3 Concept

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi sketches 408-hp A3 sedan concept ahead of Geneva debut

Audi sketches 408-hp A3 sedan concept ahead of Geneva debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Feb 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Smart ForSpeed concept revealed before Geneva debut

Sebastian Blanco — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 15:56:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Geneva Motor Show, Smart, Electric

Smart Forspeed - Click above for high-res image gallery

Not every future Smart model is in trouble of vanishing - some will never see the light of production. To wit, Daimler's minicar maker is bringing an all-electric, roofless version of the Smart ForTwo to the Geneva Motor Show, and the Forspeed concept looks surprisingly similar to the the Smart Speedster we got a peek at a few weeks ago.

Overall, the Forspeed echos the Smart Crossblade that was made in limited numbers in the early 2000s. Just to emphasize that the Forspeed is a pure concept, it comes equipped with some interesting taillights, no external door handles and since it's sans-roof, there's a toneau cover that can either coat the entire interior or just the passenger side if you get caught in the rain.

The Forspeed's 41-hp electric motor can yawn the car all the way up to 37 miles per hour in 5.5 seconds and provide a top speed of 75 mph. That's not excatly "speedy" as the name implys, but the boost button you see on the dash offers another seven ponies. More important is the ED part of the clumsy "ForspeED" name; it refers to the Electric Drive powertrain that we also find in the Fortwo ED. At least the concept hits 37 mph a second sooner than the standard Fortwo ED.

The range for the Forspeed is estimated to be 85 miles, with an 80-percent charge possible in 45 minutes. This is most likley under DC fast charging conditions, but we're not sure. We'll make sure to get more info when we're on the ground in Geneva.

Gallery: Smart ForSpeed Concept

[Source: Autocar, Car And Driver]

Smart ForSpeed concept revealed before Geneva debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Feb 2011 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rinspeed BamBoo frolics in the sunshine ahead of Geneva

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Specialty, Design/Style, Electric

The Rinspeed BamBoo enjoys the summer sun - Click above for high-res image gallery

Rinspeed has unleashed a mammoth collection of photos featuring its upcoming BamBoo. We eagerly await spying this grown-up golf-cart (their words) in person at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. The photos are heavy on the stylized portrayal of wealthy youth enjoying a summer in Saint-Tropez, yet they reveal little of what's under the BamBoo's skin.

We do know that its German-made 54-kW electric motor will allow speeds of up to 75 miles per hour and that its battery (unknown chemistry) offers 65 miles of range. What's more, it appears that there may be a bicycle or two taking up residence in the rear cargo area. Tech junkies will surely appreciate the included seven-inch (Android-powered?) tablet computer.

The photos are fun to look at (get a load of the inflatable roof that also serves as a beach blanket) and help give us an idea of what to expect when we finally train our own lenses on the real-life version of the BamBoo. In the meantime, feel free to check out the press release after the break.

Gallery: Rinspeed BamBoo

[Source: Rinspeed]

Continue reading Rinspeed BamBoo frolics in the sunshine ahead of Geneva

Rinspeed BamBoo frolics in the sunshine ahead of Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan Esflow concept is a sporty RWD Leaf [w/video]

Autoblog Staff — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 11:44:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Geneva Motor Show, Technology, Nissan, Design/Style, Electric

Nissan Esflow concept rendering- Click above to watch the video after the break

Nissan has just announced it's bringing a new sports car concept called the Esflow to the Geneva Motor Show next month. The released images show a vehicle with classic sporty proportions, but we're advised its potential for shrieking rubber has been tempered by the environmental credentials that electric propulsion can bring.

The Esflow uses tech developed for the mass-market Leaf EV hatchback, but uses a separate motor to turn each rear wheel and should hit 60 miles per hour from a standstill in under five seconds. The laminated lithium batteries are mounted low to help out the center of gravity and are said to be good for 150 miles (240 km) per charge. Any weight penalty of the energy storage system is offset by an rollbar-integrated aluminum chassis swathed in a composite shell.

While we doubt this particular concept will find a home in dealerships or driveways, it's nice to see Nissan isn't just concentrating their electric efforts on its more pedestrian platforms, and it could point the way to a sportier EV future for the brand. Hit the jump for a little video of the concept cruising the rendered road in animated action.

Gallery: Nissan Esflow concept

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan Esflow concept is a sporty RWD Leaf [w/video]

Nissan Esflow concept is a sporty RWD Leaf [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 11:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Porsche mulling diesel power for U.S.

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Porsche, Rumormill

2009 Porsche Cayenne Diesel - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi and Volkswagen are working hard to push diesel products in the United States and it seems as though their corporate cousins at Porsche may be ready to join them. Rumor has it that the German automaker is considering a pair of oil-burners for our shores.

Porsche already produces a diesel-drinking Cayenne for Europe and it's been speculated that a Panamera diesel will appear on stage at the Geneva Motor Show. While the move will surely offend the Porsche purists in the States, it's a safe bet that diesel options will help lower the automakers average fuel economy figures - a problem Porsche has been dealing with for years.

Gallery: Quick Drive: 2009 Porsche Cayenne Diesel

Photos copyright 2011 Michael Harley/AOL

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Report: Porsche mulling diesel power for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru confirms 'Toyobaru' sports coupe for Geneva

Zach Bowman — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 09:01:00 EST

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

Subaru FT-86 spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

While Toyota has been happy to supply the world with glimpses of and whispers about its version of the FT-86 sports coupe, Subaru has been suspiciously quiet about its planned version of the car. But it looks like that's about to change. The Pleiades has announced the vehicles that it plans to show off at this year's Geneva Motor Show in March, and tucked amongst the already-revealed Impreza Concept and the new Trezia econobox is word that the Subaru Rear-Wheel Drive Sports Car Technology Concept will also make an appearance. The news answers the question of whether or not the Subaru end of the venture would boast the company's trademark all-wheel drive when it debuts. All signs point to no - at least in concept form.

Other than the fact that the RWD Subaru will bow in Geneva, there's no indication as to what the car will look like or whether or not it will ever show up in American showrooms. We do know that the vehicle will boast a Subaru boxer four-cylinder under its hood, though it's unclear whether the engine will be a next-generation interpretation of the engine it currently markets or if Subaru will stick the old turbo lump out front. We'll probably find out soon enough. Hit the jump for the press release.

Gallery: Subaru FT-86 STI Spy Shots

[Source: Subaru | Images: CarPix]

Continue reading Subaru confirms 'Toyobaru' sports coupe for Geneva

Subaru confirms 'Toyobaru' sports coupe for Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Ferrari 612 successor prototype makes the rounds

Zach Bowman — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Ferrari, Luxury

Ferrari 612 successor spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Our army of camera-wielding spy shot masters have managed to snag a few tasty photos of what appears to be the most advanced test mule of the expected Ferrari 612 Scaglietti successor that we've seen to date. As you may recall, rumors have cropped up that Ferrari is hard at work on a new shooting brake interpretation of the 612, and given the cladding slathered all over this particular vehicle, it would be easy to believe that the Prancing Horse pictured above is that very creation. Still, we have reason to believe that additional camouflage on this mule is covering up something a little more conventional - a 2+2 coupe bodystyle, though a rakish two-box shape may also be in the cards down the road.

A longer wheelbase is expected to help facilitate a little extra leg room, or possibly the components of a new Ferrari all-wheel drive system. There's also some thinking that points to the next 612 as packing a KERS-type system to help boost fuel economy and power off of the line. Either way, we'll find out more as we get closer to the Geneva Motor Show in March, where the 612 successor is expected to make its debut.

Gallery: Ferrari 612 Spy Shots

[Source: Shawn and Shonna Speer for CarPix]

Spy Shots: Ferrari 612 successor prototype makes the rounds originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Donkervoort teases new D8 GTO in Christmas card

Zach Bowman — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Performance, Europe, Specialty

Donkervoort showed off a bit of a holiday surprise in the form of a company Christmas card that gave the world a hint as to what the automaker has planned for the new year. Behold: the first look at the D8 GTO. Using a carbon fiber and steel composite chassis, the company's next take on open-wheeled goodness is expected to be a good bit larger than the current iteration. While Donkervort hasn't made any clear distinctions as to what exactly will show up under the hood, early reports suggest the beast could possibly rock the same 2.5-liter turbo five-cylinder mill from the mighty Audi TT-RS. If true, that means that the G8 GTO could pack upwards of 340 horsepower.

According to AutoWeek.nl and our Google translator, Donkervoort plans to show off a prototype early in 2011. If we were the betting type, we'd lay a fiver on the car showing up at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

[Source: Auto Week]

Donkervoort teases new D8 GTO in Christmas card originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Preliminary Lamborghini LP700-4 specs leak out

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Lamborghini

Lamborghini ~~Jota~~ LP700-4 spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Initially, we expected Lamborghini to debut its Murciélago replacement (dubbed "Jota") at this year's Paris Motor Show. Now, according to a FerrariChat member who reportedly attended a private preview in Singapore, "Jota" is no more - at least in name, anyway.

If the FerrariChat tipster knows what's what, the new Lambo will be called LP700-4. Power will be sourced from a 6.5-liter V12 good for around 700 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque, mated to a seven-speed gearbox that is supposedly able to fire off shifts in just 50 milliseconds. It will take under three seconds to reach 62 miles per hour and the estimated top speed is somewhere around 217 mph. The super-light carbon fiber body will feature an F1-style rear suspension and overall weight will be reduced by about 505 pounds compared to the current Murc.

This all sounds good, but we'll wait until we get the official word from Lamborghini before we get too excited. FerrariChat cites the Geneva Motor Show as the LP700-4's debut spot, and if that's the case, we expect to hear more details within the coming months.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Lamborghini Jota

[Source: FerrariChat via Jalopnik]

Report: Preliminary Lamborghini LP700-4 specs leak out originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Jaguar XE small sports car to debut at 2011 Geneva Motor Show

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 18:41:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Jaguar, Rumormill

As Tata Motors continues to shovel money into the expansion of the Jaguar and Land Rover marques, expect to see more and more new products from the two brands over the next few years. We've already seen the new Evoque, Land Rover's small crossover, and new reports state that Jaguar's new small sports car will be revealed in concept form at next year's Geneva Motor Show.

These rumblings come right on the heels of Jaguar reportedly saying that it will produce a version of the F-Type sports car, though it's still unclear if the Geneva-bound XE is a different model altogether. According to Inside Line, the XE will be based on a shortened version of the next-generation XK architecture. If the concept stays true to most of Jaguar's recent designs, it should be quite eye-catching, as well.

We fully expect more and more details to drop about the new XE in the coming months, so stay tuned for updates.

[Source: Inside Line]

Report: Jaguar XE small sports car to debut at 2011 Geneva Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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