Further to yesterday’s post reporting on Jeremy Clarkson’s V8 Supercar experience with Craig Lowndes; this is why there is a piece of roll cage behind the windscreen.
Check out the second video after the break for more detail on the events leading to this extraordinary escape.
BMW gave us a preview of its Vision ConnectedDrive concept a few weeks ago and it’s fair to say they are pleased with how things have gone at Geneva so far (see the video after the break for more).
We’re still not exactly sure what this car is all about, for the simple reason it can do things that many of us have never thought of, let alone wondered if they were actually possible. We do know, however, that from a pure design viewpoint, the Vision ConnectedDrive is one of the better looking roadsters you could hope to see. It is stunning. And from any angle.
As to its electronic prowess, this concept has few peers, if any. The augmented reality head-up display is one example of that, where the system will project a 3D view of what you see ahead, but with added information to assist the driver.
Another very cool example of the ConnectedDrive’s functionality is how the system can allow the passenger and driver to interact. The dash display for the driver is programmable and can work in unison with the passenger’s info display, too. For example, the passenger can program a new navigation route, or add new info to an existing route, and send any relevant data to the driver’s display.
It really is a bit of a headspin, to be honest. So, if you don’t get all the electronic trickery, then just be amazed by its pure good looks.
You may recall BMW took us on an extraordinary tease with its 1 Series M Coupé, drip feeding info at a rate that would impress a Chinese water torturer. Now they have followed up with this short teaser of the new M5.
The good thing for us is that it’s expected the new M5 will debut in Shanghai this coming April. If that’s the case they don’t have the time to drag out the promos.
As far as power, and lots of it, is concerned the M5 will start with the 4.4 litre twin turbo V8 found in the X5M and mess around with it a bit. Most likely improving efficiency and power before stuffing it under the F10 bonnet. BimmerFile predict the M5 will break the 4.0 second barrier on its way to 100km/h.
Jeremy Clarkson and James May are in Australia for their Top Gear Live tour and to welcome them down under Craig Lowndes took them for a bit of a drive.
The promo event took place at the Holden Driving Centre in Norwell, Queensland. Clarkson was also granted some time of his own behind the wheel of Lowndes’ 888 Commodore declaring it, “The most perfect car without getting too technical. It’s heaven to drive a car like that. I thought it was epic.”
There’s two more clips after the break as well.
[Source: Speedcafe | Thanks to Mark & Ryan for the tip]
While Toyota is happily running around the halls of Geneva with a requited passion for driving enjoyment, it would seem Mitsubishi are sitting, alone, in the corner, facing the end of an era. Word on the street says the Lancer Evo X will be the last; there will be no Evo XI.
Speaking in Geneva about the future of the Evo, Mitsubishi’s global product director, Gayu Eusegi, told Autocar journo Matt Prior, “There is still a demand, but we must stop. Our influence now is EV technology.”
The Evo may comeback, one day. But don’t start holding your breath. Eusegi explains, “Maybe the world can change, and maybe someday we can do a motor race by electric vehicles.
“Maybe then we can enter the market again.”
The Evo was first introduced to the Japanese market in late 1992. While we may get another year or so from the Evo X, due to product cycles, it will be sad to see the end of an icon.
You may recall this Impreza Concept was first launched by Subaru at last year’s LA show. Not being a new release there’s been no fanfare from Subaru about this at Geneva. However, it’s good to see some images of the mostly attractive looking lines taken away from the benefits of studio lighting.
It’s the rear of this car that’s likely to cause the most anxiety to one’s eyes and, thankfully, from the angle shown below it doesn’t look too bad. It’s a forgiving perspective, though, so we’d still like to see more.
In recent years Subaru has seemed to lose its way with its exterior design, so are we seeing a resurgence from them now, or will this new Impreza be a one-off?
Among all the hi-tech concept cars at Geneva this delightfully low-tech Morgan 3 Wheeler stands out as a refreshing highlight. Inspired by a design created by Morgan in the early part of last century the English old timers have added a modern V-twin motorcycle engine, coupled to a Mazda 5-speed transmission.
It’s understood the engine produces around 85kW, which isn’t a lot, but then the 3 Wheeler tips the scales at a low 500kg. It’s been estimated the genuine pocket rocket can reach 100km/h in as little as 4.5 seconds.
More pics of this typically oddball Morgan after the break.
Look, we know the postponement and possible cancellation of the Bahrain Grand Prix is likely to be driving regular Formula One fans a bit batty. Another couple of weeks to wait for racing action to start is a bit difficult to take. Especially after the 2010 season was such a ripper. But imagine how the big boss of F1 must be feeling.
Well, wonder no more because Bernie has left us in little doubt as to his mental state going by a recent interview published over at Formula1.com. Or has he, read the full interview and the snippets below, and let us know what you think.
The interview covers a range of topics, but it’s when Bernie Ecclestone starts discussing ways to make F1 more exciting that he possibly goes off the rails a bit—especially when he suggests the sport should consider introducing artificial rain during races.
[Pic: Red Bull/Getty Images | Thanks to Matt for the tip]
The creation you see before you is the Koenigsegg Agera R. Normally, we would be quite scornful of the Speed Racer theme Koenigsegg have adorned this car with, but, on this occasion, we’re willing to forgive them. There’s two reasons why.
Firstly, the 5.0 litre twin-turbo V8 produces a maximum of 1115hp—that’s an astonishing 830kW. And, secondly, for that custom made Thule roof box. It’s as stupid as it is awesome. With that in mind, even the Speed Racer graphics look kinda cool.
The name Agera means ‘to take action’ in Swedish and that’s exactly what this Agera R will do. Helping get all that power to the ground are custom Michelin tyres, rated for speeds beyond 420km/h, and an E-diff that relies initially on traditional mechanical parts before electronics step in to complement the system.
To aid progress the Agera R features a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. But, like the diff, this isn’t what we’ve come to expect either. It uses a single input shaft and a combination of wet and dry clutch systems. Koenigsegg reckon their way is lighter and faster than the competition.
Speaking of lightness, the Agera R weighs in at 1330kg, or 1418kg with fluids and half a tank of fuel. Ooh, it’s going to be very rapid, isn’t it! Just as well the wheels have special spokes to aid downforce, then.
There’s more after the break and we recommend you download the full press release as that’s where you’ll find all the cool techy stuff.
MINI and Prodrive are celebrating the Geneva Motor Show by presenting a race-spec version of the MINI John Cooper Works S2000. Even though MINI presented a WRC car at Paris last year, this is the best look yet at what the fully-fledged WRC car will look like.
The MINI WRC will differ slightly from what you see here, though, in that it will have a larger rear wing, a revised front aero package and will use plastic for the side windows.
Privately entered JCW S2000s will be making their competition debut at Rally Portugal and, there’s even one on its way to Australia. The MINI WRC will debut at Rally d’Italia in early May.
Also officially announced at Geneva is the new MINI Motorsport website, home to the WRC team. There’s more detail on all of these things after the break.
Saab has released the spectacular PhoeniX concept at the Geneva Motor Show. Apart from being a pretty funky piece of kit, you’re looking at what Saab call ‘aeromotional’ design. The next 9-3 will be built on the same platform that underpins the PhoeniX.
The slippery shape has a low 0.25cd drag coefficient and the side-mount winglets behind the c-pillar are well worth a closer inspection. A sign of things to come from Saab, the look is certainly eye-catching. How well it can translate into production models will be a good test.
Jason Castriota, Saab Automobile’s Executive Design Director reckons the PhoeniX concept, “symbolises a renaissance of the innovative spirit and passion that drove Saab to build its first car. We’re now taking the visual DNA forward with what we call ‘aeromotional’ design, adding emotion, power and fluidity. This design aesthetic will shape and differentiate future models in the Saab portfolio.â€
Powered by a petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain the PhoeniX appears to have solid green credentials as well. A 147kW 1.6 litre turbocharged engine powers the front wheels, while the rear wheels are fed 25kW of electric power. This results in an all-wheel drive with fuel consumption of around 5l/100km and emits CO2 at a rate of 119g/km. Figures that aren’t quite as spectacular as the car’s look, it has to be said.
Also featured in the PhoeniX is the IQon infotainment system based on Google’s Android system, which Saab are hailing as a world first.
Johan Formgren, Saab’s project leader for IQon, is pretty pumped about this new tech, “With Saab IQon, there are no limits to the potential for innovation. We will be inviting the global Android developer community to use their imagination and ingenuity.â€
What that means is you’ll be able to tweak and update you car’s functionality just as you would your mobile phone. That’s pretty damn cool actually.
More pics and detail from Saab after the break.
While Toyota is shouting from the roof tops at Geneva that it has shed beige for excitement with its “Toybaru” sports car, Subaru are remaining very coy.
So far we’ve come across just this one image and a press statement from Subaru UK. They do say their “BOXER Sports Car Architecture” is exciting, though.
Hopefully we’ll have more detail soon.
UPDATE: Subaru UK has added a new release to their list overnight. It still doesn’t give too much away, but there’s a bit more detail. The new image above looks pretty jazzy, I’m sure you’ll agree. You can see another pic and the new release below.