Year: 2011

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Motor Shows Volkswagen

Geneva 2011: Italdesign Tex and Go! concepts

Italdesign Giugiaro has a long history with Volkswagen. It stems right back to the early 1970s and one of the better examples of their work is the original Mk1 Golf. So it is no surprise that the salacious appetite of the Volkswagen Group has gobbled up the famous design studio and made it part of its inhouse design talent.

The first concepts to come out of this new arrangement are the Tex and Go! The Tex represents future sporty models and features a twin-hybrid drivetrain. While the Go! is a mini-MPV, which just happens to be about the same size as the Volkswagen Bulli concept, also revealed at Geneva. The Go!, like the Bulli, is an all electric concept.

Both models are based on the MQB patform, which will house a range of Golf-sized models within the Volkswagen Group. The first production example is likely to be the new Audi A3.

Speaking about the new arrangement with Italdesign, Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn Chairman of Volkswagen Group explained, “Italdesign is a figurehead of Italian design and engineering creativity. We have been working together closely in a spirit of partnership for many decades. As a full member of the global Volkswagen Group, Italdesign, now more than ever, is a creative center for fresh ideas and new concepts for our brands.

“The integration of Italdesign is a building block in our effort to take Volkswagen to the top of the automotive industry by 2018. That is why the outstanding know-how and capacity of Italdesign in design and engineering are so important for our Group.”

More detail on these two concepts can be read in this press release (264kb PDF) and you can see more pics after the break.

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Motor Shows Toyota

Geneva 2011: Toyota FT-86 II Concept

Toyota FT-86 II Concept

Toyota is claiming the cardigans are off and its passion for sports car driving is back with the launch of the FT-86 II Concept. It’s the latest effort in the Toyota–Subaru joint development. Based on the press release, this is also pretty much how the production version will look when it goes on sale in Europe next year.

Any company making an affordable rear-drive sportscar is to be applauded. When you consider the FT-86 will also have a trusty 6-speed manual gearbox, a free-revving boxer engine and a lightweight body, it’s no wonder this car is creating plenty of interest.

Indeed, Toyota say, “The FT-86 II is an entirely driver-oriented concept—designed to give form to the intrinsic joy of driving through precise, instantaneous responses to even the smallest throttle or steering input—for those who regard driving as a passion rather than a necessity.”

Sounds impressive. We’re not totally convinced by the looks of the FT 86 II, but we love its mission statement.

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Alfa Romeo Motor Shows

Geneva 2011: Alfa Romeo 4C Concept

Alfa Romeo 4C Concept

This is the Alfa Romeo 4C Concept. It was expected, but now that we see it we’re safely going to predict this will be the “it” car of the 2011 Geneva Auto Salon. At this stage Alfa has only released a few com-gen images, but that’s enough to make you stand up, take notice and say “wow!”

After you’ve come to grips with the car’s curvaceous good looks you then have to take in the 4C Concept is a rear-engined, rear-wheel drive sportscar. It might sound a bit weak that a “supercar” is powered by a relatively modest 1750cc turbocharged four cylinder engine producing an equally modest 200hp+. The real party trick of the 4C, of course, is that it will weigh no more than 850kg.

Precise details are yet to be announced by Alfa, but with a dual-clutch TCT transmission they reckon the 4C will reach 100km/h in less than five seconds, before reaching a v-max beyond 250km/h.

Perhaps the best part of the press release below is the last sentence: “This car is not simply an exercise in style created for the Motor Show; it will be on sale in 2012 and is set to reinforce Alfa Romeo’s global growth.”

UPDATE: More pics from the floor at Geneva have been added below.

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Ferrari Motor Shows

Geneva 2011: Ferrari FF

Ferrari FF

Ferrari has complemented its recent Maranello launch of the Ferrari FF with eight new images. The FF will make its public debut in Geneva this week. The most important thing we can learn from these new photos; you can fit not one, but two sets of golf clubs in the boot!

To refresh, the FF is powered by a 485kW 6.3 litre V12 that can get the four-seater to 100km/h in 3.7 seconds. It’s also the first Ferrari to feature an all-wheel drive system. Ideal for traversing the ski fields, apparently.

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Audi

VIDEO: Audi A3 concept

In addition to the still images of its new Audi A3 concept, the Inglostadt company has released this video footage as well. Make sure you check out the funky lighting systems. That aftermarket pod-style air intake is also interesting to see in a show car like this.

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Audi Motor Shows

Geneva 2011: Audi A3 concept

Audi A3 concept

After today’s earlier leak Audi has released official details of its A3 concept. The new sedan is a progression of the chassis and engine technology found in the RS3 Sportback. It features a 300kW/500Nm 2.5 litre five cylinder engine, mated to a 7-speed S tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive system.

The A3 “nothcback” measures 4.44m long (260mm shorter than a current A4), 1.84m wide and a sleek 1.39m high. It sits on a 2.63m wheelbase, which Audi say is class leading (assuming bigger is better). The front suspension utilises a MacPherson configuration, while employing an independent four-link set up at the rear.

Aerodynamic features include a carbon-fibre reinforced plastic front spoiler, including a splitter to aid downforce. Other notable aspects include the distinctive LED lighting and the trick door handles, which pop out when touched.

This new concept previews the new design language for the third generation A3, which will, for the first time, be sold in a sedan configuration, from 2013. The usual hatch and cabrio versions will be released in 2012.

More pics and detail from Audi after the break.

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Opel

Opel Astra priced to play with class-leading Golf

2010 Opel Astra

According to GoAuto the Opel Astra, due in Australia in 2012, is expected to carry a $3500 price premium over its locally built Holden Cruze cousin. That’s likely to put the Astra right in the firing line of the Volkswagen Golf.

It;s understood the entry-level Astra will be fitted with a 103kW/200Nm turbocharged four cylinder, with a predicted price tag of around $26,000. That places the model in between the $24,990 Golf 90TSI and $29,490 Golf 118TSI.

Holden’s boss Mike Devereux was talking about the Astra at the launch of the Cruze II. He explained, “The plan for the two brands—Holden and Opel—would be to have intelligent price points, intelligent approaches to content and technology.”

Therefore, we can expect the Astra models to be well equipped in order to offer value for the extra asking price. Devereux acknowledges the Opel won’t dislodge established players Toyota and Mazda from the top of the sales charts and has set his sights on annual sales in the 7,000-10,000 region.

[Source: GoAuto]

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Audi

Audileak: A3 sedan revealed before official debut

Audi A3 sedan leak

Last week Audi teased us with sketches of an A3 notchback concept and announced it would be unveiled at Geneva. Today, ahead of its official debut, four pictures have been leaked.

Using a TT RS-inspired drivetrain, including a tweaked 300kW five cylinder engine, the concept has the go to match its good looks. Expect the claimed figures to read 4.1 seconds for the 0-100km/h dash, despite a somewhat lardy 1540kg kerb weight.

We’ll have the official word from Audi once they hit upload.

[Source: World Car Fans]

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Categories
Formula 1 Infiniti Red Bull Racing Renault

Red Bull Racing confirms Infiniti deal

Red Bull Racing RB7 preview

Red Bull Racing has today confirmed a two-year sponsorship deal with Infiniti. However, it won’t quite be implemented as first reported yesterday. That is, it is a pure sponsorship and technical agreement deal only, the RB7 will still use Renault branded engines and feature Renault branding on the car as well.

So, as well as a Lotus Renault on the F1 grid in 2011 we now have an Infiniti Renault, of sorts. Confusing, hey.

A statement on the Red Bull Racing website reads, in part, “As part of the agreement, Infiniti will have high-profile branding on the car, drivers’ clothing and team kit and equipment. Infiniti will also work with Renault to forge future technical collaboration with us. The team will continue to use Renault F1 engines in 2011 and 2012.”

While Andy Palmer, senior-vice president at Infiniti, explains the worldwide reach of F1 was key to this deal, “Over the mid-term, Infiniti will be simultaneously expanding its global presence and broadening its product range. Given these twin ambitions, it is clear Formula One offers us an unrivalled global communications platform, complementing Infiniti’s ethos of Inspired Performance. We are excited to have the opportunity to enter Formula One together with a world-class team like Red Bull Racing Renault.”

[Source: Red Bull Racing]

Categories
Motor Shows Skoda

Geneva 2011: Å koda’s new logo and VisionD concept

Skoda VisionD

Å koda has gone the extra mile at Geneva by unveiling a new logo as well as a new concept model. The concept, called the VisionD, reveals the company’s design direction for future models. A long wheelbase and short overhangs are the order of the day, according to Å koda, as this will allow for better interior space.

The logo is accompanied by an updated slogan, as well: “The new power of Å koda”

Jürgen Stackmann, the Board Member responsible for marketing and sales, says, “We are keen to express the new power of our brand not only through our future products, but also in the way we present ourselves to partners and customers.

“Å koda is synonymous with attractive cars offering exceptional value for money, countless clever solutions and precisely executed work. All this is clearly reflected by our updated corporate design.”

When you consider the gravity of these announcements the whole affair seems incredibly low key. The concept pics present a nice enough car, but maybe there could have been some more life in the official pics released. Take a look for yourself and see what you think.

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Green Machines Motor Shows Volkswagen

Geneva 2011: Volkswagen Bulli concept

Volkswagen Bulli

How cool is this! The Volkswagen Bulli is an all-new Kombi concept that builds not only the model’s 60 year history, but also reignites the flame lit by the too-costly-to-make-but-also-very-cool 2001 Microbus concept.

The Bulli is an electric powered six-seater that has a plug in iPad to drive its infotainment systems. Powered by an 85kW/270Nm zero-emission electric motor the Bulli has a maximum range of 300km on a single charge. The concept can reach 100km/h in 11.5 seconds and has a top speed of 140km/h.

Impressively, recharging the lithium-ion battery can take as little as one hour if a special “electric refuelling station” is used.

Perhaps indicating at a possible hybrid production future the Bulli has also been designed to suit Vollkswagen’s 1.0 litre and 1.4 litre petrol powered engines.

This new concept is reasonably compact in size at only 3.99m long, 1.75m wide and 1.7m tall. Thanks to reconfigurable seating as much as 1600 litres of storage/sleeping space can be achieved as well.

Take the jump to discover more…

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Lamborghini Motor Shows

Geneva 2011: Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4

Lamborghini Aventador

Well, it’s official, everything we’ve read about the new Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 hypercar has been correct. So, a quick recap is in order before presenting you with the full press release and pictures after the break.

First, the name, in case you were wondering where Aventador originates from it was the name of a bull that earning the “Trofeo de la Peña La Madroñera” for outstanding courage in Spain back in October 1993. So there you go.

Giving the mechanised Aventador its courage is a new 6.5 litre V12 snorting out 515kW (700hp) from its chiselled nostrils. The aggressive exterior design also helps. It looks fantastic, don’t you think; everything a Lambo should be.

The use of a carbon fibre monocoque, plus further use of carbon fibre materials, has helped reduce weight compared to the Murcielago. In fact, the body-in-white weighs just 229.5kg and has a torsional rigidity measured at 35000Nm.

Fitted with a new 7-speed Independent Shifting Rod (ISR) transmission the Aventador can change gears in 50 milliseconds. Which is just what you need while you’re powering away to 100km/h in just 2.9 seconds and on to a staggering 350km/h top speed. Of course, the new bull is kept on its intended path thanks to a Haldex Gen IV all-wheel drive system and new pushrod suspension.

Expect to see the Aventador on bedroom walls of 10 year-olds the world over. Just as it should be. All that’s left to do now is read over the material below and then check out the leaked ordering guide and start dreaming of your own LP 700-4.

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