Category: Motor Shows

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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 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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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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MINI Motor Shows

MINI launches Rocketman Concept

MINI Rocketman Concept

MINI has just sent images and information about this new Rocketman Concept into cyber-orbit. After the too-big-to-be-a-MINI Countryman, this little Rocketman creation really is a mini MINI. At just over 3m long it’s being described as a 3+1 seater. It’s actually around the same size as the “incredible” classic Mini.

This is a genuine city-car concept from MINI and with a target fuel consumption range of just 3l/100km it’s bound to be hit the right notes for fashion conscious urban types.

After the spacious excess of the Countryman, the Rocketman Concept is a great return to MINI being MINI. That is, a fresh, lateral thinking approach to a more tangible market space appropriate to the MINI brand.

The Rocketman will be on show at Geneva and is sure to be a hit with its funky opening doors and spectacular design details. There’s a few more pics and a detailed presser from MINI after the break. We’ll be back later today to update you with more images.

UPDATE: 28 new pics have been added after the press release.

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Lamborghini Motor Shows

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Bicolore

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Bicolore

This is the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Bicolore, a special edition model revealed at the Qatar Motor Show last week. It’s destined for Euro markets, as well as our very own Asia-Pacific market. North American will get the car also, but only in 560-2 rear-wheel drive only specification.

It’s essentially a regular Gallardo LP 560-4 with a fancy paint job. Featuring distinctive black detailing both inside and out, including the Noctis Black gloss roof, you can get your Bicolore in a choice of five colours: Giallo Midas, Arancio Borealis, Grigio Telesto, Bianco Monocerus and Blu Caelum. Or yellow, orange (as featured here), dark grey, white and blue.

We’ll take ours in white or dark grey thanks.

More pics and press release after the break.

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Green Machines Motor Shows Volkswagen

Qatar 2011: Volkswagen XL1 concept

Volkswagen XL1 concept

The oil-rich nation of Qatar; the perfect location for Volkswagen to launch the XL1 concept—a diesel-electric hybrid with a combined fuel consumption figure of just 0.9l/100km and a CO2 rating of only 24g/km.

The XL1 is the latest iteration of the “1 litre” car first premiered by Ferdinand Piech back in 2002. In 2009 we also saw the Volkswagen L1. Where the XL1 differs from those two is in its seating arrangement. The earlier concepts featured inline seating for two, whereas the XL1 uses a more traditional layout to seat two abreast.

Powering the XL1 is a mighty 35kW 800cc two cylinder TDI and a fearsome 20kW E-motor. The total range of the XL1 is around 550km, that’s pretty good from a 10 litre tank. In electric only mode the XL1 has a more modest range of 35km.

The use of carbon fibre and other advanced construction methods helps keep the kerb weight of the XL1 to 795kg. Performance is not blistering, but it’s not too shabby, either, with 100km/h able to be reached in 11.9 seconds. Top speed is limited at 160km/h.

More after the break, including pics and a basic press release. A more detailed release is available for download as well.

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MINI Motor Shows

Detroit 2011: MINI Paceman gets green light

MINI Paceman Concept

Speaking at the Detroit Auto Show overnight, Ian Robertson, BMW board member for Marketing, announced the MINI Paceman Concept will become a reality, “I’m thrilled to tell you now, for the very first time, that there will be a seventh member of the MINI family – and we will base it on this concept!”

The Paceman Concept, based on the Countryman platform, is fitted MINI’s top line 155kW John Cooper Works engine and features the All4 all-wheel drive system, as well. It’s a bit of an odd one, really; does the world actually need a crossover coupé? Probably not. But as MINI has shown, they sell cars to a market that wants in on the MINI brand experience, not because they need to, but because they want to.

You can read Robertson’s speech in full after the break.

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