The KTM Crossbow: it looks like a go-kart on steroids!
That’s not far off, actually. Austrian company KTM usually manufactures off-road motorbikes, but it has recently made the jump into street bikes, and now the lightweight sports car market. Until now the lightweight Crossbow was just a series of dramatic and fluorescent sketches, but KTM has just released pictures of this scale model ahead of its debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Have a closer look and its bike heritage becomes more obvious. The Crossbow is extremely light – tipping the scales at a featherweight 700kg. Every component is lightweight and the chassis and brakes are made from carbonfibre.
So it’s nice and light, but how powerful is it?
The Crossbow borrows Audi’s 2.0-litre FSI turbo straight out of the TT, producing 220bhp. A top speed of 136mph plays second fiddle to brutal acceleration everywhere; KTM claims that the Crossbow will hit 60mph in a blistering 3.8 seconds. This scale model has already undergone more than 100 hours inside the Dallara wind tunnel in Italy to hone the aerodynamics.
Thứ Bảy, 3 tháng 3, 2012
Peugeot 4007 (2007): first official pictures
Peugeot 4007: haven't we seen this before?
You're right. Peugeot issued a couple of teaser images of its new SUV back in October, but it has remained resolutely tight-lipped about more details until now. The 4007 will be seen for the first time in the metal at next month's Geneva show, so we'll soon know what it looks like in the metal. If you're still thinking it looks familiar, that's probably because it's based on the Mitsubishi Outlander. PSA Peugeot-Citroen wanted a short cut to the 4x4 party and struck a collaboration with the Japanese firm to build 30,000 cars a year for them. The 4007, and Citroen's Citroen's C-Crosser, are the French duo's rebadged versions.
So is Peugeot's first SUV just a clone of the Mitsubishi and Citroen?
Pretty much, yes. The cars are mechanically very similar, although the Peugeot uses the French 156bhp 2.2 HDI instead of VW's turbodiesel preferred by Mitsubishi. The glass and most body panels are identical, though. Peugeot's Velizy design studio worked up the new nose treatment, with swept-back headlamps and the lion logo sitting prominently on the bonnet. The 4007 is 4640mm long and comes with wheels between 16-18in. Only that particulate-trap-equipped diesel engine will be offered, initially, although you can safely expect petrols to join the range later. It's the same 2.2 HDI that's impressed in the 407 and 607, and develops a muscular 280lb ft of pull at a lowly 2000rpm. However, it'll need all that grunt to overcome a decidedly lardy 1750kg kerb weight.
You're right. Peugeot issued a couple of teaser images of its new SUV back in October, but it has remained resolutely tight-lipped about more details until now. The 4007 will be seen for the first time in the metal at next month's Geneva show, so we'll soon know what it looks like in the metal. If you're still thinking it looks familiar, that's probably because it's based on the Mitsubishi Outlander. PSA Peugeot-Citroen wanted a short cut to the 4x4 party and struck a collaboration with the Japanese firm to build 30,000 cars a year for them. The 4007, and Citroen's Citroen's C-Crosser, are the French duo's rebadged versions.
So is Peugeot's first SUV just a clone of the Mitsubishi and Citroen?
Pretty much, yes. The cars are mechanically very similar, although the Peugeot uses the French 156bhp 2.2 HDI instead of VW's turbodiesel preferred by Mitsubishi. The glass and most body panels are identical, though. Peugeot's Velizy design studio worked up the new nose treatment, with swept-back headlamps and the lion logo sitting prominently on the bonnet. The 4007 is 4640mm long and comes with wheels between 16-18in. Only that particulate-trap-equipped diesel engine will be offered, initially, although you can safely expect petrols to join the range later. It's the same 2.2 HDI that's impressed in the 407 and 607, and develops a muscular 280lb ft of pull at a lowly 2000rpm. However, it'll need all that grunt to overcome a decidedly lardy 1750kg kerb weight.
Peugeot 207 GTI (2007): first official pictures
Peugeot 207 GTI: the lowdown
Could this be the hot hatch to restore the sheen on Peugeot’s GTI badge? On the experience of the French company’s past few efforts, probably not – but the 207 GTI looks set to improve on the lacklustre outgoing 206. Headline-grabbing highlights include the same 175bhp turbo 1.6 as the latest Mini Cooper S; although it’s down on power compared with punchy 190bhp+ rivals like the Renault Clio 197 and Vauxhall Corsa VXR, a brief overboost facility unleashes 195lb ft of twist for overtaking moves in the top three gears to narrow the gap. You’ll pass 62mph in 7.1sec, and the hot 207 tops out at 137mph.
Okay, so it’s pretty quick then. Does it look the part too?
We’re slightly underwhelmed by the look of this warmed-over 207, to be honest. It’s a world away from the brash in-yer-face attitude of the Corsa VXR, but we reckon most hot-hatch buyers will want a little more punch than the restrained 207 GTI delivers… Big chunky driving lights dominate the bottom of the cross-hatch grille at the front, while there’s the merest whiff of a front spoiler. At the back, twin exhausts are added and a discreet roof spoiler tops the rear screen. Oh, and the door mirrors have chrome accents, too. It seems that CARS GAMES Online's scoop of the 207 GTI was spot on - we published leaked photos a month ahead of its embargoed debut today.
Could this be the hot hatch to restore the sheen on Peugeot’s GTI badge? On the experience of the French company’s past few efforts, probably not – but the 207 GTI looks set to improve on the lacklustre outgoing 206. Headline-grabbing highlights include the same 175bhp turbo 1.6 as the latest Mini Cooper S; although it’s down on power compared with punchy 190bhp+ rivals like the Renault Clio 197 and Vauxhall Corsa VXR, a brief overboost facility unleashes 195lb ft of twist for overtaking moves in the top three gears to narrow the gap. You’ll pass 62mph in 7.1sec, and the hot 207 tops out at 137mph.
Okay, so it’s pretty quick then. Does it look the part too?
We’re slightly underwhelmed by the look of this warmed-over 207, to be honest. It’s a world away from the brash in-yer-face attitude of the Corsa VXR, but we reckon most hot-hatch buyers will want a little more punch than the restrained 207 GTI delivers… Big chunky driving lights dominate the bottom of the cross-hatch grille at the front, while there’s the merest whiff of a front spoiler. At the back, twin exhausts are added and a discreet roof spoiler tops the rear screen. Oh, and the door mirrors have chrome accents, too. It seems that CARS GAMES Online's scoop of the 207 GTI was spot on - we published leaked photos a month ahead of its embargoed debut today.
Dodge Demon (2007): first official pictures
Dodge Demon: the lowdown
Dodge is a brand intent on filling every niche going, it seems. The American firm used to be known in Britain only for its V10-powered Viper supercar, but it's expanding like there's no tomorrow - and this MX-5-rivalling Demon roadster, unveiled today, could be next. It's a high-fun, low-price two-seater aimed squarely at the Mazda soft-top. So many companies have taken aim at the MX-5 over the years, but nobody's quite stolen its crown. Could the Demon be that car?
So what's the spec on the Demon?
Dodge hasn't messed with the MX-5's simple formula. The Demon is a front-engined, rear-drive roadster, powered by a straightforward, naturally aspirated 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine (sourced from Mitsubishi). Peak power is 172bhp, maximum torque stands at 165lb ft. It's pretty slim around the hips, weighing in at 1179kg - only 84kg more than an MX-5. And with that extra muscle, it should sprint to 62mph in just under 8.0sec.
Dodge is a brand intent on filling every niche going, it seems. The American firm used to be known in Britain only for its V10-powered Viper supercar, but it's expanding like there's no tomorrow - and this MX-5-rivalling Demon roadster, unveiled today, could be next. It's a high-fun, low-price two-seater aimed squarely at the Mazda soft-top. So many companies have taken aim at the MX-5 over the years, but nobody's quite stolen its crown. Could the Demon be that car?
So what's the spec on the Demon?
Dodge hasn't messed with the MX-5's simple formula. The Demon is a front-engined, rear-drive roadster, powered by a straightforward, naturally aspirated 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine (sourced from Mitsubishi). Peak power is 172bhp, maximum torque stands at 165lb ft. It's pretty slim around the hips, weighing in at 1179kg - only 84kg more than an MX-5. And with that extra muscle, it should sprint to 62mph in just under 8.0sec.
Peugeot 207 SW (2007): first official pictures
Peugeot 207 SW: the lowdown
Last week it was the 207 GTI hot hatch, now it's the more practical funked-up estate. The 207 range continues to expand, and this SW Outdoor Concept will be shown at the Geneva show next month. What's new? A panoramic glass roof, split-fold rear hatch and sliding seats add some practical touches to the cabin, while the exterior is toughened up with the usual cladding around the sills and wheelarches. Is it just us, or does the wraparound glass on the rear hatch look suspiciously like the Mercedes A-class back end? We'll see a production 207 SW on sale this autumn, with sales starting in September. Unlike the 206 SW, this one won't be built in the UK's Coventry factory, which closed last year. The regular 207 SW won't get the faux-by-four body cladding; it will be reserved for a separate model due in 2008.
Last week it was the 207 GTI hot hatch, now it's the more practical funked-up estate. The 207 range continues to expand, and this SW Outdoor Concept will be shown at the Geneva show next month. What's new? A panoramic glass roof, split-fold rear hatch and sliding seats add some practical touches to the cabin, while the exterior is toughened up with the usual cladding around the sills and wheelarches. Is it just us, or does the wraparound glass on the rear hatch look suspiciously like the Mercedes A-class back end? We'll see a production 207 SW on sale this autumn, with sales starting in September. Unlike the 206 SW, this one won't be built in the UK's Coventry factory, which closed last year. The regular 207 SW won't get the faux-by-four body cladding; it will be reserved for a separate model due in 2008.
Peugeot concept treble (2007): first official pictures
Three new Peugeot concept cars? What’s going on?
Peugeot is pushing the boat out at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, with news of no fewer than three different concepts. Craziest is the Flux – the winner of this year’s Peugeot Design Competition, a global internet contest to find the best amateur designer. This two-seater eco-sportscar beat off 4000 rival designs and will be built as a concept for the Frankfurt show this autumn. Sadly, 20-year-old Romanian Mihai Panaitescu’s design will remain a pure fantasy. Peugeot isn’t about to launch a stripped-out Ariel Atom rival just yet…
And what’s this Peugeot 4007 Holland & Holland… Pointless concept car alert?
We haven’t even seen this summer’s production 4007 in the metal yet, and already Peugeot has teamed up with outdoor leisurewear specialist Holland & Holland to do a special motor show edition of its new off-roader. H&H makes shotguns, by the way…
Peugeot is pushing the boat out at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, with news of no fewer than three different concepts. Craziest is the Flux – the winner of this year’s Peugeot Design Competition, a global internet contest to find the best amateur designer. This two-seater eco-sportscar beat off 4000 rival designs and will be built as a concept for the Frankfurt show this autumn. Sadly, 20-year-old Romanian Mihai Panaitescu’s design will remain a pure fantasy. Peugeot isn’t about to launch a stripped-out Ariel Atom rival just yet…
And what’s this Peugeot 4007 Holland & Holland… Pointless concept car alert?
We haven’t even seen this summer’s production 4007 in the metal yet, and already Peugeot has teamed up with outdoor leisurewear specialist Holland & Holland to do a special motor show edition of its new off-roader. H&H makes shotguns, by the way…
Ford Mondeo (2007): first official pictures
New Ford Mondeo: the lowdown
Hang on a second, haven't we seen the new Mondeo before? You'd be forgiven for thinking you had - Ford has relentlessly pumped out teaser photos, concept cars and even James Bond Mondeos, all trailing info on its important mid-sized family car. This is real, though: the new 2007 Ford Mondeo, finally uncovered. Ford today releases the first pix and details ahead of its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Read on to see the full story.
Okay, so tell me the Mondeo highlights
This is an all-new model, designed to spice up the traditionally lacklustre Mondeo. The outgoing model was always great to drive, it just never set your pants on fire and looked rather dull. You could say it hid its light under a rather plain bushel. The new Mondeo gets the new EUCD mechanicals that we've already seen on the S-Max, so it should be a sharp steer, and there's a wide choice of new engines: • 108bhp 1.6-litre petrol with five-speed manual • 143bhp 2.0-litre petrol with five-speed manual • 159bhp 2.3-litre petrol with six-speed auto • 217bhp 2.5-litre petrol with six-speed manual • 99bhp or 123bhp 1.8-litre diesel with five- or six-speed manual • 128bhp 2.0-litre diesel with six-speed auto • 138bhp 2.0-litre diesel with six-speed manual Cleverly, Ford claims its new Easyfuel system will prevent owners from slotting the wrong pump into the fuel filler neck. The days of wrong-fuelling are over, it claims...
Hang on a second, haven't we seen the new Mondeo before? You'd be forgiven for thinking you had - Ford has relentlessly pumped out teaser photos, concept cars and even James Bond Mondeos, all trailing info on its important mid-sized family car. This is real, though: the new 2007 Ford Mondeo, finally uncovered. Ford today releases the first pix and details ahead of its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Read on to see the full story.
Okay, so tell me the Mondeo highlights
This is an all-new model, designed to spice up the traditionally lacklustre Mondeo. The outgoing model was always great to drive, it just never set your pants on fire and looked rather dull. You could say it hid its light under a rather plain bushel. The new Mondeo gets the new EUCD mechanicals that we've already seen on the S-Max, so it should be a sharp steer, and there's a wide choice of new engines: • 108bhp 1.6-litre petrol with five-speed manual • 143bhp 2.0-litre petrol with five-speed manual • 159bhp 2.3-litre petrol with six-speed auto • 217bhp 2.5-litre petrol with six-speed manual • 99bhp or 123bhp 1.8-litre diesel with five- or six-speed manual • 128bhp 2.0-litre diesel with six-speed auto • 138bhp 2.0-litre diesel with six-speed manual Cleverly, Ford claims its new Easyfuel system will prevent owners from slotting the wrong pump into the fuel filler neck. The days of wrong-fuelling are over, it claims...
Aston Martin Vanquish Ultimate Edition (2007) : first official pictures
Aston Martin Vanquish S Ultimate Edition: the lowdown
After six years as Aston Martin’s flagship, the Vanquish S is bowing out gracefully with a final limited edition. But to say that the Ultimate Edition is a reworked car games may be a little optimistic. On the outside there’s a new paint scheme called Ultimate Black, which suits the already mean-looking Vanquish rather well. The 520bhp 5.9-litre V12 is untouched, so the electric 4.6 second 0-60 time and 200mph top speed remain the same. Inside, Aston has added some posh leather and stitching, and added a black chrome finish to some trim. Aston says it isn’t charging any more for the Ultimate Edition over the regular Vanquish S, but it will only produce them in pricier 2+2 form for £182,095. Aston is also offering a Works Service conversion from the current automated manual on the Vanquish to a full manual ‘box. New and existing Vanquish owners can order it for £13,250.
After six years as Aston Martin’s flagship, the Vanquish S is bowing out gracefully with a final limited edition. But to say that the Ultimate Edition is a reworked car games may be a little optimistic. On the outside there’s a new paint scheme called Ultimate Black, which suits the already mean-looking Vanquish rather well. The 520bhp 5.9-litre V12 is untouched, so the electric 4.6 second 0-60 time and 200mph top speed remain the same. Inside, Aston has added some posh leather and stitching, and added a black chrome finish to some trim. Aston says it isn’t charging any more for the Ultimate Edition over the regular Vanquish S, but it will only produce them in pricier 2+2 form for £182,095. Aston is also offering a Works Service conversion from the current automated manual on the Vanquish to a full manual ‘box. New and existing Vanquish owners can order it for £13,250.
Mazda 2 (2007): first official pictures
Mazda 2: the first sight
Mazda will show this new 2 supermini at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Details are so sketchy, that this photo is all we’ve seen. It draws heavily on the Sassou concept of 2005, with its sweptback glasshouse and rising beltline, like its Yaris and Corsa rivals. A three-door will be sold, too, when the 2 goes on sale this autumn. Expect a similar range of engines, ranging from 1.2 to 1.6 litres in capacity. Some of the front-wheel drive running gear is likely to be shared with small Fords, including the upcoming Fiesta replacement. Today’s 2 has never sold well in the UK, grabbing a minuscule 0.7 percent market share. Mazda hopes to boost that to a more serious two or three percent with the new car, resulting in another 10,000 sales a year in Britain.
Mazda will show this new 2 supermini at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Details are so sketchy, that this photo is all we’ve seen. It draws heavily on the Sassou concept of 2005, with its sweptback glasshouse and rising beltline, like its Yaris and Corsa rivals. A three-door will be sold, too, when the 2 goes on sale this autumn. Expect a similar range of engines, ranging from 1.2 to 1.6 litres in capacity. Some of the front-wheel drive running gear is likely to be shared with small Fords, including the upcoming Fiesta replacement. Today’s 2 has never sold well in the UK, grabbing a minuscule 0.7 percent market share. Mazda hopes to boost that to a more serious two or three percent with the new car, resulting in another 10,000 sales a year in Britain.
Kia Cee'd Estate (2007): first official pictures
Kia Cee'd Estate: the lowdown
Kia is rapidly making inroads into European markets. This new Cee'd estate is light years away from the shonky Kias of old - and it'll go on sale in August for around £500 more than the hatchback. At 4.5m long, it's 235mm longer than the hatch and has a marginally stretched wheelbase to free up some more space for family clobber. The boot's pretty big, too - at 534 litres, it'll swallow a couple of hundred more than the hatch.
It's pretty big then for a Golf-class estate...
It sure is. Kia is making lots of noises about its tailgate hinging system, claiming the bracket is so far forward that the boot rises way above head height, making it easy to load. No more banged heads, it seems. The Cee'd is the first Kia designed and built in Europe and represents a step change in the Koreans' thinking. Okay, so it's not going to set your pants on fire - it's still a blandbox, just one that does rather a lot of things rather well.
Kia is rapidly making inroads into European markets. This new Cee'd estate is light years away from the shonky Kias of old - and it'll go on sale in August for around £500 more than the hatchback. At 4.5m long, it's 235mm longer than the hatch and has a marginally stretched wheelbase to free up some more space for family clobber. The boot's pretty big, too - at 534 litres, it'll swallow a couple of hundred more than the hatch.
It's pretty big then for a Golf-class estate...
It sure is. Kia is making lots of noises about its tailgate hinging system, claiming the bracket is so far forward that the boot rises way above head height, making it easy to load. No more banged heads, it seems. The Cee'd is the first Kia designed and built in Europe and represents a step change in the Koreans' thinking. Okay, so it's not going to set your pants on fire - it's still a blandbox, just one that does rather a lot of things rather well.
Thứ Năm, 1 tháng 3, 2012
Mazda 6 facelift (2010) first official pictures
After 5 comes 6, so with the all-new Mazda 5 recently announced, up next is a revised version of the Japanese car company's family saloon. The facelifted Mazda 6, like the 5, will be unveiled at the 2010 Geneva motor show in March.
What's new on the new Mazda 6?
The front and rear lights have been tweaked, and the 6's nose now features a huge, Insignia-aping slash of chrome across the grille. The lower air intake is also bigger, and the fog lights are set within vertical slashes that ape the Mazda 3 and 5. Mazda claims the new looks gives the 6 'more sportiness and a clearer premium identity'.
Under the bonnet there's a choice of six power outputs, three of which (ranging from 127bhp to 178bhp) come from the same 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel. Petrol power comes from the existing 1.8 and 2.5, along with an all-new, direct-injection 2.0-litre. The latter offers more power than the outgoing 2.0, but is cleaner and more efficient - the oil burners are also claimed to offer improved MPG figures and reduced CO2 emissions.
What's new on the new Mazda 6?
The front and rear lights have been tweaked, and the 6's nose now features a huge, Insignia-aping slash of chrome across the grille. The lower air intake is also bigger, and the fog lights are set within vertical slashes that ape the Mazda 3 and 5. Mazda claims the new looks gives the 6 'more sportiness and a clearer premium identity'.
Under the bonnet there's a choice of six power outputs, three of which (ranging from 127bhp to 178bhp) come from the same 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel. Petrol power comes from the existing 1.8 and 2.5, along with an all-new, direct-injection 2.0-litre. The latter offers more power than the outgoing 2.0, but is cleaner and more efficient - the oil burners are also claimed to offer improved MPG figures and reduced CO2 emissions.
Ken Block's Ford Fiesta rally car pics and video
A few weeks back we announced that Ken Block, famed for his excellent Youtube Gymkhana videos, was switching his Subaru WRX STi for a Ford Focus RS in the World Rally Championships. Today we show you the smaller 2.0-litre turbo engine Ford Fiesta rally car he'll be trialling in the American rallies.
Here are the latest pics of the Monster-sponsored Fiesta, a short video clip and the upcoming dates for the WRC. Look out for Block in action this weekend, as he, the Fiesta and Italian co-driver Alex Gelsomino make their competition debuts.
Here are the latest pics of the Monster-sponsored Fiesta, a short video clip and the upcoming dates for the WRC. Look out for Block in action this weekend, as he, the Fiesta and Italian co-driver Alex Gelsomino make their competition debuts.
Carlsson C25 super coupé (2010) first official pictures
Mercedes tuner Cars games lsson will whisk the covers off this slinky new sports coupe at the 2010 Geneva motor show. The new C25 is Carlsson’s take on the Merc CL and this reskinned supercar will be one of the world premieres at the Palexpo arena.
Carlsson says it’s the company’s first own-developed and badged road car and it just about looks convincingly different enough from the SL to warrant that claim, we reckon.
Just 25 C25s will be built, each powered by a breathed-on Mercedes 743bhp bi-turbo 6.0-litre V12. This year’s entire allocation of C25s has already been sold out, according to chief exec Markus Schuster.
Carlsson C25: quick stats
The C25 supercar is Ferrari-fast, dispatching 62mph in just 3.7 seconds. Thank the Ironman torque output of 848lb ft. The C25 is so muscly they’ve had to restrict the torque of the blown lump from 974lb ft. Just imagine the trouble that’d cause at the 20-inch rear wheels…
Top whack is put at a somewhat theoretical 219mph. Good job they’ve fitted 405mm race discs up front and 380mm rotors at the back.
Carlsson C25: the pitch
‘There are more than enough super sports car in this world which can only be safely driven on a race track,’ said Schuster. ‘Therefore, we deliberately wanted to develop a car which is highly exclusive on the one hand and can be used for the daily journey to office on the other hand. Therefore, a Super-GT which can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.7 seconds and still offers a very pleasant driving comfort. All security-relevant regulations such as pedestrian protection, crash behaviour, ESP, ABS, Airbag systems are identical to large series editions with most modern standards.’
Dig deep: the C25 costs a dizzying £370,000 plus local taxes...
Carlsson says it’s the company’s first own-developed and badged road car and it just about looks convincingly different enough from the SL to warrant that claim, we reckon.
Just 25 C25s will be built, each powered by a breathed-on Mercedes 743bhp bi-turbo 6.0-litre V12. This year’s entire allocation of C25s has already been sold out, according to chief exec Markus Schuster.
Carlsson C25: quick stats
The C25 supercar is Ferrari-fast, dispatching 62mph in just 3.7 seconds. Thank the Ironman torque output of 848lb ft. The C25 is so muscly they’ve had to restrict the torque of the blown lump from 974lb ft. Just imagine the trouble that’d cause at the 20-inch rear wheels…
Top whack is put at a somewhat theoretical 219mph. Good job they’ve fitted 405mm race discs up front and 380mm rotors at the back.
Carlsson C25: the pitch
‘There are more than enough super sports car in this world which can only be safely driven on a race track,’ said Schuster. ‘Therefore, we deliberately wanted to develop a car which is highly exclusive on the one hand and can be used for the daily journey to office on the other hand. Therefore, a Super-GT which can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.7 seconds and still offers a very pleasant driving comfort. All security-relevant regulations such as pedestrian protection, crash behaviour, ESP, ABS, Airbag systems are identical to large series editions with most modern standards.’
Dig deep: the C25 costs a dizzying £370,000 plus local taxes...
Pininfarina’s new Alfa concept at Geneva motor show 2010
Pininfarina will show this new Alfa Romeo-based concept car at the 2010 Geneva motor show.
The two-seater is a celebration of the relationship between two of the most stylish names in motoring, in a year that will have Pininfarina blowing out 80 candles and Alfa Romeo 100. When you consider the original 8C, the 1966 Spider Duetto, the 1987 164 and the 2003 Alfa Romeo GTV, it is definitely a relationship worth celebrating.
It is rumoured that this as-yet-unnamed spyder is the first of three concepts planned for 2010 as part of Alfa’s centenary. The other designs are likely to be supplied by Stile Bertone and Italdesign Giugiaro. If true, the fruits of their labours should be an interesting view of what Alfa could become.
For now, though, we shall have to wait. But that shouldn’t be too painful. Given the track record of Alfa Romeo and Pininfarina (especially after the latter’s recent success with the Ferrari 458 Italia) this first concept alone promises to be worth the ticket to Switzerland.
The two-seater is a celebration of the relationship between two of the most stylish names in motoring, in a year that will have Pininfarina blowing out 80 candles and Alfa Romeo 100. When you consider the original 8C, the 1966 Spider Duetto, the 1987 164 and the 2003 Alfa Romeo GTV, it is definitely a relationship worth celebrating.
It is rumoured that this as-yet-unnamed spyder is the first of three concepts planned for 2010 as part of Alfa’s centenary. The other designs are likely to be supplied by Stile Bertone and Italdesign Giugiaro. If true, the fruits of their labours should be an interesting view of what Alfa could become.
For now, though, we shall have to wait. But that shouldn’t be too painful. Given the track record of Alfa Romeo and Pininfarina (especially after the latter’s recent success with the Ferrari 458 Italia) this first concept alone promises to be worth the ticket to Switzerland.
Renault Wind (2010): news of La Regie's new roadster
Renault will unveil the new Wind roadster at the 2010 Geneva motor show. Not to be confused with the Wind concept car introduced at the same show six year earlier, this Wind is a production car and has been made possible by using the hardware from the Twingo/Clio duo.
The French call it a 'coupé-roadster', enabled by its folding metal hard top. But unlike other CCs, the new Renault Wind has a simple roof that flops 180deg into the loadbay – we're uploading the video to this story so you can see the simple operation in action; going topless takes just 12 seconds from twisting the manual latch to the electric motors finishing their work.
Renault Wind: a Tigra from France!
The Wind is certainly quite diddy. Just 3830mm long, in fact, putting it slap bang in Mini Convertible/Vauxhall Tigra territory. This is hardly a massive sector in the UK, GM flogging just 2900 Tigras each year.
That folding roof is an elegant engineering solution. At first glance, it looks like the system on the Ferrari 575 Superamerica, but closer inspection reveals the Wind's mechanism to be cleverer. If you open the boot with the roof down, the rear deck hinges up with the stowed roof in tow. Nifty.
The Wind is front-wheel drive with a choice of two engines and five-speed gearboxes:
• 1.2 turbo
• 1.6 from the Clio Renaultsport
Why the Renault Wind is a two-seater
Despite those Twingo underpinnings, the Wind is a pure two-seater. That leaves enough space for 270 litres of luggage space, irrespective of the roof position. Although we haven't yet seen interior photos of the Wind, the dash has a unique layout, says Renault.
Expect UK sales from June 2010, priced to undercut the Peugeot 207 CC and its ilk from around £16,000.
The French call it a 'coupé-roadster', enabled by its folding metal hard top. But unlike other CCs, the new Renault Wind has a simple roof that flops 180deg into the loadbay – we're uploading the video to this story so you can see the simple operation in action; going topless takes just 12 seconds from twisting the manual latch to the electric motors finishing their work.
Renault Wind: a Tigra from France!
The Wind is certainly quite diddy. Just 3830mm long, in fact, putting it slap bang in Mini Convertible/Vauxhall Tigra territory. This is hardly a massive sector in the UK, GM flogging just 2900 Tigras each year.
That folding roof is an elegant engineering solution. At first glance, it looks like the system on the Ferrari 575 Superamerica, but closer inspection reveals the Wind's mechanism to be cleverer. If you open the boot with the roof down, the rear deck hinges up with the stowed roof in tow. Nifty.
The Wind is front-wheel drive with a choice of two engines and five-speed gearboxes:
• 1.2 turbo
• 1.6 from the Clio Renaultsport
Why the Renault Wind is a two-seater
Despite those Twingo underpinnings, the Wind is a pure two-seater. That leaves enough space for 270 litres of luggage space, irrespective of the roof position. Although we haven't yet seen interior photos of the Wind, the dash has a unique layout, says Renault.
Expect UK sales from June 2010, priced to undercut the Peugeot 207 CC and its ilk from around £16,000.
Kia Sportage (2010) first official pictures
These are the first pictures of the new Kia Sportage, the Korean car company's latest compact SUV. It will be unveiled at the 2010 Geneva motor show next month, and UK sales start in the autumn.
Tell me more about the Kia Sportage
It’s up against everything from the Nissan Qashqai to the Ford Kuga, and underneath it sits on the same platform as the new Hyundai ix35 – the pair will roll out of the same Slovakian plant. And like the Hyundai, the new Sportage has a longer wheelbase than the model it replaces, which Kia promises will improve ride quality. Both Koreans will also be offered with the choice of two- and four-wheel drive.
Under the bonnet there’ll be the existing 2.0-litre petrol and diesel units, but by the time UK sales start in October the Sportage will also have a new 1.7-litre diesel and a 1.6-litre petrol. Six-speed manual and automatic gearboxes will be on offer initially, but a dual-clutch transmission (plus a turbocharged 1.6 petrol) will follow.
Prices should start from around £16,000.
Tell me more about the Kia Sportage
It’s up against everything from the Nissan Qashqai to the Ford Kuga, and underneath it sits on the same platform as the new Hyundai ix35 – the pair will roll out of the same Slovakian plant. And like the Hyundai, the new Sportage has a longer wheelbase than the model it replaces, which Kia promises will improve ride quality. Both Koreans will also be offered with the choice of two- and four-wheel drive.
Under the bonnet there’ll be the existing 2.0-litre petrol and diesel units, but by the time UK sales start in October the Sportage will also have a new 1.7-litre diesel and a 1.6-litre petrol. Six-speed manual and automatic gearboxes will be on offer initially, but a dual-clutch transmission (plus a turbocharged 1.6 petrol) will follow.
Prices should start from around £16,000.
Seat Ibiza ST estate (2010) first pictures
This is Seat's new compact estate, the Ibiza ST. It will be unveiled at the 2010 Geneva motor show, and sales start in the summer.
It’s all about the space – presumably the Seat Ibiza ST has a bigger boot?
Of course. The ST is 18cm longer than the regular Ibiza hatch, so there’s 430 litres of car games go capacity, up from 292 litres. It’s not a match for the Clio Sport Tourer (439) or Seat's in-house Skoda Fabia Estate rival (480), but folding the split rear seats does liberate some extra space.
The ST is the third model in the Ibiza range – after the regular hatch and three-door SC – so the front end remains the same, but there's a higher roofline and a longer rear overhang. Under the bonnet there's a choice of six engines (three petrol and three diesel), two of which are new to the Ibiza: a 1.2 TDI and 1.2 TSI.
It’s all about the space – presumably the Seat Ibiza ST has a bigger boot?
Of course. The ST is 18cm longer than the regular Ibiza hatch, so there’s 430 litres of car games go capacity, up from 292 litres. It’s not a match for the Clio Sport Tourer (439) or Seat's in-house Skoda Fabia Estate rival (480), but folding the split rear seats does liberate some extra space.
The ST is the third model in the Ibiza range – after the regular hatch and three-door SC – so the front end remains the same, but there's a higher roofline and a longer rear overhang. Under the bonnet there's a choice of six engines (three petrol and three diesel), two of which are new to the Ibiza: a 1.2 TDI and 1.2 TSI.
JaguarRSR XKR GT2 (2010) meets its forebears
This is the moment Jaguar's new Le Mans 24hr racer met its famous ancestors. The JaguarRSR XKR GT2 will compete at La Sarthe in summer 2010 to mark Jaguar's 75th anniversary of Le Mans competition.
Jaguar won seven times at Le Mans between 1951 and 1990, and 20 years later the British marque returns on 12 June. However, although competing with the blessing of Jaguar HQ, JaguarRSR is in fact an independent race team from the US and not a full factory racer.
JaguarRSR XKR GT2: the lowdown
The XKR GT2 will race at Le Mans and the ALMS, driven by friend of Jaguar Paul Gentillozzi, Scott Pruett and Marc Goossens. 'Spirits will be high around Jaguar’s return to Le Mans but we must remember the incredibly high level of competition,' warned Gentillozzi. 'A podium place in our category will not fall into our hands.'
CJ O'Donnell, Jag's global marketing director, added: 'It was 20 years ago that Jaguar last won Le Mans with a TWR Jaguar Sport entry driven by John Nielsen, Price Cobb and Martin Brundle. Returning to Le Mans will reignite excitement for the marque across the globe, all the more poignant in our 75th year.'
Jaguar has a stellar history at the famous French race. In 1951, the C-type won Le Mans at its first attempt, with a further victory in 1953. The D-type won in 1955, 1956 and 1957, repeated in 1988 with the Jaguar XJR-9LM, a V12-powered Group C car, and in 1990 with the Jaguar XJR-12.
Jaguar won seven times at Le Mans between 1951 and 1990, and 20 years later the British marque returns on 12 June. However, although competing with the blessing of Jaguar HQ, JaguarRSR is in fact an independent race team from the US and not a full factory racer.
JaguarRSR XKR GT2: the lowdown
The XKR GT2 will race at Le Mans and the ALMS, driven by friend of Jaguar Paul Gentillozzi, Scott Pruett and Marc Goossens. 'Spirits will be high around Jaguar’s return to Le Mans but we must remember the incredibly high level of competition,' warned Gentillozzi. 'A podium place in our category will not fall into our hands.'
CJ O'Donnell, Jag's global marketing director, added: 'It was 20 years ago that Jaguar last won Le Mans with a TWR Jaguar Sport entry driven by John Nielsen, Price Cobb and Martin Brundle. Returning to Le Mans will reignite excitement for the marque across the globe, all the more poignant in our 75th year.'
Jaguar has a stellar history at the famous French race. In 1951, the C-type won Le Mans at its first attempt, with a further victory in 1953. The D-type won in 1955, 1956 and 1957, repeated in 1988 with the Jaguar XJR-9LM, a V12-powered Group C car, and in 1990 with the Jaguar XJR-12.
Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet (2010) first pictures
Renault has whisked the covers off the new 2010 Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet, the sixth bodystyle of the latest Mégane family. There are few surprises: it's a two-door with a foldling hard top, like its predecessor.
The roof is mainly smoked glass and there's a new fixed glass wind deflector positioned behind the rear seats to minimise buffeting up to 50mph. That glass roof totals 0.47sq m (the largest area in the segment, claims Renault) and raises or lowers electrically in 21 seconds.
Boot space stands at 417 litres with the roof up, 211 litres when stowed.
Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet: the hardware
The usual array of Mégane hardware is deployed in the CC. It's claimed to be stiffer than before and a new twin-clutch transmission is available for the first time. Engine line-up includes:
• 1.6 petrol
• Tce petrol
• 2.0 petrol
• dCi 110 DPF
• dCi 130 DPF
• dCi 160 DPF
Expect the Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet to be on sale in spring 2010, after a Geneva 2010 motor show debut.
The roof is mainly smoked glass and there's a new fixed glass wind deflector positioned behind the rear seats to minimise buffeting up to 50mph. That glass roof totals 0.47sq m (the largest area in the segment, claims Renault) and raises or lowers electrically in 21 seconds.
Boot space stands at 417 litres with the roof up, 211 litres when stowed.
Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet: the hardware
The usual array of Mégane hardware is deployed in the CC. It's claimed to be stiffer than before and a new twin-clutch transmission is available for the first time. Engine line-up includes:
• 1.6 petrol
• Tce petrol
• 2.0 petrol
• dCi 110 DPF
• dCi 130 DPF
• dCi 160 DPF
Expect the Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet to be on sale in spring 2010, after a Geneva 2010 motor show debut.
BMW X5 facelift (2010) first pictures
BMW is sprucing up its X5 SUV with range of cosmetic updates and engineering tweaks. Read on for our handy guide to how to spot the new 2010 X5 and what is new under the metal.
How will I tell the new 2010 X5 apart from the old one?
The headlamps on the X5 are new, the foglights move, air vents swell like a panting athlete's nostrils and the front bumpers have more body colour and fins in matt aluminium trim.
Out back, new rear lights have BMW's now-trademark LED lighting bars emphasising horizontal lines of the X5. A range of SUV-atypical 19in and 20in wheels provide a planted stance for Chelsea, if not China.
What's new under the bonnet of the facelifted X5?
Eight-speed ZF automatic boxes are now standard across the board; their spread across the BMW range is endemic, in the quest for lower CO2 and higher mpg. The key new models at launch are:
• xDrive30d, 232bhp (up 10bhp), 398lb ft, 0-62mph in 7.6sec (half a second faster), 38.2mpg, 195g/km of CO2 (down from 217g/km)
• xDrive40d replaces the xDrive35d, 302bhp, 443lb ft, 0-62mph in 6.6sec, 37.7mpg, 198g/km (down from 220g/km)
• xDrive50i replaces the xDrive48i, 402bhp, 443lb ft, 0-62mph in 5.5sec (a second faster)
All new X5 models are equipped with nevada leather, Servotronic steering and other goodies. Prices start at £43,770 for an entry-level X5 xDrive30d SE – climbing to a stout £57,385 for an X5 xDrive50i M Sport.
Of course if that's not enough, you can always go the full hog and order the bonkers £78k X5 M. Because you just know a 2.4-tonne SUV needs a 555bhp twin-turbo V8 capable of dispatching 62mph in 4.7 seconds. Or does it?
How will I tell the new 2010 X5 apart from the old one?
The headlamps on the X5 are new, the foglights move, air vents swell like a panting athlete's nostrils and the front bumpers have more body colour and fins in matt aluminium trim.
Out back, new rear lights have BMW's now-trademark LED lighting bars emphasising horizontal lines of the X5. A range of SUV-atypical 19in and 20in wheels provide a planted stance for Chelsea, if not China.
What's new under the bonnet of the facelifted X5?
Eight-speed ZF automatic boxes are now standard across the board; their spread across the BMW range is endemic, in the quest for lower CO2 and higher mpg. The key new models at launch are:
• xDrive30d, 232bhp (up 10bhp), 398lb ft, 0-62mph in 7.6sec (half a second faster), 38.2mpg, 195g/km of CO2 (down from 217g/km)
• xDrive40d replaces the xDrive35d, 302bhp, 443lb ft, 0-62mph in 6.6sec, 37.7mpg, 198g/km (down from 220g/km)
• xDrive50i replaces the xDrive48i, 402bhp, 443lb ft, 0-62mph in 5.5sec (a second faster)
All new X5 models are equipped with nevada leather, Servotronic steering and other goodies. Prices start at £43,770 for an entry-level X5 xDrive30d SE – climbing to a stout £57,385 for an X5 xDrive50i M Sport.
Of course if that's not enough, you can always go the full hog and order the bonkers £78k X5 M. Because you just know a 2.4-tonne SUV needs a 555bhp twin-turbo V8 capable of dispatching 62mph in 4.7 seconds. Or does it?
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