New Fiat 500 BICOLORE - RED & WHITE Source: FIAT France
New Concept Car: Chevrolet Miray
Chevrolet is celebrating its centenary with this striking new all-wheel drive hybrid sports car concept at the Seoul motor show.
The Chevrolet Miray, unveiled by General Motors Korea, is an open-top sports car with heavily sculpted carbonfibre bodywork inspired by some of Chevy’s classic models including 1963’s Monza SS and the Corvair Super Spyder from the previous year.
GM is heavily involved in South Korea and is the third largest manufacturer in the country. It has design, engineering and manufacturing operations in the country and this two-seat concept is a product of these facilities.
The hybrid system consists of mid-mounted 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to a dual-clutch ’box powering the rear wheels and twin 20bhp electric motors with a 1.6kWh lithium-ion battery pack powering the front wheels.
The electric motors are capable of powering the Miray, meaning ‘future’ in Korean, alone, although range or performance figures haven’t been confirmed.
Thanks to: Autocar
New Car: 2012 BMW M3 Pick-Up
BMW has revealed this 414bhp pick-up version of the M3.
The BMW M3 pick-up has been spied at the Nurburgring several times in the past few weeks and BMW has claimed it has been extensively tested and set-up for a familiar M driving experience.
At the front of the car is the same 4.0-litre V8 developing its 414bhp at 8300rpm and 295lb ft at 3900rpm as the rest of the M3 range. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. Performance figures haven’t’ been released, but BMW claims the speedometer has displayed 186mph (300km/h) in ‘Ring tests.
Despite substantial modifications at the rear, in particular to the suspension, the M3 pick-ups still weighs in 50kg under the M3 convertible’s 1885kg kerb weight. Wind tunnel tests have also revealed the pick-up to be as slippery as an M3 Coupe.
The M3 pick-up boasts high levels of practicality to match the performance. The maximum load capacity has been raised to 450kg and a trailer tow hitch features on an M3 for the first time. The cargo area is clad in aluminium sheeting and it is capable of storing up to 20 golf bags.
The cabin is similar to that of the standard M3, featuring M-badged sports leather seats, steering wheel and gearlever. There is a special badge to commemorate the project on a carbonfibre strip on the dashboard.
It also comes with a removable targa roof that sheds a further 20kg and lowers the centre of gravity when it is removed.
BMW claims to have gone through all the necessary requirements to make the pick-up legal for road, which has led to it officially being classified as a truck.
But any well-heeled tradesman looking to replace their Toyota Hilux with an M3 pick-up should look at today’s date.
Thanks to: Autocar
New Concept Car: Kia Naimo
Kia has revealed this electric Naimo concept at the Seoul motor show.
The 'crossover utility vehicle' (CUV) is powered by twin 27kWh lithium-ion batteries located under the boot floor, which drive a 108bhp electric motor with 207lb ft of torque.
According to Kia, it will have a full-charge range of 124 miles and top speed of 93mph. An 80 per cent quick-charge (50KW) takes just 25 minutes, with full charge reached with a more realistic 3.3KW charge in five and a half hours.
Design features of the 3.9 metre Naimo concept include wrap-around windscreen, asymmetric sunroof, low-drag 20-inch alloy wheels and three-way split opening boot-lid for ‘versatile access.’
Further concept elements include its front and rear dot-style LED lights, high-intensity air jet, which replaces conventional windscreen wipers and small, camera-integrated door mirrors.
Much like the Hyundai's Curb concept from the Detroit motor show, the Naimo features rear-hinged, rear doors and short overhangs to maximise space in the four-seater city car.
On the inside, Korean oak is used for the entire floor and door panels, and Korean paper is used for the concept’s headlining. In contrast, modern interior features include a transparent LED display instrument panel and full connectivity.
Kia design boss Peter Schreyer said: “Naimo is a perfect balance of innovation, high-tech and Korean tradition, but combines this with cutting-edge technologies to deliver a truly premium experience.”
Thanks to: Autocar
Hot News: Audi Plans BMW X6 Rival
The X6 is under attack! In its quest to fill every niche in the premium market, Audi is preparing a coupé-style SUV, likely to be called the Q6 – and our exclusive images show just what to expect.
The newcomer will be gunning for the controversial BMW X6, which has proved a runaway
success, selling more than 110,000 units. It will be based on the same platform as the new VW Touareg and Porsche Cayenne, itself a shortened version of
the Audi Q7’s underpinnings. Sacrificing some of that model’s huge load space, the Q6 will compensate with more style.
As our images show, the Q7’s blistered wheelarches and crisp surfacing will be carried over, but the smaller car will sport more steeply raked screens and a plunging roofline. Wraparound tail-lights and a curved boot spoiler create a visual reference to another Audi coupé, the A7.
While the front passengers
will enjoy the same space and ambience as those in a Q7, the rear bench will be squeezed down to only two individual seats. Boot space will also be reduced, thanks to the lower and sleeker roof. Engines will include petrol and diesel V6s, while the same supercharged V6-electric motor combination as fitted to the Cayenne and Touareg hybrids is also on the cards.
All models will feature permanent quattro all-wheel drive as well – with the aim of boosting on-road stability more than mud-plugging ability.
There are even whispers of a flagship Q6 arriving later on, with the brand new 4.0-litre V8 turbo which will debut in the Audi S6 and Bentley Continental GT later this year. For proof that the market exists for such a car, just look at the 547bhp BMW X6 M – more than 3,000 have found homes
globally since it arrived in 2009.
Due to the success of large cars such as the X6 in the Chinese market, it’s possible that the Q6 will make its world debut in concept form at next month’s Shanghai Motor Show. It should hit dealers late next year. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express
Thanks to: Auto Express
Spied: 2012 Audi RS4
The RS4 is ready to roll! Our spies have caught a development mule for the ultimate A4 during testing in Germany. And despite the S4 badge on its grille it's clear there's more than meets the eye.
Most obvious are the huge 21-inch wheels, destined to be an option on the finished car. Behind those are larger discs designed to cope with this car's extra performance over and above the 328bhp V6-engined S4. The bulging wheelarches have been stretched too, to accomodate a wider front and rear track for improved stability in the bends.
Up front the air intakes have been enlarged to provide additional cooling for the engine - likely to be the same 444bhp 4.2-litre V8 as the RS5, connected to a seven-speed S Tronic twin-clutch gearbox. Performace will be similar too, with a 0-62mph time in around 4.5 seconds and a 155mph limited top speed.
It will offer additional practicality over the RS5 though, with both Saloon and the Avant version shown here, going on sale. Expect to see the car officially unveilied some time later this year - possibly at the Frankfurt show in September.For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express
Sneak Peek: Buick Envision Concept
It’s been a busy couple of days for General Motors with two Chevrolet concepts already revealed. Now, it’s Buick’s turn to tease us with a new SUV concept that will debut in Shanghai.
Developed by Shanghai GM and GM’s Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center, the Envision concept is designed with China in mind. In fact, GM specifically says the Envision is the product of “global design with local aesthetics for the Chinese market,” so don’t expect to see it in the U.S. After all, China is now the largest auto market in the world (and for Buick), so it’s no surprise this is a China-only vehicle.
It’s more than just a “dynamic, fluid, quiet and comfortable” design, as GM’s press release sums up the essence of Buick. The Envision is also a plug-in hybrid and features “loads of other new technologies” that the company will be showing off. So while the Envision may not be destined for production as-is, elements of its design and technology will likely make their way into future products.
The Buick Envision Concept SUV will make its big debut on April 18, just before the opening of the Shanghai auto show.
Thanks to: Motor Trend
First Sketch: Hyundai Envisions Concept
Although hybrid and electric vehicles have taken the forefront in the race to build greener cars, Hyundai hasn’t given up on the idea of vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells. The company unveiled its Blue2 concept (pronounced “Blue-square” )at the Seoul Motor Show to demonstrate its vision for fuel-cell sedans of the future.
As with all fuel-cell cars, hydrogen is passed through a fuel cell stack, which in turn generates electricity to power electric motors, which ultimately propel the car. We’ve been given no stats on the motors themselves, but Hyundai says the fuel cell stack is rated at 90 kW. To optimize performance, the Blue2 has aerodynamic alloy wheels shod in low-rolling-resistance tires to help improve its rolling efficiency.
The body is likewise designed for aerodynamics, although its convoluted shapes — think Fluidic Design but cranked up to 11 — aren’t as pleasing to the eye as they are to the wind tunnel. Gaping air intakes and jagged headlight housings define the awkward nose, while the Blue2’s greenhouse is reminiscent of the new Saab 9-5. LED displays at the front and rear of the car can display “unique and futuristic images,” which will surely prove distracting to rubbernecking drivers.
Futuristic interior features encompass anti-bacterial leather seats, electric-blue accent lighting, and a broad LED screen that spans the instrument cluster and center console. The driver’s door opens automatically to greet the Blue2’s pilot, and traditional mirrors have been replaced by three cameras, which feed video to the dashboard display. The car’s entertainment system is controlled by a controller that Hyundai calls a “Motion Sensor Moustick,” while rear-seat passengers can work or play on tablet computers integrated into the front-seat headrests.
Thanks to: Motor Trend
Sneak Peek: 2013 Chevrolet Malibu
Chevy has announced that it will unveil a show-car version of the next-gen Malibu simultaneously at the Shanghai auto show and on Facebook. Yes, really. The reveal will take place at 8:30 p.m. EDT on April 18th, meaning that in several U.S. time zones, Chevy’s big reveal is at the same time as “American Idol.” Along with the news, Chevy released a teaser photo of the car’s Camaro-inspired taillamps, as well as a teaser video about the design of the new ‘Bu. We’ve taken some screencaps and embedded the video below.
The 2012 Malibu is touted as “all-new,” but as we saw in recent spy photos, should largely resemble the current car. The sedan will ride on an evolution of the Epsilon architecture and feature a redesigned interior. We expect it to offer a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine making about 180 hp and a 3.0-liter V-6 good for 260. Fuel economy—already a strong suit for the Malibu at 22 mpg city/33 highway for the four—should improve to keep pace with rivals’, and the Malibu may even get its own version of Buick’s eAssist hybrid system.
We’ll bring you the full details on the 2012 Malibu when it takes the stand at the Shanghai show, and live coverage from its U.S. debut at the New York auto show the next day.
Thanks to: Car and Driver
New Car: 2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo S
It was inevitable—and reported by us just yesterday—that Porsche would further extend its Panamera range. Just a couple of years after the launch of the Panamera Turbo, Porsche is adding a Turbo S to the lineup by squeezing another 50 hp out of its awesome 4.8-liter, twin-turbo V-8. This model is not exactly a surprise: The Panamera’s V-8 engines are shared with the Cayenne, and the last-generation Cayenne was already offered with a 550-hp variation. (Here's a wild prediction: Porsche will add a new Cayenne Turbo S soon.)
The Panamera is a big and heavy car, but it shines as it thunders down the road at surreal speeds. Modified engine management and improved titanium-aluminum turbochargers enable the aforementioned 550 hp, as well as 553 lb-ft of torque, up from 516 for the regular Turbo. In the chassis’s "Sport" and "Sport Plus" modes, an overboost function increases the twist to a wild 590 lb-ft. The regular Turbo can muster an already-impressive 568 lb-ft under overboost, which is accessed by paying for the Sport Chrono package. This package is standard in the Turbo S.
The added power translates into performance you won't need to complain about: Porsche says 60 mph can be achieved in 3.6 seconds, but we clocked the regular Turbo at 3.3. Figure a tenth or two quicker than that, thanks in large part to the seven-speed dual-clutch PDK automatic, which includes a launch-control function. It is the only available transmission. The company claims a top speed of 190 mph, but based on our testing, the real-world figure will be higher by about 5 mph. If you care, Porsche has no final fuel-economy ratings yet, but it says they will be close to the Turbo’s city/highway figures of 15/23 mpg.
No major changes were made to the chassis, which can be considered supremely competent even among high-performance sedans, but the rear track has been engorged by specific 20-inch Turbo II wheels. Europe gets the option of low-rolling-resistance tires on 19-inch wheels, which increase efficiency—yippee!
The slight performance increase comes at a not-so-slight premium. Porsche is asking for a cool $174,175, as opposed to the $136,275 required for a Panamera Turbo. For that money, you get some of the Turbo’s performance options as standard (Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, Sport Chrono, etc.), as well as side skirts out of the "Porsche Exclusive" parts bin and the choice of special color combinations. Agate gray metallic is exclusive to the Panamera Turbo S, and inside there are two color combos—black/cream and agate gray/cream—that you can't get on any other Panamera. We predict these color choices will prove to be especially popular among Turbo S customers, who will be eager to point out to their friends exactly what they got for an extra $38K. (It’s worth mentioning that Porsche also offers a $21,000 Power Pack to upgrade your Panamera Turbo to 540 hp, but it doesn’t include all the S goodies.)
The spacious Porsche hatchback remains the second-fastest sedan in the VW Group—the Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed has a top speed of 200 mph—and that’s not likely to change for a while, at least until the Bugatti Galibier comes to market. And, if anything, it will serve as a nice benchmark for Audi and its upcoming RS6. Is anyone else enjoying VW Group’s high-powered supersedan civil war as much as we are?
Thanks to: Car and Driver
Early Reveal for Corvette-Powered Spada Codatronca Monza Speedster
Thanks to these leaked photos, we won’t have to wait for the high-end Top Marques Monaco show in mid-April to get our first taste of the new Spada Codatronca Monza. Loosely based on the Spada Codatronca TS coupe that was revealed at the same show in 2008, the Monza is a hardcore speedster model aimed primarily for weekend track racers with a very fat bank account.
According to reports, the Monza makes use of the Corvette Z06’s 7.0-liter V8 supercharged to develop around 700-horsepower. Spada Vetture Sport’s latest creation will be built in limited production run with pricing estimated to start at around €250,000 or about US$355,200 at today’s exchange rates.
We’ll have more on the Spada Codatronca Monza as soon as the Italian company comes out with the official details.
Source: Autobild via Worldcarfans
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Rumors: Kia to Reveal New Rio Sedan at New York
The word on the street is that Kia will lift the covers off a sedan version of its new Rio series in a world premiere at the upcoming 2011 New York International Auto Show in mid-April. The new generation of the Rio was recently unveiled in hatchback form at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show earlier this month.
The new generation of the Rio hatchback has grown in size over its predecessor and, at least in Europe, it will also be offered in a sportier looking but less practical, three-door body style. The upcoming sedan model will most likely differ from the B-column and back, featuring a longer rear end with a more spacious boot.
The European version of the Rio Hatch will be offered with a choice of three- and four-cylinder engines with outputs ranging from 70-to-109HP. No word yet on what type of engines will be available for the North American market model.
Source: Autoblog
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