Hyundai's plans for Geneva

Korean automaker to unveil new i30 and a crossover-SUV concept

Hyundai has revealed two new vehicles will be making their debuts in Geneva next week. The Korean automaker has released details of its new i30 C-segment vehicle and a crossover-SUV concept made from plastic composite material.

Initially shown as the Arnejs concept car at the Paris motor show last fall, the i30 has been specifically designed for the European C-segment. Sound familiar? Well it should, the other Korean manufacturer with the three letter name is also singing the same song. In fact, the i30 was jointly-developed with Kia and shares the same platform as the recently launched Cee’d.

With a choice of three petrol and three diesel engines, the Hyundai will likely offer the same engine choices as the Kia, with 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol units and a 1.6 litre diesel. We suspect there may be a few 2-litre petrol and diesel units joining the mix. The powerplants will be mated to either a manual or an automatic gearbox.

Hyundai will be ditching its previous nomenclature in favour of a new alpha numeric naming strategy claimed to “display a clearer technology-orientation”. The i30 will go on sale across Europe in summer 2007, initially as a 5-door hatchback and later as an estate car.

The crossover-SUV concept, code-named HED 4, is a joint project with GE Plastic. The concept vehicle is said to have “endowed designers with greater expressive freedom to create complex three-dimensional shapes that could not have been achieved with conventional production methods”.

Composite technology was used extensively in the new CUV. It employs a wrap-around Lexan windscreen and polycarbonate glazing materials to save of up to 50 per cent weight over conventional glass, while simultaneously allowing greater flexibility in the shaping process. The glazing features an Exatec technology which deposits a thin protective layer of glass on the Lexan for increased resistance to scratches and protection from the elements.

The HED 4 body panels also feature new curved side glazing – formed from Lexan – to boost impact resistance and increase both occupant and pedestrian safety. The car’s ‘Elastic Front’ safety system, which encompasses the front end of the vehicle, is claimed to be the world's first global pedestrian protection solution fitted to a CUV. With three energy-absorbing structures fully integrated underneath the styling, the system is claimed to realise outstanding results in computer-animated pedestrian safety tests.

More information on the cars will surely become available next week, and we’ll be sure to share it with you.

Gumpert Apollo Sport

German niche manufacturer creates 800bhp supercar

Gumpert will show the new Apollo Sport supercar at the upcoming Geneva motor show. This latest supercar from the German manufacturer promises to top last year’s Apollo model with more power and a 1200kg kerb weight.

The Apollo project is the creation of Roland Gumpert, a former Audi employee who oversaw many a rallying success working as competitions chief in their Quattro division.

The new Apollo Sport employs a tubular space frame fabricated from chrome-molybdenum steel with an integrated safety monocoque carbon-fibre structure Enormous roof and side-mounted air intakes feed cold air to the twin turbo powerplant, based on an Audi-sourced 4.2-litre V8.

Output from the mid-mounted engine is claimed to be a staggering 800bhp, enabling the Apollo Sport to reach 62mph in just 3 seconds. The car’s top speed is estimated to be 233mph.

A full racing aero package with a massive rear wing and lower front spoilers separates the Sport edition from its lesser Apollo sibling visually.

The two-seat interior is swathed with such luxury amenities as Alcantara trim, air-conditioning, a CD player and a sat-nav system. A reversing camera is also included to avoid rearward obstructions.

Gumpert plans to sell the Apollo Sport for €299,500, pre-tax.

The Return of Abarth

Fiat reveals new hot hatch and Rally derivative in Geneva

Fiat has resurrected the legendary Abarth nameplate from the 1950s and ‘60s for an unveiling at the Geneva motor show. Scheduled to make its long awaited comeback in both tuning and Rally form, the Grande Punto Abarth will appear on the manufacturer’s show stand beside its cousin, the Abarth S2000.

In the early ‘50s, ex-motorcycle racer Carlo Abarth started combining his racing activities with products for the mass market, and began to build his famous conversion kits – with the now reputable exhaust silencers – for standard production cars. These Abarth enhancements increased power, top speed and acceleration of the cars. Racing was the ultimate advertising conduit, and Carlo’s success on the racetrack in the Fiat Abarth 750 cars in the late 1950s garnered financial backing from Fiat. The Abarth name was eventually bought up entirely by Fiat in 1971.

This year, the Grande Punto Abarth and S2000 reappear under the design and manufacturing verve that only Fiat could muster. The Punto Abarth creates 150bhp from an inline 1.4-liter turbocharged four, though 98 RON petrol will apparently raise power by 5bhp. An add-on tuning kit which will appear later in the year is claimed to boost power to 180bhp, nearly twice as much power as the basic non-Abarth version. Peak torque of 152lb.ft is said to be achieved at 2000rpm, with 170lb.ft obtained at 3000rpm by activating a ‘sport’ mode.

With a six-speed gearbox, MacPherson front suspension (with anti-roll bar) and a torsion beam rear axle, the car will surely paint grins on drivers’ faces. The brakes have been heavily revised, employing 305mm ventilated discs at the front and 264mm rear discs. Distinctive 17-inch aluminium alloys riding on 215/45-17 tyres further differentiate the car from its lesser stablemates.

Fiat’s Abarth S2000 Rally car features a 2-litre lump, belting out 270bhp and 163lb.ft peak torque, achieved at 6500rpm. A six-speed gearbox with sequential control, frontal engagement and cut-off during changes will be the performing shifting duty, powering all four wheels.

Rally racing conditions being what they are, Fiat’s S2000 uses a MacPherson suspension layout front and rear, utilizing specific cross members and adjustable dampers.

To slow the rotation of the Michelin asphalt, dirt and snow tyres mounted on Goodrich rims (18-inch for asphalt and 15-inch for dirt), the Abarth S2000 has monolithic front calliper brakes with four pistons mated to 355mm front discs for asphalt, or 300mm for dirt roads. At the rear, a four piston rear calliper setup with 300mm discs is charged with the task.

A wide front and rear wing - up to a maximum width of 1800mm - has been fitted, and a massive (essential by technical regulations) rear spoiler serves to increase stability of the car, boosting aerodynamic load.

Fiat’s Racing Department will be entering in the 2007 Italian Rally Championship with driver Giandomenico Basso and his navigator Mitia Dotta. On the international scene, the Grande Punto Abarth S2000 will compete in the IRC (Intercontinental Rally Challenge) with drivers Andrea Navarra, his navigator Guido D’Amore, and young Umberto Scandola and Anton Alen.

Vauxhall’s VXR8 muscle car

Australian-born ‘supersaloon’ fills the void left by the Monaro.

Vauxhall has announced a successor to the now defunct Australian-built Monaro VXR. The VXR8 is essentially a rebadged Holden HSV Clubsport R8, a ‘supersaloon’ which also hails from the land down under. And with this latest import, Vauxhall seeks to offer exceptional performance blended with four-door practicality.

The fire-breathing musclecar is powered by a 6-litre LS2 V8 from a Chevrolet Corvette (the same engine that propelled the Monaro VXR) sending power to the rear wheels.

We’re told this revised version of the V8 has been massaged for greater power and efficiency however, and now develops 414bhp and 406lb.ft of torque (up from the Monaro’s 404bhp and 391lb.ft). Vauxhall claims the saloon can accomplish 0-60mph runs in 4.9 seconds.

Scrubbing off speed will be the task of an upgraded braking system, which comprises of 365mm front discs. The company claim the setup will stop the car from 60mph faster than a Lamborghini Murcielago or BMW M5. Hmmm. We’ll have to see about that.

Unlike previous VXR models, the VXR8 will be offered with an automatic gearbox with manual shifting capability and a sport setting. The company claim the automatic only increases 0-60mph stints by a half second.

The VXR8 also comes fitted with a stability system and traction control, which can be turned off should drivers have a sudden urge to test their skills.

Styling seems a bit ungainly, but it’s certain to be more practical than its coupe forebear. The company claims the VXR8 has ‘a spacious boot’ and space for ‘all the family’. That is considering your family consists of no more than five.

Within the saloon body style, Vauxhall promises an emphasis on comfort, with the interior featuring climate control and leather trim. A satellite navigation system and 20-inch wheels will be offered as options.

The VXR8 will undoubtedly get strong competition in the form of the Audi RS4 and others, but given its £34,995 entry fee (add £1400 for the auto option) it considerably undercuts its rivals. Expect it on UK dealer forecourts from July.

Bellissima: Alfa’s new droptop hits UK

Alfa Romeo’s seductive Spider convertible is now on sale in the UK.

The new Alfa Spider, the latest open-topped Alfa Romeo to be offered by the company, has just gone on sale in the UK. Derived from Giorgetto Giugiaro’s award-winning Alfa Brera design, the new Alfa Spider was developed by Pininfarina in collaboration with Alfa Romeo Centro Stile.

The Spider will be available in four versions and a choice of three engines. In the petrol variety, a 2.2-litre 185bhp 4-cylinder unit developing 170 lb.ft of twist at 4500rpm will be joined by a 3.2-litre 260bhp V6 with 237lb.ft twist. A 2.4-litre 20v five-cylinder MultiJet (JTDM) turbodiesel, claimed to be good for 200bhp and 295 lb.ft of torque at 2000rpm completes the range.

The 2.4-litre diesel is said to achieve a top speed of 142mph and complete a 0-62mph run in 8.2 seconds. The all-wheel drive 3.2 V6 will reach 62mph from not in 7 seconds and top out at 149mph, while the 2.2-litre four manages 138mph and 0-62mph stints in 8.8 seconds. All powerplants will be mated to six-speed manual gearbox, whilst the 3.2 JTS V6 unit can be specified with Alfa Romeo’s QTRONIC six-speed automatic transmission, featuring a manual sequential-shift override capability and optional gearshift ‘paddles’.

Sharing a platform and components with the Alfa Brera, the Spider is 17mm shorter and 23mm lower but has an identical 2528mm wheelbase. The suspension setup of the Spider combines a double wishbone system at the front with a multilink rear configuration; said to promote smooth, accurate steering response, exceptional stability and body control, allied to remarkable comfort over all road surfaces.

The 2.2 JTS Alfa Spider’s braking system comprises 305mm ventilated front discs and 278mm solid discs at the rear. Versions powered by the 3.2 JTS petrol and 2.4 JTDM turbodiesel engines feature larger, 330mm ventilated discs and Brembo four-piston monobloc aluminium callipers at the front, with 292mm ventilated discs at the rear.

The Alfa Spider is fitted with an automatic, double-layer fabric roof which can be retracted in less than 25 seconds via a dashboard mounted switch. A separate dedicated roof storage compartment is claimed to not compromise stowage space, and the luggage compartment offers a 200-litre capacity even with the roof in the down position. The storage compartment is concealed beneath a flush-fitting body panel which incorporates aerodynamic ‘blisters’ resembling roll-over bars, fitted with a transparent wind break to reduce air turbulence within the cabin.

Inside, the Spider features driver-orientated ergonomics and an instrument binnacle with large, deeply hooded speedometer and tachometer dials joined by subsidiary fuel and temperature gauges. A brushed aluminium-faced centre console incorporates an electronic key-activated engine start button, and standard equipment includes automatic Dual Zone climate control, cruise control, rear parking sensors, a multi-function display and trip computer, and a six-speaker audio system with CD. A leather interior is standard on V6 versions.

Pricing for the new Alfa Spider starts at £25,995 OTR for the 2.2 JTS and climbs to £32,700 OTR for the 3.2 JTS V6 Q4 automatic.

New Kia convertible concept set for Geneva

Kia ex_cee’ds expectations with a new cabrio concept

Kia shows its ambitions for the new C-segment platform are indeed high as it bestows yet more images of a convertible concept it will unveil at the Geneva motor show. The ex_cee’d cabrio concept is the work of Peter Schreyer, Kia’s new Chief Design Officer, and hints at the future direction Kia vehicles could be taking under his guidance.

Based on the three-door cee’d hatchback, set to go into production at Kia’s Zilina factory in Slovakia from December, the ex_cee’d concept features all-new exterior panels and a powered folding fabric roof rather than a hardtop roof employed by so many new production convertibles coming to fruition in recent times.The fabric top is meant to showcase a ‘retro’ styling path the company has decided to embark on. It will likely decrease weight and production costs, while retaining a low centre of gravity, essential for a sporty drive.

Peter Schreyer, design guru for the original Audi TT, claims the traditional fabric roof will have a renaissance, evoking the romantic notion of open-air driving. The concept is a four-seat cabrio with a steeply-raked windscreen, longer sloping bonnet and a short rear deck, reminiscent of latter day sporty cabrios. The ‘meringue white’ exterior paint scheme and contrasting ‘bitter chocolate’ fabric roof harp back to simpler open air times, and the colours carry over to the interior, with two-tone leather seats.

An aggressive nose with dynamic front styling echoes the three-door hatch concept’s clothes, featuring a slight ‘wedge shape’ profile and ‘muscular wings’ draped over the now familiar 19-inch alloy wheels first seen on the three door concept shown at the Paris motor show in September. A chrome strip below the door opening also draws attention to the curvaceous rocker panel design

The ex_cee’d concept aims to stand out from crowd of current cabrio offerings and score with potential young, style-conscious buyers wishing to combine elegance with dynamics. If this car can make it to production without design interference from cost-cutting higher ups, Kia could have another strong candidate with which to steal sales away from other well-established rivals.

Jeep launches car-based 4X4 for the road

Compass compact SUV will make its European debut in Geneva

Jeep is poised to offer a competitor in the small SUV segment when it launches the new Compass at the Geneva motor show in a few weeks time. The new soft-roader places emphasis on on-road stability and fuel economy rather than off-road ability, and has been designed to appeal to younger and female customers who value the brand’s four-wheel drive attributes.

The Compass is built on the same platform as the Dodge Caliber C-segment car and will compete against other established compact SUV offerings like the Honda CR-V, Land Rover Freelander, Toyota Rav4, and Nissan’s recently launched Qashqai. The Compass is the Jeep brand’s first front wheel drive-based product and also the first with a fully independent suspension for increased on-road comfort and car-like handling.

A choice of VW-sourced diesel and petrol powerplants will be offered. The 2-litre diesel will be paired to a six speed manual gearbox, while the 2.4-litre petrol can be specified with a five speed manual or a CVT automatic transmission. The diesel is claimed to return 43mpg on the Combined Cycle, making it one of the most fuel efficient in the segment.

An all-new full-time, active four wheel drive system the company calls ‘Freedom Drive 4WD’ will drive the front wheels 90 per cent of the time, but if road conditions call for more traction the system can automatically shift power to all four wheels. This intelligent system promises to provide tangible benefits in every day driving conditions such as wet and icy tarmac, but will also prove more economical.

Roughly the size of a Ford Focus, the Compass is said to offer a spacious interior with room for five adults. The interior design is modern and simplistic, highlighting its user friendly appeal. Numerous storage compartments line the cabin, and the rear seat folds in an uneven 60/40 split.

With the market indicating that customers are increasingly interested in family hatchbacks with four wheel drive systems, Jeep has played its cards right in creating this car. European sales of compact four wheel drive vehicles are projected to increase to nearly 400,000 units by 2010, and Jeep wants a piece of the pie. At a starting price of £17,990, the Compass will likely appeal to those seeking an alternative to conventional family hatchbacks, but they will need to get over the awkward styling.

The Jeep Compass is intended to reflect the new ‘Jeep-modern’ design theme, fulfilling public demand for a modern family car with the credibility and characteristics associated with the Jeep brand name. The front end draws heavily on past Jeep designs (think WW II Willys) but the profile is slightly controversial as it struggles to combine the historical front with the modern rear.

The Compass will launch in May 2007 and be joined by the Jeep Patriot in July 2007. The Patriot will be built on the same platform and share the same engines, but it has a more traditional Jeep look and design.

Kia to launch new Cee’d Sport Wagon in Geneva

Korean automaker enlarges the scope of its C-segment competitor.

Kia’s new estate variation of the cee’d was first revealed by The Car Enthusiast back in September. Now the company has officially announced it will show the production version of the cee’d sport wagon alongside the recently launched five-door hatchback at the Geneva motor show next month. This new addition to the cee’d range intends to offer elements of practicality and versatility in a sporty package.

The Kia cee’d C-segment estate – dubbed the ‘Sporty Wagon’ – celebrates the first anniversary since the cee’d was originally shown in concept form at last year’s Geneva motor show. Measuring 4.5 metres in length, the estate derivative is 235mm longer than its five-door counterpart, with the increase being found aft of the rear wheels. A long wheelbase also aims to provide superior cabin space and a more comfortable ride.

Keeping with the youth-oriented brand image, the cee’d wagon seeks to provide buyers with an upmarket feel devoid of bland features. The cee’d wagon features design cues that are reminiscent of the Peugeot 407 estate, particularly in the rear quarters, and the rear pillar-mounted tail lamps are also evocative of other established segment leaders, reinforcing quality perception.

Out back, the cargo area is accessed by a wide opening tailgate and a low load floor. The extended tailgate design is fitted with top hinges which have been moved forward by 225mm compared to the cee’d hatchback, enabling users to stand closer to the car while gaining access to the boot. Rear cargo space is said to have been augmented by 200 litres (to 534 litres) over the hatchback, and overall height of the car is up 10mm.

Like the five-door, the estate variant will be offered in three trim levels: S, GS and LS. Engine choices for the hatchback include two petrol and two diesel engines, so it’s fair to assume that these powerplants will be carried over to the wagon. In the hatchback, the petrol engines consist of either a 1.4-litre 16-valve producing 105bhp and 101lb.ft of torque, or a 1.6-litre unit generating 122bhp and 114lb.ft of twist. The 1.6-litre petrol powerplant can also be fitted with an automatic transmission. A diesel 1.6-litre diesel offering creates 90bhp and 173lb.ft of torque or, as a more finely tuned derivative, 115bhp and 188lb.ft of torque.

Kia has big plans for the cee’d lineup. They are the first-ever cars designed and manufactured by the company in Europe and made to compete with established market leaders like the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus. The cee’d estate promises to offer highly competitive levels of equipment and state-of-the-art active and passive safety.

The estate is set to go on sale in the UK by summer 2007, with a three-door hatch joining the range in late 2007. The new cee’d wagon will be built at Kia’s new facility in Zilina, Slovakia, alongside the five-door and three-door versions. The wagon and three-door will also benefit from Kia’s best in class seven year/100,000 mile warranty, first seen in the cee’d five door.

Audi A5 photos leaked

Audi’s new coupé has Munich in its sights

Official photos of Audi’s upcoming A5 coupé, scheduled to be unveiled at the Geneva motor show, have been leaked from the automakers dedicated microsite.

The A5 coupé shows how Ingolstadt plans to take on the BMW 3-Series coupé and Mercedes Benz CLK, and fill the void left in the automakers luxury coupé offering since the departure of the Quattro coupé years ago.

An elegant and understated design is brimming with characteristic Audi design cues: the front end styling and head lamps bear resemblance to the carmaker’s TT coupé, and the rear of the car evokes an A4-inspired decklid and evolutionary tail lamps. A deep and characterful groove runs the length of the wheelbase, and the wheel arches are flared for a purposeful sporting stance.

The new coupé will be built on Audi’s B8 architecture, a platform which is likely to be shared with the forthcoming A4 and A6 models. According to the photos, Audi’s 3-litre turbodiesel powerplant from the A4 and A6 saloon will find a home under the A5’s bonnet, but will be pushed further to the rear for better weight distribution and handling characteristics.

A range of petrol and diesel 4- and 6-cylinder engines will be available in the A5, and be accompanied by the V8 powerplant from the RS4 in the S5 and RS5 models. As rival BMW plans to unveil the next generation M3 in Geneva, it’s fair to assume the S5 variation of the coupé will be alongside the A5 on Audi’s show stand, though it is customary for Audi to hold off for the fire-burner’s reveal until a later date.

Transmission choices for the new coupé will likely include the six-speed manual and Audi’s DSG gearbox currently on offer in the TT. There is also speculation the carmaker’s renowned Quattro system will drive the wheels on most models.

The interior of the A5 is a familiar habitacle, with supportive leather seats, a stitched leather steering wheel and gear shift, and a reworked driver-oriented dash layout. The instrumentation is a variation of the gauge design first seen in the Q7 SUV, while the next-generation telematics – incorporating Audi’s MMI system – also features prominently.

Further details will become available when the car launches March 6th at the Geneva motor show, and we’ll be there to share them with you.

Maserati's new GranTurismo coupé

Latest GT from Maserati heads over the Alps for its Geneva motor show unveiling.

Italian automaker Maserati is poised to reveal its new coupé at the Geneva motor show in March. Until then, they’ve released these tantalizing images. The Maserati GranTurismo has been styled by Pininfarina and will replace the Maserati Coupé first launched in 2002.

While the 2002 Coupé made do with 390bhp produced from it’s naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8, the latest incarnation has been tweaked to generate 400bhp at the rear wheels. The GranTurismo will also employ the new ZF automatic gearbox currently offered in the Quattroporte saloon, but will retain the steering wheel mounted paddles of the Cambiocorsa. The new transmission is equipped with an adaptive control system which adjusts shifts depending on driving style and road conditions. A more powerful performance edition fitted with the Quattroporte’s ‘DuoSelect’ transmission will likely join the lineup later in the year.

The familial resemblance between the Quattroporte and the GranTurismo coupé is also no accident. The design is at once elegant but unmistakably sporting, something Pininfarina accomplishes very well. The 3 port holes on the flanks emphasize power and performance, as do the bulged wheel arches, particularly at the rear. The long, sloping bonnet and short rear deck evoke the quintessential sport coupé stance. A nearly dead-even 49 per cent front and 51 per cent rear weight distribution should ensure this car holds true to its sporting flair and reinforce the company’s reputation for renowned roadholding aptitude.

The GranTurismo makes no excuses in the interior, and there’s no reason it should. Longer and wider than the car it replaces (and nearly the same length as the Quattroporte saloon), interior space and comfort is the obvious benefit. There are four proper seats – each swathed in Italian leather – with high levels of luxury and detail enveloping the cabin. Maserati is keen to demonstrate that a sporting coupé need not trade comfort for driving dynamics.

Maserati has quite a bit of history producing grand touring coupés. In 1947 the company produced its first GranTurismo (the A6) following client demand, and subsequently unveiled the car at the Geneva motor show. It was the first Maserati road car, and it was designed by coachbuilder Pininfarina. Since then, the company has produced numerous GTs: from the 5000GT, the Sebring, Ghibli II and the 3200 GT before finally culminating in the 2002 Coupé. A slew of design houses were called upon to design the various models, but it’s nice to see the relationship Pininfarina and Maserati forged all those years ago is once again in full swing.

Mazda’s new city car arrives in Geneva

The Mazda2 gets more than a facelift this time around

The Mazda2 never quite made an impact in the UK since its launch at the 2002 Birmingham motor show. The model was given a mild freshening in 2006, but it still retained a boxy, tall, and wedge-like shape which had defined the model since its inception. This latest redesign hopes to shake the model’s stodgy image and drive more customers into Mazda dealer forecourts.

The new Mazda2 is a striking visual departure from the previous model. It has been transformed into a sleek, low-slung 5-door hatch which appears to have ditched the tall wagon look entirely.

The exterior shape features design cues first seen on both the MX-Micro sports concept and the Sassou concept car unveiled at the 2005 Frankfurt motor show. Heavily scalloped body panels, a sporty pointed nose and a rising beltline combine to reflect the new design’s sporting attributes whilst preserving the practicality of the outgoing car.

Though Mazda is not currently disclosing any specific details about the forthcoming model, we expect the next generation Mazda2 will employ a range of petrol and diesel 4-cylinder engines. It is also possible the latest iteration of the compact B-segment car will continue to be based on Ford’s DY architecture, utilizing McPherson front suspension and a twist beam rear axle.

Production of the new Mazda2 will take place at Mazda’s factory in Hiroshima, Japan. The previous generation of the Mazda2 was built in Valencia, Spain, and was also sold as the Demio in Japan, though never made it to the United States. There is good indication that this new model may in fact make the trip to compete with the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit (Jazz in Europe) in the US market.

Mazda’s new 2 should begin arriving in select markets late this summer.

Maserati Quattroporte Automatica

Maserati answers the call of the public and fits an automatic transmission to its sporting, luxury saloon.

The Maserati nameplate conveys both luxury and sporting characteristics. Its Trident emblem is evocative of the brand’s time-honoured racing traditions, and the company’s heritage is synonymous with grand touring elegance. There is no better example of this than the Quattroporte saloon, now available with a fully automatic transmission.

When Maserati launched the current, fifth generation Quattroporte in 2003, it garnered praise from the automotive press and won 28 major international awards for its power, handling, and opulence. But until now the sole transmission offering in the saloon was an electronically actuated ‘DuoSelect’ semi-automatic with steering wheel mounted paddles. Some complained the transmission was a tad erratic for their tastes, and a more conventional automatic was summoned to cater to the needs of these fastidious buyers.

This year the Quattroporte’s Ferrari-developed 32-valve 4.2-litre aluminium alloy V8 engine becomes available with a new hydraulic six-speed transmission, a result of the collaboration between Maserati and German transmission builder ZF. The new automatic transmission’s gearing is said to emphasize smooth shifts at low engine speed, propelling the1990kg car to 0-62 mph in a scant 5.6 seconds and a claimed top speed of 167mph.

In ‘Automatica’ trim, the Quattroporte’s V8 – developing 400bhp at 7000rpm and a prodigious 339lb.ft of torque at 4250rpm – is adorned with blue cylinder head covers and employs a wet sump for more gradual and progressive power delivery. The transmission is equipped with a torque converter to ensure full use of the engine’s power, while sixth gear is said to act similarly to an overdrive feature; reducing revs, improving fuel consumption and decreasing interior noise on motorway journeys. Cogs can also be convened manually via a sequential lever on the central tunnel if desired.

The ‘DuoSelect’ model is mated to the same V8 powerplant in dry sump derivative, for more enhanced performance geared towards the enthusiast. Its cylinder head covers are painted red to denote the sporting slant.

Fitting the new transmission required Maserati to make certain adjustments to maintain the Quattroporte’s rear biased weight balance. While the rear-mounted gearbox and differential enables DuoSelect models to achieve a 47 per cent front and 53 per cent rear weight distribution, the Automatica’s front mounted gearbox meant the engine had to be moved a further 9mm towards the rear. The result is a 49 per cent front and 51 per cent rear weight distribution, a figure which won’t negatively affect the vehicle’s renowned driving dynamics.

The Maserati Quattroporte Automatica went on sale in the UK on 14 February, with prices starting at £77,000. Like the DuoSelect variation, it is available in Quattroporte, Quattroporte Sport GT, and Quattroporte Executive GT trim levels.

Ford launches all-new Mondeo in Geneva

The Mondeo has long been the company car choice for reps. Now Ford’s gone and made it better.

The Mondeo has a stellar reputation in the UK, having appeared in the nation's top 10 favourite cars every year since its launch in 1993 and selling more than 1.5 million models. First seen in prototype guise at the Paris motor show and then making a cameo in the latest James Bond film, the new Mondeo has a lot to live up to. And it looks like it’s got what it takes.

The latest iteration of the Mondeo employs Ford's 'kinetic design' language, creating a distinctive front end with bevelled corners and a deep offset between the top of the bonnet and the front fenders. A muscular shoulder line accentuates the flanks – rising gradually toward the rear – while a strong undercut line runs from the front wheel arches through the side of the car.

Three distinct body styles will be available from launch: A saloon, five-door hatchback and an estate. Within these are four distinct trim levels: the entry-level Edge, mid-spec Zetec, and the top of the range Ghia and Titanium X models.

Power for the new Mondeo will be supplied by a range of Duratorq diesels and Duratec petrol engines. The diesel units can be specified in 1.8-litre or 2-litre guise, with power ratings between 99bhp and 138bhp. The low-range 1.8-liter will be fitted with a 5-speed manual transmission and a 6-speed will be available in the 123bhp version. The 2-litre can be ordered with either a 6-speed manual or ‘Durashift’ automatic, but the auto option will drop power down to 128bhp.

There are four petrol engines to choose from. Four-cylinder units consist of a 1.6-litre with 108bhp or 123bhp, a 2-litre with 143bhp, or a new 2.3-litre with 159bhp. Topping the range is a 2.5-litre five-cylinder powerplant with 217bhp mated to a 6-speed automatic. Transmission options for the four-cylinder engines include a 5-speed manual for the 1.6- and 2-litre, while the 2.3-litre gets the 6-speed auto.

A wider track, with MacPherson front and multi-link rear suspension incorporating an isolated subframe mounting system, promises to make the Mondeo’s ride more refined for motorway cruising.

Inside the driver-oriented cockpit is a high beltline and flow-through centre console which combine to create a cosseted feel for occupants. 'Piano black' interior styling accents and soft-touch material give the car more luxury appeal than its predecessor, and extensive use of ambient lighting emphasises quality and refinement.

The new Mondeo aims to please in the features department. Standard equipment across the range includes ESP, a capless refuelling system with fuel inhibitor (to prevent misfuelling), a Thatcham alarm, air conditioning, and an MP3 connector socket. Keyless entry and start, a new ‘Human Machine Interface’ (HMI) instrument display, adaptive cruise control, and interactive vehicle dynamics control with hill launch assist round out the list of available options.

Peugeot’s product onslaught in Geneva

French automaker reveals three more additions to 207 lineup, and an SUV

Peugeot is planning an onslaught of new product launches at its show stand in Geneva this year. Among them will be the new 207 in GTi and CC (coupe cabriolet) derivative, and its latest entry into the SUV segment. Peugeot also plans to uncover a version of the upcoming 207 SW (sportwagon) and two other concepts which made their debut at the Paris motor show.

The 207, launched in the UK in June 2006, has become a sales success for the company, with over 334,000 produced in 2006. Peugeot plans to build on that success by launching the new 207 CC (the successor to the best-selling 206 CC) which benefits from all of the 207 attributes, but with the added luxury of a fully automatic foldaway roof.

Picking up where the last 206 GTi left off is the next generation 207 GTi. The latest incarnation of the hot hatch features a 1.6-litre THP (Turbo High Pressure) petrol engine – co-developed by PSA Peugeot Citroën and the BMW Group – with turbo direct injection producing 175bhp and 177lb.ft of torque at 1,600 rpm. We’ve yet to discover the other parts of the formula, but the result should be favourable.

The 207 SW Outdoor concept (pictured) will be hinting at the design of the upcoming SW model. The panoramic glass roof, split-opening rear hatch, and improved interior space likely reflect what will be on offer in the forthcoming model. As a concept car, the ‘outdoor’ styling theme doesn’t work all that well judging from the photos. We’ll have to see it in the metal before we cast our final decision.

Making its debut in Geneva is the 4007 SUV. It is the latest of a trio of all-terrain SUV vehicles built on a platform jointly developed by Mitsubishi Motors and DaimlerChrysler. According to Peugeot the 4007 ‘is a versatile product that [seeks to] combine everyday adventure with driving enjoyment’. It will be powered by a new 2.2-litre HDi diesel engine (with particulate filter system) claimed to produce 156bhp and 280lb.ft of torque, and driven by either two- or four wheels.

Initially unveiled at the Paris motor show in September, Peugeot is again bringing out its stunning 908 RC concept car and the 207 Epure concept. The sinister-looking 908 RC saloon is fitted with a mid-mounted V12 HDi diesel engine derived from the 2007 LMS Championship-competing Peugeot 908, while the 207 Epure is testimony to Peugeot’s commitment to protecting the environment. The Epure concept is a ‘technological demonstrator’, devised to showcase the advancements Peugeot has made in the research and development of fuel cell and battery technology. Both concepts are masters of technology and innovation.

The 77th Geneva motor show will take place March 8-18 2007.

Mitsubishi touts the past, present and future in Geneva

Mitsubishi’s theme at this year’s Geneva motor show will be “yesterday, today and tomorrow”, spanning the company’s 90-year history. The new Outlander SUV, scheduled to arrive in the UK in March, will be introduced alongside a more purposeful concept version, and the Prototype X concept car, first seen in Detroit, will also be on show.

For the ‘yesterday’ motif, Mitsubishi will take show goers down memory lane with an exhibit spanning the 90-year timeline of Mitsubishi Motors Inc.’s automotive division, unveiling an exact replica of the 1917 Model-A, Japan’s first attempt at a series production passenger car. The stand will also represent Mitsubishi’s 45-year heritage in motor sports, likely with historical rally cars and Dakar contenders on hand.

Showcasing the company’s 70-year history of building 4x4s will be the new Outlander SUV, built on a platform jointly developed with DaimlerChrysler and employing diesel engines sourced from both Volkswagen and PSA. The 2-litre ‘pump-jet’ VW diesel producing 138bhp and 229lb.ft of torque will be available at launch, while a 154bhp 2.2-litre common-rail PSA unit with 280lb.ft of twist will join the lineup toward the end of the year. Mitsubishi’s own 2.4-litre petrol engine with 159bhp and 167lb.ft of torque is scheduled to be launched during the fourth quarter of 2007, and a 3-litre unit producing 217bhp and 204lb.ft of torque is also said to be in the pipeline.

By Mitsubishi’s own admissions, the Outlander is not an ‘authentic off-roader’. Though it features an all wheel drivetrain, the Outlander is more of a soft-roader than a hardcore mud plugger. Mitsubishi claims it brings ‘car-like levels of driving pleasure’, accentuated by its 4-wheel independent suspension, high performance brakes and low centre of gravity realized through its use an aluminium roof panel.

A more potent Outlander V6 Concept Livery fitted with Mitsubishi’s new 3-litre V6 MIVEC engine will also be unveiled at the show. Said to have been inspired by the Pajero Evo 2+2 concept first displayed at the 2002 Geneva motor show, the ‘muscular fenders’, flared wheel arches and matt metallic grey paint (with a white roof and accents) will presumably emphasize the concept’s potential.

Mitsubishi’s highly anticipated next-generation Lancer Evolution will again be previewed in Prototype X concept form, hinting at the design for the upcoming model. The Prototype X concept shares much of the design language of the Lancer sports sedan unveiled in Detroit, itself incorporating cues from the 2005 Concept-X and Concept-Sportback concept cars. A turbocharged version of the aluminium 4B11 2-litre DOHC MIVEC powerplant used in the new Lancer is claimed to achieve the highest power rating ever in a Lancer Evolution model. No word yet on when the actual model is scheduled to hit dealer forecourts.

Citroën jumps on the SUV bandwagon

Citroën is scheduled to make its entry into the burgeoning crossover SUV segment with the C-Crosser at the 2007 Geneva motor show in March. A derivative of the Mitsubishi Outlander, the C-Crosser (and Peugeot 4007) shares the Japanese SUVs underpinnings, co-developed by Mitsubishi and DaimlerChrysler.

Exterior styling is a significant departure for the automaker, normally accustomed to building hatchbacks and saloons, but the C-Crosser also wears familiar Citroën design cues. The Citroën chevrons are a prominent feature across the multiple-ribbed bonnet and join elongated headlights which stretch far into the fenders. Bulged wheel arches, chrome detailing and two-tone wheels accentuate the C-Crosser’s exterior design and differentiate it from its platform siblings.

The C-Crosser features Citroën’s 156bhp 2.2-litre HDi diesel engine which produces 280lb.ft of torque at 2,000rpm. It is paired to a six-speed manual gearbox. The engine is claimed to return 40mpg fuel consumption on the combined cycle and features a diesel particulate filter as well as the ability to run on 30 per cent bio-diesel fuel, improving its eco-friendliness.

A MacPherson front strut suspension with multi-link rear axles is said to provide an even balance between comfort and roadholding, further enhanced by 18-inch wheels fitted with Michelin tyres.

A choice of three transmission settings can be selected depending on road conditions and driving style. Drivers can switch between two-wheel drive, electronically controlled four-wheel drive and a lock setting for low-grip conditions; all of which can be selected using a control mounted on the centre console.

At 4,640mm long, 1,810mm wide and 1,730mm tall, the C-Crosser stresses usability and practicality. Interior space benefits from these exterior proportions and includes a flexible 5+2 seating configuration with a second row that slides 80mm fore and aft for increased passenger comfort or cargo space. It also features an electrically controlled 60:40 split/fold function activated via two boot-mounted switches. The third row can be folded into the recessed boot to create a flat load space accessed via a split-opening tailgate, with the lower part able to support up to 200kg.

The C-Crosser offers a selection of optional hi-tech equipment including a reversing camera to assist with manoeuvring and parking in tight spaces. Located above the number plate, the camera is automatically activated once the vehicle is shifted into reverse and the image is displayed on a dash-mounted navigation screen.

Citroën’s C-Crosser is set to go on sale in Europe later this summer.

Mazda Hakaze concept to bow in Geneva

New concept seeks to combine roadster driving qualities with extracurricular activity practicality.

Car makers are known for unveiling innovative and curvy concepts at auto shows. Mazda is no different. Over the last few years auto show turntables have been graced with the Senku, Kabura, Nagare and Ryuga; cars that made the press and public drool but will likely never see production – let alone a dealer forecourt. Let’s hope the latest Hakaze concept will.

The Mazda Hakaze is what the automaker calls “a compact crossover coupe with a roadster feel”. That assertion remains to be proven, but the overall size of the concept is good indication that the company will effectuate its claim. Measurements for the concept mean that it will fit somewhere between the now iconic MX-5 roadster and the larger Mazda5 people carrier, roughly the same size as the Mazda3 but wider and taller.

Like the automakers’ previous concepts shown in Los Angeles and Detroit, the Hakaze incorporates Nagare design language (meaning “flow” and “the embodiment of movement” in Japanese) developed by Mazda’s global design director, Laurens van den Acker. The Hakaze design is meant to convey a sense of agility while retaining a practical aspect for those who pursue active lifestyles.

Clothed in futuristic body work sans door handles or mirrors, the flowing lines and textures along the flanks create a muscular and purposeful stance accentuated by large 20x9 wheels wrapped in 255/50 R20 tyres. The steeply raked windscreen extends behind the front passenger compartment and encompasses the entire roof, the rear two-thirds of which can be taken off and stored in a slide-out compartment in the rear bumper.

The Hakaze is no less impressive inside. Its two pop-up doors (incorporating a wireless, multi-functional “data shell” capability) unlock and open automatically to provide access into a cabin fitted with an asymmetrical wraparound dash design. Instrumentation sits on either side of the steering column to give the driver an impression of depth while the “data shell” doubles as an ignition key and gear shift lever.

Steering is accomplished by turning the rim of the fixed hub wheel, the centre of which contains an LCD screen with navigation information, images from the car’s rear view and side cameras, and warning indicators. Its four bucket seats – mounted high on the centre tunnel – are finished in “high-tech” leather with a surface coating similar to the material used for wet suits, and the floor is made of natural leather for enhanced comfort.

Power for the Hakaze concept comes from a turbocharged 2.3-litre direct ignition spark injection (DISI) petrol, but could also be provided by a diesel engine. It is coupled to Mazda’s active torque-split all-wheel drive transmission with 6 automatically summoned forward gears. A MacPherson front strut and multi-link rear suspension is said to ensure agile driving while retaining sufficient ground clearance for off-road excursions. Zoom-zoom.

TVR could change hands again

Photo credit: EVO

Just as British sports car builder TVR is poised to unveil its new 200mph Typhoon supercar at the Geneva motor show comes news that 26 year old Nikolai Smolensky may be relinquishing ownership of the company. According to a report published by Autocar editor-in-chief Steve Cropley, TVR could be changing hands again in less than two weeks.

Since the company was bought in 2004 by the son of Russian billionaire Alexander Smolensky, it has promptly gone downhill; hemorrhaging money at an alarming rate and eventually being forced to close the Blackpool-based factory – where it had been manufacturing TVRs since the company’s inception. Coventry-based TVR Power, which built engines for the cars, was also subject to a management buyout at the end of last year.

Cropley writes: "The administrator of Blackpool Automotive, the company created last year by Smolenski to contain TVR's Blackpool assets, will announce the successful new owner on February 23, from a field of around half a dozen serious bidders, all of whom were required to provide proof of £2 million funding to be considered. It is possible, though observers say increasingly unlikely, that Smolenski will bid again for the company.

“Another prominent bidder is the Rochdale millionaire and engine designer Al Melling, already in the news after recently showing a full-size concept model of his own-brand super-performance sports car, the £185,000 Melling Hellcat, powered by a 1200 bhp, quad-turbo V10 engine of 6.3 litres. Melling designed TVR V8 and in-line six-cylinder engines, and has already hot-housed plans to revive the company, which would continue to be based in Blackpool.”

CAR magazine confirms that more than 30 bidders have expressed interest in purchasing the ailing company, including the afore-mentioned Al Melling and some unnamed Asian investors.

Sources: Autocar, CAR magazine

Powerful and spacious, plus a baby seat

Swedish automaker Volvo has released details on the third generation V70 estate, scheduled be unveiled at the Geneva motor show in March. The new car features a complete redesign, new engines, additional safety and increased interior space.

The V70’s styling, though still conservative, assumes a more athletic stance. The front end bears resemblance to its larger stablemate, the S80, while the rear facia sports styling cues first seen on the C30 and reinforced by the XC60 concept unveiled in Detroit. The V70’s revised tailgate includes a larger boot aperture and rear window which extends further down to improve rearward visibility. The rear pillars are adorned with prominent tail lamps -- a now familiar Volvo trait -- fitted with LED brake lights that flash during emergency stops.

Volvo will offer a range of five- and six-cylinder transverse mounted petrol and diesel engines. In petrol form, a turbocharged 2.5-litre197bhp five-cylinder will be joined by a normally-aspirated 235bhp 3.2-litre six-cylinder and a turbocharged 282bhp 3.0-litre T6 creating 295lb.ft of twist. Volvo claims the flagship T6 model can accomplish 0-62mph runs in 7.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 155mph.

The diesel variety will include two five-cylinder engines: a 2.4-litre with 161bhp and 251lb.ft of torque, or a more potent D5 producing 182bhp and 295lb.ft of torque. A 145bhp four-cylinder FlexiFuel alternative will also become available later in the year.

All engines in the V70 range will be paired with Volvo’s six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission, which can be shifted manually. The flagship T6 model will feature a Sport mode for quicker gearshifts, whilst the 2.4D, D5 and 2.5T will be available with a six speed manual gearbox.

Cabin space has been augmented in every area of the new car: rear legroom has increased by 48mm, rear knee clearance has grown by 21mm, and front shoulder room by 30mm. The new V70 also pushes versatility, featuring a 40-20-40 three-part split rear seat with 16 different combinations and a boot which can accommodate 55 litres more than the outgoing car.

Volvo is a nameplate that has long been associated with safety, so it’s no surprise the V70 is loaded with a patented front body structure and side impact protection system, enhanced crumple zones that use differing strength steels, a whiplash protection system, dual compartment side airbags for the hips and chest, and dual-stage front airbags. The rear seat can also be fitted with the world’s first integrated and height adjustable child booster seat.

The V70 is already a staple in many suburban car parks, and Volvo hopes the latest iteration will draw additional buyers into the premium estate segment it has arguably created. The new car is set to go on sale in the UK in September, with pricing announced in June this year.

New BMW 1-series Coupe spied

When the BMW 1-Series finally comes to America as 2009 models, two versions will make the transatlantic journey. And now, the two-door coupe has been spied by Brenda Priddy photographers.

The 1er's engine lineup has yet to be confirmed, but BMW officials have said they do not plan to offer a four-cylinder engine in America, although we believe a range of fours will be available in European markets. We expect a version of the 3.0-liter six-cylinder found in the European 130i, as well as the 3- and 5-Series, Z4 Coupe and Roadster, and X3 and X5. There is also a strong possibility the 3.0-liter turbocharged six from the 335i coupe and sedan could find its way into an M version of the 1-Series Coupe.

Since the 3-Series Coupe and Convertible have grown large and luxurious, the 1-Series will step in as the price-leading BMW - and as the spiritual successor to the BMW 2002. Sales begin at the end of 2008.

Sources:
The Car Connection
2Addicts.com

2008 KIA cee'd

Ambitious Korean automaker Kia’s C-segment offering hits UK forecourts this week. The much anticipated cee’d, developed by German and French designers, was specifically designed to meet European tastes and is the first car to be built in the company’s new factory in Zilina, Slovakia. The result is a car rich in European design cues which bears a certain similarity to rivals like the Mazda3 and Ford Focus. Like the Focus, the cee’d offers an independent rear suspension.

Initial cee’d models will be offered as a five door hatchback, with three trim levels and a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines. Entry level S and mid-range GS models are offered with either a 1.4-litre 16-valve petrol engine producing 105bhp and 101 lb-ft of torque, or a 1.6-litre unit producing 122bhp and 114 lb-ft. The 1.6-litre powerplant will be the sole petrol offering in the top of the line LS model, and can be mated to an automatic transmission in the GS and LS. A 1.6-litre diesel engine is also available across the model range. In the S and GS models the diesel produces 90bhp and 173lb-ft torque, but creates 115bhp and 188 lb-ft in the LS.

As the cee’d vies for its share of C-segment sales, it comes to the table with a strong hand. Standard comfort and convenience features on the S include air conditioning, a fully-integrated MP3-ready audio system with CD player, front electric windows, central locking, six airbags and active front headrests. The GS variation adds 16-inch alloy wheels, remote central locking, body-coloured electric and heated door mirrors, a metallic centre-fascia, and a six-speaker sound system with USB and auxiliary audio ports. LS versions gain fully-automatic climate control with an air-quality system, rear electric windows, front fog lamps and half-leather upholstery. Electronic stability control (ESP) with brake assist is also available as an option on LS models.

Kia is so confident in the cee’d that they are offering a fully comprehensive 5 year (transferable) warranty and a class leading seven year, 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. Prices for the cee’d start at less than £11,000 for the S and stretch to just over £14,000 for the LS, severely undercutting its competitors. An estate version and a three door hatchback are set to arrive in mid- and late 2007, and a 140 bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel with a six speed manual gearbox will also be added later in the year.