VW Mid-Engine Roadster to Spawn SEAT and Skoda Variants

Citing inside sources, German car magazine 'Auto Motor und Sport' is reporting that the VW Group is planning to introduce SEAT and Skoda variants of its forthcoming mid-engine roadster that will be based on theBlueSport concept unveiled at this year's Detroit Auto Show. Due to arrive sometime in 2012, VW's edition of the roadster will most likely be offered with the firm's TSI / TFSI gasoline and TDI diesel engines.

While a SEAT variant of the mid-engine roadster sounds logical given that the Spanish brand is supposed to be somewhat sporty (as long as it comes with a unique styling and a lower price tag than the VW's proposal), a Skoda version doesn't really make much sense in our opinion.

The Czech automaker has made a name for itself as a producer of reasonably priced family cars and we can't see how a two-seater roadster fits into this image. Unless VW has other plans for Skoda, producing a third variant (maybe even forth if Audi gets its own version) will only confuse the Group's buyers and most probably, lure away customers from SEAT.

BMW to Exhibit X3 xDrive20d Rescue Vehicle in Geneva

One of less significant premieres of next week's Geneva Auto Show will be the BMW X3 xDrive20d emergency rescue vehicle that is making its first public appearance as the Bavarian automaker wants to show off its special-purpose vehicles. The X3 medical emergency vehicle is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine that develops an output of 177HP offering an average fuel consumption of 6.5 lt /100km which is equal to 34.6mpg US.

Like any emergency rescue vehicle, the X3 is fitted with a special roof-mounted alarm system, including a blue light, an electronic siren, and an LED display with the word NOTARZT ("emergency doctor"). Furthermore, there are two flashing lights are inside the boot, which when opened, provide sufficient warning to oncoming traffic.

Inside, the X3's cabin has been converted for medical use featuring among other things, a sturdy metal dividing frame between the luggage space and passenger cabin, a mounting for the radio device, which includes a power supply and a rest for the hand unit, as well as a charging point in the luggage area.

New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible Rumored to Debut in Frankfurt

According to the grapevine, Mercedes-Benz will lift the covers on the convertible version of the new E-Class Coupe (click here for photos and details) at this fall's Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany. Though not confirmed, it has been said that the E-Class Convertible will retain the current CLK's soft-top configuration and four-seat layout. Merc's BMW 3-Series and Audi A5 Convertible rival will be offered with the same engine range as the Coupe variant including a 204HP 1.8-liter turbocharged four-pot and a 388HP 5.5-liter V8.

Source:carscoop

Bentley Continental SuperSports Flex-Fuel Supercar

Bentley has revealed the fastest and most powerful model in its 90-year history, the new 621HP Continental Supersports that will make its premierein Geneva with sales following in most markets from autumn 2009 and in the U.S., in the summer of 2010. The Continental Supersports, whose name is inspired by the firm's 1925 two-seater 3-litre Supersports model, is powered by a 6.0-liter W12 engine capable of running on either petrol and E85 biofuel or any combination of the two. Bentley supports that the E85 biofuel can offer a reduction of up to 70 per cent in CO2

So does that make the Supersport "green"? Well, definitely not compared to a Prius or even a conventional family car for that matter, but it's supposed to be green for the levels of performance and luxury it offers. For the record, the Continental Supersports has a combined fuel economy of 17.3 mpg UK which comes to 14.4mpg US or 16.3 lt / 100km, with CO2 emissions of (ahem...) 388 g/km.

The Superports' 6.0-litre W12 twin-turbocharged engine produces 621-horsepower at 6,000 rev and a massive 800Nm (590 lb/ft) of torque at 1,700-5,600 rev. The W12 is matted to a revised ZF6HP26 automatic transmission with 'Quickshift' system that cuts shift times by 50% and enables double downshifts, helping the flex-fuel Continental accelerate from 0-60mph in 3.7 sec (0-100km/h in 3.9 sec) onto a top speed of 204mph or 329 km/h.

Bentley's engineers also put the Supersport on a strict diet achieving a weight reduction of 110kg or 243 lb compared with the Continental GT Speed. For example, the Supersports is a strict two-seater featuring all-new lightweight sports seats with carbon fibre clamshell rear panels. In the rear compartment, the seats are replaced by a stowage deck with a carbon fibre luggage retaining beam.

To better the coupe's driving dynamics, the engineering team performed an array of chassis enhancements including retuned steering and suspension, utilizing lighter weight components, retuned dampers and anti-roll bars. Additionally, agility is further sharpened by the 40:60 rear-biased torque split for the all-wheel drive system, a wider rear track, bespoke lightweight 20-inch alloy wheels and a unique electronic stability programme.

The Supersports is distinguished from its Continental coupe stable mates by the newly designed bonnet, the flared wings and new dark-smoked steel finish to all exterior 'brightware', including front grilles, lamp bezels, window surrounds and wheels. Inside, the cockpit is adorned with carbon fibre and Alcantara.

Commenting on the new Supersports model, Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen, Bentley's Chairman and Chief Executive said; "The Continental Supersports reflects the passion and enthusiasm of Bentley's engineers and designers. This is the fastest, most extreme Bentley ever, dramatically styled to underline its supercar character. Importantly, it also pioneers the use of FlexFuel technology in the luxury sector."

The fastest most powerful Bentley in the company's 90-year history

6-litre W12 engine twin-turbocharged now produces 630PS (621 bhp/463 kW) at 6000 rev/min and 800 Nm (590 lb ft) of torque at 1700-5600 rev/min

• 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds)
  
• 0-100 mph (0-160 km/h) in 8.9 seconds
  
• 50-70 mph in 2.1 seconds
  
• 80-120 km/h in 2.6 seconds
  
• Top speed of 204 mph (329 km/h)
  

Continental Supersports reaffirms Bentley's environmental commitment by pioneering the use of biofuel in the luxury sector

• Capable of running on petrol and E85 biofuel or any combination of the two
  
• Power and torque remain constant whatever the ratio of petrol to E85 biofuel
  
• A Fuel Quality Sensor detects the blending ratio of the fuel in real time sending a signal to the engine control unit (ECU), initiating the correct engine mapping. This ensures all performance parameters remain balanced and consistent
  
• Offers a reduction in CO₂ emissions of up to 70% (well-to-wheel), a measure of a fuel's net contribution to the atmosphere, not just tailpipe emissions
  

Continental Supersports is the extreme Bentley, delivering a highly focused driving experience

• Revised ZF 6HP26 transmission with 'Quickshift' system that cuts shift times by 50% and enables double downshifts
  
• New 40/60 rear-biased torque split for the all-wheel drive system reduces understeer when powering out of bends and provides for better modulation of line and attitude by 'throttle steering'
  
• Uprated front suspension with aluminium forward levers, stiffer bushes together with retuned antiroll bar and Servotronic steering for sharper turn-in
  
• Revised Continuous Damping Control (CDC) for improved body control
  
• Unique lightweight, 20-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels offer 10 kg (22 lb) weight saving per car, reducing unsprung and rotating mass and improving brake cooling. Increased 25 mm (I inch) offset on rear wheels improves grip and stability
  
• 275/35 ZR20 Pirelli Ultra High Performance tyres
  
• Advanced ESP system fully exploits potential of the most powerful W12 engine and improved chassis
  
• Standard-fit carbon-ceramic brakes – the largest and most powerful brakes ever fitted to a production car – contribute 20 kg (44 lb) weight saving
  
• 110 kg (243 lb) weight saving compared to Continental GT Speed
  

Continental Supersports combines the looks of the iconic GT with a distinctive style that reflects its supercar character

• Form follows function: distinctive centre air intake and vertical grilles feed larger volume of air (+ 10%) to turbocharger intercoolers while bonnet vents extract hot air from engine bay
  
• Subtly curved rear wheel arches with newly tooled side panels accommodate increased rear track of the uprated chassis and provide muscular stance
  
• Distinctive 'smoked steel finish' to all exterior 'brightware', including the first automotive application of 'Physical Vapour Deposition' to stainless steel
  
• Larger, twin elliptical exhaust tailpipes and rear valance with discreet vertical divider
  
• 2 new pearlescent and 2 new matt finish colours
  
• Unique driver-focused, two-seater cabin with lightweight sports seats, giving a 45 kg (99 lb) weight saving
  
• Rear seats replaced by stowage deck with carbon fibre luggage retaining beam
  
• AlcantaraTM, carbon fibre and 'Soft Touch' leather provide a very different interpretation of Bentley craftsmanship with choice of Single Tone and Duo Tone combinations

• 
  

Smart Fortwo Edition Limited Three at Geneva

It's special edition time for Merc's Smart brand which has announced the release of the Fortwo "edition limited three". As is the case with most special series models, there's really nothing actually noteworthy about this Fortwo other than it comes with a melon green metallic paintwork with matching interior trim, a unique fabric design for the seats with shades of brown and upgraded standard equipment.

The new edition, which is available as a coupe and a cabriolet, is based on the "passion" equipment variant of the Fortwo. . Among other features it comes with 15-inch alloy wheels, softouch automatic gear programme, electric windows, air conditioning with automatic temperature control, and for the coupe a panoramic roof with sunblind.

The standard equipment of the "edition limited three" also includes dashboard instruments and the radio 9. However, power steering and a lockable glove compartment still remain optional.

The Fortwo "edition limited three" is powered by a 71HP engine and it features Smart's so-called micro hybrid drive (mhd) technology which is nothing more than a start-stop system.

In Germany, the Fortwo "edition limited three" costs €15,470 as a coupé and €18,510 as a cabrio (prices incl. VAT).

Alfa Romeo Launches Arcade Style MiTo Racing Game

As part of a new UK market promotional campaign for the new MiTo sport hatch, Alfa Romeo has launched a new online racing game that allows users to drive the subcompact model at 10 different venues on 10 different web sites. While we can't say that we were impressed by the arcade-style game, you might want to take a shot at it as Alfa is offering several prizes, including a new MiTo worth near £12,000 for those that score the best overall time.

Over the nine week duration of the promotion, top racers will be eligible to win one of 90 iPod touch units or one of 180 iPod nanos, while at the end of each week, those that reach the top of the national leaderboard will receive a Nintendo Wii. The ultimate prize is of course the brand-new Alfa MiTo 1.4 16V Lusso which cost £11,936 in the UK.

First Video of new Audi A5 Convertible

CRAZY DRIVE

EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR DETAILS

It took them a while, but the folks over at Ingolstadt finally released official video footage of their all-new A5 Convertible that will be making its premiere at the Geneva Show. Whereas most of its rivals like the BMW 3-Sereis Convertible and the Lexus IS C have opted for a retractable hardtop, Audi's four-seater comes with a conventional fabric top. The A5 Convertible will be offered with various gasoline and diesel engines ranging from the entry-level 160HP 1.8-liter TFSI to the S5's 333HP 3.0 V6 TFSI.CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS

Aston Martin DBS Volante at Geneva

Thanks to an embargo breakage, Aston Martin's V12-powered rag-top DBS has received a premature online unveiling. To be officially introduced in Geneva, the new 2+2 seater DBS Volante features a fabric top that neatly tucks away behind a sculpted tonneau cover at the touch of a button in 14 seconds. Power is provided by Aston Martin's all alloy 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 510-horsepower and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque for a top speed of 191 mph (307 km/h) and a 0-100 km/h (62mph) time of 4.3 secs.

In standard specification, the DBS Volante comes with a rear-mounted six-speed manual gearbox, while for those that don't mind having a less engaging driving experience, the British firm also offers an automatic six-speed 'Touchtronic' option.

To keep the car's weight down (Aston announces a weight of 1,810kg or 3,990 lbs), the DBS Volante is offered with carbon ceramic brakes as standard while the bonnet, front wings and boot lid are all made from carbon fibre.

The DBS Volante will be built at Aston Martin's global headquarters at Gaydon, Warwickshire with the first examples expected to be delivered during the third quarter of the year. Prices will be announced at the Geneva Auto Salon.

DBS Volante Specification

Body

• Two-door convertible body style with 2+2 seating
  
• Bonded aluminium VH structure
  
• Aluminium, magnesium alloy and carbon-fibre composite body
  
• Extruded aluminium door side-impact beams
  
• High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps (main beam)
  
• LED rear lamps and side repeaters
  

Engine

• All-alloy, quad overhead camshaft, 48-valve, 5935 cc V12
  
• Compression ratio 10.9:1
  
• Front-mid mounted engine, rear-wheel drive
  
• Fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves
  
• Max power: 380 kW (510 bhp / 517 PS) at 6500 rpm
  
• Max torque: 570 Nm (420 lb.ft) at 5750 rpm
  
• Acceleration: 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.3 seconds
  
• Max speed: 307 km/h (191 mph)
  

Transmission

• Rear-mid mounted, six-speed manual gearbox. Rear-mid mounted 'Touchtronic 2' six-speed gearbox with electronic shift-by-wire control system
  
• Alloy torque tube with carbon fibre propeller shaft
  
• Limited-slip differential
  
• Final-drive ratio 3.71:1 (manual) 3.46:1 (Touchtronic)
  

Wheels and Tyres

• Front: 8.5'' x 20'' Pirelli P Zero 245/35
  
• Rear: 11'' x 20'' Pirelli P Zero 295/30
  

Steering

• Rack and pinion, Servotronic speed-sensitive power-assisted steering, 3.0 turns lock-to-lock
  
• Column tilt and reach adjustment
  

Suspension

• Front: Independent double wishbone incorporating anti-dive geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube adaptive dampers
  
• Rear: Independent double wishbones with anti-squat and anti-lift geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube adaptive dampers
  
• Adaptive Damping System (ADS) with Track mode
  

Brakes

• Front: Ventilated carbon ceramic discs, 398 mm diameter with six-piston callipers
  
• Rear: Ventilated carbon ceramic discs, 360 mm diameter with four-piston callipers
  
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Track mode
  
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
  
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
  
• Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
  
• Traction control
  

Dimensions

Length:	4721 mm (185.9'')	Wheelbase:	2740 mm (107.9'')
Width:	1905 mm (75'') (exc. Mirrors) 2060 mm (81.1'') (inc. Mirrors)	Fuel tank capacity:	78 litres (17.2 Imp.galls, 20.5 US galls)
Height:	1280 mm (50.4'')	Weight:	1810 kg

Interior

• Full grain leather interior
  
• Matrix alloy facia trim and Iridium Silver centre console surround
  
• Carbon fibre door trims and door pulls
  
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror & garage door opener (USA & Canada only)
  
• Sports seats with electric adjustment
  
• Memory seats & exterior mirrors (three positions)
  
• Dual-stage driver/passenger front airbags
  
• Side airbags
  
• Heated seats
  
• Heated rear screen
  
• Automatic temperature control
  
• Organic Electroluminescent (OEL) displays
  
• Trip computer
  
• LED map lights
  
• Cruise control
  
• Hard Disk Drive (HDD) satellite navigation system1,2
  
• Bluetooth telephone preparation1
  
• Powerfold exterior mirrors
  
• Front and rear parking sensors
  
• Tyre-pressure monitoring1
  
• Alarm and immobiliser
  
• Remote-control central door locking and boot release
  
• Wind deflector
  
• Battery disconnect switch
  
• Battery conditioner1
  
• Tracking device3 (UK only)
  
• Boot-mounted umbrella
  
• Lamy pen and pen holder (Touchtronic only)
  

In-Car Entertainment

• Bang & Olufsen BeoSound DBS sound system
  
• Integrated Apple iPod® connector
  
• USB connector with Waveform Audio Format (WAF), Windows Media Player (WMA) and MPEG (MP3) audio file compatibility
  
• 3.5 mm auxiliary input socket
  

Options

• 20'' 20-spoke alloy wheels with graphite finish
  
• 20" 10-spoke diamond-turned alloy wheels
  
• 20" 10-spoke diamond-turned alloy wheels with graphite finish
  
• Satellite radio system (USA only)
  
• Piano Black facia trim and centre console surround
  
• Personalised sill plaques
  
• Auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror1
  
• Auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror with garage door opener (Europe only)
  
• Alarm upgrade (volumetric and tilt sensor)
  
• Tracking device1,3
  
• First-aid kit
  
• Ashtray and cigar lighter

• 
  

Chrysler Brings Detroit Show EV Concepts to Geneva

To the surprise of no one, cash-strapped Chrysler LLC won't be performing any global premieres at next week's Geneva Motor Show. Instead, the American automaker will showcase its electric vehicle future (that is, if it makes it through the economic crisis) with the European premieres of the Chrysler 200C EV concept vehicle and Dodge Circuit EV prototype, both of which made their debut at January's Detroit Auto Show.

The stylishly-penned Chrysler 200C EV mid-size sedan concept comes equipped the firm's ENVI electric-drive system that combines a small gasoline engine and integrated electric generator. According to Chrysler, the rear-wheel drive 200C has 64 kilometers (40 miles) of all-electric range, and a total-driving range of 644-kilometer (400-mile).

The Lotus Elise-based Dodge Circuit EV is a sport proposition that boasts a range of 241 to 322 kilometers (150 to 200 miles) with zero gasoline consumption and zero tailpipe emissions.

New Toyota Verso Seven-Seater MPV

It may take you a minute or two to notice it, but what you are looking at is the new generation Toyota Verso minivan that will make its world debut in Geneva next week. With the exception of the Avensis-inspired front-end, the Verso MPV's styling is extremely evolutionary, to the point that we had to cross check the photo with the current model. Underneath the skin, Toyota's compact-sized minivan that will take on the likes of the VW Touran and Renault Scenic, continues to offer seating for seven arranged in three rows of seats.

Despite the styling similarities, the new Verso has actually grown in dimensions being 70mm longer and 20mm wider than the outgoing model. The engine range will include Toyota's latest 1.6- and 1.8-liter Valvematic petrol units with outputs of 132HP and 145HP respectively as well as two diesel options, the 126-horsepower 2.0-liter D-4D and the 177HP 2.2-liter D-CAT 180. Sales are expected to start in Europe this spring.

Carlsson Aigner CK55 RS Rascasse: Specially Tuned Mercedes GL500

German tuning firm Carlsson and luxury leather brand Etienne Aigner have joined forces for the third time to create a special edition version of the Mercedes-Benz GL500. Called Carlsson Aigner CK55 RS Rascasse - talk about awkward names, the modified GL500 that makes its world premiere at the Geneva Auto Salon will be produced in a limited edition of 20 cars.

Finished in the typical two-tone burgundy-back paintwork of the Carlsson Aigner range, the CK55 RS Rascasse features a full body styling kit consisting of wider wheel arches, a new bonnet carrying larger power domes, a new larger front grill and sub-grilles, front and rear aprons, side skirts and massive 23-inch alloy wheels shod in 305/30ZR23 tires.

Though Carlsson has yet to release pictures of the interior, the company said that the SUV's cabin has been dressed in high-quality red leather and alcantara which covers the seats, dashtop, door panels and centre console. Furthermore, Carlsson and Aigner decided that the GL500's seven-seater configuration should be ditched in favor of just two individual rear seats.

In terms of mechanical upgrades, the GL's 5.5-liter, 48-valve, V8 motor which in factory trim delivers 388-horsepower and 530Nm has been modified to produce an output of 45-horsepower with 640Nm of torque. Thus endowed, the Carlsson Aigner CK55 RS Rascasse accelerates from 0 to 100km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds compared to the standard model's 6.5 sec.

Other mods include the Carlsson electronic lowering kit, C-Tronic Suspension that drops the ride height of the Airmatic suspension by 40mm.

The Carlsson Aigner CK55 RS Rascasse is offered at a basic price of €228,500 which comes to around $287,700 U.S. with the current exchange rates.

Alfa Romeo Giulia Photoshoped on Chrysler 200C RWD Concept

In the world of Photoshop, there are no boundaries other than one's imagination. Take this proposal for the Alfa Romeo's 159 successor called Giulia for example; the guys over at CWW Automotive Design based the chop on Chrysler's latest concept car, the mid-size 200C study that was presented at this year's Detroit Show.

Pure fantasy? Maybe in what concerns the design, but if Chrysler LLC and the Fiat Group end up joining forces and if the American automaker manages to stand on its feet, the 200C that uses a shortened version of the 300's RWD platform could find its way into production and at the same time serve as a base for a next-generation Giulia offering Alfa their first rear-wheel drive sedan in nearly two decades.

Too many 'ifs' if you ask us, but dreaming never hurt anybody.

Via: CWW 

Barnard Supercar Born in South Africa

It's been over 50 years since South Africa has produced a home-bred supercar. This is excluding the Shelby Cobras and Noble cars assembled in that country but basically originating from elsewhere. A chap by the name of Chris Barnard wants to change all that by introducing a car he simply calls the Barnard.

The Barnard is powered by a twin-turbo Porsche V8 engine with a power rating of 617bhp (460kW). It should deliver a sub-4 second 0 - 60mph time and a theoretical top speed of over 240mph (386km/h). Only the driver really holds those horses back because the Barnard is missing some equipment namely power steering, ABS brakes and traction control. Even the windows require manual manpower to operate. It's a contrast to the cockpit which is inspired by one of Barnard's other interests, aviation.

Built on a monocoque chassis that's made from lightweight hi-tech steels like Domex and Docol, the car is more race road car than anything else. It's designed to accommodate buyers' interests and can be personalised to a great extent, depending on budgets offered. The engine itself can be uprated to suit the buyer's desires.

"This is a car which has been built with the objective of breaking barriers, and no expense has been spared to make it into what I believe is the most single-minded performance machine yet from South Africa," Barnard said.

To help keep it on the road are things like a rear diffuser, a flat undertray and cutouts on the front wheel arches that generate larges doses of downforce.

Customer deliveries of the Barnard will begin in the middle of the year at a cost of about R1.1 million (about US$110,000) a pop.

Three-door Hyundai i20 Officially Revealed

After an online leak spoiled Hyundai's plans, the Korean automaker decided to release the first official photos of the new three-door i20 ahead of its official unveiling at the Geneva motor show on March 3rd. There's not much to say about that the 3d i20 - besides being less practical than its 5-door twin, the only difference between the two variants concerns the upswept shape of the three-door's rear-side window.

Built on the same 2.525mm wheelbase and weighing 10-kilograms less than the i20 five-door, the new model will be available with the same engine range that includes three gasoline units (1.2L with 78PS, 1.4L with 100PS and 1.6L with 126PS) and four diesels (1.4L with 75 and 90PS and 1.6L with 115 and 128PS).

Hyundai expects that the1.2-liter petrol engine will be the best-selling power plant in the range.

The three-door i20 is available to order in most European markets, with the first examples arriving in UK showrooms this April.