Geneva 2010: Seat IBE Concept

IBE Concept, is the latest creation from Seat and will be unveiled tomorrow at the Geneva Motor Show and is set to show us the design lines of the upcoming cars from the Spanish manufacturer.


In addition to the 2+2 coupe EV, the VW-owned company is also said to be working on a petrol/electric hybrid based on the next Volkswagen Golf platform. A Seat Leon plug-in hybrid is also planned for release in 2014.


The new Seat IBE Concept is a fully electric car and will carry a 102 hp engine capable to deliver a maximum torque of 18 kWh. This means that the car will borrow the same engine from the A1 e-Tron, set to make its official debut at the same Geneva show. Regarding its performances the car will be capable to sprint from 0 to 50 km/h in just 3.4 seconds, to 80 km/h in 6.3 seconds and to 100 km/h in 9.4 seconds. Unfortunately these are the only details available for the moment but stay tuned.


At Geneva, the IBE Concept was shown with a 75-kiloWatt (101-hp / 102-PS) motor that produces up to 200Nm (147 ft-lb) of torque. The car sprints to 50 km/h in 3.4 seconds, and 100 km/h in 9.4s. The 3.78-meter long coupe weighs 1,000 kg (2,205 lbs).


via:4wheelsnews worldcarfans

Chicago Previewed: New Dodge Compact

Last week's Chicago Auto Show didn't hold a lot of surprise concepts or glamorous supercars, but there were a few key developments for car shoppers, including a hint at a new Dodge Compact car. The preview, given at the Economic Club of Chicago toward the end of the media days, reveals a new small car that is expected to use a modified Fiat Group platform, and will be one of the first joint projects of the new Fiat-Chrysler partnership.


When Fiat chief Sergio Marchionne took over at Chrysler he made it clear that one of his key issues was adding more small cars to Chrysler-owned brands' lineups. Recalling Dodge's product plans (chart included) for the future, it includes a small Fiat rebranded as a Dodge. With some reports speculating ties with the Dodge Hornet Concept from 2006, the car could come by 2013.


According to Dodge’s product plan, a small Fiat Group-derived vehicle will debut in 2013. The rendering reminds me of a streamlined version of the 2007 Dodge Hornet concept. This vehicle could be based off the same platform that underpins the Fiat 500. Whatever it is, Dodge desperately needs it now.
via:thecarconnection

Subaru Coupe 216A Details

It’s well known that Subaru and Toyota have been in the same bed developing the FT-86 but one question that remains on everyone’s lips is how, if they are developing the same car, can the two be different? Well it’s emerged that Subaru has been busy waving their wand over the 086A/FT-86 and is going to bring some very Subaru style magic to the table.
Just as soon as the Toyota FT-86 was born and came to this world at the Tokyo Motor show, it’s bigger, badder twin brother is about to hit the stage.


The biggest news to come out of all this is that rumors of the car being turbo and all wheel drive are now in fact confirmed. However staff close to the Subaru development side of the project have revealed is that the first thing to differ will be the codes which the cars will be known by. While the version of the FT-86 to go on sale in Japan will be known by the code 086A and in the US and Europe as the 087A and 088A respectively, the Fuji Heavy Industries version will be branded as the 216A. This is to “clearly distinguish between the Toyota and Subaru version of the car”. Things get juicier from there though with the confirmation of what many have been suspecting all along. The car will be driven by a 2.0 liter turbo charged powerplant feeding power to all four wheels. This will either come in the flavor of a revised, lower power but more efficient 250ps and 34.0kg/m EJ20 from the Impreza 2.0 GT or the EJ20 Turbo from the current Impreza WRX STi pumping out 308ps and 43.0kg/m of torque. Our guess is the latter may well be used for an STi version of the car down the track. No pun intended.


Subaru will further distance the 216A from the FT-86 through signature styling elements (as presented in these artist renderings), longer and wider dimensions and an extra 100kg in weight. However, the closeness in actual wheelbase and overall length with the current hatch mean the two could share even more parts.

Pricing has been speculated at around ¥3 million (€22,267/ US$32,880) when launched in Japan in 2011.
via 7tune

Video: BMW Vision ED Concept Slated ...

A new report has surfaced indicating that BMW will build a production version of the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept.



Like the VED concept, the M1 will be powered by a three-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and an electric motor. While details are limited, the combined output is expected to be more than 350 bhp and 800 Nm of torque. If these figures are correct, the M1 will likely accelerate from 0-60 mph in less than five seconds, before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.



Set to revive the legendary M1 name, the fuel efficient supercar will reportedly adopt the concept's aggressive styling and advanced powertrain. Inside, the car will feature a three-dimensional head-up display, a "digital dash" and a two-plus-two seating arrangement.



According to an Auto Express source, the engine is almost production ready and some of the hybrid components will be taken from the X6 ActiveHybrid. If BMW is planning on production, look for a launch in 2012. More Photos

McLaren MP4-12C Exclusive New Details Emerge

Come Wednesday the 9th of September McLaren Automotive will unveil one of the most anticipated supercars of the year, if not this decade. Following months of many spy shots and some official details, the MP4-12C will be presented.

Previously known by its codename P11, the car will go on sale in 2011 and will be a spiritual successor to the McLaren F1 supercar going head-to-head with the Porsche 911 Turbo and Ferrari 458 Italia.


The MP4-12C will feature many technical innovations gleaned from the company’s racing division, but it is clearly aimed at being a 200mph-plus supercar for everyday use too: self-adjusting suspension varies the damper settings to ensure a soft ride for urban driving, then stiffens up to improve driving dynamics and handling as speeds increase. Power comes from a V8 engine, controlled via a seven-speed gearbox.


Power will be sourced from a twin-turbo 6.0-liter V8 petrol engine and accessed through a 7-speed gearbox which will reportedly pump out 600 to 700bhp. Although the MP4-12C is meant to be a supercar worthy of the tag, its makers are not skimping on its everyday usability. As such the 200mph-plus road runner will have goodies like wi-fi connection, an onboard computer and self-adjusting suspension. Apparently it also comes with vertically opening doors.


The MP4-12C will cost £150,000 and McLaren hopes to sell 1,000 in the first year. It will be followed by two more as yet unnamed sports cars bearing the McLaren badge by 2015. The first will be an entry-level model to rival the standard Porsche 911, which costs from £60,000; the second, a model to fill the gap left by the discontinued Carrera GT, which cost £330,000 in 2004.


Looking at the rendering posted above, a WCF source states it is very close to the real thing except the headlamps which are more boomerang shaped. Perhaps an early design draft.
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Mercedes-Benz S 250 CDI BlueEfficiency cometh - First ever 4-cylinder S-Class

Rumours have surfaced that Mercedes plans to introduce their first four-cylinder S-Class. Being prepped for introduction at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Mercedes-Benz S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY will produce just 155 grams of CO2 per kilometer. This follows a trend being held by a number of automakers to make their largest sedans less polluting.


The S 250 CDI uses the same 2.1-liter diesel engine already found in the C-Class and E-Class and produces up to 224 horsepower with a maximum 500 Nm of torque. Performance figures have not been released, but we do know that the car will travel 100 km on about 5.9 liters of fuel. Although entry-level, the S 250 CDI produces only 11 hp less than the S 350, which uses a V6 CDI.


If reports are correct, we should get more details about this car over the next few weeks, as the introductory date nears.


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2011 Ford Mustang GT: An Even More Potent Track Pack to Complement the 400-hp 5.0-liter

Ford may be bringing some extra sizzle to the next Mustang GT.

One particularly saucy mule was wearing sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa r-compound tires (yes, the same rubber found on fire breathers such as the Ferrari 430 Scuderia and the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, among other supercars), which leads us to believe the ’11 GT will come with an even more potent Track Pack than the current car’s which employs Pirelli P Zero tires. Engineers were also tweaking the car’s adjustable shocks, but those may have been employed simply for development purposes. We put in a request with the engineers for more brakes, too, as the ones on the 2010 Track Pack get overheated quickly during a race-track lapping session.


Ford engineers told Car and Driver that those "super-sticky" tires had improved the track time of the 2010 GT with the Track Pack option. Taking the laptime around the 1.88-mile (3 km) GingerMan Raceway in South Haven, Michigan from 1m39.7s to the lower end of 1m38s.


We’re still expecting a new, all-aluminum 32-valve 5.0-liter V-8 making about 400 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque—dubbed “Coyote”—to become the GT’s powerplant, bringing output in line with the 426-hp Chevy Camaro SS and 376-hp Dodge Challenger R/T. (We expect that this time around the “5.0” will actually displace 5.0 liters as opposed to the previous engine’s 4.9 liters).


Source: caranddriver via worldcarfans

Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake Uncovered? ...

There was a Porsche mule spied only last month and thought to be this elusive Shooting Brake. The latest image seems to have been taken during a studio photo shoot. What appears to be a man adjusting a light is seen on the other side of the car, presumably working on the instructions of the photographer who has our view of the car. From what is visible there is no B-pillar, thus suggesting a concept rather than a finished product.


For some time now rumours of a Posche Cayman Shooting Brake model have been circulating. Now this image of the supposed car has been posted on the Porsche section at Flickr. Most probably it is a fake as it was posted by a user with no known credentials. Or it could be real; the user could be an insider screaming for some hype for Porsche's next shocker. In any case a screen shot of the car has appeared on the upcoming XBox 360 racing game Forza Motorsport 3.
more detail. ...

Frankfurt Motor Show:: Audi to Unveil R8 ePerformance Electric Vehicle Concept

For a number of years now major automakers' favourite flavour at international motor shows has been the hybrid system. Now a new dawn is upon us and it is the dawn of full electric power. Rumours that have been doing the rounds for a while are suggesting that Audi will be one of those who unveil an electric sports car concept at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. It will take the form of an R8.

Supposedly the car will be called the R8 ePerformance. Power is to come from large powerful batteries and an electric motor to drive the wheels, so it will not be a hybrid but a complete electric-powered car.
more detail. ...

Porsche 911 Carrera 4S-based widebody Supersport in the works?

According to a recent report, Porsche is developing a limited edition 911 widebody Supersport which will be based on the Carrera 4S.


Although details are limited, TeamSpeed.com forum is reporting that the Supersport will boast unique styling features such as a double bubble roof and a duck-tail spoiler in honor of the 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7. Bumpers will be from the GT3 and other interesting design touches will include Fuchs-style wheels, a primer gray exterior paint scheme, and a brown leather interior.


In 1984 Porsche introduced the "turbo look" option officially called the Supersport for the 911 3.2 Carrera. It resembled the 930 Turbo with its widened wheel arches and whale tail. It also featured the stiffer suspension, braking system and wheels of the Turbo model.


Power will likely come from the C4S' 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine which produces 385 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. This should enable the Supersport to rocket from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds before hitting an estimated top speed of 185 mph.


Set to be released next year, the Supersport will reportedly cost an eye watering £135,000 ($222,223 USD) which is a far cry from the C4S' base price of £74,534 ($123,100 USD).
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Video: Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA development abandoned

Alfa Romeo has put the MiTo GTA on hold, probably indefinitely, due to the economic crisis.


Echoing Aston Martin's cancelation of the Lagonda SUV Concept, an unnamed Alfa Romeo spokeswoman has stated the "MiTo GTA has been put on hold." In an interview with iMotor, she added that, "It's hard to justify building such as high performance car at this present time as the financial crisis means that it's not economically viable. And, sadly, it may never be."



The road-going version of the awesome Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA Concept, which was shown in Geneva this March, was due to go on sale before the end of the year priced around £20,000. However, a spokeswoman for the Italian firm told us not to expect the car anytime soon – if ever.



The MiTo GTA was to be powered by 240 hp 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with direct injection and dual variable valve timing. Boasting aggressive styling, a sportier suspension, and a light weight diet, the MiTo GTA was poised to be an enthusiast's dream come true.



The Alfa Romeo spokeswoman said: “The MiTo GTA has been put on hold. It’s hard to justify building such as high performance car at this present time as the financial crisis means that its not economically viable. And, sadly, it may never be.”
Source: imotormag.co via worldcarfans

Cadillac XTS Luxury Sedan to Arrive in 2011?

A new luxury sedan called the Cadillac XTS is apparently being planned for production by the new General Motors. The car is said to be going after the best from Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz, which means the A8, 7 Series, LS and S-Class respectively. Suppliers were told about this high-class stretch sedan at a briefing where it was also revealed that manufacturing will happen at the company's plant in Oshawa, Ontario. Cadillac will be replacing the slow-selling DTS with the XTS.
Read full story from worldcarfans

Corvette ZR1 to get Upgrades & Price Bump in 2010

The cost to own America's own 638-horsepower supercar just got more expensive. GM recently released prices of all Corvette models to dealers and the 2010 Corvette will now start at $107,830. Add the required $1,700 gas guzzler tax for the Corvette ZR1 and the new out the door price increases to $109,530, an increase of $2,910 over the 2009's MSRP + gas tax of $106,620.


To offset the price bump, Chevy is equipping the '10 ZR1 with performance traction management technology, launch control and standard side air bags. According to GM, the PTM system "optimizes traction for greater and more consistent on-track performance" by modulating engine torque 100 times per second and automatically managing acceleration dynamics when exiting corners at full throttle.


The 2010 Corvette ZR1 does feature several new enhancements over the current model. New is the Performance Traction Management technology, Launch Control and standard side air bags. A new cashmere interior will be available later this fall and now the Corvette ZR1 can be ordered in any of the Corvette’s standard colors including Torch Red, Arctic White and Crystal Red Metallic.


Thankfully, the ZR1's supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine carries over untouched. With 638 horsepower (476 kW) and 604 lb-ft (819 Nm) of torque, the ZR1 rockets to a top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h).
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Kuga Coupé on the prowl

TAKE a look at the new 4x4 that’s going to turn heads on and off-road! This striking machine is a coupé version of Ford’s popular Kuga, and it’s set to take style to the top of the agenda in the SUV sector.

Now that the Kuga is firmly established in the off-road market, Ford has decided it’s time to expand the range. With plans to grow the five-door version, there’s room for a sporty little brother that puts the brand in a class of its own.

As BMW demonstrated with the X6, there is a demand for cars that combine the raised seating position SUV buyers love with coupé looks and a sporty driving experience. And as you can see in our exclusive images, the new Ford certainly has style on its side. Pivotal to the remarkable shape is the dramatically sloping roofline, while the distinctive C-pillar takes some of its inspiration from the three-door Fiesta.


The muscular yet athletic proportions are reminiscent of the original Iosis X, which previewed the Kuga. A neatly curved rear window, classy roof spoiler and sleek tail-lights complete the look. At the front is an evolution of the new design language seen on the Iosis MAX concept. Huge alloys fill chunky arches, the ride height has been raised, and off-road cues include front and rear skid plates.

The Kuga Coupé won’t command an X6-style price tag or cost a lot to run, though. While the current five-door model is a 4x4, most versions of the three-door are likely to be sold with two-wheel drive for better fuel economy and emissions figures.

Under the bonnet, the newcomer will benefit from the same range of EcoBoost direct-injection turbocharged petrol engines as the upcoming third-generation Focus. These are set to include a new 1.6-litre turbo, available with 148bhp or 178bhp outputs, which will combine storming pace with excellent consumption. Diesel options for the Kuga Coupé are going to include a new 128bhp 1.6 TDCi and a flagship 2.0-litre, available with 168bhp or 197bhp options.


As for transmissions, a Powershift twin-clutch auto is to be available for the first time on the Kuga. It will an optional alternativve to the standard six-speed manual gearbox. Expect the new model to get stop-start from the factory, too. Sitting on a modified platform from the next-generation Focus, the Kuga Coupé is to have class-leading driving dynamics with sharp steering, well controlled body roll and plenty of cornering grip.

It will be the sportiest car in its class and while most sales are likely to be front-wheel drive, an all-wheel-drive variant will also be offered. Options such as a panoramic glass roof, the latest hi-tech integrated sat-nav and Bluetooth compatibility, along with a reversing camera, are going to help make the Ford feel every inch the mini X6.

Production is still some way off, though, because Ford’s immediate priority is the launch of the new Focus and C-MAX next year. Those are set to be followed by a Vauxhall Meriva-rivalling, Fiesta-based MPV. So we will see the new model, along with its five-door brother, at a major motor show in 2011.
Source:autoexpress

More Details Emerge for New Ferrari F450

The new Ferrari F450 will feature a massively enhanced technical spec compared with the outgoing F430, Autocar has learned from well placed sources in Italy.


According to Autocar, Ferrari will be employing a host of technologies derived from its Formula One and GT racing divisions. These will include a 7-speed, double-clutch trans-axle transmission, a next-generation version of traction control from the Scuderia, a software program that corrects under-steer, and radiators placed just before the front wheels.


The lightweight aluminium structure of the new car will also bring gains over the F430’s rigidity. It is said to reflect Ferrari’s dream of cutting weight to improve handling and emissions, while negating the need for more power.


Ferrari may still be fine-tuning the styling on the model and is working with legendary coach-builder Pininfarina to match design with aerodynamic requirements.


Although the F450 will employ cutting-edge tech, it won’t initially adopt any of the new patents that Ferrari recently applied for, including twin-turbo, direct-injection V8 petrol engines and all-wheel-drive hybrid technologies.


The F450 will likely make its public debut at the Los Angeles auto show in December. A hybrid version may also be featured, but Ferrari is holding off on introducing its latest patented technologies on the F450, such as Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS), fearing that its customer-base is not yet ready to see eco-friendly Ferraris.
via:worldcarfans