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

Geneva Preview:Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera

This is a rendering of the upcoming Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera by graphic artist Jon Sibal. The rendering.
The debut for the new Lamborghini is set for the 2010 Geneva Auto Show in March.


The new Lamborghini will have the same LP560 gear box, a weight reduction of 70 Kg , and a power increase of 10HP, giving the LP570-4 Superleggera a 2.35 power to weight ratio. 0 to 60 is in 3.5 seconds.


Distinguishing the Superleggera will be the Italian flag colored stripes on the side of the car, as seen in the image here.


The LP570-4 Superleggera will be offered in 6 colors.

• Orange

• Lime green

• Yellow

• Black

• White

• Grey

Exclusive white & Italian flag bordered “Superleggera” stripping on the side.
The green, orange, and yellow Superleggera’s will have extensive carbon fiber black interiors with the stitching matching the cars exterior while the grey, white, and black Superleggera’s will be the same but with grey stitching.
Here are the different color version of the rendering reflecting the color options for the LP570-4 Superleggerra.


via: jonsibal

Geneva Debut: Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 SV

According to the latest rumors hardcore version of LP560-4 will be called exactly LP570-4 SV, less weight, but only 10 hp more, interior will be stripped down similar way as old SL version of Gallardo. Reworked front suspension and CC brakes are expected also. Car will feature new front spoiler with similar style as LP670-4 SV and big wing like Supertrofeo G. That is all, nothing revolutionary expected. Dealers and VIP customers will be able to see this car during presentation event next January, public unveiling at Geneva auto show, first cars coming to the customers starting from next May.


While a 10-horsepower boost may not seem worthy of all the hype on its own, a large drop in weight would justify quite a bit of attention. It is important to note that the Gallardo Superleggera, also introduced in Geneva, featured a similar power increase and weighed 100 kilograms (220.5 lbs) less than the Gallardo.


This resulted in a car that handled totally different compared to the regular Gallardo 5.2 model, and with the purpose build high rear wing it looked as fast as it would go ... sadly when the LP560-4 took over the Superleggera production was halted.


But this isn’t the complete story! This SV-version will not be the last version in the Gallardo LP560-4 series, a fifth and final hardcore rearwheel drive version will come later next year or early 2011 to keep production running until 2012 when the Gallardo successor is expected.
Source: teamspeed and lambocars via worldcarfans

Rumor: Mercedes CLS Shootingbrake Coming in 2011

The new CLS model could get a market release by the end of 2011 as a four door, an advance on the two-door Mercedes ConceptFASCINATION shown in 2008 at the Paris show. Look for the doors to remain frameless, like the 5er GT. It would have the advantage of lower weight and reduced drag, making it a good option for highway drivers and chronic shoppers, writes the Netherlands-based blog.





Daimler is rumored to be bringing a Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake to the Paris Motor Show in October. News of the car comes as little surprise considering the positive reception received by the Porsche Panamera, reports Dutch outlet Auto Internationaal.





While we're all ogling pictures of the fetching three-door concept shown above, the production version is expected to carry four doors and a liftgate. While the show vehicle is fetching with its paucity of points of entry, four doors are apparently important for interesting the Asian market. Don't think of this rumored model as a replacement for anything else utilitarian in the Mercedes lineup; the CLS Brake is unlikely to usurp the R-Class and its unsalability. Rather, it will offer another stylish option in a package that is more car than bus.





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Detroit Preview: Mercedes Vision Concept

Mercedes is set to show off its future look at next month's Detroit motor show with a concept that hints at its next design direction.


In an interview with AutoCar, Mercedes' chief designer, Gordon Wagener, said "We want to elevate our design towards art and if any company can do it Mercedes can." He added that the concept will be a "long and exaggerated" showpiece which is not intended to foreshadow any production model.


Wagener wouldn't be drawn on exact details of the Detroit concept but admitted that it was a "pure design concept which is long and exaggerated" but with no firm clues to a specific production model.




Look for more information to be released when the concept is officially unveiled early next month.
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Hyundai Kia considering Kee concept for production

A production version of the Kee Coupe concept could be brought to market if Kia design director Peter Schreyer has his way. In an interview with Autocar, Schreyer acknowledged that the Kee Coupe could be attractive to customers that do not currently consider the company's cars for purchase.


According to John Krafcik, the president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America, the 2011 will be a very busy year with at least four new vehicle scheduled to make their official US premieres. The all-new Elantra sedan, codenamed MD, and next-generation subcompact Accent are already familiar to us.


2012 Veloster out there on the web, we managed to acquire some basic info on its powertrain options. The Veloster coupe powertrain line-up will include two four-cylinder engines, including a base 1.6L GDI four with estimated power output of 145 ponies.


The Veloster was first shown off as a 2+2 concept at the 2007 Seoul Auto Show. If produced, it could get odd-shaped doors, and conceptual hatchback as a way of setting itself apart from other cars in the same segment. Look for pricing to be sub-$22k.


The Veloster concept car featured an exciting exterior and interior design and that is expected to remain very attractive on a production model as well. According to John Krafcik, the Veloster is not going to be an ordinary styled two-door coupe, but rather a very unique sports car with many segment-first styling elements. Those include a uniquely designed doors and rear hatch.


More details, on the upcoming Hyundai Elantra and Accent replacements are expected to bow soon. Hyundai will also intensify pre-production testings of both cars, so you can also expect to see more spy shots surfacing to the web within next couple of months.


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Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon Confirmed

GM’s vice chairman Bob Lutz has confirmed that the 556-hp Cadillac CTS-V wagon will indeed become a production reality. Lutz dropped the W-bomb during a recent one-on-one interview while discussing how to prime the market for cool cargo haulers—like a possible Buick Regal wagon—especially among the over-35 set that grew up traumatized by wood-paneled Grand Marquis and Chrysler K-car wagon-trocities. Then Lutz said, “You know what’s really going to get you guys [on board with wagons] is the CTS-V wagon.”
Read full story from caranddriver

Designs: Audi R10 supercar

Inspired by these two models, 23-year old industrial design student Marouane Bembli decided to go one step further by creating the R10. Featuring futuristic styling, the R10 is envisioned as a lightweight supercar with a V10 engine and a dry weight of 1200kg (2,645 lbs)



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Rumored: Toyota Prius Wagon & SUV

Japanese newspaper Yomiuri is reporting that Toyota may be deep in development of a Prius SUV, according to the AP. The SUV could be in addition to the Prius Wagon rumored since the Toyota Hybrid X Concept was put on display at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show.





The timing seems spot-on. After all, the industry journal Automotive News reported way back in October of 2007 that Toyota planners had said the 2010 Prius sedan would be followed in a year or so by a wagon version.





If released, we would expect that Toyota would include regenerative brakes, and a solar roof option. Plug-in versions could be in the works as well. No word yet if the company would use the nickel-hydrogen battery pack seen on the standard Prius, or the Lithium-ion battery used on the plug-in model





A little odd-sounding is the reported choice of a lithium-ion chemistry for the vehicle's batteries - top Toyota officials have been publicly proclaiming for months now that they don't believe lithium-ion batteries are sufficiently cheap or reliable yet for retail use.

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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.
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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.
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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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