Volkswagen Launches Scirocco Minisite – Geneva Motor Show Debut?

Just as it did with the Passat CC back in December 2007, Volkswagen has launched a minisite dedicated to its forthcoming Scirocco Coupe. The images featured on the site don’t really reveal anything on the Golf based coupe apart from the fact that it will be equipped with the VW Group’s 2.0 TFSI petrol engine –probably with 200 HP.

However, the fact that the German carmaker took the decision to launch the minisite now leads us to believe that we’re probably going to see the compact coupe debuting in the Geneva Motor Show next month. As for sales, we’ve been informed by VW insiders (see here) that the Scirocco will be introduced into the European market in September. -More pics after the jump


Thanks for the tip John N.!

Mitsubishi Lancer Prototype-S Concept: Pre-Production Lancer Ralliart Hatch Pics Leaked

The first official images of the Mitsubishi Lancer Prototype-S have been leaked into the internet ahead of the car’s debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. More of a pre-production version than a concept, the Lancer Prototype-S previews the shape of the forthcoming Lancer Sportback (5door hatch) that’s expected to be introduced in the European market this summer.

In particular, the Prototype-S previews the Lancer Sportback Ralliart that will compoete head on with the Subaru Impreza WRX. Like the Lancer Sedan Ralliart that we saw in the Detroit Show, the Prototype-S is equipped with a detuned version of the EVO X’s 2.0-liter Turbo engine (delivering 240 PS and 343 Nm of torque) combined with a Twin Clutch SST gearbox and a full-time 4WD drivetrain featuring Mitsubishi Motors’ Active Center Differential.

If anything else, the Prototype-S’ mechanical specs sound very promising. Too bad we can’t say the same about the concept’s looks… -Image gallery after the jump






Video: Autocar Pits Nissan GT-R Aganist BMW M3 & Porsche 911 GT3

Autocar’s Chris Harris wiggled himself behind the wheel of three of the most desirable sports cars of the year and drove them on the race track to see which one is the “King of the Hill”. Is the Nissan GT-R as good as everyone says, or do the BMW M3 and Porsche 911 GT3 have something to say about that? Since we’re not in the habit of being party poopers, we’ll just let you check the two videos after the jump to see which car or cars… won Autocar’s comparison test. –Continued

Part 1


Part 2

Geneva Preview: TECHART GTstreet Convertible

For those of you who are lucky enough to be able to afford a Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet yet are not satisfied with the 480 HP of the stock 3.6-liter biturbo boxer engine, German tuner Techart has announced that it will reveal a supped up version of the car at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. The GTstreet convertible’s tuned boxer engine generates a whopping 630 HP allowing it to reach a maximum speed of 345 km/h or 215 mph. More details on the car will be released at the Geneva Show. –Image gallery after the jump



Saab’s Jörgen Nylén Reveals Details on Future Products

During a recent GM presentation in Marseille, France, our Spanish pals over at Motorpasion had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Saab’s Vehicle Line Director, Jörgen Nylén. The later not only confirmed that Saab’s Geneva Motor Show concept will indeed be a premium hatch but he also added that it will be equipped with BioPower engine capable of running either on E85 or gasoline. Nylen also revealed that the next generation Saab 9-5 and the production version of the 9-4X compact SUV will both be introduced in the European market in 2009.

Via: Motorpasion

2009 Audi A4 Avant: New High-Res Image Gallery

Since we’re quiet sure that the five images of the all-new 2009 A4 Avant that Audi released in its initial press kit (click here) weren’t enough for you to fully appreciate the stylish Deutsch-o-Wagon, we’re updating our story on the car with the addition of 23 high-resolution pictures that you can check out after the jump.

Like its predecessors, the estate version of the new A4 is focused more on sporty style side rather than practicality and functionality, but we don’t mind at all, and we don’t think that buyers will either. The new Audi A4 Avant will be launched on the European market this spring, with the rest of world following shortly after. -Continued






















Mazda to Start Road Trials of the ASV-4 Advanced Safety Vehicle

Beginning on March 11, 2008, Mazda will start public road trials of its advanced safety vehicle Mazda ASV-4 in the Hiroshima area. The prototype vehicle is equipped with a series of safety technologies that utilize vehicle-to-vehicle communications to alert drivers of oncoming vehicles at blind intersections or on twisting roads with limited visibility that employs vehicle-to-vehicle communications. -Continued

The ASV project began in 1991 and this is the fourth phase of the project. Mazda’s test results from Phase One to Phase Three have resulted in the development of various advanced safety technologies like the rear vehicle monitoring system that detects vehicles approaching from behind at highway speeds and Mazda’s Precrash Safety System, which uses milliwave radar to monitor for oncoming obstacles, then alerts the driver and automatically applies the brakes if necessary.

Geneva Preview: BMW 5-Series Special Edition Versions

BMW is introducing three special edition versions of its 5-Series model at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. Available from March 2008, the Exclusive, Lifestyle and Sport Editions will be offered in both Sedan and Touring bodystyles of the 5 Series. The special edition versions feature a series of standard extras and exclusive paintwork with the Exclusive focusing on luxury, the Lifestyle on style and the Sport of course emphasizes the 5 Series’ sport character. –Details and images after the jump

PRESS RELEASE:

Refined luxury: BMW 5 Series Edition Exclusive.

The BMW 5 Series Edition Exclusive focuses on most sophisticated style and elegance with supreme quality all round. Indeed, this claim is borne out clearly at very first sight by the exclusive paintwork in Platinum Bronze Metallic and with a further choice of five additional metallic colours.

Both the Saloon and the Touring gain additional style through Chrome Line on the side window surrounds, the window shaft covers and the screenwasher nozzles, as well as high-gloss Satin Chrome on the B-pillars and the window trim on the rear doors.

A further sign of distinction is the 17-inch light-alloy wheels in V-spoke design, while electrically adjustable comfort seats, high-quality cowhide in Black or Tobacco with appropriate contrast seams and wood inlays in bamboo grain Anthracite likewise serve to provide a luxurious ambience.


Modern class: BMW 5 Series Edition Lifestyle.

The BMW 5 Series Edition Lifestyle offers a most sophisticated combination of elegance and extravagance. This special model comes with a choice of six metallic paintwork colours, among them exclusive Neptune Blue. Apart from Satin Chrome on the B-pillars, the window shaft covers and the side window surrounds, 17-inch light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design round off the sophisticated look of the car. Discreet, grey wooden inlays in poplar grain and the roof lining in anthracite create a particularly aesthetic ambience within the interior, the upholstery coming either in Reflex, a special combination of cloth and leather or, as an option, in Dakota leather.


Pure driving pleasure: BMW 5 Series Edition Sport.

The BMW 5 Series Edition Sport is unusually dynamic and muscular in its looks and style. In this case the athletic lines of the body are accentuated by powerful colours, for the first time offering the customer the choice of Imola Red and Le Mans Blue inspired by motorsport over and above the other colour options.

Further features are the M Sports Suspension, 18-inch M light-alloy wheels in dual-spoke design, an M Streamlining Package, and high-gloss Shadow Line on the side window surrounds and window shaft covers on the Edition Sport 5 Series.

The interior comes with appropriately matched colours and interior trim in aluminium. The sports seats, in turn, are finished as standard in Flashlight, a unique combination of cloth and leather or, as an option, in Dakota leather. Comfort seats are also available as an option, and the roof lining in Anthracite, an M footrest, an M leather steering wheel and – on manual gearbox models – an M gearshift lever knob round off the sporting impression.

Clever choice: BMW 5 Series Comfort Package.

Parallel to the introduction of the new Edition Models, the BMW 5 Series is also available with the new Comfort Package. This very practical equipment package comprises the most popular options such as bi-xenon headlights with a headlight washing system, Comfort Access, automatic Soft Close on the doors, as well as through-loading for the BMW 5 Series Saloon and, respectively, automatic operation of the rear lid on the Touring.

Hyundai i30 Estate: UK Pricing Announced

What we know in the States as the Elantra Touring is called the i30 Estate in the UK and according to Hyundai, it will go on sale there on April 2 with prices starting at £12,995 or $25,600 for the basic version with the 1.6-liter petrol engine. The i30 Estate will also be offered with a 1.6-liter turbodiesel engine. Standard features across the range include air conditioning, ESP, an auxiliary USB/iPod connection, electric folding doors mirrors with integrated repeater lights, roof rails, cargo security screen and a rear power outlet. –Details after the jump


Pricing

  • i30 Estate 1.6 Comfort £12,995
  • i30 Estate 1.6 Style £13,995
  • i30 Estate 1.6 Style Auto £14,995
  • i30 Estate 1.6 CRDi Style £14,695
  • i30 Estate 1.6 CRDi Premium £16,295

Standard specification – i30 Estate Comfort
• Air conditioning
• 15” alloy wheels
• ESP stability control
• Six airbags
• Electric folding door mirrors
• USB/iPod and aux connections

Standard specification – i30 Estate Style
As Comfort, plus;
• 16” alloy wheels
• Automatic lights-on sensor
• Cloth seats with leather trim
• Leather gear knob and steering wheel
• Solar control glass (windscreen)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System

Standard specification – i30 Estate Premium
As Style, plus;
• 17” alloy wheels
• Climate control
• Auto-dimming rear view mirror
• Leather seat facings
• Heated front seats
• Reversing sensors
• Front windscreen wiper de-icer

Geneva Preview: KTM X-BOW Production Version

At next month’s Geneva Motor Show KTM will unwrap the production version of the X-Bow sports car that will feature a number of modifications compared to last year’s concept pictured above. The car will be a completely black, fully carbon-equipped X-Bow Dallara edition – one of just 100 being made – and features a series of extras, including carbon-fibre body panels, a limited slip differential, a removable steering wheel and a racing chassis tuned by Italian sports car specialists Dallara. A plaque with a unique serial number and special graphics mark out the limited-run Dallara X-Bow cars.