Category: Motor Shows

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Audi Motor Shows

Geneva: Audi A1 e-tron

Audi A1 e-tron

Audi have given the motoring world a new acronym—MCV—Mega City Vehicle. It is used to described Ingolstadt’s third e-tron concept, this time built on the A1 platform.

The A1 e-tron is fitted with a transversely mounted synchronous electric motor. It can be found under the bonnet at the front and has a continuous power and torque rating of 45kW/150Nm. Although, in short bursts those numbers peak at 75kW/240Nm. A low mounted engine and below-floor battery storage ensures the A1 e-tron has a low centre of gravity.

Battery life offers a range of 50km for city chores, but a rotary engine, called a “range extender”, is capable of recharging the batteries for longer drives. It sounds like a pretty ingenious solution really.

Full details available after the break.

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Citroen Green Machines Motor Shows

Geneva: Citroën Survolt Concept

Citroen Survolt Concept

Citroën have gone all Batmobile-like with this crazy Survolt Concept. It’s a pretty wild looking machine and that’s about all I can tell you about it. There is a press release below, but the only real information it gives away is that the Survolt “is the continuation of Citroën’s exploration of distinctive and original electric vehicles”.

Oh, one more thing, the car’s measurements, of course, 3.85m long, 1.87m wide and 1.20m high. So, it’s small, electric and sporty looking. What more could you possibly need to know? More pics and pretty words after the break.

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Motor Shows Porsche

Geneva: Porsche 918 Spyder with hybrid drive

Porsche 918 Spyder

Just a couple of months after Porsche CEO Michael Macht declared they didn’t want hybrid technology in their sportscars comes this superb looking 918 Spyder concept model. Announced at the Geneva Motor Show, the 918 Spyder features a race-inspired 500hp V8 and is supplemented by 230hp of electric power.

The 918  joins the GT3 R Hybrid announced last month. Add in the Cayenne S Hybrid and you now have three Porsche model lines featuring hybrid technology.

Back to the 918 Spyder, though, and, well it is clearly the most stunning of the trio. All that power is said to propel the car to 100km/h in around 3.2 seconds. Proving further that hybrid doesn’t mean slow and steady wins the race, the 918 can (supposedly) lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife in under 7 minutes 30 seconds. Faster than a Carrera GT, no less.

When you’re not exploiting all that power, Porsche reckon you can return a fuel consumption figure of 3l/100km with CO2 emissions of just 70g/km.

Pretty tidy numbers all round for a mid-engined two-seater with a very tasty 3.4-litre V8 from the RS Spyder racecar.

Check the pics and press release after the jump.

UPDATE 3 March: Two new “next spark” promo videos featuring the Porsche 918 Spyder have been added below.

UPDATE 29 July: Porsche have confirmed the 918 will go into limited series production.

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Motor Shows Motorsports Porsche

OFFICIAL: Porsche GT3 R Hybrid

Porsche GT3 R Hybrid

Following yesterday’s post about the GT3 R Hybrid comes this official release from Porsche, including high res images which you can access by clicking on the pics you like. Porsche have described this car as a”racing laboratory” so we can expect this to be the first of many hybrid racecar applications from Stuttgart.

As reported the first public showing of the GT3 R Hybrid will be in Geneva, in a little over two weeks time. And, I’m not sure about anyone else, but I am really looking forward to seeing how this car runs in the Nürburgring 24 hour race. Will the KERS-style system provide a true advantage, or will it be a bit of a fizzer?

Oh, there’s a very good reason why the hybrid technology in this GT3 R sounds very similar to the KERS systems used in Formula One. A company called Williams Hybrid Power is behind the gizmo in the Porsche racecar. And, yes, it is that Williams. Seems Sir Frank reckoned he was on to a good thing and bought into to the energy storage system game, even if the technology wasn’t fully embraced at F1 level.

Yep, there’s a brief press statement from Williams Hybrid Power too. You can check out all these goodies after the break, so what are you waiting for…

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Motor Shows Volkswagen

Detroit: Volkswagen New Compact Coupe

Volkswagen New Compact Coupe

Today Volkswagen presents its stunning New Compact Coupe at the NAIAS in Detroit. There’s a nice and cuddly green side to this car, but for now, let’s just focus on the looks.

Said to offer a hint of what to expect from Volkswagen’s new four-door Jetta, which is due for release later this year, the New Compact Coupe takes some definite styling cues from the VAG stable. The high crease shoulder line and C-pillar is akin to the Audi A5, albeit somewhat straightened out. The rear tail lights, too, take inspiration from the current A4 sedan. There’s even a bit of 3 Series coupe Hofmeister kink in the rear fixed pane window.

Overall, though, well, what a beautiful design. Every detail is bang on, from the squared off headlights, to sharply styled wing mirrors. In silver, under controlled lighting the New Compact Coupe looks just about perfect.

Just don’t look too closely at the light gray interior! Aside from the colouring, the rest of the interior is smartly laid out with nice details throughout. Ford could definitely learn a thing or two from the Germans here.

Now, to the car’s green credentials. Volkswagen has made sure the NCC will attract attention with its looks, so this will only help the company push their Hybrid technology under the car’s skin. The headline figures are fuel consumption of 4.2l/100km with CO2 emissions of just 98g/km. That CO2 figure is quite good, but the fuel consumption isn’t setting any records, with a handful of production cars already bettering those numbers.

Forget that, as the New Compact Coupe can use its 110kW 1.4 litre TSI petrol and 20kW electric engines to propel itself to 100km/h in 8.6 seconds with a top speed of 227km/h. Kind of pointless when you’re promoting a Hybrid car, but it’s good to know anyway. And, in Volkswagen’s words they want this car to be “sporty and fun to drive”.

More detail on the NCC’s clever gadgets and engine spec is given in the second press release below. Fourteen more images are also available after the jump. As always, simply click on the pic you like to access it in a wallpaper-friendly 2000px super image.

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Ford Motor Shows

Detroit: 2011 Ford Focus

2011 Ford Focus

Ford has just released new images of their 2011 Focus at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Production will commence later this year, with European and North American sales to commence simultaneously in early 2011.

The new Focus has been developed by a worldwide team with major input from Germany, Britain and the United States. The Focus will initially be built in three plants— Saarlouis (Germany), Michigan (United States) and Chongqing (China). In a true global car program the Focus will share parts from a minimum of 80% in all markets.

“The new Ford Focus is a clear demonstration that our ONE Ford strategy is providing global consumers with great products that harness the best of Ford Motor Company,” said Alan Mulally, Ford’s president and CEO.

“The efficiencies generated by our new global C-car platform will enable us to provide Ford Focus customers with an affordable product offering quality, fuel efficiency, safety and technology beyond their expectations,” he added.

From the initial pics it looks as though Ford have thrown their current Focus RS model in the blender with the best of Chris Bangle’s flame surfacing from BMW, smoothed the edges out a bit and voila—a new Focus! Ford call it “kinetic design”.

Overall, though, its cuts a striking shape and definitely stands out among its mid class rivals. The interior, though, is a bit out of control. The main dash cluster and instruments are all screaming for the driver’s attention, you don’t really know where to look.

Since 1998 the Focus has been acknowledged as one of the class leaders when it comes to driving duties and overall handling. I guess we shall expect this new model to follow suit, as well.

More pics of the hatch and sedan models follow after the jump, along with an extensive press release from Ford UK. More to follow as it comes to hand.

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Mazda Motor Shows

Frankfurt: Mazda MX-5 Superlight

Mazda MX-5 Superlight

You’ve probably seen and read a bit about the Mazda MX-5 Superlight by now. If so, you’ve seen enough to know that, in pure performance terms, this car is a having bit of a laugh. It has bugger all power and as a result it’s quite slow. There’s a meagre 93kW on offer and that’s just enough to break 9 seconds for the 0-100 sprint.

Thing is, though, I reckon it is one of the best cars revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Simply because I think it looks so damn cool. The long bonnet, the bespoke interior details (what’s left of it) and the rollover hoops complete a look that is pure sportscar.

I like the fact Mazda’s engineers have gone about producing a car with a sole focus. That they have looked at the overall car and taken the approach of removing stuff first, then thinking about what actually needs to be put back in.

“I’ve dreamed of building a Mazda MX-5 with this kind of radical form for a long time,” says Peter Birtwhistle, Mazda Motor Europe’s Chief Designer, referring to the project. “Now that weight reduction has become a dominant factor in automotive development, the time is ripe for it. We show how lightweight a car today can be.”

But, its not all beer and skittles. I am quite puzzled as to why the show car’s power has dropped by 22% from the 118kW that you get from an entry level MX-5. Also, the reality is that the Superlight’s strict weight loss program has only saved 134kg compared the soft top road car.

Lucky it looks so good. There’s a long press release from Mazda below along with a comprehensive photo gallery.

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Audi Motor Shows

Frankfurt: Audi e-tron

Audi e-tron

Rumours of an electric powered R8, with an individual engine powering each wheel, had been circulating well in advance of the Frankfurt Motor Show. So, then, Audi surprised nobody when they revealed the e-tron at the IAA a few days ago.

Just take a look at the numbers: 230kW; 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds; 60-120km/h in 4.8 seconds, with a range that would get you from Canberra to Sydney. Well, Campbelltown actually. But that’s almost inner city these days. However, the biggest number will seem like a typo, but it is fair dinkum. Of course, I am referring to the e-tron’s Biblical 4500Nm of torque. That would allow Moses to part not just the Red Sea, but every sea and ocean on the planet!

The e-tron is more than an electric car, too, it is a pointer to the direction for Audi’s technology to be introduced to its conventional models. Things like the car-to-x communication system that sends data from the car so it can be received by other vehicles. Such systems are being developed by other manufacturers and a common language should ensure compatibility. Car-to-x comms can help avoid accidents. Here’s an example, say you lose control in your fancy e-tron and head to the other side of the road, the car-to-x technology will send data pinpointing your location to other cars in the area. This will allow oncoming traffic to be warned of your misfortune in what amounts to real time. Neat, huh.

How about trick LED headlamps that can illuminate oncoming corners by following your trajectory via the e-tron’s Sat Nav system. That makes the fact the same headlights can auto dim themselves to suit weather conditions, such as fog, seem positively dull.

There’s also a new “brake-by-wire” technology that, among other things, helps recharge the battery using a system similar to the KERS systems on F1 cars.

Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg, so take in Audi’s press release and gallery of 30 wallpaper-friendly images after the jump.

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Motor Shows

Frankfurt: best of the web

Frankfurt Motor Show 2009

Whoa, this Frankfurt Motor Show has been big! Unfortunately, work and family commitments have left me with a lot of catching up to do. That catching up will have to wait a few days as well, as I will be offline for a few days.

In the meantime here are a collection of links from around the traps that provide a good insight into what’s been going down at Frankfurt 2009:

Let’s hope news of the Audi RS3 and RS5 doesn’t break while I’m away.

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Audi Motor Shows

Frankfurt: Audi R8 Spyder

Audi R8 Spyder

A 5.2 litre V10 behind your ears. A massive 386kW (525bhp) at your feet. And the wind rushing through your hair. Does it get any better? Well, yes, if your new R8 Spyder is a more tasteful colour than the one shown in these pics it quite possibly does. Thankfully, there are 10 other colours to choose from. Apart from that, though, this has to be one of the better hardtop to roofless conversions in some time.

The lightweight cloth top opens at the touch of a button in around 19 seconds, and can be operated at speeds up to 50km/h. Despite the lack of a metal roof, Audi reckon the road noise heard inside is only a smidge louder than in the Coupé.

Even with the light roof, the R8 Spyder is still on the porky side, weighing in at 1720kg. That can’t stop rapid progress, however, with 0-100 being dealt with in just 4.1 seconds. Fast!

But, the real beauty in this car is in its styling and details. There’s a big, big photo gallery after the jump, along with everything you wanted to know about the R8 Spyder in Audi’s press release.

Oh yeah, when you get the photo of the seatbelt and you wonder what that’s about, it is showing the seatbelt mounted microphone that supposedly makes phone calls with the top down a breeze, if you’ll pardon the expression.

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Motor Shows Volkswagen

Frankfurt: Volkswagen Golf R

Volkswagen Golf R

Finally, the über Golf has been confirmed by Volkswagen! The Golf R, complete with a fully revised 4motion all-wheel drive system, 199kW and 350Nm of torque, can accelerate from rest to 100km/h in 5.5 seconds when fitted with a DSG box, or 5.7 seconds for the manual version.

Over the model it replaces, the V6 powered R32, the new Golf R increases peak power by 15kW and maximum torque by 20Nm. With fuel consumption rated at 8.5l/100km the 2-litre four cylinder TSI reduces fuel use by a very respectable 21 per cent. CO2 emissions drop from 255g/km to 199g/km, or a reduction of 28 per cent.

Stopping power is provided by 345mm sized front discs, with barely smaller 310mm rotors at the rear. The R comes standard with 18″ Talladega alloys, fitted with 225/40/18 rubber. Larger 19″ wheels in the same style can also be optioned with 235/35/19 tyres. The ESP system has been tweaked and given a Sport setting that allows for greater slip in aggressive track-like driving situations.

Apart from the more obvious body styling, the Golf R sets itself apart from the rest of the Golf range by the latest bling lighting fad, with LED daytime running lights at the front and, for the first time on a Golf, LED rear tail lights.

The Golf R really is an Audi S3-lite. Brilliant! Just how “lite” will the pricing be, and when will we see the Golf R on Australia soil? You can ponder these questions while checking out the pics and reading Volkswagen’s press release after the jump. A reminder, too, that all pics can be viewed as wallpaper friendly 2000px super images by clicking on each image.

UPDATE 6 April 2010: 20 new images added at end of article.

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Audi Motor Shows

Frankfurt: Audi’s opening presentation

Audi presentaion at Frankfurt 2009

Audi’s opening presentation at the Frankfurt Motor Show has just concluded. Two main models were revealed—the R8 Spyder and the e-Tron.

As expected the R8 Spyder is powered by the 525bhp V10 5.2 FSI engine. The e-Tron, powered by four electric engines, one in each wheel, produces 313bhp and can sprint to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds. It has a theoretical range in excess of 230km.

I managed to catch the presentation via Audi tv. Here are a few screen grabs from the show, with further details on both models to follow soon.

UPDATE 16 September: Edited highlights now on Audi tv.

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