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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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Audi

Audi UK confirms RS5 pricing & specs

Audi RS5

Audi UK have just released details confirming their local specs for the RS5 featuring a 450PS 4.2 FSI V8 which will go on sale there in October. It’s all as expected and pricing starts at £57,480 OTR (approx AU$96,000). Expect Australians to be paying significantly more than that. Sigh.

You can read the press release below.

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Audi

OFFICIAL: Audi RS5 confirmed for Geneva Motor Show

2010 Audi RS5

Just through from Audi now is official confirmation that the RS5 will debut at Geneva as expected. Following the leaked images of the RS5 over the weekend Audi has also confirmed the car’s basic specs, which are pretty much as reported last week.

Powered by a naturally aspirated high rev 4.2-litre V8 FSI, the RS5 will have peak power of 331kW (450PS) at 8250rpm, with maximum torque of 430Nm available from 4000-6000rpm. Coupled with a specially reinforced 7-speed S tronic transmission the RS5 is able to accelerate to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds. Not bad for a car tipping the scales at more than 1725kg. This is the first of Audi’s RS models to be fitted with the double clutch technology and, at this stage, there is no word on a manual gearbox option.

The engine is derived from the acclaimed B7 RS4 model, but advancements to the engine management, intake and exhaust have enabled Audi engineers to find more power and torque, while at the same time improving overall efficiency. Highlighted by the claimed average fuel consumption of just 10.8l/100km. That’s impressive.

Also getting a once over is the car’s quattro all-wheel drive system. Now fitted with a self-locking crown-gear differential, up to 70% of available torque can be sent to the front wheels, or up to 85% to the rear. In normal conditions the torque is split 40:60, front to rear.

Riding on either 19″ or optional 20″ alloy wheels the RS5 is fitted with 265/35 tyres as standard. To ensure the RS5 can stop effectively 365mm vented discs can be found up front, with the option of 380mm ceramic carbon discs, as well.

After driving the V8 powered S5 last year, I was left feeling like the car was more lazy cruiser than ball tearing coupe. The added power of the RS5 is one thing, but have Audi been able to give the overall driving experience a bit of a nudge as well? Something a car like this both demands and deserves. I’ve heard one unsubstantiated rumour about the RS5’s exploits around the Nürburgring Nordschleife (sub 8 minutes), and if that proves correct it would seem Audi have got it right. For reference, the E92 BMW M3’s best unofficial time stands at 8:05 as tested by Horst von Saurma from German publication Sport Auto.

Other points of interest include an ESP system that can be completely disabled if required. A rear wing, usually hidden in the boot lid, will raise automatically at speeds over 120km/h, it will retract again once speed is below 80km/h. The underbody of the RS5 has been designed to aid downforce, while also providing optimum cooling benefits to the brakes and S tronic gearbox.

Usual Audi RS styling tweaks, such as flared wheel guards and twin oval exhaust tips are also seen on the RS5, as most readers will already be aware.

The RS5 will go on sale in Europe in a few weeks, with a starting price of around €77,700 (AU$117,500). Sadly, you can bet the RS5 will cost a lot more than that when it makes it to Australian shores before the end of 2010.

The full press release from Audi can be read below and six more new pics are also available in 2000px super image sizing.

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Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz F 800 Style Research Vehicle

Mercedes-Benz F 800

Today is the turn of Mercedes-Benz to reveal their star before the Geneva Motor Show. One wonders if there will be any surprises left when the show opens to the public on 4 March. However, Mercedes have most definitely surprised with this new concept called the F 800 Style Research Vehicle. Just look at it. An astonishing blend of curves and surfacing that looks for all money as though it could never have emerged from Mercedes-Benz.

Mercedes-Benz are also spruiking the news that the F 800 Style will be the vehicle future Benz models are inspired by. Bravo!

The surprises don’t stop with the F 800’s exterior either. The rear doors slide back, as you might expect on a people mover. The front doors open conventionally and the lack of a b-pillar offers a generous opening to make access into the car a breeze. Once inside you are greeted with a pretty wild interior, as well. It’s quite sparse, but take a gander at that steering wheel. What is that all about!

Pushing the envelope even further the F 800 Style has two drivetrain options, a petrol-electric hybrid or a hydrogen powered fuel-cell electric motor. The latter has a theoretical range of 600km of emissions-free travelling.

There’s heaps to see and read after the break, so sit down and enjoy.

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Volkswagen

CrossPolo bobs up prior to Geneva

Volkswagen CrossPolo

Volkswagen’s new CrossPolo will join the Polo GTI in making its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in just over a week. The CrossPolo is the fourth in the range, also including the regular Polo hatch, the fuel efficient BlueMotion and the sporty GTI.

Described by Volkswagen as an “all-rounder”, the CrossPolo has been raised by 15mm. A number of exterior tweaks have also been carried out which further enhance the model’s individual look compared to the rest of the Polo lineup.

A total of six engines will be offered to European customers, split evenly between petrol and diesel power. Following tradition, the CrossPolo will only be available in a 5 door layout and, new for this iteration, all models will be available with a 7-speed DSG transmission.

German customers will get their hands on the CrossPolo first, with deliveries commencing in May, with the rest of Europe and Japan to follow shortly after. No word yet on Volkswagen Australia’s plans for the car, but I would expect they will want it, but possibly with a limited engine lineup.

Further details and more pics are available after the break.

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Audi

Audi RS5 leaked images

Audi RS5 brochure

Following the news the Audi RS5 will be released at the Geneva Motor Show comes these leaked images from a forthcoming sales brochure. There’s 28 images in all, but not a lot of written detail is given.

There are no shots of the engine bay, but we’re still expecting to see a normally aspirated V8 under the bonnet to be badged as a 4.2 FSI HDZ. Peak power from the high-rev concept engine should be around the 330kW (450PS) mark. Looking at one of the pics below redline starts around 8200rpm, and it looks like you may be able to extend past that a little. Maybe?

You can see that there will be three choices for seating and four alloy wheel designs to choose from. As expected there is no manual gearbox shown, so it will be S tronic only for now. Hopefully a 6-speed manual transmission is released later at a later date. It would also seem apparent that Audi’s familiar flat bottomed steering wheel is not standard equipment, with all interior shots showing a conventionally shaped wheel. This is offset by the fact it can be optioned in alcantara, along with the S tronic shifter.

So, for now, just feast your eyes on these images and let your excitement build in anticipation for official details to be announced soon. Make sure you click on the pics below to load the larger 1460px sizing.

UPDATE 23 Feb: Official details and images have now been released by Audi.

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Peugeot

The “5 by Peugeot” Concept Car – 508 preview

5 by Peugeot Concept Car

Peugeot have just released images of this new Concept Car. Peugeot are pushing it as a “new luxury saloon driving experience”. Its full title is rather clumsy—5 by Peugeot Concept Car—but just look at it. There’s nothing clumsy about the exterior. It is a very, very good looking car. Nothing revolutionary in terms of overall shape or concept, but a beautifully executed design.

Okay, perhaps the bonnet and rear lights might be a bit fussy. And, yes, LED headlamps are becoming over played (get used to that), but given the rest of the detailing on the car, it’s easy to excuse those frivolous moments. When you’re going through the images below make sure you take the time to appreciate the side profile of the glasshouse. The way the B-pillar has been hidden behind the windows is a wonderful piece of design. If, in fact there is a B-pillar, being a concept car you’re never quite sure what is beneath under the skin.

Peugeot’s press release makes no comment about the Geneva Motor Show, but we will see more of this car then. After making such a grand statement with the exterior one can only hope they have created an interior to match.

The 5 by Peugeot is powered by the company’s Hybrid4 technology, also seen in the RCZ concept, which is a mix of electric and diesel power. Good for 200bhp and CO2 emissions under 100g/km the car is driven by all four wheels.

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Volkswagen

2010 Golf Wagon – Australian pricing

2010 VW Golf Wagon

Volkswagen Australia have just released an Estate version to their volume selling Golf range. Known in Australia as the Golf Wagon, it will be initially offered in two model lines—Trendline and Comfortline.

Entry level pricing, before those nasty delivery and government charges, starts at $26,990. That gets you a 90kW 1.4 TSI Trendline with 6 speed manual. The top of the range model, 103kW 2.0 TDI Comfortline with 6 speed DSG, is priced from $36,490. The usual range of options is also available and a list of prices is available below.

Four engines will be available for those wanting the maximum 1495 litres of cargo space the Golf Wagon provides. Two 1.4 TSI engines, with either 90kW or 118kW are complemented by a 77kW 1.6TDI and a 103kW 2.0 TDI. The full gamut of Volkswagen transmissions is on offer, including 5 and 6 speed manuals in addition to 6 and 7 speed DSG offerings. At a basic level you can choose a manual or DSG with all engine choices, the numbers of cogs you get depends on the engine choice.

This is the first time we have seen a Golf Estate/Variant/Wagon in Australia and it remains to be seen how successful this addition to the Golf line up will be. I know one thing, though, they’d sell a lot more of them if they bothered to get Volkswagen to design the rear of the car. Instead, it looks like they just picked up some 1990s Honda Accord tail lights, stuck them on the back and thought, that should do it. When the rest of the Volkswagen range is, generally, so expertly styled—and of particular note here is the Passat Wagon—one has to wonder just how on earth they came to this conclusion.

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Audi

2010 Audi A1 pics revealed ahead of Geneva debut

2010 Audi A1

Audi has surprised us by releasing a full suite of images of their “next big thing“—the Audi A1. The A1 is due for a full public reveal at the Geneva Motor Show in a few weeks.

So, what do we make of the Audi “MINI”? First impressions of the exterior are very good. Although, this is one car that will look best with larger alloys. The front and rear light clusters are works of art, as is the norm for Audi these days.

Inside, too, the immediate response is one of quality and Germanic style. The fold away nav screen is a nice touch. Although, speaking of touch, the touch screen nav systems used by Volkswagen, in the Golf for example, are a step ahead of current Audi navigation systems in terms of usability. Of course, it remains to be seen how this new MMI system will work in the A1, but a move towards the VW style would have been welcome.

Another observation from these pics is the apparent lack of dual climate control. Such systems are becoming common place these days and for a car claiming to be the first fair dinkum premium car in the compact class this might be a minor oversight. Having said that, the detail of the air vents in the A1 is something.

Audi is intent on trying to match MINI for customisation with the A1. Things like choosing the colour of the dramatic roof arch or tailoring interior appointments, even down to the detail of the air nozzles and colour of interior LED lighting, should ensure potential buyers are kept busy while working out how many of said options they can afford.

Not too much is given away on the engine range at this stage. There’s certainly no confirmation of an S1 model at this early stage, that’s for sure. For now, then, we know there will be four engines at initial launch, two diesel and two petrol. All will be turbocharged and the power on offer ranges from 63kW–90kW. As expected with those moderate numbers fuel consumption (l/100km) hovers around high 3s-mid 5s and CO2 figures are also relatively low.

These figures are gained, in part, through the use of Audi’s start-stop system which will be included on all engines mentioned at this stage. A 7-speed S tronic transmission will also be available across the board.

I’d say I speak for most AUSmotive readers when I say I am most anticipating the announcement of the S1 model (expected to debut at the 2011 Paris Motor Show). However, I am now more inclined to think the S1 will have a quattro drivetrain after AUSmotive recently learned there are plans to use such a system on the A1 platform. Either that or I was indirectly given the scoop on plans for a new Q1 model. Let’s hope it was the former!

You know the drill, heaps of images are all yours after the jump, along with more detail in the form of Audi’s press release.

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Ferrari

Ferrari 458 Italia wins an award

Ferrari 458 Italia

Big news in the motoring world overnight with the announcement that the Ferrari 458 Italia has been awarded the “Supercar of the Year” by GQ Magazine. What next, are Horse & Hound going to announce the “Car of the year that best avoided the use of glue”?

Who really cares about the award, or what GQ mag thinks of the 458, or any car, for that matter. The best news is the press release came with these stunning images. If I plan to give up a kidney in exchange for a Turbo S, then, well, my wife is in the firing line now. I’m sorry dearest, but you’re out the door for the 458.

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Ford

A closer look at the 2011 Ford Focus

2011 Ford Focus

It’s now a couple of weeks since Ford presented the 2011 Focus at the Detroit Auto Show. With the dust settled, let’s take a closer look at the funky sheet metal carving a new direction for Ford. They call it “kinetic design” and there’s a real hint of Chris Bangle flame surface going on. Not that this is entirely new, as the current Fiesta is also cut from the same cloth.

Look closely at the pic above and the way the rear light cluster extends towards the front of the car. At first glance it looks okay, but picture it on a silver or light coloured car. Is that forward extension going to look just a bit too much?

The fuel cap slotting in underneath is also an interesting solution. Again, at first glance it’s a nice way to tuck the lid away. But would a more conventional round lid, as shown on the Focus sedan, have been a better result? Is “kinetic design” trying a bit too hard?

In the last image below, which shows the sedan version from the rear three-quarter angle you get a great look at the creases extending over the wheel arches and the shoulder line along the doors. In theory, the way they run past each other simply shouldn’t work. Maybe it’s the choice of the silver paint and the studio lighting, but there’s something pleasing about the craziness going on there.

The new Focus and the “ONE Ford” global car platform strategy holds great hope for the US carmaker. Despite some reservations I think thew new Focus is a good step forward (on the outside at least). But will this bold new direction pay the required dividends?

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MINI

2010 MINI Countryman photo gallery

2010 MINI Countryman

Following the leaked images earlier in the week MINI promptly responded by releasing over 50 official pictures, as well as confirming the model’s Countryman name. You can see those images, along with MINI’s press release after the break. As usual, simply click on the pics you like to launch wallpaper-friendly 2000px super images.

The Countryman, previously previewed with the Beachcomber Concept, will be the first MINI to feature their new ALL4 all-wheel drive system. It is worth noting, though, ALL4 remains an option to be ticked at this stage, it is not standard equipment (pending Australian market specification).

MINI’s full complement of engine options will find homes under the Countryman’s skin. That means the about to be updated 135kW Cooper S engine right down to oil-burner from the 66kW One D. The only motor missing from MINI’s kit bag is the very enthusiastic 154kW John Cooper Works option. But, hold the phone, a JCW Countryman may be coming at a later date, along with the growing rumour of a World Rally Championship entry.

Personally, I am pleasantly surprised by the general look of the Countryman. Having said that, it is definitely a car that needs to be seen in the metal to truly judge its proportions. The finer design details set a unique language for the Countryman, while clearly being a part of the MINI range. The detail of the roofline over the Countryman’s C-pillar is very reminiscent of the similar juncture on the MINI Coupé Concept.

Okay, now to address the elephant in the room. Why on earth is MINI making the Countryman at all? “Alec Issigonis” and “turning in his grave” are terms on high rotation since these photos came to be. But would Issigonis really be recoiling in such horror?

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