Jalopnik
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geneva motor show
Post Geneva Shocker: Lumeneo Smera Is A Two Seater!
A couple of days ago, we received an email from Lumeneo's PR rep Isabel giving us the business about the all-electric, leaning Lumeneo Smera we brought you. She claimed the car was not as our American eyes could clearly see, a single seater, but in fact a two seater! 'Impossible!' we said, 'Prove it with a picture.' And so she has. Seated inline, inside that tiny little car are father Daniel and son Thierry Moulène, President and Technical Director respectively. More »
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By Ben WojdylaComment by laughing_guitarist: Who let the Smart take a photograph of itself with a Powerbook? Come on now.. 'fess up. more » | Other threads
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down on the street bonus edition
Geneva Project Hell? Aston Martin V8 Vantage
As we were exiting the incredibly trippy Schtroumpfs residential development, our eye caught something sleek and silver and slowly floating down the road on a flatbed. This Aston Martin V8 Vantage seems to be in the midst of a restoration and probably becoming a new man's Project Car Hell. We couldn't quite nail down the vintage, but it looks like early 70's for this lithe British beast. The fella with the Touareg seemed happy with the attention the car garnered, but we would have lost our minds driving that big trailer around the cramped streets of Geneva. More »
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By Ben WojdylaComment by Rust-MyEnemy is stll out there!: @GreenVanMan: Triumph 2500. Originally 2.5Pi, with Lucas injeccy, then carbs as the 2500. (engine fires) BL didn't even trust Lucas when... more » | Other threads
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geneva motor show
Skoda Superb GreenLine's Only Emission Is The Sex And CO2
For those who haven't noticed, we're a little dragon for the 2009 Skoda Superb (i.e. the Czech Passat) and it's clever TwinDoor system. And a version that gets better mileage and is better for the environment, why not? This version of the Superb gets a 1.9-Liter inline-four turbodiesel good for about 105 horsepower and the US equivalent of 46.1MPG. More »
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Comment by Amazonca: Cool designed! Would be pleasantly surprised if "Green Line" is not an empty phrase. signature: "Nothing makes you forget about love... more » | Other threads
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down on the street bonus edition
DOTS Geneva: A Tiny Something Or Other
We have no idea what this is, but after the Peel Trident, this is probably the smallest street legal vehicle we've ever seen. And despite our best deciphering and sleuthing efforts, it remains unidentified. F-gobble-de-gook Tech was the best we could get out of it. How can someone get into this thing and feel fine about it? We'd rather take our chances on a regular scoot, at least there you can jump away from a wreck. But hey, this is a convertible and has those fancy, new fangled canvas doors. More »
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By Ben WojdylaComment by mikewebb1514: I read that in France they license these vehicles as motorcycles. That seem ok to me. With the roll bar,... more » | Other threads
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geneva motor show
Renault Megane Dragonfly Doors Would Make The Doc Proud
While we're all eagerly awaiting the return of the Delorean, take a gander at Renault's Megane Coupe concept that introduces "dragonfly wing" doors that seems a hell of a lot like the gull-wing style doors of the Delorean DMC-12 that Marty McFly and the Doc drove right into my heart. It's alright, imiation is the sincerest form of flattery, right? Regardless, these doors are only a minor part of what is known as the Renault Megane Coupe Concept. More » -
geneva motor show
Alfa Romeo 8C Spider Is So Dreamy
Ok, we can't get enough of the Alfa 8C Spider. It's just too beautiful. So why stop at the mere pictures from yesterday? Let's add us some official video of the unveil for you to sink your teeth into. No, the car doesn't move. No, you can't hear the sonorous V8. No, we don't understand what that guy is saying. But do we care? No. We just want to stare at it. Forever. We think we hear it in a dark expo center in Geneva as it cries out to us "I love you!" Or that may have just been us. More »
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By Mark ArnoldComment by Number_Six: At least Alfa doesn't feel the need to introduce a new corporate face every three years and model it on... more » | Other threads
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geneva motor show
2009 Infiniti FX50 Lands In Geneva, Impresses Booth Professionals With 5.0 Liter V8
Remember when only muscle cars had 390 horsepower? Of course you don't. Therefore, it shan't give thee pause the new 2009 Infiniti FX50 has the same. That by way of Nissan's 5.0 liter V8 — that outpowers BMW's X5 4.8i — over a seven-speed transmission. Other than a significant facelift, the longtime oddball SUV gets a four-wheel double-wishbone suspension with active Continuous Damping Control (CDC); four-wheel active steering and intelligent brake assist. The most notable interior feature, other than the 11-speaker Bose audio system and active safety gewgaws like intelligent cruise control and Distance Control Assist (DCA), is the new 360-degree Around View Monitor system, shared with its smaller EX counterpart. The FX50 will hit the US mid-year before a European ship date in the fall, followed by stoplight-to-stoplight guffaws involving errant X5s in Basel. More »
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Comment by litespeed74: I think it's pretty bad ass. I was wondering if they were going to drastically change the style but in... more » | Other threads
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down on the street bonus edition
DOTS Geneva: Citroen 2CV
We haven't run the numbers, but there is an assumption the Citroen 2CV makes a decent showing when scored by our official guidelines. We caught this one parked alongside the Eglise Russa (Russian Church) and couldn't help but snap away like it was freshly unveiled. The French horse was tucked in tight and of course passers by assumed we were either French or insane while standing in the road admiring its underpowered glory. More »
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By Ben WojdylaComment by ShantJ: @TylerE: Um... how does the jalop=o-meter work? more » | Other threads
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down on the street bonus edition
DOTS Geneva: Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
Wandering around Geneva, a couple of things become readily apparent. First and foremost, this is a rich-ass city. Banks and ultra high end luxury stores are as common as faux hawks, and the Audi RS4 is a commoners' car. Another thing you notice quite quickly is how a city situated between two mountain ranges at the bottom of a giant lake gets kinda windy. I'm not going to step on Chicago's toes, but there may be a lost ear on the Rue De Mont Blanc Bridge. The brutal cold wasn't enough to keep us from finding this Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano parked street side. More »
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By Ben WojdylaComment by Euromobile: @C Я 人 P Ð… T 人 Ї Й: It looks like it features the Canton flag, which you'll also... more » | Other threads
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geneva motor show
Those Swiss and Their Chocolate
Now that we've got show coverage all but wrapped up for the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, we're thinking it's time to show you a bit of Geneva itself. The Swiss are famous for roughly two things: their unwavering neutrality and chocolate. What better cause célèbre for creating a chocolate car than the auto show? We found this stylized Audi TT and it's lesser automotive friends on display at a Chocolatier near the train station. Rumor has it the car is equipped with the exclusive new aero package and a candy coated dual clutch DSG system. BTW, the Swiss Franc trades roughly on par with the US dollar, so that's about a $120 confection. Yowch. More »
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By Ben WojdylaComment by Tom: sorry bout' that my lifelong dream was just fufilled more » | Other threads
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geneva motor show
Kyberz Classic Is Sketchier Version of Lumeneo Smera
Okay, so the Lumeneo Smera, unfortunate name and all, seems like it's a fairly well put together and well engineered piece of kit — a little weird, but still okay. The Kyberz Classic on the other hand has us looking askance at its spindly MacPherson struts and thin little wagon wheel tires. If it was merely a conversation piece, we'd take amusement with the massively long windshield wiper arm, the cockpit which vaguely recalls an X-wing, and the rad motorcycle handlebars. Considering this may make it's way onto the occasional roadway makes the joke not so funny. More »
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By Ben WojdylaComment by Brian B: @JoSCh: @Impalamino: @eltonito: I grew up during the fist wave of BMX popularity (mid '70's) but I remember them as... more » | Other threads
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geneva motor show
Volkswagen Rabbitamino On Hydros?
We were expecting some wacky stuff here at the Geneva Motor Show, but a VW pickup on hydros? What the what? Sure why not, the crazy part was the 8 switch Vee Dub was sitting next to a dropped Ferrari F40, which we thought was illegal to begin with, but what do we know. What does that say about us that both Spinelli and I walked right past the F40 like it was invisible? In any case, too bad this example wasn't seen at SEMA or some state fairground where we would have been no doubt treated to a couple of tasteful poses. More »
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By Ben WojdylaComment by joneez is wearing green for FOTA: This wins "Project Car Hell" as it sits more » | Other threads
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geneva motor show
Ford Fiesta 3 and 5 Door Live And In Color, Retina-Searing Color
Lord almighty these cars are bright in person. Ford went ahead and dropped the real deal Ford Fiesta on us and they went out of their way to slather then in colors the Joker would be very proud of. We're pretty excited by the idea of a compact Ford in the market again, though we don't have confirmation yet on the 5 door coming stateside yet. One thing the original (good) Focus was never faulted for was its handling, and it's something Ford has figured out which we're hoping transfers to a potentially more flickable car. More » -
geneva motor show
Koenigsegg CCXR Edition: Tripping the Light Fantastic
Remember the Christopher Walken skit on Saturday Night Live where the inveterate creepy guy continues asking Will Ferrell for more cowbell? Well the Koenigsegg CCXR Edition needs more carbon fiber. The rebodied CCX is positively rotten with the stuff and the twin turbocharged, E85 sipping 1018 HP heart makes us almost feel like this outshines the Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermes which sits just down the row. This car speaks to our inner 17-year-old like a like a prom queen on a bender. More »
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By Ben WojdylaComment by cazin678: Pretty cool- hey, did they ever figure out how to build these so that the shifter doesn't hit the steering... more » | Other threads
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geneva motor show
Geneva Motor Show: Jalopnik Takes No Prisoners, Day Two
Well, our little Swiss adventure at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show is now drawing to a close. Spinelli and Ben have already hopped in bed for a good night's sleep that's been a long few days in the coming. We're excited to finally be able to wake up tomorrow at our normal un-godly hour for the first time this week. But, if you weren't able to catch today's wild weirdness, here's the entire day for you — all wrapped up in a shiny chocolate wrapper-like package. Enjoy. More » -
geneva motor show
European Honda Accord Sedan And Wagon
European Honda Accord. What do you say? It sure is... Honda-like? Really, it's an appliance of a car, designed neither to be overtly offensive to some nor blandly dull to others. The eye is drawn to the aggressive front fascia, but the conservative profile calms your pulse right back down. This is like the car equivalent of taking uppers, then downers, in an effort to achieve an even effect and feel good later. That's something it does actually really well. The materials on the inside are bumping up to the VW level of interior quality, the seats hit the sweet spot between German firm and US squishy, and the carpet in the trunk is better than the last model. Other than that, we're back our affirmation of this being a new Accord. Press release to the same effect below. More »
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By Ben WojdylaComment by xhosa: They've stolen every aspect of design from SAAB. Exteriorwise it's a wonderful car since they've stolen each and avery detail... more » | Other threads
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geneva motor show
Alfa Romeo 8C Spider Rears Its Extremely Pretty Head
It's not often that I quickly look past blonde and presumably Italian (or maybe Swiss) "booth professionals," but the Alfa Romeo 8C Spider has that affect on a man. Yes, friends, the highly anticipated Geneva debut of the Spider is finally here. This car has the same 450 HP 4.7-liter V8 as its brother, the 8C Competizione, which earned its own Very Special Jalopnik Day and still makes Ray twitch nervously. If you haven't already noticed, the Spider features a fully automatic electro-hydraulic convertible top that has been engineered with the same aerodynamic and performance precision as the rest of the ride. Much to the dismay of anyone with eyes and a pulse, only 500 of these will be manufactured. Pretty much ensures that you won't be getting one (Fiat scion, exec and world-class playboy/recovering 12-stepper Lapo Elkann, on the other hand...) It matters not. The live pictures of this Chariot of the Gods are here to be drooled over. More » -
geneva motor show
FIAT Gives Us A Nuanced Critique On The Auto Show Experience
When one thinks of great Italian directors, artists like Rosselini, de Sica and Fellini immediately come to mind. To this list we must add the cinematic genius behind this subtle yet humorous take on the auto show. It combines the camera work of the neorealists with the carefully constructed mise en scene of the magical realists. At the surface, it's just an unnecessary closeup of someone from Fiat explaining the new Fiat Panda Aria. Delve deeper and you'll see the models unable to stay still, representing the ennui and discomfort of the public, shielded by the talking head. The best moment, though, is reserved for the end. The director chooses to pan away, for no discernible reason, in the middle of this guy talking. Benissimo! More »
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Comment by Mr_Sives_Remotoc: The southern guy is saying that this "concept car" contains important technology regarding low emissions, especially in terms of CO2,... more » | Other threads
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geneva motor show
Mercedes GLK Hybrid Crossover Is A Double Compromise
Compromises. Some see them as the rational decisions that are necessary to live a safe, comfortable, Western life. Others see them as the root of all evil. So what does that make a vehicle like the Mercedes-Benz Vision GLK Bluetec Hybrid? It's neither SUV or car, it's powered by diesel and/or electricity, and it sits somewhere between outright luxury and downright affordability. And this being a "Vision" model, it's also a compromise between flight of fancy show concept and down to earth production model. Though it's probably only a matter of time before the mall parking lots everywhere are lined with these. So if you want both a diesel-sipper and an off-roader, maybe you should just buy an old VW Rabbit and a Suzuki Samurai. Press release after the jump. More »
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By Mark ArnoldComment by sos10: I predict this car wil go in history as the worst build quality MB. Don't ask me why, but it... more » | Other threads
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geneva motor show
Mercedes C-Class Get Ãœber-Efficient With BlueEFFICIENCY Techology
Nobody was accusing Mercedes of being inefficient, but that didn't stop those German engineers from staying up late with theirslide rulescalculatorssupercomputers named Hans trying to squeeze more efficiency from the new C-Class. Apparently, some of that midnight oil was burned in ze vind tunnel, where the engineers decided to lower the suspension, add smooth underbody panels, and make some other boring tweaks, such sealing gaps and streamlining the side mirrors. To make the car even more dreary, they've fitted it with new tires with 17% less rolling resistance (read: less grip). The transmission has been updated as well, now with a longer final-drive ratio to decrease RPMs at cruising speed. Consider this the antithesis of the axe-murdering AMG C63. Full press release after the jump. More »
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By Mark ArnoldComment by b33g33: I'm intrigued by the tires with less Rolling Resistance. I see a lucrative eBay industry springing up: For Sale: 2... more » | Other threads
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geneva auto show
Citroen C5 Touring Must Be French For "Hard To Fold Seats"
The new Citroen C5 Touring is by all rights a big time traveler: comfy seats, a really nice panoramic skylight, all the modern luxury accoutrements, sleek styling if you're into the French thing, and plenty of toting space. The Achilles heel of the car is the folding seats, though. When the fronts seats are positioned for a 6'-tall driver, things get tough when you want to transform to full-capacity mode. The bottom cushion sort of lifts up, rotates over a bar and then does a face plant behind the front seat in a vertical position. The next step is the seat backs. More »
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By Ben WojdylaComment by KazukiFennec: Or at least, you can order it with such. The base model has traditional suspension. This makes me hope that... more » | Other threads
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geneva motor show
Saab 9-X Is A Hybrid Of Concept And Reality
The Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept is allegedly more than just another far-fetched yet stylish show car. Actually, this vehicle is supposed to hint strongly at an upcoming 9-1. For now, GM claims the car is powered by a 200HP 1.4-liter turbo four-banger, with magical Swedish hippie hybrid trickery. GM also feels the need to tell us that the engine can run on E85— as if that's even newsworthy anymore. No word on where the ignition key will go. But you know how Saab loyalists are about that extra-special quirk. Press release after the jump. More »
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By Mark ArnoldComment by dfwguy: @Bento: What is so intriguing about a "Start" button. Mama's '59 Rambler had a start button AND push button shift. more » | Other threads
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geneva auto show
Geneva Motor Show: You Don't Have to Go Home, But You Can't Stay Here
Oh no, the Swiss are kicking us out of the beloved and espresso machine-equipped press room! Oh, you know, giant autoshow here, no news to report, no press outlets open anywhere in the world right now. How will we go on!?
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By Ben WojdylaComment by DoctorNine's D9 Cat: I've always been suspicious of those Geneva Conventions. more » | Other threads
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geneva auto show
Booth Professionals Of The 2008 Geneva Motor Show
One of the many drawbacks to the auto show system is that there are so many people trying to get access to a car that, occasionally, one of them ends up in the shot. This is especially true of the professionals who are responsible for aiding in the display of the more important models. We call them booth professionals. Every time you try to get a shot of a new car, there's one of them pouting her lips, arching her back or leaning seductively against something. It's a rough life. But rather than let the photos go to waste we've included them here in a gallery so that you can see the hardships we must endure as automotive journalists. Pity us. More »
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By Ben WojdylaComment by Agata: Frankly speaking I'm also always annoying my boyfriend asking to take picture of me in those luxury cars... But some... more » | Other threads
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geneva motor show
Mercedes-Benz CL500 4MATIC, For Those Ski Trips In The Swiss Alps
No, 4MATIC does not mean that the CL500 has a 4-speed slushbox; it actually has Mercedes' 7-speed automatic. 4MATIC is Mercedes' all-wheel-drive system, which makes this the first time ever that the big CL coupe has been fitted with such a drivetrain. That means the V8 will send 55% of its 388 HP and 391 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels, and 45% to the front. The launch to 100 km/h (62mph) takes just 5.4 seconds, but this isn't really a machine intended for stoplight battles. With all that newfound traction, you'll probably want to stuff your Rossignols in the standard equipment ski bag, and head up a wintery alpine road for a weekend on the slopes. Full press release after the jump. More »
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By Mark ArnoldComment by Andreimon: @brandegee: No it shouldn't, CL500 is the European designation of the model. I may be mistaken but i think all... more » | Other threads
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geneva auto show
Opel Meriva Concept Revealed, Hooray For Suicide...Doors
Some of us hold suicide doors closer to heart than others, and Opel seems to be becoming a brand seeking to embrace us in all sorts of suicidally sound door configurations. The Opel Meriva Concept is a heavy hint at the next generation of the mini-minivan offering from Opel and among many features, it's replete with some mighty well-crafted suicide portals. Oh sure, that's not what they are going to call them. We're sure they'll use some kind of excuse like "a negative connotation" or "could cause protests from family groups," but whatever, that's just what everybody is going to call them. It's the way of the world. You don't see a GM car with a truck-bed and think immediately "it's a truck-car." No, you think "Hey, it's an El Camino." We don't care if does happen to be a GMC, the instinctual thought is "El Camino." Where were we? Oh right, the Meriva. More »
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By Ben WojdylaComment by FЯeeMan: @Rock517: definitely designed as a kid hauler - not for those with long legs. Unless they're at the auto... 1 Responses | Other threads
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geneva auto show
2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC 220 CDI Revealed, We Applaud Diesel Goodness
You know you wanted more diesel goodness, well, this is it. As part of the Mercedes march upon Geneva, they've revealed the latest version of the "Sports Coupé with fun factor," the 2009 CLC 220 CDI. Essentially, this is to the C-Class what the CLK is to the E-Class. Which is to say it's a bit confused because while the back of the car seems to have been truncated, it would be hard to call the CLC unanimously ugly. This particular model is probably the one C-Class or variant a buyer should want to buy (unless there's an AMG CLC63 in the future) mostly because the 220 CDI is the better of two diesel engines offered in the lineup. Think of this as more as a frugal micro-GT car rather than completely left-brain transportation. Full press release below the jump. More »
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By Mark ArnoldComment by FЯeeMan: As I was reading the story, I caught this image in the corner of my eye, and I thought the... more » | Other threads
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geneva motor show
Toyota IQ Is The Smartest Production Car At Geneva
We're not making a statement on the overall intelligence of the latest Toyota microcar, the Toyota IQ, but rather a statement on its similarity to a certain other car. In addition to Toyota design and, hopefully, Toyota value, this smallest of cars has a serious advantage over that other intelligent ride: seating capacity. The IQ has a unique 3+1 seating arrangement which makes it suitable for three adults and one child (or two comfortable adults, one contortionist and a magical elf). Price and power are still a mystery, but they're planing production for late 2008 with 100,000 units sold globally. Press release and more pictures below the jump. More »
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Comment by cap2501: @BLS: If I had children, which I don't but we will continue with the hypothetical, than I would be very... more » | Other threads
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geneva motor show
2009 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti in Geneva; Don't Blink, It's the Same on the Outside
The 612 is the prancing horse's strong, silent type; it's about as edgy as a long weekend in the South of France, and just as pricey. That's been the extent of criticism leveled at Ferrari's luxurious tourer. With the 2009 edition, the company left most aspects of the 612 alone, but added a couple of quick updates. They won't likely alter that 612's nondescript feel, but is may make the experience of driving one more Ferrari-like by increment. Like the current model, the 2009 612 is powered by a 5.7-liter V12 producing 532 horsepower and 434 lb-ft of torque. New for next year include updated "Manettino" switch. That's the finagler of the 612's driving dynamics, by way of pre-set combinations of transmission, power output and traction control settings ("Ice," "Low Grip," "Sport," "Race," and "Off). It also gets a modified F1 semiautomatic gearbox, which the company says will provide faster upshifts and those luscious throttle blips for rev matching on downshifts. Those updates won't make a 612 into Mr. Hyde, but then again the 612 isn't the 599GTB. More »
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Comment by instrumentofaction: @drewdraws2: Sorry Drew but you can't drive an automobile in Zermatt. You'll have to climb down off your high horse... more » | Other threads
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geneva auto show
Fab Design Takes Benzes to Eleven In Tastelessness, Your Bank Account To Zero
Just like in the movie Spinal Tap, Fab Design, a tuning company with seemingly no ability to stop once it gets rolling, took something which in principle is a good idea, and ran down a dark and occasionally hilarious path with it. Customizing already high-end Mercedes Benzs seems like it would be pretty tough, and finding ways to out-luxe ze Germans must be one hell of a tall and cumbersome order not easily attainable. How do we know? Well, we're pretty sure these cars are not actually better than that whence they started from, especially considering the price tag. More below the jump. More »
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By Ben WojdylaComment by domino: i may not know as much technical stuff as you guys, but i think you will agree that women know... more » | Other threads
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geneva auto show
Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermès: For When A $1 Million Bugatti Veyron Isn't Exclusive Enough
We're assuming the dime-a-dozen — or 120 million dimes-a-dozen given the $1 million-plus price tag — Bugatti Veyron left some buyers wanting a touch more exclusivity. We mean, what's a Manhattan I-Banker or hedge fund owner going to do to set himself apart from the rest of the masses of über-rich? They do the only reasonable thing, spend an extra $1.3 million on a Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermès. Yes, you heard us right — a total price of over $2.3 million for a special Bugatti Veyron that doesn't even look that much different than the average run-of-the-mill Veyron any poor schmo can buy from any of the nine dealerships strewn across the U.S. of A. But as a connoisseur of the corpulent, you'll know all about the external dollop of Hermes-specific color shades, the fancy "H" emblem wheels and the "Bugatti Fbg par Hermes" inscribed filler door. Oh, and we mustn't forget the fancy-schmancy chicken wire over the radiator intakes. But wait, what's this? Oh no! As you can see in the gallery below, folk who are mere filthy rich are already lining up for one already. Rats, the richest of the richest clans of worldly wealth will have to find something else to sate the desire for douchebaggery. Ooh, we hear the store at The Pierre is selling gold-plated tampons. Let's get some for the missus while the peons here read the press release after the jump. More »
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By Ben WojdylaComment by Hello_Newman: Yeah this is reaching ridiculous money for some badges. Mechanically it's not even different than the standard one and for... more » | Other threads
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geneva motor show
Sportec SP600 Thinks It's So Funny, Plays Tricks on Cameras
There should be a ten commandments for putting on a press reveal at an auto show. They can publish it for all automakers to heed and obey so they know exactly how to get a positive reaction out of their press conference. First and foremost, putting black wheels on a white car should be a hangin' offense. That's followed by a black car on a white surface, high intensity pinpoint lighting and putting barriers, posts, signs etc. close to and around the cars. We can continue with letting kids run around and take up press time, and we could probably rattle off a lot more, but we're just wasting as much time as those damn kids! Wait, we digress. We feel like maybe we should be talking about the Sportec SP600 or something. More »
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By Ben WojdylaComment by beercheck - Commentin' Dirty: @porschephile: BadassityDomainOwner more » | Other threads
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geneva motor show
Spyker C8 Aileron Lifts Flaps In Geneva
Considering Spyker nearly flushed itself into the abyss by way of a cash-draining F1 team (Now Force India), it's good to see the Dutch company brimming with optimism here in Geneva. Just a year ago the company arrived in Switzerland high on Saudi cash and ready to launch a spectacle supercar designed by Zagato. These days, it's a more sober Spyker that showed the C8 Aileron, a Grand Tourer powered by an Audi-sourced 4.2-liter V8 producing 400 horsepower. Set to be priced from around $350,000 less than the C12 Zagato's $650,000 tag, the C8 Aileron is a symbol of the company's new focus and two-thirds less batshit audacity. Still, the company says it will run two Laviolette GT2R's in the 2008 Le Mans Series, and a yet-to-be disclosed entrant in the 24 hours of Le Mans. No word on whether those cars' quick-change hubs will have "Do" and "Undo" directions on them like the C8 Aileron. Press release after the jump. More »
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Comment by bruxell: Oh, I do hope Spyker live long enough to produce this car. It looks just as good as the... more » | Other threads
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geneva motor show
Lotus Europa SE Revealed; Shows Off Pretty Smile, 222 Horsepower
There's no doubt the late-model Lotus Europa is a touring car with neither the punch nor the tautness of an Exige or Elise. But if you've got more than a slice of salami to transport, the Europa is your bastard. Here in Geneva, the company introduced a more upscale model, the SE (you go, 1984 naming conventions, you). It's the Lotus Europa SE and it comes with a more powerful two-liter turbocharged engine, upclocked to 222 horsepower and with 221 lb-ft. That's good for a zero-to-60 time of 5.5 seconds and a 13-second sprint to 100 mph and on up to an estimated 143 mph ceiling. The SE also comes with new wheels, 17" in the front and 18" at the rear, under which reside a set of four pot brakes and larger (308 mm) diameter discs by AP Racing. Lotus Design put its swank thumbprint on the SE's interior, using four whole hides of high-grade leather. All that can be yours for 10 grand over the Europa's equivalent dollar price of $55,000. Go high-profit-margin marketing schemes, go! More »
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Comment by Dennis Murphy: any one else think those lights look like they are off of a 2002-2004 Acura(Read: Fancy honda) RSX? more » | Other threads
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geneva auto show
Lumeneo Smera: 80 MPH EV Gets Geneva Started Down Path Of Weird
Tucked into a lightly trafficked back corner of the show is this awesome little scooter-sized concept car called the Lumeneo Smera. The Smera is asingle seattwo seat (!), super-narrow electric car that fits into the same footprint as most of the scooters Europe's more suicidal drivers use as daily drivers. With those huge windows and Buck Rogers steering wheel, the cabin doesn't feel quite like the claustrophobe's nightmare it should, and while cargo space is tight, it's also not as bad as we'd expected. But, what did meet expectations was the fuel economy and range. The Smera... More »
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By Ben WojdylaComment by loslobros: Proportions look slightly too tall for it's width (although that should be offset by a low actual c-of-g). I might... more » | Other threads
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geneva motor show
2009 Infiniti FX50 Revealed At Poorly-Lit Function
We were told the 2009 Infiniti FX was revealed last night at a swank cocktail function in Geneva. We were told we'd get to see the range-topping 2009 Infiniti FX50 drop deus ex machina-like from the heavens, ready to solve all our problematic desires for a new luxe Car-UV with a phallic-shaped front end. We were told we could gaze upon the curvaceous site-lines and peek at the 380-plus HP 5.0-liter 32-valve DOHC V8 in the FX50 (or dream about the upcoming 2009 Infiniti EX37 and G37 and their lower-powered V6 with details to be released at a later date under the hood) champagne in one hand and DSLR in the other. We were promised all sorts of candies and horns of ram overflowing with all the goodies and morsels we could ever desire. And we were ashamed that we missed such a splendid-sounding event. Oh, the sorrow. But then we heard the event last night had the crappiest lighting ever and everyone's photos came out looking grainy and over-exposed. Luckily we also received "tips" from marketers from a far away land about a website where all the information we would ever need on the new Infiniti crossover was readily accessed and clear of any shade or gloom of night. And thus, we provide you with the non-grainy pictures above and in the gallery below plus a full press release found below the jump. Fear not lover of live shots, we'll have some of those for you shortly. More »
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By Ray WertComment by yellofury :bigger longer and more yellow: going against the Jalop grain and say I think it looks rather nice alot better than the Murano and the... more » | Other threads
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geneva auto show
Webasto LigHT Concept Has Light Top, Accurate Name
We were confused and astounded at the claim of a soft top on the Webasto LigHT Concept weighing in at a mere 28 lb., so we decided to go check it out for ourselves. Seems the innovators at Webasto made the simple into reality. They just took everything out of the top that wasn't needed. All the rollover protection is transferred to the integrated headrest roll hoops and the latches are mounted on either the windscreen or the trunk. The roof itself works sort of like one of those wood-cut snakes you played with as a kid. The ones that get rigid as it folds onto itself, and then when folded onto the trunk it lays down without argument. More »
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By Ben WojdylaComment by dculberson: I can't help but read their name as We-stab-o instead of Webasto. It's just more amusing. more » | Other threads
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geneva motor show
Fiat 500 Abarth Revealed: Still Small, Now With Added "Wicked"
While we feel as if we're no stranger to the new Abarth-tuned Fiat 500 — we've seen all the press shots, seen all the leaked specs and even seen a gigantic Fiat-pooping 500 — it doesn't compare to seeing it in person. Here's our first glimpse at the tarted-up Abarth 500, and although not as cute as the cinquecento, it's still as adorable as the base model. And now there's even 33% more power to love as the folks at the Turin-founded and now Fiat-owned Abarth have turbo'ed that 1.4-liter gas engine, bumping the power up from the meek 100 bhp (as Ben found out in his test drive of Fiat's 2007 small hotness) to 135 bhp at 5500 rpm. That power-play gives the 500 a 0-to-62 mph grade of 8.2 seconds. Not too shabby and definitely allows the remnants of the Abarth family to rest easy knowing the "small but wicked" past continues into the present. Full press release after the jump. More »
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By Ray WertComment by HaukKollenda: Sign me up!!!!! I"ve always wanted a really cool go kart! We Americans need to realize that it's... more » | Other threads
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geneva motor show
Mercedes AMG SL63 Debuts in Geneva
We've been waiting for the 6.2-liter AMG V8 version of the Mercedes SL like that famous dog in Scotland who waited at the train station for his dead master to arrive. Of course AMG is no dead master, as it were. It's a cornucopia of major mechanicals, of which its latest naturally aspirated V8 is most definitely one. Now, were those boys to build a rockcrusher manual or manumatic tranny that can handle this beast without leaving bits along the autobahn, and ditch the autobox... why, we'd have more car than the average real-estate developer in Orange County could handle. Oh wait... they did. It's the new seven-speed, twin-clutch SpeedShift MCT (Multi-Clutch Transmission) box, which ships with with four drive modes. That means faster shifts to go with the pleasing throttle blips when going back down. Time for those Wire Brush (TM) brand hair plugs, Bob. More »
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Comment by Aaron Martin-Colby: Does anyone else think that the front is a mess? It's a big letdown after the gorgeous current model. more » | Other threads
2008 geneva motor show
Detroit, 3:54 PM
Fri Jul 10
27 posts in the last 24 hours
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