[ABChina]

We're not modern European traffic law standards scholars, but we're assuming there is a 50 cc quadracycle kind of niche carved out below regular cars as kei cars work in Japan. This particular one has a 50 cc license plate which we assume means a 49 cc scooter motor and you can see the CVT poking out the bottom. I suppose if you don't want to put up with the wind and maybe have an inner ear infection causing vertigo and mild insanity, this makes sense.

Look, the Ferrari is dirty! It's parked next to a curb. Its down there in the grit and dirt just like every other car. We never thought we'd see the day, but there it is.

[via Fiat's Flickr page]

Maserati presents the GranTurismo S

Modena - February 26th, 2008. A year after the unveiling of the GranTurismo, Maserati will be back at the Geneva International Motorshow with yet another world premiere, the GranTurismo S. The ultimate expression of the Trident coupé's sportiness shifts the emphasis onto performance and driving enjoyment.

Two main novelties are at the heart of the new Maserati: the 440 HP V8 4.7 engine and the electro-actuated gearbox with fast MC-Shift arranged in the Transaxle layout typical of high-performance sports cars that represents the technological DNA of all Maseratis.

The GranTurismo S makes use of the high-performance brake system developed in collaboration with Brembo and introduced for the first time in the automotive field on the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S. The system features front brake discs made with dual-cast technology - a dual casting of cast iron and aluminum, paired with aluminum mono-bloc 6-piston brake calipers, ensuring optimized braking performance.

On the exterior the Maserati GranTurismo S is characterised by a number of aesthetic modifications that, although discrete, are highly effective and make the car body appear sportier without abandoning the sleekness of the lines masterfully designed by Pininfarina.

The interior upholstered in Poltrona Frau leather and Alcantara reflects the sporty flair of the Maserati GranTurismo S; the figure-hugging front and rear seats are distinguished by their new dynamic design with horizontal piping on the seats and seatbacks

MORE ON THIS STORY:

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• Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Official Shots Leaked!
• 
  
• Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Caught Ahead of Geneva Motor Show Unveiling
• 
  

RENAULT ANNOUNCES DETAILS OF NEW LAGUNA GT AHEAD OF
GENEVA MOTOR SHOW WORLD PREMIERE

* New high-performance GT versions of New Laguna Hatch and Sport Tourer to debut at Geneva Motor Show
* Featuring Active Drive chassis with four-wheel-steering
* Exclusively available with 205hp two-litre turbo petrol engine or 180hp two-litre diesel - both making their debut in New Laguna
* New versions feature numerous sport styling touches, including: lateral air-intakes and larger front grille, new 18-inch alloy wheels, smoked rear light clusters and black background to the headlamps
* Inside, the new models boast GT-embossed leather/alcantara sports seats, drilled aluminium pedals, aluminium gearknob and GT steering wheel
* Pricing, specification and technical information to be made available nearer to UK launch in April 2008

Laguna GT introduces the new Active Drive chassis with four-wheel-steering and two exclusive high-performance engines in the form of the diesel 2.0 dCi 180hp and the petrol 2.0 turbo 205hp. Available in Hatchback and Sport Tourer, Laguna GT combines quality with performance, safety and driving pleasure.

Not only does the Active Drive chassis with four-wheel-steering break new ground on the sporting saloon market but it also brings a long list of benefits that combine to reach new heights in driveability and active safety. These include enhanced manoeuvrability, sharpened dynamic response and unmatched steering precision giving the driver truly intuitive control in cornering. In town and on winding roads, the car is easy to drive: agile and precise. The Active Drive chassis with four-wheel-steering also excels in active safety, both under difficult braking conditions and during avoidance manoeuvres at speed.

Sleek and distinctive, Laguna GT delivers a unique and unprecedented blend of driving pleasure and peace of mind with a three-year 100,000 mile warranty.

Distinctive GT styling
Laguna GT's stylish looks express an elegance that goes much further than ability alone. The car's sporting character is underpinned by lateral air-intakes in the front bumper, a larger front grille and black background to the headlamps. Laguna GT sits on specific 225/45 Bridgestone Potenza tyres, the DNA of which can be traced back to Formula 1, with new 18-inch 'Celsium' alloy wheels. Braking power is provided by larger 320mm diameter discs at the front and 300mm discs at the rear.

The promise of the Active Drive chassis is also identified by the aerodynamically designed sills which extend from the front of the car to twin tailpipes at the rear. GT attributes run through to every last detail, such as the gloss black door mirrors and smoked rear lights.

Sports interior
As well as appearing outside on the B- pillar, the exclusive GT logo is also embossed into the light grey alcantara on the backrests of the front seats. As on all Laguna versions, the interior design exudes an impressive sense of comfort and quality for all occupants. Sports design details abound highlighting the GT version: drilled aluminium pedals, aluminium gearshift knob, leather and alcantara upholstery, increased lateral support on the front seats and a specific GT steering wheel. Close attention has been paid to materials and finish, true to the car's unwavering commitment to pure driving pleasure.

GT power
In addition to delivering best-in-class performance, driveability and acoustics, the very latest evolution of the 2.0 dCi engine yields an increased peak power of 180hp at 3,750rpm, while peak torque of 400Nm is available from 2,000rpm. Laguna GT is also available with a turbo-charged version of the two-litre 16-valve petrol unit boasting 205hp at 5,000rpm and a peak torque of 300Nm from 3,000rpm.

With its Active Drive chassis and specific engines, this is a car for demanding motorists. Laguna GT takes up a unique position on the sports saloon market, offering a sensational driving experience with total peace of mind.

Laguna GT will be unveiled at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. Pricing, specification and technical information to be made available nearer to UK launch in April 2008.

ENDS

Three SOUL concepts to reveal 'fun' side of Kia

Defying traditional automotive classification, three new SOUL concept cars to be unveiled by Kia at the Geneva Show on 4 March, will reveal a whole new individual and fun direction for the Korean brand.

The trio of concepts are closely related to an upcoming production model that doesn't fit into the usual motor industry brackets and will encourage a whole new breed of Kia customers to build an emotional bond with their new car and with the brand.

The SOUL concepts will introduce 'a world of possibilities' for customising and personalisation to future Kia customers that will be delivered by the new model with its special appeal to the young-at-heart - whatever their age!

The SOUL Burner (shown here) is the 'bad boy' of the concept trio complete with satin black finish and gloss dragon tattoos...

- ENDS -

This all new cute-ute from Gothenburg will look to steal sales away from the BMW X3, Acura RDX and the Mercedes GLK. Most sources seem to have the XC60 sharing underpinnings with Land Rover's LR2. That would mean a 3.2L I6 kicking out 230 horsepower and 234 ft lbs.

We'd be remiss if we didn't mention that massive new grille with the larger-than-ever Volvo badge. A design feature that will surely have Austin Powers scrambling to place an order. We hear official press photos, and possibly first drive reviews, will be released on Wednesday, February 20. Look for the debut of the XC60 Tuesday, March 4 at the Geneva Motor Show. [via The Hollywood Extra]

Press Release:

NEW COUPÉ-CABRIOLET TO COMPLETE THE NEW FORD FOCUS FAMILY
2008 Ford Focus Coupé-Cabriolet (Europe)
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* Restyled Focus Coupé-Cabriolet debuts at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show
* New Focus front end with 'kinetic design' styling
* Enhanced interior with high quality materials and new instruments
* Best-in-class Coupé Cabriolet luggage compartment volume with roof up and down
* Coupé Cabriolet completes the line-up of new Focus bodystyles, comprising 3-door, 4-door, and 5-door Sedans as well as Wagon
* Ultra-stiff body to support driving dynamics and steering precision

Cologne, 5 February 2008 - The new four-seater Ford Focus Coupé-Cabriolet will have its public debut at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. The new model joins the three-door, four-door, five-door, wagon and sporty ST models, extending the comprehensive new Focus range and offering the greatest variety of bodystyles for a single vehicle line within the Ford of Europe portfolio. As a final addition to the exciting and fully comprehensive Focus range, the all-new Ford Focus RS high performance model will be launched in 2009.

The newly designed Focus Coupé-Cabriolet with its retractable hardtop will once again be manufactured at the Bairo plant of Pininfarina, Ford's partner in designing, engineering and building the Focus Coupé-Cabriolet. This stylish vehicle is a true four-seater that combines a high emotional appeal with "must have" means for everyday use: With the roof closed, new Focus Coupé-Cabriolet offers a best-in-class luggage capacity of 534 litres. Even with the retractable hardtop stowed in the boot, the new Ford provides a voluminous 248 litres of luggage space under the folded roof.

"As with the generic new Ford Focus, with the Focus Coupé-Cabriolet we also felt the importance of aligning this charismatic vehicle with our 'kinetic design' language as soon as possible," said Stephen Odell, Vice President Marketing, Sales and Service at Ford of Europe.

'Kinetic Design' Styling

"The new Ford Focus Coupé-Cabriolet is a special blend: We felt that the new very 'kinetic' front end design will perfectly complement the timelessly-elegant, Italian flavoured profile and rear end design. The result is a perfect mix of latest level Focus dynamics and the special Coupé-Cabriolet design execution that we had already developed jointly with Pininfarina," said Chris Bird, Design Director at Ford of Europe.

The entire front end design of the new Ford Focus was fully adopted for the Coupé-Cabriolet: The new three-dimensional bonnet design flows harmoniously into the iconic dual-trapezoidal-grille design, with both the upper and lower grille being equipped with a classy chrome surrounding. The front bumper, lights and front fender designs clearly reflect the latest dynamic Focus styling, but are also tailored to perfectly fit the elegant side view of the Coupé-Cabriolet.

The interior styling of the new Focus Coupé-Cabriolet also received a fresh approach with bold design statements, high quality finishes and hard-wearing materials all completed with a high level of craftsmanship. Most prominent for the driver is a new instrument cluster of a 'binocular' style with instruments illuminated in red.

As with the new Focus, the Coupé-Cabriolet also benefits from the flow through centre stack to the standard 'premium' centre console with an increased stowage volume of approximately 4 litres and a sliding armrest with a travel of 80 mm, both contributing to increased comfort and convenience.

New Technology

A number of new standard driver assistance features have been introduced on all new Focus models with further technology options, and will also be introduced to the Coupé-Cabriolet.

These features include:

* Available 'Ford Power' button for keyless start, plus keyless entry system
* Standard emergency hazard warning light activation system (Info: except Finland and Sweden)
* New optional Tyre Deflation Detection System (DDS)
* New audio connectivity module for external devices and new levels of Bluetooth ® and USB connectivity, voice control and navigation systems
* New navigation systems include an affordable navigation option with 'SD' card slot as well as a DVD based system with 7" colour touchscreen
* Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB) tuner on Sony radio system available

Powertrains and Series

A fine range of Duratec petrol and Duratorq diesel engines was chosen for the Focus Coupé-Cabriolet: While the 1.6-litre 100 PS/74 kW Duratec petrol is the entry level into the Focus 'wind-in-the-hair' experience, the well acclaimed 2.0-litre 145 PS/107 kW Duratec HE engine is available with a choice of a sporty 5-speed manual transmission or the very comfortable FN automatic transmission for relaxed cruising joy.

The 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi engine has 136 PS (100 kW) and a maximum torque of 320 Nm. To make driving with the 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi engine even more refined and comfortable, specific improvements have been made to its Sound quality and vibration behaviour. This engine - along with all other Ford Focus petrol and diesel engines - benefits from a new insulated, weight reduced cowl panel, for optimum acoustics and a new carpet with a modified heavy duty coating for further sound deadening.

In terms of the series availability, the new Focus Coupé-Cabriolet is once again available with a well equipped entry 'Trend' specification, which can also be ordered in conjunction with a special 'Sport' pack, covering a sport suspension and specially designed 17"-alloy wheels. Black tinted headlamp housings on the exterior emphasise the sporty appearance of this series.

The top-of-the-range 'Titanium' series also features exterior details like specially designed 17"-alloys and the black headlamp housings, but also classy interior items like the standard partial leather seats. As an option, full leather seats in three different designs are available.

High Safety Standards

A very stiff body shell construction and a precise suspension and steering tuning are the active and solid base for the new Focus Coupé-Cabriolet's safety package. As a part of Ford PrecisionDrive, it helps drivers to intuitively rely on their Ford car in any driving situation. In addition to this very convincing package, ESP has now been introduced to be standard in all European major markets, and compliments the very capable four-disc braking system with EBA.

Also the passive safety starts with an ultra stiff body shell and a rigid passenger safety cell. Without a regular sedan roof structure however, front crash load paths for the Focus Coupé-Cabriolet had to be redistributed behind the A-pillars into the door structure.

As a result, these load paths were significantly reinforced by using high strength HSS 2 steel and increasing the rocker height by 35mm. The load path through the door structure can carry loads up to seven tons - comparable with the cumulated load capability of a Focus 4-door at the roof and door structures.

In addition to standard front and side airbags, Ford's new Rollover Protection Device (RPD) system plays a vital role in increasing Focus Coupé-Cabriolet's passive safety performance. RPD is designed to help protect passengers in the unlikely event that the vehicle rolls over. Electronic sensors and a gyroscope are at the heart of the system, and can detect an impending rollover. When this happens, two ultra-strong safety roll bars "fire" into position within a tenth of a second. Combined with the reinforced A-pillars and the highly rigid front window frame, RPD is a reassuring device that provides valuable extra protection for occupants.

The high priests of Sant'Agata have dispatched a messenger with their latest proclamation. We'll paraphrase. "And shall it be so, that the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera will be one sporty MF. It shall be 150 pounds or so lighter and its engine computer will be remapped. Further, improved volumetric efficiency will be achieved through reduced intake load losses and by exhaust backpressures [better exhaust - ed.], such that it will produce 530 hp." See you in Geneva, my liege. – Mike Spinelli

Press Release:

Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera

- The sportiest and most 'purist' Gallardo ever
- The new more powerful and lightweight series leader

Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy — With the Gallardo Superleggera, Automobili Lamborghini presents an uncompromisingly high-performance sports car. Thanks to increased power (an additional 10 hp) and a 100 kg reduction in weight (USA 70 kg), the new range-leading Gallardo Superleggera is even more dynamic than the already very sporty Gallardo. The weight/power ratio of the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera is only 2.5 kg/hp, which puts it unquestionably at the top.

The Superleggera also has the fastest acceleration in its class. It needs only 3.8 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph); 0.2 seconds less than the basic model, and boasting speed and grit under other driving conditions.

The Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera is an extremely high-performance car: it includes a standard robotized mechanical 'e-gear' gearbox that guarantees shifting without removing hands from the steering wheel. The new Gallardo Superleggera can be ordered through the dealer network starting March 2007: production volumes will be restricted to lower numbers than the standard Gallardo.

More power thanks to technological developments

The Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera's engine is the latest version of Lamborghini's well-known 4,961 cm3 V10. Now 530 hp is reached in 8,000 min-1. The increase in power was made possible by the engine's improved volumetric efficiency through reduced intake load losses and by exhaust backpressures, together with optimized electronic control. Naturally, emission levels observe the strict EURO 4 and LEV II standards.

Higher power thanks to lighter construction

Lamborghini engineers decreased the Lamborghini Gallardo's already low weight when empty (1,430 kg) by another 100 kg using advanced materials and technologies. The engine hood is made of visible carbon fiber and transparent polycarbonate, a type of material that guarantees lightness and also shows off the magnificent V10. The rear diffuser and underbody covering, the rearview mirrors, door panels and the central tunnel's covering are also made of carbon fiber. Further reductions in weight were achieved by replacing certain glass surfaces with transparent polycarbonate. For the interior, monocoque carbon fiber sports seats covered in Alcantara were chosen to ensure restraint of the driver and passenger during the intense lateral accelerations that the Gallardo Superleggera is capable of achieving around curves.

Exclusive specification and options range

A comprehensive specification and extensive range of options will be available, with some exclusive to the Superleggera. The Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera comes with robotized mechanical e-gear as standard; a sports package including shock absorbers; and special suede-covered steering wheel. The car is available in four colors: Midas Yellow, Borealis Orange, Telesto Gray and Noctis Black. Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires (standard) on new Scorpius forged rims accentuate the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera. A few of the options that can be requested include the multimedia system with navigator and CD-changer; a rear video camera to make parking easier (with optional rear wing only); a Carbon accessories kit for the interior; a fixed rear spoiler; a four-point seatbelt (not for USA); tubular rear frame or fitting points for later inclusion (not for USA, Japan or Middle East); and carbon-ceramic brakes.

Related:
Bullish on Lightness: The Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera [internal]

According to the Italian motoring press, Lamborghini's rolling out a lightened version of its Gallardo at the Geneva show. It's the Superleggera (literally, "super light"), and it's getting that way (minus 220 pounds) via a few choice carbon fiber body-panel replacements and a stripped interior. The V10's getting a 10-hp boost to 530 hp, and all-wheel drive, and its commensurate weight liability, will remain. Nonetheless, it'll reportedly be quicker than the standard model, with a reported zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) time of 3.8 seconds, vs 4.2 seconds. The lightened bull will likely be a worthy adversary for Ferrari's new, similarly de-weighted F430 Challange Stradale, though we'd have to see them head to head Monza to make a proper determination. Preferably while sipping a Campari and soda. – Mike Spinelli

Lamborghini Gallardo "Superleggera" Geneva Sneak Preview: 10hp more, 100 kg less [Carscoop]

Related:
Membership has its Privilegio: Lamborghini's New Special Edition Gallardo [internal]

Italian design and coachworks Zagato revealed its latest big-bux reskinning. It's called the Ottovu Project, and it celebrates 100 years of the Diatto marque, which once stood for kingly and queenly rides and motorsports endeavors. Zagato and Diatto were sometime collaborators in the 1920s, with papa Ugo building bodies for Diatto chassis. The Ottovu , set for a Geneva debut, will likely have Maserati V8 power, supercharged of course. Which Italian viscount or American investment banker commissioned this one? We'll have to wait and see. – Mike Spinelli

[via Zagato]

Related:
Zagato-Tuned Spyker C12 La Turbie to Show in Geneva [internal]

Chrysler Group's been pushing the Dodge brand to the European market in hardcore fashion. Take as most recent evidence the new Dodge Demon roadster prototype the company's planning to roll out at the Geneva show next month. For visual guidance, picture a Mazda MX-5 birthed in the seventh ring of Hell (home to the violent types). And that's fitting, because Chrysler Group's design guru Trevor Creed has the MX-5 buyer in his crosshairs. Dodgeification's been achieved by way of the signature grille, which appears to have been crammed wholesale onto a Porsche Boxster that's strayed, ass-first, into the path of a band saw. Under the hood is Chrysler's 2.4-liter world engine, producing 172 hp and 165 lb-ft, with power going to the rear wheels. Whither the SRT version powered by the Crossfire's V6? Don't press your luck. Press release after the jump. – Ray Wert

Press Release:

Dodge Demon Roadster Concept - Simple Soul, Artful Attitude Make for Radical Results

Geneva - The Dodge Demon concept is a compact, nimble "roadster with an attitude," a perfect balance of classic sports car proportion and simplicity blended with modern design and performance.

"While the iconic Dodge Viper is a dream car for many, the Dodge Demon is designed to be an attainable dream car," said Jae Chung - Dodge Demon Principal Exterior Designer, Chrysler Group. "The exterior design is simple yet bold, featuring an energetic combination of curves and intersecting planes."

The bodyside of the Dodge Demon main character line flows up and over the front wheel, then drops diagonally to an angular color-keyed vent on the rear fender that directs cooling air to the rear brakes. In similar fashion, the compound rear fender surface curves up and over the rear wheel, sweeping into a broad diagonal plane extending to the taillamp. The resulting muscular fender form projects boldly beyond the main body, underscoring that the Dodge Demon concept is a rear-wheel-drive machine.

The rear surface of the body is divided into three planes with two chamfered outboard planes, dominated by long, tapering trapezoidal taillamps. The taillamps sport translucent red inset lenses that surround LED back-up lamps.

Up front, the signature Dodge crosshair grille is stuffed into an aggressive, menacing, trapezoidal opening that thrusts boldly forward.

Set into elongated angled triangles, the projector headlamps, delineated by bright rings, are set into black chrome bezels, giving the front end mean-looking "eyes" that accentuate the grille opening. Encompassing the upper portions of the front fenders and sporting two recessed air outlets, the Dodge Demon's hood is hinged at the front, adding a just-for-fun performance-car look and feel.

Featuring an open-spoke design, the wheels are pushed to the corners of the body for a dramatic stance and capable performance. The 19-inch brushed aluminum wheels are set into assertive, asymmetrical openings that reprise the body's playful combination of curves and planes.

The beltline kicks up at the rear and into the higher deck lid contour, giving the lucky occupants an encapsulated, protective feeling.

"In the manner of timeless British sports cars, the interior of the Dodge Demon is purposely functional, not frivolous," said Dan Zimmermann - Dodge Demon Principal Interior Designer. "Everything relating to the driving experience is emphasized, while that which is not is made visually secondary.

"The well laid out instrument panel, for example, is familiar, yet modern. Everything you really need - the gauges, circular AC outlets, radio - is encapsulated in a cross-car brushed aluminum bezel that also accentuates the width of the cabin. Secondary controls and features, such as the HVAC knobs and the passenger-side glove box, are located below this bezel," Zimmerman added.

In a similar functional manner, the floor console is deliberately not a part of, or attached to, the instrument panel. The console is dominated by the squat ready-at-hand silver and black manual shift knob, and its leather boot is set into a bright trim ring. The wide, brushed aluminum console bezel also incorporates the recessed emergency brake handle, with the window switch gear, softly lit cup holders and 12V power outlet organized into a graphically unified shape. The upper portion of the instrument panel, including the cluster brow, is accented by a stitched seam with contrasting silver thread.

"Each of these features is set flush, or nearly flush, with the bezel surface so as to establish a 'clear zone' for the driver's shift arm in all seating positions, with nothing in the way of the driving experience," Zimmerman said.

The raised plateau at the rear of the console incorporates a covered storage bin - with a lid that serves as an armrest between shifts - while the portion of the console extending under the instrument panel has an open bin handy for incidentals.

The steering wheel employs an aluminum open-spoke design with each of the three spokes intersecting the small circular hub for a timeless sports car look. The wheel rim itself is brushed aluminum on the inside, complemented with stitched vinyl on the outer rim. Immediately forward of the wheel, the four-gauge cluster features classic white-on-black dials with graphics inspired by sports watches. Each circular gauge is set handsomely inside a finely detailed silver and chrome bezel ring, while gauge pointers are colored to match the exterior.

The doors feature durable, vertical grab handles, each anchored to a silver bezel housing the chrome door remote handle. The lower portion of each door features a stylish brushed aluminum bezel that encapsulates the large circular speaker grille and then drops sharply as it moves rearward to form the map pocket outer panel, mimicking a feature line on the car's exterior.

The Dodge Demon's seats feature contoured bolsters that are just high enough to provide support when cornering, yet do not hinder ingress or egress. Set in exposed low-gloss carbon fiber shells, the black seats with integral head restraints feature inserts of textured "Momentum" fabric mated to fabric bolsters, with specific sew lines accented by silver thread. Individual brushed aluminum and carbon fiber roll bars are positioned directly behind the bucket seats. With long seat tracks, there is ample storage behind the seats. Additional covered storage is provided in the bulkhead between the seats.

The Dodge Demon concept is an affordable Dodge sports car which merges brand cues of bold design and powerful performance with an open-air "fun-to-drive" attitude.

PRELIMINARY TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions are in inches (millimeters) unless otherwise noted.

Engine: 2.4-liter petrol World Engine
Maximum Power: 172 hp SAE (128 kW) @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 165 lb.-ft. (224 Nm) @ 4400 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
Overall Length: 156.5 (3974)
Overall Width (max. @ body): 68.3 (1736)
Overall Height: 51.8 (1315)
Wheelbase: 95.6 (2429)
Overhang, Front: 30.6 (777)
Overhang, Rear: 30.3 (769)
Curb Weight (estimated): 2600 lbs. (1179 kg)
Tire Size, Front/Rear: 58.7 (1491)
Wheel Size: 19 x 8 in.
Outer Diameter: 25.2 (640)
Exterior Color: Bright Amber Pearl
Interior Color: Carbon Black

Related:
Sharpening the Razor: New Dodge Roadster Coming to Geneva Show? [internal]

Donkervoort, Holland's answer to the UK's Caterham, is working up a fixed-roof GT version of its speedy D8 roadster. Like the D8, the GT is fitted with scissor doors (natch), and powered by Audi's 1.8T 20V engine, offered in a range of rated horsepower (180 to 270). It'll also get the same ultralight chassis and suspension components. Unlike the roadster it'll come with an aero kit of carbon-fiber diffusers, and then there's that roof, all to make it more conducive to serious track-day flogging sessions and perhaps even serious competition. The Donks say they can build around 50 GTs per year, making them rarer than a parliament minister in a hash bar. We'll see it in Geneva next March. – Mike Spinelli

[via Autovisie]

Related:
Holland's Donkervoort Supercar Outguns a Carrera GT [internal]

The Swiss concept-car scientists at Rinspeed are readying another experiment in materials chemistry for the Geneva show this year — this time in honor of their 30th anniversary. It's called the eXasis — a "glass car" made from the latest plastics. While the errant upper-case letter in its name denotes super high-tech, its transparent, cigar-shaped body and open wheels do so equally well, as designers reimagined the legendary Auto Union racers of the 1930s in the form of a modern Baja-1000 off-road vehicle (their words, not ours). It weighs only around 1650 lbs, and is powered by a supercharged, twin-cylinder 750 cc engine configured to run on bioethanol, which is like gas, only with more muesli. Click through for suitably inflated language after the jump. – Mike Spinelli

Press Release:

A "Glass Car" Made from Plastic

World premiere at the Geneva Auto Show 2007 for the Company's 30th Anniversary

Is it just a clever 3-D projection or maybe a mirage of a four-wheel art object? Or is it actually a real car sitting there? Some visitors to this year's Geneva Auto Show (March 8th thru 18th) will ask themselves just these questions when faced with the new fully transparent Rinspeed creation "eXasis." The insect-like body and even the floor pan of the seemingly "glass" concept car from the renowned Swiss powerhouse for new designs and ideas actually consist of a transparent high-tech plastic with a tinge of pale yellow.

The "eXasis" has open wheels, a cigar-shaped body with fore and aft tandem seating, and has elements of the legendary Auto Union race cars from the first half of the last century combined with a modern Baja-1000 off-road vehicle.

The transparency "dematerializes" the car to a large extent. Behind the seemingly fading matter the spirit of the "eXasis" reveals itself: The ideas, thoughts and imagination that were the basis of its development. For Rinspeed boss Frank M. Rinderknecht the "eXasis" symbolizes this development process, a process that takes immaterial spirit and turns it into matter, transforms a mere vision into a concrete car: "And in all its transparency the "eXasis" still seems as if it hadn't arrived fully yet in the material world."

Definitely part of the material world is the engine of the concept car: A compact and powerful two-cylinder 750-cc engine provides some 150 environmentally friendly horsepower for swift conveyance. Bioethanol that reduces CO2 emissions powers the tiny supercharged engine. With a projected vehicle weight of just 750 kilograms thanks to plastic lightweight construction each horsepower has to account for just five kilograms - on a level with a Porsche.

Altogether these figures give plenty of reasons to expect of loads of driving fun and numerous visionary technologies and innovations from Rinspeed's "eXasis." A very special thrill will be the view through the transparent floor pan - it will be an absolutely unique anniversary ride.

Related:
More on Rinspeed [internal]

Look in your rearview Ariel Atom, KTM's nearly done with its pure-sports concept, which the Austrian motorcycle concern will show off in Geneva next March. It's called the the X-Bow, and it'll be powered by an Audi-sourced engine of some displacement and weigh slightly over 1,500 pounds. Price is expected to be in the $50,000 range. Rumor has it the car will be built by Italian motorsports firm, Dallara, which builds the Audi R10 racer's monocoques. We'll get the whole debut spiel as the Geneva show gets closer. – Mike Spinelli

[via Motorionline]

Related:
Let's Go Austrian: More News on the KTM Car [internal]

While European football moms wait by their Skype phones for word Citroen's seven-seater C4 Picasso minivan/MPV's been unveiled at the Paris motor show, Carscoop procured shots of what looks to be that car's smaller sibling — the five-seater Picasso. Word is the model will see its star turn at next year's Geneva show. The cameraphone shots appear to have been taken inside some manner of Citroen facility, where employees are enjoying a nice absinthe break. At least we'd like to think they are.

Scoop : 2007 Citroen C4 Picasso 5 Seat [Carscoop]

Related:
Citroen's Blue Period: The Picasso [internal]

The shots of VW's new Tigger Tiger Iguana Tiguan are coming fast and furious now that V-dub's new small SUV is out and about for shakedown testing. Its lighly applied disguise cladding can't hide what's to come: a split difference between the Golf and Touareg. Will it take the new Acura RDX and recently regiggered Land Rover Freelander to task in the coming mini-luxo-ute wars of 2008, or will it come in further down-market in the RAV4 zone? Place your bets.

SPY PHOTOS: VW Tiguan [World Car Fans]

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Tigers and Iguanas and Volkswagens, Oh My! - Spy Photos: VW Tiguan SUV [internal]

Looks like the Maserati boys are cooking up a new GT — though with that duckbill front-end disguise, it looks more like a new take on the Bricklin. Spies caught a prototype during cold-weather testing in Sweden. Sources say the new coupe version — with a longer wheelbase for more rear legroom — will debut at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show. A new version of the Ferrari-bred 4.2-liter V8, bored out to 5.0 liters said to produce 470hp, will power the new model, while the Quattroporte's Cambiocorsa clutchless gearbox will swap cogs. No word on whether a rumored Pininfarina-sourced spider version will join it in the land of good chocolates and bad wifi.

Spy Shots: 2007 Maserati GT Coupe [The Car Connection]

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More on Maserati [internal]

No, that's not a shot of some fatal Mercedes-on-Zorro accident. It's an amateur pic of a new Mercedes C-Class sedan that apparently lost its disguise on the A1 autobahn, nearly a year from its unveiling at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show. With all that clothing thrown to the floor, it's easy to see how similar the new, entry Mercedes will be to its S-Class sibling. We're just glad Don Diego de la Vega was nowhere near the scene.

New Mercedes C-Class Sheds Disguise on Autobahn [World Car Fans]

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Europeans may soon see a new, highly efficient runabout that's as stylish as a Swedish end-table and is as aerodynamically acute as a Trident missle, and gets 157 miles per gallon of diesel. That production car would be based on the LS concept from Bavaria's Loremo AG, an oddly reminiscent 2+2 coupe that's powered by a 1.5-liter, two cylinder oil burner that produces 20hp (not a typo). It's no runner, this, with zero-to-sixty times in the whoops-I-just-got-run-over-by-a-logging-truck range of 20 seconds, but it can reportedly hit 99 mph, an eventuality best measured in glacial periods. Still, at a price of under 10,000 quid (don't bother doing the currency exchange), it's a car of the people (as slow as people, more like) that's insanely great on gas.

2006 Loremo LS Concept [Serious Wheels]

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Perspective Shift: Greener Cars from Treehugger, March 2 [internal]

Swiss Porsche tuner Sportec showed up in Geneva last week with its latest tarmac scorcher, a thoroughly juiced Porsche 911 with 800 hp and a top speed somewhere approaching Koenigsegg territory. The Sportec SPR1, the product of cryptically worded mods, including "manufactured drive components and axles," "electrically adjustable high-performance chassis," and a "luxuriously dimensioned brake system," can do the old zero-to-62 in 3.0 seconds and hit 124 mph in 8.7 seconds. No word on price, but figure lots of zeros to counterbalance all the stratospheric performance numbers. More pics after the jump.

More at World Car Fans

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Sportec-Tuned Porsche Cayenne, World s Fastest SUV [internal]

We simply must apologize to the Morgan people for missing their model debut in Geneva (that's it, next year we bring the entourage). The UK company launched its new, four-seat roadster that didn't forget the family (what was that ad for again?). In a slight departure from the old Morgan Plus 4, which was offered with 2+2 seating, the Morgan 4 has full-size seats in the rear that fold down for cargo. It's offered with a range of Ford Duratec engines from a 145 bhp 2.0-liter four to a 3.0-liter six producing 223bhp, and base prices range from the UK equivalent of $54,000 to $68,000.

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Morgan to Unveil Four-Place Car in Geneva [internal]

World Car Fans caught a shot of someone who looks an awful lot like BMW's design chief Chris Bangle checking out the wares at Ferrari's Geneva show display. Will his next generation of Bimmers be influenced by the swooping lines of Pininfarina's Ferrari 599GTB Fiorano, or by the roundels on the model's blouse. Enquiring minds, and all that.

Bangle at Ferrari [World Car Fans]

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Jalopnik Learns at the Foot of Bangle; Ride the Pentagrams: Ferrari Launches 599 GTB Fiorano [internal]

We nearly forgot to mention the Geneva coming-out party for the Acabion GTBO, whose streamlined comportment looked like something from the centerfold of Guided Ordinance Aficionado. We heard tales of the twin-seat, Suzuki Hayabusa—powered Swiss moto-rocket (prototype) hitting 280 mph at half throttle, accelerating from 180 mph to 280 mph in 10 seconds, and a potential for up to 700 hp (which would make the top speed, what, 600 mph?). It's the product of a 45-year-old engineer, who once worked for Mercedes, Porsche and BMW. The project cost something like 30 million euro, and the hand-made finished "works" will be priced in the neighborhood of $600,000. Anyone want to write the maestro a check?

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Hayabusa-Powered Trike-Thingy: The Martino Kamikaze [internal]

Chrysler showed off its Hornet subcompact concept this week in Geneva, now AutoWeek reports the company is looking to build it in partnership with a European or Japanese partner. We'd heard a new, sub-Caliber entry Dodge would come from the company's partnership with Volkswagen, which will manifest in a new VW minivan due in 2008 — that consideration was confirmed by Chrysler CEO Tom LaSorda in Geneva. But we also heard a rumor that Chrysler could tap former small-car partner Mitsubishi for its European Colt platform. Sticker on such a car would likely start in the $12,000 range, with a sports-minded version like the Hornet shown in Geneva — with a supercharged 1.6-liter four — going for around $15,000.

Hornet could fly [AutoWeek]

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Dodge Hornet to Buzz Geneva [internal]

We get a certain kind of chill thinking how trendy a Spanish-made SUV could be in certain parts of the US; in particular, Jalopnik ports of call, New York and LA. Imagine thousands of Spanophile hipsters sweating Ibiza, getting gored by Pamplona's bulls, enduring a K-hole in Madrid and rocking a Santana Anibal in Silverlake. Originally a licensee of Land Rover in the 1960s, the off-roaders have evolved somewhat over the years, with the new models sporting IVECO common-rail turbodiesels. The company showed off its new, Short Line prototype, which is its own version of the LR Defender 90. Santana plans to bring the short-wheelbase version to market by the end of the year. And maybe then some hipster's Congressman dad can get the company an import waiver. There's probably a dealership opening in Williamsburg (Brooklyn, not Colonial) as we speak. [Thanks, Mattias.]

[via Auto Motor und Sport]

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Our digicam somehow failed to translate the new Mazda MPS (that's the Mazdaspeed3 to us Yankers) into anything recognizable by the human eye, so for visuals we turn to the guys at World Car Fans, who've never met a car they didn't post. As expected, the new flagship of the Mazda3 line will be a front driver powered by the company's MZR 2.3L DISI turbo mill, producing 247 hp. Considering this is about the best sports-minded economy car the US will get out of Ford, at least until (if?) the Focus ST finds its way abroad, we're going to go ahead and get excited. Very excited.

Mazda3 MPS [World Car Fans]

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Mazdaspeed3 to Debut in Geneva [internal]

Lessee, a diesel-powered RAVvie rolling on low-profiles; there's something to tell the grandkids about. Toyota calls it the RAV4 D1-Sports, a show vehicle the company unveiled at the Geneva show. The little torque-monster looks like it might be capable of some serious cornering on those twisty IKEA on-ramps.

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Toyota Announces 2006 RAV4 Pricing [internal]