The price has been revised from the original $80,000 upwards to around $87,900 but along with the price we get specs. The Karma will get not one, but two electric motors as part of its "Q-drive" powertain system, and they augment a 265 HP GM Ecotec turbocharged four cylinder for a grand total of 408 HP and 959 lb-ft of torque. In full sport mode that car will scoot from zero to 60 MPH in only 5.8 seconds, top speed is pegged at 125 MPH. Switch it down to miser mode and you can go 50 miles in all electric mode, drawing power from the lithium-ion battery pack. Production is planned for 15,000 cars a year when the line gets rolling, but don't get too excited, it's already sold out until mid-2010. We'll bring you more details as they emerge, but keep it tuned here for the latest. [Road And Track]

Considering this preview image looks pretty much exactly like the original concept right down to the solar panel roof, it's going to be tough for the decidedly less sexy Prius and Insight to keep up. The car will be debuting at the Detroit Auto Show just one year after it rocked the boat with its debut and ambitious production timeline. We can already see where this is going.

Looking deeper into that crystal ball, we can already hear the sensationalist articles spouting off about how the Karma is proof of the ineptitude of the Not-So-Big Three — look what they were able to do in only one year after all! That'll be fun, but those headlines will probably also ignore the GM sourced Ecotec inline 4-cylinder under the hood, the outsourced assembly happening at Valmet Automotive, the asking price many times higher than other hybrids and the low volume production plan. It'll all be there, and the mainstream media will eat it up with a spoon. Click here for a full resolution image and bask in the glory of the hybrid sports cruiser that'll be displacing the Porsche Panamera, the Aston Martin Rapide, and the Maserati Quattroporte on all of Hollywood's most self-satisfied red carpets. [Fisker via Autoblog]

The redesigned Fairlady Z breaks through the usual bloat-a-thon most automakers disguise as platform development and gets both a smaller wheelbase and lightweight body materials. The innovative Variable Valve Event and Lift system is Nissan's take on how the greasy bits in this new engine should be controlled. VVEL gives the Engine Control Module complete control of both valve lift and timing using DC stepper motors to increase cylinder head flow efficiency. Translation: More power, better fuel economy and greater responsiveness. Transmission choices include a 6-speed that actually does the heel-toe downshift throttle blip for you electronically or a 7-speed automatic specifically tailored to the killjoy tastes of Buzz Killington. [LA AutoShow]

GREEN CAR JOURNAL'S TOP 5 FOR 2009™ ANNOUNCED – ONE TO BE NAMED 2009 GREEN CAR OF THE YEAR® AT LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW
Winner to be Unveiled at a Nov. 20 Press Conference

LOS ANGELES – Oct. 30, 2008 — Green Car Journal's Top 5 for 2009™ – the year's best-of-the-best 'green' vehicles - have been identified by the magazine's editors. These vehicles are the five finalists competing for the Green Car Journal's 2009 Green Car of the Year® award: the BMW 335d, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid, smart fortwo and Volkswagen Jetta TDI. The 2009 Green Car of the Year will be unveiled at a morning press conference on Nov. 20 during Press Days at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The five models are important milestones for their manufacturers. The VW and BMW clean diesels are leading edge models signaling the advent of highly efficient, advanced diesel sedans that meet emissions certification in all 50 states. Ford's Fusion Hybrid, a full hybrid, is this automaker's first hybrid sedan. Saturn's Vue 2-Mode is GM's first application of its two mode hybrid system in a V-6 front-drive platform. The smart fortwo is a new-for-the-U.S., fuel efficient micro car with a small eco footprint.

"This is an exciting year for 'green' cars because of the many innovative and advanced models now emerging," said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal and editor of GreenCar.com. "In fact, this year's selection of nominees was more challenging than in years past because of the auto industry's greater emphasis on greener vehicles and the number of potential vehicles to consider. For the first time, we've also seen a pair of clean diesels and a small gasoline model giving hybrids serious competition."

Green Car Journal's Green Car of the Year program focuses on recognizing new model vehicles that provide real answers for new car buyers looking for a personal stake in lessening environmental impact. This may be through substantial improvement in fuel efficiency, lower emissions, use of an alternative fuel, or an overall lower environmental load.

Green Car Journal editors perform an exhaustive review of vehicle models to identify those that merit consideration for the Green Car of the Year program. Vehicles using all types of technologies, fuels, and powerplants are eligible. To qualify for consideration as a nominee in the 2009 Green Car of the Year program, a vehicle must exhibit characteristics that substantially raise the bar in environmental performance and be in production by January 1 of the award year. Plus, a potential nominee must be driven by Green Car Journal to allow first-hand evaluation of driving dynamics.

The 2009 Green Car of the Year will be selected by a jury comprised of nine jurors. These include Carl Pope, executive director of the Sierra Club; Frances Beinecke, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council; Jean-Michel Cousteau, president of Ocean Futures Society; automotive expert and "Tonight Show" host Jay Leno; and automotive icon Carroll Shelby. Four Green Car Journal editors round out the jury.
About Green Car of the Year®

The Green Car of the Year® award is an important part of Green Car Journal's mission to showcase environmental progress in the auto industry. Since 1992, Green Car Journal has focused on the intersection of automobiles, energy, and environment, first with an industry newsletter and then with an award-winning auto enthusiast magazine. Today, the magazine is considered the premier source of information on high fuel efficiency, low emission, advanced technology, and alternative fuel vehicles. Green Car of the Year® is a registered trademark of Green Car Journal and RJ Cogan Specialty Publications Group, Inc.
About the Los Angeles Auto Show

For the third year in a row, the Los Angeles Auto Show will be held in the fall. Green Car Journal has been unveiling the Green Car of the Year® winner at the Los Angeles Auto Show every year since it initiated the annual award in 2005. The show opens for media only Nov. 19-20. Media registration is now open and the deadline to register online and still receive credentials in the mail is Oct. 31. Online registration will remain open until Nov. 6 but credentials must be picked-up on site. Public days run from Nov. 21-30. For general information visit www.LAautoshow.com.

[Green Car Journal]

1. Saab 9X Air

Where every road-going Saab’s dash looks like it was designed in 1994 (which all of them actually were) the 9X Air ditches the claustrophobic clutter for white simplicity and green holographic instruments. Note how even the steering wheel center is simplified into a subtly attractive form free from an excessive smattering of buttons. Our greatest hope for the production Saab 9-1 — which this vehicle hints at — is in the way traditional Saab design hallmarks have been updated. Check out the way the front headrests mount to the seats and the display screen at the top of the dash, which keeps navigation and entertainment functions in the driver’s line of sight.

2. Renault Ondelios

While the huge gullwing doors — able to admit six passengers with minimal intrusion — wowed onlookers, it’s actually the Ondelios’s dash that’s most impressive. Ignore the whale-like form and gimmicky prism primary instruments; it’s the reconfigurable optical feedback keyboard and lit-from-underneath instruments on the dash that alter the way you interact with the in-car functions. Imagine being able to enter an address into the navigation system using a QWERTY keyboard that’s only visible when it’s needed.

3. GtbyCitroen


The GTbyCitroen is pure concept car fantasy, designed to work within the virtual space of Gran Turismo 5 rather than the confines of the real world. The brushed copper dash would be extremely distracting in real driving conditions, but here delivers a sense of drama alien from more pedestrian models. Instruments are by fighter jet-style Heads Up Display, while settings are controlled through a red leather-covered F1-style steering wheel.

4. Mini Crossover Concept

Driven one of BMW’s Mini’s? You’ve probably come away disappointed by how cheap the otherwise uniquely-styled dash is. The Crossover fixes that by deleting just about all the buttons (placing them instead in the totally unrealistic laser projection globe interface) and replacing the cheap plastic with leather, wood and other high-quality materials. The Crossover’s dash actually looks like it could justify the brand’s premium price tags. Instead of tacky $1.50 add-ons, the tachometer is made from metal and looks like it was designed with the car, while the speedometer is a bar that wraps around the globe’s upper half. Expect to see that on future production models.

5. Audi A1 Sportback


Already known for the best interiors in the business, Audis nevertheless tend to be cold and efficient inside. The A1’s dash changes that, dropping high-quality black plastic and replacing it with white leather and brushed aluminum. The whole thing says luxury and quality in a way even Audi’s current interiors can’t. We won’t see this on the production A1, but we might get the fancy propeller air vents.

6. Heuliez dump scooter

Heuliez keeps things real on their electric dump scooter. Who needs fancy haptic feedback lasers when you can use cable ties? Why use rear view cameras and LED displays when the mirrors can be cheaply and easily bolted directly to the crash structure? The front-loading scoot shows all the fancy concept cars that functionality rules.

7. Citroen Hypnos

With the Hypnos, Citroen is trying to make advanced technology more human and approachable. Instead, they've designed a wild, colorful interior then stuck on a flat-screen TV with Velcro. You get the impression that the colors are totally superfluous and it’s the transmission tunnel’s drive selector and other instruments — specifically the way they’re contoured — that really matter here. It’s as if Citroen wanted to make the points of interaction hugely tactile, but instead just made them odd.

8. Mazda Kiyora

Inside, the Kiyora looks like a space fighter from some cheesy sci-fi flick. But since we really enjoy a cheesy sci-fi movie, that’s fine by us. The wrap around instruments radically focus the interior on the driver. None of this looks remotely grounded in reality, which is a shame, because Mazda interiors are some of the blandest in the business. Check out the webbed alien foot pedals.

9. Nissan Nuvu

We’re not sure if Nissan’s designers meant to turn the Nuvu’s interior into the ultimate ride for midget strippers. But with a tiny stripper pole in the back seat and marital aids in place of a steering wheel (as well as the wipe-clean materials), that’s what they did. We’re not sure if it's because or in spite of this, but the Nuvu is one of our favorite concepts from the Paris Motor Show.

10. Mercedes ConceptFASCINATION

Ignore the incredibly pretentious coke mirror, Leica M8 and Cuban cigar-equipped trunk and focus instead on the dash. Remember when Mercedes' were the highest quality cars on the road? The stupidly named and badly styled ConceptFASCINATION’s dash does, replacing production-spec plastics with leather, wood and metal. Mercedes, please immediately implement this dashboard on every single car in your range.

11. Peugeot RC HYmotion4

Peugeot makes nice, sporty economy cars for legions of budget minded Euros, so why does it keep knocking out high-end four-door coupe concepts? Regardless, this dark and moody interior, aside from the crazy instruments and screens, looks strangely production ready and wouldn’t be out of place in any other expensive sports car. We like the exaggerated dual cockpits, the rounded corners and the black leather almost as much as we like the red accent lighting and chrome accents. Color us impressed.

12. Renault ZE

While the ZE’s interior is a pleasant if unambitious take on the whole iPod thing, it’s the crazy green-tinted windows that are really the point here. We don’t know if they’re meant to say, “ Renault Drivers see an environmentally friendly world” or the more subversive “Hybrids are bullshit but their drivers think they’re saving the world.” We’ll continue to think the latter, and thank Renault’s designers for acknowledging the truth.

13. Tang Hua XY08 Chika

We’d be pretty happy boys if every car in the world looked like the Chika. We’d walk around calling everyone Mr. Happy, Mr. Angry, or, in Ray’s case, Mr. OCD. We’d drive around sewing ourselves new clothes (note the needle-holding fabric tomato on the dash) while constantly seeing the smiling visage of our masterful leader in the center of the steering wheel. Right where the airbag would be in a less-perfect world.

14. Honda Insight

The Insight will go on sale next April in a slightly less-concepty form, but this is pretty much it. Expect the interior to use way more black plastic, but retain most of this simplicity. And that’s a good thing.

Mazda Kiyora – The Eco-Friendly City Car
Mazda Kiyora is a small, friendly concept car designed to meet the needs of young urbanites and indicates the direction Mazda could take with a car this size in the future – especially in terms of technology. It features components that are being developed at Mazda for use in the near future – like a next-generation 1.3-litre DISI* engine, a new automatic transmission, and a rigid and lightweight bodyshell for very high fuel efficiency and low emissions. Kiyora’s design supports these technologies with aesthetic features that are expressive of the water theme yet highly functional.

ONDELIOS: AN ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY LONG-HAUL JOURNEY

The Paris Motor Show sees the wraps come off Renault’s top-of-the-range concept car
Ondelios designed for lovers of long-haul travel who set store by comfort and
refinement. Ondelios epitomizes Renault’s vision of the high-end crossover, combining
a comfortable ride with respect for the environment. Clear illustrations of that vision are
the vehicle’s ethereal design, its interior layout, and an original hybrid powertrain.

A sleek design that answers the call of the open road
The 4.8-metre-long, 1.6-metre high Ondelios has drawn inspiration from the world of aviation
design to deliver high drag efficiency and a Cd of just 0.29. This long-distance voyager boasts
sleek, smooth, amazingly fluid lines that make it appear as though it glides over the ground. It
embodies Renault’s vision of high-end car.
"Ondelios is inspired by motion rather than speed and is a whole new response to the call of
the open road," enthuses Patrick Le Quément, Renault’s Design Director.

The aluminium-finish grille is flanked by headlamp units that also suggest flowing motion, while
its high-performance LED headlights are both longer lasting and more efficient.
Another feature of Ondelios' aerodynamic styling is the boomerang-shaped tail lights. They are
built into the bodywork and ringed with air extractors to control the flow of air from the wheel
arches.
The glazed roof further emphasises the vehicle’s airy look and feel, bathing the interior in
natural light. The steeply raked windscreen, which extends well down the bonnet, further
accentuates this ethereal feel.

"We think of it as made from a single material, where the body and glazed areas merge into
one. Ondelios is a glimpse of what the automobile might be in the medium term future," adds
Patrick Le Quément.
The butterfly-type side doors, which also feature an extensive glazed area, add a further touch
of elegance to the car’s overall styling. They swing out and upwards as the sills slide down to
facilitate ingress.

The dark blue anthracite of the bodywork blends perfectly with the tinted glazed area, making
the car look as if it were all of a piece and a single colour.
The tailgate’s upper section rounds off the sleek, aerodynamic lines with a profiled glareshield
that slides inwards to air and cool the cabin.

Ondelios sits on seven-spoke, 23-inch aluminium alloy wheels which contribute to its profiled
styling. The propeller-like hubs draw airflow from the sides of the car to prevent turbulence.
They operate in conjunction with the rim-side brake discs to ensure they suck in air effectively.

The sleek sidewalls of the large diameter 255/40 Michelin Pilot Sport tyres deliver outstanding
drag performance. Their tread pattern is designed to minimise deformation of the contact patch
while on the move to help curb rolling resistance.
The tread has efficient, active flow channels which, together with the wide circumferential
groove that helps clear water, strengthen the image of a high-end, high-tech tyre.

Business-class comfort for a long-haul journey
The elegance of the Ondelios interior is in harmony with the call of the open road suggested by
its exterior. To begin with, its layout is designed to profit from all the available space. There are
three rows of seats that offer individual seating for six. With their cantilever mounts they give
the impression of floating, while their kinematics are redolent of airplane seats. The electrically
adjustable backs fold into comfortable, business-class positions, while occupants can deploy
and retract their footrests at will. Although their slim lines speak of lightness, they are
designed, like giant leaves, to hug their occupants who can curl up in them to enjoy the
comfort and support they afford. The height of the seats is carefully designed to ensure
occupants are perfectly at ease when they talk to each other.

Unlike conventional door opening systems, the doors are hinged to the roof, which makes
getting into the car extremely easy. The second row of seats slide forward and folds down to
facilitate access to the third row.

In addition to seating comfort, the cabin exudes a highly refined ambience. The materials used

are drawn from contemporary interior design and give the impression of sitting in a lounge on
wheels. They blend soft, supple textures like light grey leather and fabric, as seen on the
dashboard, seats and door panels. The colour of the seatbacks blends gradually from ochre to
purple, further enhancing the sense of security and comfort.

Interior features and fittings are both modern and intuitive. The ergonomically designed
controls, in keeping with Renault’s touch design approach, afford users efficient, comfortable
ease of use.

The ample, flowing yet sober design of the broad dashboard echoes the car’s aerodynamic
exterior. It is further highlighted by a roomy, suspended stowage compartment which is
protected by a lit shell, while all the dashboard’s functional components are particularly user-
friendly:
- active display skins show driver aid and ride information;
- a monitor at the base of the windscreen displays the different menus and pictures from the
door mirror cameras;
- three large strip displays provide driving-related information, revs and how the hybridized
drivetrain is operating;
- a digital speedometer.
The technologies with which Ondelios is equipped enhance the collective and individual well-
being of all occupants. All the passengers, including those in the back row, have their own
Samsung interactive portable multimedia devices which they can use for sharing data or
multiplayer gaming. Speakers are also incorporated into the headrests and a multizone HVAC
system enables each passenger to set the temperature to his or her own liking.

The smart technologies that have gone into designing Ondelios help drivers to settle in at the
wheel, include a Samsung cell phone which also acts as a hands-free door lock recognises the
driver and loads all his or her personal settings, e.g. seat-adjustment settings and favourite
music. The vehicle adds a final, friendly touch in the form of the back-lit logo which lights up to
show that it has recognised the driver.

An environmentally friendly voyager
To complement the extensive work that has gone into Ondelios’s aerodynamics, some of the
car’s structural parts are made from natural flax fibre for greater recyclability. In keeping with
the commitment to make the car as light as possible, its body is made from carbon and the
glazed areas from polycarbonate.

Ondelios is powered by a hybrid powerplant which combines a more powerful 205hp (150kW)
version of the 2.0 dCi engine, with two 20kW electric motors at the front and rear. They
operate in mild hybrid mode, giving the engine extra boost as required. They use a brake and
boost system, recovering energy during braking then delivering it to the engine to boost
acceleration. The front motor also uses fuel-saving stop-start technology.
The electric motor mounted on the rear axle drives the rear wheels when the ESP sensors
detect a loss of traction, thus giving Ondelios the capability of a 4WD vehicle. The car is
equipped with a lithium-ion battery that can deliver power of up to 4kW/h.
With torque of 450Nm between 1,700 and 3800rpm, the diesel engine provides comfort and
flexibility at all engine speeds for long-distance driving pleasure. The 2.0 dCi unit takes
Ondelios from a standing start to 100kph in just 7.8 seconds. Driving through a seven-speed,
double-clutch gearbox, it affords outstanding driving pleasure, while keeping fuel consumption
at a frugal 4.5 litres/100km and CO2 emissions at a lowly 120g/km – very impressive for a top-
of-the-range vehicle.

Similarly, the body, chassis design and hybrid powertrain contribute decisively to protecting the
environment.

Ondelios is a long-distance travel-loving aerodynamic crossover born for the open
road. It is proof that caring for occupants and the environment is entirely compatible.
Ondelios is a concept car that illustrates Renault’s vision of the high-end car of the near
future.

Lamborghini Estoque Concept
It is a Lamborghini like no other before it: a four-door sports car that sticks resolutely to its creed. The Lamborghini Estoque concept has everything that defines a Lamborghini: extreme, uncompromising and unmistakably Italian, it brings a whole new versatility to the brand's DNA - with its four seats and ample luggage space, this "everyday sports car" is a perfect fit for an equally versatile lifestyle.

Lamborghini Estoque is a study, a concept created specifically for the 2008 Salon d'Automobiles in Paris. From the very first glance there can be no doubt that this is a Lamborghini - a car with compelling presence, both unique and unmistakable. The long wheelbase, the low profile, the broad track, the mighty, accentuated wheels, the clean surfaces and razor-sharp definition - every single line breathes the spirit of the Lamborghini brand.

A new and unique elegance

The Lamborghini Estoque is an entirely new interpretation of the Sant' Agata design ethic: it is a concept that provides a clear indication of the future. This applies to the new, elegant self-confidence of the lines themselves, but even more to the concept of the vehicle. The Lamborghini Estoque is the first sedan in the history of Automobili Lamborghini, although "sedan" is more a reference to the number of doors than any other characteristics. Even sports sedan is an inadequate classification: the Lamborghini Estoque establishes a new category of super sports sedans. With a powerful front mid-engine, permanent all-wheel drive and a sophisticated, precision-tuned chassis, the Lamborghini Estoque boasts a unique technology package.

A sign of success

In Paris, the Lamborghini Estoque demonstrates the innovation, the creativity and the design flair of the Lamborghini brand, currently represented by the enormous success enjoyed by Lamborghini Gallardo and Murciélago super sports cars.

As a concept, the Lamborghini Estoque represents one of several possibilities for a third model series within the Lamborghini product line-up. At this point in time, no decisions have been taken in respect of either a third model series of any kind or of the Lamborghini Estoque concept in particular.

Of course, as a true Lamborghini, it goes without saying that the Lamborghini Estoque also bears a suitably powerful name with a rich heritage from the Spanish Corrida - bull fighting. The Lamborghini Estoque is a rapier (sword), approximately 90 centimetres (35.43 inches) long, used in a bull fight by the Matador.

The Concept

Lamborghini Estoque embodies the concept of a Lamborghini that is both a dedicated sports car and a relaxed Gran Turismo. As a sedan with four doors and four individual sports seats, it is a multi-faceted vehicle for multi-faceted lifestyles.

Relaxed Gran Turismo

The Lamborghini Estoque is the perfect travelling companion, be it en route to business meetings, the theatre, the golf course or even a weekend away with the kids. At the end of the day, it is the only car that allows you to share the singular driving pleasure of a Lamborghini with more than one person - possibly even with the whole family. And there is still enough room left over for weekend luggage or several golf bags.

Despite its extremely low profile - at a mere 1.35 meters (4.43 feet) high - the Lamborghini Estoque is surprisingly spacious. The secret lies in its very long wheelbase which, in spite of the rearwards positioning of the front mid-engine, enables a relaxed, sporty seating position. Entering and exiting is also pleasingly straightforward through the large, wide-opening doors.

Challenging: a thoroughbred sports car

At the same, the Lamborghini Estoque is a thoroughbred sports car with exceptionally refined power delivery, razor-sharp precision handling and a meaty engine tone. Challenging driving pleasure on a winding mountain road, followed by a relaxed, enjoyable journey along miles and miles of motorway- the Lamborghini Estoque is commanding across the entire driving spectrum, at the highest level. The Lamborghini Estoque's versatility makes it the perfect addition to the range of Lamborghini super sports cars.

Design

Such a Lamborghini must be immediately recognizable in its design as a unique and unmistakable work of art. For the Lamborghini Estoque, this is clearly a case of "mission accomplished."

The proportions of the Lamborghini Estoque are simply fascinating: no other automobile combines so convincingly the elegance of length with the sporting attributes of a low profile and impressive breadth. Or to put it into figures - the concept painted in an all-new color, is 5.15 meters (16.89 feet) long and 1.99 meters (6.53 feet) wide, with a height of only 1.35 metres (4.43 feet). The wheelbase is a stately 3.01 meters (9.88 feet) - an equally important element of elegant vehicle architecture.

And it is unequivocally Italian - the flat bonnet, the long wheelbase, the narrow window openings, the flat rear that ends decisively with a negative return - it is all pure "Italianità" on wheels; everything bears the design language of the large classic Italian four-door cars, albeit with a unique, modern interpretation. Pure Lamborghini.

Clearly a sports car

The front end of the Lamborghini Estoque is a clear and unambiguous statement of its sports car credentials. Its place amongst the family of Lamborghini super sports cars is also distinct and unmistakable - with its swooping V-shape, its two large air intakes pulled forward and the small front spoiler in between. This front end design gives the Lamborghini Estoque a firm, low stance, while providing excellent aerodynamic efficiency. The large air intakes facilitate the cooling air that is important for such a high-performance vehicle and the spoiler was specifically designed to improve aerodynamic balance at high speeds.

Such distinctive sports car architecture is only possible by positioning the front mid-engine well towards the rear. Despite the very low bonnet, it goes without saying that the Lamborghini Estoque fulfils all safety regulations and pedestrian protection standards.

Taut muscles

The bonnet of the Lamborghini Estoque makes the origins of the sheer power of this vehicle immediately apparent. The location of the engine is clearly evident through the distinct division created by two large air outlets and the additional emphasis of a central power area. Further air outlets are positioned both left and right in the wings, behind each of the front wheel arches.

Together, with the division of the bonnet, these elements add emphasis to the area above the wheels, framing the front end of the Lamborghini Estoque like a taut muscle. The permanent all-wheel drive that is typical for all Lamborghinis means that the 22 inch wheels, with their new five double-spoke design, also do their part in delivering power to the road. Here too, the Centro Stile has stuck firmly to the Lamborghini principle that form always follows function; after all, the ample cooling air flowing into the high-performance driveline also has to move quickly out of the vehicle.

Tremendous tension along the flanks

Its proportions guarantee the Lamborghini Estoque an impressive appearance. The skilled sectioning along the flanks of the vehicle gives the body shell an incredibly muscular form. Beneath the flat surfaces of the bonnet, the incredibly powerful shoulder line, a further side line rising slightly towards the rear and, finally, the equally distinct sill line all add emphasis to the flow of power from the engine to the magnificent 23 inch rear wheels. The masculine profile is completed by the negative return of the rear end. This adds further tension to the form of the Lamborghini Estoque - the whole car looks coiled and ready to pounce at the drop of a hat. These sharp lines frame a fascinating interplay of surfaces across convex and concave curvatures. The Lamborghini Estoque clearly displays the design language of the Centro Stile Lamborghini with a distinctive elegance.

Powerful elegance at the rear

The flow of form is brought to its conclusion by the broad, even expanse of the rear end. The horizontal split created by the flat LED light clusters and the large, mesh-covered lower air outlets bring additional emphasis to this breadth. A narrow, slightly slanted "frame" panel surrounds the whole rear aspect and further highlights its powerful elegance.

Precise details, such as the hexagonal fuel caps on both sides of the vehicle, characterize the depth of the design language. The front headlamps, featuring bi-Xenon and LED technology, carry forward a theme evident in both the Lamborghini Reventón and the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 - the Y-shape of the daytime running lights. The tiny green/white/red flag adorning the front wings discreetly highlights that an automotive statement as uncompromising as this one can come from only one country on Earth - from Italy.

The interior

Despite its extremely low profile, the Lamborghini Estoque offers a surprisingly generous feeling of spaciousness. The length of the interior facilitates a relaxed seating position for all four individual seats and plays a significant role in the supreme comfort of this super sports sedan over long distances. The interior reflects elements of the exterior design language, also evident in the cabin of the Lamborghini Estoque - in the distinctive lines of the door panels or in the swooping V-shape applied to the cockpit, reflecting the form used on the front end and on the bonnet.

Luxurious interior

The dominant material of the interior is highest-quality Nappa leather. The four individual seats boast sporting contours, supreme long-distance comfort and extensive electrical positioning options.

Cockpit with large-screen display

The cockpit presents the driver with a large-area LCD screen displaying vehicle and route information. A range of presentation formats are available for selection depending on personal preference - a distinctive classical layout with circular instrument dials, or an innovative digital display. A top-class audio installation and a sophisticated rear seat entertainment system round off the equipment.

Like the interior, the luggage compartment of the Lamborghini Estoque is also surprisingly spacious. Despite the low-profile rear end, it has plenty room for several golf bags or pieces of luggage.

Production feasibility

As a pure concept car, the Lamborghini Estoque is a design exercise and a further indication of the innovative power of the Lamborghini brand. Yet, it is based on a feasible technical concept that offers a whole range of fascinating alternatives for the body shell and driveline.

Just like the brand's super sports cars, the Lamborghini Estoque uses a mid-engine layout. However, the high-performance driveline used here is not located in front of the rear axle, as in the Gallardo and Murciélago or in the Reventón, but behind the front axle. This front mid-engine concept, with the driveline set way back, facilitates balanced weight distribution and a centre of gravity close to the vehicle's vertical axis. Both ensure the unparalleled agility and handling precision of a mid-engine vehicle.

Reserves in every situation

Like all contemporary Lamborghini models, the Lamborghini Estoque is also equipped with permanent all-wheel drive. It distributes the engine power to all four wheels, thus making for superior traction in all driving situations, as well as providing extra reserves for extremely sporty driving and for challenging weather conditions.

A range of drivelines is conceivable for the Lamborghini Estoque. This is headed up by the highly-acclaimed Lamborghini ten-cylinder from the Gallardo LP 560-4 - with more torque and higher revving than virtually any other engine. A complementary alternative could be a turbocharged eight-cylinder derived from this V10. A particularly economical, but nevertheless dynamic, variation would be a V8 with a hybrid module or an extremely high-performance TDI.

The Centro Stile Lamborghini

With the Estoque, the Centro Stile Lamborghini has created further proof of its creativity and attention to detail. The design centre that opened in 2004 is a studio of creatives, designers and model makers that combines the culture and the spirit of the brand with the power of innovation and of creating a new aesthetic. The Centro Stile Lamborghini is part of the best tradition of Italian vehicle design, and is leading the way forward with the latest in working techniques.

The Centro Stile is located in a 2,900 sq. meter (31,215 sq. feet) facility, where it occupies two interconnected floors. The generously proportioned design studio is equipped with two full-size surface tables and their associated tooling and measuring equipment, while further areas house the latest in computer workstations for the creative experts and a workshop for the model makers. The Centro Stile is also connected directly to the neighbouring Ufficio Tecnico - the direct link to Lamborghini's development department ensures the rapid realization of ideas. Speed is a key aspect for Lamborghini, for both its cars and its working processes; the Reventón was created in the record time of less than one year.

In-house creativity and implementation

From the first sketches made either on paper or using the three-dimensional computer program, through 1:10 or 1:4 scale models to full-size models, the complete design process is organized within small, fast-moving teams.

Since it was founded, the Lamborghini brand has been bringing innovative design trends to the rarefied atmosphere of the world's most desirable automobiles, and producing vehicles with absolutely unmistakable character. Models such as the Miura and the Countach were way ahead of their time, but quickly attained the status of timeless classics. From their first appearance, every new Lamborghini is destined to become a legend and sought-after collectors' item.

With the current Murciélago and Gallardo, Lamborghini has once again perfected an innovative design language. The exterior proportions provide an indication of the power and dynamic character of the driveline. Crisply-defined edges, precision lines and clean surfaces result in a design that is reduced to its very essence.

Every element is designed precisely in accordance with its function. Examples of this on the Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 include the movable cooling air intakes and the asymmetric sills; on the left side of the vehicle, the air intake is significantly larger to accommodate the flow of fresh air to the oil cooler.

Clear lines, perfect details

The unmistakable form of a Lamborghini is something that always speaks for itself: ornamentation or decoration of any kind has absolutely no place here. This firmly places the current models that bear the sign of the bull within the best traditions of their brand and of 60s and 70s Italian vehicle design. The sports cars of that time were acclaimed for their perfect proportions and for their objective, functional elegance that required no embellishment of any kind.

The purist execution of the lines is complemented perfectly by the passion for detail possessed by the designers in Sant' Agata Bolognese. The rear view of the Murciélago LP 640 is distinctive not only for its impressive power, but also for the fine interplay of the elements in the sophisticated rear light cluster.

The sensuality of precision and performance

A Lamborghini is a high performance athlete. Its high degree of sensuality is based on precision, performance and spontaneous action. This type of elegance is the elegance of pure, unadulterated power. This Lamborghini DNA is carried forward into future products at the Centro Stile, which is destined to continue to set clear design trends - the Lamborghini Estoque is the perfect example.

The design centre on the site of the historical birthplace of all Lamborghinis guarantees the super sports cars with the bull brand will remain exclusive, sensual and challenging - and always unmistakably Italian.

The new Audi S4/S4 Avant
- Three-liter V6 unit generates 245 kW (333 hp)
- Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds
- Average fuel consumption of just 9.7 liters

INGOLSTADT, Germany, Sep 22, 2008 - Audi is introducing its new sporty top models in the midsize class – the S4 and the S4 Avant. Their engine, a three-liter V6 with direct fuel injection and mechanical turbocharging, delivers a powerful 245 kW (333 hp). It accelerates the S4 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 5.1 seconds, but on average only uses 9.7 liters of fuel per 100 km (24.25 US mpg). The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system transfers its power to the road in style, which is then converted by the sport suspension into dynamic handling. Upon request, Audi can equip the new S4 and S4 Avant with innovative technologies that further increase their lead over the competition. The seven-speed S tronic changes gears with lightning speed, and the new sport differential distributes the torque as needed between the rear wheels. The new Audi S4 will be unveiled to the public for the first time at the Paris Auto Show from October 2 to 19.

The heart of the new S4 and S4 Avant is a completely redesigned engine. The 3.0 TFSI, the newest member of the Audi V-engine family, is an outstanding example of how the brand with the four rings blends performance and efficiency. The V6 generates its power from a displacement of 2,995 cc, is equipped with a supercharger, and delivers 245 kW (333 hp). The sedan sprints to100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 5.1 seconds, and the Avant in 5.2 seconds: they both have an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph).

The “T” in the 3.0’s TFSI nomenclature no longer merely stands for “turbo”, but rather for the concept of supercharging in general – extensive testing on the big V6 has proven the superiority of mechanical charging. In conjunction with direct injection it is far superior to twin turbochargers, both in terms of packaging and of starting performance and responsiveness.

The compressor is so compact that it easily fits inside the 90-degree V of the cylinder banks, in place of the intake manifold. Two four-vane rotary pistons counter-rotate inside the turbocharger at up to 23,000 rpm. Two charge-air coolers are integrated into the housing and are connected to a separate coolant circuit. An impressive array of measures keeps the noise generated by the compressor to a minimum.

The engine-driven belt that powers the mechanical charger provides full thrust right from idling speed. The 3.0 TFSI delivers its maximum 440 Nm (324.53 lb-ft) at 2,500 rpm and maintains this constantly until 4,850 rpm. In fourth gear, the vehicle accelerates from 80 to 120 km/h (49.71 to 74.56 mph) in just 4.4 seconds. Thanks to the extremely short gas paths, the sonorous, supercharged V6 responds spontaneously to the throttle, even more so than a naturally aspirated engine of the same displacement.

Furthermore, the new 3.0 TFSI achieves exemplary fuel efficiency. On average, the sedan uses 9.7 liters of fuel per 100 km (24.25 US mpg), and the Avant 9.9 liters per 100 km (23.76 US mpg) – an improvement of 3.4 liters (26 percent) compared with its predecessor. The Audi technology of gasoline direct injection was what made this great efficiency possible in the first place. Unlike conventional concepts, it allows the compressor to be located behind the throttle valve. In view of the low density of the intake air at loads below supercharging level and when coasting, its rotors are free-running and the amount of power required to drive them is low.

Dynamism and efficiency: The new seven-speed S tronic

The V6 power in the new S4 and S4 Avant flows into a six-speed transmission, fitted as standard, which shifts quickly and precisely. As an option, Audi offers a state-of-the-art dual-clutch transmission – the seven-speed S tronic is extremely dynamic and highly efficient. The driver has the option of driving in fully automatic mode or selecting the gears with paddles on the steering wheel or directly with the shift lever – all of which provide impressively quick gearshifts. The gearshift feel is dynamic, comfortable and very precise – typically Audi.

The seven-speed S tronic consists of two separate transmissions and uses two multidisk clutches that control the various gears. The large K1 clutch guides the power via a solid shaft to the pinions for gears 1, 3, 5 and 7. A hollow shaft rotates around the solid shaft; it is connected to the compact K2 clutch, which is integrated within its larger counterpart and controls the pinions for gears 2, 4, 6 and reverse gear.

Both transmission structures are continuously active, but only one is powered at a time by the engine. For example, when the driver accelerates in third gear, the fourth gear is already engaged in the second transmission structure. The shifting process takes place as the clutch changes – K1 opens and K2 closes with lightning speed. This process takes only a few hundredths of a second and is completed without interrupting traction. It is so comfortable and smooth that the driver hardly notices it.

The seven-speed S tronic is designed for maximum efficiency. It operates with very high efficiency and its intelligent control system maximizes fuel economy in automatic mode. With its wide gear ratio spread of 8.0:1 the seven-speed S tronic easily exploits the tremendous power and superior torque of the 3.0 TFSI.

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system transfers power to the road with
supreme ease. Under regular driving conditions, it sends 40 percent of its
torque to the front wheels and 60 percent to the rear wheels – a slightly rearbiased,
sporty characteristic. Where necessary, it can vary distribution within
fractions of a second.

The quattro drive system ensures safe self-steering characteristics, high stability and excellent traction in comparison with rear-wheel-drive competitors.

Customized torque distribution:
The sport differential with Audi drive select

The new, active sport differential ideally complements the quattro drive system and lends it even greater fascination. When the steering wheel is turned or the car accelerated in a corner, power is redirected in a controlled manner to the outer rear wheel, literally pushing the vehicle through the corner. The system intervenes to counter any signs of understeer or oversteer. For the driver, this means reduced effort at the steering wheel and even higher lateral
acceleration.

The active sport differential is a new type of rear-axle differential. A superposition gear was added to both the left and right sides of the classic differential; it rotates ten percent faster than the wheel’s drive shaft.

Both components can be connected through a multidisk clutch, which runs in an oil bath, and is operated by an electro-hydraulic actuator. In most driving situations, the clutch can divert almost the complete input torque to one wheel in this way.

Controlled by an array of sensors and a high-speed computer, the active sport differential needs less than 100 milliseconds to redirect power. Drivers can adapt their manner of driving, along with characteristics for the load changes, to three performance maps. Unlike competitors’ systems, the Audi sport differential is just as effective when the engine is driving the wheels as it is on the overrun or when the car is coasting freely.

The new Audi S4 and S4 Avant are well-trained athletes. Their five-link front axle and the self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear axle are of a highly sophisticated design; both axles are made almost entirely of aluminum and are therefore very lightweight. The low-mounted steering gear transmits the steering forces to the wheels without any lag time and gives the driver a precise and sensitive road feel.

The spontaneity of Audi’s new midsize athletes is fascinating, and they possess the precise reactions of a thoroughbred sports car. In these transmissions, the differential is positioned in front of the clutch, which made it possible to move the engine 154 mm (6.06 in) forwards compared with the predecessor model. This unusual layout perfectly evens out the axle loads, and also affords the long wheelbase of 2,811 mm (9.22 ft) exceptional stability.

The chassis of both new S models received stiffer axle bearings, and the sporty tuning with stiff shock absorbers puts the chassis 20 mm (0.79 in) closer to the road. Huge high-performance and fade-resistant brakes sit behind the 18-inch and optional 19-inch cast aluminum wheels. The black-painted brake calipers – at the front with the S4 logo – grip the ventilated disks with newly developed brake pads.

Audi drive select: The driving dynamics system

The Audi drive select driving dynamics system is a further high-end technology featured on the new S4 and S4 Avant. It accesses the throttle response characteristics, the shift points for the seven-speed S tronic and supports the speed-dependent servotronic steering. With the press of a button, the driver can decide whether these systems should operate in “comfort,” “auto” or “dynamic” mode. If the vehicle is equipped with the MMI operating system, a fourth mode is available which the driver can program according to his own personal tastes and preferences.

Audi drive select can only be ordered in combination with one or more of three additional technologies – the sport differential, adaptive control for the shock absorbers, or dynamic steering, which is an additional high-tech solution. Its zero-play superposition gear, which is driven by an electric motor, varies the ratio by almost 100 percent depending on the speed being driven. In terms of driver safety, the dynamic steering assists the ESP stabilization program by using steering intervention to keep the new S4 and S4 Avant on track when cornering at the handling limits. In many instances, the system renders ESP intervention superfluous.

For the adaptive damper control system, hydraulic gas-pressurized shock absorbers are used which operate by means of additional, electrically actuated valves. They control the flow of hydraulic liquid, thus regulating the shockabsorbing characteristics. A high-performance control unit analyzes the signals it receives from 14 sensors, and calculates the damping power for each individual wheel 1,000 times per second.

An athletic look: The design

Both the Audi S4 and the S4 Avant look athletic and muscular on the road. Some of the most striking modifications to the exterior design are the special aprons, the aluminum-look exterior mirrors, the 18-inch S-design light-alloy wheels, the side rocker panels, the restrained spoiler at the rear and the quadruple exhaust system. The xenon plus headlights with daytime running lights and the rear lights are further distinctive touches.

The interior also underscores the sporty expertise that is the hallmark of both new S models. The sports seats have electric lumbar supports and pull-out thigh supports, and the instrument panel features gray dials with white needles. They also bear the S4 emblems, as do the multifunction sport steering wheel and the key. The interior is in black, with brushed aluminum inlays. Carbon and birch wood inlays are also available, as are stainless steel mesh inlays.

Optional assistance systems provide the driver with even greater control on the road. The adaptive cruise control (ACC) regulates the distance to the vehicle in front, and braking guard issues warnings regarding possible rear-end collisions. The Audi side assist makes changing lanes safer; the Audi parking system advanced makes backing into a parking space easier.

With regard to multimedia, Audi offers an attractive technology package. The communications and entertainment technologies portfolio includes the competition-beating MMI operating system, various types of radio and sound systems all the way up to the high-end solution from Bang & Olufsen, two navigation systems, an iPod interface, and a highly convenient Bluetooth car phone.

Luxurious features such as the three-zone deluxe automatic air conditioning and the dynamic cornering light system known as adaptive light round out the optional equipment.

Audi will begin delivery of its new S models in March 2009.

[Audi]

Well, the 7-Series hybrid does have start-stop technology to cut off the idling engine in traffic, as well as use of BMW's regenerative braking system to store up power in the lithium-ion battery. However, BMW isn't exactly humble about the car's green credentials, as the battery pack is prominently on display in the trunk, not to mention the exterior's massive 'Efficient' graphics. The only mention of fuel-economy numbers is that they will be 15% less, but we're not exactly sure what that's 15% less than — especially as it's just a concept car. Still, expect to see this hybrid torque-heavy beast of a 7-series to hit showroom floors sometime. [BMW via carscoop]