Archive for 2009 Geneva Motor Show

The radical, but not-too-bad looking concept you see above is a product of a collaboration between Italdesign Giugiaro and Frazer-Nash. The Namir, which stands for tiger in Arabic, is a hybrid sports car concept that features an 814 cc petrol-powered endothermic rotary engine with four electric motors which enable the concept to deliver 39 kilometers with just liter of fuel, and produces just 60 grams of harmful emissions per kilometer. It is said that the Namir Hybrid Concept is able to do a little more than 300 km/h, and accelerate from naught to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds, making it the fastest hybrid in the world.

With a full tank of fuel (50 liters), the Namir can deliver a total of 2,000 kilometers in terms of driving range. Overall power output is rated at 370HP while energy created by the generator is stored in a Lithium Ion Polymer battery pack. On the inside, you can find three touch screen monitors which are placed behind the hexagonal steering wheel. The central screen displays the speedometer, tachometer, and trip data, the one to the right hosts the GPS display, the audio controls, air conditioning, and relative controls while the one to the left displays technical information like battery charge level, fuel level, interior and exterior temperature, and warning messages.

Other functions like cruise control, exterior lights, windscreen wipers, and electric mirrors can all be activated by touch as well. Overall, the interior is finished in a combination of high grade leather and tweed, while the trunk space is figured at 400 liters.

On the outside, the 2-seater sports car with a total frame weight of 110 kilograms is treated to a sloping V-shaped relief of the central section, a V-shaped glass surface while the rear hood is characterized by highly angular lines that taper from the root towards the rear. Other exterior fitments includes Bi-Xenon head lights, LED lighting implemented in the direction indicators, the tail and rear stop lights and 20 inch OZ wheels. Safety system is made up by ABS, drive control as well as stability control. Continue reading to view an image gallery.

Click here to read the rest of Geneva 2009: Italdesign-Giugiaro Namir Hybrid Concept

Spanish-based auto maker Seat is taking part in the Geneva Motor Show with the Leon Ecomotive Concept. Compared to the outgoing Leon, Ibiza and Alhambra Ecomotive models, this Ecomotive Concept receives power from a new 1.6 liter TDI power plant that is able to produce 105HP. This new engine features a DPF particulate filter and common rail technology which help improve its fuel efficiency. More fitments introduced with this new engine include a new Start/Stop system as well as regenerative braking.

Thanks to the features mentioned above, this concept’s emissions output has been reduced by 20% to a total output of 99 grams per kilometer and fuel consumption is rated at a respectable 3.8 liters for every 100 kilometers traveled. With a not-too-bad looking exterior design, the Leon Ecomotive Concept features a similar interior with the outgoing Leon Ecomotive.

Other features which can be found in the concept include ESP, ABS and TCS, double front airbag, front side airbags, curtain airbag, 16 inch steel rims, Isofix anchoring points, front power one-touch anti-trap windows, air conditioning, MP3 CD radio, aux-in connection and six speakers, among others. Continue reading to view an image gallery.

Click here to read the rest of Geneva 2009: Seat Leon Ecomotive Concept

Alpina has launched its FIA European GT3 contender, the 530HP and 725Nm of torque Alpina B6 GT3 after 20 years standing in the grand stands. Up against 12 other competitors such as Aston Martin and Porsche, the Alpina B6 is expected to put up a good fight with its 4.4 liter V8 under the hood.

Recently, the B6 GT3 performed its first 300 kilometers track test in freezing temperatures which went through trouble-free. Alpina will field two race cars in the FIA GT3 European Championship while negotiations to confirm driver lineup is underway. Alpina also plans to participate in the endurance race in Nurburgring with the B6 GT3.

Alpina also revealed that the Alpina B6 GT3 will also be made available for other racing teams and will compete in additional circuits including national GT3 races in Germany, Britain, France, Italy, Belgium and Brazil. Continue reading to view an image gallery.

Click here to read the rest of Geneva 2009: Alpina B6 GT3

French auto maker Renault has revealed the third generation 5-seater Scenic and 7-seater Grand Scenic models at the Geneva Motor Show.

With an exterior which has hints of the Renault Megane, the new Scenic range features an interior with a minimalist dashboard, improved knee-clearance (235 mm for Scenic and 275 mm Grand Scenic), improved luggage space (522 liters for Scenic and 702 liters for Grand Scenic), the ability to fold-flat third-row seats in the Grand Scenic and to remove second-row seating and more.

Other features include; a reversing camera for easier parking, upper-range 3D Sound by Arkamys audio system, a suspension system that includes a MacPherson-type front suspension linked to a horned subframe and closed-section rear torsion beam, electric power steering and so on. Potential buyers can also choose between two navigation systems.

Power plant options include three petrol units such as the 110HP 1.6 liter 16-valve engine, a 130HP TCe 130 (Turbo Control Efficiency) and a 140HP 2.0 liter power plant. Diesel wise, there is the dCi 130, a dCi 150 FAP as well as a dCi 160 FAP. There are three transmission options including a CVT, a 6 speed automatic and a 6 speed manual gearbox.

In terms of safety, the Scenic and Grand Scenic comes with key features such as ABS, standard emergency brake assist, ESC (Electronic Stability Control) with CSV understeer control and new-generation headrests. Continue reading to view an image gallery of the Renault Grand Scenic.

Click here to read the rest of Geneva 2009: Renault reveals the Scenic and Grand Scenic

With a biturbo V8 fitted with light metal cylinder heads with 5 valves per cylinder, four overhead camshafts, hydraulic valve clearance compensation, double-flow exhaust system with three-way catalytic converter and dry sump lubrication, this outrageous looking sports car is able to propel to the 100 km/h mark in just 3.0 seconds, 200 km/h in 8.9 seconds and is able to reach a top speed of 360 km/h.

The rear wheel drive Gumpert Apollo Speed is able produce such performance figures thanks to the 700HP V8 that is also capable of 875Nm of torque. The power plant is also mated to a 6 speed sequential with a twin plate clutch configuration. With a dry weight figure of 1,200 kilograms, it measures 4,460 mm in length, 1,998 mm in width, 1,105 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,700 mm.

On the inside, buyers can select either leather or Alcantara treatment and it features air conditioning, a DVD moniceiver, removable steering wheel for easy access and egress, 4 point seat belt and so on.

The 2009 Ford Ranger which is expected to hit the local market was also present at the Geneva Motor Show. The new Ranger which will also hit the European market features two engine options including a 2.5 liter or 3.0 liter DuraTORQ TDCi with common rail direct injection and variable geometry turbocharger technology.

Europe and our friendly neighbor up north Thailand will get both engine options however whether we will get the 3.0 liter unit or not is yet to be confirmed. Both the 2.5 liter and 3.0 liter power plants are able to produce 143PS with 330 Nm of torque and 156PS with 380Nm of torque respectively. Both engines can also be coupled with a 5 speed automatic transmission or a 5 speed manual option.

Design wise, its heavily influenced by the Ranger Max show truck which was previewed at the Thai Motor Expo last year.

Click here to view an image gallery of the 2009 Ranger.

Click here to read the rest of Geneva 2009: 2009 Ford Ranger was not left behind

Joining the One-77 super car, the Lagonda Concept and the DBS Volante at Aston Martin’s display booth at Geneva 2009 is the V12 Vantage. Powered by a 6.0 liter V12 that churns out 510HP and 570Nm of meters of pulling power, the V12 Vantage is able is able to hit the 100 km/h mark in just 4.2 seconds, and is able take the driver to a top speed of 305 km/h which is a huge margin over the base Vantage with a V8 power plant.

With design cues taken from the V12 Vantage RS Concept, the production version is treated to an aggressive front end with larger air intakes, a lower spoiler, improved side skirts, new wheels, a new diffuser with dual exhaust tail pipes, as well as clear headlights which I am really not a fan of.

The British sports car maker revealed that the V12 Vantage is based on a limited 1000-unit production run and potential owner can expect deliveries by the third quarter of this year. Please click here for detailed information regarding the new Vantage as well as to view an image gallery.

Stuttgart-based sports car maker Porsche has revealed the new 911 GT3 at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland. Given an updated look by improving, among others, the front end and rear design, the rear wing and adding the distinctive LED tail lights, the 911 GT3 is now more powerful with its 3.8 liter naturally-aspirated flat-six engine which is good for 435HP and 429Nm of torque.

The improvement accounts for a 20HP bump in performance which enables the car to do 312 km/h. Other features of the GT3 include Porsche’s Active Stability Management (PASM) system as well as Porsche’s Stability Management (PSM) system and ceramic composite brakes, just to name a few.

The Porsche 911 GT3 goes on sale later this year with a prices starting from 98,100 Euros. Depending on what you opt for, it can go as high as 116,947 Euros. Click here to learn more about the 911 GT3 as well as to view an image gallery.

Daimler-owned Maybach has unveiled the Zeppelin 57 and 62 flagship luxury sedans at the Geneva Motor Show. Essentially based on the aging W140 S-Class chassis, both models are now powered by the Mercedes/AMG 6.0 liter V12 biturbo power plant that is capable of 640HP, which has an extra 28HP, and 1000Nm of torque. 0 – 100 km/h sprint figure for the 57 is rated at 4.9 seconds, while the 62 model achieves it in 5.1 seconds. The 57’s top speed is electronically limited to 275 km/h while the latter is set to 250 km/h.

The slightly dull looking Zeppelin features a two tone body colour finish and 20 inch wheels in a Chrome Shadow finish while the interior is finished in the highest quality California beige leather and high-gloss piano lacquer trim. It also comes with a perfume atomizer which is located in an internally illuminated Plexiglass sphere on the rear centre console. You can select two different fragrances (one light and refreshing, the other woodier, richer and heavier), both of which are specially developed with Givaudan.

Orders can be placed now and buyers can expect deliveries by September this year. Pricing wise, the Maybach Zeppelin 57 costs 406,000 Euros while the Maybach Zeppelin 62 carries a price tag of 473,200 Euros. Continue reading to view an image gallery of the Maybach Zeppelin.

Click here to read the rest of Geneva 2009: Maybach introduces the Zeppelin 57 and 62 sedans

Bugatti has joined the automotive circus at the Geneva Motor Show with the latest version of the ultra-powerful and super-exclusive Veyron, the Blue Centenaire. This new version which celebrates the auto maker’s 100th anniversary is able to spit out a massive 1001HP and a jaw-dropping 1250Nm of torque thanks to its 16-cylinder quad-turbocharged 8.0 liter power plant.

Exterior finish is highlighted by a number of features including; a two tone unique combination of “sprintblue matt” and “sprintblue gloss” paint finish (which can only be seen up close), special polished anodized-aluminum rear view mirrors and roof-trim-stripes, mesh grille inserts, exclusive Centenaire wheels, as well as bright red brake-calipers. The interior is mostly finished in “snowbeige” leather. Other features which are offered as standard with the exclusive car include; LED lighting, Park Distance Control and a rear view camera.

To help make a point that this super car would only be available to just a handful of owners, Bugatti has placed a 1.35 million Euro price tag! For people like you and me, lets just take a look at an image gallery after the jump.

Click here to read the rest of Geneva 2009: Bugatti Veyron Blue Centenaire revealed