Author: autoevolution

  • Ferrari Yet to Answer All the Questions for 2010 Campaign

    Ferrari’s Stefano Domenicali admitted that there are several questions that have remained unanswered following the 15 days of testing this winter. Although admitting he is very impressed with the level of performance disclosed by the Ferrari F10 during the month of February, the Italian boss said there are some areas that his team is yet to focus in order to have fewer surprises during the opening rounds of the 2010 season.

    Here are still some questions to be solved, such as the tires’ behavi… (read more)

  • 2010 Geneva Auto Show: Skoda Fabia vRS

    Skoda has unveiled the vRS hot versions of the Fabia hatchback and Fabia estate at the Geneva Auto Show.

    The vRS incarnations of the Fabia feature a sport suspension system and are powered by the Volkswagen Group’s 1.4 liter supercharged & turbocharged engine that develops 180 HP. The unit is matted to the seven speed DSG dual clutch transmission. The engine is a premiere for the Skoda brand.

    The power is being handled through an XDS electronic front differential that simulates the limited… (read more)

  • 2010 Geneva Auto Show: Mercedes-Benz C 220 CDI and E 250 CDI

    Mercedes-Benz has already begun its assault on the green vehicle market. Though hybrid or all-electric cars have not been ready for production yet, the German car manufacturer presented at the Geneva Auto Show more efficient versions of the C-Klasse and E-Klasse models.

    The new C 220 CDI only needs 4.5 liters of fuel for 100 km, which is 0.3 liters less than the previous model. The CO2 output also went down from 127 g/km to 119 g/km. Drivers of the C 220 CDI have 125 kW (170 hp) and a maximum… (read more)

  • Ram Truck Master Sportsman’s Tour Kicks Off

    In an attempt to further promote the new sub-brand and its vehicles, American manufacturer Chrysler announced it will kick-off a 26-state, 50-venue Master Sportsman’s Tour, to showcase the redesigned 2010 Ram Heavy Duty pickup to some one million hunters and fishermen.

    With the help of local dealers from regions with a heavy concentration of hunting, fishing and boating event, camps hosting the Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickup trucks will be set up.

    "It’s a fact that pickup truck o… (read more)

  • 2010 Geneva Auto Show: Nissan Juke Crossover

    Just three weeks after its official unveiling, Nissan’s latest crossover gets ready for making its European public debut. Dubbed Juke, the third member of Nissan’s crossover family is to face visitors of the 2010 Geneva Auto Show starting March 4, 2010. Members of the media, however, are already getting acquainted with the Juke these days in Geneva.

    The Juke draws inspiration from the Qazana concept car and can be considered the younger brother of the Qashqai, also on display in Geneva in an … (read more)

  • Ecclestone Approves Anthony Hamilton’s GP Prep Academy

    Anthony Hamilton’s and his son’s decision to part ways ahead of the 2010 Formula One championship, with the latter to be managed by McLaren Mercedes until he can find a replacement, seems more logical now that we have been presented with a valid reason for it.

    According to Hamilton Snr., his brand new GP Academy has received approval from the Formula One Management and Bernie Ecclestone for using the Formula One designation.

    In late January, we have reported to you that Anthony Hamilton … (read more)

  • 2010 Geneva Auto Show: SEAT IBE Concept

    Just like the rest of the industry, SEAT is stepping into the all-electric vehicle sector with the launch of the IBE concept, a model presented today at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show. The concept is 3.78 meters long, 1.80 meters wide and has an overall height of 1.22 meters, which means it is 25cm shorter than an Ibiza, 22cm lower but 10cm wider.

    Full LED headlights, two air intakes in the front bumper plus the 19-inch alloy wheels contribute to the overall sporty appearance of the car.

    Obviou… (read more)

  • 2010 Geneva Auto Show: Kia Sportage

    South Korean manufacturer Kia unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show the new generation Sportage SUV, bringing new dimensions, a design cue inspired by the 2007 Kia Kue concept and refreshened engine range.

    The new Sportage boasts more European-like lines, as it has been designed under the guidance of former Audi designer Peter Schreyer. The lines are sleeker, while the increased size of the vehicle will be more appealing to American consumers.

    The new SUV is built on the same platform as… (read more)

  • 2010 Geneva Auto Show: E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID

    Mercedes-Benz announced today at the Geneva Auto Show that getting their cars greener is one of their main priorities. The German car manufacturer emphasized that lower CO2 emissions can be achieved without compromising comfort and refinement.

    We’re driving for victory not only in Formula 1, but also in ‘Formula Green’ – with premium automobiles that combine environmental responsibility with the pure fascination of Mercedes-Benz. said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Managem… (read more)

  • 2010 Geneva Auto Show: Renault Megane GT and GT Line

    The Renault Megane range will receive a sporty extension at the Geneva Auto Show, through the introduction of two new performance-inspired models, the Megane GT and the Megane GT Line.

    The two versions have been developed by Renault Sport and are aimed at extending the availability of the Renault performance vehicles – the company wants to offer a sport driving experience to a wider range of drivers.

    The GT and GT Line can be chosen for the hatchback, coupe, estate and coupe-cabriolet vers… (read more)

  • 2010 Geneva Auto Show: Lotus Evora Carbon Concept

    The Lotus booth at the Geneva Auto Show is featuring yet another version of the Evora, dubbed Carbon Concept, purpose built to "emphasize Lotus’ motorsport pedigree." The car features only exterior tweaks meant to impress, as the engine has not been modified in no way.

    The car boasts, on the outside, a white color finished in advanced water based pearlescent paint, contrasting with the carbon fiber panels. Carbon is featured on the roof, as well as on the Lotus Motorsport inspired … (read more)

  • Ken Block Prepares WRC Debut with Home Win

    Ken Block has certainly made all the right moves prior to his debut in the World Rally Championship this weekend, as the North American racer took his brand new Monster-livery Ford Fiesta to the win in the first round of the Rally America Championship, the 100 Acre Wood Rally.

    Being co-driven by Alex Gelsomino, Block left nothing to change last weekend and clinched his 5th consecutive win in the aforementioned event, setting a good morale ahead of his WRC outing in Mexico. In fact, the Califo… (read more)

  • Naomi for Haiti Lotus Evoras Raise 1.4M Euros

    Just as promised, the total amount raised for charity and the highest bidders have been announced by Lotus this morning at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show. The eight special edition ‘Naomi for Haiti’ Evoras have raise more than €1.4 million at auction, which will benefit the Haitian victims of the tragic earthquake that hit the Caribbean country on January 12, 2010.

    The special edition Evoras are the work of Lotus Design Director Donato Coco, while also reflecting Naomi’s design directi… (read more)

  • Toyota Recalls Avalon, RAV4 on Oil Line Issue

    Although this latest development is in no way related to the 8 million vehicles recall to fix sudden accelerator problems in Toyota vehicles, it’s difficult to see how would this not add to the problem baggage Toyota currently has to carry.

    Dubbed by the Japanese carmaker a "limited service campaign," the recall affects 128,800 Avalon (2007 – 2009 model year) and 89,000 RAV4 V6 (2007 – 2009 model year) in the US.

    The problem with them is a rubber portion of the oil supply hose … (read more)

  • 2010 Geneva Auto Show: New Ford Focus Wagon

    Just as we told you a few days ago, the Americans over at Ford travelled to Switzerland to present their next-generation global Ford Focus 5-door model in Europe plus the new wagon variant of the car. The European and North American production of the new Focus range will start at the same time in late 2010, with the first units to go on sale in the first months of 2011. Additionally, Ford will also begin production in Asia, Africa and South America.

    "A key strength of the Ford Focus rang… (read more)

  • 2010 Geneva Auto Show: Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Edition

    The European version of the MX-5 20th Anniversary Edition is making its world debut at this year’s Geneva Auto Show in Switzerland. Celebrating two decades since the roadster was launched, Mazda’s MX-5 20th Anniversary model will be marketed in Europe in a limited edition of just 2,000 units.

    Each car is equipped with a special edition scuff plate with a serial number from 1 to 2,000. Customers will be able to choose between three special edition exterior colors, namely True Red, Crystal Whit… (read more)

  • 2010 Geneva Auto Show: MercedesSport Individualization Products

    Mercedes-Benz has just launched at the Geneva Auto Show its sporty individualization products called MercedesSport. The line of products includes light-alloy wheels and sports suspension, as well as detachable body parts to enhance a car’s aerodynamics or looks. All the parts can be retrofitted.

    At first, the MercedesSport accessories will be available on the E-Klasse Saloon, Estate, Coupe and Cabriolet, but other model series will follow. The MercedesSport items will be available from author… (read more)

  • Lotus F1 Signs Long-Time Deal with CNN

    They may not have bagged countrymen Petronas oil company as major sponsor of their Formula One operations, but Lotus F1 Team sure managed to hit the jackpot earlier this week, as they have confirmed world’s leading news network CNN as long-time sponsors of the Malaysian backed outfit.

    Although not title sponsors, CNN agreed to a long-time partnership with Lotus, with its logos due to appear heavily on the surface of the T127, as well as the drivers’ overalls and all team clothing.

    We are v… (read more)

  • 2010 Geneva Auto Show: Renault EDC Automatic Dual Clutch Transmission

    Renault is introducing its new six-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission at the Geneva Auto Show. Dubbed EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch), the transmissions offers a 17 percent reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, when compared to standard automatic transmissions.

    The EDC uses a dual dry clutch system: the first clutch covers the odd-number gears (1st, 3rd and 5th), while the second one deals with the even number ones (2nd, 4th and 6th) and the reverse one. Four shafts are used to c… (read more)

  • Eddie Jordan Reveals Stefan GP, Villeneuve Will Compete in 2010

    Former Grand Prix team owner Eddie Jordan revealed that he has some valid information that Stefan GP will be on the grid of the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix, the opening round of the 2010 Formula One season. And that’s not the only news provided by the Irishman, as he made it very clear that one of the Serbian team’s drivers for the 2010 season will by Canadian Jacques Villeneuve.

    My understanding is that they will be in Bahrain with Jacques Villeneuve driving, said the BBC pundit.

    Accordin… (read more)