Author: EuroCarBlog.com

The Pagani Zonda Tricolore will debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, and in the gallery below you can see the preview pics of the Tricolore. This Zonda is dedicated to Italy’s famous air force jet fighter aerobatics team, the “Frecce Tricolore”, who will celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2011.

Aside from the fact that a Pagani Zonda will always be an iconic supercar, the Tricolore is striking for its amazing livery. Based on the Zonda Cinque, it’s built from a carbonfibre-titanium structure. It is a one-off, unpainted example that has a clear blue lacquer finish and Italy’s red, white and green stripes up the nose, reflecting the MB-339 jets used in aerobatics displays.

Compared to the Zonda Cinque, it has extra air vents and LED daytime lights. It could be your last chance to get a Zonda before it’s replaced by the Pagani C9 later this year; but at 1.3 million euros it’s really anyone’s guess as to who the one lucky person will be who can actually afford it. Even the photo of the Tricolore ‘cockpit’ is worth seeing!

One-off Pagani Zonda Tricolore pics

The Opel Ampera’s first image has been released, although the presentation as such is actually a trip from Rüsselsheim to Geneva, where it will likely appear at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The Opel Ampera is the European sister to General Motors’ other electric car, the Chevrolet Volt. After the initial Ampera concept was presented at last year’s Geneva show, it’s going into production as a “range extending” vehicle, and not a hybrid car.

The Ampera front has undergone some slight changes, and front indicators are now included in the boomerang-shaped headlight set-up. The rear vision mirrors also include indicators but the overall profile and side design are so similar that this version looks pratically identical. The Ampera has a Voltec platform with a 1.4-litre aspirated engine with 100 hp and range extender. The battery/fuel combination gives the Ampera a 60 km zero-emission range, and a 500 km extended range. The fuel motor acts as a generator to the batteries, which can also be recharged via a 230V socket. For more details on how it works, see the Ampera website.

The Mercedes F800 Style Concept Car will appear at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show as the company prepares its coupe-sedan design for the replacement of the Mercedes CLC. I have to admit that I wasn’t expecting something quite so sexy from Mercedes, but the F800 Style is not just about what its name suggests.

The concept car is 474 cm long which suggests it might adopt the A-Class and B-Class platform, which will also be used on the Mercedes SUV range, previously known as BLK. The F800 Style is also 194 cm wide, 144 cm high and has a boot capacity of 440 litres. The car is equipped with a traditional hybrid drivetrain with a V6 engine with 300 hp and an electric motor with lithium ion batteries for another 109 hp.

Emissions measure 68 grams of CO2 per kilometre and fuel consumption is just 2.9 litres for every 100 km. The F800 Style has plenty of speed though, accelerating to 100 km/hr in 4.7 seconds with a top speed of 250 km/hr. It has a seven-speed, semi-automatic transmission also used on the Mercedes S-Class hybrid, and can also be equipped with a combustion fuel cell system for zero emissions.

In this case, the F800 Style with hydrogen power would have 140 hp, for a 100 km/hr acceleration time of 11 seconds and hydrogen consumption of 0.9 kg per 100 km. Other technology on display in this concept car is the new Mercedes Distronic Plus Traffic Jam Assistant, which works in conjunction with cruise control for automatic cornering at a maximum of 40 km/hr, and a 360° PreSafe system with batteries that reduce the risk of crashing.

The F800 Style, more importantly, marks a totally new design direction for Mercedes, as reported by Autocar. The front end of this concept car will be adopted across the range, starting with the new Mercedes CLS to be released this year. While the 300SL Gullwing has provided inspiration, Mercedes is denying that they’re opting for either a retro or aerodynamic look. LED daytime lights will feature as standard on all future models.

Here are the official pics of the Audi RS5, whose debut will take place at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. Audi has released the photos after a brochure leaked the first RS5 pics. The vehicle will be equipped with a V8, 4.2-litre FSI engine with 450 hp and 430 Nm of torque. Top speed is 250 km/hr, although an option is available to set the limit at 280 km/hr, and the car can reach 100 km/hr in 4.6 seconds.

The RS5 looks like an exciting coupe-sedan model, with other touches providing more sports driving. The S-Tronic dual-clutch transmission is combined with Audi’s famous Quattro all-wheel-drive, and overall weight is 1,725 kg for 10.8 litres of fuel consumption every 100 km.

The RS5 has a new central differential which distributes the 430 Nm of torque in a 40:60 ratio, with more torque going to the front wheels in normal conditions (70 percent), or in slippery conditions the rear wheels take 85 percent of torque. A rear sports differential is available on request, while the wheel base has been lowered by 20mm. The Audi RS5 comes equipped with 19-inch wheels (20-inch option available), and has front disc brakes of 365mm and 380mm rear brakes.

The RS5 can be distinguished by its retractable spoiler at the rear which pops up at 120 km/hr, and front bumper with large air intakes. The interior has carbonfibre and aluminium finishes. The RS5 will be available from spring at a price of about 77,700 euros.

Audi RS5 official pics

New pics of the Alfa Giulietta have been released as it nears its 2010 Geneva Motor Show debut. New technical details have also been made available for the first “Compact” platform model for Fiat, known as the C-Evo. While still adopting some aspects of the Fiat Bravo and Lancia Delta platform, the Alfa Giulietta is different for its suspension and its Dual Pinion steering. It also adopts the Alfa DNA programming which debuted on the Alfa MiTo, with Normal, Dynamic and All Weather set-ups.

The Alfa Giulietta replaces the Alfa 147 and includes classic Alfa design on a slightly larger hatchback. Debuting at the Geneva Motor Show will be five different Alfa Giulietta models: two Quadrifoglio Verde versions equipped with the 1750 TBi at 235 hp and 340 Nm of torque; two “Distinctive” versions with the 2.0-litre JTDM engine, 170 hp and 350 Nm; and another “Distinctive” version fitted with the exciting 1.4 Multiair Turbo petrol engine with 170 hp and 250 Nm.

The engine range available at launch includes the diesel option 1.6-litre JTDm with 105 hp and 320 Nm of torque, and a final petrol engine version available will also be the 1.4 TB with 120 hp. The entire range is equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, while the Multiair and 2.0-litre diesel will have the new TCT dual clutch transmission.

Alfa Giulietta new pics Geneva preview

McLaren XP8 and XP10 Testing in Spain from GTspirit on Vimeo.

Here’s a video of the McLaren MP4-12C, which will soon debut on the road, launching the challenge to the Ferrari 458 Italia. The video is an introduction to the McLaren production process and specifically, its Experimental Prototype vehicles. The narrative gives us an idea of what McLaren wants to achieve with the MP4-12C, and what it might be like to drive one.

The philosophy behind the MP4-12C was to create an inspiring supercar to drive, not an intimidating one. It had to be a car with supercar performance, but that focussed on an easy driving experience. See it all in the video.

A brochure for the Audi RS5 has leaked official pics of the model prior to its 2010 Geneva Motor Show presentation. The Audi RS5 is the extreme sports version of the A5 coupé, put together by the Quattro GmbH division. While we get a good look at all the pics, the leaked brochure has nothing on technical specs, although the RS5 is most likely equipped with the 4.2-litre V8 with 480 hp. It should also have the new eight-speed tiptronic transmission, which has debuted on the new Audi A8.

While the RS5 is very similar to the rest of the A5 range, it has a front bumper with large air intakes, honeycomb front grill, chrome rear vision mirrors and a larger wheel base similar to the Audi Quattro. The Quattro was the forerunner to this RS5 and originally appeared at the Geneva show 30 years ago.

The new Audi RS5 has 19-inch alloy wheels, LED rear lights and retractable rear spoiler. The RS5 will be lighter than the S5, thanks to the use of carbonfibre and aluminium, and should have very impressive performance figures. A future RS5 cabriolet might also be in the pipeline.

Audi RS5 leaked brochure pics

More pics of the Aston Martin Rapide have been released, showing some of the various colour choices available for the Rapide. We think it looks good in all of them, but see some of the combinations for yourself, like the Hardly Green exterior with beige interior, Blonde Silver with cream and blue interior or the lairy Magna Red with ‘tobacco’ interior. These are difficult choices for anyone who can actually afford the lovely sedan-coupe, equipped with a V12 engine at 470 hp.

These two videos show the new Alfa Giulietta on the snow in cold weather testing, although it’s still heavily camouflaged. The Giulietta will be officially presented at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show and while some official pics have already been released, we’re still waiting on a full set of pics of the new hatch. We should get a closer look in March and will have all the details on the model, which will be important to Alfa Romeo’s future fortunes and in gaining the confidence of Marchionne in the brand. It’s all down to what is undoubtedly a sexy Alfa, but with no guarantee of success. The second video is after the jump.

Source | Autoblog.it

The new Volkswagen Polo GTI and Volkwagen CrossPolo will be presented at the 2010 Geneva motor show, marking the further development of the new Polo range. The Polo GTI is the sports model and the CrossPolo has been designed as an all-terrain vehicle with front wheel drive.

The Polo GTI is equipped with the 1.4-litre TSI engine with 180 hp and 250 Nm of torque. It has a seven-speed DSG gearbox and XDS electronic differential. The Polo GTI is available in both three-foor and five-door versions and has a top speed of 229 km/hr, reaching 100 km/hr in 6.9 seconds. It’s a model that can only build on the success of the standard Polo version, providing a sporty alternative to the conservative compact car.

In contrast to the Polo GTI, the CrossPolo has a heightened wheelbase of 15 mm to the standard version, and will only be available in a five-door version with six engine options. In the fuel range we see the 1.2-litre with 70 hp, the 1.4 with 85 hp and the 1.2 TSI with 105 hp. Among the diesel options is the 1.6-litre TDI available in three power steps of 75, 90 and 105 hp.

The CrossPolo has off-road characteristics with ‘Budapest’ 17-inch alloy wheels and chrome roof racks. It will be available in six colours with “Magma Orange” and “Terra Beige Metallic” specific to this model. Both the Polo GTI and CrossPolo will be available in Germany from May, and then following sales will start in the rest of Europe and Japan.

Volkswagen has already released the German pricing of the new Touareg, which can be ordered now for its local market, although the official debut is not until the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in March. The SUV is available in three versions and pricing starts at 50,700 euros for the 3.0-litre TDI V6 with 240 hp. The top-of-the-range model is the Touareg Hybrid, costing 73,500 euros. The 4.2-litre TDI V8 with 340 hp completes pricing at 70,800 euros.

All new Touareg versions come equipped with the eight-speed Tiptronic with ESP, ABS, Traction Control System, cruise control, automatic air conditioning, Hill Holder, alloy wheels and on-board computer. Other features include radio, multifunction steering wheel, fog lights, parking sensors and Start&Stop system. A Volkswagen Luxury Touareg will also be available in the future.

Source | Es.autoblog

Here are the official pics of the new Opel Corsa for 2010, giving the popular small car a complete makeover and some added driving fun. The 2010 Corsa has a full engine range starting with the enty level one-litre, three cylinder option with 65 hp, and topping off the fuel models with the 1.6-litre Corsa OPC with 192 hp. Diesel options available include the 1.3 and 1.7-litre CDTI engines with outputs from 75 hp to 130 hp. There is also an ecoFLEX 1.3 CDTI with low CO2 emissions of 98 g/km for the three-door version, or 99 g/km for the five-door.

The fuel engines, including the popular 1.4-litre option, come with either manual or Easytronic automatic transmission. The 1.4 engine comes in two power variants of 87 or 100 hp, while the top diesel version is the 1.7-litre CDTI with 130 hp and an impressive 300 Nm of torque. The 2010 Corsa continues the tradition of the three-door or five-door option, with the former taking on an attractive coupé look.

Optional extras include halogen Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL), heated steering wheel (I like this one!), Hill Start Assist, Panorama sun roof, FlexFix bicycle carrier and Start&Stop system (by end of year). The Opel Corsa accounts for about 30 percent of Europe-wide Opel/Vauxhall sales and this new version looks like an exciting update for the model. The Opel Corsa 2010 is already available on the market with the following price list:

Opel Corsa Club 3-door 1.0: 11.300 euro

Opel Corsa Club 3-door 1.2 80 CV GPL-Tech: 13.800 euro

Opel Corsa Club 3-door 1.2 85 CV: 11.800 euro

Opel Corsa Club 3-door 1.3 CDTI ecoFlex 75 CV: 13.200 euro

Opel Corsa Club 5-door 1.0: 11.950 euro

Opel Corsa Club 5-door 1.2 80 CV GPL-Tech: 14.450 euro

Opel Corsa Club 5-door 1.2 85 CV: 12.450 euro

Opel Corsa Club 5-door 1.3 CDTI ecoFlex 75 CV: 13.850 euro

Opel Corsa Edition 111 3-door 1.0: 12.600 euro

Opel Corsa Edition 111 3-door 1.2 80 CV GPL-Tech: 15.100 euro

Opel Corsa Edition 111 3-door 1.2 85 CV: 13.100 euro

Opel Corsa Edition 111 3-door 1.3 CDTI ecoFlex 75 CV: 14.500 euro

Opel Corsa Edition 111 3-door 1.3 CDTI ecoFlex 95 CV: 15.100 euro

Opel Corsa Edition 111 5-door 1.0: 13.250 euro

Opel Corsa Edition 111 5-door 1.2 80 CV GPL-Tech: 15.750 euro

Opel Corsa Edition 111 5-door 1.2 85 CV: 13.750 euro

Opel Corsa Edition 111 5-door 1.3 CDTI ecoFlex 75 CV: 15.150 euro

Opel Corsa Edition 111 5-door 1.3 CDTI ecoFlex 95 CV: 15.750 euro

Opel Corsa Sport 3-door 1.2 85 CV: 14.650 euro

Opel Corsa Sport 3-door 1.4: 15.250 euro

Opel Corsa Sport 3-door 1.3 CDTI 90 CV: 16.650 euro

Opel Corsa Sport 3-door 1.7 CDTI F.AP.: 18.150 euro

Opel Corsa Cosmo 5-door 1.2 85 CV: 15.300 euro

Opel Corsa Cosmo 5-door 1.4: 15.900 euro

Opel Corsa Cosmo 5-door 1.3 CDTI 90 CV: 17.300 euro

Opel Corsa Cosmo 5-door 1.7 CDTI F.AP.: 18.800 euro

Opel Corsa GSi 3-door 1.6 Turbo 150 CV: 19.450 euro

Opel Corsa OPC 3-door 1.6 Turbo 192 CV: 22.350 euro

Get a close up look at the new Volvo S60 in these official videos, where we can see just how much of a competitor to the Audi sportback design it could be. The S60 looks aggressive, yet elegant, and the video called “Sculpted to Move You” is all about showing of its fluid lines, with a touch of dynamism. After the jump, see more videos of the new S60, including more driving footage, an interior studio sequence and the crash test.

The new Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet will debut in 2012, the same year the new Golf 7 is set to be revealed. Despite this, the Golf Cabriolet will still be based on the current Golf generation, the Golf 6. The cabrio marks the third model of its kind and will be a four-seater, with soft roof. The boot capacity will be 300 litres and the central rollbar of previous versions will disappear.

In replacement the Golf Cabriolet will feature two small rollbars under the rear headrests. A new air flow system, similar to the Aircap on the Mercedes E-Class Cabrio, will be implemented to reduce air turbulence for rear passengers. The Golf Cabriolet will have the same engine range as the current Golf 6, will the petrol 1.2-litre TSI with 105 hp, the 1.4 TSI-litre with 122 hp and the 2.0 TSI with 211 hp.

On offer among the diesels will be the 1.6-litre TDI with 105 hp and the 2.0 TDI with 140 hp. All engines will have the DSG gearbox with either six or seven speeds, and the BlueMotion package could be included, too.

Source | Autointernationaal

This video shows the Ferrari 599XX on track in an exclusive Autocar test around the Vallelunga track. You probably don’t need us, or Steve Sutcliffe, to tell you that this is a stunning sports car, but there are a few interesting secrets revealed in the video about just how easy the 599XX is to drive. Watch it around the track and enjoy the engine noise.

The new Volvo S60 has been released and will debut at the 2010 Geneva motor show, ten years after the debut of the model it’s replacing. Plenty has changed in the interim, and this could be the very impressive swan song for the company about to change hands. The Volvo S60 has never been so good, with top-of-the-range quality, avantgarde technical solutions and a very good engine range.

The new S60 looks lovely, it must be said, taking its inspiration from the concept of the same name and with the coupé touch now so evident in this very competitive segment. Volvo has played a clever game with the S60, making it ‘longish’ at 463 cm, but nothing excessive with the Opel Insignia considerably longer at 483. However, interior space and boot capacity has not been sacrificed, with the latter measuring 380 litres.

The Volvo S60 has four engine options with the T family (petrol) and D (diesel). The entry level option is a 2.0-litre diesel engine with 163 hp and 400 Nm of torque, reaching 100 km/hr in 9.2 seconds and having 220 km/hr of top speed. The 2.0T from Ford origin has 203 hp and 300 Nm of torque, reaching 100 km/hr in 7.7 seconds. Its fuel economy measures 5.9 litres per 100 km.

The D5 2.4-litre diesel with turbocharger has 204 hp and 420 Nm of torque, while the top-of-the-range model is the T6 all wheel drive version. It is equipped with an in-line six cylinder turbo engine with 304 hp and 440 Nm. It reaches 100 km/hr in just 6.5 seconds and has a fuel consumption of 10.2 litres per 100 km. Other engines arriving in 2011 include the T3 1.6-litre with 150 hp, the T4 with 180hp, the T5 2.0-litre with 240 hp and the 1.6-litre DRIVe with 115 hp.

Other features of the Volvo S60 include Advanced Stability Control, DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control) and Corner Traction Control. Dynamic chassis elements manage handling and drive feel and there’s a pedestrian detection system with automatic braking. The new S60 will be available from this summer. Click on the gallery for more pics.

Here are the first videos of the Audi A1 premium compact, where we can get a better look at the style and dimensions of the car. It’s quite a deceiving little vehicle and I can’t quite figure out my idea of its size, especially in comparison to other models. The video after the jump gives us further explanation of the A1 design, but I think a few other things are more telling than having someone discuss the single frame grille, for example.

To be specific, let’s get down to simple visuals – this first presentation A1 is red and shows the twin tone roof colour, making this a more street-style, funky Audi than any of the executive sedans, or elegant sportbacks and coupes achieve. So, one for young city goers it appears. The video discusses quality benchmarks in terms of design, with an interesting discussion of the A1 rear. I say interesting because the front is very trademark Audi and adopts in-house style.

I can’t wait to see this live at the Geneva show, where first impressions will be confirmed or overturned. There’s no doubt it’s an exciting prospect for Audi, but it will be the market who determines just how well Audi has pulled off its premium compact. Despite the Audi technology and quality, I’m a little disappointed in the choice of a 1.2-litre engine as the entry level model. It comes at a good price, but I’m not sure whether Audi will go stripping customers from Mini with that kind of option. We might love Audi, but generally we like them fast and powerful – maybe a turbocharger is called for. We’ll have to wait and see what happens…

The new Volkswagen Touareg pics show the second generation model, which will now also be available in hybrid version. The hybrid Touareg has impressive performance figures, with its 3.3-litre V6 and electric motor producing a total of 380 hp and 580 Nm of torque. Other engine options in the range include a 3.0-litre V6 TDI with 240 hp and 550 Nm of torque, which rivals the hybrid in terms of fuel economy.

There’s also the 3.6-litre V6 FSI with 280 hp and 360 Nm of torque, and the 4.2-litre V8 TDI with 340 hp and 800 Nm of torque, which substitutes the discontinued V10 TDI. Overall, the new Touareg is longer and lower than the previous generation, with more interior space, too. It weighs 208 kg less and fuel consumption has been reduced by 20 percent across the range.

The Touareg Hybrid consumes 8.2 litres of petrol per 100 km, while the V6 TDI does 100 km with 7.4 litres. The new Tiptronic eight-speed transmission also helps reduce consumption. A Terrain Tech option is offered with five different options under the all-wheel 4XMotion drive. All models are fitted with the Tiptronic transmission and start-stop technology.

New Volkswagen Touareg

A Citroen DS4 teaser shot has been leaked in anticipation of the 2010 Geneva motor show, where the model will be displayed at the Citroen stand alongside the DS3-R racing model. The Citroen DS4 will appear in concept form, although it already foreshadows much of what we’ll see on the production model.

This DS4 teaser shot doesn’t tell us much, although the front looks similar to the DS3, large five-spoke wheels appear and the car has a body style that slopes upwards. It’s unclear whether it will be a three-door or five-door model. It will appear on the market next year, after the Citroen C4 model which will be presented at the 2010 Paris show later this year.

Meanwhile, leaked pics and spy shots show the brand new Citroen DS3-R road racer in a hot hatch that could make an impact on this segment. It’s said to be equipped with a 1.6-litre, four cylinder engine fetching between 200 and 210 hp. Other aspects include a six-speed manual gearbox, possible limited slip differential and front wheel drive. Here’s hoping it also turns up at Geneva, making it a big show for Citroen.

Source | Automobile Magazine and Autoblog.com

The four videos of the new Porsche 911 Turbo S, which will be presented at the 2010 Geneva motor show, take up the themes of performance, personality, responsibility and history. The last theme continues Porsche’s 60 year history videos of the Panamera, and retraces the history of the model from its birth in 1993 with the Turbo S based on the Porsche 964.

The current Turbo S will be the top range turbo for Porsche with its 3.8 twin turbo engine at 530 hp and 700 Nm of torque. Direct injection guarantees low fuel consumption achieving 9 km for every litre. We put the performance video first, but see the other three 911 Turbo S videos after the jump.