Author: EuroCarBlog.com

Following release of pics of the new generation Porsche Cayenne, the company had a strong offering at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, with the lovely Porsche 918 Spyder on show, alongside the Porsche Cayenne S hybrid and Porsche 911 GT3R Hybrid. Such that the new Porsche Cayenne and 997 Turbo S faded into the background. In the galleries below you’ll see Porsche live at Geneva, and the official pics of the new Cayenne.

Everything about the Cayenne restyling suggests more sport and less utility. It is lighter, more compact looking (although longer) and has more Porsche style than previously. The major evolution in the model, though, is the new hybrid version, which will be available from its market launch date, expected in dealerships from May 8th. The Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid is equipped with a 3.0-litre V6 turbo engine with 333 hp, and a battery-powered motor with another 47 hp, for a total of 380 hp. It produces 193 g/km of CO2 emissions and has fuel consumption of 8.2 litres per 100 km.

The new Cayenne diesel is also more environmental than the previous model, consuming 20 percent less fuel with its 3.0-litre V6 with 240 hp and 550 Nm of torque. Other engine options include the 4.8-litre V8 of the Cayenne S and the Turbo, while the entry level Cayenne model now also has the eight-speed Tiptronic S with Start&Stop technology. Automatic transmission is available on all models.

German pricing for the new Porsche Cayenne starts at 55,431 euros for the Cayenne, ranging to 115,526 euros for the Cayenne Turbo. The Cayenne diesel is 59,596 euros, the Cayenne S is 72,686 euros and the Cayenne S Hybrid comes in at 78,636 euros. Click on the galleries to see all the photos.

As we check out these live pics of the Lamborghini LP570-4 Superleggera from the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, we discover that Lamborghini had a tough sales year for 2009. Going green like the Ferrari 599 Hy-Kers concept, the Lamborghini SuperLeggera is the heir to the current Gallardo Superleggera, and the little sister to the Murcielago SV. Basically it’s all about carbonfibre, making the body light and therefore also increasing the performance.

The Lamborghini LP570-4 Superleggera is 70 kg lighter than the Gallardo, for a total of 1,340 kg. The V10 engine gets a power boost of 10 hp, up to 570 hp and the weight-power ratio is now a record 2.35 kg/hp. There is also a 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption and emissions compared to the first Superleggera. Top speed is 325 km/hr and acceleration to 100 km/hr occurs in 3.4 seconds.

There are plenty of other features of this model which hopefully bode well for Lamborghini in the future as sales reveal that the company sold just 1,515 vehicles last year. That’s a fall of 37.7 percent on 2008 figures. After the previous year saw record sales for Lamborghini, it’s now been dealt a hard blow, with earnings sliding from 479 to 281 million euros. It’s all down to the world economic crisis and the hard hit US and Eastern European markets. Grabbing the bull by the horns, so to speak, for 2010, Lamborghini is reducing production to keep the demand exclusive and hopes to ride out the crisis. We’ll have to wait and see.

Here’s a live video of the Alfa Giulietta at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, courtesy of our colleagues at Autoblog.it. The competition is fierce for the new Alfa hatchback, with the Giulietta up against hugely successful models like the Audi A3 and the Volkswagen Golf. The 147 replacement is a good looking model, though, and has plenty of Alfa engine technology and performance to boot. See our post for official Giulietta pricing, and our analysis of the Giulietta competitors.

Here are live pics of Volkswagen at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, and a gallery of the 2010 Volkswagen Touareg after the jump. Much like its German counterpart, BMW at Geneva, Volkswagen is focussing on its green credentials for the environment, or blue in this case, with its Bluetec models. The new Touareg Hybrid was on display, for example, which weighs 208 kg less than the original version. With its V6 333 hp engine combined with an electric motor of 47 hp, it should compete directly with the BMW X6 hybrid, and the Audi Q5 hybrid.

Other models on show at the 2010 Geneva motor show from Volkswagen include the Amarok pick-up and the Polo GTI, which is more economical than the previous version despite an increase of 30 hp. The CrossPolo also debuted, which can only be described as a hatchback soft off-road model.

Below is a full gallery of the 2010 Volkswagen Touareg, which could be quite a successful model for the brand in the future. It is roomy, with more luxury internal finishings than the previous generation, and large boot capacity. The Touareg is already available on the German market, costing 50,700 euros for the entry level model, and 73,500 euros for the top-of-the-range Touareg Hybrid. The 4.2-litre TDI V8 costs 70,800 euros. Click on the galleries for more pics.

The Aston Martin Cygnet in this gallery, shows off its various colours to emphasise the limited edition, exclusive nature of this car. As we saw with the Cygnet live pics from Geneva, it’s the interior that lets you know you’re driving an Aston, otherwise it is just a Toyota iQ in disguise. The Cygnet can be ordered in all kinds of different tints, kits and finishings in accordance with the one-off idea.

Only 2,000 units of the Aston Martin Cygnet will be produced, although the date when production will start hasn’t been announced. Neither has the Cygnet price, although rumours suggest it could be about 22,000 euros, which 7,000 euros more than the Toyota iQ. The Cygnet is equipped with Toyota’s 1.33 litre engine with 100 hp.

Aston Martin Cygnet new pics

At the 2010 Geneva Motor Show BMW presented the new 5 Series, the 5 Series ActiveHybrid concept, and the ActiveE electric concept based on the 1 Series coupe. The BMW catch cry for this year is “Efficient Dynamics“, a project which was first launched at Geneva three years ago. For a better idea of why BMW is so focussed on what may seem a boring concept, check out the BMW physics lesson video after the jump, which takes a jab at Audi via an upstart youngster who knows how to draw the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car.

BMW is more than serious, though, about the technology from that concept car that it intends to adopt across the range. The entire range of BMW vehicles has a calculated average of fuel consumption for each vehicle of just 5.9 l/100 km. The ActiveE will soon start road tests, while the Megacity concept development will get underway.

In addition to the environmental focus, on display at the show is the X5 restyling, the 3 Series coupe and cabriolet restyling, the 2010 X6 range and the Z4 SDrive 35is. There was also the 135i with Valvetronic Twinpower Turbo N55 with dual-clutch technology, which is a technical novelty for the BMW M5 now available with Start-Stop, a Competition Package and rear LED lights. We’ll be bringing you more details and pics of the new BMW 5 Series, X5 and the other models from the show, but see these live pics from Geneva to see if BMW is staying exciting while focussing on its technology.

BMW 5 Series live pics from Geneva motor show

Pininfarina celebrates 80 years with the Pininfarina 2uettotanta Concept presented at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The concept is based on, and inspired by, the old Alfa Duetto spider model; a situation which has now given hope that a Duetto revival is on the cards. The 2uettotanta is also a homage to Alfa Romeo, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

The concept measures 421 x 180 x 128 cm and has a wheel base of 250 cm. It is based on the old cuttlebone design, giving it a dynamic and sporty look. The classic Alfa Romeo front is not missing, with air intakes and wings for aerodynamics, and a front carbon splitter. The interior suggests a driver-oriented experience, taking the Duetto steering wheel and combining it with steering wheel paddles for the dual clutch transmission.

Other features include Alfa style wheels, Brembo carbon ceramic brakes and Alfa DNA selector. Aside from the technology, the thing that really gets your heart fluttering is the amazing Pininfarina design on one of its favourites, Alfa Romeo. It’s a partnership that dates back to the 30’s, with the cabrio 6C 1750 Gran Sport and the Spider Sport Aerodinamico. The post-war years saw 88 cabriolets produced: the 1900 C Sprint. (Video and more after the jump).

Pininfarina 2uettottanta Alfa Concept official pics

But the peak of Pininfarina-Alfa Romeo collaboration was the Giulietta Spider which first appeared in the US before being brought to Europe. The future of the Pininfarina company was secured with 17,000 Giulietta models and 10,000 Giulia models produced, and the famous Duetto, which first appeared in 1966 at the Geneva show, to be made by Pininfarina until 1993. It’s all down to convincing Sergio Marchionne that a new Alfa Romeo Duetto could be produced off the back of this Pininfarina 2uettotanta, even though he had signalled production end of the current Alfa Spider. Here’s hoping 2010 sees a new Alfa-Pininfarina model appear…

The French have pulled out the big guns on the concept models at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, with these live pics of the Peugeot SR1 and the Peugeot Cinq. Coming up, we’ll also take a look at the Citroen GQ concept, too. While the Peugeot RCZ is about the new sports coupe focus for the company, the SR1 and Cinq have the important task of launching a Peugeot style.

The 2010 Geneva Motor Show was the first appearance for Peugeot since its new brand identity project, which has seen quite a change in design direction and new models. The Peugeot stand has been a much visited one so far, putting Peugeot among the protagonists at the show – quite an achievement when you think about the calibre of some of the models and some of the cars on show.

The Peugeot SR1 Concept is a futuristic gran turismo-convertible model with hybrid technology. It runs off a diesel-hybrid combination of a 1.6-litre engine and 95 hp rear electric motor, with a total of 313 hp and all-wheel-drive Hybrid4. It’s got plenty of concept features including a plastic roof and a crystal tube interior display, but we don’t know if, when and what of the SR1 will go into production. It’s all part of Peugeot’s aim, though, to gain three spots in the world classification of manufacturers within three years, and so far they’re well placed to achieve that if this model becomes a reality.

Peugeot SR1 live pics from Geneva motor show

Here are the live pics of the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S Awards Edition at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, debuting as a homage edition to the model. It’s equipped with 20-inch “Multi Trident” alloy wheels and the exclusive “Quarzo fuso” tint. It has dual-cast braking technolog and luxury Frau and Alcantara leather finishing on the interior. Present at the Maserati stand at Geneva was also the GranCabrio in Mediterranean Blue colour.

In the meantime, InsideLine reports that Maserati will develop its own hybrid powertrains, most likely making use of the Ferrari hybrid technology that appeared on the Ferrari 599 Hy-kers model at the Geneva show. Hybrid technology combined with research into reducing the weight of Maserati’s vehicles should allow for more competitive CO2 emissions and fuel consumption as environmental laws make it ever more difficult for luxury car brands.

Now that the Geneva motor show is open to the public, you might be lucky enough to spot some of the motor show girls, generally seen perched on or in the vehicles. Then again you might not – the ladies might be for press only. In which case, you can see the fourth part of our gallery of the girls from Geneva here. For the other galleries, see “motor show girls“.

The Dacia Duster will debut in the UK in 2012, with the new SUV appearing on the European market in a few weeks’ time at just 11,900 euros. The Dacia is a Romanian car brand that belongs to the Renault group, and is creating a stir with its entry level market options. Dacia was not a brand originally earmarked for the UK market, but with solid results in the last five years, the Duster is up to the challenge.

While Dacia is not set for a UK debut until 2012, you can see details of the project on the website at www.daciacars.co.uk, complete with a countdown. The Dacia Duster will be available in both 4×2 and 4×4 driving options, costing 11,900 euros or 13,900 euros. It has an engine range with a 16 valve, 1.6-litre petrol unit with 110 hp, and two dCi diesel models with 85 or 110 hp. CO2 emissions measure between 135 and 145 g/km. It has the minimum safety features you’d expect with ABS, ESP and four airbags.

Off-road options include the Pack Look kit with 16-inch light alloy wheels, roof bar, brushed chrome side skirts and darkened rear windows. The Pack Cuoio, on the other hand, includes interior leather finishes. The Dacia Duster comes with a six-speed manual gearbox with a short shift for off-road driving. Below you can find live pics of the Duster at Geneva, more official pics and a video showing its offroad capabilities.

The Alfa Giulietta price is more competitive than first thought, which is a big step in the right direction for the future success of the Giulietta. We don’t yet know what the details are of the “Progression” and “Distinctive” packages are, but the Giulietta nudges the premium market with some very good prices.

The Alfa Giulietta 1.4 TB with 120 hp (Progression) is the entry level model with 20,300 euros, while the “Distinctive” kit costs an extra 1,700 euros. The new Multiair engine option is really a steal on the Giulietta with the 1.4 TB Multiair with 170 hp costing 22,000 euros in Progression or 23,700 euros in Distinctive.

The top-of-the-range fuel model Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde with 235 hp costs just under 30,000 euros. The diesel range is also looking competitive with the 1.6 JTDm-2 with 105 hp costing 22,300 euros, and the JTDm-2 with 170 hp costing 25,700 euros. If you’re interested in the Sport Pack, 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels are available at 1,700 and 2,000 euros extra, respectively. All the Alfa Giulietta pricing details are after the jump.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 TB Progression: 20.300 euro

Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 TB Distinctive: 22.000 euro

Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 TB MultiAir Progression: 22.000 euro

Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 TB MutltiAir Distinctive: 23.700 euro

Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1750 TBi Quadrifoglio Verde: 29.000 euro

Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.6 JTDm-2 Progression: 22.300 euro

Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.6 JTDm-2 Distinctive: 24.000 euro

Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2.0 JTDm-2 Progression: 25.700 euro

Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2.0 JTDm-2 Distinctive: 27.400 euro

We saw the Ferrari 599 Hy-kers hybrid concept in live pics from Geneva, and now we can get a look at it in this video from the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. While any dedicated Ferrari fan will baulk at the idea of a hybrid Ferrari, it is quite fetching in its green livery. In case you’re in denial, there’s always the lovely Ferrari 458 Italia to turn to. See the 458 Italia Geneva presentation from Montezemolo in the video above.

Source | Autoblog.it

These new pics of the Audi RS5 show it on the Abu Dhabi track, while the trailer gives us the RS5 in action (what sound!). Rumours are that with the improved chassis we could be looking at a Nurburgring track time of under eight minutes. The differential technology certainly gives the RS5 the edge, with torque distributed on the basis of driving conditions. The RS5 is equipped with a V8, 4.2-litre FSI engine with 450 hp and 430 Nm, and if it’s not sporty enough there are other, more extreme options to meet your fancy, including 20-inch wheels.

Audi RS5 new pics

Here’s the last past of the lovely motor show girls from the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. There are a few weird outfits, but we reckon you won’t be looking at them too much, anyway. See the first gallery of the girls from Geneva, and the second part here, too.

Girls from 2010 Geneva motor show: part three

The 2010 Geneva Motor Show afforded us our first glimpse of the Mini Countryman live, and we’re a little nonplussed about this new Mini crossover and the departure from the core of the Mini brand. The Mini Countryman is a five-door Mini with the possibility of ALL4 all-wheel-drive and a differential with DSC which manage the torque distribution of the vehicle. We don’t have a problem with any of this technology per se, we just don’t really understand its inclusion on a Mini. We guess the only explanation lies in the pressure to frequently create something new for the Mini image, not to mention jumping on the SUV band wagon.

The Mini Countryman appeared with the new Mini One petrol engine line-up, and the Mini One cabrio model. The Countryman is available in the following engine options: One 98 hp, Cooper 122 hp, Cooper S 184 hp, One D 90 hp, and Cooper D 110 hp. The ALL4 option is available only with the Cooper S and Cooper D. After the jump is the first Mini Countryman video, where the philosophy behind the model begins to make more sense. Only time will tell whether that translates into sales or not.

Mini Countryman live at Geneva motor show

The first Audi A1 on-road video shows the new compact driven by Markus Winkelhock (official Audi DTM driver), in a more modest standard version than those we’ve seen so far, although we do get a look at the famous “wasabi green” interior inserts and trim. With commentary from Horst Glaser of Audi’s chassis department, this is the first real sense I’ve got that the A1 could be a serious contender to the Mini, without the retro style, of course.

The A1 debut at the 2010 Geneva motor show was almost overshadowed by the A1 E-Tron prototype; the third in the E-Tron family, none of them are headed for production in the near future, although the second compact E-Tron is said to be the future Audi R4. In any case, if we were to see an A1 E-Tron in production, it could be a coup for Audi in conquering the urban electric market. We’ll have to wait and see.

The Peugeot RCZ coupé was to be the new sports coupé focus for Peugeot, on moving out of the hot hatch segment with canning its GTI badge. While that decision has been partially reversed, we still remained skeptical about this new Peugeot coupé love affair. On seeing these RCZ live pics from the 2010 Geneva Motor Show though, we’re just about convinced that it’s not a bad model after all, and not just the Audi TT rip-off it first seemed.

The RCZ is audacious and original, and should definitely appeal to the French market at least, with their own, home grown coupé on the market. This vehicle is for a customer who isn’t afraid to try something new, without giving up a sports drive.

The Peugeot RCZ has already had a limited release with the RCZ Black Yearling model, and the RCZ Limited Edition model. But it’s finally ready for its spring appearance on the market, as the company turns over a new leaf in its brand image. And if the SR1 Concept was to go into production too, we’ll fast become French fans on this blog.

Peugeot RCZ live pics Geneva 2010

These live pics show the Ferrari 599 Vettura Laboratorio (laboratory vehicle) and the Ferrari California with new Stop&Start technology, both presented at the Geneva motor show. It’s all about Ferrari in green this year, with the 599 Vettura Laboratorio Hy-Kers the first of Ferrari’s hybrid projects.

It is a 12-cylinder model with electric motor (of more than 100 hp) that will contribute to Ferrari’s future need to reduce CO2 emissions and become more environmental. While we’re only in the initial phase, Ferrari president Montezemolo has said that the first Ferrari hybrid production vehicle will appear in the next three to four years.

The 599 Hy-Kers reduces CO2 emissions by 35 percent compared to the model it’s based on, and in the future its hybrid system could be transferred, as is, to V8 Ferrari models. The Ferrari California Stop&Start is another experiment with environmentally friendly technology, that has reduced CO2 emissions by six percent, to a total of 280 g/km.

Ferrari 599 Vettura Laboratorio live pics from Geneva

The 2010 Opel Corsa, Flextreme GT/E electric concept, final version Opel Ampera and the new Opel Meriva all appeared at the Opel stand at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. While the Opel Ampera with its range extending technology is now ready for its 2011 roll-out, the Flextreme GT/E represents another new electric-based model for Opel. It also uses the EREV architecture with range extending principles, using an electric motor with 163 hp, 16 Kw lithium batteries and a 1.4-litre engine with 72 hp. It has a total range of 500 km and an average fuel consumption of 1.6 l/100 km, with CO2 emissions of 40 g/km.

The new Opel Meriva with its Flexdoors is also on show at Geneva, displaying a vehicle that is taking on more ‘people mover’ features on a model that while larger, is still classed as a compact MPV. Also on display is the new 2010 Opel Corsa which, with its new makeover, should only continue the success of one of Europe’s most popular cars.

Opel stand live pics Geneva