Official Thread: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

[mikeyb]

2010 Geneva Auto Show

Splashy debuts of important production cars and evocative new concept vehicles are never in short supply at the Geneva auto show. As the first major European auto show of the year, it's the ideal venue to show off the latest new vehicles from Germany, France, Italy and sometimes even Britain.

There's also a healthy contingent of independent design houses that make the Geneva show their home away from home for a week each year. This assures a sometimes strange assortment of cars that will likely never be produced, but hey, they're still fun to look at for awhile.

As far as expectations go for the 2010 show, the 80th Geneva International Auto Show will play host to the world debut of the 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman, the first modern Mini with four doors and all-wheel drive. Also on deck is the Peugeot SR1 Concept, a sleek two-seat convertible with a hybrid drivetrain. Additional debuts include the new-generation Mazda 5, the Mitsubishi ASX and the Nissan Juke.

 

[mikeyb]

Alfa Romeo Giulietta

Alfa Romeo will present its all-new Giulietta to the world next spring at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show, with the first cars scheduled to hit the U.S. market in 2011.

Originally christened Milano, the new Giulietta is essentially a five-door companion to the Alfa MiTo, with design cues based heavily on the exotic 8C Competizione. It goes on sale next spring in Europe, filling a gap in the range left by the demise of the Alfa 147.

The Giulietta is built on Fiat's new C-Evo architecture, which also is expected to underpin a larger Giulia sedan that is expected to supplant the Alfa 159.

Both the Giulietta and the Giulia are slated to be sold in North America and one or both may be assembled there as well. In addition, Fiat's partner Chrysler expects to use the C-Evo architecture for one or more future products.

Alfa said the Giulietta will offer two turbocharged gas engines, a 120-horsepower 1.4 and a 170-hp 1.4, and two turbodiesels, a 105-hp 1.6 and a 170-hp 2.0. Eventually it will add a more potent Quadrifoglio Verde edition with a 235-hp direct-injection turbo 1.8.

The storied Giulietta name dates back more than half a century. The original Giulietta, a coupe, was introduced in 1954, and the series was expanded to include a variety of body styles, including an extremely low-volume wagon called Giulietta Promiscua. The series ran through 1965, and the name was revived on a sedan from 1977-'85.
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[mikeyb]

Audi RS5

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Since a bunch of pics and a little bit of info on the Audi RS5 leaked out over the weekend, the company decided to just go ahead and give up the rest. So here you have another set of official pics and we can confirm that this new super coupe will be powered by 4.2-liter V8 of the FSI variety.

Audi says it's closely related to the V10 in the top of the line R8, so figure its just like that lovely piece with a couple cylinders lopped off. Power is still substantial though, with ratings of 450 horses at 8,250rpm and 317 pound-feet of torque at 4,000rpm. It's a routed though a seven-speed dual clutch transmission and a quattro system with torque vectoring technology.

The heavily revised suspension results in a near one-inch drop in ride height compared to a standard A4. All RS5s will ride on standard 19-inch wheels with 265/35 tires at each corner. A set of 20-inch wheels is optional along with carbon ceramic brakes. Audi's Drive Select adjustable suspension is part of the package as well and on the RS5 it adds adjustable exhaust flaps that open things up a bit when in Dynamic mode.


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[Kymerik]

holy yummmmm @ the RS5
I saw an S5 yesterday in person for the first time, and that's a sexy car

 

[Jon MS3]

all that power put down via quattro and 265 tires all around? jealous

 

[mikeyb]

Citroen DS3 Racing

Hottest ever hatch from Citroen gets set to blast off with 200bhp engine.​

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Citroen’s hottest ever hatch is under starters orders! The 196bhp DS3 Racing, is set to get the green light at the Geneva Motor Show, and these are the first official pictures.

We outlined top-secret plans to build a performance DS3 12 months ago - and a recent leak provided exclusive spy shots proving that the car is on the way. But as these images show, the production version is raring to go ahead of its Geneva World debut next month.​

The hot-hatch will be highly exclusive too. With only 1,000 units scheduled to be sold when it hits showrooms later this year.​

But if you do manage to get your hands on one, you won’t have much problem standing out from the crowd. ​

Sharing the same bold styling blueprint as the standard car, the DS3 Racing comes with a dark grey body contrasted with vibrant, bright orange-coloured roof, side mirrors, 18-inch alloy wheels, brake callipers and front grille surround with integrated orange chrome chevrons.
The Racing also gets a sporty carbon finish around the front bumper, wheel surrounds and side skirt.​

Under the bonnet there’s a more powerful version of the firms turbo-charged 1.6-litre THP (Turbo High Pressure) engine, with the Racing spec unit capable of producing 196bhp, compared to the current DSport range-topper, which delivers 147bhp.​

This means the fastest DS3 in the line-up will take only 6.9 seconds to go from 0-62mph and will be capable of a top speed of 140mph. This amount of power sits the Racing between MINI’s Cooper S and JCW, both of which use a version of the same engine, and on a level with rivals like
the Renaultsport Clio 200.​

And it’s not just straight-line speed that has been fine-tuned. As well as a 30 per cent increase in power from the same sized engine, the DS3 Racing gets adapted suspension, with both front and rear tracks gaining 30mm in width and the ride height has been lowered by 15mm too.​

The front and rear dampers have also been appropriately tuned to handle the extra power. ​

All this results in more precision, control and sportier handling. An enhanced braking system with 4-piston callipers incorporated into the front discs drastically improves stopping power, while the exhaust system has also been restyled.​

On top of all this we expect the DS3 Racing to come with its fair share of limited edition badges and plaques, helping to further distinguish it from the rest of the range. ​

[autoexpress]​

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[CantCMe]

I love the A5 more and more I see it...

 

[mikeyb]

Citron DS High Rider Concept

In a striking departure from many conventional paint choices, even when it comes to concepts, Citron bathes the DS High Rider Concept in glossy golden paint, accented by brushed chrome trim. Another unusual albeit French touch is a roof covered with a coated textile material.

The three-door concept gets a full hybrid diesel powertrain, bundling one of Citron's HDi engines with an electric motor located on the rear axle.
"The hybrid platform enables DS High Rider to combine the fuel efficiency and power of an HDi diesel engine with the ecological benefits of a new-generation electric zero-emissions vehicle," Citron said in a statement. "Under certain conditions, both engines combine to deliver additional power with additional torque transmitted to the rear wheels."

Citron is not saying if such a vehicle is bound for production, merely describing the concept as "a bold and radical vision of the future." Styling cues include a high beltline, long "incisive" headlights and 19-inch alloy wheels. It is the second concept in Citron's DS lineup.

 

[mikeyb]

Fiat 500C Abarth and Fiat Abarth Punto Evo

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Fiat's Abarth brand will display performance editions of the 500C and the Punto Evo at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show.

Abarth has kitted out the 500C in a choice of two-tone exterior paint schemes, loud graphics and 17-inch diamond-finish alloy wheels.
Under the hood is an Abarth-tuned 1.4-liter four-cylinder Turbo T-Jet gas engine that makes 140 horsepower and 152 pound-feet of torque. Coupled with a six-speed Abarth Competizione automated manual gearbox with paddle shifters, the engine provides 0-60-mph acceleration in less than 8.1 seconds and a top speed of 127 mph, while returning impressive average fuel economy of 36 mpg in the European combined driving cycle.
Working with Magneti Marelli, Abarth also has upgraded the suspension and will offer an SS tuning kit for those who want even higher performance.

While both the standard Fiat 500 and 500C are slated to go on sale next year in North America, the company isn't saying yet if the hot Abarth editions will come, too. The Abarth 500C will go on sale shortly in Europe and Japan, Fiat said, "closely followed by other markets."

Abarth also has tuned the Punto Evo, which went on sale last fall in Europe. The Abarth variant features a turbocharged 165-hp 1.4-liter Multiair four-cylinder engine that provides peak torque of 184 lb-ft and 0-60-mph acceleration in less than 7.9 seconds.

The Abarth Punto Evo sports Brembo brakes, Jaeger instrumentation and optional Sabelt sport seats. An SS tuning kit bundles vented disc brakes, lower springs and 18-inch Abarth SS alloy wheels painted in white or titanium and fitted with performance tires.

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[mikeyb]

2011 Ford Grand C-Max

Although the Ford C-Max and Grand C-Max looked production-ready when they debuted in Frankfurt, Ford is calling them concepts and will lift the covers off the final production versions at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show. Both vehicles go on sale later this year in Europe, and the 2012 Ford Grand C-Max will come to the U.S. in late 2011.

Also in Geneva, the automaker is adding new powertrains to the European-market Kuga and Mondeo.

Ford refers to the five-passenger C-Max and seven-passenger Grand C-Max as multi-activity vehicles longhand for minivans. In fact, the longer Grand C-Max features twin sliding doors, much like its American counterparts, as well as a taller roof line and boxier profile.

Geneva showgoers will be the first to get a glimpse of the new interior in the redesigned C-Max. Among the highlights: a pair of five-way toggle switches on the steering wheel that will enable the driver to control two primary vehicle displays, one in the center console and one in the instrument cluster.

The C-Max and Grand C-Max will be available with a 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder gas engine and 1.6- and 2.0-liter Duratorq four-cylinder TDI engines.

The updated Kuga crossover will offer a new 161-horsepower version of the 2.0 Duratorq turbodiesel, while the Mondeo range will come with a range of EcoBoost and Duratorq engines.

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[mikeyb]

Honda 3R-C Concept

Honda will present the 3R-C battery-electric concept at 2010 Geneva Auto Show this week. The three-wheeled design study will be making its world debut alongside the EV-N, a more traditionally styled battery-electric concept that was previously introduced at the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show last fall. The 3R-C is the work of Honda's Research and Design in Milan.

Honda calls its 3R-C an indicator of what a future "minimal urban transport vehicle for one person" might be like. The sole seat is covered by a clear canopy when the three-wheeler is parked and not in use, and the canopy operates as a windshield to protect the driver when the 3R-C is in motion. There's also a flexible cover that goes around the driver's upper body for comfort and protection from the elements. A locking trunk is located in front of the driver.

Everything about the 3R-C is low-slung, including the drivetrain and the driver seat, keeping the center of gravity low and making the vehicle more stable, Honda says. Performance specifications were not announced.

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[mikeyb]

Lexus CT 200h

Developed initially for Europe but aimed at global markets when it goes on sale in late 2010, the all-new Lexus CT 200h makes its official debut at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show.

An evolution of the Lexus LF-Ch concept from last fall's Frankfurt show, the CT 200h is a compact five-door with an ample wheelbase and roomy cabin that has been designed to woo younger buyers to the brand.
The full hybrid features a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and permanent magnet synchronous motor, which drive the front wheels separately or in tandem through an electronic continuously variable automatic transmission. The CT 200h offers four selectable driving modes: Eco, Normal, Sport and pure EV.

Batteries are still nickel-metal hydride, an older technology that is rapidly being replaced by many competitors with lithium-ion and lithium-polymer.
The car is built on a new architecture that employs MacPherson struts in front and a combination of trailing arms and double wishbones in the rear. The CT 200h rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and tires and is fitted with LED headlamps.

The cockpit is trimmed in leather and soft-touch materials, with polished metallic accents and such features as an 8-inch LCD multi-display screen and remote-touch controls.

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[mikeyb]

New lightweight Gallardo flagship has shed 70kg and power is up to 562bhp, which gives a top speed of 202mph.



Series 51 versions of Continental offer a virtually limitless range of colour and trim options, as demonstrated by this lurid GTC.



Previous generation Sharan shared much with Ford's Galaxy, but this model is a completely new design from VW.



Flagship supercar takes over from Carrera GT, and promises 200mph and 100mpg performance.



Sporty coupe showcased SEAT's electric drivetrain, but more importantly points the way for look of next Ibiza.



Firm's hybrid coupe appeared in production form, while Honda confirmed a starting price of 16,999 for the range.



Two design studies lined up on the Honda stand. The EV-N is electric and takes styling inspiration from Honda's N360 microcar from the Sixties. The 3R-C is a look into the future of motorcycles, and uses electric or fuel cell power.



Firm's second Geneva concept gives big clues to its next-generation family saloon.



Four-seater convertible study reveals new design direction form French firm.



Display of MINI's new SUV featured models positioned under giant hats!



All-white line-up included new XJ (background) and XKR with new Speed Pack, which raises car's top speed to 174mph.



Brit firm builds world's fastest four-seat convertible, which is capable of 202mph with the roof up or down!

 

[mikeyb]

Electric version of Indian firm's mass-market budget car made its European debut in Geneva.



Quirky mini crossover was unveiled at Geneva alongside all-new Micra.



Facelifted Fabia made its debut, including firm's Super 2000 class rally car.



To mark firm's 15th birthday, Swedish supercar firm Koenigsegg has produced the 245mph Agera.



New drop-top version of Audi's range-topping supercar is based on V10 powered model.



British firm's first hybrid uses electric motors and lithium polymer batteries that are recharged by a 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine.



Innovative gullwing-doored study sees firm mate a petrol boxer engine to a pair of electic motors and four-wheel drive.



Swedish firm confirmed buyout by Spyker Cars on the eve of the Geneva show, so 9-5 looks set to appear in showrooms soon.



Twingo-based two-seat convertible has a novel roof that flips up and over in 12 seconds.



Brit sports car firm has created this electric roadster with wild wings and faired-in wheels.



Japanese firm has given Impreza hatch a Legacy Outback-style makeover with chunky plastic cladding.


Japan-only micro car appeared at Geneva in electric form.

 

[Kymerik]

that impreza is crying inside...that is hideous...

there are some TERRIBLE lookin cars this year

 

[mikeyb]

Renault Mgane Coupe-Cabriolet

Renault will formally unveil the next-generation Mgane Coupe-Cabriolet at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show. It will be the sixth and final model in the New Mgane series.

Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the car is its large folding glass roof, which can be lowered automatically in 21 seconds. To help reduce buffeting, Renault has fitted a fixed-glass wind deflector behind the rear head restraints.

The four-seater gets a variety of hardware improvements, among them a stiffer chassis and more rigid body, a new electric power steering system and a wide array of powertrain choices, including the first application of Renault's new EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) automatic transmission.
Customers will be able to choose from three basic interior themes, including glitzy charcoal-and-red two-tone leather.

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[mikeyb]

Renault Wind

The Renault Wind, which the French automaker describes as a "practical" coupe-roadster, will make its official debut at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show in March.

The two-seater measures just over 150 inches long and features an electric roof that pivots open in 12 seconds. Renault says a significant detail is that luggage space remains the same whether the top is open or closed.

According to Autocar, Renault will offer a choice of two four-cylinder engines in the Wind the 100-horsepower 1.2-liter unit from the Twingo GT and the 133-hp 1.6-liter unit from the Renaultsport Twingo.

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[mikeyb]

Seat Ibiza ST

Seat, the Spanish subsidiary of Volkswagen, will unveil its new Ibiza ST (for Sport Tourer) at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show. It will join three- and five-door hatchback variants of the car later this year in most major European markets.

Styled under design director Luc Donckerwolke, the Ibiza wagon is longer on the outside and roomier inside than its hatchback companions.
Among the car's standard features are ESP, TCS, EBA, ABS, full airbags, air-conditioning, a tire-pressure monitor, electrohydraulic steering and power locks.

Seat plans to offer three gas and three diesel engines in the Ibiza ST, including the latest 105-horsepower 1.2-liter TSI and 75-hp 1.2-liter TDI.

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