Sunday, March 18, 2012

Geneva Show 2012 Highlights: 2013 Hyundai i20


A new-look Hyundai i20 has debuted at the Geneva Motor Show, and the facelifted model is set to become the cleanest combustion-engined car on sale.

When powered by the 74bhp 1.1-litre three-cylinder diesel, the new i20 emits just 84g/km of CO2, and is said to be able to return 90mpg.

An 89bhp 1.4-litre diesel is also available which, when fitted with Blue Drive technologies such as a stop-start system, will emit just 96g/km.

The new i20 gets Hyundai’s latest design cues, which means there's a hexagonal grille, detailed headlights and a new sculpted bonnet. The new car is also 55mm longer than the current model. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Geneva Show 2012 Highlights: 2013 Koenigsegg Agera R


Low emission and all-electric cars weren’t the only vehicles making a splash at Geneva. Koenigsegg took the wraps of its storming 2013 Agera R hypercar at the show.

The flagship R model is claimed to have a top speed of 273mph and is fitted with the world’s first hollow one-piece carbonfibre wheels. They reduce weight by up to 20kg.

Aerodynamic tweaks also improve downforce and cut drag, while the R features revised exhausts to improve the performance of its rear diffuser. Low friction cylinder liners in the engine also help to boost power to as much as 1,124bhp in the flagship model.

The Swedish supercar maker also launched its online car configurator at the show. It allows buyers to specify their dream model and print off a brochure specific to their car.

As if that wasn’t enough, the firm also unveiled Koenigsegg Lifestyle. The online store features a range of memorabilia and merchandise designed for owners and fans. The range of 40 products includes everything from clothing and books to models and jewellery. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Geneva Show 2012 Highlights: Morgan Plus E Concept


The new Morgan Aero Coupe and Plus 8 were on show beside a new all-electric model, dubbed the Morgan Plus E. And in a unique twist, the retro-styled machine features a five speed manual gearbox, unlike existing electric cars.

“We’re Morgan. We make exciting sports cars, so it has to be fun,” explained a company spokeswoman.

The Plus E is currently a working prototype and shows the famous firm is determined not to be left behind by its rivals. Power is from the latest version of Zytek’s 94bhp electric powertrain, which should be enough to power the Plus E from 0-60mph in little over six seconds and provide a range of up to 120miles. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Geneva Show 2012 Highlights: 2013 Ferrari California


Ferrari has revealed an updated California that's not only shed 30kg of weight but has also gained an extra 30bhp.

Thanks to new exhaust manifolds and re-tuned engine mapping, the 4.3-litre V8 now produces 483bhp and 505Nm of torque.

The weight loss is down to new aluminium construction technologies that have also ensured structural rigidity remains identical to that of the old California.

Acceleration from 0-62mph has been cut from 3.9 to 3.8 seconds and, although there have been no tweaks to the handling on standard models, Ferrari will now offer a Handling Speciale package.

This includes variable dampers, stiffer springs and steering which is 10 per cent quicker than the standard California's. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Geneva Show 2012 Highlights: 2013 SEAT Mii 5-Door


The five-door SEAT Mii has made its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

The more practical Mii is the same 3.5-metre length as the three-door model. Like the Skoda Citigo and VW up!, the Mii has a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating and boot space of 251 litres with the seats up and 951 with them folded.

The five-door Mii uses a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder engine with 61bhp or 76bhp, returning 63mpg and 60mpg respectively. Eco editions do 69mpg and emit 96g/km CO2.

Sales will start in June, with prices starting from £7,500. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Geneva Show 2012 Highlights: 2013 Toyota Yaris Hybrid


The Toyota Yaris Hybrid has made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Toyota says it is the most affordable hybrid in the UK.

Toyota brought hybrid power to the masses with the original Prius, is now offering the same technology in its Yaris supermini.

The 99bhp petrol engine is mated to an electric motor, both of which direct power to the front wheels. Together they're capable of 80.7mpg, while producing just 79g/km of CO2, making the new Yaris Hybrid the most CO2 efficient combustion engine on sale in the UK.

This means the car qualifies for free road tax and is exempt from the London Congestion Charge.

The new Yaris Hybrid comes with air conditioning and automatic transmission as standard, and is available to order now. Prices start at just under £15,000 with first deliveries scheduled for July. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Geneva Show 2012 Highlights: 2012 Range Rover Westminster


Land Rover is celebrating 10 years of the current-generation Range Rover with three new special editions, which have been shown at the Geneva motor show. They are likely to be a final hurrah for the current car, as an all-new Range Rover will be launched this summer.

The Range Rover Westminster edition (pictured) replaces the 4.4 TDV8 Vogue and Vogue SE models. The model will go on sale in March, priced from £69,995. It gets a special ‘Noble’ finish to the front grille and side vents, plus new 20in alloys and special Westminster badging.

Inside, it gets special carpets and Grand Black trim, plus an upgraded stereo system and heated and cooled seats. Seven exterior colour choices are offered alongside five interior trim themes.

The 4.4 TDV8 Autobiography and 5.0 V8 Supercharged Autobiography specials get the Range Rover Design Pack as standard, which includes new front and rear bumpers, a ‘Titan’ theme to the front grille and special 20in alloys finished in Shadow Chrome.

Inside, these two models get the Range Rover Seat Style pack as standard. This means the rear seats are heated and cooled, and can recline and feature lumbar adjustment. The front passenger seat can also be pushed forward using the ‘front seat away’ function to aid rear legroom.

The TDV8 version of this special edition costs from £84,295, with the Supercharged model coming in at £86,895.

Thanks to: Autocar