Hot News: GM Would Sell Opel to Save it

General Motors is willing to give up as much 50 per cent of its stake in Opel if it helps its subsidiary to agree a rescue deal with the German government.
Opel needs €3.3bn (£2.9bn) in aid and loans to stay in business, according to company boss Carl-Peter Forster. Reports say that Opel is talking to the Spanish and UK governments, as well as the German Federal government, about aid.
Opel’s management has concluded that it needs to become semi-detached from GM in order to convince EU governments to underwrite bailout loans.
GM has owned Opel since 1929 but reports suggest that if the firm does become semi-independent, it may have to start paying license fees to GM for the use of the new Epsilon 2 and Delta platforms, as well as engine technology.
Opel says it can begin repaying the loans by 2014, after returning to profitability in 2011. The company cannot survive without funds from owner General Motors, but these have come to a halt as the US giant struggles to stay solvent. American government loans to GM cannot be used to prop up its overseas operations.
Opel is also submitting its business plan to the four different German states in which it has factories. Sources say that the car maker hopes that one of them might take a stake in Opel in the same way that the state of Lower Saxony owns a 20 per cent stake in VW.
Opel did not make an official comment on plant closures this afternoon, though they are under consideration, particularly the Eisenach (which it has offered to Daimler) and Bochum plants in Germany, and a factory in Antwerp.

Vauxhall’s plant in Ellesmere Port appears to be safe as long as the rescue deal can be pulled off.
However, one source told Autocar that Opel management had calculated the potential savings that would come from using the Opel brand across the whole of Europe. Although these savings were described as "substantial", dropping the Vauxhall badge is not currently on the agenda.

Thanks to: Autocar

Hot News: Ferrari Readies Two New 599 XX and 599 HGTE

In a surprise move, Ferrari will reveal not one but two modified versions of the front-engined 599 GTB Fiorano at Geneva. To sharpen up the V12 super-coupe’s responses further, a Handling GT Evoluzione (HGTE) package will be offered as an aftermarket addition or a factory-fit option.Details are scarce at this point but enhancements are likely to include more track-focused rubber, lighter alloys, stiffened suspension and lashings of carbon-fibre in the cabin. A new triple-layer metallic Rosso paint job will help mark it out from the standard model, although the monster 612bhp engine should remain untouched.Even more intriguing though is the 599XX – an experimental prototype stuffed with Ferrari’s latest F1 technology. Unfortunately only a handful of select customers will be invited to drive the vehicle, designed to help research future road-cars. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

New Car: 2010 Vauxhall Astra and Corsa VX Racing SE

Vauxhall is revving up for the 2009 BTCC season with a pair of race-inspired special editions. Both the Corsa and Astra VXR have received a makeover in celebration of Vauxhall’s unprecedented success in the 2008 championship, where it scooped the drivers’, manufacturers’ and team trophies.Known as the Corsa and Astra VX Racing Editions, each is finished in red and black – Vauxhall’s team colours – and gain full leather Recaros as standard. Other additions include tinted rear glass, black rear diffusers and VX Racing logos on the B-pillars and scuff plates. To finish the look off there’s a set of gloss black alloys – 18-inch for the Corsa, 19-inch for the Astra.And finally, to ensure they don’t just look like touring cars, but sound like them too, an optional Remus exhaust system can be added for £410 on the Corsa and £720 on the Astra – boosting power by up to 19bhp. A combined run of just 888 models will be produced – coinciding with the name of Triple Eight Engineering, who build and prepare all the VX Racing Cars. You can order your Corsa or Astra VX Racing Edition now for £17,425 and £21,445 respectively. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

New Concept Car: Magna Steyr Mila

Adding another economical vehicle to the long line forming at the Geneva Motor Show, Magna Steyr will debut its Mila EV concept, Automotive News reports. The Austrian parts supplier and automobile manufacturer doesn’t plan to sell the vehicle as shown, but intends to use the Mila as a sales piece for its technology expertise.
Magna, which produces the BMW X3 and Chrysler 300C, designed the Mila with flexibility in mind. As a result, the chassis allows for multiple powertrains and drive configurations. In Geneva trim, a 67-hp electric motor powers the four-door hatchback to a range of just below 100 miles. Its lithium-ion battery recharges in just 2.5 hours.

Spied: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

Relax, Cadillac fans. As we surmised, General Motors’ decision to shutter its High-Performance Vehicle Operations will not leave the highly anticipated V-badged CTS coupe stillborn. While the Detroit automaker’s financial problems have pushed the shapely two-door CTS’s rollout back a year to 2010, as well as prompted the discontinuation of the XLR roadster, these spy images reveal that the car’s development has progressed substantially since we last saw a camouflaged mule running around last summer.
Photographed in near-production form (notice the tape over the V-series badges), this CTS-V coupe clearly displays the bulging bodywork, wire mesh grille, bigger brakes, and larger wheels and tires of the current V-series CTS sedan. Also visible are dual center-exiting exhaust pipes, which are expected to expel gases from the same 556-hp, 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 found in the four-door. Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions and a more-sporting interior will be part of the package as well, with the upgrades allowing the vehicle to take over the brand’s high-performance-flagship role from the XLR-V.
Production of the CTS-V coupe in Lansing, Michigan, should start next summer shortly after that of the regular V-6 model, with pricing expected to be in the $65K neighborhood. It’s unclear if the coupe will introduce any new features to the CTS-V range, but Cadillac officials have said before that an adjustable traction-control system—developed in conjunction with the Speed World Challenge CTS-V race car—might be added in the future. What’s also unclear is if this vehicle will be the last of the V-badged Cadillacs, as the HPVO team that nurtured the beast—and numerous other tire-melting GM cars—has been reassigned to other GM projects more focused on fuel economy and turning a healthy profit.

Comparison: Popular Mechanics chooses Genesis Coupe over Infiniti G37 Coupe

The folks at Popular Mechanics, who recently pitted the Kia Soul against the Nissan Cube and Scion xB, have published a long-awaited duel between the Hyundai Genesis Coupe and Infiniti G37 Coupe. Both cars have gone through strenuous testing in the some of the most challenging roads in Southern California and the editors have come to a grand verdict: the Genesis Coupe outshines the G37.

The tested model of the Genesis Coupe, a 3.8L Track model priced at $31,750, is powered by a 3.8L 306 hp V6 with 266 lb-ft of torque and came fully optioned with features such as a 6-speed automatic transmission, power sunroof, heated leather power seats and iPod hookup. The Track package added 19-inch gunmetal alloy wheels with summer tires, Brembo brakes, sport-tuned suspension, aluminum pedals, limited-slip differential, and rear spoiler.

The most obvious difference between the Genesis Coupe and the G37 was the price, as the as-tested cost of the Infiniti was $45,045. Granted, the G37S Coupe was decked out with grandiose features the Hyundai didn't pack including a $2200 navigation system (w/ Infiniti Studio on Wheels) and power tilt-and-telescope steering wheel. Also, it was inevitable that the Infiniti utilized higher quality materials throughout the vehicle, as noted by the editors. The G37 was also optioned with a $1850 Sport package that added 19-inch alloy wheels, limited-slip differential, larger brake rotors, and sport-tuned suspension. The G37 is powered by a 3.7L 330 hp V6 with 270 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission.

Even factoring out the navigation system, the Genesis Coupe is still priced over $10,000 less than the Infiniti. The real question was, did it feel less expensive much behind the wheel? Head over to Popular Mechanics to see what the editors recounted and how they gave the edge to the Hyundai.

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

IIHS awards Hyundai Genesis as Top Safety Pick

The 2009 Hyundai Genesis, recently crowned the 2009 North American Car of the Year, has also been designated a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Hyundai's current flagship sedan has earned a "Good" overall evaluation in frontal offset, side impact, and rear crash tests. A Top Safety Pick is awarded to cars that earn "Good" ratings in all three tests.

The designation applies to Genesis models produced after November 2008, when Hyundai made a few safety tweaks to bump the Genesis from an "Acceptable" frontal offset test rating to a "Good". Since the changes made are hardware-related, pre-December Genesis models cannot be issued a service bulletin for them to be reformed.

All Genesis models are equipped with an immense list of standard safety equipment including Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Traction Control System (TCS), eight airbags and electronic active head restraints.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

Hot News: Saab Halts Production

The production line at Saab's Trollhattan plant has come to a screeching halt today, following allegations from the Swedish Customs agency that the automaker has unpaid customs duties, reports say. Swedish authorities have put a hold on shipments to and from the recently bankrupted automaker, leaving the Trollhattan plant short of some crucial parts needed for vehicles currently being assembled.
Saab's production manager Gunnar Brunius, speaking with news agency TT has confirmed that production has ceased after the plant ran out of parts needed to build its vehicles. Still, Brunius said that he expects production to commence tomorrow as the issue is likely to be resolved over the course of the evening.
Swedish Customs representative Hans Ohlsson told reporters that Saab owes a "considerable" amount of money in back customs duties and that all goods arriving at Saab from outside of the European Union would be held until the duties are paid. Saab will either have to pay the owed duties itself to resume operations, or find an agency that is willing to pay the debt.
"They would have to pay all of Saab's credit," said Ohlsson. "Saab is not getting a penny of credit from us."
How soon Saab is able to return to production is anyone's guess -- we'd suspect it may be a bit more difficult than Brunius is letting on. Especially since Saab is, you know, bankrupt and all.

Spied: 2010 Alfa Romeo Milano

These are the first spy pictures of the new Alfa Romeo Milano, snapped during winter testing. The Alfa Romeo Milano is Alfa’s Focus-rivalling replacement for the 147 hatch.
Despite the heavy disguise, the Alfa Mito-influenced grille and headlights are clearly evident, while at the rear the lights use a mixture of Mito and 159 design cues.
The most distinctive departure from the design of the current 147 is the Alfa Romeo Milano’s doorhandles, the rear pair of which are no longer concealed in the C-pillar.
The Alfa Milano uses an extensively modified version of the Fiat Bravo platform, fitted with multi-link rear suspension. An extended version of the same platform is being engineered for the Alfa Romeo Giulia, the replacement for the Alfa Romeo 159 compact executive saloon.
Expect a production version of the Alfa Romeo Millano to be unveiled in 2010.

Thanks to: Autocar

Spied: 2010 Skoda Yeti

It’s the abominable snowmobile! Here’s proof that the Yeti really does exist. Caught on the prowl in cold weather testing – Skoda’s latest model is set to break cover at next week’s Geneva show, but these virtually undisguised shots give us the best look yet at how the boxy compact SUV will shape up. Offering a choice of two or four-wheel drive transmissions, the rough and ready model will sit as a value-for-money rival to the likes of the Ford Kuga and Toyota RAV4. Engine options are likely to include a choice of 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrols as well as 1.9 and 2.0-litre TDI diesels.

For more details click here.

New Concept Car: Rinspeed E2

It seems the engineers at crazy Swiss firm Rinspeed have turned their attention to the environment. Not only will the all-electric, body-morphing iChange wow the crowds at Geneva – it will be joined by another innovative concept called the E2.Based on the high-powered Abarth 500 esseesse, but with most of the scorpion decals removed and a copper paint job added, the E2 offers two distinct engine settings.There’s a choice between the full-fat 158bhp and 40.4mpg in ‘Highway’ mode, or at the touch of a button power is limited to just 59bhp for a special ‘Commuting’ setting – boosting fuel efficiency to an incredible 70.5mpg. The E2 remains a concept at this stage, but it’s an idea that could soon catch on with customers demanding for their cars to be fun and frugal at the same time. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

New Car: 2010 Audi TT-RS

Our prognostication was correct: Audi is indeed revealing its highest-powered TT in Geneva, marking the return of the five-cylinder Audi.
Details are few, but Audi does confirm a 300-plus-hp, 2.5-liter turbo engine and Quattro all-wheel drive are part of the TT RS package. Top speed is 155 mph and the 0-to-62-mph trip is said to take “nowhere near five seconds”—we assume that means under five seconds. Upgraded brakes will accompany the power increase. The short release isn’t devoid of bad news, though; it clearly states that the car is not yet approved for a U.S. launch. One more car for our wish list.
We’ll have more juicy details for you when the show starts on March 3. Sample the sound of the TT RS here.

UK: Kia to send 400 Souls to Hertz

Kia Motors is planning to send 400 units of the Soul to the daily rental firm Hertz across the United Kingdom from March onwards. Kia, which projects 3000-3500 Souls to be sold per year, sees the deal as opportunity to get as get as many potential drivers into them as possible.

“Kia has a strong partnership with Hertz across Europe,” said Kia’s UK head of Fleet and Remarketing, Andrew Sellars. He added that sending the cars out to a daily rental firm would not detract the car's future values.

“It’s not going to damage residual values as all of the cars are coming back to Kia afterwards, we’re not just outing all 400 back to market,” he said. Sellars also confirmed that Kia will be responsible for the specification and engine options of the cars it is sending out to the rental firm, not vice versa.

[Source: BusinessCar]

New Car: 2010 Nissan NV200

Designed from the outset as both a commercial and a passenger vehicle, the Nissan NV200 brings new levels of space, comfort and practicality to the small van market, both in Europe and other global markets.
NV200 will be available in three different versions: a van with the largest load space in its class and two seven seat variants – the functional Combi version for loads and passengers, and the more plush passenger car version, which will be shown at Geneva Motor Show next month.
“The Nissan LCV business is in a phase of expansion even in these challenging financial circumstances,” said Andy Palmer, Senior Vice President, Global Product Planning, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. “We aim to expand our business with smart new products and services that meet the needs of our customers, both in Europe and around the world.”
He added: “The NV200 is our proposal for a global small van. It offers outstanding utility and smart convenience with low cost of ownership, packaged in a highly functional design. With this vehicle, Nissan aims to meet the needs of customers looking for a functional, adaptable light van. We will launch the NV200 in Japan before summer, in Europe in autumn 2009 and then in China and other markets.” For more details click here.

Thanks to: Press Portal

Hot News: Renault Scraps New Alpine

Renault has scrapped plans to revitalise the sporty Alpine brand, chief operating officer Patrick Pelata has told Autocar.
"It's a casualty of the [economic] crisis," said Pelata, hinting that the decision to not bring Alpine back was permanent.
Plans for the rear-wheel-drive sports car were thought to have been well advanced. It was said to have shared a platform with a new Nissan 200SX, which is also believed to have been scrapped.

Pelata also admitted that the current recession also means that Renault has shelved plans to move production to Chenai in India.
The next Nissan Micra will be made there and the new Clio, expected next year, was thought to be joining it. However, Pelata did not rule out Renaults being built in India in the future.

Thanks to: Autocar

New Car: 2010 Toyota Verso

Verso by name, versatile by nature! Toyota has announced a new version of its seven-seat MPV will take a bow at the Geneva show next week. The model borrows its styling from the recently launched Avensis, but has five individually folding seats in the back.Power is increased by up to 20 per cent, while fuel economy and CO2 emissions are improved by up to 12 per cent compared to the current model. Engine choices will comprise 1.6 and 1.8-litre petrols, plus 2.0-litre D-4D and 2.2 D-CAT diesels when it goes on sale in spring.Toyota is hoping the Verso will match the Avensis and iQ, both of which achieved the full five stars in Euro NCAP’s latest crash tests. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

New Car: 2010 Aston Martin DBS Volante

Auto Express can bring you first official images of Aston Martin’s latest head-turner – the DBS Volante convertible. Making its debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month, the new drop-top will line up alongside the V12 Vantage and new Lagonda luxury saloon, giving show goers a triple treat of fresh metal. Described by Aston Martin as the “the ultimate open air motoring experience”, the DBS Volante gets the same mighty 6.0-litre V12 as the coupe and stunning looks with a fabric hood that closely follows the silhouette of the coupe.Capable of dropping at the touch of a button in just 14 seconds and at up to speeds of 30mph, the roof automatically stows under a re–sculpted tonneau cover, which maintains the slick look of the coupe. And as you can see, all the styling cues from the storming DBS coupe are carried across.
The front end gets sleek air intakes, a low splitter and bonnet air vents, the side skirts are lower while at the rear are clear lens covers for the taillights, a subtle boot-lid spoiler and a diffuser. While the bonnet, front wings and boot lid are made from carbon fibre, the DBS Volante is quite a bit heavier than the coupe. To cope with the loss in stiffness associated with the removal of the hard-top, extra strengthening – including a rigidly mounted rear subframe – has gone into the bonded aluminium chassis chassis. As a result the Volante tips the scales at 1810kg – some 115kg more than the coupe. Despite this extra weight, performance isn’t really affected. Under the bonnet lies the same 6.0-litre V12 as the DBS coupe. Based on the same unit that powers the DB9, it gets an uprated airbox, which takes peak power to 510bhp and torque to 570Nm. Standard transmission is a six-speed manual gearbox with the option of Aston Martin’s semi-automatic Touchtronic ‘box. The Volante posts almost identical performance figures to the coupe, accelerating from 0-62mph in just 4.2seconds (0.1seconds down) and hitting the same top speed of 191mph. Carbon ceramic brakes do the stopping while adaptive dampers and double wishbone suspension with 20-inch alloy wheels and sticky Pirelli P-Zero rubber should mean the Volante is prodigious around corners. Inside the luxurious 2+2 cabin gets a bespoke Bang and Olufsen sound system as standard. On sale this autumn, the DBS Volante is expected to cost around £170,000 – some £11,000 more than the coupe. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

New Car: 2010 Bentley Continental Supersports

Bentley, Ettore Bugatti reportedly once sneered, built the fastest trucks in Europe. Okay, Mr. Bugatti was probably a mite peeved his delicate little sports cars were routinely trounced by W.O. Bentley's thundering green giants at Le Mans during the late 1920s, but he had a point. Bentleys were big, and they were heavy. And they certainly were fast.
Fast forward 80 years, and little has changed. The 621-horsepower Bentley Continental Supersports is fast. In fact, it's the fastest Bentley in history. Engineering boss Ulrich Eichhorn claims the Supersports will sprint from 0-to-60 mph in 3.7 seconds, nail 100 mph in 8.9 seconds, and hit 204 mph. Eichhorn also says it is -- shock! -- a lightweight Bentley. Then he pauses and, with a twinkle in his eye, adds, "but it still weighs 4800 pounds" Ettore's still sneering.

Then there's this: The Continental Supersports will deliver that staggering performance running on the same E85 ethanol/gasoline mix you pump into a flex-fuel Chevy SUV. That's right, the fastest Bentley ever is also the first bio-fuel Bentley. So it's a tree-hugger's supercar? Well, that depends on how you track the carbon-dioxide molecules (see sidebar), although Eichhorn points out the Supersports is also 95 percent recyclable. "Not that this happens with a Bentley," he grins. "Most of our cars typically end up in museums, not landfills."

The Supersports is a car that coalesced into being. Bentley vehicle validation manager Paul Edwards had figured out how to trim over 300 pounds from the Continental coupe during the development of the GT Speed versions. At the same time, engineers working for chassis and powertrain director Brian Gush had discovered that a mild increase in turbo boost coupled with improved intercooling delivered an additional horsepower bump beyond the 48 horses achieved with the Speed program. Gush's team was also looking at tweaks to the driveline that included faster shift times for the ZF 6HP26 six-speed automatic transmission and a 40/60 front/rear torque split to balance the Conti GT's nose-heavy weight bias. For more details click here.

Comparison: Popular Mechanics chooses Kia Soul over xB and Cube

Popular Mechanics has published the first long-awaited comparison of the three value-oriented box cars in the market: Kia Soul, Nissan Cube, and the veteran Scion xB. After a 300-plus mile journey throughout Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, California, the editors have chosen the winner of the B-car trio: the Kia Soul.

Editors praised the Soul's personality and commented on the effectiveness of the sport-tuned suspension and the 142 hp 2.0L engine. They also complimented the large 18-inch tires and its responsive steering feedback. The muscular design also met well with the jury and the interior was quoted as "the most innovative of any Kia thus far." With the large wheels, however, the ride was noted to be on the firm side. The small hatch opening was also criticized.

The three cars in the comparison all were priced below $18K, with the Nissan Cube S w/ CVT stickering the lowest at $15,585. The Soul Sport was the middle of the pack with an as-tested price of $17,645. The Scion xB topped the numbers at $17,789. The Soul Sport is powered by a 142 hp 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, which is also the median of the three. The Cube was the weakest with its 122 hp 1.8L engine, while the xB topped the list again with its 158 hp 2.4L 4-cylinder engine derived from the Toyota Camry. Out of the bunch, however, the Soul achieved the best average fuel economy of 31.2 MPG. To read the full story, head to Popular Mechanics, syndicated for you below.

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

Preview: Kia releases two renderings of Sorento (XM)

Kia Motors has released two official renderings of the forthcoming redesigned Sorento, code-named 'XM', which is scheduled to debut at the upcoming Seoul Motor Show in April. Designed by Peter Schreyer, the new Sorento draws its cues from his latest works such as the KND-4 Concept in the front fascia and the Borrego/Mohave in the rear.

The 2010 Sorento will deviate greatly from the current Sorento which rides on a body-on-frame platform. Instead, the new model will ride on a monocoque, also called unibody, platform. In the Korean market, the CUV will be powered by a 2.4L Theta II petrol, a 2.7L LPI, or a new 2.2L turbodiesel R-engine. The 200 PS 2.2L R-engine achieves an impressive fuel economy of 14.1 km/L (direct conversion: 33 MPG), which places the Sorento as the most fuel-efficient SUV in the Korean market.

The USDM Sorento will be available in either the 2.4L 4-cylinder engine or a 3.8L Lambda V6 (est. 270 hp). The Sorento will be manufactured in Kia's new, state-of-the-art West Point, Georgia factory. The Korean-market Sorento is slated to go on sale in April.

[Source: Hankyung.com]

Hyundai Genesis Coupe to be sold in Europe

According to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Hyundai Motor will be bringing the Genesis Coupe to the European market. The release date has not been disclosed, but only 1000 units are planned to be allocated for the market. Also, the European Genesis Coupe will only be available with the 210 hp 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo.

“Likely we wont make any profits with the Genesis Coupe, but the vehicle will do wonders to our corporate image” said Rafael Agullo, general manager of product planning at Hyundai Motor Europe.

Pricing has not been announced, but reports hint a starting price of €25,000 (Euros). In comparison, a Nissan 350Z retails for €38,000.

[Source: AutoTelegraaf.nl]

Geneva Preview: Kia No 3 Concept

Kia Motors has released the first full images of its new concept car, dubbed No 3, bound for a debut at next month's Geneva Motor Show. Based on the cee'd, the No 3 is a five-door MPV that is set to compete with the Opel Meriva and Ford C-MAX when it enters production in the second half of 2009.

The No 3 Concept is the latest creation of design guru Peter Schreyer, and features a unique extended windscreen and panorama glass roof with a diagonal supporting bar, an automatic sun visor and the trademark tiger-toothed Kia grille. It is finished in Matte Titanium Grey with contrasting gloss-white accents.

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading for more images and the official press release.



PRESS RELEASE: All-new MPV Concept heads Kia line-up at Geneva

Kia will be displaying an all-new MPV concept, a range of Idle Stop & Go cars and an
innovative Hybrid at the 79th Salon International de l'Auto which opens in Geneva on 3 March. There will be a total of 18 vehicles on the Kia stand [Stand 5231, Hall 5] including three models making their first appearance in Switzerland – the Kia Soul, upgraded 2009 Kia Sportage compact SUV and upgraded, new-look 2009 Kia Magentis sedan.

Kia No 3 Concept Car
All-new, the Kia No 3 Concept Car redefines the small MPV genre by creating a beautiful car that is also fun-to-drive. The concept features a unique extended windscreen and panorama glass roof with a diagonal supporting bar, an automatic sun visor and the new 'face of Kia' displays the front grille, head lamps and brand logo in a new constellation. The 4045 mm long concept is finished in matt Titanium Grey with contrasting gloss-white accents.

Kia cee'd ISG
The new Kia cee'd ISG (Idle Stop & Go) models, which offer up to 15% fuel savings in city driving, are now on sale in many countries across Europe. Kia's innovative ISG
system automatically switches the engine off when the car is stopped in traffic and restarts the engine instantly when the driver wishes to move off. Kia cee'd ISG cars are available with a choice of 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre gasoline engines and each of the three cee'd family bodystyles – five-door hatchback, five-door sporty wagon and three-door pro_cee'd. The 1.4-litre ISG models at Geneva have a 137 g/km CO2 rating.

Kia cee'd Hybrid
Kia Motors has produced a fleet of prototype Kia cee'd Hybrid cars especially for testing and evaluation in Europe. The cee'd Hybrid uses an upgraded powertrain with Kia's Gamma 1.6-litre gasoline engine, mated to a 15kW, 105 Nm AC synchronised
electric motor, a CVT transmission and the new ISG (Idle Stop & Go) system. Kia
calculates that the cee'd Hybrid accelerates to 100 kph in 11.8 seconds and can reach a top speed of 185 kph. The prototype achieves fuel consumption of 4.81 litres per 100 km and a CO2 figure of 109 g/km – down 25% compared to the standard 1.6-litre gasoline cee'd.

Pink Genesis Coupe: What's your say?

We just stumbled upon three images of a pink Hyundai Genesis Coupe with a plethora of customizations. In our opinion, it is the tacky utopia and affirms that pink rarely proves to look good on a car. What's your say on this? Surprisingly suitable or have an urge to bring the trash can over?

Video: Hyundai's Genesis Coupe ad aired during Oscars, ft. Yo-Yo Ma

Title: Epic Lap featuring Rhys Millien (performance driver) and Yo-Yo Ma (Bach's "Cello Suite #3 in C, Gigue")
Car: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

[Source: WorldCarFans.com]

Unofficial Picture: 2010 Audi TT-RS

Following the white-hot teaser shots of the TT RS released by Audi last week, a full set of photos have been leaked onto the web, along with further details about the newcomer. The biggest revelation is that from launch the German flyer will be available as either a Coupe or a Roadster.In a nod towards the original Quattro models of the seventies it uses a 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged engine with direct fuel injection and four-wheel-drive. The result is a Porsche Cayman-toppling 335bhp and 450Nm of torque – enough for 0-62mph in under five seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph. To cope with all that performance Audi has beefed up the brakes, lowered and stiffened the suspension and tweaked the electronic safety systems to help keep the car on the road.Styling-wise a subtle makeover includes enlarged front air vents, compared to the 268bhp TT S, a rear diffuser and a fixed rear wing. Inside the cabin it’s the usual TT blend of sportiness and luxury with Alcantara sports seats and a racing-style flat-bottomed steering wheel. Due to hit UK showrooms in time for summer, prices will start from around £40,000. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

Hyundai building bulletproof Equus for Korean President

According to the Korea Economic Daily, Hyundai is building the country's first domestic bulletproof car based on the upcoming Equus (pictured above). Hyundai embarked on the project for protocol purposes for key government figures including South Korean President Lee Myung-bak. The project reportedly started after an informal request from the government.

"Most of the heads of other car-manufacturing states use bulletproof cars made in their own countries. It doesn’t make sense that the world’s fifth largest auto-manufacturing country is still using foreign-made bulletproof cars, and that is why Hyundai is working on the project," stated an industry source. However, Hyundai declined to confirm this was the case, the newspaper said.

As of now, only a few automakers from around the world, such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Cadillac, are capable of building bulletproof cars. Currently, the South Korean President utilizes a Mercedes-Benz S600 (W221) Pullman Guard and BMW Security 760Li, having 5-10 units of each in the fleet.

[Source: Digital Chosun Ilbo]

Hyundai ix-onic Concept revealed live ahead of Geneva debut

Here are the very first live images of the Hyundai HED-6 ix-onic Concept, revealed at an invitee-only presentation to a select group of journalists. Previewing the next-generation Tucson crossover (LM), the HED-6 Concept is scheduled to debut to the masses next month at the Geneva Motor Show. Hyundai also announced that the European-market Tucson will be manufactured in Kia's Zilina plant in Slovakia, with a production kick-off date of February 2010.

The HED-6 Concept was styled at Hyundai's European Design headquarters in Rüsselsheim, Germany, with input from many major cities across the continent. The HED-6 Concept is powered by a 1.6L GDi turbocharged engine that produces a hearty 175 horsepower. In the production model, a 2.0L variant of the R-Engine turbodiesel family will debut, which will produce 184 PS.

The redesigned Tucson will make its formal debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September, where it will bow as the 'ix35'. In Europe, the ix35 will compete with the Ford Kuga.

[Source: AutoTelegraaf.nl]

Continue reading to view more live images.

Video: Pre-launch Commercial of Hyundai Equus

[Source: YouTube]

First Sketch: ItalDesign Concept

Six months ago, we were blown away by the performance of the Italdesign Quaranta Concept Car when our very own executive editor Matt Stone took an exclusive first drive. Now, the Geneva 2008 show-stopper is about to be one-upped by Italdesign itself in the form of a new unnamed concept that will bow at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show in two weeks.
"The fastest hybrid concept car in the world" Italdesign's press release boasts. We were impressed when the Quaranta topped 125 mph at the test track last year and hit 60 mph in under six seconds, but that was nothing compared to what this new car will do. Italdesign says the unnamed car, co-developed with Brit Frazer Nash, will hit 62 mph in under four seconds on its way to a top speed of 186 mph. And you remember how the Quaranta got about 37.5 mpg? That's kid's stuff. This car will travel 31 miles on a quarter of a gallon of gas. Do the math and that works out to 124 mpg. To top it all off, it emits just 0.18 lbs of CO2 per mile. To put that in perspective, the current generation Toyota Prius emits twice as much CO2, 0.37 lb per mile.The question, of course, is: how do they do it? Careful management of weight appears to be the key here. The body is made of aluminum and carbon, while the chassis itself is made of carbon-fiber. No specific figures have been given, but it will likely weigh in under the Quaranta's 3,100-lb curb weight. As for the power source, Italdesign will only say that the car uses an electric-drive system mated to a "medium-powered" engine. In the Quaranta, it was Toyota's 3.3L V-6 and Hybrid Synergy Drive lifted from the Lexus RX 400h, so another Toyota-derived powertrain is a possibility.In the cockpit, Italdesign promises you'll find "exquisitely tailored upholstery" and some very comfy seats. In fact, Italdesign boasts that the seat ergonomics were specially researched and engineered by their in-house Italdesign Design Center. On the outside, the provided sketch shows a car reminiscent of contemporary Lamborghinis, some of which designer Fabrizio Giugiaro had a hand in designing.

Hyundai to air ads during the Oscars

Hyundai Motor America has announced its plans to air eight commercials during the upcoming Academy Awards this Sunday. Hyundai will showcase everything from its North American Car of the Year win to details on its new Assurance Plus program. The main star for Hyundai during the Oscars, however, will be the 2010 Genesis Coupe.

Hyundai states that it will air seven 30-second ads and one 60-second ad. The 60-second ad will showcase the performance driving of Rhys Millen behind the wheel of the Genesis Coupe at Road Atlanta.

[Source: Inside Line:Edmunds]

Sneak Peek 2010 Audi TT-RS

The fastest TT ever is emerging from the shadows. Audi has released the first official teaser shots of its flagship performance coupé, the RS.
The front spoiler boasts a pair of distinctive piano black vents, while there’s an RS badge on the bootlid. A new five-cylinder 2.5-litre turbo engine producing around 350bhp should launch the TT RS from 0-60mph in under six seconds and on to a 155mph top speed.
Both six-speed manual and seven-speed twin-clutch S tronic gearboxes will be offered, channelling the engine’s power through all four wheels. The TT RS will debut at next week’s Geneva show, with sales likely to start before the end of the year. The car will be priced at around £40,000. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

Sneak Peek: Koenigsegg Quant

The pre-Geneva teasers are coming thick and fast now – but none are more intriguing than this! Ultra-exotic Swis supercar maker Koenigsegg has released this mean and moody shot of a brand new concept called the Quant.There’s no information to go by other than one line, which describes the car as a “new creation for the future.” Rumours have been circulating about a this new model for some time, and suggest that it will sit on an all-new platform for the firm and seat up to four passengers – possibly in a 2+2 configuration. Mix in an 800bhp+ engine based on the unit used in its CCX supercar range, and it’s clear that this will be one concept that’s not easily forgotten.Another image released by the firm shows a new infotainment system for the CCX and now the Quant, which controls all the entertainment functions as well as the car’s mechanical settings from one centralised touch-screen. Watch this space for more Koenigsegg details closer to the Geneva show. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

Hot News: German Government to Help Opel

Contrary to their counterparts in Sweden, German government officials from various states are interested in helping their homeland hero, Opel -- one of GM's major European divisions -- through these tough financial times. Like its parent company, Opel has suffered dearly in vehicle sales and overall profit numbers. Recent news emanating from government and GM meetings has indicated none of the brand's four German plants will get closed, and if need be, the states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Thuringia will consider offering financial support, per their terms in a vast restructuring plan.
North Rhine-Westphalia leaders stated in an interview with Reuters that aid will only go Opel's way if the company adheres to its stipulations -- much the same way Congress is doing with GM as we speak. An example of some terms include the automaker keeping four plants (as aforementioned) as well as all patents and branding rights, should it be turned independent. Thuringia state officials are prepared to take a direct stake in Opel, should the opportunity arise. Financial aid in addition to or in place of a piece of Opel is also being considered. The eastern region is home to one of the brand's manufacturing facilities and wants to help the automaker out as much as possible.There's even a restructuring plan for no government intervention that's being drummed up too by German state economists.Whatever the case maybe, GM's Vauxhall, Opel and Saab divisions wouldn't see a profit until 2011 at the soonest, the automaker claims. And that's if they're still under the GM umbrella with substantial cost cuts in place.

Unofficial Picture: 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 & 2010 Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA

Yesterday, images of a red Alfa Romeo 159 began flying around the web attached to claims that they were leaked photos of the new 2009 car that would debut in Geneva. A quick check on Alfa's press site, revealed the photos to bear the tag "MY 2008," though it appears now that the images are in fact of a refreshed car for the new model year. The images have since been removed from Alfa's Website.

Alfa fans know that the 159 debuted in production form at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show and has been on sale in Europe since then. If they were reading our WOT news yesterday, they also know that Chrysler has revealed that the 159 will likely come to the U.S. as the Alfa Romeo Giulia when/if the Chrysler/Fiat merger goes through.

While this particular 159 doesn't appear to be much updated cosmetically from the current car, the big news, according to reports, is that its 1.8L gas engine has been turbocharged and direct-injected and now makes 200 hp, up from just 138 hp in naturally aspirated form. It will reportedly be mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic FWD gearbox with an electronic limited-slip differential.The question is: is this the "new" 159? If it is, it is a very mild refresh, which isn't surprising given that the car has only been on the road a few years and that Alfa doesn't always stick to the traditional three-year product cycle. If the rumors are correct, we'll find out all the details on this slightly-updated 159 in Geneva next month.

Also leaking to the Web today is the reported first picture of the Alfa Romeo Mi.To GTA. This picture is not on Alfa's Website and the car shown is significantly altered. The Mi.To GTA, you may recall, also uses a turbocharged 1.8L engine, only it makes 237 hp. This car is also expected to debut at Geneva and possibly later in the U.S.

Unofficial Picture: Opel/Vauxhall Ampera Concept

The Vauxhall/Opel Ampera has been caught undisguised ahead of its public unveil next week. These spy pictures show the European version of the Chevrolet Volt at a GM facility in Germany.
The new Vauxhall Ampera, which will be built in Europe and could be made at the Ellesmere Port factory, will go on sale in the second half of 2011.
Because the Ampera is based on GM’s new Delta platform, used in the Chevrolet Cruze and the next Astra, GM has said it can be built at any factory equipped to build Delta cars. However, there’s no guarantee Ellesmere Port will get the next Astra.
The front of the Vauxhall Ampera gets big slot intakes inspired by the GTC concept that previewed the Insignia, and the grille is a smooth, blanked-off fitting designed to improve airflow over the car.
Although it is essentially the same car as the Volt, but with a new front and rear end, redesigning the Ampera would have been significantly harder for the GM Europe team due to the need to match the Volt’s very efficient aerodynamic performance.
Every detail on the Volt’s body has been honed to improve airflow over the car, and therefore cut fuel consumption; the Ampera’s designers will have faced the same challenge.
GM claims the Ampera will be capable of returning 176mpg, with CO2 emissions of under 40g/km.

Thanks to: Autocar

Hot News: Peugeot to Launch 308 MPV

Peugeot is set to reveal a second 308-based MPV at the Frankfurt show this September.
Marc Bocque, the company’s head of global communications, described the car as “a more conventional MPV” that will take on the ever-popular Renault Scenic.
The car will sit in the Peugeot range between the 308 hatch and the new 3008 crossover. Though the French manufacturer already offers a seven-seat 308 in the form of the SW estate, Bocque justified the new car by saying, “It makes sense for us to take advantage of the flexibility of the 308 platform to fill as many different niches in the market as possible.”
Company insiders admit that the new MPV might affect sales of the 308 SW, but it’s believed that there are plenty of family buyers who want a people carrier but wouldn’t consider a seven-seat estate such as the SW.
The new MPV will be available as a five or seven-seat car, and will major on affordability and practicality. It will be the seventh Peugeot based on the 308 platform; the RCZ sports coupe is due to become the final 308-based model when it is unveiled next year.

Thanks to: Autocar

Geneva Preview: Hyundai i20 3-door

Hyundai Motor has released two official images of the three-door i20 along with a detailed press release with information. The i20 3-door is scheduled to officially debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show on March 3rd.

The i20 3-door is nearly identical to its 5-door counterpart, with the front and rear end, and the wheelbase being unchanged. The three-door is also loaded with a plethora of safety features alike that of its five-door sibling including six airbags and active head restraints. It is powered by either a 1.4L diesel or a 1.2L Kappa petrol engine that produces 78 PS. Hyundai states that the latter is the engine that the majority of its buyers will opt for due to its impressive fuel economy and CO2 outputs.

The base 1.2L Classic 3-door is priced at £8,195, £450 lower than its five-door variant. The i20 3-door is available for order now with the first examples to arrive in the U.K. by April.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading to view one more image and the official press release.



PRESS RELEASE: HYUNDAI REVEALS THREE-DOOR i20

* New body style to be revealed at Geneva show
* Aimed at younger buyers
* Priced £450 lower than five-door, starting at £8,195

Hyundai has revealed the first picture of the new i20 three-door, ahead of its official unveiling at the Geneva motor show on March 3rd.

Building on the success of the recently launched Hyundai i20 five-door, the new body style will broaden the i20's appeal to the fastest-growing sector of the car market in Europe.

In addition to a stylish new look, the three-door model offers a lower price entry point for the i20 line-up with prices starting at just £8,195 for the 1.2 Classic model – that's £450 less than the five-door.

Positioned between the successful i10 and i30 models, the i20 three-door shares many of its styling features with the five-door. In fact the front and rear remains unchanged, but the distinctive crease lines that run along each side are enhanced by the longer front doors and the sporty, upswept shape of the rear-side window.

Built on the same 2.525mm wheelbase and weighing 10-kilograms less than the i20 five-door, the new model offers an equally well proportioned exterior and spacious interior that will comfortably accommodate adult passengers in the front and rear seats.

The larger front doors create a wide entry aperture, and Hyundai's quick-release memory seats with walk-in functionality provide easy access to and from the rear. The system enables the front-seat backrests to be tipped and the whole seat to slide forwards. This simple-to-use system returns the front seat to the originally selected position without the need for readjustment.

Safety is always at the forefront for Hyundai and the i20 has an extensive list of active and passive equipment. This includes six airbags on all models – front, side and curtain – as standard, plus active head-restraints.

Hyundai expects i20 buyers will make the 1.2-litre petrol engine – dubbed 'Kappa' – the best-selling power plant in the range. The new, all-alloy unit combines miserly fuel consumption with low CO2 emissions to produce a compelling package with exceptionally low running costs.

Kappa is the latest example of the company's expertise in developing lightweight, low-NVH, super-efficient engines. With a displacement of just 1,248cc, Kappa unit develops an impressive 78PS and a class-leading torque figure of 119Nm endowing the i20 with responsive acceleration and excellent driveability.

The three-door i20 is available to order now, with the first examples arriving in UK showrooms in April.

New Concept Car: Rolls-Royce 200EX

Rolls-Royce coyly calls this the 200EX, saying it's merely a concept that shows the design direction for an as yet unnamed smaller, less expensive sedan designed to sell alongside the stately Phantom. But the production version of this car, code-named RR4, will look virtually identical.
The RR4 will feature the third evolution of Rolls-Royce's now familiar headlight graphic, first seen on the BMW-designed Phantom, and a variation on the laid-back grille treatment that debuted on the Phantom coupe and convertible. With a 'faster' backlight and C-pillar, and convex bodyside, it's a much more rakish looking sedan than the Phantom, though at 212.6in long and 61in tall, it's still an imposing car.

Despite rumors the RR4 would be heavily based on the new BMW 7-series, Rolls-Royce says the car has a unique unibody "which is not shared with any other vehicle". The RR4's proportions, cowl height, and door apertures are totally different to those of the new 7-series; if the two cars share any metal, it's buried very deep in the structure. The body will be built at BMW's Dingolfing plant in Germany, then shipped to the purpose-built Rolls-Royce plant in Goodwood, England, for painting, trimming, and final assembly. BMW has added a mezzanine floor to the plant for the trim and wood shops, to create extra room for the RR4 line.
BMW says 80 percent of RR4's components are unique to Rolls-Royce. Under the hood will be an all-new direct injection V-12 engine, unique to Rolls-Royce and made exclusively for Rolls-Royce by BMW. It's said to have twin-turbos, enabling it to deliver 550hp and relatively good gas mileage. The RR4 may also get the forthcoming ZF eight speed automatic transmission, which is said to deliver a six percent improvement in fuel economy compared with a six speed auto.