Ford to launch facelifted Mondeo until global Mondeo

Ford is reportedly preparing to launch a subtle facelift for its European-market Mondeo sedan, but according to reports, this will be the last Mondeo revision before the new model – Ford's third new global product – hits the streets in 2014.

The interim Mondeo, pictured in the leaked photo on the right, will receive some minor adjustments to its appearance and specifications in an effort to keep it fresh, like the new Galaxy and S-Max minivans, until the new model arrives.

The next-gen Mondeo, however, will join the Fiesta and the new Focus as Ford's third new global car, replacing the Mondeo overseas and the Fusion in the North American market. According to reports, the new Mondeo/Fusion is being developed in the United States for expected simultaneous manufacturing – with few adjustments to local tastes – in the U.S., Europe and China.

Mitsubishi ASX to Debut at Geneva - European

Mitsubishi will be debuting its new crossover, the ASX, at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

The ASX is the European version of the Japanese market RVR. It is a 5-seat, compact crossover, about 4.3 meters long, and is slotted below the Outlander in the Mitsubishi lineup.

Mitsubishi hasn't released many details on the model. It will come with a 1.8 liter turbocharged, direct-injection petrol/gasoline engine coupled to a 6-speed manual transmission, but they don't specify power outputs. The concept upon which the ASX is based, the Concept-cX, featured a diesel, but there is no mention of an oil-burner for the European market in the very brief press release. That concept car was also an all-wheel drive but there's no news either on whether this crossover will have that feature too.

The RVR will go on sale in Japan next month. The ASX will be rolled out in European markets in the spring, following its introduction in Geneva. We will have to wait until then for more details.

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 620 YarroW

Here's another variation on the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4. This one, called the YarroW, is from German tuner Wheelsandmore.

First up, power on this Lambo is amped up to 620 hp and 580 lb-ft of torque (785 Nm). Wheelsandmore achieves this increase by means of ECU tampering, a carbon airbox and a stainless steel exhaust system with valve control.

The YarroW also comes with a beefed-up brake system to match those extra horses. 8-piston calipers are fitted at the front and 6-piston ones for the rear wheels, with 14.96 and 14.17-inch discs at front and back, respectively.

20-inch wheels are also part of the tuning kit, wrapped in 235/30/20 Dunlop Sport Maxx tires at the front (for the 8.5 x 20" rims) and 305/25/20 at the back (11.5 x 20"). The 3-piece forged rims are lightweight and come in various color and surface configurations.

The suspension gets a special coilover installed that goes up to 1.77 inches by hydraulic lift.

Carbon parts added to the exterior include a rear diffuser, frontflap and side mirrors. Carbon finish is also part of the interior redecorating.

Prices?

Engine tuning: 12,500 euros.

Brake kit: 13,998 euros.

Suspension: 8,999 euros.

Wheels: 11,400 euros.

Saab Spyker 9+ Tribute Concept Car

Automotive designer Eduard Gray has sent in some renderings of his ideas for the first car to come from the Saab purchase of Spyker. Based near Saab headquarters in Trollhättan, Sweden, Gray believes the drawings could land him a job with the Saab Design Studio Team.


“The union of Saab and Spyker presents a unique opportunity to create a design that takes the best of each brand and distills their qualities into a single product, the designer says in his website.”


Indeed, his six drawings of the Saab Spyker 9+ Tribute shows elements of both companies. Gray calls the work "a quick expression of my optimism for the future of the brand."


Spyker lends us its supercar chassis with a mid-mounted engine and low down aerodynamics while Saab contributes with the style, character and engineering making for a design that is as pleasant to look at as it is to drive.”



Source:dubdaily

Pagani Zonda R Official Promo [Video]

The Pagani Zonda R is the Italian supercar maker's most track-focused car. At the foundation of its performance lies a 48-valve 6.0-litre V12 engine acquired from Mercedes-Benz AMG division. It kicks out 750hp (552kw) and maximum torque rated at 710Nm. Accessing this power is a 6-speed sequential gearbox from XTRAC which runs the big Pirelli P Zero rear 335/30/20 tyres. Front rubber measures 255/35/19. Together they hurl the Zonda R from a standing position to 100km/h in 2.7 seconds. Top speed is estimated at over 350km/h.

Source:youtube

Geneva 2010: Seat IBE Concept

IBE Concept, is the latest creation from Seat and will be unveiled tomorrow at the Geneva Motor Show and is set to show us the design lines of the upcoming cars from the Spanish manufacturer.


In addition to the 2+2 coupe EV, the VW-owned company is also said to be working on a petrol/electric hybrid based on the next Volkswagen Golf platform. A Seat Leon plug-in hybrid is also planned for release in 2014.


The new Seat IBE Concept is a fully electric car and will carry a 102 hp engine capable to deliver a maximum torque of 18 kWh. This means that the car will borrow the same engine from the A1 e-Tron, set to make its official debut at the same Geneva show. Regarding its performances the car will be capable to sprint from 0 to 50 km/h in just 3.4 seconds, to 80 km/h in 6.3 seconds and to 100 km/h in 9.4 seconds. Unfortunately these are the only details available for the moment but stay tuned.


At Geneva, the IBE Concept was shown with a 75-kiloWatt (101-hp / 102-PS) motor that produces up to 200Nm (147 ft-lb) of torque. The car sprints to 50 km/h in 3.4 seconds, and 100 km/h in 9.4s. The 3.78-meter long coupe weighs 1,000 kg (2,205 lbs).


via:4wheelsnews worldcarfans

Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 by BF performance

BF-performance has developed a new tuning package for the Gallardo LP560-4, both coupe and spyder versions. Called GT600, the tuning kit adds a stronger performance.


New body parts are made entirely of carbon fiber, and include new side skirts, rear diffuser, and a rear wing. A set of wing doors is also a part of the package.


The aerodynamic kit is completely made in carbon fiber and includes: air inlets, a new front spoiler, side skirts, a rear diffuser and a rear wing.


BF Performance claims that they have tuned the engine of the Gallardo, though they provide no specifications. They do say that, between the mods and the 43 kg reduced weight, their GT600 has better acceleration than the LP640-4 SV. Carbon-ceramic brakes were used to better control speed.


Inside, the company installed five-point belts and sport seats. Carbon was used on the handles, vents, switch casings, and steering wheel to further reduce weight. A rollover cage was also fitted to better protect passengers.


via:world car fans;Photos:emotorauto

Press Release

• Entirely new aerodynamics kit made of carbon
• Wing doors for the special appearance
• If desired the Gallardo can be equipped with rear-wheel drive
• Engineer design with carbon in optional colour

In the Swiss city Zug, perfection has a different meaning than in the
Italian town Sant’Agata Bolognese. While Lamborghini is satisfied with the
Gallardo LP560-4, the Swiss have higher demands – at least the engineers at
BF-performance. For them, the Gallardo is too innocent and neither dynamic
nor individual enough. Therefore, they turn both the Coupé and also the
Spyder into the GT600 which has a stronger performance, more self-confidence
and looks more aggressive.

Optimised under-body aerodynamics is guaranteed by the side skirts and
the rear diffuser which are both also made of carbon. The striking carbon
rear wing renders additional down thrust. Its edged design perfects the
design language of the Lamborghini and gives the Gallardo the finishing
touch.

The wing doors render a significant amount of individuality, but are
strictly limited to Lamborghini models with twelve-cylinder engines. Due to
the refinement by BF-performance, also the GT600 with a V10 engine can be
equipped with doors which are so typical for Lamborghini.

And of course the engineers also focused on the engine performance.
BF-performance has confirmed the performance of the new automobile in an
impressive race. On the Sachsenring round course, the GT600 even managed to
beat the stronger Lamborghini Murciélago LP640-4 SV by an impressive lead of
0.6 seconds

For the special individualisation, BF-performance offers a unique
amendment: it can be modified from a four-wheel drive car to a rear-drive
super car. This way, the GT600 combines the exclusive feature of the
Gallardo LP550-2 “Valentino Balboni“ with increased performance. The new
engine concept and 43 kilogramme of saved weight render a unique driving
experience.

The interior also follows this dynamic maxim. Apart from the sports bucket
seats, BF-performance also offers five-point belts, a roll-over cage and a
carbon-ceramic braking system with which the GT600 meets the highest racing
standards. BF-performance visually adjusts the interior to the increased
dynamics. The manufactory uses carbon on the steering wheel, door handles,
ventilation grids and even at the switch casings. The customer can even opt
for carbon in his favourite colour.

BF-performance offers the entire car with all components either as the
sporty Coupé GT600 or also as the Roadster GT600 Spyder.

The entire automobile confirms the perfection and passion for detail applied
by BF-performance. The Lamborghini specialist has already gained experience
with the predecessor model and now brings its art of engineering into
perfection with the GT 600. Also Lamborghini’s design development confirms
the talents of BF-performance, as the Swiss specialist is always one step
ahead of the Italian manufacturer.

Geneva 2010: NLV Quant Concept

The second generation NVL Quant made its public debut in front of media yesterday in Geneva, bringing with it what NVL Solar, its creator, calls "a breakthrough the market eagerly has been anticipating for years." While this last statement is a matter of interpretation, the Quant does bring a range of interesting features. The most exciting thing about it, however, is the promise to turn production version rather sooner than later.


Set to be production ready next year, the Quant was designed to prove "cutting-edge supercars can combine speed, comfort and enjoyment with environmental integrity." It features two different battery systems ("a long-life metal-air battery or a rechargeable redox flow cell"), four torque-vectoring electric motors, a full carbon fiber chassis, and a revolutionary thin-film coated photovoltaic body.


The Quant has some initial performance figures which would give a regular, internal combustion engined supercar, a good run for its money: 2.8 seconds 0-100 km/h acceleration time and a top speed of 377 km/h (234 mph).


The latter converts light into electricity to supply the operating electronics and the battery. While it's a bit technical, NLV says the coating has "an average photovoltaic conversion efficiency of 38%, depending on ambient conditions, and a peak performance of over 50%." More importantly, the company believes they can tune the material's absorption characteristics to create multiple layers with their own unique absorption frequency. As impressive as this is, NLV estimates the film will have a degradation coefficient of only 5-6% over 20 years.


The Quant comes with four airbags, ABS and ESP, two infotainment panels for the rear seats, zone Climate Control system, LED front and rear lights and, la piece de resistance, NLV photovoltaic thin film solar coating all over the body of the car.


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Press Release

NLV Solar AG, a pioneer in photovoltaics and accumulator technology, have joined forces to create the Quant sport. The brainchild of this marriage of power and energy is a four-seater electric car - a breakthrough the market eagerly has been anticipating for years. A prototype is to be unveiled at the Motor Show Geneva 2010, with currently working to scale up for series production.

The NLV Quant is an exciting, revolutionary automotive project. Within the coming year, the NLV Quant will be fully engineered and ready for production. You can follow the last few stages. The design, drive system, range and photovoltaics of the Quant are already spectacular and record-breaking as individual components, and we believe that together they will mark a milestone in automotive history.

Technics

The NLV Quant is proof that cutting-edge supercars can combine speed, comfort and enjoyment with environmental integrity. It implents the mobile energy technology of the future. The NLV Quant has two different battery systems, a torque vectoring with 4 electric motors and a full carbon chassis. A thin-film coated photvoltaic car body supplies the operating electronics and also supports the battery. Gull-wing doors provide easy access to all four passengers.

Carbon Chassis

A reason for the car's low weight is the utilisation of a carbon-fibre monotube backbone chassis, construction, which houses the FAES system safely inside the centreline of the car at the lowest possible position, bringing down the centre of gravity and central mass point.

Using tradition lay-up, the vacuum bag generates the pressure for consolidating the carbon plies. In RTM process there are two moulds and the pressure comes only from the resin pump. The design becomes quite critical as inner and outer skin has to be perfectly defines in order to have a designed volume matching exactly the tooling volume. The risk is to have voids generated by not precise fitting of the inner cores.

Thin Film

The NLV Quant is coated with a thin film made of pyrite, which converts light into electricity to supply the operating electronics and also support the battery. This innovative pyrite technology is cost-effective, efficient and ecological.

NLV Solar AG has developed an iron-sulphur composite semiconductor using digital prototyping, with very promising results. The research indicates:

• an average photovoltaic conversion efficiency of 38%, depending on ambient conditions, and a peak performance of over 50%

• the possibility of fine-tuning the material's absorption characteristics by modification of its crystal lattice structure using ion implantation; stacked in a multilayer thin-film cell, it would be possible to tune each layer to a different target absorption frequency

• as a thin-film cell, the material could be applied to substrates in a transparent, semi-transparent or tinted coating

• the projected degradation coefficient is only 5-6% over 20 years

Electric Power

The NLV Quant allows for the modular installation of either a long-life metal-air battery or a rechargeable redox flow cell. These are both future-oriented, secure energy sources which help give the Quant exceptional power and range.

Speed

The projected curb weight of 1680 kg is very light considering that it is a battery-powered, four-seater, luxury performance car. This is partly due to the four-motor installation- a remarkable achievement which allows the NLV Quant to deliver 0-100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 377 km/h.

Gullwing

The gull-wing doors set the NLV Quant apart from any other four-seaters on the market. As well as being a stylish feature, they also make entry to the car more ergonomic, thanks to the lack of B-pillars. They provide easy access to both the front and rear passenger seats. The unique split side-lite feature allows either passenger to open and close the front and rear side windows separately, despite the fact that there is only one door per side.

Preliminary Specs

• Power: 600 kW ( 4x 150 kW), 800 bhp
• Rotation speed 12'000 U/min
• Torque: 1500 nm
• 0-100 km/h: 2,8 seconds
• Top speed: 377 km/h
• Curb weight: 1680 kg
• Wheelbase 3102 mm
• Track - Front: 1730 mm; rear: 1729 mm
• Wheels/tyres ? front: 245/35 - 23"; rear: 285/30 - 23" - low friction tyres
• Width: 2016 mm incl. rear-view mirrors; length: 4879 mm; height: 1335 mm
• Rear-wheel drive
• Four-wheel brake regeneration
• Minimum 4 airbags, ABS and ESP and torque vectoring
• 2 infotainment panels Adjustable rear seats
• 3 zone Climate Control system
• Generous leg room in the rear
• LED front and rear lights
• Body covered in NLV photovoltaic thin film solar coating
• Accumulator with cooling liquid (weight ca. 500kg)
• Operating voltage 420 V
• Inverter voltage 350 V
• Price: TBD

Features

• NLV Quant has two different battery systems: on the one hand, purely conventional accumulator technology with a transition metal and air mixture, and on the other hand, a pure redox flow cell

• Thin-film photovoltaic coating of car body and windows

• Torque vectoring with 4 electric motors for wheel-specific torque distribution to enhance the vehicle's agility and stability

• Full Carbon chassis and carbon body

• Minimised running and manufacturing costs thanks to new technology

• Optimised safety

• Unique/functional design, vehicle comfort and loading capacity

GQBYCITROËN – DESIGNED BY CITROËN. TAILORED BY SAVILE ROW. MADE WITH GQ.

Citroën and GQ have revealed a unique and exciting automotive project – the GQbyCITROËN.

The GQbyCITROËN is a concept car born through a unique partnership between the UK's market-leading quality men's monthly and a team of Citroën designers, collaborating to create the ultimate gentleman's drive. This is the first time a British magazine has collaborated with a car company in this way.


Responding to a brief by GQ's editor, Dylan Jones, Citroën's team, headed by British designer – and the man responsible for the new Citroën DS3 – Mark Lloyd, took a new look at the GT theme and integrated it with a typical Citroën design approach bringing GQbyCITROËN from design outline to concept reality.

GQbyCITROËN combines classically sophisticated features and contemporary styling with a sculpted front end, rounded rear, strong body contours and sleek concave rear windscreen – a signature Citroën design.


The car's cabin is accessed by rear coach doors and reveals a spacious, comfortable and futuristic cabin. Completing the car's bespoke styling, the interior detailing and upholstery selections were provided by Patrick Grant, the Creative Director of prestigious Savile Row tailors, E.Tautz, who commented: "Savile Row is all about balance and Tautz's simple military inspired interior is the perfect counterpoint to the Gallic flair of the exterior."


Dylan Jones commented: "I wanted something practical, something cool, and something idiosyncratic – i.e. something surprising that didn't just look like a concept car. The GQ car needed to have the 'want' factor, but it also needed to look, feel and 'drive' like the sort of car no sane man could choose to ignore. We think it looks very very special."

Dynamic performance and environmental responsibility were also key requirements for the project. The GQbyCITROËN concept car is powered by a plug-in Hybrid with a 1,598cc, 4-cylinder direct injection petrol engine offering a sporty 0-60mph time of just 4.5seconds, an electronically limited top speed of 155mph and CO2 emissions of just 80g/km.


Mark Lloyd, Chief Designer of Citroën's International Projects added: "Where this car works so well with GQ is that it fits with the current attitudes of conspicuous consumption. It is understated rather than in-your-face and sleek rather than too macho. With the skills of a Savile Row tailor on the car's interior we have also achieved that bespoke, fitted feel, both inside and out.


"For me, the car that has always represented the pinnacle of automotive excellence and refinement is the GT – the Grand Tourer. It is not the all-out sports car, rather it is something gentlemanly, it has performance and it is for travelling, not racing. We wanted to create something that, like GQ, was aspirational, but also retained the classic automotive ideals. We didn't want a car for the mass market. We wanted a car for GQ.'"

The GQbyCITROËN is featured in the April issue of GQ out March 4th 2010. For more information visit: www.gqbycitroen.co.uk.
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Video: Aston Martin One-77 Testing

Aston Martin just released a new video of the One-77 testing on the automaker's proving grounds, meaning we get to listen to that 7.3-liter V12 being wrung out to max revs.

During testing, the One-77 cleared a top speed just over 220mph, or almost 355 km/h. This speed is generated by a new 7.3-liter V12 engine from the company.


All of which is very interesting, but there’s no substitute for a half-decent bit of VT. And this is half decent. The backing track’s a bit ‘royalty free, plink-plink’, but the there’s absolutely nothing wrong with the soundtrack coming from the One-77’s glorious, 7.3 litre V12.


These horses take the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds and up to a tested top speed of 220.007 mph (354.86 km/h) in the dry. Unfortunately, the company will only build 77 units of the Aston Martin One-77. The deliveries will begin at the middle of this year.


Once it enters production, the Aston Martin One-77 will use a carbon fiber monocoque body. Assembly of the two-seat coupe will be limited to just 77 units, with delivery set to begin this summer.


Press Release

Aston Martin's One-77 supercar has moved closer to setting a new all-time record for the British marque in initial high speed testing after surpassing all predictions and comfortably breaking the 200mph mark.

The One-77 is currently undergoing a stringent development process ahead of planned launch in 2010 with high speed testing taking place at a top secret proving ground in southern Europe. In a series of test runs completed last week the One-77 exceeded original expectations and recorded a 220.007mph (354.86kmh) top speed in dry but windy conditions under the guidance of the Aston Martin engineering team. Dynamic testing is now scheduled to continue into the New Year.

Powered by a new Aston Martin 7.3 litre V12 engine, the One-77 is engineered to deliver breathtaking levels of power and performance. The dramatically styled two-door, two-seat sports coupe is based on an innovative new carbon fibre monocoque body structure and adopts new active aerodynamic technology.

The One-77 is the ultimate expression of what Aston Martin stands for and will combine modern technology and design with craftsmanship and ultimate exclusivity to create the world's most desirable automotive art form.

As name suggests, production is limited up to a maximum of 77 individually numbered examples, with deliveries expected to commence in mid-2010.

Photos:automotiveaddicts

Geneva Motor Show: 2010 Abarth 500C & Punto Evo

The 500C show car is a two-tone model with half painted white and the other half in black. The 138-horsepower 1.4-liter turbocharged engine produces up to 206 Nm (152 lb-ft) of torque, capable of getting the car from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds. This is definitely slower than the acceleration of the MINI Cooper S, by anywhere from 0.4 to 0.9 seconds, depending on the source. However, fuel economy is much better than the Coop, with the 500C using 6.5 liters per 100 km, or 36.2 mpg (US).


Right next to the 500C is the Punto Evo show car in white with red accents, which sprints to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds. It featuers a Garrett turbocharger mounted to the 1.4-liter Multiair engine, which now produces 162 horsepower (119 kW) and up to 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. As an SS, horsepower is boosted another 16 hp (12 kW).


Exterior mods include a larger font bumper and a new rear bumper with space for twin exhaust pipes and a diffuser. The SS model also features better brakes and 18-inch wheels.


Customers in Europe and Japan will get first crack when the two cars go on sale soon. You can view both cars through the end of the Geneva Motor Show.


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Geneva Debuts: Aston Martin DBS UB-2010 Limited Edition

At the 80th Geneva Autosalon, Aston Martin will present the world debut of the V12 Vantage Carbon Black Edition, a new bespoke service; Works Service Tailored and the new DBS UB-2010.


V12 Vantage Carbon Black Edition

The first V12 Vantage Carbon Black Edition is displayed on this year’s show stand celebrating the enormous success of the V12 Vantage which has surpassed all sales expectations since launch. The new special edition adds a typically understated flair to this acclaimed model. Featuring bespoke Carbon Black metallic paint especially formulated with a subtle metallic twist to create a deep rich patina; each car will undergo 50 man-hours of hand painting followed by stringent quality checks. The iconic Aston Martin side strake has been fashioned from carbon fibre backed by a black mesh and complimented with gloss black 10 spoke diamond turned alloy wheels. A bright finished grille and front parking sensors (normally an option) complete the exterior detailing. Each Carbon Black is bestowed with a carbon fibre sill plaque etched with V12 Vantage Carbon Black in stainless steel.


Works Service Showcase

Works Service Tailored is a new service offering customers of both new and existing Aston Martins, personal tailored options through Aston Martin’s world famous Works Service facility. Works Service Tailored focuses on fashioning colour and materials with limitless boundaries precisely to customer choice and specification, enabling owners to apply their own personal taste.

Two Works Service Tailored cars are showcased at the Geneva Show (2 – 14 March 2009); a Magma Red Rapide featuring tailored ‘Cryptic Titan’ facia and door finishers and a DB9 with Blue Pearl white paint, gun metal exterior metal work, Blue Gin Leather and an African Walnut wood finish. Both cars serve as a showcase of what Works Service Tailored can offer to customers of both new and existing Aston Martins.

Since the 1920s, Works Service has served as a factory-owned specialist with the experience, passion and culture to care for any post-war Aston Martin or Lagonda with exquisite skill and attention to detail. Customers from all over the world choose to have their Aston Martin serviced and cared for by Works Service who can offer services ranging from ground up restorations, to modifying and creating bespoke solutions to individual tastes.


DBS UB-2010 Limited Edition

Aston Martin commemorates Dr. Ulrich Bez’s 10th year as Chief Executive of the company by unveiling the DBS UB-2010 edition which is a limited run of 40 DBS comprising 20 Coupes and 20 Volantes. Capitalising on the new Works Service Tailored competencies, each DBS UB-2010 has been specified personally by Dr. Bez and features a unique ‘Azurite Black’ paint finish, a metallic bronze leather with woven leather seat inserts and a ‘Cryptic Titan’ facia finish. Each car will bare ‘UB-2010’ sill plaques signed by Dr. Bez together with a final inspection plate after Dr. Bez has signed-off each of the 40 cars personally.


Prices will be confirmed at a later date.

Source: Aston Martin via wot.motortrend