2010 Geneva Auto Show

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

First Look: 2010 Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet

Geneva in March may not be a prime locale to launch convertibles, but that isn’t stopping Renault. Along with its new subcompact Wind roadster, the French automaker will launch its new Mégane Coupe-Cabriolet at the 2010 Geneva motor show.

Arguably, the pièce de résistance is the Mégane’s top itself. Like it’s predecessor, it is a retractable hardtop, but the steel roof panels have been replaced with two large glass panes. The transparent panels, coupled with support beams finished in black, help lend the car a top-down look even when fully deployed.

Styling is largely culled from the remainder of the Mégane range, which was completely overhauled in 2008. Taillights are similar to those used on the hatchback “Coupe” model, but the long rear decklid -- similar to that on Volvo’s C70 -- is unique to the Coupe-Cabriolet.

As is the case with its sedan and wagon siblings, the Mégane Coupe-Cabriolet is available with either gasoline or diesel powertrains. Perhaps the most notable is the 110-hp, 1.5-liter turbo-diesel I-4 -- it’s available with a new six-speed dual clutch transmission, a first for Renault.

Look for the new Mégane Coupe-Cabriolet to make its debut on March 4. Stay with Automobile Magazine for all the latest news from the Geneva motor show.

 

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

First Look: Mansory Rolls-Royce Ghost

We thought owning a Rolls-Royce Ghost would be a privilege in itself, but if that’s not exclusive to you, renowned tuner Mansory may have just the solution.

These renderings reportedly preview a customized Ghost Mansory will showcase at the 2010 Geneva motor show. We’re not fans of the wild color scheme, but there’s no arguing it sets this Ghost apart from its stock brethren. Mansory claims the gold-on-blue paint job accentuates the Ghost’s bold lines, but that may be a bit of an understatement.

Those bold lines are made more athletic with the inclusion of a full aerodynamic kit consisting of front and rear bumpers, side skirts, rear diffuser, and trunk lid spoiler. Look closely and you'll notice the slight differences versus the stock form. Monstrous 22-inch one-piece wheels match the Ghost's equally enormous personality.

All show and no "go," you may scoff. Not exactly. Mansory replaced the 6.6-liter V-12's twin turbochargers with bigger units, reflashed the ECU, and bolted on an exhaust. Forget the usual 563 horsepower with a corresponding 575 pound-feet of torque. Say hello to 720 horsepower and 752 pound-feet of pulling power. Zero to 62 mph takes only 4.4 seconds (a stock Ghost takes 4.8 seconds to get to 60 mph). Mind you, this British brute weighs in at around 5450 lbs.

Rolls-Royce’s interiors already sport some of the best materials known to man, but somehow Mansory has one-upped the brand once again with suppler leather hides, smoother ultra suede, and exquisitely patterned carbon fiber. Owners can also specify bamboo trim if desired.

The Mansory Rolls-Royce Ghost will make its global debut at this year's Geneva Motor Show, so stay glued for some live shots.

Source: Mansory

 

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

 

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

 

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

 

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

First Look: 2010 Subaru Impreza XV

Subaru used the 2010 Geneva motor show to publically unveil the Impreza XV, a compact crossover based upon the automaker’s Impreza wagon. If this reminds you of the Outback Sport sold here in North America, it should. For the most part, the XV cribs heavily from the Sport’s formula, adopting flared grey wheel wells, a chunky roof rack, and a tall ride height to mimic an SUV. It isn’t a carbon copy, however. Designers blessed the XV with a new front grille patterned after the revised Legacy and Outback model, added an angular front bumper fascia, and crafted a large roof spoiler that appears to thicken the Impreza’s C-pillar. Interior changes are few, limited only to an optional brown-on-black two-tone fabric seats. Like most other European-spec Imprezas, the XV will be available with either 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer-four, or a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel boxer-four. The gas engine is available with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transaxle, but the diesel engine is bolted only to a six-speed manual. Although Subaru could potentially apply any of these styling tweaks to the Outback Sport for our market, for the time being, the Impreza XV will remain a European exclusive.

 

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

 

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

 

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

 

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

 

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

First Look: 2010 Toyota Auris Hybrid

We first saw Toyota's Auris Hybrid as a concept at last year's Frankfurt motor show, but the production version -- which is a dead ringer for the supposed "show car" -- will be unveiled at the 2010 Geneva motor show.

Built upon Toyota's European subcompact (which shares some roots with the Corolla), the Auris Hybrid uses the same powertrain found in the renowned Prius. A 1.8-liter I-4 is mated to Toyota's "Hybrid Synergy Drive" system, where it's paired with a 80-hp electric motor through an electrically variable transmission. The concept was fitted with low rolling resistance tires, smoothed underbody panels, and a lower ride height, all of which will likely carry over to the final product.

Toyota plans on selling the Auris Hybrid at a lower price point than the Prius, which may help the automaker offer its green technology to a wider range of customers. Although there are presently no plans on bringing the Auris Hybrid to North America, Toyota has pledged to incorporate its hybrid system into its entire lineup over the next decade -- so a gas-electric Corolla or Matrix isn't as farfetched as you may think.

Stay with Automobile Magazine for all the latest on the Auris Hybrid, along with the other new vehicles introduced at the 2010 Geneva motor show.

 

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

 

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

 

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

 

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

 

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

 

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

First Look: 2010 Toyota RAV4 European Model

An all-new RAV4 may be a few years away, but Toyota is refreshing its compact SUV with a mild facelift -- at least for Europe, anyway.

The result, which will debut at the 2010 Geneva motor show in March, is rather attractive. New headlamps, a narrow grille, and a sporty front bumper fascia lends the RAV4 a car-like appearance. Although the look helps tie the RAV4 to European Toyota models like the Auris and Avensis, we can’t help but see some Lexus IS in the new design.

Sadly, we won’t see the rhinoplasty in U.S. showrooms. Toyota representatives confirmed this morning that the facelift would remain a European exclusive -- at least for the time being.

For the latest news from the Geneva motor show, stay with Automobile Magazine.

 

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

 

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

 

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show