British carmaker Aston Martin is at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show with two new models that will soon become available on the market: the V12 Zagato - created in cooperation with renowned Italian designer Zagato - and the face-lifted V8 Vantage, on display in both Coupe and Roadster versions.

Only 150 units of the beautiful Zagato will be produced, all of which will be equipped with a powerful 6.0-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine delivering 517 hp and 570 Nm of peak torque. Performance figures for this car are as impressive as its aesthetics: 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds and top speed of 305 km/h (190 mph). The car should enter the market with an even more impressive 333,000 £ price tag attached to it (roughly 400,000 € / 526,000 $).

Both version of the revamped V8 Vantage - Coupé and Roadster - are powered by the same 426 hp 4.7-litre V8 engine of the previous range, but receive an upgraded braking system, bigger wheels and a more responsive steering. The cosmetic changes of the car were inspired by the design of the Vantage S, now featuring new side skirts, new bumpers and a rear diffuser. Also worth mentioning is the addition to the optional extras list of the model of the new Sportshift II sequential gearbox, which provides for a considerably faster gear shifting.

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the BMW stand opened the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in pure style. The competition between the three premium German brands is always tight, and big international shows present the opportunity for a tight show off. The Bavarian company has brought lots of news in Switzerland: among those are M6, the trio M550 d-X5, M50d- X6, M50d and the X6, X5 M and X6 M facelift.

The new M6, both Coupe and Convertible variants, inherits all the mechanics (and a good part of the frame) of the new M5, focusing on a powerful 4.4 V8 Bi-turbo with 560 hp and 680 Nm, available between 1500 and 5750 rpm. The Coupe shows off a spectacular carbon fibre roof, whiles the Convertible displays a soft top, operated by an electric drive system able to open it in 19 seconds and close it in 24.

Due to a significant reduction of the cylinder capacity, the increase in performance corresponds to a decline in consumption, quantified by BMW at 30%. The new V8 implements different solutions such as Twin-Scroll Turbo system, direct injection, Valvetronic system. The multi displacement system engine is coupled to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with launch control and limited slip differential as standard.

Continue reading: Stand BMW @ 2012 Geneva Motor Show

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It seems like summertime has come a little earlier at the Porsche’s stand in Geneva as the main attractions there are the beautiful, young and topless Boxster 981 and 911 Cabriolet (991-series), both of which have been completely renewed.

The mid-mounted Porsche Boxster 981 is somewhat inspired by the legendary Carrera GT and comes with either a 2-7-litre unit with direct injection or the more powerful 3.4-litre for its ‘S’ variant. The former delivers 265 hp ( registering a ‘+10′ hp over the model it replaces while the latter is credited with an output of 315 hp (+5). Both version will come with a standard 6-speed manual transmission, although a 7-speed automatic PDK dual clutch gearbox is also available as optional extra. Having lost quite a few pounds during the renewal process, the new Boxster can now burn the 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.7 seconds, 5 seconds flat for the ‘S’ version, while fuel consumption went down as well: the German carmaker claims an average consumption of 7.7 l/100km for the 2.7-litre and 8 l/100km for the 3.4 unit.

The Porsche 911 Cabriolet makes its debut in Europe at the Swiss event as both Carrera and Carrera S variants are already available for order: the former is pushed by a 3.4 litre 6-cylinder boxer engine delivering 350 hp while the latter uses a 400 hp 3.8 unit. Both these powertrains come with a 7-speed manual transmission, with the familiar 7-speed automatic PDK option will also be available upon request. The model uses an electronically controlled fabric soft top with magnesium frame and integrated glass window that needs 11 seconds to complete both raising and stowing.

View the full Porsche Live at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show photo gallery

Continue reading: 2012 Geneva Motor Show: Porsche Boxster 981 and 911 Convertible

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Volkswagen showed up at the ongoing 2012 Geneva Motor Show with a slew of new models, most notably the new Golf GTI Cabriolet, the Cross Coupe Concept and the 5-door version of the Up!. The convertible version of the Golf GTI is powered by the same 2.0-litre engine of the hatchback version, delivering 211 hp and 280 Nm of peak torque. this unit can be coupled to either a manual or a DSG dual clutch auto transmission. Its performance figures are pretty impressive: 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of 7.3 seconds and 236 km/h (147 mph) of top speed. Aesthetically, the car is almost identical to the model it is based upon, although certain details are wittingly recalling the glorious GTI convertible of the 80s.

Also making its first appearance ever is the 5-door variant of the little VW Up!, which is on display in Geneva in four different variants that were specifically designed for the Swiss event. Its compact design makes it an ideal city car, while its 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine allows it to be pretty responsive and doesn’t need to drink that much. Among the special versions showcased at the VW’s stand in Geneva, there’s also the Swiss Up!, an homage to the host of the kermesse which boasts patterns inspired by Swiss flag both inside and outside. There are also two special versions of the 5-door Cross Up!: the Winter Up!, thought for skiing lovers, and the X Up!, dedicated to those who need to carry a lot of stuff when traveling. Besides, there is also the Cargo Up!, a little van-version of the model for commercial purposes which boasts no less than 1,400 litres of capacity.

The Geneva Motor Show represents the world debut for the Polo Blue GT as well, which is powered by a 1.4 TSI engine producing 140 hp and boasts an average fuel consumption of only 4.7 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 108g/km. The standard model comes with a manual gearbox, but a DSG dual clutch transmission will also be made available as optional extra, an addition that will have the average fuel consumption figure go down to 4.5 l/100 km, with 105 g/km of CO2 emission. Also making is world debut is the new , an innovative SUV with an undeniable sporty flair to it. This car is credited with a total output of 306 hp that is the result of the combined action of its TDI engine as well as two electric motors. Claimed top speed for the Cross Coupe Concept is 220 km/h (136 mph), but the most significant figure for this car concerns its fuel consumption: it requires just 1.8 litres of diesel every 100 km, while CO2 emissions is rated at 46 g/km only. Last but not least, the VW Passat Alltrack is also in Geneva for its official debut on European soil: this all-wheel drive version of the Passat is powered by a 2.0-litre TDI unit delivering 170 hp, and has a ride height increased by 30 mm. Check the whole lot out in our exclusive photo gallery.

View the full Volkswagen live at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show photo gallery

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Arguably the most successful SUV of the last few years, the Range Rover Evoque is at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show with a Convertible Concept that surely will not disappoint the fans of this outstanding car. At the moment this model is only a prototype, but nonetheless it proves that a possible production of this cabrio version is at least in the cards, and it is quite likely that the reaction that this vehicle will get in Switzerland will play a part in making the final decision.

Whether it will eventually make it to production or not, we have to say that this model just adds up to the trendy reputation of the Evoque, surely one of the most desired cars around the globe. The Range Rover Evoque Convertible Concept comes with the usual 4 seats configuration (driver included) and is 75 kg heavier than the ‘regular’ model, and it is believed that - in case it will be produced - it would cost about 10% more too.

The model on display in Geneva comes with a Titan Silver livery and two-tone interiors in Lunar Grey and Ivory, while other remarkable features include its 21″ alloys, a Meridian sound system with 8″ touch-screen, and the classy soft top made of fabric. Also making an appearance at the Land Rover’s stall in Geneva is the already known DC 100 Concept, which you will also see in our photo gallery taken live at the event by our colleagues from parent-site Autoblog.it.

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One of the most important cars to be introduced at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show is the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse, which has been unveiled in a dedicated press conference for the first time ever.

Just like the Super Sport coupe model it derives from, the Vitesse is powered by the impressive 8.0-litre W16 engine with four new turbochargers and bigger intercoolers, which produces an output of 1200 hp with 1500 Nm of peak torque, making it the more powerful Bugatti roadster ever and the fastest convertible of all time, reaching a top speed of no less than 410 km/h (255 mph).

In order to compensate the lack of a roper roof, Bugatti’s engineers worked on the chassis of the car to make it stiffer and on the NACA air intakes, making them larger. This modification will allow the powerful W16 unit of the model to get the right cooling when driving with the soft top down. To find out more about the model, check the official press release after the jump.

Continue reading: 2012 Geneva Motor Show: Bugatti Veyron Vitesse

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Judging by the look of this thing, you might guess it comes from another planet or something, but in reality the brand new Lamborghini Aventador J is absolutely road legal. The latest rendition of the successful Aventador has been designed to be the most exciting and uncompromising Roadster ever made, and it is - as Lamborghini puts it - a “radically open automobile”, meaning that it comes with no roof and no windscreen. Therby you would need to wear helmet and leathers in order to jump on board and enjoy its 300 km/h of top speed ‘in your face’, but that’s a small price to pay for what could really end up being the driving experience of your life.

The Lamborghini Aventador J is a one off that Lamborghini will showcase at the imminent Geneva Motor Show and will then put up for grabs once the event will be over. The model - based on LP700-4 -the is also a proper, unique piece of art: there’s only one Aventador J, the one you see in these images. That’s the one that will be on display in Geneva and the one that will be sold right after it: no prototypes, no mules, not even one for the Lamborghini Museum. That’s the deal.

The Aventador J is powered by the same 6.5-litre V12 engine of the regular coupe version, capable of delivering 700 hp and coupled to a ISR gearbox that transfers its power to all four wheels. However, there are quite a few features that makes it different from the model it derives from. Lack of roof and wind protection aside - apart from those two small deflectors that we think are merely choreographic - the Aventador J uses a monocoque chassis with a roll bar behind the seats. Everything that was not functional to achieving maximum performance has been scrapped, and so sound system, clima and sat-nav are all gone. Seats are made of forged composite and uses a special carbon-based fabric called Carbonskin, patented by Lamborghini itself. Aesthetically, the J boasts a narrower front end, specifically designed bumpers, a carbon rear wing, 20″ alloys on the front axle and 21″ at the back. To find out more about the amazing Lamborghini Aventador J, check out the official press release after the jump.

View the full Lamborghini Aventador J photo gallery

Continue reading: Lamborghini Aventador J

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The colleagues from CarNews have released yet another video, this time starring the recently unveiled Porsche 911 Carrera Cabrio. The model belongs to the latest 991-series and comes with either a 3.4- or a 3.8-litre boxer engine, delivering 350 hp and 400 hp respectively. Both units can be coupled to a seven-speed manual or a seven-speed PDK dual clutch transmission, a choice that would slightly affect the performance figures of the model.

Let’s take the 3.4-litre variant for instance: the 911 Cabrio with manual gearbox boasts a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of 5.0 seconds, with 286 km/h (177.7 mph) of top speed, whereas the PDK version hits the 100 km/h mark in 4.8 seconds (4.6 if equipped with the Sport Chrono Package) with 284 km/h (176.4 mph) of top speed. Same goes for its environmental impact: the manual version is credited with an average fuel consumption of 9.2 l/100 km, with CO2 emission rated at 217 g/km, while the PDK has a fuel consumption of 8.4 l/100 km with 198 g/km of CO2 emission.

The 3.8-litre unit equipping the 911 Carrera S Cabriolet instead can accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.7 seconds with the manual gearbox, with the PDK it does that in 4.5 seconds (4.3 seconds with Sport Chrono Package), reaching a top speed of 301 km/h (187.0 mph) with the former and 299 km/h (185.7 mph) with the latter. Fuel consumption and CO2 emission figures with the manual transmission are 9.7 l/100 km and 229 g/km respectively, whereas for the PDK variant they are rated at 8.9 l/100 km and 210 g/km.

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The new Mini Roadster represents just what the hallmark of Mini has always been: pure pleasure to drive. We ran a test drive with the JCW version, the most powerful, and we can say that the Cooper Roadster is serious fun, and the option to pull the roof down ensures that you are at one with the elements.

Mini is pushing ahead with the rigorous expansion of its range and its latest addition, the Mini Roadster, is going to attract a willing army of fans with a penchant for elegant sportiness. Less glamourous, practical and feminine than the Cabrio, the Roadster is going to find its audience and its place in the market thanks to its irresistible design, says the maker.

The elimination of the rear seat and a price slightly higher than its sibling will not discourage its fans. Some of its features, like the manual soft top roof, are specific choices of the manufacturer, showing the Roadster’s “pure” soul, in line with the true British tradition.

Continue reading: New Mini Cooper Roadster: the test drive

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Here are the latest spy shots featuring the mule of the next BMW 4-Series Convertible, once again caught during some winter test. The new 4-Series, which will go on to replace the current Coupe and Convertible variants of the 3-Series, is expected to make its debut on the market next year.

These new images show us a heavily disguised prototype, but our sources seem to confirm that the new model will end up having a quite different rear end in comparison to the one of the 3-series F30, something that will definitely set it apart from the outgoing range. However, the overall line of the new model shouldn’t be too different.

The new 4-Series will be developed on the same platform of the 3-Series, with which it will share the engine line-up as well. Moreover, a Coupe and a Convertible version of the new model will also be equipped with the engine of the next M3, the much hyped 3.3-litre 6-cylinder unit credited with an output of no less than 450 hp.

View BMW 4-Series Convertible spy shots

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