The current top-of-the-range Alfa Romeo MiTo is represented by the 1.4 Turbo petrol engine at 155hp. At the Geneva show, however, the MiTo GTA was presented with its new 1750 turbo at 240 hp, and now the gap between these two examples is set to close with the introduction of the MiTo Veloce.

This new MiTo speed version should be equipped with the same 1.4 l turbo, but with a power step up to 180 hp. This new model means the MiTo could reach 100 km/hr in 7.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 215 km/hr.

Externally, features distinguishing the Veloce model would be stickers on the body work and windshield, different coloured mirrors and low rear spoiler, 18-inch wheels and bodykit. Technical aspects include a Koni suspension kit and larger disc brakes.

Continue reading: Alfa Romeo MiTo: new "Veloce" at 180 hp on its way

After the presentation of the Dacia Duster concept at Geneva, news suggests that the production series model will debut in March 2010, at the same show.

With a government loan of ten million which will cover ten percent of production costs, the car will most likely include the greater part of the features seen on the concept car, including the sliding passenger seat that can be hidden under the driver’s seat.

The engine range will include, but is not limited to, a 1.6 L petrol at 106 hp, and a 2.0 diesel at 170 hp. Click on the following link for the full official pics of the Dacia Duster.

Source | Masini

Continue reading: Dacia Duster series to be launched in 2010

The Ford Focus RS is unlikely to please everyone, with doubts about the rear and the interior of the car. And while the performance figures are impressive (0-100 km/hr in 5.9 seconds, a top speed of 250 km/hr), there are questions about just how to drive a front wheel car of 300 hp. After its debut at the Geneva show, Ford has released these additional new shots of its Focus RS.

Continue reading: Ford Focus RS new pics

Below is a gallery of the official pics of the Hyundai models presented at the Geneva motor show, including the i20 three door, the i30 BlueDrive, which presents a new range of ecological vehicles, and the ix-sonic concept - a new sports SUV with European style.

The compact i20 three door is available with seven different engines, including the new 1.2 litre petrol from the Kappa series at 78hp, with fuel consumption at 5.2l/100km and CO2 emissions of 124g/km. The most economic engine is the 1.4 diesel at 75hp, with CO2 emissions at only 116g/km and fuel consumption at only 4.4l/100km on a mixed circuit.

The i30 BlueDrive is the first model from Hyundai’s future ecological range, characterised by technological solutions to reduce consumption such as the Idle Stop & Go (ISG). The range will soon expand to include a hybrid model, which will be presented in summer in Korea. Called the Elantra, it will be the first hybrid capable of combining an LPG fuel source with battery power.

Continue reading: New Hyundai BlueDrive range, hybrid and i20 compact

Here is a final look at the girls from the Geneva motor show, but we don’t have their contact details, as one reader asked after the third Geneva models gallery!

Continue reading: Girls from Geneva motor show, part 4

Among the most-awaited concept cars at the Geneva show was the Citroen DS Inside, prototype of the twin Chevron, showing the road the company will take in the future, in terms of style, communication and brand image.

Citroen has managed to include just about everything in the small DS Inside, which will reach the market in 2010 with the DS3 model, heir to the current C3. The model has been created to revive the concept of “créative technologie”, with its unmistakable style, technology, originality, substance and quality. Citroen has enjoyed presenting this upmarketing, but without the price, as rigorously highlighted by the company.

The debut was near-perfect but the only gripe we have was in the choice of colouring. This “Dandy” version was certainly true to its name, with pearl grey matched to bright pink - a far cry from the more elegant “Seduction” version which had dark brown and metallic reflections.

Continue reading: Citroen DS Inside official pics

Today we give you the last few galleries from the Geneva motor show, before its imminent closure after this weekend. Here are the official pics of the radical KTM X-Bow series model that was presented, only a year after its world premiere at Geneva.

Unfortunately, due to the recession, the original production target of 1000 models has slowed to 250 deliveries so far, however 600 models will be produced in its second year, showing that there is still space in the market for innovative automobiles. In addition, KTM is keeping its X-Bow pricing reasonable, with the entry-level model costing about 50,000 euros.

For details of the X-Bow range and media release, go here, and for more great pics of the KTM X-Bow, see Autoblog.it’s galleries.

Continue reading: KTM X-Bow pics and details

Here’s the third part of our galleries of the girls from the Geneva motor show. More leg here, if you’re interested.

Continue reading: Girls from Geneva motor show part 3

The Peugeot 3008 Crossover was on display at the Geneva motor show for its debut, and you can see the unusual crossover in the gallery below. While it comes across as a bizarre mix of SUV and people mover, the car has been designed to provide maximum comfort and flexibility.

The door opens in two separate parts, and the 3008 also has an enormous boot capacity at a minimum of 512 litres, reaching up to 1604. For a full list of features and the engine range, check out our previous post on the Peugeot 3008.

Continue reading: Peugeot 3008 debut gallery

All these lovely F1 cars were present at the Geneva show, from vintage F1 models to modern examples. If you’re an F1 fan, there’s nothing better than comparing models to see developments in technology and aerodynamics, from Honda in 1984 to Jaguar.

Continue reading: F1 models at Geneva

Here’s another look at the girls from the Geneva motor show this year, with elegance being the winning theme this year. See our previous post for the first part of the Geneva girls, with the third part coming up soon.

Continue reading: Geneva show girls, part two

As promised, here is Aston Martin’s Lagonda Concept Car, presented by Ulrich Betz at the 2009 Geneva motor show. With this car, and other updates, Aston Martin, at 100 years of age, is undergoing a brand evolution that is set to explore new markets and ideas with a personal style.

The Lagonda Concept is a kind of sports SUV with retro touches, and a slight influence from the 20’s and 30’s similar to that seen on recent Bentley models. Through Lagonda, Aston Martin will explore overseas markets, including Russia, Arab countries, Asia and South America. The innovative product is a neo-classical crossover, with 4WD elements, but class and luxury too.

To achieve this, Aston Martin has initiated a collaboration with Mercedes for the Lagonda chassis, using that of the CL, and all-wheel drive. Maximum practicality is to be combined with luxury and high performance. Though still in development phase, the Lagonda will also take into consideration twin-fuel, hybrid and diesel options. Currently, the engine is set to be a genetic V12 with no specific origin or characteristics as yet.

Continue reading: Intriguing Aston Martin Lagonda crossover concept car