All posts tagged 2011 geneva motor show
Chris Bangle: supercar design should knock your balls off
Chris Bangle has an insightful and entertaining take on modern supercar design in this video from CarDesignNews. Interviewed at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, Bangle says a lot of things about supercar design that we suspect a few insiders and afficionados have been thinking for a while. But still, if supercar produces are protecting the design status quo there’s probably a reason for that.
Anyway, Bangle says that if supercars really want to push the boundaries they should start injecting some serious design innovation into the models. If a supercar is going to be about fast, hyperbolic performance, then it should have a design to match: something which knocks your balls off, in his words. It’s a great little video and not only is it entertaining, it should give some people in the car industry something to think about.
Source | CarDesignNews via Autoblog.com
Mercedes SLK new pics
The Mercedes SLK restyling can be seen again in this flurry of 164 (!) official pictures released. The popular model has received a facelift which was presented at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, and not only do we get some style updates, the engine range has been modified, too.
According to Mercedes, the new SLK has a 25-percent reduction in fuel consumption and emissions compared to the previous model. That’s thanks to its new range of four-cylinder and V6 units. The models available range from the 200 and 250 BlueEfficiency versions with start&stop, to the new 3.5-litre V6 with 306 hp (nominated the 350 BlueEfficiency).
The front styling is inspired by the recent SLS and CLS models and some interior SLS features also show up. Much has been said of the Magic Sky Control function, and Mercedes is certainly enjoying showing off its new tech toy. Among the rest of the technological goodies, there is also the Dynamic Handling Package (one of three suspension systems on offer), Direct Steer and Torque Vectoring Brake.
Mercedes SLK new official pics
New Audi A3 renderings: Sportback and sedan
New renderings for the Audi A3 Sportback and Sedan models have been produced by Theophilus Chin, who has done another nice job. He has tried his hand at both models and we like what we see on the Sportback. The Audi A3 Concept revealed at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show should be exactly what we can expect from the new A3 sedan when it gets to production.
While the A3 sedan will position itself below the Audi A4, and is designed to charm the American public, the European market will get another restyling of the A3 Sportback, which could borrow from the new sedan. In these pics it gets a more slanted rear in a coupé style which should give it a more modern design than the traditional boxy hatchback look.
Audi A3 renderings: sportback and sedan
Continue reading: New Audi A3 renderings: Sportback and sedan
Getting back to Mini: Rocketman concept to production?
We are getting used to Mini concepts making it to production and the new Mini Rocketman concept is no exception. In a curious about-face for the company, the Mini Rocketman was made to appease traditional fans of the brand who were lamenting the increase in dimensions and brand direction of Mini, especially with regards to new models like the Mini Countryman.
The Countryman in its turn was produced to take the brand into new segments and broaden its appeal - making Mini’s bigger was almost essential to that plan. But now it appears there could be a tentative production future for the Mini Rocketman, which would slot into the range below the current three-door coupe model. It will always be the core of the Mini brand, and models like the Rocketman and Countryman would be additional offerings to different segments.
Sales and marketing head, Ian Robertson, has said that the Mini Rocketman is not just about size, though, so whether it makes production or not, some of the elements which appeared on the concept will make it to new models in the future. He says:
The themes in the car are not just about a smaller Mini. Lightweight construction, and new types of components will go on to Minis. The BMW i-concept will be available to all members of the group.
Mini Rocketman Concept live from 2011 Geneva Motor Show
Source | Autocar
No Jaguar production for Bertone B99
The lovely Bertone B99 concept was brought to the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, and such was its impact that rumours emerged that Jaguar might have been involved in producing the design model, or may even consider aspects of it for a future small sedan.
Since then Jaguar has said it had nothing to do with the project and won’t be considering it for production. While previously Jaguar has been looking to develop new product to expand its range, the Bertone B99 will be overlooked for other models which are being developed in house.
In the meantime, Jaguar will be relying on its new XJ sedan to keep things going and will pursue a 4×4 crossover model. With rumours that a smaller sedan is being planned to compete with models like the BMW 3 Series, you’d think there was room to look at the Bertone B99, or at the very least, pay the design house a compliment for what was a lovely show car.
Of the Bertone B99, Jaguar global brand director Adrian Hallmark said:
It is not our concept. We appreciate the fact that Jaguar is interesting enough for people to do a concept around. It’s not that we are offended by it, or against it — it is just not for us.
Source | Automotive News
Saab 9-5 SportCombi and Phoenix Concept new pics and videos
Here are new pics and a video of the Saab 9-5 SportCombi and the Saab Phoenix Concept which were both presented at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. We won’t hide our bias and just say that we’re very taken with the 9-5 SportCombi. We like its mix of sports style and elegance and it should contribute to widening the appeal of the Saab range. They have made sensible choices with their engine range, keeping the 1.6 Turbo, 2.0 Turbo and 2.0 TTiD from the sedan and offering XWD and manual or automatic transmission, too.
The Saab 9-5 Combi is obviously a practical vehicle but with a sporty feel (see the 9-5 SportCombi video after the jump). The boot length can get up to 1.9 m and its capacity ranges from 527 litres to 1,600 litres with the rear seats down. A baggage fixture system called U-Rail is available and the boot opens electronically with remote control or a button over the rear number plate.
The Geneva show for Saab also featured the new IQon multimedia system which will soon be adopted by all models in the Saab range. It looks in the style to some Apple products and uses Googles Android system. You can see how the IQon system works in the video after the jump.
Finally there are also new Saab Phoneix Concept pics and a video avaialble. The concept reflects “aeromotional design” according to Saab and while purely an exercise in style at the moment, the model previews some future aspects of Saab design language. It uses a hybrid drivetrain with a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder turbo engine (from Mini) with 200 hp, and an electric motor with 34 hp that powers the rear wheels. This all-wheel drive hybrid set-up takes the name eXWD and will form the basis for future Saab hybrid models.
Continue reading: Saab 9-5 SportCombi and Phoenix Concept new pics and videos
Lamborghini Aventador and Ferrari FF sold-out
After its stunning debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, news that the Lamborghini Aventador is sold-out before its production even starts should be no suprise to anyone. It is undoubtedly one of Lamborghini’s best, not to mention an absolutely gorgeous car. The new and controversial Ferrari FF is also joining the ranks of Italian exotics sold out for this year, in what is a positive beginning for the company given the radical vehicle involved.
As we had already predicted, the Arab market will be extremely important for the Ferrari FF and Luca di Montezemolo has already revealed that despite the current violence in Africa and ongoing turbulence in the world’s financial markets, a Ferrari is a must-have for these customers and whether they agree with the new FF design or not, they’ll still have one in their garage.
Montezemolo has revealed that 800 Ferrari FF’s were planned for 2011 production and they have already been sold primarily in the US, Switzerland, the Emirates and Russia. The latter is interesting because Ferrari previously had extremely restricted presence in that market due to the models’ limited appeal in those climactic conditions. The Ferrari FF all-wheel drive traction control has made it the first Ferrari to appeal to anyone who has to drive on snow. More on the Aventador after the jump.
Continue reading: Lamborghini Aventador and Ferrari FF sold-out
Audi A3 Concept video
This video of the Audi A3 Concept from the 2011 Geneva Motor Show is one of the company’s steady and very thorough videos. We get a look at the A3 sedan concept from all angles. No driving footage is provided so we don’t get to see the 2.5-litre engine in action with its 408 hp. We do however, get to see the A3 Concept interior. While it’s still a showcar interior, there’s certainly some lovely quality finishes that Audi will be using to get its interior to the luxurious level required to compete with the other big German brands on the American market. We’ll be bringing you more this week.
BMW Vision ConnectedDrive new pics
The BMW Vision ConnectedDrive concept seen at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, apart from the mildly intriguing interior entertainment and technology seen, is interesting for what it suggests we might see on future BMW models. The spyder is said to preview the future BMW Z2 model and while it was designed as a fancy show-car, we prefer the former possibility it presents.
Despite our skepticism over how interested we should be in the ConnectedDrive system, BMW considers it so important that it hasn’t released detailed information on the drivetrain or technical details of the vehicle, focusing instead on the new-age technology it presents. It’s all about ‘augmented reality’ and new ways of presenting trip information to drivers and passengers.
On the BMW Vision ConnectedDrive there is complete integration between mobile devices, internet, satellite navigation and information related to the vehicle itself and others on the road, presented through new 3D screens, voice and electronic commands. With the layered information system on the new head-up display, we get all trip information without having to take our eyes off the road. Three light systems on-board are used for status’ of Safety, Infotainment and Comfort. It’s impressive stuff, but we just don’t feel as interested as we think BMW intended us to be.
Bmw Vision ConnectedDrive new pics
Range Rover Evoque more pics and details from Geneva
New information and pictures of the Range Rover Evoque have been released subsequent to its European market presentation (for the five-door model) at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. The Range Rover Evoque Coupé refers to the three-door model, although the five-door Evoque will have the same engine line-up and options. The models are aimed squarly at a sport-loving, open-air kind of public and the various bicycles and boats you see in these pictures bring that message home.
The Evoque is equipped with a two-litre petrol engine with 240 hp, and a 2.2-litre diesel engine available in two powersteps of 150 and 190 hp (front or all-wheel drive). The car is available in three packages of Pure, Prestige and Dynamic and these pics show the new colour schemes and accessory packages on offer.
The Evoque comes with a choice of 12 exterior colours with three tints for the roof, 16 interior colours, eight different types of wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches, six types of interior metallic or wood finishes and roof racks which come in black or chrome. Did we mention this is a luxury vehicle? The interior also has an eight-inch touchscreen, digital TV, DVD reader, hard disk and an 825-watt sound system. If you find this SUV difficult to park then you also get five exterior cameras and blind spot control on the mirrors.
Range Rover Evoque 2011 Geneva pics and details
Continue reading: Range Rover Evoque more pics and details from Geneva
New Lancia Ypsilon videos
Leggy models and trendy, new age gentlemen are being used in this Lancia Ypsilon video to get the message across. The much anticipated new version of Lancia’s best-selling citycar wants to appeal to both sexes (and sex in general, it would seem given the suggestive images from this video). It’s a style that shouts urban sophistication and the new model could very well make its mark in the upmarket citycar segment.
The Lancia Ypsilon is Lancia’s only real individual vehicle in the new line-up, with most of the models now being borrowed from Chrysler, and it is also distinctly European. The 2011 Geneva Motor Show also gave us a look at the upcoming restyled Delta, but is has far less importance and impact in the range than the little Ypsilon.
The new Ypsilon has luxury, sophisticated interiors, a more modern design but drawing on Lancia tradition, and a five door set-up compared to the previous model. The model is only six centimetres longer, though, and keeps its urban status as a compact model for city driving. The new Ypsilon will have 1.2 8V engine with 69 hp with petrol or bi-fuel system, the 0.9 TwinAir with 85 hp, and the 1.3 Multijet II with 95 hp. More videos after the jump.
Audi A3 concept pics and details
The 2011 Geneva Motor Show saw the debut of the Audi A3 Concept. The model previews what will be a new compact sedan for the company, providing another model in the C segment that will go to Audi assaulting the US car market further. With the new Audi A4 growing to 470 cm in length, the A3 sedan would be placed under that model, taking the role of smaller sedan in the Audi range.
The A3 Concept measures 4.44 metres long (with a wheel base of 2.63 m), 1.84 m wide and 1.39 m tall. The boot space is 410 litres and overall the vehicle weighs 1,540 kg. From the point of view of style, the A3 Concept design won’t be noted for its originality and while this might work for a model based on the success of the A3 hatchback, Audi might need to produce something more interesting in the near future to keep itself relevant in the world of car design.
The interior of the A3 Concept is more interesting from a design point of view, although it’s hard to know what are show car touches and what will be carried across to the production version. Circular shapes feature, the central console houses the MMI multimedia system with touchpad and MMI monitor. The latter is housed in dash and is electronically controlled - at the touch of a button, it comes out of the dash and folds back into it again when not being used. The usual features we’re seeing in all luxury sedans these days are provided including wireless navigation and iPad compatibility for the rear passengers.
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