|
| |
| Geneva Motor Show 2011 |
| |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Jaguar XKR-S |
| |
|
|
| |
Making its debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2011, the XKR-S is the most extreme expression yet of Jaguar’s passion for building beautiful, fast cars. For the first time with a series production car, Jaguar gains entry to the ‘300kmph club’ thanks to the effortless performance of the supercharged 5.0-litre V8 that develops a power of 540bhp and 680Nm of torque. The XKR-S manages a 0-100 kmph time of 4.2 seconds. That’s quick by any standard.
The impressive performance is the result of a reworked aluminum front suspension knuckle and revised rear geometry that are allied to stiffer springs and dampers. Lightweight forged alloy wheels and recalibrated steering effort to minimise any response delays and produce a more connected and agile driving experience.
The XKR has always been quite a looker and everyone thought it was impossible to improve its design. With the XKR-S, Jaguar has done just that – made a masterpiece that looks a million dollars worth of automotive porn. The Italian Racing Red and French Racing Blue reflect Jaguar’s racing heritage and only add to the drama. As with competition Jaguars of the past, the exterior of the XKR-S adheres to the principle of form following function. In addition to the styling changes and in order for it to achieve 300kmph, the XKR-S was the subject of extensive Computational Fluid Dynamics development work. The resulting changes reduced front and rear lift by more than a quarter and optimised lateral aerodynamic stability.
The assertive new appearance of the XKR-S is highlighted by some carefully chosen details. Exterior trim is finished in gloss black, complemented by 20-inch Vulcan lightweight forged alloys in a dark technical finish. The XKR-S is available in a range of five paint colours, two of which evoke Jaguar’s competition heritage. Like the lining of a bespoke suit, the finishing touch is provided by the brake calipers, available in either red or gunmetal. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
 |
|
| |
|
|
| Audi R8 / GTS |
| |
|
|
| |
 The dream car from Bavaria is none other than the Audi R8. And on display at the Audi stall in Geneva was the new cabrio Spyder ABT R8 GT S in an elegant, self-confident red chrome tone. For a contrast the car is provided with carbon in the middle section of the car from the bonnet to the rear wing, and boy does it look good!
The cabrio with the 5.2 litre V10 engine is fully compatible for everyday use and would be real fun for cruising on country roads. The R8 GTS now brings 620bhp onto the road thanks to ABT POWER – compared to 525bhp on standard models. A performance improvement is also made by up to 20% and the ABT R8 GT S sprints from 0-100 kmph in just 3.6 seconds and has a top speed of 320 kmph. It also features ABT Suspension which is optimal at all times. The Sports exhaust system provides good acoustics and is an important part of the design concept, it harmonises with the diffuser, rear wing and trapeze-shaped rear skirt.
With the ABT R8 GT S the love of detail continues in the interiors as well. ABT Sportsline has decorated the sports steering wheel, the centre console, the shifting gate and parts of the door panels in red carbon. The remaining parts of the doors and the dashboard are covered with new leather. The red and black leather of the seats perfectly harmonises with this styling. Red safety belts and illuminated door sill panels round off the powerful appearance of the ABT R8 GT S.
The new R8 looks tantalizing and is sure to grab attention from sports car enthusiasts. The car is already available for bookings. |
|
| |
|
|
| Morgan 3 Wheelers |
| |
|
|
| |
 Many journalists reported that Morgan 3-Wheel cars were the ‘coolest’ on display at the Geneva Auto Show. The focus was to make the car as close to an aeroplane as possible, while having space for driver, passenger and a boot. The Morgan 3-Wheeler is designed for one purpose alone, to make driving fun. A leather padded cockpit complete with aircraft instrumentation adds to the sense of flying on the road.
The Morgan Threewheeler was an icon in the time, and its recreation here, using 21st century technology is an emotional feat, if nothing else. The Morgan 3 will be powered by a 115BHP V-twin engine developed by specialist engine builder S & S and will be mated to a Mazda 5-speed gearbox.
Some things have not changed. The pronounced bullet shape and the exposed chassis and aluminium tub are accompanied by the aeroplane profile of the car’s sides. The Morgan will cost around £25,000 and for a little extra you can get custom paint job of your choice.
|
|
| |
|
|
| Toyota FT86 II |
| |
|
|
| |
 |
|
| |
|
|
| |
This is the next generation sportscar from the Toyota stable. Having spent more than 50 years in manufacturing sportscars, the Japanese automobile giant is looking wake up the world of performance motoring with the FT-86 II Concept. Inspired from the Corolla Levin AE86, the FT-86 II concept shares its predecessor’s front engine and rear-wheel drive credentials which were famous for its role in rallying and circuit racing during 1983-1987 era.
Re-living the Corolla Levin legacy, the FT features a long, low-lying bonnet, and its high wings and a rear-set cabin ensure that history is kept in line with the design philosophy. Conceptualized by Toyota’s European Design Development centre, it involves technologies that have been adapted from their past experience of Formula One.
Rather than going in for massive engine, Toyota have adopted a boxer unit – echoing its inclination on getting close to the sporting roots. The boxer would be mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, and is expected to deliver a mind blowing performance.
The FT-86 II concept is the result of a technical tie-up between Toyota and Fuji Heavy Industries which specified back in 2009 that both the companies would work together to develop rear-wheel drive sports car. Rumors are filling up the air that the FT-86 II would actually make to it production sometime soon – and may see European shores as early as 2012. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
 |
|
| |
|
|
| Alfa Romeo 4C |
| |
|
|
| |
 A compact supercar which represents the true essence of a sports car has been found in Alfa Romeo’s 4C Concept. The new concept reflects on the classic formula of the two-seater, rear-wheel drive coupé. Approximately 4 metres long, the 4C has a taut wheelbase of less than 2.4 metres, which coupled with the centre-mounted engine, promises to make it an agile set of wheels. As much of Alfa’s spirit lies in its graceful and clean external lines, the same principles are also applied to the inside, with the Concept’s specific on-board design maintaining features and devices which directly reflect the car’s sporting spirit.
There’s been extensive use of carbon and aluminum – which enhances structural integrity and guarantees exceptional agility. The direct injection 1750cc turbo petrol engine sounds insufficient for such a car, but with, the “Alfa TCT” twin dry clutch transmission and the Alfa DNA dynamic control selector, this 200bhp unit should be exciting enough and would do 0-100kmph in less than 5 seconds.
This car is not simply an exercise in style created for the Motor Show; it will be on sale in 2012 and is set to reinforce Alfa Romeo’s global growth. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
