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Ssangyong, which has just been bought by Mahindra, has announced its intentions to start selling up to 20,000 cars a year in the U.S., beginning sometime in the next two to five years. That would mean that Mahindra could wind up with a back door into the U.S. market.

Currently, there are no announced plans for such a deal, but the 350 dealers that have been planning to market Mahindra vehicles in the States have been left hanging in the balance and are surely starting to worry. Currently, nobody is sure if or when Mahindra will break into the American market after the company’s deal with Atlanta-based independent distributor Global Vehicles fell through.

For now, the only plans that are concrete are Ssangyong’s designs on bringing more Korean-made cars to our shores. Where Mahindra and Global Vehicles settle out remains to be seen.

Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Will Ssangyong market Mahindra vehicles in the U.S. soon?

Italian design studio Bertone came to the 2011 Geneva Motor Show with the B99 concept, a design study for a prospective Jaguar rival to the likes of the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The sleek show car fostered rumors that perhaps Jaguar itself, which has been considering a successor to the discontinued X-Type, had commissioned Bertone to design the purple machine that graced the Geneva stage. According to new reports, however, Bertone was apparently on its own with this one.

Speaking with Jaguar’s global brand director Adrian Hallmark, Automotive News reports that the British automaker is passing on the concept car. “We appreciate the fact that Jaguar is interesting enough for people to do a concept around,” says Hallmark. “It is just not for us.”

Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Jaguar passes on Bertone’s B99 concept

We’re still feeling the aftershocks from the unveiling of the tempting Alfa Romeo 4C Concept in Geneva, and reports about its production – and distribution – are already beginning to surface.

When Alfa CEO Harald Wester unveiled the 4C Concept, he indicated that production possibilities are not only being carefully considered, but that the 4C could make it to the United States to spearhead the marque’s return to these shores.

Of course, that’s what Alfa said about the 8C Competizione, with sales totaling 84 coupes and 35 roadsters across the United States. That was it – no additional (read: more accessible) Alfa models followed. Could the production 4C pick up where its big brother left off?

If it does, rumor has it that, instead of selling through Maserati dealerships as the 8C was, the 4C would be sold alongside the Fiat 500 at the many new stores being set up in the U.S.

The same report also indicates that an additional run of Abarth versions of the 4C could be in the cards, as well. Whether they’d be even more performance-oriented versions of the same (as the Scorpion brand does with the Fiat 500 and Punto) or rebodied and rebadged as an Abarth-specific model (roadster, anyone?) remains to be seen. Regardless, consider our interest piqued.

Photos copyright (C)2011 Noah Joseph / AOL

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Alfa Romeo 4C headed to American showrooms, Abarth version to follow

Swedish design firm Visualtech has confirmed it will build a very limited run of production cars based on its Growler E, a reimagining of the Jaguar E-Type. According to the company, plans are to have the first Growler ready for delivery in the summer of 2012.

Speaking of plans, the current goal is to produce three or four of the cars to be finished simulataneously. If there’s overwhelming demand, Visualtech may decided to build a very short series run of the cars, with help from Steyr or Finnish firm Valmet.

The car is to be powered by a Jaguar XKR-sourced 5.0-liter supercharged V8. With a few choice tweaks, the Growler should close in on the 600-horsepower mark. Visualtech hopes that will lead to a 0-60 run under 4 seconds.

The Growler will have a composite body glued to a carbon fiber structure, with front and rear tubeframes holding the running gear. Should you have the wherewithal to order a Growler, expect to pay nearly $700,000 if they make a series run, and closer to $1.4 million if they only make a few.

[Source: Top Gear]

Reimagined Jaguar E-Type to enter very limited production

The De Tomaso Deauville concept debuted at the Geneva Motor Show to mostly disappointed reactions. Even if it wasn’t a re-dressed Cadillac SRX, it would be tough for anything to live up to the spectacular and long-running Pantera that DeTomaso is most commonly known for.

If you’re concerned that the new De Tomaso will descend the rat hole of unattractive milquetoast cars, fear not! The Pantera will be back. According to Pistonheads, De Tomaso will bring a new Pantera to the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. No further details are forthcoming, but it’s a glimmer of hope for enthusiasts.

[Source: Pistonheads Photo: dave_28ca via Wikimedia Commons ]

Report: De Tomaso Pantera will return in 2011

And… we’re spent. Over the past three days we’ve tried to make you feel as if you were at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show with us, and in doing so showed you 76 production and concept vehicles that were unveiled or on display here. For those counting, that’s a new record for the number of vehicles that Autoblog has covered at one auto show, and you can find every single one below.

But now we’re done. Most of us are power napping right now so that tomorrow we can return to the normal business of Autoblog. It’s been fun and we hope you enjoyed the coverage. See you next month in the Big Apple for the 2011 New York Auto Show.

Lamborghini Aventador	2012 Ferrari FF	Pagani Huayra
2012 Jaguar XKR-S	2012 MB C-Class Coupe	Porsche Panamera S Hybrid
MB C63 AMG Estate	Saab 9-5 SportCombi	Alpina B5 BiTurbo Touring
Koenigsegg Agera R	Aston Martin Virage	Gumpert Tornante
Toyota Prius+	Chevy Cruze Hatchback	Lancia Ypsilon
De Tomaso Deauville	Morgan Threewheeler	Porsche Boxster S Black
Maserati GranCabrio Sport	Ford B-Max	Ford Ranger Wildtrak
VW Golf Cabriolet	VW Tiguan	Hyundai i40 Wagon
Opel Ampera	Mansory Cormeum	Fab Design SLS AMG
ABT R8 GTS	MTM R8 Biturbo	Lexus LFA Nurburgring
Audi RS3 Sportback	GTA Spano	Bentley Supersports ICR
2012 Kia Rio	Fiat 500 by Gucci	2012 Kia Picanto
Koenigsegg Agera	Range Rover Ultimate	BMW ActiveE
Volvo V60 PHEV	Ruf Rt 12 R	Novitec Ross Ferrari 458
Carlsson C25 Royale	Brabus 700 Biturbo	AC Schnitzer 99d

Toyota FT-86 II	Alfa Romeo 4C	Volkswagen Bulli
Audi A3 Sedan	Wiesmann Spyder	Fiat 500 Zagato Coupe
Saab PhoeniX	Volkswagen Giugiaro Go	Volkswagen Giugiaro Tex
Mitsubishi Global Small	BMW Vision ConnectedDrive	Mazda Minagi
Nissan Esflow	Renault R-Space	Smart ForSpeed
Rinspeed BamBoo	Infiniti Etherea	Mini Rocketman
Renault Captur	RR Sport diesel PHEV	Rolls-Royce 102EX
Bertone Jaguar B99	Suzuki Swift S-Concept	Tata Pixel
IED Abarth Scorp-ion	Ssangyong SUT-1	SEAT IBX

Peugeot 908 Hybrid4	1908 Fiat “Mephistoles”	Lotus F1 & Evora GT4
Pirelli F1 tires

2011 Geneva Motor Show: The 76-Car Ultimate Wrap Up

BMW showed us the ActiveE Concept back at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. Now the automaker is using the Geneva Motor Show floor to roll out the latest version of its electrified 1-Series. The BMW ActiveE, following in the footsteps of the Mini E before it, will begin rolling out to select markets in the Fall of 2011.

Mini utilized a fleet of 600 electric Coopers for field tests, but BMW is upping the ante by producing 1,000 vehicles. The ActiveE will make its North American debut at the New York Auto Show in April. After that, it will roll its way into the driveways and garages of residents in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, New York, Boston and parts of Connecticut.

Powering the BMW ActiveE are a plethora of liquid-cooled SB LiMotive batteries. They provide enough juice to generate 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The ActiveE uses that energy to run from 0-60 miles per hour in about nine seconds and the juiced-up 1-Series has a range of 100 miles. Check it out in the galleries below and read more about the car in BMW’s official release after the jump.

Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

Continue reading Geneva 2011: BMW ActiveE looking to become the Ultimate Electric Driving Machine

Geneva 2011: BMW ActiveE looking to become the Ultimate Electric Driving Machine

We may not know whether Ford will stick with the Escape name when the vehicle’s successor comes along in 2012 as a 2013 model, but thanks to the quick shutters of our crack team of spy photographers, we now have a vague idea of what the machine will look like. Peek beneath all of that camouflage and you’re likely to see a vehicle that borrows nearly all of its proportions from the recently-unveiled Vertrek Concept. That boxy aft-end appears to be nothing but floppy camouflage designed to hide the vehicle’s arching rear hatch.

The Escape successor is slated to ride on the Blue Oval’s global C1 platform – the same bones that make up the Focus, C-Max and Transit Connect, among other future products. There’s word that Ford will banish the V6 in favor of an Ecoboost 2.0-liter engine at the top of the line. At this point, it’s unclear whether that four-pot will be a 1.6-liter or a larger 2.0-liter mill. Lower rung trims will likely still pack a 2.5-liter four-cylinder lump.

[Source: Chris Doane/Brenda Priddy & Company]

Spy Shots: 2013 Ford Escape caught!

AC Schnitzer has showed up at the Geneva Motor Show with not one, but two fresh-off-the-press upgrade packages for 2011.

Not wanting to look completely unfriendly to Mother Earth, AC Schnitzer has taken their expertise to the Z4 and BMW’s EfficientDynamics system, working over a 320d mill to go under the Z4’s hood. The 2011 AC Schnitzer 99d gets a 70-hp boost to 190, hits 60 in 6.9 seconds, releases a scant 99g of C02 per mile and returns a handsome 63 mpg in the European cycle. That, according to Schnitzer, is better than any BMW on the market. Unfortunately, the 99d is just a concept, and won’t be available to the public any time soon.

For the family minded executives attending the show, AC Schnitzer started with the 2011 BMW 550i, bumping the car from 407 to 540 horsepower. According to Schnitzer, the result is a 4.5-second 0-60 sprint and a whopping 198 mph top end. The engine exhales through a new set of the tuner’s own mufflers capped with chrome surrounds. The resulting executive express has been dubbed the ACS5 Sport S.

Hauling all that energy to a stop is a revised set of brakes sporting eight-piston calipers. Outside, Schnitzer went all-out to ensure that the car would be stable at its newfound velocity. The laundry list of exterior mods includes a front spoiler, carbon ducts for the brakes, new engine bay vents and, of course, your choice of 20 or 21-inch AC Schnitzer custom wheels.

Check out the official videos and press releases after the jump.

Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: AC Schnitzer]

Continue reading Geneva 2011: AC Schnitzer comes strong with sporty diesel BMW Z4, tuned 550i [w/videos]

Geneva 2011: AC Schnitzer comes strong with sporty diesel BMW Z4, tuned 550i [w/videos]

We’re up to 62. That’s 62 cars we’ve covered at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. And no, we’re not done. Our all time record is 72 vehicles covered in one auto show, thanks to a bountiful Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009. Will we beat our record tomorrow? Um… absolutely, because we’ve still got a lot more cool cars from Switzerland to show you. See you tomorrow morning when the fun continues. Until then, check out our updated batch of Geneva cars below.

Lamborghini Aventador	2012 Ferrari FF	Pagani Huayra
2012 Jaguar XKR-S	2012 MB C-Class Coupe	Porsche Panamera S Hybrid
MB C63 AMG Estate	Saab 9-5 SportCombi	Alpina B5 BiTurbo Touring
Koenigsegg Agera R	Aston Martin Virage	Gumpert Tornante
Toyota Prius+	Chevy Cruze Hatchback	Lancia Ypsilon
De Tomaso Deauville	Morgan Threewheeler	Porsche Boxster S Black
Maserati GranCabrio Sport	Ford B-Max	Ford Ranger Wildtrak
VW Golf Cabriolet	VW Tiguan	Hyundai i40 Wagon
Opel Ampera	Mansory Cormeum	Fab Design SLS AMG
ABT R8 GTS	MTM R8 Biturbo	Lexus LFA Nurburgring
Audi RS3 Sportback	GTA Spano	Bentley Supersports ICR
2012 Kia Rio	Fiat 500 by Gucci

Toyota FT-86 II	Alfa Romeo 4C	Volkswagen Bulli
Audi A3 Sedan	Wiesmann Spyder	Fiat 500 Zagato Coupe
Saab PhoeniX	Volkswagen Giugiaro Go	Volkswagen Giugiaro Tex
Mitsubishi Global Small	BMW Vision ConnectedDrive	Mazda Minagi
Nissan Esflow	Renault R-Space	Smart ForSpeed
Rinspeed BamBoo	Infiniti Etherea	Mini Rocketman
Renault Captur	RR Sport diesel PHEV	Rolls-Royce 102EX
Bertone Jaguar B99	Suzuki Swift S-Concept	Tata Pixel
IED Abarth Scorp-ion	Ssangyong SUT-1	SEAT IBX

Peugeot 908 Hyrbrid4

2011 Geneva Motor Show: Day 2 – 62 cars and counting

Every division in the sprawling Fiat empire had something new to unveil at the Geneva Motor Show this year. Starting at the top, Ferrari presented the new FF. Maserati had the GranCabrio Sport, Alfa Romeo wowed with the 4C Concept, Lancia debuted the new Ypsilon and the Fiat brand itself presented two new variations on the 500 theme with the Gucci edition and the stunning Zagato coupe. Even its transatlantic partners in Auburn Hills were represented. The only one that was left out, really, was the Abarth sub-brand. Or was it?

The marque’s own show stand showcased the existing range (plus a new junior formula racing program), but there was a new Abarth on display across the hall at the IED booth. Previously, the students at the Istituto Europeo di Design gave us the dramatic Maserati Chicane concept, and this year they teamed up with Abarth for the Scorp-Ion. Emphasizing the “ion” in the name, the design study calls for an all-electric drivetrain, decentralized to each wheel and leaving extra space for baggage and two seats. The styling, meanwhile, is pure F-Zero from our childhood Super Nintendo days.

Check it out for yourself in our gallery of live shots from the show floor below and find the full details in the press release after the jump.

Photos copyright (C)2011 Noah Joseph / AOL

Continue reading Geneva 2011: IED Scorp-Ion design study electrifies Abarth’s future

Geneva 2011: IED Scorp-Ion design study electrifies Abarth’s future

The Suzuki Swift is a genuinely good car, standing as something of an exception in Suzuki’s lineup until recent additions like the SX4 and Kizashi came along. But calling it “swift” might be a bit of wishful thinking, if not a huge exaggeration. Enter the Swift S-Concept, which Suzuki has just presented at the Geneva Motor Show.

Few details have been released as to what has gone into the S-Concept and where it’s going, but anyone can tell straight off the bat that it’s a Swift taken to the extreme. In fact, it looks as close to an S2000-spec racer for the street as we’ve seen in some time, sporting 18-inch wheels, aerodynamic upgrades, Recaro racing buckets… the works.

The result looks good. Seriously good. Which is sadly probably more than we can say for its production prospects. But for the company behind such an eclipsing Pikes Peak campaign, with the right mechanical upgrades to match the sporting pretensions of its own styling, a hotter Swift could be just the ticket to inject some much-needed excitement into its range.

Check it out in the gallery of live images from the show floor below, and the stock shots in the gallery below that.

Photos copyright (C)2011 Noah Joseph / AOL

Continue reading Geneva 2011: Suzuki Swift S-Concept puts its money where its name is

Geneva 2011: Suzuki Swift S-Concept puts its money where its name is

The hand-polished MTM Audi R8 V10 BiTurbo has come out from its shell with its little brother, the MTM Audi TTRS, in Geneva today. We said previously this thing would be visible from space, and it looks like we were right. The naked polished aluminum body work took nearly 700 man hours to get looking just so, and we gotta say, it was worth it.

The MTM R8 BiTurbo sports the mirror-like good looks of Audi’s seminal 1991 Avus Quattro concept (remember that?), but packs a Joe Louis-worthy knockout punch with twin hairdryers bolted to its 5.2-liter FSI V10, routed through the stock R8 V10’s six-speed manual. The worked-over mill is good for 777 hp and a top speed of 224 mph.

Delicious.

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: MTM]

Continue reading Geneva 2011: Polished MTM R8 Biturbo is a blinding twin-turbo spacecraft

Geneva 2011: Polished MTM R8 Biturbo is a blinding twin-turbo spacecraft

In the left corner, from Wausau, Wisconsin, we have Christopher “Flames are Surfacing” Bangle. In the right, from the mean streets of Greenwich, Connecticut, stands Jason “Let Me Out of My Birdcage” Castriota. Alright, gentleman… we know you are both highly accomplished automotive designers, but we want to keep this thing clean. Gloves up, and come out swinging!

The controversial former BMW head and new Saab stylist were caught chatting about the Swedish automaker’s new PhoeniX Concept on the Geneva Motor Show floor by CarDesignNews. Known for being an instigator, Bangle questions Castriota about what makes the swoopy coupe a Saab. The ensuing “conversation” is filled with awkward fake-smiles and restraint. Click past the jump to see the footage along with a separate video walkaround of the concept by Castriota himself.

Photos copyright (C)2011 Steven J. Ewing / AOL

[Sources: CarDesignNews via Jalopnik, Saabs United]

Continue reading Video: Chris Bangle hassles Saab designer Jason Castriota over PhoeniX concept

Video: Chris Bangle hassles Saab designer Jason Castriota over PhoeniX concept

The Geneva Motor Show is in high gear, and Volkswagen subsidiary SEAT has no intentions of sitting on the sidelines during the massive European show, as the IBX crossover clearly illustrates.

The IBX was penned to show the Spanish brand’s future design direction, as well as the company’s commitment to environmentally friendly technology. Power for the front-wheel-drive concept comes from a Chevrolet Volt-like mixture of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery pack. SEAT hasn’t provided many details about the powertrain, only mentioning that the vehicle could travel 45 kilometers (28 miles) on an electricity alone, with the range-extending gas or diesel engine kicking in once electro-juice is exhausted. SEAT says that the engine could come courtesy of one of the gas or diesel offerings already available in its lineup.

On the design front, this little ute’s two-door design carries some coupe-inspired lines while still
aiming for the roominess of a crossover. The overall form is clean and attractive, if a bit nondescript (an impression no doubt enhanced by its relentlessly white paint). Chief designer Luc Donckerwolke says in the company’s press release that the IBX represents the footprint of future SEAT design, adding that “this design DNA will have a profound impact on every one of our models.” Hit the jump to read over the official press release, and peruse the high-res images of the IBX concept by clicking on the galleries below.

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: SEAT]

Continue reading Geneva 2011: SEAT IBX Concept looks… appliance white

Geneva 2011: SEAT IBX Concept looks… appliance white

Tata has revealed its Euro city car concept in Geneva today and it’s a trick little piece. First off, Tata says it is the most efficiently-packaged four-seater in the world, comfortably seating four regulation-size adults in a car just 10 feet long.

Even more trick is the car’s zero turning radius system, which, in simple terms, rotates the rear wheels in separate directions to make parking as easy as possible in tight spaces. According to Tata, the system works with the help of something called a “Zero Turn turoidal traction-drive Infinitely Variable Transmission. Right. The effect is that the outside rear wheel spins forward while the inside wheels spins backward, creating a pivot point.

In keeping with the modern microcar trend, Tata claims that the Pixel will return more than 60 mpg and only releases 89 grams of C02 per kilometer. The efficiency comes by way of a 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbodiesel, which, though it isn’t a full hybrid, employs stop-start technology and regenerative battery charging.

Could we be looking at a blueprint for a future Nano? Perhaps more in form factor than in specific technologies, but either way, this is a nifty looking little space egg.

Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL
[Source: Tata]

Continue reading Geneva 2011: Tata Pixel Concept turns on itself

Geneva 2011: Tata Pixel Concept turns on itself

Ssangyong, the other other South Korean automaker, has cranked out a “concept” SUV/pickup for the overseas markets. Please, hold your applause until the end. In reality, the SUT-1 Concept is actually a near-future production model for Ssangyong, and only a concept because they’ve dubbed it one.

As shown here, the SUT-1 draws power from a 153-horsepower 2.0-liter diesel four-banger sporting 265 pound feet of torque. Buyers in the European and Asian markets where this vehicle will be sold will have the choice between a manual or automatic transmission.

Unfortunately, truck fans, Ssangyong won’t be gracing us with the SUT-1’s presence. That’s a bummer, because we still believe there’s promise in the idea of a small pickup – particularly with a diesel. Besides, this one looks a good bit better than the aging Honda Ridgeline, no?

Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

Continue reading Geneva 2011: Ssangyong SUT 1 Concept is a Korean Honda Ridgeline

Geneva 2011: Ssangyong SUT 1 Concept is a Korean Honda Ridgeline

Jaguar has been mulling the idea of taking another stab at the venerable BMW 3 Series after its last attempt, the underwhelming X-Type, failed in spectacular fashion. This is the other stab.

The Jagaur B99 concept is a team effort between Jag and Bertone and serves as way for Bertone to celebrate its 99th Anniversary. The new compact Jag’s name is a melding of the company’s first initial and its age.

Bertone says the concept is a design study in what it calls “dynamic imbalance” between parallel lines and “leaping forms.”

It represents not only Bertone’s new direction and a possible answer to the ubiquitous 3 Series, but a big leap in terms of technology. The B99 is powered by an all-new extended-range hybrid drivetrain designed by Bertone to run on two electric motors whose batteries can draw a charge from a small onboard engine. Bertone says they’ve been looking into sustainable energies for the last two decades and the B99 is the top of that evolution chain.

Bertone also presented a race car iteration of the B99 Concept (inset, right), saying it is working on a GT2 version of the B99 in hopes of proving the car is not just a pretty face.

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Bertone]

Continue reading Geneva 2011: Jaguar B99 Concept by Bertone is a futuristic 3-Series challenger

Geneva 2011: Jaguar B99 Concept by Bertone is a futuristic 3-Series challenger

While you were tucked in last night dreaming of Geneva’s finest, we were still awake, still working to bring you the most comprehensive coverage of the 2011 Geneva Motor Show possible. But don’t feel bad for us, that’s what we do.

We’ve updated our group of production and concept cars below with 17 more vehicles, all worth your time to check out. And no, we’re still not done, so stay tuned throughout the day to see the last batch of vehicles that are worth seeing in Geneva.

Lamborghini Aventador	2012 Ferrari FF	Pagani Huayra
2012 Jaguar XKR-S	2012 MB C-Class Coupe	Porsche Panamera S Hybrid
MB C63 AMG Estate	Saab 9-5 SportCombi	Alpina B5 BiTurbo Touring
Koenigsegg Agera R	Aston Martin Virage	Gumpert Tornante
Toyota Prius+	Chevy Cruze Hatchback	Lancia Ypsilon
De Tomaso Deauville	Morgan Threewheeler	Porsche Boxster S Black
Maserati GranCabrio Sport	Ford B-Max	Ford Ranger Wildtrak
VW Golf Cabriolet	VW Tiguan	Hyundai i40 Wagon
Opel Ampera	Mansory Cormeum	Fab Design SLS AMG
ABT R8 GTS

Toyota FT-86 II	Alfa Romeo 4C	Volkswagen Bulli
Audi A3 Sedan	Wiesmann Spyder	Fiat 500 Zagato Coupe
Saab PhoeniX	Volkswagen Giugiaro Go	Volkswagen Giugiaro Tex
Mitsubishi Global Small	BMW Vision ConnectedDrive	Mazda Minagi
Nissan Esflow	Renault R-Space	Smart ForSpeed
Rinspeed BamBoo	Infiniti Etherea	Mini Rocketman
Renault Captur	RR Sport diesel PHEV	Rolls-Royce 102EX

2011 Geneva Motor Show: Day 2, while you were sleeping

Ford is mulling diving into the realm of mini people movers. The Ford B-Max is a compact minivan concept which rides on the same platform as the Fiesta. Its body sits 4.3-inches longer and taller than the Fiesta, and rear-seat passengers will have a much easier time getting in and out of the back seats thanks to the unique door construction.

A pair of sliding rear doors work together with the front doors to create an opening nearly five-feet wide. This is accomplished, in part, by the apparently lack of a B-pillar. However, the B-pillar is still part of the B-Max but it’s integrated into the front and rear doors. When closed, they act together in the same manner as a traditional support pillar.

Once those doors are closed, you can twist the key and bring the three-cylinder, 1.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine to life. We don’t have any stats on the engine, but considering it’s a part of the EcoBoost family, we expect a flat torque curve and solid fuel efficiency.

While officially labeled a concept, you can bet your bottom dollar (and your top one, too) that the B-Max is headed for European showrooms very soon.

Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

Continue reading Geneva 2011: Ford B-Max Concept is a roomy Fiesta MPV

Geneva 2011: Ford B-Max Concept is a roomy Fiesta MPV