What’s the next going to look like? The Megapixel concept is a good indication of where the Indian brand’s ultra cheap micro-car could be headed in the next few years, and if the onboard tech makes it to production, the Megapixel could be one of the most compelling – and most affordable – city cars in the world.
Measuring in at a scant 138 inches, the Megapixel combines a small footprint with four electrically powered and individually articulating wheels that help it achieve an impressive nine-foot turning radius.
Power is provided by the aforementioned wheel-mounted electric motors which can deliver a maximum of 369 pound-feet of torque, with a 13kW lithium-ion battery pack providing the juice. A 325cc single-cylinder gasoline engine will refill the batteries for trips longer than 54 miles, giving the Megapixel a theoretical range of over 560 miles. A production model is still a ways out, but with Tata’s continued expansion and ambition, we wouldn’t be surprised to see something like the Megapixel on sale in India and other developing markets by the end of the decade.
One way to ensure that your brand-new (a.k.a. 991) won’t look like the one in your neighbor’s driveway is to give TechArt a call. The famed German tuner has rolled out at the and trust us, it won’t be mistaken for anything from the factory in Stuttgart.
Up front, TechArt has fitted its own unique two-part spoiler with integrated splitter while more aggressive side skirts adorn the rocker panels. The rear has a new lower diffuser, wrapped around the TechArt exhaust, and a large fixed rear wing (complete with an integrated third brake light). Look more closely to notice the subtle trim panels on the exterior mirrors and front headlights. The wheels are lightweight forged 20- and 21-inch alloys with matching paint on their rims.
Inside the heavily modified cabin are even more drastic enhancements (let’s say TechArt has gone over the top). Don’t let the aluminum pedals be a distraction as you inspect the black Alcantara and high-grade leather covering nearly every square inch. Flirting with gaudy, the dark upholstery is contrasted by vehicle-color-coordinated stitching and painted trim splashed throughout. However, the icing on the cake is an insanely thick TechArt three-spoke sports steering wheel.
We donned our darkest shades and shot a full on the Geneva floor. Plus, you can also check out the detailed press release and a handful of official pictures below.
We know we’re beating a dead horse by complaining about an automaker not offering its European products in the United States, but seriously, wouldn’t this handsome new be an excellent replacement for the milquetoast ?
has been doing some great things with design lately, and the full host of new styling elements has made its way down to the new C-segment offering. We like the large headlamps that stretch far up the hood line, accented with LED running lamps and pronounced fog lamps below. The unique, 18-inch wheels look cool and give the Cee’d a sporty touch, and the whole design is rounded off in back with a squared-off rump. Speaking of the rear, Kia also saw it fit to debut a new Cee’d wagon, called the SW, offering a substantial cargo area for those who need more functionality than a standard hatch can offer.
Five powertrains will be offered at launch – two diesel and three petrol – ranging from 89 to 133 horsepower. Six-speed manual transmissions are available across the board, with six-speed automatics available on two of the 1.6-liter engines. The range-topping 133-hp gasoline engine also features Kia’s first dual-clutch ‘box.
Honestly, we’re big fans of this new compact Kia, and our hope is that the Korean automaker will someday plant its Cee’d on North American soil. See the new hatchback and wagon for yourself in our attached high-res image gallery and for the full press release.
You know things aren’t going to well for Artega when one of the bullet points in its press release is “a completely redesigned infotainment system – and smaller mirrors.” But the ambitious niche automaker is still plugging along, preparing to expand its dealer network beyond Europe and into Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and China later this year.
In addition to the new infotainment systems and mirrors, Artega is adding another model to its GT range, this time with a glass panoramic roof – the closest thing Artega will get to a convertible.
Power is still provided by a VW-sourced 3.6-liter V6 mounted amidships and sending power to a six-speed DSG. The all-electric Artega SE is still under development with no firm on-sale date, but reps we spoke to at the show continue to claim there’s plenty of consumer interest, even if Artega has only offloaded a few hundred GTs in the past several years.
Sending a message that reinforces Ferrari’s commitment that all of its vehicles will kick serious butt, the Italian automaker has treated its under-appreciated model to an exceptional .
Up front, the hardtop convertible’s naturally aspirated 4.3-liter V8 has been bumped up to 490 horsepower, thanks to a tweaked ECU and a new exhaust manifold. The new power goes hand-in-hand with an updated aluminum-intensive chassis which is nearly 70 pounds lighter than last year’s model thanks to “cutting-edge aluminium fabrication techniques and construction technologies.” According to the automaker, the 0-60 sprint has dropped to just 3.8 seconds.
Other enhancements include a new optional Handling Speciale package with lightning-fast Magnetorheological dampers, stiffer springs and a quicker steering ratio. Lastly, Ferrari is offering owners a more extensive choice of colors, including two-tone finishes like the one seen here, to increase exclusive personalization (yeah, because that’s why we were all holding off on our purchases!). Be sure to check out our live gallery from the floor, a detailed press release and a couple official images from the automaker below.
If isn’t willing to give us an authentic M-ified , we’ll have to settle for the next best thing, and that’s the , the latest performance package from the marque’s motorsport division.
Based off the three-door F20 variant of the Euro-only 1 Series, the M135i isn’t quite the 1er/ lovechild of the dearly beloved , but it’s still packing BMW’s tried-and-true-and-tunable turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, putting out more than 300 horsepower presumably through a six-speed manual gearbox.
Beefed-up brakes, tweaked suspension bits and 18-inch M-branded wheels are fitted at each corner, while restyled front and rear fascias round out the rest of the exterior mods.
We’ve heard through the grapevine that the , both in rear-wheel-drive and xDrive trim for Europe (except the UK), but considering the F20 still hasn’t come Stateside, don’t expect the M135i to make the trek… yet.
Around Autoblog HQ, we likey the wagons. And the the latest Hyundai i30 is one of our favorite road-going interpretations of the automaker’s “fluidic sculpture” design language. But while the i30 hatch – a.k.a. the in the States – fits the bill for most, Hyundai recognizes that some people need more and that’s what the i30 Wagon delivers.
Hyundai’s hexagonal grille, gem-like headlights and restyled taillights take the i30 from ho-hum family-hauling econobox to something boarding on stylish – a challenge for a utilitarian people mover – and the additional cargo space is surely a welcome addition for families with more kit to carry.
The interior gets a generous dose of upgrades as well, including a two-tone IP, creamy leather seats, brushed aluminum accents and a steering wheel full of redundant controls. This new i30 could be the perfect competitor to the Jetta Sportwagen in the U.S., but Hyundai remains mum on its chances of making it across the Atlantic.
Try this one on for size: already dropped the full details on both the new coupe and convertible, but only the hardtop makes its debut here at the . We’ll have to wait until the expo in April to see the convertible, though oddly, the droptop M6 is the one that will go on sale in the United States first. Alright then.
Regardless of what car launches when, the M6 will no doubt pack a potent punch when it finally hits the street. Powered by BMW’s 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8, the big coupe (and convertible) will have a whopping 560 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque on tap, all of which is sent to the rear wheels via the M division’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. That means the M6 Coupe will run to 62 miles per hour in just 4.2 seconds with the convertible only lagging behind by a tenth of a second. And while the will be offered in the U.S. with a proper six-speed manual transmission, there’s no word on a row-your-own gearbox for the M6, though our sources have said that it’s under consideration (of course).
There’s no mention of curb weight for either car, but rest assured, the new M6 has surely shed some pounds versus the less-powerful (and decidedly uglier) E63 model. M-specific 19-inch wheels wrapped in high-performance summer tires come as standard rolling stock, but to better fill out those big wheel wells (and offer better grip on the road), a set of lightweight 20s will be available as an option.
So, it’ll be another month before we see the droptop M6, even though it’ll officially go on sale this summer as a 2012 model. As for the coupe, we won’t see that until later in 2012 badged as a 2013 model. Click through our live gallery to see the new M hotness live from Geneva, and for all of the nitty-gritty details in BMW’s press blast.
Following in the footsteps of the U.S.-bound , Audi has unveiled its bigger, stouter brother here at the .
The takes the same proven formula of past rough-and-tumble models and applies it to the Avant version of the latest , raising the ride height by around 2.5 inches, slapping some plastic cladding around the wheel arches and fascias, flaring the fenders, tucking a few stainless steel trays to the underbody and topping it all off with a pair off roof rails.
Three diesel powerplants will be available ranging from 204 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque to 313 hp and 479 lb-ft of twist. The lone gasoline engine – the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 from the – puts out 310 hp and some 324 lb-ft though a seven-speed dual-clutch ‘box to all four wheels.
However, unlike the A4 Allroad, we likely won’t be seeing the A6 in the U.S., so only one beefed up Audi wagon will have to suffice.
Looking rather production-ready on the floor of the is the , which eschews the rear seat of the in favor of a flat load floor and a partition to cordon off your goods from your two front seats.
According to , the “Clubvan Concept would fit excellently into the fleet of a fashion designer, art gallery owner or catering service.” Interesting. Anyone else? Why yes: “A photographer with a stack of camera, tripod and lighting equipment to ferry around during the week – and bulky sports and leisure gear to pile on board at the weekend.” There you have it
Is there room in the “small-car-based van segment” for what Mini says is the first “premium” entry? Probably not in the States, but perhaps in Europe. Check it out in our image gallery above and in the press release .
Diesel engines are synonymous with torque, and torque equals acceleration. Considering these facts, it’s great to see some tuned-for-performance diesel vehicles hitting the ground in Europe from the likes of , including this , which is part of the automaker’s new M Performance line. Now if we could just get them sent to the States…
So, what are BMW fans in the U.S. missing out on? A 3.0-liter inline-six common-rail diesel engine augmented by a trio of turbochargers. That mill is good for 376 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 545 pound-feet of torque from 2,000 to 3,000 rpm, which is enough grunt for a 5.3-second sprint to 60 and a limited top speed of 155 miles per hour.
Of course, diesel engines are also synonymous with efficiency, and the 2012 X6 M50d scores on that front with EU-cycle ratings of 36.7 mpg Imperial (44 mpg U.S.), though such ratings aren’t equivalent to U.S. EPA figures. In any case, check out the high-res gallery of live photos from the and then for the official press release.
It is hard to believe, but the gorgeous is pushing seven years on the market. In that time, the British automaker has worked hard to keep its sporty coupe relevant and current. Along those lines, and in a move expected to be embraced by enthusiasts worldwide, the 2012 model is on the receiving end of yet (its last was in 2008).
While the naturally-aspirated 4.8-liter V8 (pumping out 420 horsepower) and six-speed manual gearbox remain unchanged, the optional automatic transmission has been upgraded from last year’s six-speed Sportshift to a seven-speed Sportshift II sequential transmission. While it still remains a single-clutch unit (while the rest of the industry is migrating towards dual-clutch), it will deliver smoother and quicker performance when compared to its predecessor.
Other tweaks include a quickened steering rack and beefier brakes (now configured with Hill Start Assist). Lastly, the front fascia has been resculpted to improve and optimize airflow to the brakes and radiator – and to make it easier to differentiate from its siblings. Check out the press release . The first gallery is live from the floor, and we have also posted a few official images from Aston Martin.
is keen to get as much impact from its as possible, and to that end, has decided to showcase its German touring car in full factory racing livery for at the .
Underneath its high-tech composite skin lurks a 480-horsepower 4.0-liter V8 engine that sends power to the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox. It’ll hit 60 in about three seconds on its way to a top speed of somewhere around 186 miles per hour.
Judging from all the splitters, intakes and wings, we’d say the Bavarian team is more concerned with making the M3 DTM racer stick to the road like glue than hit ludicrous speed on the straights, and if nothing else, make the machine look awfully menacing to its rivals. Check out the full gallery of live images above.
Here’s an age-old recipe for awesome pie: Take one small chassis, add one massive engine, sprinkle with forced induction and serve smoking hot. Brabus has followed that recipe to the letter with the new unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show.
The brawny C-Class features a bored-out version of the 5.5-liter V12 that typically powers the . With 6.3 liters of displacement and two turbos shoving air down the engine’s throat, the car is good for a limited 800 horsepower and 811 pound-feet of torque. If Brabus could have found a transmission capable of standing up to the ludicrous amount of power on tap, the car would be spitting out 1,047 lb-ft. With its wings clipped, the meanest C-Class of them all still manages to hit 62 mph in around 3.7 seconds.
Just when you thought matte black paint had grown stale, Brabus builds a car worthy of the hue. for the full press release.
Sure, you could likely with any number of mind-blowing and reality-bending supercars… but if you really want to break away from the pack with something that’s as fast as it is different, we direct your attention to the matte blue machine above.
For 2013, has updated the with more power – a staggering 1,140 when the tank is filled with E85 – one-piece hollow carbon fiber wheels, nano-surfaced cylinder sleeves, a so-called Triplex suspension setup co-developed with Öhlins Racing, standard stability control (which certainly sounds like a good idea considering the number of horses at its disposal…), a new exhaust system and downforce-adding front winglets.
We’d say that counts for a pretty thorough refresh of the Agera R for 2013. Have a look at our high-res image gallery of live photographs from the floor at the to take in the 273-mile-per-hour goodness, and then for the full rundown from Koenigsegg.
So, you find the a bit too demure for your tastes. You’re either high enough to play hopscotch in the clouds or suffering from some sort of psychosis. Maybe both. You’re likely also the target demographic for the red sled you see above.
Hamann has given the convertible supercar a little more of everything at the Geneva Motor Show. Wild bodywork, heaps of carbon fiber, massive 21-inch wheels and a peak output of 636 horsepower are all part of the Hamann Hawk package.
The vehicle is more than just a body kit and a little extra horsepower, however. The droptop has received a few suspension tweaks in the form of a new set of coilovers complete with progressively wound springs. All told, the car can sit as much as 1.18 inches lower than stock.
Jump inside, and you’ll enjoy a full custom interior swaddled in plenty of suede, leather and other rich materials. Hey, it’s not our cup of tea, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be yours. for the press release.
The all-new 991 variant of the has only been on sale for a few months, but renowned Porsche tuner Ruf is already hard at work applying its patented blend of power, handling and braking to the latest 911.
On hand at the are two new 991-based Rufs, the Rt 35 Anniversary (green, above) and the RGT 8 (yellow). The Rt35 is a rolling celebration of Ruf’s 35 years in business and beats Porsche to the punch by offering a twin turbo kit for the Carrera S, outputting 621 horsepower and an equally astounding 608 pound feet of torque through a standard seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Ruf isn’t citing a 0-60 time, but claims the Rt35 tops out at a little over 205 mph.
The original RGT 8 and shocked Porsche purists by packing a race-derived V8 where the flat-six would traditionally reside. This updated version based on the 991 uses a similar 4.5-liter V8 good for 543 hp and 368 lb-ft of twist, all routed through a proper six-speed manual gearbox.
Finally, Ruf has updated its flagship CTR 3 in a new Clubsport variant, with copious quantities of carbon fiber both inside and out and powered provided by a twin-turbo flat-six outputting 740 hp and 708 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed sequential gearbox puts the power down, further ensuring its status as a track machine that’s barely suitable for a run to the corner store. Bonus Ruf porn in the video .
Those are the names of the four new Up! models that has to the , the latest expansion of the supermini that by now has than the United States of Tara.
You might think the Swiss Up! is named for the its Geneva debut location, but instead it’s all about versatility, like a Swiss Army knife. We couldn’t get a view inside the car, but the name association is taken to the extreme with knife holders on the backs of the front seats. How’s that for practical?
The Cargo version is a bit more self-explanatory, turning the small car into a reasonable delivery vehicle that will carry 49 cubic-feet of goods. The X Up!, on the other hand, is designed for adventure, with searchlights and a roof box. The Winter Up! comes ready for the mountain slopes with snowboards on the roof and a higher ride height to clear icy hurdles.
None of these clever new concepts will be available when the first Up! model goes on sale in Europe this week, but they do show that VW is serious about thinking outside the standard econobox. The Swiss Up! is the snazzy red one pictured above, and you can see all four models in the galleries we’ve included from the show floor.
introduces four new Up! concepts, because we didn’t have enough already
What’s Italian for thrilling? The Brivido. (Well, it’s Italian for ‘thrill’ anyway.) And we see what they’re on about. The underpinnings come from parent company , including the supercharged 3.0-liter 360-horsepower V6 engine and eight-speed automatic gearbox. Coupled with an electric motor, this hybrid GT can scoot to 60 in 5.8 seconds while exhausting just 154 grams per kilometer of carbon dioxide. Slippery aerodynamics allow for a top speed of 171 miles per hour and also provide a sleek shape that can seat four passengers in comfort.
Though Giugiaro is quick to point out that this is a fully functional prototype, it’s got concept written all over it. Take, for instance, the giant gullwing doors that serve as portals for the front and rear seats, the two-sided instrument cluster full of LCD screens (including an iPad for the passenger) and joystick-style steering apparatus.
And if one Brivido Concept is good, two Brivido Concepts must be even better. Giugiaro brought along a second machine in race trim (above), sporting distinctive Martini Racing livery. We don’t have any details on what’s underneath the fetching bodywork, so we suggest you see it for yourself in our high-res image galleries above and below. Feel free to read all about the road-going Brivido , where you’ll also find an official video.
The has officially bowed at the Geneva Motor Show. The stunning little coupe packs the same 360 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque as the we know and love here in the States, but with around 100 fewer pounds to lug around. still isn’t saying where the weight savings comes from, though we’d wager the coupe boasts lighter seats and less crash garb than its U.S. counterpart. Even with the all-wheel drive coupe’s slimmer curb weight, the TT RS Plus still does the 0-62 mph dash in 4.1 seconds, which is identical to the standard not too long ago.
Does that make us love the two-door any less? Hell no. The brawny turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine under the hood is a thing of beauty and the two-tone wheels and eye-searing red paint are absolute traffic stoppers. Did we mention it tops out at 174 mph? Job done.
