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.
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.
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.
Behold, the stars and stripes of the . As you may recall, this patriotic little hatchback isn’t headed to our shores anytime soon. has decided to offer up the America F-Yeah edition to European customers only, which seems like an odd move to us. Fiat seems to agree. The company is only producing a total of 1,000 units draped in the U.S. theme, with 500 of those leaving the factory in hard-top guise and the rest as convertibles. Changes are pretty scarce beyond the special decal treatment and unique wheel accents.
Fiat says the 500 America will go on sale this March, followed shortly by the new Fiat 500 Color Therapy edition in June. No matter how badly we wish it were, that’s not a joke. for the press release.
The Spanish automaker GTA has returned to the Geneva Motor Show, this time with a production version of the company’s Spano supercar. The coupe boasts a laundry list of exotic materials on hand, including a unibody shell constructed of titanium, kevlar and carbon fiber. All told, the package tips the scales at a scant 2,970 pounds.
A total of 840 horsepower comes courtesy of an 8.3-liter V10, all of which is dumped on the rear tires through a seven-speed transmission. According to GTA, the Spano can hit 62 mph from a dead standstill in just 2.9 seconds. If you’re keeping track, that’s faster than the just-unveiled .
As impressive as the go specs are, the vehicle has some stout stop-ware to match. AP supplied a set of front discs that are nearly 15 inches in diameter squeezed by mighty six-piston calipers. Too cool.
Of course, you’ll pay for the privilege of being faster than the new Prancing Horse. No list price has been announced just yet, but with the stack of wild materials and heady horsepower on hand, you can bet your last penny this thing won’t come cheap. GTA expects to deliver the first models by late 2012.
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 .
SPEED’s Brad Fanshaw joins us, Bentley EXP 9 F Concept, Chevrolet Volt production idle, SLP Grand National and GNX Regals
Episode #272 of the is here, and this week, of joins Chris, Dan and Zach. Topics include the Bentley EXP 9 F SUV Concept, Chevrolet idling Volt production and new high-performance Buicks. Your questions and comments power the end of the ‘cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our , thanks for taking the time. We’ve embedded our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!
Autoblog Podcast #272:
In the Autoblog Garage
Hosts: , ,
Runtime: 01:12:34
Get the podcast
[] Listen live on Mondays at 10PM Eastern at UStream
[] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[] Download the MP3 directly
With the gone and the on its way out the door, has a few holes in its line that and are happy to fill with the all-new and , respectively.
Enter the V40, a five-door hatch that’s one of the most attractive designs from Sweden since the Ikea Skürg. It’s a svelte bit of kit, with an organic fascia bleeding into a subtly sculpted hood and capped off with a sloping roofline that can be had in full panoramic glass.
Like the exterior, the interior is a mild evolution of Volvo’s current design ethos, with a minimalist, floating center stack situated beneath a large touchscreen display.
Power is provided by Volvo’s ubiquitous 254-horsepower turbocharged five-cylinder mated to either a six-speed automatic or manual gearbox, good for a 6.7-second run to 60 mph. Start-stop tech and regenerative braking are standard, along with Volvo’s usual suite of safety features.
But alas, the V40 is not for U.S. consumption. Which is a shame, because the States could benefit from an alternative that slots in with the entry-level Germans. Check out the complete press release .
Claimed by some to be the crookedest road in the world, San Francisco’s briefly became the crookedest waterfall in the world last Saturday.
The driver of a silver Buick told a resident of the street that he swerved to avoid a car of tourists in front of him and ran down a fire hydrant at the very top of the hill. Water streamed 14 feet into the air and gushed down and through the street’s eight switchbacks.
Greg Brundage, told the , “If you had a raft, you could have ridden down the street.”
We’re surprised no one tried and hope we get a call the next time Lombard’s flooded. One of our more adventurous staffers will be right over to brave the rapids.
Check out the story at for more on the Lombard splash of a crash and more photos.
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 production team from Korea averted a serious disaster after a helicopter used during filming crashed into the Arizona desert. Amazingly, both the pilot and the camera person escaped the incident relatively unharmed. CNN reports that the pair credit their survival to the thick exterior of the retired military chopper.
to watch the video of the actual crash. The footage only reveals the last few seconds before the impact, but the aftermath video shows a chopper that is wrecked nearly beyond recognition. We’re amazed and thrilled that nobody was seriously injured.
yanked back the sheets on the company’s at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, and the grinning horse has plenty cause to smile. It boasts a ludicrous 740 horsepower V12 under its hood that’s capable of launching the vehicle to 62 mph in 3.1 seconds. Hesitate for another 5.3 seconds, and you’ll waltz through the triple-digit barrier with ease.
Ferrari took the time to let the F12 Berlinetta loose for a few blistering laps around Fiorano, and the coupe managed to snatch the lap record from the . The newcomer did the deed in a scant 1:23, besting the previous champ by a full second, and the mighty Ferrari Enzo by two seconds.
Engineers positioned most of the vehicle’s weight toward the hind quarters, with 54 percent of the vehicle’s curb weight pushing on the rear rubber. While the styling certainly isn’t for everyone (see below for a gallery of the car’s styling buck from Pininfarina), there’s no denying the performance on tap. for the full press release.
Not every item on your list of 1,001 Car Things To Do Before You Die will involve , or . This week we slow things down a bit with an oft requested item for The List: Visit an automotive museum.
Many towns across the nation have their own automotive museum, but for The List, we visited what’s considered by many to be the premier one in the country: the in Los Angeles, California.
Come with as they get a special tour of what the Petersen museum offers, and go behind the scenes with us to see how an operation like this works.
to watch The List #0060: Visit an Automotive Museum.
Have an RSS feed? to add The List.
Do you have an idea for The List? to tell us what would be on yours.
You can also to learn more about our hosts, Jessi and Patrick.
If you’re a sucker for high-riding shooting brakes, the Hyundai i-oniq concept has what you’re after, albeit with a certain anonymity we haven’t seen from of late.
Complete with elongated gullwing doors and an expansive greenhouse featuring curved glass both behind the A-pillar and on the hatch, the i-oniq is the latest interpretation of Hyundai’s “fluidic sculpture” design language. It’s a beautiful profile and a classy shape, but the front fascia has shades of Citroën while the rear is more amorphous bulge than svelte hatch. It’s pretty, but it’s just not striking.
Inside, the i-oniq embodies concept car chic, with layers upon layers of materials, textures and tiers spanning the dash, seats and door panels.
Hyundai claims a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder gasoline engine is fitted under the hood, but its 60 horsepower doesn’t reach the wheels. The engine is strictly a generator, juicing up a lithium-ion battery pack that sends power to a single-speed transmission and on to a 100-hp electric motor.
As with most high-style concepts, the i-oniq isn’t headed to production, but some kind of series hybrid drivetrain is certainly in the cards for future Hyundai models. for the details.
Automakers are engaged in a constant struggle to get their products noticed. From clever advertising to sneaky movie deals and , putting a vehicle in front of the public is the first step toward wrangling better sales figures. recently took a different approach for the upcoming hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, the F-Cell. While the company rolled out a special version of the car in front of the public, it did its best to hide the hatchback behind a veil of special LED matting. The LEDs were paired to a Canon 5D Mark II on the other side of the car, which supplied video.
As a result, the LEDs project an image of what’s on the other side of the vehicle, making the F-Cell effectively invisible. Why hide a new car behind a curtain of techno wizardry? Mercedes-Benz wants to underscore the fact that the F-Cell is a zero-emission vehicle, making it practically invisible in terms of pollution. We see what you did there, Mercedes-Benz. Check out the video for yourself .
