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Geneva 2009

A lithium powered RUF 911

Last fall, Porsche high performance tuning specialist Ruf announced it had built a prototype electric sports car called the eRuf, which was essentially a lithium ion battery-powered 911. That was just the beginning of the story, as the company has brought the Greenster here to the Geneva Motor Show. The Greenster is a targa top 911 in the old style with a chopped speedster-type windshield. In the back sits a 270kW Siemens electric motor with 695 lb-ft of torque. The battery pack system has been improved and is now 30% smaller in volume, restoring the front trunk space that was lost on the original. The battery pack also has greater power capacity allowing it to release and absorb power faster, enabling more regenerative braking capacity. The battery can apparently be charged in only one hour from a 400V outlet. The next iteration will switch to a twin motor setup and the company is planning a small series production run in 2010.

 

[subzero9285]

BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo concept

 

[subzero9285]

The Lagonda returns

It's not pretty. It's not even conventionally handsome. Coming from a company whose Aston Martin sports car family is a text-book definition of "drop dead gorgeous," the Lagonda Concept is truly shocking. But there is a method in the madness.
Aston Martin Lagonda Concept side

Aston Martin Lagonda boss Ulrich Bez mentioned the Lagonda Concept had all-wheel drive, but remained coy about a lot of other detail. But Reichman confirms the Concept is in fact built on a Mercedes-Benz GL SUV platform. This vehicle is the first fruit of a recently announced tie-up between tiny, now independently owned Aston, and Daimler AG.

But why a luxury car concept based on SUV underpinnings? That's the "method" part. The highly competent, refined and sophisticated GL platform gives the Lagonda Concept a wide choice of powertrains, ranging from frugal diesel V-6 to thundering AMG V-8, and, soon, Daimler's version of the two-mode hybrid. More importantly, though, it gives the Lagonda Concept genuine rough road capability.

The Lagonda Concept, Reichman is quick to insist, is not an upscale SUV. "It is a luxury car that is capable on rough roads." And that makes perfect sense when he lists the key markets the car is aimed at: Russia, China, India, the Middle East, South America; all regions with vastly underdeveloped or poorly maintained road infrastructures and a fast-growing appetite for ultra-luxury cars, recession notwithstanding.

A strict four seater - though the rear seats do fold flat - the Lagonda Concept's interior features a spilt personality not a million miles from that of our own Ford Flex SEMA concept. Up front, it's dark, sporty and driver-oriented, with a leather trimmed floor. At the rear, though, it's lighter, and more luxurious looking, with special silk carpet on the floor. "The rear compartment feels like a first class jet," Reichman says, noting that a significant number of luxury car owners in China and India prefer to be chauffeur-driven.

"The Lagonda is the luxury car of the future," says Ulrich Bez. So how close is the concept to the real deal? "It's a test," Reichman admits. "We are launching the Lagonda brand with a concept. But typically we have not done concepts that we have not put into production."

During its ownership of Aston Martin Lagonda, Ford toyed with resurrecting the storied Lagonda brand (the original company was founded in 1899), which had died and been resuscitated a couple of times before. Moray Callum (brother of Jaguar designer Ian) designed a large, swoopy, retro-style four door sedan with a truly fabulous interior while working at Ghia in 1993. Called the Lagonda Vignale, it was built on a Lincoln Town Car chassis.

Ford sources whispered the production version would have an aluminum space frame chassis, independent suspension all round, and 6.0-liter V-12 that was basically an expanded Duratec engine. The V-12 turned up - ironically, it later powered Ian Callum's gorgeous Aston Martin Vanquish - but the car was, like numerous promising Aston, Jaguar and Land Rover concepts of the 90s, quietly shelved by the Ford brass.

This Lagonda Concept is far more likely to make production. Imagine an Infiniti FX50 crossed with a Bentley Continental. That might sound like the answer to a question nobody asked, but product planners at almost every high-end luxury automaker have thought about it. Because in a market where the boundaries between vehicle segments continue to blur, it just might be the next hot, highly profitable micro-niche.

The old Aston Martin Lagonda

 

[Miroku]

I love RUF Porsches.

 

[Zyzyxxz]

The new Lagonda concept looks retarded as hell, I hope its not the way it actually looks.

The 5-series GT concept is too weird for me, from the side it looks like a oversized 3-series with the rear windshield of a X6.

 

[RoodyPooUS]

Just saw this on another forum and thought it was absolutely sexy!

Infiniti Essence:

The Infiniti Essence is a two-seat, rear-drive concept with a hybrid powertrain that is rated at nearly 600 hp. Infiniti says the Essence shows design cues for future vehicles.



http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.d...0303&Kategori=GENEVA&Lopenr=303009996&Ref=PH#

Yea I would seriously consider getting this.

 

[Gouty]

What's the ETA and price on the 2010 Audi coupe? That thing is stunning.

 

[Zyzyxxz]

What's the ETA and price on the 2010 Audi coupe? That thing is stunning.

Expect to pay a high price on the TT-RS or any TT for that matter.

From history Audi TT's don't give you alot of bang for your buck. For the price you can get cars with more power and more room but if you are about handling and Quatrro then its not a bad choice.

I hated the last generation TT, it was too boring for me and the styling was too round. I like how they kept a similar look but made it agressive everywhere!

 

[Pterion]

Ah, cars. The ultimate justification for high-end education.

I love the TT-RS and the GT 5 series.

 

[Zabojnik]

when I was younger I really didn't like the Alfa Romeo front ends but as time passed it really grew on me.

I can't say Top Gear didn't influence my development in liking them also.

I'm really warming up to the new 159 too.

After 4 years it's still the best looking saloon. But the pictures simply don't do it justice, you really have to see it for yourself. Possibly with 19" TI wheels and a full Turismo Internazionale body kit. I'm still on the fence about buying one, though. Alfa finally came up with a petrol engine I can get behind, the 1.8 TBi @ 200bhp, which should debut on the 159 (also on the Brera and Spider, while the MiTO GTA will be getting the 240bhp version next year) sometime in april / may. It is however all but confirmed that there's a slight restyling incoming later this year, probably in Q4. I don't think I'll be able to hold out that long. Panterona get! Or maybe Brera get ... Decisions, decisions.

Great thread.

 

[Zyzyxxz]

At least you can choose, we don't even know for sure if Alfa Romeo's will be widely available in the states so far.

 

[Tarazet]

At least you can choose, we don't even know for sure if Alfa Romeo's will be widely available in the states so far.

That was supposed to be one of the results of the Fiat/Chrysler merger.

 

[Zyzyxxz]

That was supposed to be one of the results of the Fiat/Chrysler merger.

who knows how that will turn out, best possible outcome would be for Chrysler to stop selling its boring designs and just sell Alfa's as Chryslers instead.

 

[SwitchBladeKneegrow]

All you guys and your NEW cars...I lost a muffler going down the road on my 59' T-bird yesterday, damn thing kept dragging when I would pull out my driveway.:lol

If All goes well, I'll be finishing up my air ride setup on my 59 El Camino this weekend since we're finally getting some nice weather.

 

[SIP YEK NOD]

who knows how that will turn out, best possible outcome would be for Chrysler to stop selling its boring designs and just sell Alfa's as Chryslers instead.

Boring designs? that's not Chrysler's problem. the charger, challenger, 300, avenger, the new ram, all good looking vehicles. The Chrysler problem is unreliability and a lack of progress mechanically. Not something Fiat or Alfa could really help with.

The most likely scenario is going to be mexico-built Alfa/Fiat small car designs with a dodge/Chrysler grill hastily tacked on, Fiat's commercial line Iveco being brought over and sold through dodge dealerships, and a whole shitload of Fix It Again Tony.

This won't get anybody's panties wet outside of the very small car buyer, the wanna-be european, and overall people who still won't touch anything with the Chrysler name attached to it. The large part of Chrysler sales will still come from people looking for bigger cars. It will take a while to expand their market considering where they were coming from before the bailouts.

Neither Fiat nor Alfa could ever re-build their brand name in the American market, especially attached at the hip to Chrysler and the recent bad press. Small Chrysler branded Fiats will sell to a small market segment who would likely have bought a Chrysler in the first place, but likely won't expand the Chrysler market share. Anybody interested in these types of cars likely already drives a Volkswagen and has next to no incentive to buy anything else.

Personally, the only thing that would interest me in the cross-breeding possibilities would be the 3 liter Iveco diesel in the 300/charger/dakota.

 

[Zyzyxxz]

Boring designs? that's not Chrysler's problem. the charger, challenger, 300, avenger, the new ram, all good looking vehicles. The Chrysler problem is unreliability and a lack of progress mechanically. Not something Fiat or Alfa could really help with.
.

The charger doesnt fit with the current trend of "smaller" = better, the car looks way too bulky. The challenger is just too much flat surfaces, I'd take the new Camaro over it anyday. The 300's design is getting really old now and no model is confirmed to replace.

The new Ram looks good I admit though but overall the current line of Chrysler vehicles don't inspire me much.

 

[Zyzyxxz]

So apparently BMW is making a X5 M and X6 M.

This will probably be a direct competitor to teh Cayenne Turbo although I think SUV and high performance shouldn't be anywhere near each other.

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/05/bmw-x5-m-and-x6-m-get-official-teaser-site-source-code-reveals/

 

[zhenming]

So apparently BMW is making a X5 M and X6 M.

This will probably be a direct competitor to teh Cayenne Turbo although I think SUV and high performance shouldn't be anywhere near each other.

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/05/bmw-x5-m-and-x6-m-get-official-teaser-site-source-code-reveals/

For some reason BMW is expanding their line ups not only with diesels, but also more trims. For example the 1 series will have 5 models in the next update. Problem is I don't know how they'll keep up with all these cars. My agent already had some trouble explaining them to other customers asking about their current line up....

 

[iidesuyo]

I'd be more interested if only VW would actually sell them in the USA. In the past the most we got from VW was the Jetta TDI (Bora? As you Euro's know it).

Only recently has the Polo been considered for the US market. Also diesel is cheap now too! Where I am its cheaper than octane 87!

It was Jetta in the 80s, then Vento, Bora, now it's Jetta again.

About BMW, I think they're overdoing it. They should downsize again (at least in Europe). Bigger isn't always better, actually I like the 1series most fun to drive and it's their car that sells best right now. All those X.. tanks they are presenting won't impress anyone. But they were surprised by the financial crisis and its consequences like everyone else. I hope they learn from it.

 

[Zyzyxxz]

It was Jetta in the 80s, then Vento, Bora, now it's Jetta again.

About BMW, I think they're overdoing it. They should downsize again (at least in Europe). Bigger isn't always better, actually I like the 1series most fun to drive and it's their car that sells best right now. All those X.. tanks they are presenting won't impress anyone. But they were surprised by the financial crisis and its consequences like everyone else. I hope they learn from it.

though it performs great the 1 series needs better styling cues, its so weird looking and looks little like a true BMW imo. They are getting too crazy with models, and to think they were considering an X1 and X4 SUV's. They are getting too full of themselves and turning into Mercedes-Benz with their endless lineup of cars.

 

[iidesuyo]

though it performs great the 1 series needs better styling cues, its so weird looking and looks little like a true BMW imo. They are getting too crazy with models, and to think they were considering an X1 and X4 SUV's. They are getting too full of themselves and turning into Mercedes-Benz with their endless lineup of cars.

The question is, what is a true BMW? In post-WWII Germany, BMW got onto its feet again with this:

Most US car buyers may know them as a maker of sporty high performence cars, and the US division tries hard to keep up with that image, but BMW has very humble roots. Over here one can get the 3 series with a 1.6 engine. Then it's a nice, economic family hauler, nothing else. But it still drives great.

 

[subzero9285]

Aston Martin One-77

 

[subzero9285]

The Bugatti Veyron Linea Vincero

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

Fuck yeah, that Veyron looks absolutely menacing.

It's actually from a German tuner, Mansory, and the only special edition to actually have a power boost, up to 1109 hp, 967 lb-ft of torque; the others have been purely cosmetic.

Bugatti themselves had a special edition on the floor at Geneva that was rumored to have an output of 1400 hp and a top speed in excess of 270 mph, but sadly it wasn't the case. Not like the thing needs more power, anyway. A diet of a hundred kilos or so would be nice, though.

 

[jey_16]

mercedes really screwed up the new e-class....it looks more like a korean/chinese copy of a benz the rear is especially hideous

 

[Mr.Squirrel]

My dream car

1 day it shall be mine

My realistic dream car

sadly it's being cancelled

My current car

With manual windows......FML

 

[Zyzyxxz]

The question is, what is a true BMW? In post-WWII Germany, BMW got onto its feet again with this:

Most US car buyers may know them as a maker of sporty high performence cars, and the US division tries hard to keep up with that image, but BMW has very humble roots. Over here one can get the 3 series with a 1.6 engine. Then it's a nice, economic family hauler, nothing else. But it still drives great.

From a US perspetive we see them as sport luxury but I feel the 1 series should have been more like the E30 3-series where it was accessible to most people and meant you didn't have to choose from boring economic cars as their daily drivers.

Instead we get a car which really creeps toward the price range of a 3-series but looks awkward, at least IMO. Though I understand in Europe its a different thing, hence why we don't get access to the diesel engines.

 

[black_13]

Eh I find most new cars today so boring. I wish there weren't import laws on cars so I could see some more unique stuff daily.

I'm a fan of 90's era cars. Right now I have a Toyota Soarer which I really like, its a luxurious fast car. Very comfortable.

 

[Doomsayer]

My realistic dream car

sadly it's being cancelled

Fun car to drive. They pack a nice punch to, little on the sleeper side...

My car... in a few months it will be done... can't wait.

BTW, this thread needs more Subaru's...

 

[zhenming]

though it performs great the 1 series needs better styling cues, its so weird looking and looks little like a true BMW imo. They are getting too crazy with models, and to think they were considering an X1 and X4 SUV's. They are getting too full of themselves and turning into Mercedes-Benz with their endless lineup of cars.

yes thats true, but like every other car it can grow on you. but bmw was designing it (at least the front and the bonnet) to look like the classic e46. the 1 series may be a bmw, but it sure as hell doesn't drive like a normal one. I would say its a mix of a M and a twinturboed BMW,

but yes bmw is coming out with too many cars, they are being too hopeful...

 

[Zyzyxxz]

yes thats true, but like every other car it can grow on you. but bmw was designing it (at least the front and the bonnet) to look like the classic e46. the 1 series may be a bmw, but it sure as hell doesn't drive like a normal one. I would say its a mix of a M and a twinturboed BMW,

but yes bmw is coming out with too many cars, they are being too hopeful...

Aww butthurt because I made fun of your car, besides the front bumper reminds me of a boxer with its chin sticking out :lol

 

[zhenming]

Aww butthurt because I made fun of your car, besides the front bumper reminds me of a boxer with its chin sticking out :lol

nope. all the 1 owners get that a lot from the e90 people. the the back does suck though. not aggressive enough.

 

[chaostrophy]

The best car in the world:

Efficient. Light and nimble. High safety and reliability ratings. Small on the outside, roomy on the inside. Nifty modern styling.

Seriously, if someone offered to give me any car currently in production for free under the condition that I can't sell it, buy a cheaper car, and pocket the difference, the Fit would be my choice. (might change when the new Insight comes out though)

 

[deadbeef]

The best car in the world:

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/autoshows/newyork/2008/2009hondafitpreview.2009hondafit.img.jpg

Efficient. Light and nimble. High safety and reliability ratings. Small on the outside, roomy on the inside. Nifty modern styling.

Seriously, if someone offered to give me any car currently in production for free under the condition that I can't sell it, buy a cheaper car, and pocket the difference, the Fit would be my choice. (might change when the new Insight comes out though)

Well of course - it's a Honda! I love Honda

 

[SIP YEK NOD]

The charger doesnt fit with the current trend of "smaller" = better, the car looks way too bulky. The challenger is just too much flat surfaces, I'd take the new Camaro over it anyday. The 300's design is getting really old now and no model is confirmed to replace.

The new Ram looks good I admit though but overall the current line of Chrysler vehicles don't inspire me much.

Trendy does not necessarily equate to desirable. Flavor of the week cars come and go. the beetle, the smart, the mini. They all have their time in the sun, but second year numbers very rarely match first year. the number of chargers on the street is rather amazing for a dodge car, and even with its piggish performance, i want a challenger. the 300 and Cherokee refreshes were revealed in Chrysler bailout begathon.

Eh I find most new cars today so boring. I wish there weren't import laws on cars so I could see some more unique stuff daily.

I'm a fan of 90's era cars. Right now I have a Toyota Soarer which I really like, its a luxurious fast car. Very comfortable.

I'm assuming you are american, because here in canada, there are tons of grey market imports. Soarers, skylines, and tons of small vans. If you want a toyota soarer in the US, just buy a Lexus SC300. It's the same car and there are tons out there. Also, to complain about new cars being boring and turn around and ooze over the incredibly blandly designed soarer is just sad.

Seriously, if someone offered to give me any car currently in production for free under the condition that I can't sell it, buy a cheaper car, and pocket the difference, the Fit would be my choice. (might change when the new Insight comes out though)

What is this i don't even..

 

[Zyzyxxz]

I'm assuming you are american, because here in canada, there are tons of grey market imports. Soarers, skylines, and tons of small vans. If you want a toyota soarer in the US, just buy a Lexus SC300. It's the same car and there are tons out there. Also, to complain about new cars being boring and turn around and ooze over the incredibly blandly designed soarer is just sad.

Too bad the Soarer with the 1JZ never came stateside.

Canadians are so lucky with their 15 year import law restriction. In the U.S. you gotta wait 25 years IIRC until you can import a car without adhereing to smog and crash safety regulations.

 

[chaostrophy]

Well of course - it's a Honda! I love Honda

Same here.

According to Wikipedia, the CEO of Honda worked as an engineer or chief engineer for 15 years before taking on a "director" role, and worked at Honda for 34 years before taking the CEO position. His degree is in Applied Chemistry, he has no MBA. American corporate culture should take note.

 

[reilo]

I've posted these before. Waiting on the weather to improve so I can take some better pictures at night and not freeze my ass off within 12 seconds.

2007 Liquid Platinum Mazdaspeed6:

 

[SIP YEK NOD]

Too bad the Soarer with the 1JZ never came stateside.

Canadians are so lucky with their 15 year import law restriction. In the U.S. you gotta wait 25 years IIRC until you can import a car without adhereing to smog and crash safety regulations.

Like the 2jz-ge is such a slouch

Yeah, the import import law is great, It gives you a lot bigger variety of vehicles on the street, and makes the douchebag that's going to cut you off a little more obvious. Also, you'd be hard pressed to find an R32 skyline anywhere in canada without a GTR badge, even though a good chunk of em brought in are GTSs.

 

[Smokey]

fuck yes!

this thread has the opportunity to be awesome.

 

[zhenming]

The new Mazda 3 is not bad at all if you're looking for a mood lifter.. look at that big smile

Its a nice cheap car, too bad its not coming out earlier. The Honda FIT is nice too.

 

[deadbeef]

I've posted these before. Waiting on the weather to improve so I can take some better pictures at night and not freeze my ass off within 12 seconds.

2007 Liquid Platinum Mazdaspeed6:

I've said it before but I really like how you've customized this car. What are those small silver spots on the wheels - seems like it would look better without them. Can you get some closeup shots of them?

 

[SIP YEK NOD]

The new Mazda 3 is not bad at all if you're looking for a mood lifter.. look at that big smile

Its a nice cheap car, too bad its not coming out earlier. The Honda FIT is nice too.

There are a shitload of them sitting in the south edmonton mercedes dealership storage lot. They are a lot less ridiculous looking in person.

 

[Zyzyxxz]

Like the 2jz-ge is such a slouch

Yeah, the import import law is great, It gives you a lot bigger variety of vehicles on the street, and makes the douchebag that's going to cut you off a little more obvious. Also, you'd be hard pressed to find an R32 skyline anywhere in canada without a GTR badge, even though a good chunk of em brought in are GTSs.

Yeah the 2JZ-GE isn't bad but its not the same as the 2JZ-GTE which can easily go into the 400HP region and beyond.

The 2JZ-GE has higher compression and requires more money to make it just as powerful.

The 1JZ is great for the Soarer because it weighs less than a 2JZ but is built for turbocharging and can handle quite a bit of power.

 

[Zyzyxxz]

I've posted these before. Waiting on the weather to improve so I can take some better pictures at night and not freeze my ass off within 12 seconds.

2007 Liquid Platinum Mazdaspeed6:

How's it drive? When I found out the first year it came out that the AWD was gonna have front-wheel bias I was really disappointed.

Have you messed around with the car on corners or an open parking lot? Does feel like you're driving a FWD car alot?

 

[reilo]

How's it drive? When I found out the first year it came out that the AWD was gonna have front-wheel bias I was really disappointed.

Have you messed around with the car on corners or an open parking lot? Does feel like you're driving a FWD car alot?

It only has a FWD bias when you are driving it like a FWD car. At any moment if you apply enough power it will split the power evenly 50/50 to all wheels. It drives like a charm and just eats those corners.

I've caught myself being up around 85-90 on the highway in 6th gear just cruising by using a little throttle and off it goes.

It handles better around the corners than a Legacy GT Spec B - which is several hundred pounds lighter and it stops faster than a S2000.

 

[Tarazet]

The Lagonda returns

The problem with this car:

Ulrich Bez

Never ask a German to make an English car. (Yeah yeah Mini, it wouldn't have happened without Alec Issigonis' blueprint)

 

[zhenming]

Is it just me or are the rear lights of the Lancer Evo X too high?

Overall the car looks great.

 

[Smokey]

The Lagonda returns

wat tha fuck?

 

[black_13]

I'm assuming you are american, because here in canada, there are tons of grey market imports. Soarers, skylines, and tons of small vans. If you want a toyota soarer in the US, just buy a Lexus SC300. It's the same car and there are tons out there. Also, to complain about new cars being boring and turn around and ooze over the incredibly blandly designed soarer is just sad.

Nah I live just 300kms south of you. I wouldn't be able to drive a Soarer if I were an American.
I'm not saying the Soarer has the best looks on the outside (but with a kit it does) but at least it doesn't look so out dated like the R32's. With the digital dash, electronic seats and factory GPS nav, people have a real hard time believing that this car was made in 1991.
Yea the 15 year rule isn't bad but the problem is every year when a certain car becomes legal, they get flooded here. There are 3 R32's in my community alone. I went with the Soarer as its rare and comfortably fast. Now it's happening with the Supra's and Rx7s.
My next car might be the 94 celica GT4 so I can drive it all year long.