Franchise Oxygen Cars: February 2011

Monday, February 28, 2011

Alfa 4C concept draws inspiration from legendary Stradale

Alfa Romeo took design cues from the legendary 33 Stradale when creating its 4C concept car, company sources say. The concept, which hints at a two-seat, rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive coupe that would become the brand's halo car, will be unveiled Tuesday at the Geneva auto show. Read More »

Bertone's B 99 for Jaguar focuses on big interior space

Bertone focused on interior space when creating the B 99 concept that previews a potential new entry-level sedan for Jaguar. The B 99 was made by Bertone in agreement with Jaguar as a view to a possible replacement for the X-Type that was discontinued in 2009. Read More »

De Tomaso releases pictures of Geneva concept

Italian car brand De Tomaso has released pictures of the SLS concept car that it will debut at the Geneva auto show. Read More »

Watts up: A stampede of new models

You can count the number of electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid models being sold to consumers today on two hands -- and have several fingers left over. But that's about to change. Competitors are lining up to take on the Nissan Leaf, Tesla Roadster, Chevrolet Volt and other pioneering vehicles. Read More »

Geneva Preshow: New Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 [Updated Gallery]

After nearly a decade of running amok in the land of hypercars, Lamborghini's Murcielago is being retired. In its place will be the Aventador, a 700-hp devil providing a whole new generation with automotive wall art and high-speed screams.

The Aventador LP 700-4, Lambo's newest top dog, hopes to build on the glorious excess of its predecessor. Fusing design cues found in the Reventón and Sesto Elemento, the Lamborghini Aventador has much in common with past Lamborghini flagships: it is named after a famous bull, packs a V12 warp drive, allows entry through a pair of scissor doors, and makes no sense as a daily driver.

It has also picked up the Murcielago's electronic air intakes due to their functionality and downright awesomeness. Broad details, however, are where the similarities stop.

We've already seen teaser sketches of Audi's new A3 Sedan Concept, but tonight, the first real life photos of the design study started circulating around the web ahead of its world premiere at the 2011 Geneva Salon . While Audi prefers to call the concept the A3 Sedan, the RS3 Sedan moniker sounds more appropriate given the RS3 Sportback-sourced 2.5-liter turbocharged five-pot with 408 ponies lurking under the bonnet.

Rolls-Royce has pulled the wraps off the next vehicle in its EX concept series, the 102EX (AKA Phantom Experimental Electric). The 102EX is meant to gauge reactions and opinions from the firm's clientele, shareholders, and the general public in regards to a Roller with a non-traditional drive train. As the 102EX is strictly a concept, Rolls-Royce hopes to resolve any issues that people might have with an all-electric - or any non-traditionally powered - Rolls.

Going back to the RR playbook, customers are the most important people to the Spirit of Ecstasy. Therefore, the manufacturer wants to be sure that expectations are met, not too much extra effort has to be put into ownership ("acceptable range...without frequent recharging"), and a proper Rolls-Royce ownership experience is provided.

Mansory won’t be the only tuning firm to unveil its interpretation of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, as Hamann Motorsport has prepared its own version of the gull-winged supercar called the ‘Hawk’.

When Saab first revealed its plans to debut a new concept model at the Geneva Salon a couple of weeks ago, the Swedish company did not release any details whatsoever about the study. And while Saab is still keeping its cards close to its chest, we managed to find out that the study is called the Phoenix and that it's a sports car concept equipped with a turbocharged petrol-electric hybrid powertrain. The Phoenix is the work of Saab's new design boss of former Bertone fame, Jason Castriota, and its main purpose is to preview the brand's next styling direction.

The most sought after body shape

Jennifer Aniston

She is the most sought after body shape..

In 2011 The Telegraph reported the most sought after body parts of the rich and famous revealed by two Hollywood plastic surgeons who carried out a survey among their patients to build up the picture of what the perfect woman would look like. Under the category of the most sought after body shape Aniston was voted in the top three alongside Gisele Bundchen and Penelope Cruz.

Although Jennifer Aniston disliked the hairstyle she wore during her first two years on Friends, "The Rachel" became and remains very popular among women.

Skoda Reveals VisionD Design Study and Brand New Logo

Making its world premiere at the 81st Geneva International Motor Show is the Skoda VisionD, a concept model that previews the brand's new design direction and is the first vehicle to wear Skoda's new logo.

The VisionD concept car takes the form of a sharp-looking five-door hatchback. Skoda claims the long wheelbase and short overhangs allow for above-average interior space, while the dynamic roof line offers the car a “high degree of visual majesty”. The fluent integration of the tailgate into the car's overall line and the absence of a third latteral glass give the hatchback a dynamic appearance.

To celebrate the 205.5mph (330.7km/h) world ice-speed record that was set two weeks ago by Finland’s four-time world rally champion Juha Kankkunen in a Continental Supersports convertible, Bentley has unveiled a new special edition version of its drop-top model that will be built in a limited run of 100 units.

Volkswagen will show a new concept model in Geneva called the Bulli, which is a development of the Microbus study from 2001. However, at 3.99 meters long, 1.75 meters wide and 1.70 meters tall, with a wheelbase of 2.62 meters, the six-seater compact is more compact than the its predecessor. Volkswagen claims that the interior is spacious enough for six passengers, with three seating up front and three at the back.

The boot volume is 370 liters, but it can be extended to 1,600 liters when the rear bench is folded. The Bulli can also be turned into a camper van, since the seat system can be transformed into a large reclining surface.

The minivan is fitted with a removable iPad in the center console that serves as an infotainment touchscreen, controlling functions such as Bluetooth hands-free telephone, navigation system and media center.

The Swiss aftermarket specialist Mansory has unveiled its take on the the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG supercar and the result of their work is very different from what they began with. For starters, the tuners replaced the Gullwing-door model's aluminium bodyshell with a carbon fiber one, shaving 90 kg of the car's weight in the process.

This is the new Seat IBX, a concept study for a three-door small crossover that will be officially unwrapped at the Geneva Motor Show this week. The IBX appears to be a follow up on Seat's 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show Tribu concept, which never managed to reach production. This time, however, the Spanish subsidiary of the VW Group says the IBX demonstrates "a possible expansion of the SEAT product portfolio".

Like the Tribu, the IBX has also been penned by Seat's Chief Designer of former Lamborghini fame, Luc Donckerwolke. “The IBX was created from the gene pool of our next vehicle generation. This design DNA will have a profound impact on every one of our models,” said Donckerwolke. “And, with this urban sports utility vehicle, we are proving that with our design, our sporty pedigree and our youthful character, we can also create a vehicle concept that is unique among SUVs.”

After successfully competing in the Andros Trophy ice-racing championship with F1 star Alain Prost behind the wheel, the guys at Renault Sport Technologies want the Dacia Duster to perform in a whole different league. In particular, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb which will be held on June 26 this year.

The first ever touring race car version of the all-new Ford Focus will make its world premiere at this week's 2011 Geneva Motor Show, ahead of it is scheduled track debut in the British Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch towards the end of March.

The new BMW Z4-based 99d roadster and the BMW 550i-based ACS5 sports saloon will hog the limelight on AC Schnitzer's stand at this week's 2011 Geneva Motor Show. Both models were developed to offer performance without compromising on fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions. The Z4 99d comes with a 190HP 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine, while the ACS5 features a 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 gasoline unit pumping out 540-ponies. Scope out the first promotional videos of AC Schnitzer's newest tunes right after the break.

Koenigsegg, the Swedish maker of exotic sports cars will bring its newest creation, the Agera R hypercar, along with the final production version of the Agera to this week's Geneva Salon. Building on the design of the 15-year-old CC, the Agera looks unmistakably "Koenigsegg".

The paint scheme of the car that will be displayed in Geneva is inspired by the legendary Speed Racer theme, as specified by the owner of the car. But as impressive as it might be, the design pales in comparison with the technology present beneath the car's carbon fiber skin.

The monocoque chassis weighs only 70 kg and the dry weight of the car is 1,330 kg, which makes it the lightest fully homologated hypercar in production, according to Koenigsegg. That's all the more remarkable given the fact that the 5.0-liter V8 bi-turbo engine is capable of 1,115 horsepower and 1,200 Nm when running on E85 ethanol biofuel (940 hp and 1,100 Nm on regular 95 octane gasoline).

Nissan's well-received Qashqai model has just passed the 1,000,000 sales mark after four years in production. The compact crossover model, which is also known as the Dualis in Japan and Australia and other markets, was designed and engineered in Britain. Introduced in 2007, Nissan expanded the crossover's range with the presentation of the seven-seater, long-wheelbase version called the Qashqai+2 in 2008, while the entire series received an update in March 2010 with a refreshed design and powertrain refinements.

Holden, General Motors' Australian division, introduced an updated version of its Cruze sedan bearing the Series II moniker today. The facelift brings powertrain, chassis and some styling changes, but most importantly, it marks the switch to local production starting from March, 2011. Up until now, the Holden Cruze sedan was imported to Australia from Korea. The first locally built compact model in the country in more than a decade will be manufactured at Holden's plant in Elizabeth, South Australia.

The styling updates on the Cruze Series II are kept to a minimum and concern the new trapezoidal grille, subtly redesigned front bumper, new headlamp bezels and a different rear fascia treatment.

The facelift brings two new engines, a 2.0-liter turbo diesel and a 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline unit, while the naturally aspirated 1.8-liter engine carries over with some minor revisions from the Series 1 model.

Ford will offer the infotainment and connectivity system to its European models starting from 2012, the company announced today. The all-new Focus will be the first vehicle in Europe to feature the SYNC technology, with other models to follow. Ford said it wants to have 2 million SYNC-equipped cars on European roads by 2015.

Alfa 4C concept draws inspiration from legendary Stradale

Bertone's B 99 for Jaguar focuses on big interior space

Kim Kardashian | Marchesa gown

Kim Kardashian looked fabulous in a red Marchesa gown at the Heart Truth 2010 Fashion Show at New York Fashion Week. The fashion show showed of the Red Dress Collection 2010, which helps raise awareness about women's heart disease. Kim Kardashian was also in New York to promote her new fragrance and show her Bebe fashion line. Reggie Bush was also with her in New York City and Bryant Park.

Sunday, February 27, 2011

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black Series Rendered

It's only a matter of time before Mercedes-Benz unleashes an AMG version of its new C-Class Coupe to rival BMW's two-door M3, but Carscoop reader Luis Silva from Portugal decided to craft a quick chop of the C63 AMG Coupe for our viewing pleasure.

The actual C63 AMG Coupe could be revealed as early as this year's edition of the Frankfurt Motor Show. Given that the two-door model is based on the current C-Class series, it's almost certain that the two-door variant will keep the 2012 C63 AMG Sedan's 6.2-liter V8, which produces 457HP and 600Nm / 442 lb-ft of torque in standard trim and 487HP with the optional AMG Performance package.

When Muammar al-Gaddafi isn't taking "care" of his people [...], the Libyan dictator garners the media attention for his excessive behaviors. Take for instance the way Gaddafi chose to cruise the streets of Rome when he visited Italy last year: a motorcade of no less than 36 cars was necessary for the overly eccentric leader. And that's not even close to extreme by Gaddafi's standards. Read more »

U SPY...from the 2011 Geneva Motor Show

We're less than 48 hours away from the automotive extravaganza known as the 81st Geneva Motor Show and automakers are scrambling to get their booths ready for the grand opening on Tuesday. We'll be covering all the news from the press days of course, but thanks to a Carscoop reader, we can now give you an exclusive look at the cars being loaded off the trucks in front of the Palexpo Center in Geneva as well as a sneak peak at some of the automakers stands inside. Check out the gallery right after the break.

Rihanna Hairstyles for 2011

We all like Rihanna and we love that anytime she “messes” with her hair, she only looks better. How can she do it?! Take a peek at this article and follow our advice, then choose a hairstyle that you like best and go straight to your hairdresser to “make it possible for you!”.