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GM offering 0% financing for month of March
GMPT - Thu, 2010-03-04 23:34
Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, GM
General Motors just posted a 12-percent sales increase for the month of February, and now the automaker is hoping to continue its strong sales trend by offering 0 percent financing for 60 months on sales that occur during the month of March. Curiously, this announcement comes just a few days after Toyota started its own 0 percent campaign. GM's vice president for U.S. marketing, Susan Docherty, argues that the Toyota incentives had nothing to do with The General's decision to offer similar financing options, saying, "We're going headstrong into truck month for both Chevrolet and GMC, which is a traditional play that we have normally done during March."
GM's program will cover roughly 55 percent of all 2010 models on sale. What's more, the company is also offering 0 percent financing for 72 months on its remaining 2009 model inventory, covering about 97 percent of what's left on dealer lots.
We'll be interested to see if these incentives help boost sales for both Toyota and GM throughout the next month. We're also wondering if any other manufacturers (ahem, Ford) will follow suit.
[Source: Automotive News, sub. req.| Image: David McNew/Getty]GM offering 0% financing for month of March originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Geneva 2010: IED Tesla EYE Concept
GMPT - Thu, 2010-03-04 21:20
Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Tesla, Electric
IED Tesla EYE concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
The gaping openings on the front of the EYE design study vehicle from the Istituto Europeo di Design of Turin (IED) that's on display at the Geneva Motor Show this week would cause troublesome impacts on airflow if they were on a real electric car, we think. In the fantasyland of the auto show floor, though, they give the concept vehicle a menacing, moose-like nose (wait, does that make sense?). At least we can hope that the 11 transportation design master course students from IED who worked with Tesla Motors' chief designer Franz von Holzhausen on the project enjoyed the process.
Considering there's almost no chance we'll ever see the EYE concept cruising the streets, we'll just have to enjoy the car for what it is: a good-looking show car with a Tesla badge. Sure, we can imagine putting an electric powertrain in there and showing up at the soccer game in one of these, but for now we'll just have to click through the gallery below and ask ourselves if the IED students managed to create a new status symbol with the EYE, something they said they were shooting for.
Gallery: Geneva 2010: IED Tesla EYE concept
Photos by Damon Lavrinc / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Geneva 2010: IED Tesla EYE Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Video: Corvette Racing behind-the-scenes trailer
GMPT - Thu, 2010-03-04 21:20
Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Chevrolet, Racing
2010 Corvette C6.R GT2 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Over the course of this coming season, Corvette Racing will be posting a 12-part video series on the Corvette Facebook page that tracks the development of the C6.R and its progress on the track. In the run-up to the first race of the year at Sebring in a couple of weeks, Chevrolet has released a trailer as a bit of an introduction.
2010 will be the first full season of competition for the new second-generation C6.R as the American Le Mans Series moves ahead with a single unified GT class. The biggest change this year is an all-new 5.5-liter V8 based on the production LS7 aluminum block. Check out the trailer after the jump.
Gallery: 2010 ALMS Corvette C6.R
[Source: Chevrolet]Continue reading Video: Corvette Racing behind-the-scenes trailer
Video: Corvette Racing behind-the-scenes trailer originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Geneva 2010: Carlsson C25 is a 753-horsepower twin-turbo terror
GMPT - Thu, 2010-03-04 19:01
Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz
Carlsson C25 - Click above for high-res image gallery
We have to admit that we were a little disappointed when we saw the Carlsson C25 in person. The finished product doesn't seem to quite have the ultra-aggressive look of the original concept sketches. It could also be that we're not huge fans of the silver, black and orange paint scheme, nor of the brown and orange interior. In Carlsson's defense, the color combination was chosen by their customer, and we'd like to see another version in a solid color and a better choice of interior hues before we declare a verdict.
Even so, the C25 is an impressive beast. Under the hood is a Carlsson-built 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 putting out 753 horsepower and 974 lb-ft of torque, good for a conservatively listed 3.7 second sprint to 100 km/h and a top speed of just under 220 mph. To also appeal to potential clients, Carlsson has made exclusivity a top priority, limiting production to just 25 units and selling only one example in each country where they're available. As is proven by the car you see here, customers can choose from a near-limitless range of exterior and interior color combinations. Hit the jump for more details on the Carlsson C25 or browse through the gallery of live photos below.
Gallery: Geneva 2010: Carlsson C25
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Geneva 2010: Carlsson C25 is a 753-horsepower twin-turbo terror
Geneva 2010: Carlsson C25 is a 753-horsepower twin-turbo terror originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Geneva 2010: Renault Clio and Twingo get the Gordini treatment
GMPT - Thu, 2010-03-04 19:01
Filed under: Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Renault
Renault Clio Gordini R.S. - Click above for high-res image gallery
It's amazing what a little paint and a few stickers can do for a small car. To illustrate that point, take a gander at the special Gordini edition Renault Clio and Twingo in the gallery below. Granted, the improvements reach much deeper than just those stickers, but the matte blue paint, white accents and white decals give these little runabouts a purposeful look and signal to the world that they are the top-of-the-performance-heap Gordini editions.
For those who need a refresher, Gordini is the name of a legendary Renault racing engineer. Amédée Gordini brought Renault some rally racing glory in the mid-'60s with the iconic R8 Gordini. Renault recently revived the name, reestablishing it as the top rung trim level on its already racy Renault Sport (R.S.) editions. Mechanically similar to their R.S. counterparts, they are mainly distinguished by retro styling touches (like the classic French racing blue paint scheme with white stripes) and an extra dose of exclusivity. Plus, they just look badass.
The first product in the new range, the Twingo Gordini R.S. had already debuted last November, but here at the Geneva Motor Show, the company unveiled their Gordini edition Clio as well. We have galleries of both cars for you below, the Mini-sized Twingo and the slightly larger Clio. Both cars have the performance upgrades found on R.S. models, with larger wheels, Brembo brakes, Conti SportContact3 tires, diffusers, heat extractors and that great livery. Check out the little "G" confetti in the stripes - classic.
Gallery: Geneva 2010: Renault Twingo Gordini R.S.
Gallery: Geneva 2010: Renault Clio Gordini R.S.
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Geneva 2010: Renault Clio and Twingo get the Gordini treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Geneva 2010: Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet lets the light shine in
GMPT - Thu, 2010-03-04 16:51
Filed under: Convertible, Budget, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Renault
Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet - Click above for high-res image gallery
In addition to the smaller Wind roadster, Renault is showing off another droptop at this year's Geneva Motor Show - the Megane Coupe-Cabriolet. Much larger than the Wind, the Megane CC is poised to compete with the likes of the Volkswagen Eos or Audi A5 convertibles. And while the design isn't nearly as svelte as the Audi, it's a bit more attractive than the often-overlooked Eos.
As is the trend these days, the Megane uses a folding hardtop configuration with a glass roof so drivers can let the sun shine in even when the lid is closed. From there, Renault is offering a total of seven powertrain configurations, encompassing both gas- and diesel-powered mills, as well as dual-clutch, manual and continuously variable transmissions. The new Megane CC will hit European dealerships this spring and you'll never see it in the U.S, so check it in both galleries below.
Gallery: Geneva 2010: Renault Megane Coupe Cabriolet
Gallery: 2011 Renault Megane Coupe-Convertible
Live photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Geneva 2010: Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet lets the light shine in originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Geneva 2010: Abarth Punto Evo takes the next step
GMPT - Thu, 2010-03-04 16:51
Filed under: Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Fiat
Abarth Punto Evo - Click above for high-res image gallery
Getting a lot from a little. That might as well be Abarth's official slogan, translated into Italian, of course, for that added dose of Mediterranean flair. Fiat's performance division manages, first of all, to construct an entire line-up of hot hatches based on two models. And what they turn them into are genuine giant slayers.
As we reported just last week in the run-up to this year's Geneva Motor Show, the Abarth Punto Evo takes the recently revised Fiat hatchback as its basis, and upgrades it, first and foremost, with 1.6-liter turbocharged MultiAir four-bangers in either 165- or 178-horsepower guise. Add to that upgraded wheels, brakes, suspension, interior and body kit, and suddenly this scorpion-emblazoned hatchback - a decidedly more modern alternative to the 500 - packs a real sting.
For better or worse, though, while its much-loved retro stablemate may finally make it Stateside in the near future, no such plans are known for the Punto in any form, so enjoy the live photos from the show floor in the high-res gallery below and the details in the press release after the jump.
Gallery: Geneva 2010: Fiat Punto Abarth
Gallery: Abarth Punto Evo
Photos by Noah Joseph / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Geneva 2010: Abarth Punto Evo takes the next step
Geneva 2010: Abarth Punto Evo takes the next step originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Geneva 2010: Techart debuts trifecta of tuned Porsches
GMPT - Thu, 2010-03-04 14:50
Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Porsche
Techart at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show - Click above for high-res image gallery
There were dozens of tuners exhibiting at the Geneva Motor Show, but Porsche specialist Techart had one of the more impressive displays. Three of their cars made world debuts this week including a customized 911 Turbo, their latest version of the GTStreet R and a concept based on the Panamera.
The Panamera, named the Concept One, is undoubtedly the most interesting of the bunch. The exterior features a new body kit that's on the reserved side compared to some of the others we've seen, although the new front end and the vented hood give it a fairly aggressive look. The interior really caught our attention, however, with its cocoa and white colors combined with green stitching and cerbero leather trim. It looks pretty cool, but realistically we guess it would be pretty tough to keep clean. Check out each of the cars live from the show floor in the high-res gallery below.
Gallery: Techart at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Geneva 2010: Techart debuts trifecta of tuned Porsches originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Geneva 2010: Hamann Tycoon EVO M more powerful than mightiest Lamborghini
GMPT - Thu, 2010-03-04 14:50
Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Crossover, BMW
Hamann Tycoon EVO M - Click above for high-res image gallery
We'll come clean. Collectively, we spend an unexpected amount time repeating the following sentence, "As much as I know I shouldn't, I love the BMW X6. I know it's wrong, I know. But it's just a great car." But you know what makes less sense than the X6? The X6 M. That car's stone cold crazy. Therefore we like it even more than the regular flavor SAC (Sports Activity Coupe). Have you met our friend Hamann?
For the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Hamann brought along its new Tycoon EVO M. And... it's quite bonkers.The 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 has been pumped up to the tune of 670 horsepower and 576 pound-feet of torque. For comparison's sake, the Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce's mighty 6.5-liter V12 produces 670 hp - exactly the same amount as the Hamann Tycoon EVO M. Crazy, no? Oh, also, the mightiest ever Lambo makes 89 lb-ft of torque less than this mental patient Hamann.
Then there's the little matter of the carbon fiber. Look, we're all for saving precious pounds but keep it real for a minute. Before Hamann got their filthy mitts all over it, the X6 M weighed in at 5,324 pounds. Lord (and Hamann) only knows what it weighs now. And since we're keeping it real, shaving a few pounds off the front end of an over-powered beast like the Tycoon is killing a mouse with the 101st Airborne. In other words, the carbon fiber hood and splitter is nothing but blingy, look-at-me bunting. And since we're ragging on conspicuous displays of too much wealth, Tycoon? Really? That said, we've never seen 23-inch wheels look so perfectly at home.
Gallery: Geneva 2010: Hamann Tycoon Evo M
Geneva 2010: Hamann Tycoon EVO M more powerful than mightiest Lamborghini originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Geneva 2010: Lumeneo Smera Concept is a lean(ing), possibly hyper-mean, electric mach
GMPT - Thu, 2010-03-04 14:50
Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Electric
Lumeneo Smera Concept - click above for high-res image gallery
if there's one overriding theme at this year's Geneva Motor Show, it's the electrification of the automobile. Long story short, even scorched earth king Ferrari showed a hybrid. The show floor was littered with dozens of electric contraptions of all shapes and sizes, but we're taking a moment or so to tell you about the Lumeneo Smera because it made us smile. Here's why.
For the ten minutes or so we spent photographing the Smera, half a dozen people managed to squeeze themselves inside its tiny body. And the second the door shut, everyone of them burst out laughing, especially the poor schmucks who took the plunge and shoehorned into the back seat. That's tight, the Smera is an inline two-seater. Even cooler than that, the Smera does that cool leany thing going around corners, just like the now defunct Carter.
But that's not all - France's Lumeneo Smera might be of great interest to you enthusiast types. Lumeneo claims that it's 15 kilowatt electric motor produces - we hope you're sitting down - 737 pound-feet or torque, a figure that would give the little-bitty 992-pound pod a power to weight ratio of something approximating Arnold Schwarzenegger in his prime. Are they using e-tron math? Probably, but that's the story they're telling to the world. We'll believe it when it forces our eyeballs back into our skulls.
Gallery: Geneva 2010: Lumeneo Smera
Continue reading Geneva 2010: Lumeneo Smera Concept is a lean(ing), possibly hyper-mean, electric machine
Geneva 2010: Lumeneo Smera Concept is a lean(ing), possibly hyper-mean, electric machine originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Geneva 2010: Maserati Quattroporte GT S Awards Edition takes a bow
GMPT - Thu, 2010-03-04 12:47
Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Maserati, Luxury
Maserati Quattroporte GT S Awards Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery
Nobody could rationally justify that they "need" a Maserati Quattroporte, but we'd gladly take one just the same. In similar fashion, we don't "need" an excuse to photograph and report on the sumptuous Italian exotic saloon. But we'll take any we can get. This year's is called the Awards Edition.
Created to mark the innumerable honorable citations the QPorte has accrued since its launch a couple of years ago, the Awards Edition starts off with the top-of-the-line Quattroporte GT S. From there, the Trident marque has upgraded it with special "Quarzo Fuso" paint, tastefully muted brightwork, and an interior decked out in the creamiest of leathers and Alcantara. 20-inch wheels round out the package housing upgraded Brembo brakes.
New trimmings does not a new Quattroporte make, but then it doesn't require much in the way of enhancement. It'll do for an excuse, though. Check it out in the galleries below.
Gallery: Geneva 2010: Maserati Quattroporte GT S Awards Edition
Gallery: 2011 Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S "Awards Edition"
Photos by Noah Joseph / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Geneva 2010: Maserati Quattroporte GT S Awards Edition takes a bow originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 07:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Top Volkswagen Technician Reaches New Heights
GMPT - Thu, 2010-03-04 09:56
A Volkswagen van technician from Wolsey Volkswagen in Ipswich is celebrating after reaching the top of his profession.
Matt Lankester (39) from Martlesham, recently gained his master technician status after completing an intensive on-the-job training and assessment programme through the Volkswagen Academy.
Specialising in commercial vehicles, Matt will pass on his expertise to his colleagues within the growing van division at Wolsey.
Matt joined the Sproughton Road retailer as a qualified technician having formerly specialised in trucks for 10 years, from apprentice level, with Mercedes Benz. His commercial vehicle expertise uniquely placed him in the ideal position to develop the business to meet customers? needs.
As part of his graduation, Matt was taken on a two day trip to the Volkswagen factory in Hanover. Commenting on this course, Matt said: ?We understand the importance of keeping customers? vans fully operational, therefore the increased knowledge I have gained from my training will ensure we can offer the very best service to our customers.
?It was an added bonus to be taken to Hanover and a most enjoyable two days.?
Wolsey Van Centre brand manager, Tim Hargraves, added: ?Matt is thoroughly professional in his job and this qualification is reward for his efforts.
?His colleagues will certainly benefit from working with a technician of this calibre.?
Categories: GM Performance Tuning
We obsessively covered the...
GMPT - Thu, 2010-03-04 04:52
Filed under: Geneva Motor Show
66 vehicles covered... and counting. Tell us your favorite so far in the comments.
Production Vehicles
Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4
2012 Ford Focus Wagon
2011 Audi RS5 Gumpert Apollo S
Pagani Zonda Tricolore
2012 Volkswagen Polo GTI
Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Bentley GTC Supersports 2010 Mitsubishi ASX
2011 Kia Sportage 2011 Audi A1 2011 Mazda5 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo S
2011 Mini Countryman 2011Koenigsegg Agera 2011 Volvo S60 Citroen DS3 Racing
2011 Lotus Elise
2011 Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2011 Nissan Juke 2011 Porsche Cayenne
2010 Nissan Micra 2011 Volkswagen Touareg Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary
2011 Toyota RAV4
Subaru Impreza XV
2010 Mazda6
Jaguar XKR Special Edition
Tesla Roadster TAG Heuer
Renault Wind Roadster
Abarth 500C
Maserati GranTurismo MC Sport
Wiesmann GT MF4-S
Concept Vehicles
Porsche 918 Spyder
Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid Peugeot SR1
Hyundai i-Flow
Audi A1 e-tron
NVL Quant
I.DE.A. Institute Sofia
Opel Flextreme GT/E
Bertone Alfa Romeo Pandion
Audi A8 Hybrid
Sbarro Autobau
Lotus Evora Carbon
Citroen DS High Rider
Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta
Ferrari 599 HY-KERS
Mercedes-Benz F800 Style
BMW 5 Series ActiveHybrid
Citroen Survolt
Tata Nano EV
Proton Emas
Rinspeed UC?
5 by Peugeot
Honda 3R-C
Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid Miscellaneous
Touring Flying Star
Mansory Rolls-Royce Ghost
Bufori Geneva
Abt R8 GTR
Hispano Suiza King Saud University Gazal-1
Mansory G-Couture
Fornasari Racing Buggy
Ruf RGT-8
We obsessively covered the... originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Super Car Sunday features Ferrari as honored marque
GMPT - Thu, 2010-03-04 02:46
Filed under: Etc., Porsche, Misc. Auto Shows, Ferrari
Maddox parks Enzo number three at Super Car Sunday in Woodland Hills - Click above for high-res gallery
Now that they've found a new home for Super Car Sunday at the Westfield Promenade in Woodland Hills, CA, the guys and gals behind the show have made a few changes - all for the better. The show is more official now, with local Ferrari dealer The Auto Gallery actually covering rent for the event, which is held in the mall parking lot every Sunday from 7-10 am. There are also signs all around that list the rules so there is no confusion when someone gets kicked out for bad behavior. Another big change is that they are now honoring a different marque on the last Sunday of each month.
For February the marquee marque was Ferrari. Drawing owners from as much as 100 miles away, the Ferrari corral featured well over 100 examples of Enzo's handiwork. While just about every other make and model was represented in the main part of the lot, the Ferrari selection was rather eclectic as well. Anyone who might have thought that Ferraris only came in red were treated to quite a surprise as there were samples of Maranello's finest in white, silver, gray, blue, yellow and even flat black, among others. One of the gray cars was the very same 512 BB we featured parked in its award-winning garage with the bridge driveway that might have to come down.
There's a huge gallery below with photos of just a small sampling of the Prancing Horses that made it out to the show, with a Dino, Daytona, Drago-bodied GT and a couple others representing the old guard and two-and-a-half Enzos (above), an F40, 16Ms, Californias, Scuderias, F430s, Challenge Stradales, 599s, and a spiffy two-tone 612 kickin' it new school. In between there were enough 308, 328, 348, 355, 360, 456, 550/575 and Testarossa/512 models to keep the carparazzi busy for hours.
It wasn't all Ferraris though. A rare red Porsche Carrera GT, Rust Rocket rat rod, Grand Sport Corvette replica and Ultima showed the diversity, while a few cars caught our eyes for all the wrong reasons. All in all a very cool show and a great turnout for Ferrari fans. Hopefully we'll be able to make this a regular Sunday stop from now on.
Gallery: Super Car Sunday celebrates Ferrari
Photos copyright (C)2010 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.Super Car Sunday features Ferrari as honored marque originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Geneva 2010: Abt R8 GTR is full of V10, carbon fiber goodness
GMPT - Thu, 2010-03-04 02:46
Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Audi
Abt R8 GTR - Click above for high-res image gallery
We got our first peek at Abt's R8 GTR late last year, but like with many cars, it was a whole different experience to see it in person. To say carbon fiber has been used liberally is an understatement, as the entire car is clothed in the lightweight material. The look suits the R8, and Abt has managed to give the car a more aggressive look without going overboard. The interior is lathered in carbon fiber as well, and lightweight Recaro racing seats help reduce weight even further. In total, Abt has managed to take 220 pounds off the R8's heft.
In addition to changing the look of the car, Abt has given the R8 more power as well. Its 5.2-liter V10 is now rated at 620 horsepower, good for a 0-100 km/h sprint of 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 202 mph. Other performance upgrades include an adjustable sport suspension, ceramic brake system, lightweight 18-inch wheels and Michelin Sport Cup tires.
Sound like your thing? Abt will produce just 25 examples, so get your order in soon. More details about the car can be found in the press release after the jump and live shots from the show floor in the gallery below.
Gallery: Geneva 2010: Abt R8 GTR
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Geneva 2010: Abt R8 GTR is full of V10, carbon fiber goodness
Geneva 2010: Abt R8 GTR is full of V10, carbon fiber goodness originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Geneva 2010: Maserati GranTurismo MC Sport sharpens the trident
GMPT - Thu, 2010-03-04 02:46
Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Maserati, Luxury
Maserati GranTurismo MC Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery
Few marques manage to tread the line between sportiness and elegance quite so exquisitely as Maserati. But some are looking for something that errs a little more towards the former, and for them the Trident marque has launched the MC Sport Line.
One step off the track and onto the road this side of a race-spec MC GT4, the MC Sport line gives Gran Turismo S buyers a catalog of optional extras, from carbon fiber bits all the way up to the exclusive limited edition model made for the Middle East. The range was initially unveiled at the local Bologna Motor Show, but this was our first chance to get next to it and bring you the results. Have a look in the galleries below.
Gallery: Geneva 2010: Maserati GranTurismo MC Sport
Gallery: Maserati GranTurismo S MC Sport Line
Photos by Noah Joseph / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Geneva 2010: Maserati GranTurismo MC Sport sharpens the trident originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Event Alert: March 2010 Calendar of Automotive Events
GMPT - Thu, 2010-03-04 02:46
Filed under: Motorsports, New York Auto Show, Geneva Motor Show, Etc., Event Alert
Auto show season keeps marching on in March with wall-to-wall coverage coming your way from the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, which is just winding down. Motorsports enthusiasts can look forward to the start of the 2010 Formula One season with all the action kicking off in Bahrain, followed two weeks later by the Australian Grand Prix. American open-wheel fans have IndyCar action in Brazil and St. Petersburg in March, while NASCAR visits Atlanta, Martinsville and Bristol. For fans of the unorthodox, the LeMons bunch will make a stop at Sears Point.
Classic car season is ramping up too, with the Amelia Island Concours topping the list. There are also plenty of smaller shows like the Cavalcade of Cars, 30th Annual MDA Car Show, Corvette/Chevy Expo, and several auctions as well. RM Auctions visits Amelia and Ft. Lauderdale, Gooding and Co. also stop at the Amelia Concours, while Silver sets up tent in Portland, OR. If none of those events appeal to you, check out our Google Calendar after the jump for even more listings, all with detailed info and links. And please don't forget to use the comments section to add or modify listings.Continue reading Event Alert: March 2010 Calendar of Automotive Events
Event Alert: March 2010 Calendar of Automotive Events originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Geneva 2010: 1957 Saab 93 rally headed for Mille Miglia with Spyker and Saab CEOs at
GMPT - Thu, 2010-03-04 02:46
Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Saab
1957 Saab 93 rally car replica - Click above for high-res image gallery
As car guys, we want to see Saab succeed at the hands of its new owners, Spyker Cars. And while the brand faces an uphill battle to reach profitability, its new masters are at least showing signs of understanding the Swedish automaker's rich past. The latest proof? Spyker CEO Victor Muller and Saab CEO Jan Åke Jonsson will take on Italy's famed Mille Miglia road race in this 1957 Saab 93, a replica of the car that won the Finnish 1,000 Lakes Rally that year.
The 750cc three-cylinder two-stroke engine has been tuned to Group 2 specification, producing 55 horsepower - 22 horsepower more than the standard car. So-equipped, the robust racer is said to be good for 62 miles-per-hour in 13 seconds and a top speed of 93 mph.
While racing in May's historic recreation of the Mille Miglia might not generate much in the way of brand buzz, if nothing else, it strikes us as a nice acknowledgment of the company's past by the keepers of its future. Could there be more than just a history lesson at work here? Late last month, Autocar reported that Saab is proceeding with plans for a new entry-level model, the 9-2, that will reportedly be influenced by Saab's 1950's 'teardrop' design. High-res gallery of live shots from here at the Geneva Motor Show below, official press release after the jump.
Gallery: Geneva 2010: 1957 Saab 93 rally car
[Source: Saab]Continue reading Geneva 2010: 1957 Saab 93 rally headed for Mille Miglia with Spyker and Saab CEOs at the wheel
Geneva 2010: 1957 Saab 93 rally headed for Mille Miglia with Spyker and Saab CEOs at the wheel originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Geneva 2010: Wiesmann GT MF4-S gives 'em something to talk about
GMPT - Thu, 2010-03-04 02:46
Filed under: Coupe, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, MISC
Wiesmann GT MF4-S - Click above for high-res image gallery
With all the hullabaloo - yes, hullabaloo - about the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, it would've been all too easy to assume the new gullwing is the only retro German sportscar on the market. But forgetting the Wiesmann GT would be a cardinal sin and capital offense, because the niche-market sportscar is among the most tantalizing on the road. While the design may be decidedly old-school, Wiesmann works tirelessly to keep it fresh with successive updates to propel this time-machine well past the requisite 88 miles per hour and out from the past and into the present.
At this year's Geneva Motor Show, the small German outfit rolled out the modestly updated GT MF4-S. New bi-xenon headlamps show the way home and a new automatically- or manually-actuated retractable spoiler keeps the tail planted. Under the hood, the MF4-S is treated to the same 4.0-liter, 420-horsepower V8 as the BMW M3 from which it's sourced and, more poignantly, the MF4-S Roadster. All in all not major changes, but then who ever said the Wiesmann needed much changed?
The Wiesmann GT MF4-S will push you to highway speeds in four seconds flat and cost 133,000 euros (equivalent to about $175k). If that's too rich for your blood, you can take a gander in the galleries below and browse the details in the press release after the jump.
Gallery: Geneva 2010: Wiesmann GT MF4-S
Photos by Noah Joseph / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Geneva 2010: Wiesmann GT MF4-S gives 'em something to talk about
Geneva 2010: Wiesmann GT MF4-S gives 'em something to talk about originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Geneva 2010: Fornasari Racing Buggy and RR66 represent opposite end of Geneva spectru
GMPT - Thu, 2010-03-04 02:46
Filed under: Concept Cars, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Specialty
Fornasari Racing Buggy concept - click above for high-res image gallery
Here's the brass tacks: When we like a show car, we like it. Case in point, we're still semi-drunk on car show pleasure from the fleeting moments we were lucky enough to spend looking at the Bertone Alfa Romeo Pandion Concept. Flip side of that coin, if we dislike something, we tell the world. As for this here pair of Fornasaris, well, we sure as hell ain't talking about the lusty Pandion.
First up is the crayola orange and two-tone gray Racing Buggy and... it's better than the Fornasari RR66 that we'll be slicing into momentarily. Honestly, this sick puppy looks like Cadillac's Art & Science team redesigned the Isuzu VehiCross with a blunt chisel, though the front and the back are actually pretty sharply crafted. Since that's about the nicest thing we have to say, we'll move on to the RR66.
Dude, seriously? The navy blue RR66 is one of those rare show cars that we just can't believe ever made it out of the Mac Book Pro, let alone anything resembling a design studio. Did the designer down a bottle of scotch while staring at the Spyker Peking-Paris SUV long enough for that ugly duckling to look good? Yes. But never mind the awkward, two-door SUV proportions, check out the rotten detailing.
The wood used for the RR66's sills and cargo box is not the exquisite stuff used to line the innards of the Audi A7 Coastline Concept. In fact, it looks like it fell off the same tree we used to make a chessboard out of in 8th grade. But unlike our highly praised chessboard (hi mom!), Fornasari didn't even varnish the stuff. That's just lazy, and we hate lazy. We also hate the last-minute-afterthought pressed-in slumlord rear window. OK, it's late and we're running low on hate-juice, but you get the idea. How do you kids say it? FAIL.
Gallery: Geneva 2010: Fornasari Racing Buggy and RR66
Geneva 2010: Fornasari Racing Buggy and RR66 represent opposite end of Geneva spectrum originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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