Seat Exeo Sport Tourer Official 3D Render Video Released - Debut in Geneva

Seat has released a 3D video rendering of their upcoming Exeo Sport Tourer ahead of the wagon's official debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month.
Like the Exeo sedan, the Sport Tourer is based off the previous generation Audi A4 which rides on the B7 platform. Clearly showing an Audi like side profile, the new Seat features the brand's traditional front end with a large grille and attractive headlights. In the rear the styling transplant is even more subtle as it appears the only difference is a slightly redesigned rear hatch, new taillights, and a new bumper.
The interior is all Audi, which despite looking a bit dated is a good thing because the previous generation A4 was known for its high quality and use of premium materials.
Engine options should mirror that those offered in the sedan, which means we can expect a variety of power plants to provide motivation for the new model. Petrol versions should offer outputs ranging from 102hp (75kW) to 200hp (147 kW) while diesel versions should have between 120hp (88kW) and 170hp (123kW).
Look for official details and pricing to be announced when the model debuts in early March.

Source: historiasdelmotor.com

OFFICIAL: Citroen Presents New Logo & Brand Identity Strategy to Dealers

Citroën is not wasting any time pursuing the plan of turning its brand into something less mass-market than its PSA sister Peugeot. Beginning with a new logo which was first pointed out by AutoExpress last December, the French automaker wants to reinvent itself completely from the top down. The logo still features two chevrons but they are redesigned to be more round-edged. Even the name Citroën is written in a different font. It's all part of the 90-year celebrations for the motor manufacturer.
Information that came through to WCF says dealers from 30 different countries where the marque is represented were invited to a screening at cinemas. They were then shown a video of the company's new strategy going through to 2013. Some of the details covered included new-look showrooms and plans pertaining to new models. These will be presented about every half year which works out to 6 new models in the next 3 years.
As reported before these new models will include a new line of Citroëns that are badged as DS cars. The first of these would be a DS3 of which a picture was leaked and later an official one shown. The DS3 will be shown at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. Later a DS4 and DS5 (based on the 2008 Hypnos Concept) will be launched.
The DS line does not replace cars like the C3 and C4 but will sell alongside them, possibly in a separate more exclusive enclosure inside a dealership similar to what Toyota used to do with Lexus.

Source: Citroen

Nissan GT-R by Shadow Sports Design

Shadow Sports Design has given access to details regarding its Nissan GT-R conversion. The car has been given a number of new parts to enhance its performance. A carbon fiber rear spoiler is fitted and elevated to improve downforce. There is a rear air diffuser installed as well for the same purpose.

The 20-inch wheels are made of forged magnesium for both strength and lightness of weight. These were developed in conjunction with Enkei and each of the front wheels saves the car 2.05kg in unsprung weight. They are available in either black or a gunmetal finish. As a way of helping to cool the front brake calipers the front underspoiler has carbon ducts that lead directly to these brakes.

Titanium was the material picked when it came to manufacturing the exhaust pipe mufflers. The Shadow Sports Design GT-R has a pair of racing seats fitted with a harness. No performance figures have been released yet but it's been said that the carbon-clad official GT-R Spec V is two seconds faster around the Sendai Highland Raceway track in Japan than the standard car.

Source: gtrblog.com via www.carscoop.blogspot.com

VW Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid Announced for 2010

The Volkswagen Touareg already straddles both sides of the petrolium fuel fence, with gasoline and diesel-engined versions available. When the next-generation Touareg drops in 2010, VW plans to extend that powertrain flexibility to include a gas/electric hybrid as well.

Prototypes are already in testing. The Touareg hybrid will use an all-new 245 kW (333 hp) supercharged 3.0 liter direct-injection V6 gasoline engine connected to an electric motor. This engine produces 440 Nm (325 lb-ft) torque from 3000 rpm. The E-motor adds another 38 kW (52 hp), as well as a massive 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) torque.

The Touareg will be a parallel hybrid, with both gas and electric motors working together to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The electric motor can also power the Touareg alone for up to 50 km/h (30 mph), and Volkswagen plans to incorporate a switch that enables the driver to lock it in electric mode for gas-free travel. Power is routed to the wheels through a new eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Touareg hybrid will incorporate a stop-start system for fuel savings during city driving, as well as regenerative braking to charge the nickel metal-hydride battery that powers the E-motor.

The capabilities of the Touareg aren't lost with the transition to hybrid power, either. Volkswagen says the hybrid Touareg will still tow up to 3.5 metric tonnes, and that off-road and hill climbing ability are not affected. To offset the weight of the batteries and hybrid system, a lighter Torsen 4x4 differential and electronic power steering have been added.

Source: VW

Ford's new Electric Vehicle: First Details Revealed

An article in the Detroit News about Ford's ongoing electric vehicle program has let a few facts slip out about the upcoming "battery electric vehicle" (BEV) that Ford says it plans to bring to market by 2012.

Developed in conjunction with the plug-in Escape Hybrid that's due to debut a year before it, the BEV will be based on the new global Ford Focus platform which debuts in 2010, and will be a fully electric vehicle, with no gasoline engine component. Ford is aiming for the vehicle to have a range of up to 100 miles on a single charge. "Project M," as it has been internally dubbed, is a joint venture between Ford and Magna International, Inc.

Critics are already wondering if a 100-mile range will be enough for the average commuter. The upside to Ford's Focus-based BEV is reduced cost; with less complexity than a hybrid and most of the construction sourced from a single supplier - Magna. Ford's BEV will likely cost much less than the Chevrolet Volt, whose starting price has been estimated in the $40,000 range.

Source: Detroit News

Rendered Speculation: Seat Roadster Inspired by Bocanegra Concept

Speculation as to the future of Volkswagen's lovely BlueSport concept shown in Detroit continues apace. Hot on the heels of last week's speculative rendering of a "Seat Salsa" based on the BlueSport, we've got another, more extreme imagining.

The latest speculative design combines the BlueSport's dimensions with styling elements seen in Seat's concept vehicles, especially the Bocanegra from last year and the Tango from back in 2003. The new rendering has more aggressive lines and looks quite different from the attractive but restrained BlueSport.

Seat's trademark descending side line features heavily, and the Bocanegra's influence is in the blacked-out front fascia. To keep the lines similar to Seat's current and future family styling, the rear-mounted engine's air intakes are hidden in the convertible top's opening.

Source: Seat

O.CT Boehler Concept BS3

O.CT Tuning is getting ready to show off this predominantly white three-door hatch dubbed the Boehler concept.BS3. The car is based on an Audi S3 quattro and as it can be partially noted from the pictures, some changes have been implemented. Among these are a blaring sport exhaust system that features an improved air intake system, 8-piston brakes with 372mm discs and Yokohama Advan Sport tyres 245/30 R 20 and 255/30 R 20. They are supported by a fully adjustable O.CT coilover suspension.

The exterior features widened rear fenders, an aerodynamically-designed rear bumper, a rear air diffuser and stainless steel tailpipes. The engine bay, battery and air intake have been covered in carbon fiber for that extra sporting touch.

Making the BS3 go forward is a 328hp (241kW) tweaked engine that also makes maximum torque of 425Nm. The BS3's makers say it will achieve the 0 - 100km/h time almost a whole second quicker than the standard Audi S3. The top speed is 265km/h.

O.CT Tuning will only build 100 units of the BS3 at a price of about €67,000 (US$86,100) each.

Source: autoblog.nl