The new Lotus Elite

Lotus is set to unveil the brand new "Elite" at the Paris Motor Show. Reviving the old name, the company says that the car will redefine “modern classic”.

The car is powered by a front-mid positioned 5.0 litre V8 petrol engine with the optional use of hybrid technology with KERS. According to their press release, the car can go from 0-100 km/h in approximately 3.5 to 3.7 seconds.

There are plans for a retractable hard top version as well.

The car is set for release in spring 2014 and will be priced around £115,000.

The picture here is a Production Intent Prototype, it represents a concept vehicle being designed and developed by Lotus Cars.

Green Ferrari

Never thought I would hear the two words "Ferrari" and "Green" together but as they say ...

Ferrari recently unveiled their the 599 GTB Fiorano, their HY-KERS vettura laboratorio (experimental vehicle) at the Geneva Motor Show. The car features a electric motor mated with a V12 petrol engine. The electric motor powers the power steering, power-assisted brakes, air conditioning and on-board systems.

According to Ferrari the vehicle reduces CO2 emissions on the ECE + EUDC combined cycle by 35 per cent.

More info here.

Mitsubishi Motors debuts two models in Geneva

i MiEV (white) and the i MiEV SPORT AIR (blue) concepts

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation launched two concepts at the 79th Geneva International Motor Show at the Geneva Palexpo exhibition and conference complex on the 3rd of this month.

The two new cars are the i MiEV and the i MiEV SPORT AIR concept models. MiEV stands for Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle.

The i MiEV prototype is the precursor to a model that will be introduced to the European market in 2010.

The i MiEV SPORT AIR does bear a close resemblance to the VW Beetle.

New Jaguar cars revealed

Jaguar showed off their new generation XK and XF ranges at the North American International Autoshow, Detroit.

The new Jaguar XK has new 3.0 Litre V6 Diesel engine, new exterior and a redesigned interior.

The range comprises three models: the XK, XK Portfolio and supercharged XKR, and each are available in Coupe or Convertible body style.

The new 510 PS 5.0 Litre AJ-V8 GEN III R supercharged engine is said to be Jaguar's most powerful and efficient ever.

The new XF range are available with the naturally aspirated version of the new 5.0-litre petrol V8 and the new 3.0-litre V6 diesel engines (in two versions -500 and 600Nm).

Extras include a 7-inch Touch-screen, Portable Audio Interface, Driver Information Centre and the industry-leading JaguarDrive Selector used to control the all-new ZF 6HP28 six speed automatic transmission.



According to their press release, the new XF Diesel S model has a powerful 275PS engine and goes from 0-60mph speed in just 5.9 seconds. Available as Premium Luxury and Portfolio models. It was interesting to note that the maximum speed is electronically limited to 155mph.

If you are worried about the green credential (if you really are, why don't you drive a Prius) the average fuel consumption in both models is 42.0mpg and has a CO2 emissions rating of only 179g/km.

The new XFR - XF's new sporting flagship model, has two new generation 5.0 litre V8 petrol engines that goes from 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds. The AJ-V6D Gen III engine - available in either 240PS/500Nm form or 275PS/600Nm 'S' features parallel sequential turbochargers to help deliver the high levels of power and torque. The engine is coupled with a six-speed ZF 6HP28 automatic transmission.

Of course you don't buy a Jaguar just to drive fast. There's the comfort and craftsmanship. The new Jaguar cars offer a wider choice of veneers and trim colours. For audiophiles, a Bowers and Wilkins 440W surround sound system with portable audio interface and DAB radio is also included.

The new XK and XF range will be on sale from March 2009.

2008 Singapore Motorshow

The 2008 Singapore Motorshow is now on. This bi-annual event started on the 26th of this month at at the Suntec City Convention Centre It will run on till the 5th of October.

The new C3 Picasso

The new Citroen C3 family body style will be presented at this year’s Paris Motor Show and launch in the first-quarter of next year.

Despite it's small appearance, this MPV measures 4.08 m long, 1.73 m wide and 1.62 m tall with a fairly big boot space. The split-fold rear seats can be folded away with one hand in one simple movement. The new C3 allows flat loading space right up to the seatbacks in row one. That's not all. the load length can be further extended by folding the front passenger seat back down into desk position.

Check out the innovative, three-part windscreen with slim pillars. Combined with the high seats, it will give the driver a wide-angle vision.


Regarding the engine, the C3 Picasso there are four options. Either the two new-generation petrol options – the VTi 95 and VTi 120 – and two diesels, the HDi 90 and HDi 110 DPFS. As for environment fliendliness, these engines provide low CO2 emissions, with the HDi 90 unit emitting just 125 g/km.

New Mitsubishi Pajero Sport SUV

A new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport SUV model will be unveiled at 2008 Moscow Motor Show. the show will run from August 26 to September 7 (open to the public on August 29) at the Crocus Expo in Moscow.

The model will be known as the "Montero Sport" in South America, "Shogun' in the UK, "Nativa" in Latin America and "Challenger" in Australia. However, it will not be sold in Central and Western Europe nor in North America.


Rear


Front view

The new Pajero has a really sporty look. They are offering a choice of three engines viz.,: 2.5-litre and 3.2-litre common rail direct injection diesel units and a 3.5-litre V6 gasoline unit.

Very practical innovations include the water-repellent seats and waterproof luggage compartment floor.

According to their press release, Mitsubishi choose to launch the new Pajero Sport at the Moscow Motor Show to indicate "Russia's eminent position within Mitsubishi Motors". It's not surprising because in the last fiscal year (2007) Mitsubishi Motors sold some 100,000 vehicles on the Russian market.

Toyota showcase at British Motor show

Toyota GB will be will be showcasing its entire range of vehicles at the British International Motor Show 2008.


The IQ

This includes the revolutionary Toyota iQ and the Urban Cruiser SUV.


The Urban Cruiser

The show will run from 23 July to 3 August of this year at ExCel London.

Lancer Sportback to be unvieled at Paris Motor Show

The new Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback will be unveiled at the Le Mondial de l'Automobile 2008 (Paris Motor Show 2008). The show is being held in Halls 1-8 of the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from October 2 to 19 and will be open for the general public on 4th October.

The Lancer Sportback is a 5-door sport hatchback with a unique inverted-slant nose and trapezoidal grille. It will be available 1.5-liter (109PS), 1.8-liter (143PS) gasoline engines and a 2.0-liter (140PS) turbo diesel engine versions.


Lancer Sportback (Europe spec.)

Other cars that will be on display at the Mitsubishi stand include the Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Sportback Ralliart models.


Lancer Sportback Ralliart (Europe spec.)


Lancer Ralliart (Europe spec)

These models are powered by a turbocharged engine mated to Mitsubishi's Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission) and delivering power to all four wheels through an Active Center Differential.

LifeCar - a green sportscar

From the Morgan Motors website

The Morgan LifeCar is an environmentally friendly sports car concept that will be launched at the Geneva Show in March 2008.

With zero emissions, this hydrogen fuel cell powered car is based on the design of the Morgan Aero-8 roadster. A full tank gives it 250 miles (400km).


From the Morgan Motors website

The car was developed by the Morgan Motor Company in collaboration with Oscar Automotive, Cranfield University, QinetiQ, Oxford University and Linde AG. The project cost £1.9m (partly funded by the British Govt.) and took nearly nearly three years to complete.

To make the car lightweight, it has an aluminium chassis and interior fittings including the seats are made of wood. The car also doesn't have other estras including air bags, stereo or air conditioning. Can't be that comfortable.

Mitsubishi at Geneva

The 78th Geneva International Motor Show runs from March 4 through March 16 at the Geneva Palexpo exhibition and conference complex and will open to the general public on March 6. Given below is Mitsubishi Motors' lineup at the Motor Show include:

1. Prototype-S sport hatchback concept: The concept makes it's global debut here.

2. i MiEV (dubbed the i-EV in Europe): new-generation electric vehicle under evaluation for export to international markets and currently undergoing fleet monitoring in Japan.

3. Lancer Evolution (Lancer Evolution X on the Japanese market)

4. Pajero Evolution

5. Outlander

6. Lancer (" Galant Fortis " in Japan)

7. Pajero

8. L200 (Built in Thailand, "Triton" in selected markets)

9. Colt CZC (Built in Europe)

10. Colt CZT (Built in Europe)

11. Colt (Built in Europe)

12. Grandis

Next generation Honda Pilot

Honda showed off a concept of the next-generation 2009 Honda Pilot at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.



This mid-sized SUV has better on-road handling and a more spacious interior.

Mitsubishi Concept-RA global premiere

Mitsubishi Concept-RA

The Mitsubishi Concept-RA had it's global premiere at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (the Detroit Motor Show). The 2008 NAIAS started on the 13 of this month and will run till the 27 at the Cobo Center in Detroit. It will open to the general public on January 19.


Lancer Ralliart

Other cars from Mitsubishi that will be in the MMC stand includes a 2.0-liter Lancer sedan and a new a 2.4-liter DOHC MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system) engine variant. The Lancer Ralliart model will also be there. Powered by a new 4-cylinder 2.0-liter MIVEC turbocharged engine, the new Ralliart gives a maximum output of 177 kW (240 PS) and 343 Nm (35kg-m).

MMC will also be showing off its new 4WD sedan Lancer Evolution (Lancer Evolution X for the Japanese market). If you happen to visit the show, do drop by their "S-AWC Theater" simulation booth to experience the ir S-AWC vehicle dynamics control system.

Read more about the Mitsubishi Motors Lineup at 2008 North American International Auto Show.

Mitsubishi Concept-RA to be unveiled at NAIAS

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and Mitsubishi Motors North America Inc. (MMNA, based in Cypress California) will unveil the Mitsubishi Concept-RA to the world at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS or the Detroit Motor Show). The 2008 NAIAS runs from January 13 to 27 at the Cobo Center in Detroit and opens to the general public on January 19.

Just take a look at the design sketches. Don't they look fantastic.




The new concept from Mitsubishi combines performance and environmental responsibility - something you won't hear often

It is a coupe which features the Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) vehicle dynamics control system driveline and the Twin Clutch SST automated manual transmission used in Lancer Evolution (Lancer Evolution X in Japan). The car will be powered by a new high-efficiency, low-emissions 2.2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbodiesel engine with MIVEC*6 continuously variable valve timing control.

Environmental friendly features:
The engine has piezoelectric injector common-rail direct fuel injection that allows a lower compression ratio and with a VD (Variable Diffuser)/VG (Variable Geometry) turbocharger, the clean diesel unit delivers a maximum output of 150 kW (204 PS) and maximum torque of 420 Nm (42.8 kg-m).

For compliance with U.S. emissions standards (Tier 2 Bin 5 emission regulations), the engine is fitted with a new catalytic converter system.

For improved crashworthiness and to reduce vehicle weight, the body structure uses an aluminum space frame, as well as engine hood, fenders and other outer panels made from high impact-resistance and easily recyclable plastic resin.

Taiki - a sleek concept from Mazda

Here is Mazda's vision of the future - the Mazda Taiki. The latest concept which was unvieled at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show, is an evolution of the Nagare design theme. Looks like a bird about to fly.

This front-engine rear-drive sports car of the future features a revolutionary next-generation rotary engine and enhanced aerodynamic performance.


Mazda also showed off the new Mazda Atenza - soon to be introduced in Japan and the new Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid.

The new Jaguar XFat the Frankfurt. Motor Show

Jaguar unveiled the new Jaguar XF sports saloon at the IAA Motor Show in Frankfurt.

The new XF fuses sports car styling and performance with the refinement, features and space of a luxury saloon.

The XF will be available with a choice of six models and a range of four engines from the 2.7 litre V6 turbodiesel, to a range of petrol engines culminating in the supercharged 4.2-litre V8 petrol with 416hp. All models feature Jaguar's proven six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted 'paddles' for manual gear selection.

The new Jaguar XF will cost from £33,900 in the UK.

Frankfurt Autoshow video

See the new BMW X6, Mercedes F700, the F430 Scuderia, and the Lamborghini Reventon.

I am drooling.

Ford's Kuga

Ford is going to reveal their new Kuga AWD Crossover vehicle at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It takes many of it's designs from the iosis X concept.

The vehicle forms part of what Ford calls it's new kinetic design. The Kuga combines "elements of SUV and estate car design with a coupé-like profile". It's size is similar to that of the Ford Focus hatchback.

Though detailed specification of the engine have not been revealed as yet, we know that it features a 2.0-litre, 136 PS Duratorq TDCi common-rail diesel engine combined with a Durashift six-speed manual transmission.

The Kuga is not a concept and will be on sale here in the UK in summer of 2008.

For more information read the news release here: Kuga'S the crossover king.

Mitsubishi to introduce 3 concept cars

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is going to introduce three concept cars at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show. Besides the Concept-cX which I have already blogged about, the two new cars are the i MiEV SPORT and the Concept-ZT.


The i MiEV SPORT is based on the i MiEV (Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle). This is a high power sporty yet environmentally friendly vehicle featuring zero-emissions electric engine.


The Concept-ZT ("Z" stands for the "ultimate", plus "T" for tourer) has a newly developed fuel-efficient, 2.2-liter clean diesel engine is mated to the new Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission). Concept-ZT also features advanced active safety as well as passive safety technology, such as its pop-up hood.

For more information read the full press release : "Mitsubishi Motors lineup at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show"

Mitsubishi vehicles at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

According to a press release from Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, they will unveil a few new cars at the 62nd Internationale Automobil Ausstellung (IAA) also known as the Frankfurt Motor Show. They are:
1. The European market version of the new Lancer sports sedan
2. The Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle (i MiEV) and
3. The Concept-cX compact SUV.

Concept-cX compact SUV


The interior

In total, 19 models (17 during press pre-viewing) will be on display.

NOTE: The the new Lancer sports sedan has already been launched in North America, Russia and Japan.

FYI, the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show will be held the Frankfurt Messe Complex and will be open to the public from September 15 through 23, with press and media pre-viewing September 11 through 14.