Making its global debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the Ford Evos Concept represents the ultimate expression of Ford’s new global design language, and explores key future powertrain and vehicle technologies.

Created as a bespoke concept vehicle, the fastback introduces Ford’s first truly global design language as the momentum of the company’s One Ford product plan continues to build.

“The Ford Evos Concept unites three key elements which are at the core of our One Ford global product strategy: outstanding design, smart technologies and fuel economy leadership,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president of Global Product Development. Read the rest of this entry »

Fiat presents the new Panda at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. It is a consistent evolution of a successful city car that in its 31-year history has always been a synonym of functional design, manoeuvrability, space, reliability and comfort.

The Panda is all this and something more: a brand rich in strong rational and emotional value, which has won over more than 6.5 million drivers by supplying simple but smart solutions for the real necessities of everyday mobility. Everything is a whole lot easier on board the Panda. It is easier to move, park, have the right amount of space and modulate it to your liking, feel at ease and relate with others. Important solutions that are expressed in a philosophy of life. Read the rest of this entry »

The HX1 Concept Car gives Peugeot the opportunity to once again illustrate the marque’s ability to reflect on new ideas, learn how to evolve and to continually reinvent itself.

The brief for this concept was to produce a vehicle for up to six people, offering strong styling, that is sporty and efficient and at the same time giving a unique driving sensation.

To achieve this, the HX1 transcends the notions of adaptability in all areas, with its extreme aerodynamics (‘flaps’ are deployed to optimise aero efficiency according to vehicle speed), its tapered, low MPV architecture and its HYbrid4 power plant integrating ‘plug-in’ technology. Read the rest of this entry »

Substantially more agile and efficient, but as comfortable and spacious as ever – the new B-Class from Mercedes-Benz is a winner on all fronts. The vehicle’s lower height and more upright seat position provide for a first impression that hints at the compact sports tourer’s dynamic credentials.

With a new four-cylinder petrol engine featuring direct injection and turbocharging, a new diesel engine, a new dual clutch transmission, a new manual transmission and new assistance systems, the front-wheel-drive car also rings in a new technological era for compact cars from Mercedes-Benz. “No model change in the history of Mercedes-Benz has ever seen so many new developments introduced in one fell swoop,” stresses Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management responsible for Group Research and Head of Development, Mercedes-Benz Cars. “Future B-Class customers will benefit from this quantum leap in terms of exemplary low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions combined with driving pleasure, plenty of space and the highest standard of safety that has ever been available in this class.”
The world premiere of the new B-Class (length/width/height: 4359/1786/1557 millimetres) will take place at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (13 to 25 September 2011). It will be making its way to European dealers in November 2011. Read the rest of this entry »

The power of a six-cylinder model, the fuel consumption of a four-cylinder version: Audi will be starting series production of the A8 hybrid in 2012. Its gasoline engine – a 2.0 TFSI – and an electric motor develop peak output of 180 kW (245 hp) and 480 Nm (345.03 lb-ft) of torque. Average fuel consumption is below 6.4 liters per 100 km (36.75 US mpg). The sedan can travel at speeds of up to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) on electric power alone, and cover around three kilometers (1.86 miles) with zero local emissions at a constant speed of 60 km/h (37.28 mph). Read the rest of this entry »

The new 458 Spider joins the 458 Italia, widening the range of Ferrari’s mid-rear engined V8s and offering the same uncompromising technological solutions, handling and performance in a refined open-top configuration. It is equipped with a Ferrari patented, fully retractable hard top, a world first for a sports car with this lay-out. Read the rest of this entry »

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG is the most powerful SLK of all time. Its new AMG 5.5-liter V8 engine featuring cylinder shutoff combines the ultimate in performance with the lowest possible fuel consumption. With a peak output of 415 hp and maximum torque of 398 lb-ft, the 2012 SLK55 AMG is poised to outperform all of its direct competitors. High-performance driving is ensured thanks to the AMG sports suspension with Direct-Steer system, Torque Vectoring Brakes and 3-stage ESP®, as well as the AMG high-performance braking system. The 2012 SLK55 AMG will arrive in U.S. showrooms in early 2012. Read the rest of this entry »

Volkswagen has redrawn the map of the small car world. The goal: to develop a small car with charisma, a small car with maximum space on a minimal footprint, a small car with the most fuel-efficient engines or an electric drive, a small car with intuitive infotainment and operating systems, a small car with the safety of a large car. The result is the new up! It measures a short 3.54 metres and is a specialist for everyday urban living that was thought through to the last detail. This car – like the larger Polo and the even larger Golf – will appeal to people of all ages and mobility wishes. Read the rest of this entry »