2012 Geneva Motor Show – Automobiles Review

Bentley EXP 9 F Images

After a successful UK/Goodwood debut, the Bentley EXP 9 F design concept SUV comes with new images and a video. Not the breaking news we’ve been looking for but still better than leaving empty handed.

Again, there’s talk about the EXP 9 F‘s mingle of highlights such as “contemporary” luxury, advanced technology, all-terrain friendliness and a “commanding driving position”? Usually 99% of the driving seats out there are commanding in the sense that there is a steering wheel nearby, there are pedals within reach and there’s a center console on the left/right. Whatever the position, Bentley hope to end up with the “fastest and most luxurious SUV in the world”.

The Goodwood was a yet another venue for the EXP 9 F with which Bentley are testing the public and their attitude towards the idea of their own SUV. Before last week, we saw the concept at the Geneva International Show while in August, an appearance is scheduled at the Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach, California.

Bentley EXP 9 F

Source: Bentley

July 6, 2012

Toyota FT-Bh Explained [VIDEO]

The Toyota FT-Bh concept already did it’s premiere at the 82^nd Geneva Motor Show but the talk is still on. Here’s a clip of Alain Uyttenhoven, Product Management Vice President of Toyota Europe, explaining the ideas behind this B segment thing of the future.

Apparantly, the FT-Bh started in life as a set of goals – make it compact…er, retain the Yaris-ness nevertheless, keep the CO2 emissions bellow 50g/km but somehow provide an entertaining ride and an agile performance. We’ll have to wait and see about that last bit. Oh, yes. There’s a hint that the FT-Bh is production ready.

What we find particularly interesting is that Mr. Uyttenhoven talks about five key concepts behind the FT-Bh. “Pillars” he calls them. Coincidentally (or is it?), the FT-Bh seems to have five structural Pillars that support the roof. He does get to explain only three of them – lightness (Standing at 785 kg, the concept weighs 25% less than the ongoing Yaris hybrid), slipperiness and smartness of the drivetrain works. Power will come from a 1.0-liter, 2-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine and a pack of Li-ion batteries that will charge an electric motor.

Any ideas about the two other pillars?

httpv://youtu.be/G4mD7v7Alos

Source: Toyota

Video Source: ToyotaEurope via YouTube

March 29, 2012

The 2012 Geneva Motor Show: Hots and Nots

Last week marked the end of the 82nd Geneva Motor Show – one of the biggest automotive exhibitions in the world.

More than 700,000 visitors feasted their eyes upon the creations of some 260 manufacturers while 11,500 media representatives channeled all there was to channel directly to your screens. It was a vibrant two week marathon of motoring nirvana.

There were ups and downs (mostly ups really), there was music, there was dancing…oh, and cars also.

The scale of the whole event does not allow to sum up everything in a single go and yet, we at Automobilesreview.com decided to give our humble opinion about some of the good, the bad and the ugly.

The Lamborghini Aventador Speedster J

HOT: It’s the lunacy that gets you. Gravely controversial, this topless model caused quite a stir among enthusiasts and observers.

Why wouldn’t it? It’s an Avenatador without a windscreen – first class go-kart experience, an Ariel Atom on steroids.

Despite the fact that any human being would look ridiculous inside (more so after a good trashing), nobody would dare to make a joke about it – the person inside should be, by all accounts, a man of steel.

Tata Megapixel

NOT: It’s got all the right features by the look of things: modern and round and crisp. But, even the name suggests, that it is essentially a big square.

Part of the reason why this is not getting too much attention might be because of the brand. Tata have yet to produce a car that has some aesthetic value.

We get that the idea behind the affordability and the fact that it is ideal for the streets of India but that’s just about it.

It’s too soulless and by looking at those side-sliding doors, original as they might be, we can’t help but thinking of a convenience store.

Peugeot GTI Concept

HOT: You didn’t think we would miss a chance to include a hot hatch, did you? And hot it is this one. Peugeot 208 GTI – an audacious take on an almost thirty year old legend: Peugeot 205 GTI.

How do you stand up to the car that was claimed to be the embodiment of the hot hatch concept? How do you challenge Genesis?

At Peugeot think that an RCZ 200bhp 1.6 turbo engine, a wider-than-standard track and a multitude of handling smarts should do the trick.

We would really like to see that on the streets and chances are, we are not alone in this.

Carlsson Smart forTwo

NOT: Bringing a Smart to an autoshow is like bringing a knife to a gunfight.

Carlsson have made an effort to give this little critter some character but at best, they have given it an orange interior.

Power is up by a few figures – thanks to an ECU upgrade we get 110 bhp which is a lot, considering that the ForTwo weighs less than a lady’s handbag.

But unless you stick to driving it in a straight line, all is in vain we suspect as the ForTwo just doesn’t have the wheelbase for the job. It’s too short and understeery.

Touring Disco Volante

HOT: No. This is not hot. Hot is too much of a vulgar word to describe it.

It’s a celebration of aesthetics, a cobweb of passion and style and curves a blissful incarnation of beauty itself. It’s a history lesson as well – Conceived in the 50s, the 1900 C52 Alfa Romeo “Flying Saucer” had a profile made to last and today, the Carrozzeria Touring Disco Volante is the living proof of that.

It’s a genuine car this and not just a pretty body with no engine in it. The world would be a better place with this on the streets so peace’s sake, let’s hope the motoring future looks like this.

Hyundai i20

NOT: Bland, gray and consumer oriented, this ok family car, with an ok engine and ok quality inside and outside might be the right purchase to make…if one does not care about cars in general and is only interested in going from A to B safely.

You know, Hyundai have a perfectly sensible guarantee policies and… not interested?

No… Understandably you are not, because the i20 will never make your hair on your back stand up.

That is of course, you don’t find yourself driving it on the wrong side of the road with oncoming traffic…while being on fire.

The Geneva Girls

HOT:…definitely.

Let’s face it. What would the show be without some models…next to the models?

A big gear-head convention with people mooning about, calculating power-to-weight ratios and arguing over naught to sixty times.

We are not saying, that the 2012 Geneva Motor Show wasn’t like that, but at the very least, the girls were there to balance things out.

We also like how this particular model is thematically coordinated with the car represented – the Bertone Nuccio concept. All Seems legitimate.

Mia Electric

NOT: Don’t get us wrong. It’s an interesting idea this – a tubular sort of, 3 seated van.

And anything that can offer a McLaren F1 type of driving position makes us tingle with excitement. It’s called the Mia and it looks like a Smart stretch which by itself sounds ironic.

Sadly, this is where the similarities with the F1 end. Strictly for the urban environment, this French-made “Microbus” gets its power from a 13 bhp electric, but hardly electrifying, engine that has a range of around 80 miles.

True, it weighs no more than 810 kg with the batteries on board but that’s courtesy to its plastic body. Label it “hot” and it might melt.

Pininfarina Cambiano Concept

HOT: Much like the Disco Volante, this concept deserves an admirable batch of flattering adjectives.

It’s beautifully styled with clean and simple lines, it has some daring features like that roof over there – no doubt eye candy for all present at the unveiling.

But while the Disco Volante is basically an Alfa 8C Competizione underneath, the Cambiano is an ultra complex plug in hybrid that has electric motors on each wheel and a small diesel turbine that can charge the batteries or provide power by itself.

The overall maximum power output reaches 600 kW with torque being 640 Nm and constantly available. Take it out for a spin and by the time the juice runs out, you’d be 800 km away from home. So, clever and sleek – certainly a pageant winner.

Bentley EXP 9 F Concept

NOT: We are gravely sorry, but Bentley should stick to what they do best – making Continentals.

Just because the world has gone mad-crazy about SUV‘s does not mean that there’s a place for everybody on the market table.

Besides, its not really a looker is it? It looks like a Continental with the aerodynamics taken out – anguliar, upright and awkward.

Also, with those overcomplicated headlights and ridiculous wheels, certainly the EXP 9 F is not doing too much to win our hearts. It may appeal a footballer’s heart but that’s as far as it will go.

Gumpert Apollo Enraged

HOT: This Gumpert Apollo in particuliar is not the melt-my-heart kind of hot (the sheer size of that rear wing is hardly endearing).

It’s more like heartburn type of hot – What you are looking at is a V8 lunatic on the loose, angry and out to get you.

If underestimated, this Griffin will trample over your ego with 780 horses (from a V8!!). But you can guess that by yourself, can’t you? The clues are pretty much in how they called it – the Enraged.

What’s more, you most certainly won’t be looking too hot stuck on a speed bump, but when a ride goes that low, chances are you are going to grind over half the streets in your town. On the plus side, it’s quite probable to be an absolute hit on trackdays, leaving behind Porsches and BMW‘s trailing behind.

March 26, 2012

Pininfarina Cambiano named most beautiful concept car

If you have followed thoroughly this year’s edition of 2012 Geneva Motor Show, then you have probably seen already many beautiful cars. But have you pondered for a moment on which one appealed to you the most?

Well, if you still don’t have the answer, there has recently been made a poll, in which according to the public the most beautiful car to be seen in Geneva was the Pininfarina Cambiano Concept Car.

The competition was fierce, but nonetheless the concept vehicle has managed to gather most of the votes and gained the “the most beautiful concept of 2012 Geneva Motor Show” as well “the most beautiful concept car”.

In the poll took part other significant vehicles such as Italdesign Giugiaro Brivido, Infiniti Emerg-e, Bertone Nuccio, Range Rover Evoque Convertible Concept, and other amazing vehicles that achieved a lot of success in Geneva.

With the Cambiano, Pininfarina proposes an electric traction luxury sport sedan, which is in addition elegant and sporting, refined and comfortable. It emphasizes a pure synthesis of forefront design and engineering research with optimal attention to environment friendliness.

The new concept car embodies the Pininfarina expertise in the field of styling, design and research in the field of sustainable mobility. Undoubtedly, this concept sets a new benchmark for environment-conscious luxury vehicles. Its main strong point is the electric traction, which translates into zero emissions in the urban cycle. In fact, this is the highest all-electric range currently available on the market. This plug-in electric sedan combines top performance, excellent utility and the comfort of a luxury car.

Source: Pininfarina

March 23, 2012

2012 Geneva Motor Show: Rinspeed Dock+Go Mobility System

What is “Dock+GO”? Basically it is the innovative mind of the Rinspeed designers coming into manifestation. In fact, it is backpacks on wheels for electric vehicles. This concept vehicle was is a main attraction at 2012 Geneva Motor Show. It is specifically this third on-demand axle that is the crucial point of the innovative modular mobility system the Rinspeed has developed. The motto of the concept is simple: “Take 3!” and it is all about taking three axels instead of two. However this modification is based on the thinking “but only if you need them”! Moreover these single-axle “packs” can be used in different ways depending on what the driver has to do during the day. In addition they also have an insightful resolution for the so commonly met operating range problem of electric vehicles. The highlight is that neither unneeded space nor superfluous weight is carried along if it is not necessary. What is so special about this concept is that any electrified city speedster could serve as the basis for “Dock+Go”: for example – a two seated smart. In Geneva Rinspeed showcased a rolling “sound pack” equipped with the latest high-end sound solutions in order to guarantee a first class acoustical experience.

In addition, the vehicle includes a unique “energy pack,” fitted with a range extender or additional batteries, powered by a fuel cell or a combustion engine. They provide the crucial extra kilometers to reach more distant destinations. In details, the docked third axle drives the rotating second axle and in doing so also recharges the on-board batteries of the city speedster. In addition, when the pack with auxiliary batteries is docked and the vehicle is not utilized, the pack will even provide electricity to the owner’s private residence or serve as a buffer for the public energy grid.

And how about the exterior of this amazing and mindful project? What catches the eye immediately is the silver paint with a finish that resembles sparkling ice crystals. In addition, the car rides on Goodyear low-rolling-resistance tires in size 205/40-17 mounted on 7.5-inch AEZ rims, whose decorative silver covers are attached to red fasteners with rubber bands. On the other hand the interior is as superb as the exterior. It is all in red and black premium upholstery, which in addition includes strong natural thermoregulation, good insulation and a high capacity for absorbing moisture. Furthermore, the transparent roof and its distinctive grass inlays – as well as a number of other interior materials contribute to the comfort f the vehicle. The view ahead is dominated by a 12.1-inch monitor. It belongs to the multimedia equipment and is part of the intelligent infotainment system developed from Harman. Of course, the platform features the latest integration technologies. The steering wheel is also wrapped in red and black upholstery. In addition, in the concept vehicle are included a recently newly developed high-strength, lightweight door frames. No compromises were made regarding the handling. There is also no need to recharge the car through plugs. Instead the vehicle simply rolls onto an induction field from SEW Eurodrive for non-contact charging.

The project “Dock+Go” is definitely a different concept vehicle. First, the size of the battery and therefore the costs are depend on several factors, drive with high power, or operating range, and the Battery charging strategies. Although it has a small Battery, it has enough power to cover all the daily trips. Secondly, three instead of two axles means six instead of four wheels. No other car includes this. The AEZ engineers’ technical goal was to make the rims as light as possible, in order to set high standards for the efficiency and performance of the vehicle. Third, it is fascinating adaptable vehicle with improved range size. It also offers technical solution for the functioning of interfaces accounts not only for coupling the e-vehicle’s mechanical and electrical equipment by means of energy, space and accessory ‘Packs’, but also connecting to existing infrastructure. Furthermore, a number of innovative business models have been developed for “Dock+Go”. Hence, this concept has the unique potential to significantly reduce existing e-vehicle drawbacks in terms of range and space. In fact, what is more important is that Rinspeed’s “Dock+Go” approach relies on an existing product line – like the Smart for instance – and establishes the best conditions for profitable production in the shortest possible time. This delivers the opportunity to literally “add” the project to any present EV.

Source: Rinspeed

March 14, 2012

Morgan Lineup at Geneva 2012

Morgan company is a frequent participant at the Geneva Motor Show. They see it as an important venue for debuts of production cars or flamboyant concepts. For this year, the 2012 Geneva Show is the company’s first major event. They have a wide arrangement of classic looking, boldly designed modern machines on display. Some of the newcomers include the Aero Coupe, Plus 8, the new 3.7l Roadster and the fully electric Plus E.

Two, well known, production Morgan 3 Wheelers and a 75th anniversary 4/4 edition are also present. As a whole Morgan have three main platforms on which they can work on: There’s the Classic Morgan, the 3 Wheeler and the Aero range. All of them encapsulate a radiance of pure motoring history.

Which car on the colorful stand causes most stir is debatable. Some feel overly excited about the 3 Wheelers being on display while others find the aluminum-chassied, V8 Plus 8, most awe inspiring. The dramatic Aero Coupe is also a looker while the all-electric Plus E concept seems to be getting much media attention.

The show continues until the 18th march with a team of Morgan designers, directors, engineers and salespeople present at all times to answer any questions visitors may have.

The Morgan Stand at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show

Source: Morgan

March 14, 2012

BMW 328i by AC Schnitzer

M cars are not the only prime candidates for first-class tuning. Take the BMW 328i for example. It’s pretty neat, powerful, compact and nimble. It only takes a company like AC Schnitzer to turn it into a desirable performance machine.

The engine receives an extra control unit that amps the power from 245hp to 295hp. The maximum torque is now 410Nm. Top speed is still limited to 250 km/h but zero to one hundred happens in 5.7 seconds – .2 of a second less.

The suspension has been lowered thanks to a spring kit provided by Schnitzer and the choice of wheels is mind boggling: AC Schnitzer wheels Type IV BiColor and silver, Type VI and Type VIII in 18 , 19 and 20-inch sizes. The Type VIII are also available in BiColor – lacquered silver with bright turned aluminium accents.

Additional aerodynamic features include the AC Schnitzer front spoiler, rear roof spoiler, rear spoiler and rear skirt extension. From the latter, 2 pairs of chromy twin tailpipes stick out, giving away the AC Schnitzer sports rear silencer.

The interior of the car serves as a showcase of AC Schnitzer‘s“Black Line” aluminum themes – that includes the “i-Drive” system controller and the handbrake handle. Pedal set is aluminum as well and so is the foot rest. The floor mats are in velours.

You can go and see it right now at the Geneva Motor Show but if you want to get one, that’s going to have to happen latter this year. In the summer perhaps.

Full specs bellow.

Basic car:

BMW 328i (F30)

Engine:

AC Schnitzer performance upgrade –

Performance: 217kW/295hp (standard: 180kW/245hp)

at 5800rpm (standard: 5000-6500rpm)

Maximum torque: 410Nm (standard: 350Nm)

at 2000-3000rpm (standard: 1250-4800)

Maximum speed (km/h) 250 – electronically limited

0 – 100 km/h: 5,7 seconds (standard: 5,9 seconds)

AC Schnitzer engine optics

Exhaust:

AC Schnitzer sports rear silencer with

2 chromed “Racing” tailtrims in

right / left combination

Suspension:

AC Schnitzer spring kit, lowering approx. 25 mm

Aerodynamics:

AC Schnitzer front spoiler

AC Schnitzer front grille, chromed

AC Schnitzer rear roof spoiler

AC Schnitzer rear spoiler

AC Schnitzer rear skirt

AC Schnitzer decals

Interior:

AC Schnitzer aluminium cover, “Black Line”

for BMW “i-Drive“ system controller

AC Schnitzer aluminium handbrake handle, “Black Line”

AC Schnitzer gear knob with digital shift display

AC Schnitzer leather gear knob, illuminated

AC Schnitzer aluminium gear knob “Black Line”

AC Schnitzer aluminium pedals

AC Schnitzer foot rest

AC Schnitzer floor mats, velours

Wheel/Tyre sets:

AC Schnitzer Wheel/Tyre Set with Type VIII Wheels BiColor Silver

front: 8,5 x 18″ with tyres 225/45 R 18

rear: 8,5 x 18″ with tyres 225/45 R 18

front: 8,5 x 19″ with tyres 225/40 R 19

rear: 8,5 x 19″ with tyres 255/35 R 19

front: 8,5 x 20″ with tyres 225/35 R 20

rear: 8,5 x 20″ with tyres 255/30 R 20

AC Schnitzer Wheel/Tyre Set with Type IV Wheels BiColor

front: 8,5 x 18″ with tyres 225/45 R 18

rear: 8,5 x 18″ with tyres 225/45 R 18

front: 8,5 x 19″ with tyres 225/40 R 19

rear: 8,5 x 19″ with tyres 255/35 R 19

AC Schnitzer Wheel/Tyre Set with Type IV Wheels Silver

front: 8,5 x 18″ with tyres 225/45 R 18

rear: 8,5 x 18″ with tyres 225/45 R 18

front: 8,5 x 19″ with tyres 225/40 R 19

rear: 8,5 x 19″ with tyres 255/35 R 19

AC Schnitzer Wheel/Tyre Set with Type VIII Wheels BiColor

front: 8,5 x 19″ with tyres 225/40 R 19

rear: 8,5 x 19″ with tyres 255/35 R 19

AC Schnitzer Wheel/Tyre Set with Type VI Wheels BiColor

front: 8,5 x 18″ with tyres 225/45 R 18

rear: 8,5 x 18″ with tyres 225/45 R 18

Source: AC Schnitzer

March 12, 2012

2012 Geneva Motor Show: Jaguar XF Sportbrake

Jaguar has announced the new XF Sportbrake at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Practically, it is a Touring version of the XF series, but with sportier and more sleek appearance.

“There is a faily high roofline by necessity, but because of the rising waistline, it still gives the impression of this tapering side window so the car still looks low and lean.”, commented Jaguar Studio Director Wayne Burgess.

“This is precisely why Jaguar chose to include the word “sport” in the vehicle’s name.”, he added.

The XF Sportbrake boasts an impressive cargo area of 1 675 liters. It is also not much heavier than the saloon – just under 70kg.

The engine range includes two diesel units – the super-efficient 2.2 liter four cylinder and the mighty 3.0 liter V6. Both are coupled with an 8-speed automatic gearbox, which sends all torque to the rear wheels.

Stay tuned for more details!

Source: Jaguar

March 12, 2012

2012 Geneva Motor Show: Disco Volante Concept

Touring Superleggera has announced the staggering Disco Volante Concept at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. It is inspired by an old Alfa Romeo and features two seats and powerful V8 engine at the front.

The Disco Volante shares a lot of details from 8C Competizione like the engine, suspension and some other elements.

The mighty 4.7 liter V8 delivers 450PS (331 kW) and 470Nm (347 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to an electronically controlled 6-speed sequential gearbox with paddle-shifters on the steering wheel. All that power is sent to the rear wheels through a LSD (limited slip differential) ensuring perfect traction at every conditions and even in sport driving. 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 292 km/h (181 mph).

We just can’t imagine what will be the price of this car, because every one of these needs more than 4000 hours of highly skilled artisan and engineer work to be completed. Furhtermore, it needs an entire Alfa Romeo Competizione 8C for donor parts.

Stay tuned for more information about this interesting sports vehicle and check out the full specs, below!

Touring Superleggera Disco Volante Concept

TECHNICAL DATA

Dimensions
Length mm 4,613
Width mm 2,020
Height mm 1,335
Wheelbase mm 2,696
Track front/back mm 1,591/1,589
Boot volume l ca. 200
Fuel tank capacity l 88

Engine
Cylinders / type – 8 / V 90°
Cubic capacity cm³ 4,691
Nominal output kW/CV@ rpm 335.6/450@7,000
Max torque Nm@rpm 470@ 4750
Emission standard Euro 5

Driveline
6-speed, electroactuated sequential gearbox with paddle-shift control and automatic mode.
Limited slip differential.

Wheels
Tires Pirelli PZero Rosso, front 265/35 ZR20,
rear 285/35 ZR20
Wheel type Aluminium forged wheels

Performance
Top speed (est.) kph 292
Acceleration (est.) 0-100kph 4.2 sec.

Source: Touring Superleggera

March 12, 2012

2012 Geneva Motor Show: Maserati GranCabrio Fendi Edition

Maserati has brought the special edition GranCabrio Fendi at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. It was firstly introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, last year.

The vehicle boasts 20” alloy wheels, special interior and a mighty 4.7 liter V8 under the bonnet.

Silvia Venturini Fendi’s specially crafted logo seals this collaboration. A silver oval plaque with the engraving of the Maserati Trident, Fendi logo and the five-digit series number is located on the dashboard, in front of the passenger seat, and on both sides of the black cloth folding roof.

The GranCabrio is powered by a 4.7 litre V8 engine with 440 PS (324 kW) 7000RPM and 490Nm (361 lb-ft) at 4750RPM. It is mated to an automatic transmission sending all that power to the rear wheels.

0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 282 km/h.

Packed with the longest wheelbase on the market – 2,492mm, the car also ensures excellent and joyly driving experience.

Source: Maserati

March 12, 2012

2012 Geneva Motor Show: ABT Audi QS3

Abt sportsline has revealed the tuned Audi Q3 at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. The small SUV comes with complete styling package and performance upgrades. The name of the project is ABT QS3, where the “S” stands for sport.

The engine range includes 2.0 TDI with 205PS (151 kW), instead of factory’s 177PS and the 2.0 liter TFSI produces 270PS (199 kW), instead of 211PS.

The suspension is improved by installing a set of lowering springs. There are a different ABT sport wheels available from 18’’ to 20’’ and also in combination with high-performance

tyres.

The styling package includes a new front grill, front spoiler, door strip attachments, rear skirt and rear spoiler.

The exhaust system received a new rear muffler for some added performance and better sound.

Check out the full list of upgrades below!

The new ABT QS3 – data and facts

ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGY

Engine: 2.0 TDI, 1.968 cc capacity

Performance tuning: ABT POWER

Performance: 205 HP/151 kW (standard: 177 HP/130 kW)

ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGY

Engine: 2.0 TFSI, 1.984 ccm capacity

Performance tuning: ABT POWER

Performance: 270 HP/199 kW (standard: 211 HP/155 kW)

ABT SUSPENSION

ABT suspension springs

ABT BRAKES

345 x 30 mm, black painted brake callipers with ABT-Logo

ABT AERODYNAMICS

ABT front grill

ABT front spoiler

ABT door strip attachments

ABT rear skirt

ABT rear spoiler

ABT EXHAUST TECHNOLOGY

ABT rear muffler

ABT WHEEL TECHNOLOGY

ABT designer light alloy wheels “CR” and “DR” in 18 to 20 inch

Available also as complete set of wheels with sports tyres

Source: ABT

March 12, 2012

Hamann memoR McLaren MP4-12C at Geneva

Apparently, upon the release of the McLaren MP4-12C back in 2011, there had been an outcry of discontent about its looks from the public. Visually, it hadn’t been able to live up to its power and performance they say. Deemed too bland and “evoraesque”? Well to those who feel under the weather when looking at a standard MP4-12C, there is a solution – It’s the memoR by Hamann which is currently making its debut within the halls of the 82^nd Geneva Motor Show.

Roughly speaking, the memoR is a stylistically buffed MP4-12C. No performance upgrades, no chassis fiddling and no 20 or something inch tv’s inside. It’s simply with added “uniqueness” now, according to Hamann.

The main inspiration for the restyle was drawn from the 1995 LeMans winner, the McLaren F1 GTR. Obviously, they didn’t manage to put the driver’s seat back at the center of the cabin but were nevertheless on to something. Four ideas were tossed around when the people at Hamann got to work.

1 Reduce the concave surfaces.

2 Integrate the defining F1 bits and pieces.

3 Add some GT3 elements as well.

4 Create an exciting contrast shade.

By “concave surfaces”, Hamann mean the border of the front air intakes, the cross section of the hood, the rear side panel and the sill area. All of them have been removed. Now we have a large front splitter, an air scoop at the roof, deep drawn door sills a rear wing and a diffuser. Three centered tailpipes finish the look… and the massive wheel arches with the wheels underneath. They too finish it off. Hopefully now nobody will complain about it. All points have been covered.

Source: Hamann

March 10, 2012

Tag: 2012 Geneva Motor Show