2014 Geneva Motor Show – Automobiles Review

2014 Geneva Motor Show: Zenvo ST1

Zenvo Automotive is currently exhibiting the production-ready ST1 at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. The hyper car was seriously criticized by the TV show Top Gear and even during testing, it caught fire. However, this is serious problem even for a manufacturer like Porsche, who had the same issues with the recently announced GT3 RS.

Zenvo ST1 is all about performance. It is powered by a 6.8 liter supercharged and turbocharged V8 – 1,104 HP (812 kW) and 1,430 Nm (1,054 lb-ft). The power is put on the road through a paddle-shift 7-speed gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 3.0 seconds and a top speed of 375 km/h (233 mph). The curb weight is just 1,590kg (3,505 lbs).

The exterior features an aggressive design with wide body and huge air ducts. There are 19” wheels at the front and 20” at the rear fitted with Michelin Super Sport tires. Behind them, a carbon ceramic brake system is housed.

The interior boasts 1990s style, but with some hi-tech goodies like electronically-adjustable racing seats, flat-bottomed steering wheel, carbon fiber trim, GPS navigation, along with a Bose audio system, dual-zone climate control system and a head-up display.

The price of this toy is €803,000.

Source: Zenvo

March 6, 2014

2014 Geneva Motor Show: Nissan BladeGlider Concept

Nissan brought the BladeGlider Concept at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. The interesting vehicle has been already presented at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show and now it is unveiled to the European audience.

The Nissan BladeGlider features a radical front narrow track layout, where the front is significantly narrower than the rear, creating a swept-wing profile when seen from directly above. It boasts sports car performance handling, braking and weight distribution.

The chassis is manufactured from carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) ensuring maximum stiffness and lightweight.

The interior is designed for three passengers and the seats are in a triangular configuration with the driver centre-forward. There are special light and comfortable coverings with yellow fluorescent lines. The steering-wheel boasts futuristic design, while the instrumentation technology completes the glider-like outline. When the door is opened, the driver’s seat automatically slides allowing easier access to passenger seats.

Source: Nissan

March 5, 2014

2014 Geneva Motor Show: Nissan GT-R Nismo

Nissan GT-R Nismo EU-Spec has made its official European debut at the 84^th Geneva Motor Show. The super-powerful sports car comes with enhanced engine and aerodynamics.

The 3.8 liter twin-turbocharged V6 now delivers 600HP (441 kW). Advanced aerodynamics generating additional 100kg of downforce at 300km/h (186mph) for exceptional road-holding.

2014 GT-R Nismo boasts uncompromising engineering and motorsports-inspired technologies to achieve new levels of power, speed and handling.

“With a 7:08.679 lap time, we can authoritatively say that the Nissan GT-R Nismo holds the volume production car lap record at the Nurburgring Nordschleife, which is the gold standard of high performance achievement.”, said Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn.

Engine

Under the hood, the 3.8-liter V6 engine benefits from the know-how that Nismo has gained from participating in such events as the world-renowned Nürburgring 24 hour race. Engine power has risen and is now rated at 600PS (441kw) and 481 lb ft (652 Nm) of torque.
New high-flow, large capacity turbochargers, which are used for GT3 racing, improve breathing, while optimized individual ignition timing control for each cylinder and upgraded fuel pump improve combustion.

Chassis

The springs and custom-developed Bilstein DampTronic dampers in the front and rear suspension are specially tuned to deliver exceptional grip levels and progressive handling response at the limit. Three suspension modes can be selected: Comfort, Normal and R, for circuit applications.
Exclusive Nismo tires – developed by Dunlop – exhibit outstanding grip and handling characteristics. Front: 255/40 ZRF20; rear 285/35 ZRF20.
Specially-developed links fitted to the front double wishbone suspension increase castor trail to optimize wheel position during high-G cornering and improve straight-line and cornering stability. Additionally, large high-rigidity bolts are used to increase stiffness of the wheel-hub attachment area.
To minimize body-roll during cornering and changes of direction, the Nissan GT-R Nismo features a 17.3 mm hollow rear anti-roll bar which raises roll stiffness while reducing weight.

Body construction

Increased rigidity in the bodyshell is achieved using adhesive bonding in addition to spot welding leading to precise suspension response under extreme load, the Nismo “factory tuned” enhancement.

2. Exterior design – Exclusive styling with improved aerodynamics

Using the latest Computational Fluid Dynamic simulation techniques to analyze airflow, Nismo has developed an aero package that improves road-holding, minimizes the negative impact of drag, while giving the car a menacing and muscular appearance.
Together, the front bumper, engine undercover strake and carbon rear spoiler increase downforce, lowering the center of gravity and generating an additional 100kg*1 (at 300km/h) compared to the freshly updated 2014 Nissan GT-R model. The car’s aerodynamic characteristics are tuned to ensure the downforce is equally spread front to rear at all speeds for progressive handling characteristics. A widened front bumper configuration and elongated yet tapered rear bumper design keep the drag to Cd 0.26, same with that of 2014 Nissan GT-R.
The Nissan GT-R Nismo will be available in four body colors: Brilliant White Pearl, Meteor Flake Pearl Black and Ultimate Metallic Silver. And unique to the GT-R Nismo model, a Dark Matte Grey^*3accentuates the car’s imposing exterior muscularity.
The GT-R Nismo’s black 6-spoke wheels are inspired by Nissan’s GT-R race car which races in the GT500 class in SUPER GT.

3. Interior

The Nissan GT-R Nismo cockpit inspires driver confidence through both its craftsmanship and optimized driving position.
Ergonomically sculpted carbon-fiber-backed reclining RECARO seats comfortably, yet firmly, support the driver and front-seat passenger.
Nismo racers influenced the design of the steering wheel which is dressed in Alcantara®, with three spokes, red center mark and red stitching to give the best combination of grip, feedback and comfort.
The combi meter has carbon-like finish, and tachometer features a red design. The meter hood is also dressed with Alcantara®.
Interior trim features include discreet red stitching on the seats, center console, door trim and steering wheel.

Source: Nissan

Nissan GT-R Nismo EU-Spec has made its official European debut at the 84^th Geneva Motor Show. The super-powerful sports car comes with enhanced engine and aerodynamics.

The 3.8 liter twin-turbocharged V6 now delivers 600HP (441 kW). Advanced aerodynamics generating additional 100kg of downforce at 300km/h (186mph) for exceptional road-holding.

2014 GT-R Nismo boasts uncompromising engineering and motorsports-inspired technologies to achieve new levels of power, speed and handling.

“With a 7:08.679 lap time, we can authoritatively say that the Nissan GT-R Nismo holds the volume production car lap record at the Nurburgring Nordschleife, which is the gold standard of high performance achievement.”, said Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn.

Check the full details below!

Engine

Under the hood, the 3.8-liter V6 engine benefits from the know-how that Nismo has gained from participating in such events as the world-renowned Nürburgring 24 hour race. Engine power has risen and is now rated at 600PS (441kw) and 481 lb ft (652 Nm) of torque.
New high-flow, large capacity turbochargers, which are used for GT3 racing, improve breathing, while optimized individual ignition timing control for each cylinder and upgraded fuel pump improve combustion.

Chassis

The springs and custom-developed Bilstein DampTronic dampers in the front and rear suspension are specially tuned to deliver exceptional grip levels and progressive handling response at the limit. Three suspension modes can be selected: Comfort, Normal and R, for circuit applications.
Exclusive Nismo tires – developed by Dunlop – exhibit outstanding grip and handling characteristics. Front: 255/40 ZRF20; rear 285/35 ZRF20.
Specially-developed links fitted to the front double wishbone suspension increase castor trail to optimize wheel position during high-G cornering and improve straight-line and cornering stability. Additionally, large high-rigidity bolts are used to increase stiffness of the wheel-hub attachment area.
To minimize body-roll during cornering and changes of direction, the Nissan GT-R Nismo features a 17.3 mm hollow rear anti-roll bar which raises roll stiffness while reducing weight.

Body construction

Increased rigidity in the bodyshell is achieved using adhesive bonding in addition to spot welding leading to precise suspension response under extreme load, the Nismo “factory tuned” enhancement.

2. Exterior design – Exclusive styling with improved aerodynamics

Using the latest Computational Fluid Dynamic simulation techniques to analyze airflow, Nismo has developed an aero package that improves road-holding, minimizes the negative impact of drag, while giving the car a menacing and muscular appearance.
Together, the front bumper, engine undercover strake and carbon rear spoiler increase downforce, lowering the center of gravity and generating an additional 100kg*1 (at 300km/h) compared to the freshly updated 2014 Nissan GT-R model. The car’s aerodynamic characteristics are tuned to ensure the downforce is equally spread front to rear at all speeds for progressive handling characteristics. A widened front bumper configuration and elongated yet tapered rear bumper design keep the drag to Cd 0.26, same with that of 2014 Nissan GT-R.
The Nissan GT-R Nismo will be available in four body colors: Brilliant White Pearl, Meteor Flake Pearl Black and Ultimate Metallic Silver. And unique to the GT-R Nismo model, a Dark Matte Grey^*3accentuates the car’s imposing exterior muscularity.
The GT-R Nismo’s black 6-spoke wheels are inspired by Nissan’s GT-R race car which races in the GT500 class in SUPER GT.

3. Interior

The Nissan GT-R Nismo cockpit inspires driver confidence through both its craftsmanship and optimized driving position.
Ergonomically sculpted carbon-fiber-backed reclining RECARO seats comfortably, yet firmly, support the driver and front-seat passenger.
Nismo racers influenced the design of the steering wheel which is dressed in Alcantara®, with three spokes, red center mark and red stitching to give the best combination of grip, feedback and comfort.
The combi meter has carbon-like finish, and tachometer features a red design. The meter hood is also dressed with Alcantara®.
Interior trim features include discreet red stitching on the seats, center console, door trim and steering wheel.

March 5, 2014

Volvo Ocean Race Editions at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show

Volvo will exhibit a full range of Ocean Race Edition models at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. These include the Volvo V40, V40 Cross Country, V60 and XC60 as well as V70 and XC70 Editions for customers with a taste for a more dynamic look and handling.

The Volvo Ocean Race is the world’s most gruelling ocean adventure. The route includes 11 cities in 11 countries, and the teams cover 38,739 nautical miles – equivalent to 71,745 km.

“The Volvo Ocean Race Edition reflects our brand strategy to design cars around the customers. It reflects the values Volvo buyers look for when they choose a car for an active lifestyle and exciting adventures, without compromising on safety, environmental care and fuel-efficiency,” comments Anders H Gustavsson, Vice President Special Vehicles at Volvo Car Group.

The models are available in four colours – Ocean Blue II, Bright Silver, Black Sapphire and Crystal White. The unique seven-spoke ‘Portunus’ wheel comes in 17” (V40 and V40 Cross Country) and 18” (V60 and XC60) dimensions. The Volvo Ocean Race identification is displayed on the tread plates and front fenders as well as in the start-up sequence on the Infotainment screen.

The interior boasts black or blond leather upholstery with orange stitching and the Volvo Ocean Race logo in orange. The stitching is echoed on the door panels and floor mats, which also have a special rubber tag attached. There is a unique deco inlay, and the load cover on the V60 and XC60 is decorated with a Volvo Ocean Race map and logo.

The V70 Edition is characterized by a number of high gloss black details, including the ribs in the grille, the rear-view mirror caps, the side window frames and parts of the tailgate. 17” wheels in high gloss silver are standard, while 17” and 18” wheels in high gloss black are optional. The XC70 Edition also features several high gloss black details. Specially designed 18-inch, diamond cut wheels in glossy black are standard.

Source: Volvo

February 18, 2014

A Glimpse At The Vauxhall Astra VXR Extreme

Vauxhall-Astra-VXR-Extreme-Concept-shadow It’s always exciting to talk about something that’s supposed to be the -iest of its kind. That’s why when we saw the “Radical Vauxhall Concept Heralds Fastest Production Astra” title, we flinched a bit. Still not resistant enough to sensationalist headings then

But Vauxhall are indeed up to something. Here’s the first picture ever (sorry) of the Astra VXR Extreme…concept. It’s essentially a “sibling” to the current 280 PS and 400 Nm Astra VXR. We are not good at taking hints. Does that mean no more than that power or no less than that? We do know for a fact, however, that the Extreme will be on a strict carbon fiber diet. Even though its interior spots an integrated safety structure and racing seats and six-point safety belts, the Extreme will be completely road-legal. However, with the Astra Cup race car playing the role of a biological mother, it will feel most at home on closed grounds. Anyone up for making some history at the local track day circuit in the fastest production Astra ever?! (Darn it, we did it again, didn’t we?)

The full reveal is expected at the 2014 Geneva expo. More to come in the coming month.

Source: Vauxhall

January 30, 2014

Second Model Qoros at 2014 Geneva Motor Show

The 2^nd model of Qoros will be revealed at the 84^th Geneva Motor Show in March, next year.

It will retain the elegant design introduced on the brand’s debut model, the Qoros 3 Sedan, while also introducing distinctive features such as a subtly evolved treatment of the front grille and unique rear LED lamp clusters. Some of the highlights include the innovative QorosQloud infotainment system accessed via an 8” touchscreen.

The second model is expected to hit the Chinese market in 2014. The rapid sequence of model introductions is possible thanks to an innovative modular platform and flexible product development processes, led by experienced European senior engineers and supported by globally renowned engineering and systems partners.

Qoros plans to expand its line-up steadily over the next few years with the ultimate aim of offering a comprehensive range across of models in all major vehicle segments.

Source: Qoros

December 30, 2013