Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid Is Faster Than Carrera GT

The famous sport car maker Porsche have now announced that they will seriously consider producing the Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid concept they showed at the Geneva Motor Show last year. At the moment the reason cited is the overwhelming response from the public and consumers.

This move have the potential to create a new Porsche flag ship currently associated with the Porsche Carrera GT. The GT powered by 5.5 litre V10 engine that gives it 605 hp while in comparison the 918 Spyder Hybrid is powered by 3.4 litre V8 engine which gives 500 hp. However, because the 918 Spyder Hybrid has two electric motors on each of its axle, it could potentially reach 718 hp which is a lot more that what GT could provide. Granted that 918 Spyder Hybrid is some 300 pounds heavier than the GT.

With all of those power under its belt, the 918 Spyder Hybrid can get from zero to 60 in 3.2 seconds with the top speed of 198 miles per hour. With its hybrid function on, the 918 can get the fuel efficient of an amazing 78 miles per gallon, however, the top speed will only be 94 miles per hour and for 25 miles distance before needing a recharge.

Although Porsche still needs to calculate the feasibility of producing another iconic car which can sometimes flop, the company is known for being the leader in automotive performance and technology. These days where more and more people are environmentally conscious, Porsche needs to maximize fuel efficient while at the same time not sacrificing performance, which is exactly what happen with the 918 Spyder Hybrid. Especially with the increasingly stringent emission standard in the US and Europe. The 918 Spyder Hybrid concept emit only 70 g/km of emission

In its press release Porsche said that they will develop the 918 Spyder Hybrid out of their factories in Weissach and assemble it in Zuffenhausen Germany.

Michael Macht, President and Chairman of the Board of Management of Porsche AG said that “Production of the 918 Spyder in a limited series proves that we are taking the right approach with Porsche Intelligent Performance featuring the combination of supreme performance and efficient drivetrain concepts. ”

Porsche currently has two other hybrid models, the Cayenne Hybrid SUV, currently on sale, and the Panamera Hybrid four-door hatchback, entering production soon. Porsche also has a hybrid race car competing in LeMans endurance races.

For interior, the 918 Spyder Hybrid driver and passenger are embedded in contoured sports bucket seats with its synthesis of efficient function and ergonomic high-tech operation offering an outlook at the interior architecture signaling a super sports cars of the future while the three free-standing circular dials for road speed (left), engine speed (middle) and energy management (right) would appear to come directly from a racing car in the ‘60s.

The centre console rising up towards the front in the 918 Spyder Hybrid houses a touch-sensitive surface for intuitive control of the car’s functions, serving consistently to reduce the number of visible controls and maintain the principle of direct operation.

The control units relevant to the driver are concentrated in particular on the three-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel, while the variable driving modes are supplemented by a map switch enabling the driver to call up various drive programs and serving as the push-to-pass button for E-boosting, for example when overtaking. Instrument illumination varies from green for the consumption-oriented running modes to red for the performance-oriented driving programs.

2011 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 To Replace Gallardo

After a dormant period for the last couple of years the luxury sport car maker Lamborghini bounces back and steals the show at the Geneva Motor Show with 2011 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4. In fact the car is named the AutoWeek’s Best in Show at the Geneva Motor Show.

The 4.78 meters long, 2.26 meters wide and 1,136 meters high supercar is powered by 6.5-litre V12 engine capable of producing 691 hp. The powerful Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 only weighs around 1,575 kg, which is almost a 100 kg lighter than its predecessor the Murcielago thanks to the extensive use of reinforced carbon fiber formulated with help from Boeing Aerospace.

This weigh reduction allows the Haldex IV all wheel drive Avendator a 0 to 62mph speed for only 2.8 seconds with top speed on 217mph. The CO2 emissions are at 398g/km and coupled with the automatic seven-speed ISR (“Independent Shifting Rods”) Graziano single-clutch gearbox truly makes Aventador a nice car to drive.

The 2011 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 design truly shows the true modern car style with aerodynamic to the fullest from the front spoiler to the rear diffuser. Compare to Murcielago, the Aventador is longer but narrower to enable a slip stream move through air minimizing drags wherever possible.

The side air intake is automatically close or open depending on the engine temperature while the rear wing provides a down force to counter the Aventador aerodynamic curve resulting in good handling and stability even at high speed.

The 2011 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 equipped with Pirelli P Zero 19 inch 255/35 at the front and 20 inch 335/30 at the rear. It is also has a hydraulic lift that can lift the vehicles as high as 1.6 inches for speed bumps and rocky roads.

And let’s not forget the scissor door which has been known as Lamborghini mark only made the Aventador even more elegant.

The interior as expected is pretty compact with digital instrument readout provided by a large LCD screen with another LCD screen to control stereo and navigation functions. There is also electric handbrake, servotonic steering, anti-slip control, rear differential slip degree and a gearshift timings mode selection which allows three options Strada (normal road), Sport or Corsa (rough road) with a single press of a button.

SCOOP: European Hyundai Veloster Coupe Shows its Face, will get 1.6-liter Turbo with 208HP

Unless you've been living under a rock, you know by now that Hyundai unveiled its Veloster coupe at the 2011 Detroit Motor Show. So, what's with the 'scoop' title of our post, we here you ask? Well, this here example is the European spec Veloster and it was caught undisguised by our spies in Germany ahead of its debut at the at the Geneva Salon in the beginning of March.

The only visible styling changes over the North American model concern the use of clear indicators up front, all-red tail lamps at the back and the newly styled alloy wheels. Unfortunately, our spies couldn't get close enough to the prototype to snag the interior, but don't expect to see any significant modifications other than trim and color options.

Up until now, we were in the dark about the engine lineup of the European model. However, we just learned from an official source that the Veloster will be offered with two gasoline engines including a flagship turbocharged four banger.

The Veloster will launch in Europe with the same 1.6-liter direct-injection four-banger as the NA-spec model, producing 140-horsepower and 167 Nm of peak torque for a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of under 10 seconds. Power is transferred to the front wheels through a standard six-speed manual gearbox, or an optional dual-clutch transmission.

Europeans will also get a Blue Edition version that pairs the 140-horse motor with a start-stop system and some additional fuel-saving features, which help drop CO2 levels from 138 g/km to 129 g/km.

The crown jewel of the Veloster lineup will be a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with direct-injection technology and an output of 208-horsepower, allowing the car to complete the standard sprint in around 7 seconds. We don't if or when Hyundai will offer this engine in North America.

The naturally aspirated models will go on sale in most European countries this April, with the UK following later in the year. The Veloster 1.6 Turbo will be added to the range in early 2012.

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Ferrari FF AWD Sports Car Concept Heading to Geneva, Tipster Provides Initial Details

A Carscoop reader who wishes to remain anonymous, sent us an email with details on Ferrari's long-rumored 612 Scaglietti replacement, which is due to be revealed to a select few on Friday, January 21, before making its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March. While one can never be 100 per cent sure in these cases, for a variety of reasons, we're almost convinced that the information provided in the email is real. So, without further ado, here's what our tipster told us:

The car will be a pre-production study called the FF, which stands for Ferrari Four, as the GT model will seat four passengers and come with a new four-wheel drive system. Designed by Pininfarina, the FF gets a shooting brake-like body style with a large rear hatch, and a face that brings to mind a chubbier version of the 458 Italia. Inside, Maranello's latest creation will be able to seat four passengers with an impressive -for a supercar- load volume of 450 liters, which can be increased to as much as 800 liters if the rear sears aren't in use.

According to our reader, the FF is powered by a new 6.3-liter V12 engine delivering 660 horses at 8,000 rpm and 683 Nm / 503.8 lb-ft of peak torque at 6,000 rpm. That massive amount of power is transferred to all four wheels through a 7-speed dual clutch transmission and a new and extremely lightweight all-wheel drive system.

The 4,907mm long fastback coupe is said to accelerate from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in just 3.7 seconds and top out at 335 km/h (208 mph), while returning a combined fuel economy of 15.4 lt/100km, equal to 15.3 mpg US.

We'll be on the watch for any official information and / or photos of the Ferrari model, and keep you updated on any new developments as they occur.

ABT Sportsline Readying New Audi Models for 2011 Geneva Motor Show

VW Group specialist ABT Sportsline will bring several Audi models to the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in March, including the eye-catching R8 GTR with a chrome finish pictured above, as well as its newest tuning proposals for the A7 Sportback and 2012MY A6 sedan.

Alongside the R8 GT-R, A7 Sportback and A6, the German tuner will also be presenting a fourth model, which is being kept a secret for now. “We will be bringing along a sports car which I personally like a lot. For it shows our technical capabilities and offers a maximum level of driving enjoyment. I am looking forward to seeing how it is received by the public in Geneva," said the ABT general manager, Hans-Jürgen.

Saab Releases First Official Photo of 2011 9-5 SportCombi

Following a preliminary release earlier today, Saab has issued the first official photograph of its 9-5 SportCombi. The estate version of the 9-5, which will carry the SportWagon moniker in certain markets including the UK, will get its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Saab has not yet released detailed information on the engine lineup, but buyers should expect to see a similar mix of turbocharged diesel and gasoline motors (depending on the market of course) to the sedan variant when it arrives in the market this Fall.

For the time being we only have a single official picture of the 9-5 SportCombi / SportWagon, but Carscoop reader Torben just sent in several renderings of the car sourced from the patent drawings filled in the U.S., which you can check out after the jump.

Hat tip to Torben for the drawings!

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Saab's All-New 9-5 SportCombi to Debut at Geneva Motor Show

We've been fielding rumors of an estate version of the all-new Saab 9-5 series for some quite time now, but today, the Swedish automaker made it official announcing that the world premiere of the SportsCombi will take place at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in March.

"The launch of the 9-5 SportCombi is a much-awaited next step in the roll-out of our new product offensive," said Saab Automobile CEO Jan Ake Jonsson. "It will take Saab back into the large wagon segment where we have established a strong presence in many key markets with our previous offering."

While Saab is keeping official photos out of sight for now, it did release some preliminary details on the 9-5 SportsCombi. According to the Swedes, the premium estate model will come equipped with many practical features. These include an adaptable multi-fold floor, flexible U-rail load space configuration and under-floor stowage with a sealed wet storage compartment, a programmable powered tailgate, and 60/40 split rear seatbacks that fold down almost completely flat without having to reposition the seat squab or remove the head restraints.

Turbo engines, Saab's XWD all-wheel-drive system and an array of features such as, adaptive cruise control, Bi-Xenon adaptive lighting, key-less entry and starting, tri-zone air conditioning and a Pilot Head-up Display which projects information on the windshield, will also be available.

Saab said the 9-5 SportCombi will arrive in the US in the Fall of 2011.

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BMW Rolls Out All-New 2.0-liter Turbocharged Four-Cylinder Gasoline Engine with 245HP, Debuts on X1

[Updated] It's finally here; BMW has unveiled its long-rumored four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine which makes its world premiere on the X1 xDrive28. The four-banger essentially replaces the firm's classic naturally aspirated 3.0-liter straight-six and will soon find its way in a variety of models. Even though the Bavarian automaker is keeping its cards close to its chest, expect to see the new unit, codenamed N20, on the 1-Series, X3, 3-Series, Z4 roadster and 5-Series models.

The first four-cylinder petrol engine to employ BMW's TwinPower Turbo technology is closely modeled after the Bavarian firm's force-fed in-line six-cylinder units and features an all-aluminium crankcase, twin-scroll turbocharging system, direct injection, plus the latest version of the company's patented VALVETRONIC variable valve control system.

The new generation engine has a displacement of 2.0-liters, producing an output of 245-horsepower at 5,000 rpm and a peak torque of 350Nm or 258 lb-ft, available at just 1,250 rpm. The 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine in the outgoing X1 xDrive28 was rated at 258HP and 310Nm or 228 lb-ft.

A six-speed manual gearbox is offered as standard, but there's the option of an eight-speed automatic transmission. BMW said that the with the manual gearbox, the new X1 xDrive28 completes the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in 6.1 seconds (6.5 seconds with automatic transmission). According to the Bavarian automaker, the standard sprint times are an improvement of 0.7 seconds and 0.3 seconds respectively on those for the previous model with the 3.0-liter straight six. The new X1 xDrive28i tops out at 240 km/h (149 mph).

With the new four-pot, the X1 xDrive28i is not only faster than the six-cylinder model it replaces, but also more fuel efficient as it returns 7.9 lt/100 km or 29.8 mpg US, an improvement of 1.5 liters / 4.8 mpg US. It's also cleaner as CO2 emissions are down by 38g to 183 g/km.

The new X1 xDrive28i will get its world premiere at the Geneva Salon in March and go on sale across Europe this Spring. BMW has not yet released any information regarding U.S. availability.

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