Has it really been 20 years? As a matter of fact, yes. Infiniti has been selling its upmarket wares in the U.S. for two decades and to commemorate the occasion its releasing three special edition G37 coupes, sedans and convertibles.

Limited to 200 variants of each model, Infiniti has outfitted the 20th Anniversary Editions with Monaco Red interior, maple trim and a sexy Graphite Shadow exterior, along with Premium and Navigation packages. Included in the kit are heated and cooled seats, summer rubber, a blacked-out grille, new side sills and revised fascias, with a standard rear spoiler on the coupe and sedan.

Pricing and availability is yours for the taking after the jump and sales are set to begin towards the middle of next month.

Infiniti Adds Limited Production 2010 G Anniversary Edition Sedans, Coupes and Convertibles

Infiniti Celebrates Two Decades of Luxury with New Anniversary Editions –

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (March 10, 2010) – While every 2010 Infiniti G Sedan, Coupe or Convertible seems special to those who design, engineer, manufacture or market them – and also to their owners – Infiniti has just released four new G Anniversary Editions that stand apart from every other Infiniti G ever created. These uniquely equipped Anniversary G37s, built in commemoration of Infiniti’s 20th anniversary, will be available in very limited numbers – 350 G Sedans and 200 each for the G Coupe and G Convertible. They are scheduled to go on sale at Infiniti retailers nationwide in mid-April.

“These unique and very limited editions represent what Infiniti is all about – Inspired Performance,” said Ben Poore, vice president, Infiniti Business Unit. “Building on the popularity of the Monaco Red Leather and special Red-toned Maple interior that helped launch the G Convertible, the Anniversary Editions add a number of new styling touches that will make them instantly recognizable on the showroom floor and on the road.”

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP)* for the four available 2010 Infiniti G Anniversary Editions are:

G37 Sedan Anniversary Edition $43,350 USD
G37 Sedan AWD Anniversary Edition $43,550 USD
G37 Coupe Anniversary Edition $50,550 USD
G37 Convertible Anniversary Edition $54,900 USD

The Anniversary Editions are based on the G Sedan Journey and AWD, G Coupe Journey and G Convertible and come standard with a 3.7-liter V6 engine and 7-speed automatic transmission. Premium and Navigation Packages are included on all of the Anniversary Editions.
The Anniversary Edition Sedans and Coupe also receive the Sport Package and 4-Wheel Active Steer (not available on Sedan AWD). The Convertible is offered with the highly desirable climate-controlled seats.

Each Anniversary Edition comes in a new Graphite Shadow exterior color that was just added for 2010, with the interiors appointed with Monaco Red Leather. The Coupe and Convertible interiors are accented with special Red-toned Maple and the two Sedans have the new Shodo-finish aluminum trim.

Other Anniversary Edition equipment includes special aluminum-alloy wheels, W-rated summer performance tires, Midnight Black grille, unique front chin spoiler or front fascia, sport side sills (Coupe and Convertible) and rear spoiler (except Convertible). The Coupe also receives an updated rear fascia.

“We wanted to ensure that the G Anniversary Editions are the sportiest and most distinctive Infinitis offered,” added Poore. “Though they won’t arrive until April, we wanted to release pricing early to allow interested buyers to reserve the Anniversary Sedan, Coupe or Convertible of their choice before they are all gone.”

[Source:Autoblog]

We already know that Audi plans to fit the standard R8’s 420-hp, 4.2-liter V8 into its all-new Spyder variant early next year, and now comes word that at least one more version of the R8 is in the pipeline and that the R tronic sequential automatic might not be long for this world.

According to company insiders speaking with Car and Driver, the herky-jerky gearbox will likely be dispatched in favor of Audi’s new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. There’s no word on the amount of torque the DCT can handle, but considering how much better the R8 V10 performed with the standard sequential tranny, we’d suspect that the dual-clutch setup will make its way onto the V8 models only. And if you’re worried about the gated six-speed manual being nixed from the options list, don’t be – it will continue to be available on all models.

C&D also reports that a sportier version of the R8, inspired by the LMS model, could be in the cards, packing more power (think: Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera) and a not-so-insignificant weight reduction thanks to the liberal use of carbon fiber. Expect that to only be available on the V10 model and yes, a fully-electric version based on the original e-tron concept is supposedly on the way and due to arrive in a few year’s time.

[Source:Autoblog]

For the truly hard-core Corvette fanatic who likes to spend weekends thrashing his or her car at the track, there is only one Corvette worthy of consideration: the Z06. However, thanks to the ZR1, the lightweight, normally aspirated 7.0-liter coupe is no longer the absolute quickest Vette, but it is felt to have the most responsive handling. What it doesn’t have is the uber-cool carbon-ceramic brakes, carbon-fiber body panels and magnetic ride active damping system of its supercharged sibling. That can now be changed to past tense with the birth of the Z06 Carbon edition announced today by General Motors.

The Z06 Carbon was created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first appearance of the Corvette at the 24 Hours of Le Mans when John Fitch and Briggs Cunningham won their class and finished eighth overall. The Carbon edition is essentially a Z06 with a ZR1 chassis and some of the carbon skin. When production starts this fall, only 500 examples will be made and they will only come in two colors, Inferno Orange and Supersonic Blue. All examples get black-painted wheels and a black interior upholstered in leather and suede. Follow the jump and we’ll tell you more.

One element unique to the Z06 Carbon is its hood. The profile of the new carbon fiber hood is identical to that on the ZR1 but without a transparent window. That makes it the lightest hood ever on a Corvette and, according to chief engineer Tadge Juechter, it truly is a featherweight. ZR1 owners looking to swap out their hoods will be disappointed to learn that the Carbon hood will not fit their cars. Because of the absent window, the Z06 hood has different structure underneath that won’t clear the ZR1 engine’s intercooler.

The splitter, rocker extensions and roof of the Carbon are painted black instead of the super-expensive clear-coat used on the ZR1. The headlamp pockets and wheels are also painted a glossy black giving the Carbon a decidedly sinister appearance, particularly with the steel blue paint combination.

According to Juechter, the upgraded suspension and brakes give the Z06 a real boost on the track too. Even with the same powertrain, the Corvette circulates both Laguna Seca and the Milford Road Course three seconds a lap faster than a 2010 Z06. The addition of the magnetic ride damping system should also make the Z06 Carbon more livable on the road as well.

For those who don’t manage to get one of the 500 Carbon editions, most of the good bits will be available as part of two option packages available for 2011 models. The Z07 package provides all the mechanical goodness of the Brembo brake system, wheels and tires and the MR suspension. The carbon fiber package includes the splitter, sill extensions and rear lip spoiler. Unfortunately, the hood is only available on the 500 limited edition cars. The Carbon and new option packages go on sale in late summer at prices that will be announced closer to launch date, so stay tuned.

2011 CORVETTE Z06 CARBON LIMITED EDITION
Taking track-to-street technology to a new level

DETROIT — When the 2006 Corvette Z06 was introduced, it represented the closest connection to the Corvette race cars ever. The 2009 Corvette ZR1 closed the gap between racing and production even further. This year, Corvette continues its tradition of track-to-street technology transfer with the 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition.

“Designed to further incorporate technology developed through racing, the Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition is a tribute to the 50th anniversary of Corvette’s first race in the 24 Hours of LeMans,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet General Manager. “With a limited production of 500 units, this car is a must-have for the true Corvette collector and driving enthusiast.”

The Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition is another example of the expanded Corvette line-up. Five years ago, customers had the choice of a Corvette coupe or convertible. With the addition of the Z06, Grand Sport coupe and convertible and ZR1, Corvette enthusiasts now have more choices than ever.

“For track use, the Z06 Carbon is the best balanced Corvette yet. It combines the lightweight and naturally-aspirated Z06 engine with the road-holding and braking of the ZR1,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette Chief Engineer. “For technical tracks like Laguna Seca, the Z06 Carbon could shave up to three seconds off the Z06 lap time.”

This limited edition Z06 will boast Brembo carbon ceramic brakes with specific dark gray metallic calipers. These powerful brakes were first introduced on the ZR1. Black 20-spoke 19-inch front/20-inch rear wheels complement the car’s Michelin PS2 tires. Other mechanical features include Magnetic Selective Ride Control for the first time on the Z06 and enhanced cooling. The car also features a special carbon pattern engine cover.

The Corvette Z06 Carbon will be available in two colors: Inferno Orange and the all-new Supersonic Blue. Black headlamps and mirrors, a ZR1-style body color spoiler, body color door handles, carbon fiber raised hood, and black carbon fiber rockers and splitter enhance the Z06’s dynamic design and reduce mass and aerodynamic lift. For track events, customers can also install the Euro-styled racing numbers that come with each car.

The Z06 Carbon’s ebony leather and suede interior is complemented by blue or orange seat stitching to match the exterior color chosen. Other features include a unique steering wheel emblem, sill plate and logoed headrest. The suede used on the steering wheel, shifter, seat inserts, armrests and doors add to the luxury of this limited edition Z06.

An optional Z07 performance package that includes the mechanical upgrades introduced on the Z06 Carbon can be added to a regular 2011 Z06. This package also includes Competition Gray 20-spoke wheels and all the chassis and cooling upgrades.

The CFZ Z06 carbon fiber package includes black carbon fiber rockers, splitter and roof panel with the full-width body color spoiler. It can also be purchased with or without the Z07 package on regular Z06 models.

The 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition, as well as the new Z07 and CFZ Z06 option packages will be available in late summer.

[Source:Autoblog]

GQ, the UK’s leading monthly men’s magazine, certainly knows a thing or two about the fashionable gentleman. And judging by the GQbyCITROËN concept, the fashionable fellas know a few things about svelte car design, as well. The GQbyCITROËN concept is a collaboration between Dylan Jones, GQ’s editor, and Mark Lloyd, a British designer who is most recently credited for the new Citroën DS3. We must say, we’re very attracted to it. Makes sense, then, that GQ and Citroën are branding this concept as “the ultimate gentleman’s drive.”

The GQbyCITROËN rides on the values of the classic GT theme, and designer Lloyd thought a proper grand tourer was much more suited to the GQ style, saying:

For me, the car that has always represented the pinnacle of automotive excellence and refinement is the GT – the Grand Tourer. It is not the all-out sports car, rather it is something gentlemanly, it has performance and it is for traveling, not racing. We wanted to create something that, like GQ, was aspirational, but also retained the classic automotive ideals. We didn’t want a car for the mass market. We wanted a car for GQ.

The cabin, accessed by rear-hinged coach doors, features a futuristic yet stylish cabin, with detailing and upholstery selected by Patrick Grant, the creative director for E. Tautz, a men’s tailor found in the prestigious Savile Row in London.

Because the GQbyCITROËN is purely a concept car, mechanical details are slim, but Citroën says that the car is powered by both a plug-in hybrid system as well as a 1.6-liter inline-four with direct injection, which achieves a 0-60 time of just 4.5 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited, of course). Seems a bit far-fetched, but no matter, because we doubt a production version will ever see the light of day.

The GQbyCITROËN makes its official debut in the April issue of GQ, released on March 4th. Pick up a copy on your local newsstand, or simply scroll through our attached gallery to see high-res shots of this sleek new concept.

GQBYCITROËN – DESIGNED BY CITROËN. TAILORED BY SAVILE ROW. MADE WITH GQ.

Citroën and GQ have revealed a unique and exciting automotive project – the GQbyCITROËN.

The GQbyCITROËN is a concept car born through a unique partnership between the UK’s market-leading quality men’s monthly and a team of Citroën designers, collaborating to create the ultimate gentleman’s drive. This is the first time a British magazine has collaborated with a car company in this way.

Responding to a brief by GQ’s editor, Dylan Jones, Citroën’s team, headed by British designer – and the man responsible for the new Citroën DS3 – Mark Lloyd, took a new look at the GT theme and integrated it with a typical Citroën design approach bringing GQbyCITROËN from design outline to concept reality.

GQbyCITROËN combines classically sophisticated features and contemporary styling with a sculpted front end, rounded rear, strong body contours and sleek concave rear windscreen – a signature Citroën design.

The car’s cabin is accessed by rear coach doors and reveals a spacious, comfortable and futuristic cabin. Completing the car’s bespoke styling, the interior detailing and upholstery selections were provided by Patrick Grant, the Creative Director of prestigious Savile Row tailors, E.Tautz, who commented: “Savile Row is all about balance and Tautz’s simple military inspired interior is the perfect counterpoint to the Gallic flair of the exterior.”

Dylan Jones commented: “I wanted something practical, something cool, and something idiosyncratic – i.e. something surprising that didn’t just look like a concept car. The GQ car needed to have the ‘want’ factor, but it also needed to look, feel and ‘drive’ like the sort of car no sane man could choose to ignore. We think it looks very very special.”

Dynamic performance and environmental responsibility were also key requirements for the project. The GQbyCITROËN concept car is powered by a plug-in Hybrid with a 1,598cc, 4-cylinder direct injection petrol engine offering a sporty 0-60mph time of just 4.5seconds, an electronically limited top speed of 155mph and CO2 emissions of just 80g/km.

Mark Lloyd, Chief Designer of Citroën’s International Projects added: “Where this car works so well with GQ is that it fits with the current attitudes of conspicuous consumption. It is understated rather than in-your-face and sleek rather than too macho. With the skills of a Savile Row tailor on the car’s interior we have also achieved that bespoke, fitted feel, both inside and out.

“For me, the car that has always represented the pinnacle of automotive excellence and refinement is the GT – the Grand Tourer. It is not the all-out sports car, rather it is something gentlemanly, it has performance and it is for travelling, not racing. We wanted to create something that, like GQ, was aspirational, but also retained the classic automotive ideals. We didn’t want a car for the mass market. We wanted a car for GQ.’”

The GQbyCITROËN is featured in the April issue of GQ out March 4th 2010. For more information visit: www.gqbycitroen.co.uk.

[Source:Autoblog]

We got our first peek at Abt’s R8 GTR late last year, but like with many cars, it was a whole different experience to see it in person. To say carbon fiber has been used liberally is an understatement, as the entire car is clothed in the lightweight material. The look suits the R8, and Abt has managed to give the car a more aggressive look without going overboard. The interior is lathered in carbon fiber as well, and lightweight Recaro racing seats help reduce weight even further. In total, Abt has managed to take 220 pounds off the R8’s heft.

In addition to changing the look of the car, Abt has given the R8 more power as well. Its 5.2-liter V10 is now rated at 620 horsepower, good for a 0-100 km/h sprint of 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 202 mph. Other performance upgrades include an adjustable sport suspension, ceramic brake system, lightweight 18-inch wheels and Michelin Sport Cup tires.

Sound like your thing? Abt will produce just 25 examples, so get your order in soon. More details about the car can be found in the press release after the jump and live shots from the show floor in the gallery below.

Sure, the R8 is no lame duck, and this is even more so once the sports car has been tuned by ABT Sportsline. The result is a real model athlete, which does not just ooze power, but also doesn’t have a single gram of fat on its body. With the limited version R8 GT R (with only 25 units available) engineers and designers have gone one logical step further: experience from motorsport flowed into the design, and all the components have been systematically trimmed to ensure a light-weight construction and optimal weight distribution. As a result not just the bonnet, front and rear aprons, the adjustable rear wing or the tailgate are made of carbon, but the outline edge on the rear, the external mirrors and the door panel are also made of the same material. The side windows are made of Makrolon - the high-tech polycarbonate does not just reduce weight, but also has impressive strength properties. The result: the ABT R8 GT R is a proud 100 kilos lighter than its series counterpart.

How much motorsport the team, which comprises the current winners of the DTM and the ADAC GT Masters, actually brings to the road can be seen from the details: Recaro racing seats, a 4-point seat belt system, stainless steel roll-over bar with seat belt attachment, hand-held fire extinguisher or an ABT Sports steering wheel made of carbon – the people at ABT have thought of everything. “The R8 GT R is an uncompromising racing car for the road, and provides maximum performance”, states Christian Abt. The successful motorsport racer indicates his responsibility for the development of this extraordinary vehicle and is impressed with the result. “I recommend trying the GT R on a racing track from time to time, as the car is great fun to drive there”, says the General Manager of ABT who is responsible for technology. The adjustable front panel allows sports inserts; the ABT driver overalls, helmet, racing shoes and gloves are just as much as part of the effective GT R special equipment as an on-board video system and the expandable data module.

The well-trained sports car has enormous performance potential: instead of the series-standard 525HP (386 kW), the 5.2 FSI in the ABT R8 GT R provides a massive 620HP (456 kW) and as a result the light car travels extremely quickly: the top speed is 325 km/h, it does 0-100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds and the GT R reaches the 200km/h mark in a mere 9.9 seconds. In order to ensure that the power can be optimally applied on the road and on the race track, height-adjustable ABT Sports suspension and adjustable dampers are standard on the ABT R8 GT R. The ceramic brake system with modified brake pads has been adjusted to meet the enormous performance potential of the super sports car. The extremely light ABT CR alloys round off the package. On the front axle they are mounted in 9×18 inch and on the rear axle in 11×18 inch. The Michelin sports cup tyres are the perfect choice for the car. The ABT R8 GT R is a unique vehicle which provides maximum driving enjoyment. It has been designed for driving at the limit: from the weight-optimised exhaust unit to the ABT Titanium special coating – ABT’s love of motorsport can be seen in every detail.

[Source:Autoblog]

Few marques manage to tread the line between sportiness and elegance quite so exquisitely as Maserati. But some are looking for something that errs a little more towards the former, and for them the Trident marque has launched the MC Sport Line.

One step off the track and onto the road this side of a race-spec MC GT4, the MC Sport line gives Gran Turismo S buyers a catalog of optional extras, from carbon fiber bits all the way up to the exclusive limited edition model made for the Middle East. The range was initially unveiled at the local Bologna Motor Show, but this was our first chance to get next to it and bring you the results. Have a look in the galleries below.

[Source:Autoblog]

With all the hullabaloo – yes, hullabaloo – about the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, it would’ve been all too easy to assume the new gullwing is the only retro German sportscar on the market. But forgetting the Wiesmann GT would be a cardinal sin and capital offense, because the niche-market sportscar is among the most tantalizing on the road. While the design may be decidedly old-school, Wiesmann works tirelessly to keep it fresh with successive updates to propel this time-machine well past the requisite 88 miles per hour and out from the past and into the present.

At this year’s Geneva Motor Show, the small German outfit rolled out the modestly updated GT MF4-S. New bi-xenon headlamps show the way home and a new automatically- or manually-actuated retractable spoiler keeps the tail planted. Under the hood, the MF4-S is treated to the same 4.0-liter, 420-horsepower V8 as the BMW M3 from which it’s sourced and, more poignantly, the MF4-S Roadster. All in all not major changes, but then who ever said the Wiesmann needed much changed?

The Wiesmann GT MF4-S will push you to highway speeds in four seconds flat and cost 133,000 euros (equivalent to about $175k). If that’s too rich for your blood, you can take a gander in the galleries below and browse the details in the press release after the jump.

Premiere Geneva 2010:
Wiesmann presents the GT MF4-S at the Automobil-Salon

This year the Wiesmann GmbH presents again a new sports car at the 80th Motor Show in Geneva. The Wiesmann GT MF4-S completes from now on the product range of the sports cars manufacturer from Duelmen.

The new Gran Tourismo comes with the known high-revving 4.0 litre V8 engine from the Roadster MF4-S which delivers 420 hp (309 kW). Externally the brand new GT MF4-S differs in some design and aerodynamic details from the GT MF-4. The rear shows a speed dependent slide out wing which can be also controlled manually. The front part standard bi-xenon headlamps and a new front spoiler. The GT MF4 with 367 hp (270 kW) will be unchanged available too.

Visitors will find the Wiesmann booth at the Geneva Automobil-Salon during the 5. to 15. march in hall 1, stand 1234. On 160 square meters the manufactory from Duelmen shows all handmade Wiesmann sports cars.

About Wiesmann
Wiesmann is the leading manufactory of purist sports cars, combining timeless design with state-of-the-art technology. Since its foundation by Friedhelm and Martin Wiesmann in 1988, Wiesmann stands for the manufacturing of individual sports cars whose every detail is crafted by hand. The premium features are designed according to the customers’ personal preferences, so every Wiesmann is a truly unique car and one that creates an exclusive driving experience for the individual unlike no other.

[Source:Autoblog]

The pony car wars are about one-upsmanship if nothing else. The Ford Mustang held court for years while Chevrolet and Dodge had their horses on hiatus, but times have changed. The new Camaro has been whaling on the Mustang ever since its return, beating the Ford in sales for nine months straight and offering a range engines that are at once more powerful and efficient than the Blue Oval’s aging mills. Advantage: Camaro.

The Mustang, however, received a nicely executed redesign for its 2010 model year and, as is Ford’s way, the automaker waited another model year to introduce its new range of engines. You already know all about the return of the storied 5.0 moniker on this year’s new Mustang GT. You also know that the V6 model is replacing its Civil War era 4.0-liter engine with a more powerful and efficient 3.7-liter. Powerful as in 305 horsepower, but how efficient? We didn’t know before but we do now. The 2011 Ford Mustang V6 will achieve 19 miles per gallon in the city and, more noteworthy, 31 mpg on the highway.

The V6 model’s rating of 30 mpg highway (when paired with the six-speed auto mind you, the manual version achieves 30 mpg) is noteworthy because, well, it’s 2 mpg more than the slightly less powerful 304-hp Camaro V6. Also, it’s a record for being the first 300+ hp vehicle to be officially rated at 30 mpg or more. Wow, think about that. It’s never been done before. Sure, the new Mustang V6 is only marginally more powerful and efficient than its Camaro counterpart, but clawing above that 30 mpg mark will no doubt get Ford’s thoroughbred some extra ink in the press.

Follow the jump for Ford’s official press release on the matter, in which it explains a little more how those magic numbers were achieved (Spoiler: aerodynamics, super smart six-speed auto and electric power assisted steering).

NEW MUSTANG WITH 305 HP CERTIFIED AT 31 MPG HIGHWAY; MAKES HISTORY AS FIRST CAR WITH 300+ HP AND 30+ MPG

*  New 2011 Ford Mustang V-6 final fuel economy certified by EPA this week at 31 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in the city
* On sale this spring, Mustang with new 3.7-liter V-6 achieves 305 hp with available six-speed automatic transmission; first car ever to achieve 300-plus horsepower and 30-plus mpg
* New Mustang already has more than 11,000 orders, half for the new V-6

DEARBORN, Mich., March 4, 2010 – The 2011 Ford Mustang today breaks new ground, cracking the record books as not only the most fuel-efficient Mustang ever, but also the first production car in history to produce more than 300 horsepower and more than 30 mpg highway.

The Mustang’s official EPA ratings – completed this week – certify that models equipped with the 305-hp 3.7-liter V-6 and available six-speed automatic transmission achieve 31 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in the city. The standard six-speed manual transmission is rated at 30 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in the city.

Mustang is powered by a lightweight, all-aluminum 3.7-liter dual-overhead-cam (DOHC) V-6 engine that uses advanced engineering to deliver its combination of power and economy. Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) adjusts the valvetrain in microseconds depending on driver inputs, further contributing to the engine’s overall efficiency.

The fact that Mustang achieves its top fuel economy rating with the convenience of an automatic transmission also marks a shift in conventional wisdom. Ford engineered a modern six-speed automatic transmission with carefully calibrated gear ratios and shift programs to maximize economy, while still delivering high-horsepower driving fun.

“Advanced powertrains like our Ti-VCT V-6 and six-speed automatic really speak to the future of Mustang,” says Barb Samardzich, Ford vice president of Global Powertrain Engineering. “We’ve proven that, using technology, Ford can deliver both power and fuel economy.”

In addition to engine improvements, upgrades to Mustang’s body, powertrain and chassis design contribute to the higher fuel economy numbers for 2011. Examples include:

* New Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system eliminates the drag of an engine-operated hydraulic power steering pump
* Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions allow lower cruising revs without sacrificing off-the-line performance
* Aerodynamic changes include improvements like a new front fascia, tire spats on the rear wheels, modified underbody shields, a taller air dam and an added rear decklid seal

The new 2011 Mustang already has more than 11,000 orders. Half of all the nationwide orders are for the car’s fuel-efficient 3.7-liter V-6 engine. The 2011 Mustangs are also being equipped with record levels of technology, giving customers the option of choosing navigation, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps and rearview cameras.

The new 2011 Mustang goes on sale this spring and will be built at the AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.

[Source:Autoblog]

Of all the automakers in the world – and by the world, we mean the world outside the United States – Citroen’s design arguably runs the gamut more than any other’s. On the one hand, you’ve got cheap, compact and quirky hatchbacks like the comically named Revolte concept revealed in Frankfurt half a year back. On the other, you’ve got the GTbyCitroen, an extreme exotic supercar concept, now slated for limited production. In between lies a gorge as big as, well, France itself. But the chevron-emblazoned automaker has bridged the divide this year in Geneva with an intriguing concept called the Survolt.

Not digging the Revolte/GT comparo? Think Bugatti Veyron meets Chevy Volt, circa “Hackers”. Beneath the compact sportscar shape, splattered with more neon graphics than “Tron”, lies an all-electric powertrain. Citroen’s provided little in the way of details regarding the propulsion, but you can read more esoteric prose about the design in the press release after the jump. Better yet, check it out for yourself in the gallery of live shots from the Geneva show floor below, and the studio shots in the gallery below that.

SURVOLT: GLAMOROUS, FREE-SPIRITED AND HIGHLY-CHARGED!

Survolt is the continuation of CITROËN’S exploration of distinctive and original electric vehicles, initiated with the Revolte concept car revealed at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Survolt turns received notions on their heads through its radically new vision in a consummate blend of high-fashion glamour and extravagance with motor-racing punch.

The desire to overcome one’s limits, take things further, dare and create is written in CITROËN’S DNA. Breaking with convention, shaking up the rules, shifting borders and surprising continuously is the passionate quest and leitmotiv of a brand that over its 90-year history has never ceased to develop innovative objects ahead of their time. Survolt is one of these. It takes the genetic material of Revolte and adds an extroverted sports dimension to the mix.

Like a luxury accessory that transcends an outfit, Survolt is CITROËN’S answer to an automotive universe that all too often seems morose. Survolt casts aside protocol and transgresses existing codes to initiate a new kind of stylish, sporty and elegant supermini. Bucking current trends and pointing to the future of sleek coupés, it unites elegance, glamour and sporting passion, sublimating this last quality with its electric drivetrain.

Innovative and sensual

With its compact dimensions – 3.85 m long, 1.87 m wide and 1.20 m high – Survolt reappropriates sports car styling cues to form an all-new and revolutionary concept.

At the front, the distinctive vehicle badge reigns elegantly above the large oval-shaped grille, its centre home to the striking double chevron. The car’s “look” – charming and profound at the same time – attracts and holds the viewer’s gaze with a promise of transgressions suddenly made possible. Its slim, horizontal head lamps, inspired by high-performance sports coupés, exert a magnetic appeal, while an LED light signature adds a contemporary, high-tech touch.

Survolt was made to gobble up the miles and glide over roads. Low-slung and sleek, it features strong contrasts between the voluptuous bonnet and generous, sculpted flanks, highlighted by emphatic wheel arches that promise performance and thrills.

Survolt’s air-slicing, flowing design is heavy on excitement and sensuality. It conveys agility, precision and vitality, barely containing a powerful, well-defined musculature under refined and luxurious wraps. The rear features the elegant light signature of Revolte together with a spoiler in an essential reference to motor sport.

Survolt is innovative and powerful but also knows how to turn on the charm, revealing its finest assets to catwalk in motor sports arenas. It features two-tone paint, hues of fuchsia and charcoal grey, and plays with materials and volumes. The curves shift from satin-smooth to shiny, breaking definitively with the classic masculine codes of the sports world. Survolt continues the work begun with Revolte by once again blending two universes with contrasting appearances. Survolt eschews decorum to create its own styling language.

The inclusion of materials such as chrome and aluminium inevitably recall the spheres of luxury goods and motor sport. Survolt is a perfect combination between high fashion and car racing, a unique alliance with the same philosophy and the same cues as Revolte, namely performance, cutting-edge technology and excellence.

Elegantly sporty

Survolt’s cockpit is designed like a floating cell, a glass setting held between chrome-finished roll bars like some magnificent piece of jewellery. The leitmotiv with Survolt is to transgress the conventions of the luxury world and combine them elegantly with those of the sporting world.

The cabin was imagined as a cross between two worlds that by their essence are opposed. This union begets an organic universe, both flowing and technical, from which the driver’s station springs forth. The interior as a whole was designed to bring the two occupants comfort and refinement, triggering singular pleasure and an outstanding experience.

The car’s generous glazed area brings light and a sensation of space, light years from that offered by today’s sports cars.

Transcendent power and excitement

Ahead of its time, Survolt captivates with its innovative, environment-friendly technology. Like Revolte, Survolt is powered by electricity, thus combining sports performance with environmental respect and sustainable development. Still particularly rare in the racing world, this technological solution also embodies a previously unthinkable alliance. But CITROËN dares and creates, transgressing conventions to better sublimate them. With irreproachable ecological credentials, the drivetrain blends driving pleasure, thrills, performance and vitality, and all in extreme comfort, since the car is silent in operation.

CITROËN is proposing a new automotive vision with Survolt, in a move that is entirely consistent with its 90-year history as an innovative brand focused on creativity and technology.

[Source:Autoblog]

]If you’ve never heard of Hispano Suiza, you’re not alone. The Spanish automaker hasn’t been producing its own vehicles since World War II and later returned to its aerospace roots in the 1950s, merged with another firm in 2005 and had a few prototypes running around a few years back (the oft forgotten Mazels). But that’s the past and this is apparently the automaker’s future: A rebodied Audi R8 V10 packing a supercharger and the possibility of a hybrid system.

According to AutoBild, the Hispano Suiza’s return will take place at next week’s Geneva Motor Show, with the introduction of this €700,000 coupe. As you’d expect from a hastily resurrected marque, the details are as shady as the renderings in the gallery below, with Hispano Suiza claiming that the 750-horsepower R8-based show car is good for a run to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds (grip is obviously an issue) and a top speed of 205 mph. There’s also a talk of an additional 150 hp from a hybrid drive system, with the ability to travel on electricity along for an unspecified range. Skeptical? Of course, but we’re looking forward to seeing it in person in less than a week.

[Source:Autoblog]