New Concept Car: Peugeot SR1

Peugeot is putting on a brave new face! The French firm has taken the wraps off a stunning new concept called the SR1, ahead of its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. And it previews an entire new design language for the brand.

But this is far from purely a design exercise. Under the skin is a powerful hybrid powertrain capable of producing 313bhp but emitting just 119g/km of CO2. And to mark such an important crossroads, the SR1 is also being used to introduce a revised version of the iconic Lion badge.

Peugeot has been heaped with praise for its decision to put the gorgeous RCZ coupe on sale this Spring, and it’s clearly taken the public’s upbeat reaction to the RCZ’s styling on board. Taking the form of a three-seater Grand Tourer, the SR1 exhibits classic proportions. With its expansive bonnet, flowing wings and short overhangs there’s echoes of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage and Jaguar XK in its shape.

Gone is the gaping grille so often associated with modern Peugeots, replaced instead by a narrower opening, flanked by swept back headlights. Elsewhere, the carbon-fibre ‘skin’ has been sculpted to create a modern, three-dimensional look to the bodywork.

Beneath the surface, it’s just as hi-tech. The SR1 uses the same HYbrid4 architecture as the 3008 hybrid, due to go on sale in 2011. A 218bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged engine powers the front wheels, while a 95bhp electric motor spins the rears. Working in tandem the total power output is a healthy 313bhp but combined fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are a paltry 57.7mpg and 119g/km respectively. There’s an electric only mode too, turning the car into a zero emissions vehicle for brief stints.

In order to deliver finesse along with all that power, Peugeot’s has chosen to build the car on a rigid and lightweight platform and fit an innovative four-wheel steer system. By varying its sensitivity as a function of speed, the all-wheel steering system offers better manoeuvrability at low speeds and greater control when the pace quickens.

At first glance the roof might look like an integral part of the SR1’s structure, but it is in fact a removable panel. The difference here is the use of a specialist preformed plastic, normally found in the world of sailing, which helps to create the illusion of a metal hood.

Removing the roof exposes a beautifully detailed three-seat cabin, with the third passenger nestled in the middle at the rear. Hi-tech materials such as black nickel and satin-finished chrome are used throughout and blended with more traditional finishes like wood and leather.

As with any concept there are a number of unique features that help to separate the SR1 from production models. Both the instantaneous fuel consumption and remaining range are displayed on two crystal tubes emerging from the dash behind the steering wheel, while a wristwatch, designed by Bell&Ross, slots into a purpose built housing next to the LCD screen in the centre console.

An that's not all, as part of Peugeot's makeover it has also announced that the odd-ball BB1 electric concept will definitely spawn a production model in the next few years. With so many new products on the way and the SR1 concept showing the way in terms of style, the future looks very bright indeed for the French manufacturer. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Sneak Peek: 2011 Nissan Juke

Nissan has named the latest addition to its line up of quirky crossovers, as well as releasing the gloomy teaser shot you see here. Inspired by the Qazana concept shown in Geneva last year, and following in the footsteps of the hugely successful Qashqai, the 'Juke' is designed to offer customers a funky alternative to the traditional small hatchback.

From this dimly-lit photo it's clear that the concept car's swollen wheels arches have been carried over, along with the narrow, elongated headlights and oversize fog lights underneath. It appears the 370Z-inspired rear boomerang lights will also make production, while the windscreen and roofline have taken on a more angular profile.

Slotting in between the Note and Qashqai, the Juke will expand Nissan's broad range even further. And when it goes on sale in October, it should provide a welcome boost for the UK car industry too - it will be built alongside the Qashqai and Qashqai+2 at Nissan's Sunderland plant.

Full details on the newcomer will be realeaed at the global media unveiling on February 10th, but it's public debut won't be until the Geneva Motor Show in March. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

New Car: 2010 Subaru Impreza R205

Japanese buyers of Subaru vehicles are no strangers to special edition Impreza WRX models. Previous versions have varied on equipment, featuring everything from automatic gearboxes to performance-enhancing drivetrain and suspension goodies, but one thing they've had in common is that they aren't available in the U.S. The same holds true with Subaru's newest special edition 'Rex, the R205.

Although the "R" in "R205" reportedly stands for "Road Sport," it may as well stand for "racetrack." R205 models receive several suspension upgrades, all of which were tested by STI engineers during the 2009 Nurburgring 24-hour race. R205 models receive inverted strut and coil springs for the front suspension, along with revised dampers and coil springs out back. The front suspension also receives a strut tower bar, a lower arm brace, and a stabilizer bar.

This isn't, however, simply a handling package. Through a new engine computer, a revised twin-scroll turbocharger, and unique intake and exhaust systems, the turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four pumps out 320 lb-ft of torque, and 318 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm -- a substantial boost over the stock STI, which is rated at 305 hp and 290 lb-ft in North America. Unlike the Japanese Carbon edition (which came only with an automatic), the R205 is only available with a six-speed manual transmission.

Cosmetic upgrades include a special grille insert, a STI-designed lower bumper and side sills, and a unique rear spoiler and diffuser. The R205 also wears bespoke 18-in. aluminum wheels, shod with Bridgestone Potenza RE070 rubber. Brembo provides a heavy-duty brake system, complete with six-piston calipers up front, and larger slotted rotors all around (Subaru says they're 18-in. -- the same size as the wheels. We imagine that's a typo.).

Subaru plans on selling only 400 examples of the Impreza R205, and each is expected to cost roughly $48,000.
Thanks to: Motor Trend

New Car: 2012 Chevrolet Aveo RS

The new Chevrolet Aveo RS concept debuting at the Detroit auto show reveals that GM has something smart and small in the works ready to meet Ford’s much-ballyhooed new Fiesta subcompact.

Larger than the current Aveo and donning what Chevy calls a “European hot-hatch look,” the five-door “Borocay Blue” RS show car is intended to appeal to the youth market—or any market, really. It previews the production version of the next Aveo due as a 2011 or 2012 model. Raise the concept’s chin a tad, tone down the chrome-rimmed outer air inlets, and replace those aluminum-wrapped exposed headlights (circumscribed as they are in blue) with similar halogen units, and you’re staring into the face of the 2011 Aveo. De-flare the RS concept’s fenders and replace the 19-inch wheels with more feasible rollers and you get a good idea of what the rest of the car will look like—we’ve seen the production-ready base model, so we should know. There’s a sedan, too, although it’s more homely than the hatch. Of course, if Chevy ends up putting out an actual Aveo RS model with body mods like those seen here, we’re fine with that.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

Spied: 2013 BMW 3-Series GT

Underneath this disguised 3-series are the mechanicals of the forthcoming 3-series GT. BMW hopes the new model will broaden the appeal of the 3-series in the same way that a hatchback variant has widened the scope of the 5-series.

However, the new car won’t just be a smaller version of the Five GT. This time BMW is aiming to produce a fastback 3-series rather than the business express limo that is the Five GT. The 3-series GT will be more of a rival to Audi’s A5 Sportback, which is halfway between a fastback A4 and a four-door A5.

Not only would a GT variant help to make the 3-series more profitable, but it would also go some way to insuring BMW against a drop in SUV sales by offering a more socially acceptable alternative to vehicles such as the X3.

The car in our scoop pictures is testing the GT’s mechanical make-up. It’s clothed in a current 3-series saloon bodyshell and the top half of the mule, from the doorline up, is from that car. But from the waistline down the body has been altered to accommodate the new car’s chassis.

The extended rear passenger door, which has extra disguise around the rear of the window, points to a longer wheelbase than the current 3-series to give more room inside. Further disguise around the rear window indicates that BMW’s engineers are experimenting with a new boot opening, too.

The test car also has wider front and rear tracks than the regular 3-series, which fits with the idea of a wider, longer version of the saloon. The extended wheel arches look capable of accommodating bigger wheels, too.

At the moment it’s unclear if the 3-series GT will be launched before the new saloon, although the presence of this test mule suggests that, like the 5-series, the fastback will be launched before the saloon; that could be in 2012.

Thanks to: Autocar

Sneak Peek: GMC Urban Utility Concept

We're less than a week away from the opening days of the Detroit auto show, and GM has released two new images that could foreshadow a concept we'll see at Cobo Hall. Stashed on GM's "The Lab" blog and dubbed the GMC "Urban Utility Concept" is the crossover-like vehicle shown here.

Very little is known about the crossover, but the one image -- a line drawing that compares the profiles and seating positions of the concept, a Terrain, and, of all things, a Scion xB -- possibly reveals the most. The "UUC" is much smaller than GM's current Theta-platform crossovers, and is virtually the same size -- and shape -- as the compact xB.

Playing in the compact hatchback segment would be a new endeavor for GMC (which typically sticks to trucks, SUVs, and crossovers), but the styling, however, seems quite familiar. GM released only one image showing exterior detail, and the front fascia seems to incorporate cues from the Terrain, along with the Denali XT concept shown at the 2007 Chicago auto show.

Hopefully, we'll learn more about the "UUC" in a few days time, when we hear GM will unveil a show car in Detroit along these lines.
Thanks to: Motor Trend

Sneak Peek: 2011 Chevrolet Aveo

The next Chevrolet Aveo will have a wheel, a tire, and maybe a rear quarter panel, if the latest teaser image from General Motors provides any indication. GM PR posted the image today on the social media Baphomet that is Twitter. We understand the photo was taken at an event where GM's Orio, Michigan, Assembly employees saw the car.

As we've reported, GM has hailed the next Aveo as a radical departure from the current model. We hear four round headlamps, a wedged body shape with an angled shoulder line, and hidden rear door handles are in store for the exterior. Check our spy report from May, here.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Hot News: 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo SuperVeloce

After completing the stunning Gallardo LP 560-4 and 550-2 Valentino Balboni, you would think Lamborghini would take a break. A series of renderings on Lambocars.com, a Lamborghini enthusiast Web site, may prove otherwise.

Pouring gasoline on the latest rumor firebed, the renderings depict a Gallardo bearing white paint, a massive rear wing, carbon fiber bodywork, and a two-letter moniker well-known to Lamborghini diehards: SV. Lambocars.com believes a SuperVeloce edition of the Gallardo is in the works, estimating 570-hp from a 5.2L V-10. The Web site even ponders the existence of a rear-drive Balboni edition, based on the success of the most recent special edition Gallardo.

The Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce, which we tested in last year, boasts a 661-hp V-12 and all-wheel drive. It reached 60 mph in 3.2 seconds and the quarter mile in just 11.4 seconds at 125.8 mph. If such a Gallardo SuperVeloce is in the works, you might expect it to debut at the Geneva auto show in March.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

New Concept Car: Buick Regal GS

Confirming rumors, Buick is using the Detroit auto show to debut a higher-performance derivative of the Regal sports sedan. Although the Regal GS is officially a concept car, it won’t take much to bring this one to market, since it’s very similar to the Opel Insignia OPC already on sale in Europe. The regular Regal hits U.S. streets late this spring.

Externally, the GS is differentiated from the stock Regal by a 0.4-inch-lower stance accented by 20-inch forged aluminum wheels, as well as twin ports on the hood, unique rocker panels, dual exhaust outlets, additional front air intakes, and satin-finish metallic accents on the window surrounds. Inside, it gets Recaro sports seats, a squared-off steering wheel, and metal pedals.

However, unlike the OPC, which is fitted with a 325-hp, 2.8-liter turbocharged V-6, the GS concept features a tweaked version of the Regal’s 2.0-liter direct-injection turbo four making 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The engine drives through a six-speed manual transmission in the show car, but expect an automatic option when the GS goes into production. According to Buick execs Craig Bierley and Jim Federico, the reasons for the four-cylinder versus the V-6 are many: The bigger engine doesn’t make as much power when tuned to meet U.S. emissions regulations, and because it weighs more, there’s not a lot of difference in power-to-weight ratios. The V-6 also guzzles more gas than the turbo four, and the latter provides better weight distribution.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

New Car; 2010 Toyota Yaris

These are the first official images of Toyota's updated Yaris, which gains a range of minor cosmetic tweaks, along with improved spec levels (at least in models offered to European buyers).

The company hasn't gone overboard with the external mods, which are limited to a redesigned headlight cluster, matt silver door handles and new alloy wheels (or new wheel caps in cars with steel rims). The derriere is distinguished by mildly revised tail-lights.

Meanwhile, the colour palette gains two new additions -- hues dubbed Light Purple Silver and Blue metallic.

Toyota boasts the new Yaris represents five per cent better value than before as automatic air-conditioning and front foglights become standard in Euro-spec cars.

The company's European arm has also introduced a new model variant -- the 'Yaris 2010' -- which comes equipped with analogue instrument dials, a perforated leather steering wheel and gearshift knob and higher-grade upholstery trim.

Euro buyers can choose from three powerplants -- 1.0-litre VVT-i and 1.3-litre Dual VVT-i petrol units and a 1.4 litre D-4D (turbodiesel). Each engine features Toyota's Optimal Drive technology, which is said boost fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

As a result, all three engines generate under 120g/km, with model range fuel consumption averaging below 5 litres/100 km, according to Toyota. Moreover, Yaris whole-fleet CO2 emissions will be reduced from 130.8 g/km in 2008, to 117.4 g/km in 2010.

Toyota Optimal Drive focuses on lightweight, compact design, enhanced combustion efficiency and low-friction components. The company claims the petrol engines have been enhanced via a high-efficiency intake port, a high compression ratio and "long reach" spark plugs.

The 1.3-litre petrol engine features Stop & Start technology, while the 1.4 litre D-4D oiler is equipped with new Piezo injectors, variable nozzle turbocharging, a de-coupling generator and new electrical Exhaust Gas Recirculation.

Thanks to: Car Point

New Concept Car: Maruti-Suzuki R3 MPV

This is the Suzuki R3 MPV concept, which is being evaluated for the Indian market.

Unveiled at the Delhi motor show today, the six-seater is based on a stretched SX4 platform, and was conceived as a smaller rival for the ultra-successful Toyota Innova.

The production version - which is reported to be 18-24 months from reality - is expected to be built on a monocoque so that it is more car-like in its driving characteristics than a typical body-on-frame design.

The R3 is expected to be powered by Maruti Suzuki's K-series petrol engine in 1.2 and 1.4-litre variants, while a Fiat-derived 1.3-litre diesel is a possibility.

However, VW’s recent purchase of a 20 per cent stake in Suzuki raises the possibility of engines from the German car maker finding their way into the R3.

Thanks to: Autocar