2008 Geneva Motor Show: Hyundai HED-5 "i-Mode"

• Looks like: Another small diesel concept we won’t see stateside even if it hits production elsewhere
• Defining characteristics: Twin front-to-back skylights
• Ridiculous features: For a concept, nothing really
• Chance of being mass-produced: There’s nothing so extravagant we’d say “no way” for a possible production version; the engine has already been confirmed for European production

Hyundai adds one more eco-friendly concept, the HED-5 “i-Mode,” to the long list of environmentally sensitive concepts that automakers have been pumping out recently at auto shows. This Hyundai isn’t promising revolutionary hydrogen power or hybrid components; its claimed eco-awareness comes from high-tech, lightweight materials and a small turbocharged diesel engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The i-Mode aims to create a social experience in the cabin with seating for six passengers and a power-operated front passenger seat that swivels to face rear occupants. There’s also an integrated multimedia system with access to the web, video games and movies, plus a wireless keyboard, mouse, game controllers and headphones.

LRX Concept Gets a New Paint Job for Geneva Motor Show

Land Rover's sporty SUV concept that wowed us earlier this year at the Detroit auto show has reappeared at the Geneva Motor Show wearing a new black and silver paint job. It looks just as good now as it did painted white in Detroit, where it won our Ultimate Concept Car award. For more photos of this new LRX, check out the gallery below.

2008 Geneva Motor Show: 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4

• Competes with: Porsche 911 Turbo, Ferrari F430, Audi R8
• Looks like: The current Gallardo liked what it saw on the Reventon concept
• Drivetrain: 560-hp, 5.2-liter V-10 with six-speed manual or six-speed sequential with paddle shifter
• Hits dealerships: Late spring 2008
  

Lamborghini is showing a new LP560-4 Gallardo at the 2008 Geneva auto show. The Gallardo is the smaller supercar of Lamborghini’s two current offerings, and the latest LP560-4 has a 5.2-liter V-10 making 560 hp — up from the current Gallardo’s 520 hp. This peak power gives the LP560-4 its name, while the “4,” refers to the LP560-4’s four-wheel drive, which splits power 30% to the front wheels and 70% to the rear. Transmission options include either a six-speed manual or six-speed sequential with paddle shifters.

The LP560-4 shows off front styling akin to the Reventon concept that debuted at the 2007 Frankfurt auto show. Similar cues from the Reventon concept include large trapezoidal front air intakes to scoop up air for the engine’s cooling demands. Between those large scoops is a front spoiler for improved aerodynamics. In the back there’s a new rear diffuser and LED taillights. On the inside, buyers can choose an Alcantara-lined interior or carbon fiber trimmings.

Lamborghini says the LP560-4 can do zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.7 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 202 mph (325 km/h).

2008 Geneva Motor Show: 2009 Infiniti FX

• Competes with: Acura MDX, BMW X6, Porsche Cayenne
• Looks like: The current FX with a new front end
• Drivetrain: V-6 engine (details TBA) or a 390-hp, 5.0-liter V-8 with seven-speed automatic; rear- or all-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: June 2008

In many ways, Infiniti's FX is more like a high-riding sports car than an SUV — it shares its platform with the Nissan 350Z sports car. For 2009, the FX receives some mild styling updates, a revised interior and a more powerful V-8 engine.

The FX retains its swoopy profile, but the front of the SUV receives some changes. In place of the previous model's trapezoidal headlights are new housings that have a jagged lower edge. The horizontal chrome bars on the grille have been ditched in favor of an open design that's accented with chrome around the edges. The front fenders also gain chrome appliqués, which seem to be the design cue of choice these days.

2008 Geneva Motor Show: Saab 9-X BioHybrid

• Looks like: Saab tried its hand at a Volvo C30-fighter
• Defining characteristics: Hybrid drivetrain with lithium-ion battery pack, movable spoiler and diffuser to aid aerodynamics, power-operated cargo floor, roof-mounted solar panel
• Ridiculous features: 21-inch wheels
• Chance of being mass-produced: It's plausible that the general shape of the car and its hybrid drivetrain could make it to production one day — if GM gives Saab the funds

Take a good look at this concept, Saab fans, as it's what the future may hold for the brand's small cars, according to the Swedish automaker. The two-door hatchback has a number of interesting features, including a hybrid drivetrain that's capable of running on E85 ethanol.

The 9-X BioHybrid features an evolution of the GM Hybrid System that incorporates a lithium-ion battery pack. Saab says the new system is better at storing energy and providing electric assist than is today's system. Working together with a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, the electric motor can provide supplementary power when accelerating, restart the engine from a stop and act as a generator when decelerating.

2008 Geneva Motor Show: Mercedes Vision GLK Bluetec Hybrid

• Looks like: The GLK concept that debuted at January’s Detroit auto show
• Defining characteristics: Diesel four-cylinder combined with electric motor for 40 mpg
• Ridiculous features: Not many, as the GLK is near production-ready
• Chance of being mass-produced: The GLK is confirmed, but we’ll have to wait and see about a diesel hybrid

The GLK, Mercedes’ all-new compact crossover, got its formal European debut at this week’s Geneva auto show. Though it’s technically a concept, it’s very close to the real SUV that will hit U.S. dealerships this fall. What won’t come is the European concept’s diesel-hybrid version, which delivers some 40 mpg in combined city and highway driving, Mercedes says.

The drivetrain sounds similar to the workings in Mercedes’ 40-mpg S400 Bluetec Hybrid concept at last November’s L.A. auto show. At its heart is an electric motor wedged between the engine and transmission that generates some 118 pounds-feet of torque. Though it provides a healthy boost in acceleration, it can’t power the GLK on electric power alone. Its energy source is a lithium-ion battery, which is more technologically advanced than the bulkier nickel-metal hydride batteries used in hybrids today. As you might expect, the running gear also includes regenerative brakes and an engine that shuts off at idle.

2008 Geneva Motor Show: 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid

• Competes with: Lexus LS 600h L
• Looks like: A run-of-the-mill S-Class
• Drivetrain: 3.5-liter V-6 with electric motor and seven-speed automatic transmission
• Hits dealerships: Fall 2009

The Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid is a gasoline-electric hybrid version of the automaker's flagship S-Class sedan that's expected to arrive in the U.S. in fall 2009. Average fuel economy is about 30 mpg, according to Mercedes, which is nearly double the 16 mpg combined rating of the V-8-powered S550.

Though a gasoline-electric version of the S-Class is significant in its own right, the S400 BlueHybrid's hybrid system also incorporates a lithium-ion battery pack. Mercedes says the operating temperature of the battery pack is regulated by the car's air conditioning system, thereby enhancing battery life and performance.

 

BMW to Offer Internet in Cars

Before you read that headline and say to yourself, “Accident waiting to happen,” hear us out. Drivers will not be able to actually use the wireless internet technology known as ConnectDrive while the car is in motion.

This is a relief, as the thought of workaholic businessmen or rich daddy’s girls checking stock quotes and PerezHilton.com while zipping along the freeway at 80 mph should be enough to strike fear into the hearts of drivers everywhere.

While sitting safely in a parking lot, drivers can control the browser through the iDrive controller, which will manipulate the cursor on the iDrive screen (presumably connected to the iDrive drive). There may still be limitations to the technology. For instance, BMW will reformat the pages to its own servers before sending them to the car, and the browser uses EDGE technology, which according to TechnoRide.com may mean a good long wait time for page loading.

Hopefully, we’ll get answers to these questions when BMW debuts ConnectDrive at the 2008 Geneva auto show.

2008 Geneva Motor Show: BMW Offers Unrestricted Internet Browsing (TechnoRide)

2008 Geneva Motor Show: 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco

• Competes with: Mini Cooper S, Volvo C30
• Looks like: A low-riding GTI with a chopped roof
• Drivetrain: 120-horsepower, 1.4-liter four-cylinder; 158-hp, 1.4-liter four-cylinder; or 197-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder with six-speed manual or DSG automatic transmission
• Hits dealerships: Late summer 2008 for Europe, not planned for U.S.

Scirocco is one of Volkswagen's more recognizable nameplates, and it's been resurrected in the form of a two-door hatchback that has room for up to four people. Volkswagen says the Scirocco will be offered with an adaptive suspension and both diesel and gas engines.

The Scirocco's profile is reminiscent of Volvo's new C30 hatchback, with its sloping roofline and long side windows. Rather than a version of VW's corporate chrome grille, the Scirocco has black upper and lower sections that are separated by a molded bumper. A small rear spoiler finishes off the liftgate.

Inside, the dashboard layout closely resembles the GTI's, and occupants in both the front and back get sculpted bucket seats. Let us know in the comments what you think of its looks.

2008 Geneva Motor Show: 2009 Maserati Gran Turismo S

Competes with: Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG

Looks like: A Maserati for the Mafia

Drivetrain: 440-hp, 4.7-liter V-8 with six-speed automated manual transmission; rear-wheel drive

Maserati's new Gran Turismo S is a performance-oriented version of the two-door coupe. It features a larger-displacement V-8 engine that makes 440 hp, which is 35 hp more than the regular Gran Turismo's V-8. The S also gets Maserati's duo-select six-speed automated manual transmission with paddle shifters in place of the six-speed automatic that the standard model uses.

The new drivetrain propels the car from zero to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds on the way to a top speed of 183 mph, according to the company. The task of stopping this sports car falls to a high-performance brake system that features six-piston front calipers.

Exterior differences between the two versions of the Gran Turismo are minor, like a red stripe on the grille trident of the S, but the car does take on a particularly menacing aura when painted black with dark gray rims, like the car in the photos. It also features a sport exhaust system. On the inside, the S has new sport seats finished in leather and Alcantara fabric.

 

2008 Geneva Motor Show: Mitsubishi Prototype-S

Looks like: A four-door hatchback version of the Lancer

Defining characteristics: Massive trapezoidal grille, forward-swept liftgate, turbocharged four-cylinder, twin-clutch transmission

Ridiculous features: Giant rear spoiler

Chance of being mass-produced: Europe will get a production version later this year; we can only hope the U.S. is in line for it, too

Mitsubishi says the Prototype-S concept car you see here foreshadows what the next Lancer Sportback will look like. The design is a far cry from the last Lancer Sportback offered in the U.S. a few years ago, which was decidedly more wagon-like than this racy hatchback.

Like its exterior, the powertrain in the Prototype-S seems like it has a reasonable shot at making it to production. That's because it's very similar to what's under the hood of the new 2009 Lancer Ralliart. Specifically, the concept features a 237-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that teams with Mitsubishi's six-speed twin-clutch transmission. The transmission has both manual and automatic modes, and engine power is routed to all four wheels through an all-wheel-drive system that includes an electronically controlled center differential.

2008 Geneva Motor Show: 2009 Mini John Cooper Works

Competes with: Mazdaspeed3, Volkswagen GTI

Looks like: A Mini on a mission

Drivetrain: 207-hp, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with six-speed manual; front-wheel drive

Hits dealerships: Late summer 2008

A new John Cooper Works version of the Mini debuts for 2009 and is available as both the regular two-door hatchback and the new extended-length Clubman. Whereas previous JCW Minis featured a supercharged four-cylinder, both of these models are powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that makes 207 hp at 6,000 rpm and 192 pounds-feet of torque at 1,850 rpm. (The engine, according to Mini, can briefly raise boost pressure to achieve 207 pounds-feet of torque when accelerating.)

With the standard six-speed manual transmission, Mini says the John Cooper Works can achieve 62 mph in 6.5 seconds (6.8 seconds for the Clubman).

Besides the extensive changes under the hood, these hot-rod Minis also feature unique 17-inch alloy wheels, high-performance brakes and a different exhaust system. As with other Minis, the automaker offers a number of different ways to personalize the John Cooper Works cars.

If the enhancements offered here aren't enough, you might want to take a look at the available John Cooper Works accessories. These include a sport suspension with red springs, drilled brake discs, a rear spoiler, a suspension brace and carbon-colored trim pieces.

For a small front-wheel-drive hatchback, the Cooper S is a blast to drive, and with what we already know about that model, the new JCW goodies make the hatchback even more appealing. We'll know how much more once we have a chance to drive it.

2008 Geneva Motor Show: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept

• Looks like: Another way for eco-conscious celebrities to get to the Oscars
• Defining characteristics: Turbo-diesel hybrid powertrain, lithium-ion battery pack, eight-speed automatic transmission, roof-mounted solar panels, average fuel economy of 36 mpg
• Ridiculous features: Its name
• Chance of being mass produced: With other luxury automakers already in the hybrid game or entering soon, it's a no-brainer for BMW to establish a presence — if not with a production version of this hybrid, then something else.

BMW has chosen its X5 luxury SUV as the platform for which to showcase a hybrid concept dubbed Vision EfficientDynamics. The all-wheel-drive concept utilizes a 204-hp, twin-turbo 2.0-liter diesel engine that's supplemented by an electric motor, according to BMW.

Unlike the previously shown X6 hybrid concept, the mild hybrid system in the Vision EfficientDynamics cannot operate solely on electric power. However, the diesel engine does turn off when the vehicle comes to a halt to save fuel and the concept also features regenerative braking technology to capture kinetic energy that would otherwise be lost. That energy is stored for later use in a lithium-ion battery pack in the rear of the SUV. Average fuel economy for the concept works out to about 36 mpg, according to the automaker, which is a 100% improvement over the X5's 18 mpg combined rating with the base 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder.

More 2009 Audi A4 Avant Photos

What can we say — we really liked the new 2009 Audi A4 Avant when we first saw it yesterday. Today, we’ve found a crop of new photos from Audi that show off the all-important profile of this wagon, along with different exterior and interior colors. We’ve added them to the same gallery as yesterday’s post, so all the photos are in one place. Check out all 24 of them below.

Note: Not all the trim levels shown will come to the U.S.

2008 Geneva Motor Show: 2009 Volvo XC60

• Competes with: BMW X3, Land Rover LR2, Acura RDX
• Looks like: Safe comes to the compact luxury SUV market
• Drivetrain: 281-hp, turbocharged six-cylinder
• Hits dealerships: Early 2009

Volvo is jumping into the small luxury SUV game with the XC60. It joins an ever-growing group of very good vehicles, like the BMW X3, Acura RDX, Land Rover LR2, Infiniti EX35 and Mercedes-Benz’s upcoming GLK. Can Volvo play the safe card and win buyers?

That’s what the company says it isn’t doing, at least with the design. While it certainly isn’t boxy, we’re not sure if the lines are as universally appealing as the Infiniti EX35 or as true to their brand as the Land Rover LR2. At first glance the interior looks similar to other Volvos, but the floating center stack is actually off-center, skewing toward the driver. It’s an odd effect, but it might turn out to be quite practical.

Under the hood is the energetic turbocharged T6 six-cylinder pumping out 281 hp — more than any other SUV in this group — we recently tested in the Volvo S80 sedan. It will be the only available engine in the U.S. when it goes on sale in early 2009. All-wheel drive will be standard, which makes us worry that the entry price might be high. But considering that parts of Volvo’s lineup — like the S80 and XC70 — are priced well below the competition, we’ll have to wait and see.

As for safety, the XC60 comes with a crash-avoidance feature that can tell if you’re about to run into the car in front of you, and it then applies the brakes to avoid the accident. Volvo is calling it “City Safety” in the XC60, but it sounds much like the collision warning system in other vehicles in Volvo’s lineup, sometimes as part of a $1,700 option package. City Safety is standard in the XC60.

Check out more photos below and let us know if the looks work or not.

2008 Geneva Motor Show: 2009 Audi A4 Avant

• Competes with: BMW 3 Series, Saab 9-3 SportCombi
• Looks like: Audi has upped the ante in the entry-luxury wagon field
• Drivetrain: New turbocharged four-cylinder engine with six-speed automatic
• Hits dealerships: Fall 2008

It’s a good day to be a station wagon fan. Audi has just taken the wraps off its new 2009 A4 Avant. This wagon is based on the redesigned A4, and both will go on sale this fall in the U.S. We’re really impressed with the design, as it’s a much more noticeable departure from the previous wagon than the new sedan is from the old version.

The rear slopes severely, which gives the car a throwback look to older generations of German wagons. We’ve seen a lot of sharp, angled designs from all the German automakers as of late, so it’s nice to see some curves again.

Inside, the Avant will have a layout nearly identical to the 2009 sedan, which we’ve covered quite a bit. Most noticeably, the Avant adds Audi’s multimedia interface system and a new dashboard layout.

Under the hood, however, will be just one engine: a new turbocharged four-cylinder that Audi is keeping to itself until the Geneva Motor Show in a few weeks. The sedan will get that engine as its base, along with a 265-hp, 3.2-liter six-cylinder. The Avant will come standard with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive and an automatic transmission.

Stay tuned for more on that new engine and pricing, but for now check out more images below and let us know if you like the look. 

2008 Geneva Motor Show: Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe

• Competes with: Bentley Brooklands
• Looks like: A two-door for NBA superstars and British aristocrats
• Drivetrain: 453-hp, 6.75-liter V-12 
• Hits dealerships: Fall 2008

Rolls-Royce introduced its latest Phantom Drophead Coupe — aka convertible— to rave reviews from the automotive elite last year. The big, brutish, brush-steel-finished coach led to big sales for Rolls-Royce. So what does the British carmaker do to follow it up? Meet the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe.

This is the “sporty” version of the Phantom. The company promises this is “the most driver-oriented model in the Phantom line.” It’s shorter, has a stiffer body and still has a huge V-12 engine with 531 pounds-feet of torque under the bonnet.

Full specs haven't been released yet, but highlights include rear-opening doors, which the company says strengthen the body. A picnic boot around back flips down so you don’t get your trousers soiled when picnicking. And topping off the ultra-luxurious cabin is a headliner pinpointed with dozens of LEDs to create a star-filled night sky. We’re not sure if that feature is standard or optional. We also don’t know how much the Coupe will cost, but expect it to hover around $400,000. Until you can find that much under the sofa cushions, check out the photos below.

Saab Teases 9-1X Concept

The Geneva Motor Show is shaping up to be more exciting than most of the big shows in the U.S. this season. The latest news from overseas is this teaser image from Saab showing the shadowy silhouette of a car. What car is it? None other than the 9-1X concept, a premium compact car designed to compete with the Volvo C30 and Mini Cooper.

The image rests between the 9X Concept 9-4X Concept 9X concept we saw in Detroit and last year’s Aero X concept. Presumably, the 9-1X would share those same aggressive front ends. There are no— and we mean zero — hard facts on this car, but it could be just the thing to bring Saab aficionados back to the brand. We’ll know more in a few weeks.

2008 Geneva Motor Show: Ford Kuga

• Competes with: Honda CR-V, Saturn Vue
• Looks like: Ford’s found a good replacement for the Escape
• Drivetrain: 2.0-liter turbo-diesel with six-speed automatic
• Hits Dealerships: 2008 for Europe, not planned for the U.S.

What you see here is a really good-looking compact SUV from Ford. It will go on sale in Europe this year, but there are no plans for it to come to the U.S. That’s really, really too bad because the Ford Kuga looks like it could replace the current Escape in Ford’s line-up pretty easily and with some style.

Don’t believe us? The Kuga is almost identical to the Escape’s length and weight and comes in either front- or all-wheel drive. What’s really different of course is that the Kuga will go on sale with just one engine, a diesel. The 2.0-liter turbo-diesel will put out just 136 hp but a whopping 236 lb.-ft of torque which should propel it just fine. Mileage using metric conversion would be roughly 37 mpg combined city and highway.

Ford would have to tackle the diesel issue before adapting it for American consumers but we see no reason why they shouldn’t try. Perhaps they could bring it over at the same time as the new Fiesta in 2010. The company has previously said that it will leverage its global products in its latest turn-around strategy for the U.S. and we don't think they'll stop at the Fiesta. Check out the photos below and tell us if you think this should be the next Escape.

2008 Geneva Motor Show: New Ford Fiesta Heading to America

• Competes with: Toyota Yaris, Hyundai Accent
• Looks like: A futuristic minicar
• Drivetrain: 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine (1.4- and 1.6-liter turbo-diesel engines for world markets) with five-speed manual or four-speed automatic
• Hits dealerships: 2008 for Europe, 2010 for North America

If you think the all-new Ford Fiesta looks like the Verve concepts we’ve been seeing over the past year at various auto shows, you’re right. This production car takes those concept car cues and turns them into reality. Don’t take our word for it, just check out the interior, which closely resembles the concept car.

Ford says this is the first car that will truly be a global performer, going on sale in Europe, Asia and North America. Yes, Ford will start producing the Fiesta — it will not be called Verve anywhere it’s sold — in North America for sale in the U.S. in 2010. Ford officials confirmed that with Cars.com today.

Engine choices in Europe will include two small, efficient diesel power plants and two gasoline engines. We expect the largest of the two gasoline engines to make it to the U.S. — a 1.6-liter four-cylinder producing roughly 115 hp.

The Fiesta’s crazy center console has an auxiliary jack, USB port and a 12-volt outlet. Bluetooth will also be available. Since the new Sync system isn’t offered in Europe, it’s not included in this release. Again, though, we’d expect it to be an available upgrade in a U.S. Fiesta.

Other features include a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, ambient lighting and Ford’s new capless fuel intake. Ford hasn’t released full specs — like official dimensions — but says it retains the same footprint as the current Fiesta. We could also see a sedan version in the future. Our only complaint is that we have to wait two more years for it. More photos below.

New 2009 Infiniti FX to Debut in Geneva

Infiniti is using the world debut of its redesigned FX SUV to launch the brand in Western Europe. The FX will be seen for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show in early March, but will make its North American debut a few weeks later at the New York auto show. We’ll have more information on the new FX closer to its unveiling.