Tag Archives: Geneva Motor Show
3 Things To Watch Out For In The 2017 Kia Picanto
It was supposed to be introduced at the Geneva Motor Show, but months ahead of the scheduled launch, the South Korean automaker released the official photos of its 2017 Kia Picanto. The design of the all-new Picanto came from the ingenious minds of the teams in Namyang, South Korea and Frankfurt, Germany.
Such collaboration between the two teams made the 2017 Kia Picanto pleasing for the European market. Here are the top three features of the car based on our source:
1. Exterior
Much of the exterior and interior look better than its predecessor. We cannot be sure, however, if this will hold true for the lower-trim models. Kia just released photos of its top-of-the-line GT Line trim. Its sporty aesthetics conveys an assertive stance because of its well-sculpted features.
The dimensions are the same with the current model, though it’s getting a 15-millimeter longer wheelbase (0.59 inches). The assertive and dynamic styling was largely thanks to the positioning of the wheels in the corner.
2. Interior
The interior spacing has been updated, which is a mystery since the exterior dimensions stayed the same. But according to reports, the interior space of the 2017 Kia Picanto was a big surprise, and can rival the very best in the segment.
Aside from that, you’ll be surprised with what you see—from the dashboard to the in-car technology. The new dashboard has a tablet-style screen for the infotainment system, a digital display between the two instrument cluster dials, and the latest in-car technology that all passengers can enjoy. That means, the Apple CarPlay and the Android Auto, of course.
3. Powertrain
Kia has yet to release details about the new Picanto’s powertrains. But what we surely can expect are these: 1.0-liter turbocharged, three-cylinder engines that produces 100 horsepower while the other one churns out a pretty impressive 120 horsepower.
Pricing for the 2017 Kia Picanto is not available yet, but more details shall come as the Geneva Motor Show comes closer to launch.
Ford Debuts Its Hotter Fiesta ST200 At The Geneva Auto Show
We’ve long heard about the hotter version of the Ford Fiesta that the company is gearing to release during the Geneva Motor Show. Now, we see full videos and photos of the ST200—a model referring to the new power level of the Fiesta, thanks to Motor Authority.
Of course, we should be clear that the power reference of 200 is measured in metric horsepower. In the United States, the Ford Fiesta ST200 would have 197 hp on tap.
The car enjoys a turbocharged 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine like the Fiesta ST. And although the ST did develop a 197 hp, that was temporary and was hit because of an overboost function.
On the other hand, the ST200 has its own overboost function that has peak output of 212 hp for bursts of 15 seconds. Peak torque is normally at 214 pound-feet and as much as 236 lb-ft with overboost.
Potential buyers of the ST200 can get to choose a six-speed manual transmission, which is the standard for this car. But thanks to a new 4.06 final drive ratio—down from 3.82 in the Fiesta ST—drivers can enjoy better in-gear acceleration that will make driving more enjoyable.
In terms of speed, the Fiesta ST200 can go 0-62 mph in 6.7 seconds, down from 6.9 seconds for the Fiesta ST. The top speed is at 143 mph.
When it comes to the exterior, the ST200 is not far from the Fiesta ST, so Ford decided to add an exclusive Storm Gray exterior finish for this line. There’s also the special 17-inch alloy wheels, red brake calipers, Recaro seats, illuminated door sills, and “ST200” badges.
Production for the ST200 will begin in June for the European market. Ford hasn’t confirmed if the Fiesta ST200 will be in local showrooms, but with its price range, I bet Ford lovers would want to get their hands on this.
As much as the new Focus RS was loved and accepted, its starting price of $36,605 leaves much to be desired. That’s where Fiesta ST200 comes in, as well as the fact that the current Fiesta will soon be unavailable because prototypes for the next generation model have already been launched.
The launch of the Fiesta ST200 at the Geneva Motor Show is a good way for the current model to bow out.
2017 Bentley Mulsanne By Mulliner Runs Away From The Conventional
Bentley is known for manufacturing probably most of the opulent and posh cars you see on the road today. The company uses only the finest materials both for its exterior and interior. But Bentley does fall on one category—it doesn’t offer a vehicle with seating for six, especially rear-facing seats.
Actually, not many automakers do these days, so when a customer approached Bentley’s customization department called Mulliner, the company jumped at the chance to create something special according to TopSpeed.
Bentley then brought this one-time deal to the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, and it’s easy to see why. This customized Bentley Mulsanne is full three feet longer than a standard Mulsanne, and offers four seats on its rear cabin, two of which faces the rear of the car. A divider—a clear glass that changes from clear to opaque with a simple switch—separates the driver and the passenger seat from the rear.
Wolfgang Dürheimer, Bentley’s chairman and chief executive, said the Mulsanne Grand Limousine showcased the craftsmanship of its in-house customization department—so much so that it literally manufactured a Mulsanne limousine for a customer. Talk about service. Not many automakers would stretch a limb to do that.
Outside, the Bentley Mulsanne Grand Limousine is a full meter longer and 79mm taller because of the bespoke roofline. The extra length and height that resides between the B-pillar and the rear wheels allow for a longer rear door to accommodate a wider exit and entrance doors. There’s also a center section that adds further length.
The car is painted Moroccan Blue with the hood, roof and trunk painted in Silver Frost. The 21-inch wheels’ spokes are also colored Moroccan Blue.
Inside, the four seats (the front- and rear-facing), are covered in leather-lined cabin with rear wood veneers, aluminum parts, chilled compartments for drinks, and connectivity for electronics.
Bentley has yet to release how much its customer paid for the customization, but the standard Mulsanne has a starting price of $300,000 so the Grand Limousine will probably around the price of $500,000.
Lamborghini Reveals £1.7m, 760bhp Centenario
To celebrate its 100th year anniversary of founder Feruruccio’s birth date has its perks: Lamborghini as just revealed its most powerful machine to date—aptly titled the Lamborghini Centenario.
According to Top Gear, this is a limited edition supercar that is built entirely from carbon fiber. It packs a 760bhp V12 and enough aero cues that pay homage to the legendary Italian on whose name the company stands. The Centenario just debuted at the Geneva Motor Show, and some reports were saying it even stole the show from the Bugatti.
The Cententario is based on the Aventador, although it is slightly longer than the 740bhp SV version. On the front bonnet, you can find large air scoops in reference to the sports cars of the 1970s.
Even the headlights got air ducts, as well as the side skirts and wheel arches, which will all supposedly provide air flow to the rear radiators. The roof is a beauty on its own. Using the most important element of aeronautical industry, this supercar has a hexagonal carbon fiber air duct on top.
But the roof is not the only place where carbon fiber was utilized. Lamborghini is making use of carbon fiber on the entire body and even the monocoque chassis to allow for the lightweight material to boost the car’s superfast capability.
The front splitter, side skirts, wheel arches and rear diffuser are all colored in matt carbon, too. During the Geneva Motor Show, the Lamborghini Cententario was launched in gloss carbon (though you can pick a color you want if you’re going to get your hands on this). The Centenario weighs in at 1,520kg, making it 55 kilos lighter than the Aventador.
There’s also an extendable rear wing, extending out 150mm and 15 degrees during “high performance conditions.”
Lamborghini is only making 20 coupes and 20 roadsters, meaning only 40 people have the Centenario. These 40 units have already been sold even before the motor show started. The price is €1.75m plus tax, which is around £1.7million including VAT.
2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Is Z06-Inspired
The 2017 seventh-generation Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport is a culmination of the original Grand Sports of the 1960s, which was revived in 1996 and 2010. The car makes its debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2016.
For the seventh generation Grand Sport, Chevrolet made sure to fuse the best elements of the past editions, especially the suspension components, wider wheels and tires from a burlier variant, and the standard V-8 engine option.
According to CarAndDriver, compared to past editions, the 2017 Grand Sport is definitely wider, thanks to the current Z06’s cooling systems, wider rear fenders, and look-alike grille. It also has 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels fitted with Z06 285/30 and 335/25 Michelin Pilot Super Sport rubber. The optional Corvette’s Magnetic Ride Control will come standard with the Grand Sport, as well as the anti-roll bars and front and rear transverse composite leaf springs.
The Stingray Z51’s electronically controlled rear differential is standard for the GS. As for the brakes, the 2017 Grand Sport somewhere between the 14-inch front rotors and 13.4-inch rears used in Corvette Stingray.
The power of the GS comes from the LT1 6.2-liter V-8 engine used by Corvette Stingrays. It offers the GS in seven-speed manual transmission and eight-speed automatic, as well as in coupe and convertible body styles. There are fender hash stripes and full-length body stripes with optional six colors.
The last five Grand Sports were underutilized in terms of being racing cars because of General Motors’ arbitrary internal racing ban in 1963. For the seventh generation GS, Duntov is offering customers larger brake, fuel tank options, and L88 big-block engine option.
Chevrolet has yet to announce the pricing for the Corvette Grand Sport, but let’s expect it to be a few thousands more than the Corvette Stingray. The same goes for other models, so might as well expect this will also have the same price range.
2017 Porsche 911 R Is The 911 GT3 We’ve All Been Waiting For
Porsche’s 911 GT3 was welcomed with a lukewarm response despite having one of the best automatic transmission ever built mainly because Porsche purists are looking for a track-ready Porsche 911 with a manual gearbox.
Although the Porsche 911 GT3 shifts amazingly quick and was tuned to deliver fast lap times around the race track, there was still nothing better than a car with three pedals and a stick. Thankfully, the new Porsche 911 R is making its debut at the Geneva Motor Show today.
New images have already been leaked of this manual transmission 911 R, but there’s also another that set this thing apart from the 911 GT3—the 911 R has no rear wing.
In terms of exterior, these two exteriors are identical to each other except for the fact that the Porsche 911 R has no rear wing. But overall, they have the same bumpers, rear fenders, wheels, side skirts and mirrors.
The only thing that sets the 911 R apart is the engine lid, which has a conventional grille and retractable spoiler taken from the Porsche Carrera models. It also has a redesigned front spoiler lip and rear underbody diffuser.
Inside, the 911 R features a sporty interior with few comfort features just like the standard 911. Some other interior elements are bucket seats, Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, and lightweight door panels.
For the 911 R, Porsche used the larger, 4.0-liter in the GT3 RS. The output is similar to the RS with 500 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The biggest change, of course, is that the 911 R shifted to a manual gearbox with no option for an automatic transmission.
The Porsche 911 R is made for race track purists, but the manual transmission came with disadvantages, too. The 0-60 mph is achieved in 3.7 seconds. This falls behind the GT3 and GT3 RS, which can complete it in 3.3 and 3.1 seconds, respectively.
The Porsche 911 R will probably sell for $120,000. Only 600 units will be produced.
Ford Fiesta ST Upgraded To 200 BHP
The Ford Fiesta ST hatch has gotten a good upgrade with 200 bhp and a nicer trim. We expect to see this at the Geneva Auto Show this March 1.
This would definitely steal some spotlight from the other hatchbacks and sedans currently lined up for the motor show. The hatch’s iteration was given more power plus a nicer trim since its going to presumably end its run soon.
Some who bought the Ford Fiesta ST may be slighted with the release of the ST200 model, but those who can get their hands on the new iteration would be greatly pleased.
According to TopGear, the changes aren’t exactly earth shattering, but they are enough to merit a second look. The Ford Fiesta ST200 will have a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine that ups the ante to 197bhp (or 200PS, hence the name), shaving a couple of tenths off the 0-62mph time, which now stands at 6.7 seconds.
Ford is also promising better in-gear performance, so its six gears should just be enough.
Ford also allows special specification and customization of the ST200. There’s a new “Storm Grey” paint, some fancy matt black alloys, and lots of nice red detailing inside and out.
All of these features are exclusive to the ST200, which only 500 will be made each year. This will, of course, keep their bragging rights strong. This might strongly remind you of the And if you recognise the short-run 2.5-litre V6 Mondeo ST200, released in 1999.
Prices have yet to be announced, but we are expecting the ST200 to be somewhere near the £21,000 range. Expectedly, some may frown at this since it’s a few thousands more than the standard edition, but the ST200 is a bargain compared to the Renaultsport Clio Trophy or Peugeot Sport 208 GTI, both will probably cost around £22,000 once they are released.
The 2017 Bentley Mulsanne Is A “Pinnacle” Car
There’s a new term in the motoring world—a “pinnacle” car, referring to everyday luxury cars in champagne-colored gorgeousness. Bentley’s pinnacle car is the Mulsanne, a sedan with the characteristics and performance of the best in its class.
Its rivals include the S-Class, the Mercedes-Maybach models, the Pullman and the Phantom. Yet, even with this kind of competition, Bentley is pressing its claim that the 2017 Mulsanne lineup is the best in the world. What’s new is a long-wheelbase model, an even longer-wheelbase model, and a new technology on the safety and infotainment fronts.
Next week’s 2016 Geneva Motor Show will debut the revamped sedan in the lineup. Unlike other automobiles that are made in less than 17 hours, the Mulsanne takes a total of 400 hours to complete. That’s efficiency for you. It is created in the same lab that churns out the likes of Continentals, Flying Spurs and Bentayga SUVs.
The extra 383 hours it takes to make the Mulsanne shows in the perfection of its aesthetics and designs, which can only mean it was handcrafted with love and precision. Although machines and robots weld the aluminum together, it is craftspeople who had to braze the metals together to create the Mulsanne’s roofline, as well as the customized interiors Bentley’s customers might come to request.
For its infotainment functions, the Mulsanne boasts of its 8-inch display screen with touch and swipe inputs backed by 60GB of media storage. It also has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and an in-car 4G LTE data connection.
The Mulsanne will also accept a detachable 10-inch Android tables mounted to the back of the front seat headrests. The tablets can have 4G and wireless connection, and comes with a 32GB of onboard expandable storage. Passengers can use the connection to stream music to the car’s audio system, browse the Internet, or open navigation maps on Google Maps.
Expect the Bentley Mulsanne to wow automobile enthusiasts during the Geneva Motor Show with its 6.8-liter V-8 (“6.75 liters,” in Bentley heritage-speak) with 505 horsepower and 752 pound-feet and eight-speed automatic transmission. It has a top speed of 60 mph in 5.1 seconds.
Arash AF8 Cassini To Launch At The 2016 Geneva Motor Show
Over the weekend, British supercar marque Arash announced that it is bringing an updated version of its AF10 flagship at the Geneva Motor Show next month. But the drivetrain that packs a reported V-8 and four electric motors for a combined power of 2,000 horsepower has a price tag of at least $1,584,500, so only super millionaires can get their hands on it.
Fortunately, Arash has another gift for car enthusiasts all over the world based on a report from Motor Authority. It is bringing a more attainable car with the AF8 Cassini, an evolution of the first AF8 we saw back in 2014. This one will cost approximately $239,500.
In terms of mechanical package, it hasn’t changed much, but the AF8 Cassini has a more sleek-looking rear than the AF8.
It also features a tubular steel chassis with carbon fiber reinforcements and crash structures and a 7.0-liter LS7 V-8 sourced from General Motors Company. It has a maximum peak of 550 horsepower, and peak torque of 476 pound-feet. Via its six-speed manual transmission, its drive is to the rear wheels.
This means the Arash AF8 Cassini can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5. It also has a top speed of 200 mph.
The interior has all the makings of a modern supercar—a carbon fiber and leather trim, a touchscreen infotainment system, a heated windscreen, and air-conditioning, of course. But if none of these trimmings suit your taste, you can get the stripped-out version made for track use. That way, you can customize the interior of this supercar according to your liking and personality.
The 2016 Geneva Motor Show is set to open its doors on March 1. This means we all have about a week to consume all the details about the various supercars that would be launched there. The Arash AF8 Cassini, with its super engine and gorgeous exterior and interior detailing could steal the show easily.
2017 Maserati Levante SUV to Drop at Geneva Motor Show
When photos of the new 2017 Maserati Levante SUV leaked online ahead of the 2016 Geneva Motor Show next month, the Italian luxury brand has taken it upon itself to release the full series of photos of their new SUV.
The images only confirmed the leak that showed the Levante not having the same design as the Kubang concept from the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show. The front features the brand’s corporate grille, cat’s eye headlights, large lower air intake, and portholes on the front fenders.
The rear has elements of the Porsche Cayenne and Alfa Romeo Giulia, so it’s like getting the rear aesthetics of three powerful SUVs all at once.
The Levante’s making use of the rear-wheel-drive architecture of the Ghibli and Quattoporte sedans. But in terms of length, it would be a notch closer to the Ghibli. It would also have an electronically controlled suspension with adjustable dampers and air springs. It has an eight-speed automatic transmission to power a four-wheel drive system.
There is no full specs yet, but it is expected that the Maserati Levante SUV will have the turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6. There might also be an option to power it with the Ferrari-sourced 3.8-liter V-8. The fastest model would probably be at 500 horsepower.
Maserati said the company would offer the option of a diesel engine although if you’re in the United States, you may not be able to get your hands on that one.
Europe will get firsthand experience of the Maserati Levante SUV this spring. As for those in the United States, you would all have to wait a little longer as it is expected to drop there later this year.
The Geneva Motor Show next month will have a preview of the Levante, so expect to get more information and details there about this new SUV.