Frankfurt Spy: Citroen airs new C5 styling with cabriolet concept

spy: Four-seater convertibles might not be standard fare for Citroen, but that's not stopped the French companyfrom producing a concept version of one. The C5 Airscape made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2007, but before you go rushing down to your dealer to place an order, you should know that it's not going to make production.

At least not in four-seat cabriolet guise. That Citroen C5 prefix to the Airscape is telling though; this concept debuts design elements that are likely to feature on the forthcoming C5 replacement.

If Citroen delivers these elements to the production car then its Mondeo rival could be a big hit. Bold new headlamps extending up the wings and a creased bonnet give the C5 Airscape a particularly strong face.

And those smart lines don't finish up front either, the C5 Airscape's flanks exhibiting pronounced wheelarches and a neat feature line along the car's sides. The rear too has a solidity and Germanic look to it that's new to Citroen.

More than merely a styling exercise, the C5 Airscape also highlights some new technology that's likely to make its way onto the showroom C5 saloon. Citroen is claiming four-wheel drive like driving characteristics due to its new 'Snow Motion' traction control system.

However, perhaps most significantly the C5 Airscape exhibits green technology that makes it more efficient and cleaner. The 2.7-litre V6 HDI turbodiesel is both bio-diesel enabled and fitted with a stop-start system.

Utilising a reversible alternator-starter and super capacitorsto power auxiliary functions like air conditioning and audio equipment, the system, which Citroen is calling 'UrbanHybrid', reduces CO2 emissions from the 208bhp V6 by 24g/km.

It does so by switching off in traffic and scavenging energy during braking and decelerating, this energy also available in short bursts to boost engine torque when accelerating. These features, as well as the touch sensitive controls are all likely to make it through to the C5 when it's revealed in the next 12-18 months. And if it looks half as good as this concept then rivals should watch out.

Renault Twingo RS To Debut At The 2008 Geneva Show

During the media presentation of the 2nd generation Twingo in Slovenia, Renault surprised the press by announcing its plans for a top-notch version of the new mini. The French carmaker informed the press that the Twingo RS (Renault Sport) will be officially unveiled at the 78th Geneva Show in March, 2008 .


Renault officials were unwilling to disclose any other information, but it's obvious that the RS will wear a more powerful engine than the Twingo GT which is equipped with a 100Hp 1.2-liter supercharged motor. Rumors have it that the supped up Twingo will receive a normally aspirated 1.6-liter engine with an output of 130Hp, but on the other hand we find it hard to believe that Renault won't develop a turbocharged engine for the RS which will compete against cars in the mini GTi (Fiat 500 Abarth) and the entry-level supermini GTi (Suzuki Swift Sport) segments.

As for appearance, besides the Twingo Concept shown at the2006 Paris Show, a screen shot from the presentation revealing the lower front end of the RS has circulated in the internet giving us an idea of what to expect.

2007 Frankfurt Auto Show: Bentley Continental GT Speed, 20 Pics

Here we've had the fortune of reviewing not one, but two Bentleyson 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show- the Continental Flying Spur and the Continental GTC (still being written, but will be published soon).

Perhaps if we only write glowing praise about Bentley from here on out they'll let us drive the new Bentley Continental GT Speed, the most powerful Bentley ever made.

The twin-turbo W12 mill from standard Continental GT breathes better thanks to a redesigned and more upright grille, and its ECU has also been hacked resulting in a nice round 600bhp, a 48bhp bump. 20-inch wheels wrapped in ultra low-profile rubber, a new steering wheel not shared with VW, and optional carbon ceramic brakes round out the hardware upgrades.

All told, 60 MPH should arrive in 4.2 seconds and the Bentley Continental GT Speed's 202 MPHtop speed officially makes it the fastest Bentley ever made, as well.

The Bentley Continental GT Speed is one of the most photogenic cars at this year's 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, so check out all the live high-res pics in our gallery below, and click here to read the official press release from our original post.
[Source:Autoblog]

2007 Frankfurt Auto Show Cars Preview: Geiger Biturbo Corvette C6

Here we've had the fortune of reviewing not one, but two Bentleyson 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show- the Continental Flying Spur and the Continental GTC (still being written, but will be published soon).

Perhaps if we only write glowing praise about Bentley from here on out they'll let us drive the new Bentley Continental GT Speed, the most powerful Bentley ever made.

The twin-turbo W12 mill from standard Continental GT breathes better thanks to a redesigned and more upright grille, and its ECU has also been hacked resulting in a nice round 600bhp, a 48bhp bump. 20-inch wheels wrapped in ultra low-profile rubber, a new steering wheel not shared with VW, and optional carbon ceramic brakes round out the hardware upgrades.

All told, 60 MPH should arrive in 4.2 seconds and the Bentley Continental GT Speed's 202 MPHtop speed officially makes it the fastest Bentley ever made, as well.

The Bentley Continental GT Speed is one of the most photogenic cars at this year's 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, so check out all the live high-res pics in our gallery below, and click here to read the official press release from our original post.
[Source:Autoblog]

2007 Frankfurt Auto Show Cars: Volvo ReCharge PHEV Concept

Maybe they should've called it the "Volt-vo."In 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show, Volvo will pull the wraps off the ReCharge concept, a C30-based plug-in hybrid vehicle that combines a 1.6L flexible-fuel engineconnected to an auxiliary power unit (APU), which is in powers a set of in-wheel motors.

It's a series hybrid car, much like the Chevy Volt. The ReCharge's EV-only range on a full battery is said to be 62 miles, and under normal operating conditions, the car's engine wouldn't be activated to help with recharging until 70% of the battery's charge has been exhausted.

Volvosays that on a 90 mile trip (150 km), for example, the ReCharge would essentially average 124 mpg (1.9L/100 km).

A full charge when plugged into a standard power outlet takes approximately 3 hours, but Volvo says that even 1 hour plugged in gives the car a 50% charge.

Regenerative braking while underway helps charge the battery pack on the fly, and the driver can summon the combustion engine at any time to maximize charging if the situation is favorable (such as during highway driving) to get the car ready for straight EV duty at the next local stop.

The ReCharge uses a lithium-polymer battery designed to last longer than the car's operating life. CO2 emissions, a key concern in Europe where the concept is being unveiled, are 66% better than what's afforded by current hybrid carsin the marketplace.

We'll be on hand to bring you full details on Volvo's answer to the Chevy Volt next week's 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show.

2007 Frankfurt Motor Show Preview: Alfa Romeo's "Ultra Alfa"

2007 Frankfurt Auto ShowPreview: While mass customization has slowly become a mainstay strategy for automakerscourting buyers from all walks of life, Alfa Romeo's particular program has some added cachet.

Originally instituted with the introduction of the 8C Competizione, where buyers of Alfa's flagship have a hand in tailoring their ultra-exclusive GT to suit, the new "Ultra-Alfa" customization program will filter its way down to the Italian automaker's mass-market offerings. Three different "programs" will be available, ranging from "Vintage" to "TI", that find influence with every aspect of Alfa's heritage.

The "Vintage" program has a more classic feel, while the "Collezione" packages come complete with "perfumed" leather seats, contrasting stitching, metal inserts and plenty of other spizzarkle.

The "Turismo Internazionale," or "TI" packages, draw more on Alfa's racing tradition and centers on performance items that include revised suspensions setups and brakes, along with exclusive wheel designs and high-performance tires.

2007 Frankfurt Motor Show Preview: Fiat Panda Aria

Fiatwill debut a new concept versionof their Fiat Panda mini-carat the2007 Frankfurt Motor Shownext week dubbed the Panda Aria.

Although the Fiat Aria looks much like any standard Panda on the outside, it has been heavily modified tominimize fuel useand emissions. At the corners, the car is equipped with experimental Pirelli tires that keep rolling resistance down while still offering good grip for steering and braking.

Total vehicle and weight is cut but using a new two-cylinder turbocharged engine that follows the current trend toward smaller displacement boosted engines and is twenty percent lighter and takes up twenty-five percent less space than a similarly powerful four cylinder.

The 900cc SGE twin puts out 105 hp in turbo form using gasoline and Fiat'snew Multiair electronic valve control system. A 65hp normally aspirated version is also being developed.

The Multiair system has no throttle which is always an efficiency drain in engines, but instead uses an electro-hydraulic systemto actuate the valves. The system can provide full control over valve lift and timing.

The SGE two cylinder also has a special crankshaft balancing system to ensure smooth running and is expected to go into production later in the decade. The version shown in the concept is equipped with a dual-fuel systemthat can operate on gasoline or a 70/30 methane-hydrogen mix.

2007 Frankfurt Motor Show Preview: GM HydroGen4

The General MotorsHydrogGen4will be making its public debut at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Shownext week prior to being the European representative in Project Driveway.


Project Driveway is the largest fuel cell vehiclefield test in the world to date and it will involve GM putting vehicles into the hands of regular customers to drive. The HydroGen4 is a re-badged version of the Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell that was shown in the US in prototype form last fall. Project Driveway will launch in the US this fall and total of 100 Equinoxes will be included in the fleet. Ten of the HydroGen4 models will be made available for testing in partnership with the Clean Energy Partnership in Berlin, Germany.

The name comes from the fact that the vehicle is powered by the fourth generation of GM'sfuel cell technology. This is a follow-up to the Opel Zafira based HydroGen3 and it uses compressed hydrogengas pressurized to 10,000 PSI.

2007 Frankfurt Motor Show Preview: Novitec Rosso kicks the Ferrari 599 GTB up a notch

One of the many tuners showing off its wares in Frankfurt Auto Show 2007is Novitec Rosso, famed Deutsch tuners of all things from the boot-shaped nation. We caught wind of the firm's newest endeavor a month or so back, and today, we've finally got the details.

Beginning with the already competent Ferrari 599 GTB,the tuning haus sought to build off the Fezza's strong points while keeping body modifications as low-key as possible when starting with such a striking piece of machinery.

The engine output has been bumped by 25 HP (totaling 645 HP) through the implementation of new exhaust with larger, 90mm dual tips and a revised ECU. Top speed has been increased by an addition 5 KM/H, and Novitec plans to go even further in 2008 when it releases a more comprehensive engine package.

To make things stick, the company has fitted a KW Automotive adjustable aluminum suspension setup, which also allows users to adjust ride height by a control within the cabin.

The brakes have also been upgraded to 405mm on all four corners courtesy of a Brembo six-piston setup.

On the outside, down force and cooling is improved via a new body kit that includes a new front air dam, rear diffuser, wing, side flaps and a set of side skirts that incorporate larger intake openings.

Naturally, the rolling stock has been upgraded, with 20-inch N3 wheels up front and 21-inch out back, wrapped in Pirelli P Zero rubber. Smoked LED taillights round out the visual mods.

You can check out a full gallery of images below, and rest assured that we'll be bringing live shots of the tuned 599 when we make the trip to 2007 Frankfurt Motor Showin less than two weeks time.