Not satisfied to sit idly by while every other manufacturer attempts to drop the biggest bomb at (or ahead of as the case may be) the Geneva Auto Show, Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg has teased us with just one image of what might be a new vehicle.

Both terrifyingly evil and achingly beautiful, the sole picture of The Quant could potentially be either a new version of the CCX or a second (and smaller) platform, aimed at taking on the more mainstream exotic market.

Koenigsegg also will use the Geneva show to display its new touchscreen system, which incorporates the navigation, climate control and stereo systems into one screen. The screen will also display gobs of performance data (in true Nissan GT-R style) including a G-force meter, a lap timer and a torque meter. The system will even let drivers adjust the chassis, traction control and paddle-shift times (much like a Ferrari Mannetino).

Koenigsegg says its new ATM paddle-shift transmission makes use of an entirely new gearbox that can sit lower in the chassis for better weight distribution and will deliver shift times of 30 milliseconds – faster than the F430 Scuderia which currently holds the record for the fastest shift times in a street legal car of 60 ms.

We’ll bring you full details from the Geneva Auto Show floor starting March 3rd.

[Source: AutoBlog]

Roll-Royce has just released these photos of it’s new “entry-level” vehicle. Code-named the EX200, the concept vehicle will be on display at the Geneva Auto Show in March ahead of its Spring 2010 on-sale date.

This yet-unnamed Rolls-Royce sits on an entirely new chassis that is larger than an extended-wheelbase 7 Series and yet smaller than a Phantom. It will share some parts with the new 7 Series, such as some of the suspension hardware and the steering rack , but will feature the cushy air springs found on the Phantom.

Power will come from a torquey V12 engine that will eventually find its way into the 7 Series.

In terms of style, the resemblance to the Phantom and the rest of the Rolls-Royce family is undeniable. And yes, it does have those sick suicide-doors.

Pricing is expected to be around 180,000 British Pounds or roughly $250,000.

Rolls-Royce EX200:

[Source: CAR Magazine]

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Thanks to the folks over at EVO Magazine, we have this video of the 750hp Pagani Zonda R testing at the world famous Monza race track.

Weight is kept to just 2,359 lbs thanks to the use of a carbon fiber body (as with all Zonda models), which sits over top of a new carbon-titanium composite monocoque. Cromoly parts are used for the front and rear suspension and all pieces are held together through the use of titanium bolts.

The engine is the same 6.0-liter V12 AMG powerplant that is the motivation behind all of Pagani’s model, except output has been increased to the 750 mark at 7500 rpm. Torque is rated at 524 ft-lbs at 5700 rpm. This is enough, says Pagani, to rocket the Zonda R to 60 mph in just 2.7 seconds.

Getting all that power to the ground is made possible thanks to an ultra-light magnesium Xtrac gearbox, operated by paddle shifters. Gear changes fly by in just 20 milliseconds. To put that in perspective, the current fastest gearbox in a street car is found int he Ferrari F430 Scuderia, which changes gears in 60 ms.

Making the car a true track machine is the fully adjustable suspension, as well as adjustable aerodynamics. Pagani says the Zonda R can be set up to produce as much as 3,307 lbs of downforce – which is, theoretically, enough to to allow the Zonda R to drive upside down and still stick to a surface.

Alternatively, the car can be adapted for high speed, with a top speed rating of 217 mph.

As this is a dedicated track machine, the Zonda R comes equipped with a roll cage and an FIA homolgated racing seats with five-point safety belts.

Other state-of-the-art items include Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes and an inconel exhaust – the same sort of exhaust used of Formula 1 cars.

The Pagani Zonda R will be produced in a limited number with Horacio Pagani signing each vehicle. The cost of ownership is extraordinary, with an MSRP of 1,460,000 Euros or roughly $1.9 million.

Click HERE for more on the Pagani Zonda R

Ford Europe has just release images and information on the upcoming 2010 Ranger pickup truck. With a sporty new redesign that looks suited for hitting the sand-dunes, this new look is not destined to appear in North America. U.S. customers will get this instead:

“The Ford Ranger nameplate is already established in more than 100 markets around the world,” said Henrik Nenzen, Ford of Europe’s Director of Commercial Vehicle Marketing and Sales . “The new
model delivers even more style, comfort and features, making it an ideal choice for a family activity weekend, or a working week.”

In Europe, the Ranger will be offered in three body styles Single Cab, RAP (Rear Access Panel) Cab and Double Cab. The RAP Cab features normal front doors with suicide-style rear access panels – a design that first appeared on the Ranger in 2002.

Two engines will be offered, a 2.5-liter turbo diesel or a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel, which can paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatics in either 4×2 or 4×4 configuration.

The 2.5-liter engine makes 143hp and 243 ft-lbs of torque, whereas the 3.0-liter engine gets 156hp and 280 ft-lbs of torque. Towing capacity is rated at 6,600 lbs.

As for the less-exciting U.S. Ranger, it will continue to use Ford’s 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that gets 21 and 26 mpg (city/highway). New for 2010 will be several safety updates including Ford’s AdvanceTrac with Rolls Stability Control (RSC) technology as well a standard side airbags.

2010 Euro-Spec Ford Ranger

Official release after the jump:

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Along with the eagerly anticipated GT3, Porsche will debut the new Cayenne Diesel at the Geneva Auto Show in March.

Powered by a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine, the Cayenne Diesel makes 240hp and a significant 405 ft-lbs of torque at just 2000 rpm. Porsche says the engine can propel the Cayenne Diesel to 62 mph in a reasonable 8.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 133 mph.

The Cayenne Diesel will come standard with Porsche’s Tiptronic S transmission – sorry, no PDK here.

Fuel consumption is rated at 30.4 mpg on average, for a total fuel-tank range of 620 miles.

With all that powerful diesel-generated torque we expect the towing abilities to be significant, however, Porsche has yet to release that statistic.

Outside the Cayenne Diesel looks the same as a standard Cayenne, including the rear Cayenne badge. (It appears as though any reference to the diesel engine will be absent).

Other features of the Cayenne Diesel include Porsche Traction Management (PTM) to ideally distribute power between the front and rear wheels. Finally, Porsche’s Stability Management (PSM) system has received tweaks to work more fluidly with the diesel powerplant.

The Cayenne Diesel is currently not scheduled for sale in North America.

Porsche Cayenne Diesel:

Official release after the jump:

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Honda can now proudly boast that it has sold 300,000 hybrid vehicles.

The 300,000 mark may sound like an impressive number but that is not only global sales but cumulative. Toyota Motor Corp. sold 241,405 hybrids in the U.S. alone… last year!

Honda does expect to increase sales significantly over the next few years with the launch of the Insight, which will go on sale in Europe and North America in March. Honda expects to sell 200,000 Insights globally each year, with 100,000 units in North America, 60,000 units in Japan and 30,000 units in Europe.

With an average of 30,000 Civic Hybrids Honda sells in the U.S., that would bring the total U.S. sales to 130,000 hybrid units annually – roughly half of Toyota’s hybrid sales.

Honda intends to increase its hybrid market penetration in 2010 with the launch of a sporty hybrid based on the CR-Z concept.

Full Honda Hybrid worldwide sales after the jump:

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Brabus is a a company that never disappoints. With the unofficial motto of “Black, Fast and Expensive” Brabus will unveil a 700hp version of the Mercedes-Benz G Wagon at the Geneva Auto Show in March.

Called the Brabus  G V12 S Biturbo, this SUV is powered by a fully reworked version of a Mercedes biturbo V12 engine, as found in the S600. Barbus bores and strokes the engine for a displacement increase from 5.5- to 6.3-liters. The heads are also reworked and feature new camshafts.

To feed the massive V12, Brabus swaps out the Mercedes turbochargers in favor of its own units. A completely new intercooler system is also required to help the engine maintain an optimum operating temperature. A new exhaust system is also a part of the package, as is a new ECU that ensures the truck meets the Euro IV emissions regulations.

Total output is 700hp at 5100 rpm and 811 ft-lbs of torque at 2100 rpm. The engine actually produces 973 ft-lbs of torque but the number is electronically limited to 811 ft-lbs to prolong the life of the transmissions and axles.

Brabus maintains that its G Wagon is still a true off-roader and features a “special” five-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive. The sprint to 62 mph takes just 4.2 seconds and top speed is limited to 150 mph… with a theoretical top speed of 163 mph. (Is that all Brabus? We expected a little more).

The Brabus G Wagon rolls low on a custom suspension setup and on lightweight Brabus Monoblock VI wheels that measure 21×10.5-inches, with 295/40/21 tires at all four corners. Inside those 21s can be found a big brake kit.

Outside, the SUV maintains the G Wagon good looks with some minor modifications, including a Brabus front lip with LED daytime running lights, special running board covers with integrated LED ground lighting and a Brabus rear bumper.

Inside, the interior is fully customized, although subtly so, with a new Brabus steering wheel, a new speedometer with a 175 mph top speed, and stainless steel kick plates that feature an illuminated Brabus logo. The interior also comes fully coated in Brabus Mastik leather.

Options include eight-inch LCD screens in the back of the headrests, a DVD player, TV tuner and game console, and wireless headphones.

Brabus is a registered manufacturer in Germany and so the Brabus G V12 S Biturbo is sold as a Brabus and not a Mercedes. As for the cost? It’s a pricey 379,000 euros, or $476,000.

Official release after the jump:

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As a part of GM’s restructuring plan the company has made the drastic decision to “temporarily” close its High Performance Vehicle Operations department.

“All high-performance projects are on indefinite hold,” said spokesman Vince Muniga to Auto News  “The engineers are moving into different areas of the organization, and they will work on Cadillacs, Buicks, Chevrolets and Pontiacs.”

GM’s High Performance Vehicle Operations Department is responsible for many of the amazing vehicles that have come out of the company in recent years, including the Chevy Cobalt SS and the V-Series Cadillacs.

Generally the department deals with developing all SS models, including the upcoming Camaro SS. With the exception of that vehicle Muniga said that General Motors has no plans to release high performance versions of any new cars.

I guess we can kiss goodbye any hopes of a V-Series CTS Coupe then…

The decision was made as a part of GM’s viability plan, which strictly states that the company’s focus will be on fuel efficient cars and crossovers. GM has also said it would offer 14 hybrid models by 2012 and 26 hybrid models by 2014.

Muniga did say that the High Performance Vehicle Operations department could be reinstated once GM reaches profitability, however, we’re certain some of the better talent responsible for vehicles as impressive as the new Cadillac CTS-V will be searching for work elsewhere rather than engineering econoboxes. It’s also likely some other manufacturers might be head-hunting those qualified individuals.

[Source: AutoNews]

UPDATE: Since posting this article Chrysler has announced that the three vehicles slated for elimination are the Chrysler PT Cruiser,  Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango – all three of which the company had already announced were doomed. Feel free to read our exercise in creative writing/wishful thinking anyway.

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When Chrysler announced yesterday in its Viability Plan submitted to the U.S. Treasury that it would reduce its workforce by  3,000 jobs and eliminate three vehicles from its lineup they didn’t mention which models would get the axe.

Not prepared to wait and find out, we’ve gone over the sales numbers and the recent reports from Chrysler to come up with a short list of models that have the best chance of being canned. And then we’ll choose our top three dead-pool picks.

For starters, Chrysler currently sells a total of 27 vehicles: 7 Chrysler models, 13 Dodge models (if you list all the Rams as one), and 7 Jeep models.

From the list we can already eliminate the PT Cruiser, Aspen, Aspen Hybrid, Durango and Magnum because all of those models have already been slated for the history books. So now we have just 22 models.

The Viper can also be eliminated fro the list because Chrysler has continuously announced that it wants to sell the brand and is currently in talks to do just that.

Based on the fact that both the Chrysler 300C and the Jeep Grand Cherokee appeared in Chrysler’s Viability Plan, we can assume these models are safe. And considering the Charger shares the same platform as the 300C and actually suffered only an 18 percent loss in sales versus the 300C’s 48 percent decline, we can’t see Chrysler eliminating that model either.

Now we’re down to 18.

Other keepers are sure to be the Ram and the Dakota, which despite a 49 percent drop in sales for 2008 is a necessary vehicle in the Dodge lineup. The Sprinter commercial truck is also a necessity. Also safe are both minivans, the Chrysler Town and Country and the Dodge Grand Caravan.

The Jeep lineup continues to be cluttered but on the whole it does very well and with the Wrangler listed as Jeep’s top seller, we can’t see Chrysler cut it or the Wrangler Unlimited from the list.

All of a sudden, we’re down to 11.

Some other simple eliminations from our list would include any brand new platforms and any compact crossover-type vehicles that are most popular right now. That being said the new Challenger and Journey are keepers. The Caliber is also likely to stay as it is essentially the Chrysler brand’s entry level vehicle.

Naturally we’d say the Nitro and Liberty are safe, but rumors have already surfaced that Chrysler plans to axe one of the two vehicles – likely the poorly selling Nitro.

And there you have it.. one of the three in Chrysler’s dead-pool. But we still have six vehicles to go.  For the record, they are: the Chrysler Sebring, Chrysler Sebring Convertible, Dodge Avenger, Jeep Commander, Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot.

Shockingly this short list of potential vehicles-to-be-cut includes both the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger. The fact that they are high volume vehicles and mid-sized sedans should put them out of harm’s way. Then again, they are terrible. We’ll say they’re safe for now though. As for the Sebring Convertible, well, nobody needs a convertible and in this economic climate needs certainly outweigh wants, and so it’s a definite candidate for elimination.

Our remaining three vehicles to discuss are the Jeep Commander, Compass and Patriot, three similar SUVs (especially the Compass and Patriot). And while the redundancy does seem to put either the Compass or Patriot up on the chopping block, the Commander is our dead-pool pick considering it’s sales decline of 56 percent from last year.

So there you have it, our list of the most likely three vehicles to be eliminated from the Chrysler family are:

Dodge Nitro

Chrysler Sebring Convertible

Jeep Commander

Official Chrysler 2008 sales figures afte the jump:
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After General Motors made it clear in its viability report submitted to the U.S. Treasury that the future of Saturn was uncertain at best, it appears as though Saturn’s network of dealers has its own plan.

Dan Januska, owner of Saturn of Scottsdale, told the Wall Street Journal that the dealers have been in talks to work with a foreign automaker from either China or India. The deal would see Saturn dealers keep their dealerships and retain the Saturn brand, and sell vehicles badged as Saturns, but made by another manufacturer, possibly Chery, Tata, Geely or Build Your Dreams (BYD).

“There are not a whole lot of alternatives,” said Januska to the Journal, “Someone is going to see the value of us and I don’t know who it will be.”

GM’s CEO Rick Wagoner commented on the possibility of the sale of the Saturn name (something General Motors would certainly like to see happen), stating that, “It’s a good distribution network. If someone comes up with an offer, we’re very open to that.”

As we already reported, General Motors stated in its viability plan that it will continue to produce and deliver vehicles to Saturn dealers until 2012, after which GM has no plans for the brand.

[Source: LeftLaneNews via the Wall Street Journal]