Ferrari chose the Geneva Auto Show to not only unveil the track oriented 599xx but also to debut a more performance-oriented version of the 599 GTB for the street. The 599 Handling GTE (or HGTE) 599 takes the standard 599 to a new level with several small tweaks that will make it a more invigorating driving experience.

For starters, the ride height of the 599 has been lowered, and the new springs are stiffer than before. The magnetorheological shocks have also been recalibrated to new settings when the manettino is at its sportier settings. And in the rear, a larger anti-roll bar has been installed. Combined with the lower center of gravity and the stiffer suspension, the HGTE should deliver a noticeable improvement over the already outstanding 599.

Ferrari hasn’t revealed any specifics on the new transmission electronics of the HGTE but will say that shift times have been reduced. It’s pretty safe to assume that the 100 millisecond shift times are now 60 milliseconds – like those in the F430 Scuderia. The HGTE also features a slightly modified ECU with a more responsive throttle.

No power has been added to the 611hp V12 engine but the HGTE does feature a new set of mufflers for a more race-car-like sound.

While the rumors about a more aggressively-styled front fascia turned out to be false, the exterior of the HGTE is marked by new 20-inch five-spoke wheels, a matte-black diffuser and chrome tail pipes. Inside there is plenty of carbon fiber, including the entire seat-backs, as well as a mixture of black leather and Alcantara. The headrests also feature the Ferrari Prancing Horse logo and the words “Handling GTE.”

GALLERY: Ferrari 599 HGTE

True to their word, the folks at Maserati unveiled the new Gran Turismo  S Automatic at the Geneva Auto Show. The Italian luxury brand did, after all, say that it would unveil one new model at each international auto show.

While adding an automatic transmission may not seem like much, until now those who opted for the auto-box could only get one in the standard GranTurismo, which while an exceptional car, comes with the 4.2-liter V8 and not the 4.7-liter V8 in the “S” model.

The transmission itself is a six-speed ZF unit. Maserati has also eliminated the “kick-down” that happens when downshifting when in manual mode so as to keep the drive as smooth as possible.

The Gran Turismo S makes 440hp at 7000 rpm and 361 ft-lbs of torque at 4750 rpm.

Maserati is a brand obsessed with personalization and with those all-important finishing touches. That being said, the Automatic model gets new side skirts with a slightly different design to help accentuate the look of the Trident wheels.

Other highlights include a new passenger air bag with “low risk deployment,” which will become standard equipment on all new GranTurismos. Bluetooth will also be standard equipment and an iPod interface will be offered as an option.

GALLERY: Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic

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RUF is arguably the best-known tuner of Porsches and is even listed as a vehicle manufacturer in Germany. And yet the company has steered clear of the high-volume Cayenne SUV. Until now.

Perhaps its the downturn in the economy that has RUF looking for new ways to solidify its bottom line, because it’s not like they have come up with anything particularly new here.

OK, we’ll admit that the redesigned front end, made to look like a 911, is a new idea and RUF pulled it off excellently. The Dakara is also a wide body with flared fenders and other aerodynamic enhancements, like side skirts, a new rear bumper and a spoiler.

Other than that, the Dakara is just more of what we have already seen from TechArt, Rinspeed, Speedart, etc.

The twin-turbo V8 engine has been massaged to create 600hp at 6000 rpm and 656 ft-lbs of torque at 3000 rpm. RUF says this is enough for the big SUV to hustle to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds.

Other highlights include an upgraded suspension, a big set of RUF’s signature style wheels, a more powerful braking system (with ceramic brakes optional) and a high-end multimedia system, complete with a TV receiver, internet access and a CD/DVD player.

It may not be terribly new, but RUF is a company that is more about quality than about being the first to market.

GALLERY: RUF Dakara

Back in October, German Porsche tuner RUF took a new direction by unveiling an electric car concept based on the Porsche 911. Today at the Geneva Auto Show RUF took this project a step further, displaying the eRUF Greenster, on which the company will base a small series of cars set to go on sale in 2010.

The project is a combined effort with Siemens, which supplied the motor, electronics and interface.

The eRUF Greenster is powered by a single electric motor, however, the production model will use two motors. Currently it makes 270kW and 701 ft-lbs of torque. With a weight of 3,737 lbs, the Greenster can accelerate to 62 mph in just five seconds. It also has a top speed of 155mph.

The model shown is a Cabriolet, however, RUF says that the production model will be offered as both a coupe and convertible. Alois Ruf said the decision to include a drop-top model was made after many potential customers expressed interest in a green car where you are also able to experience the out-doors.

GALLERY: eRUF Greenster Concept

Tata Motors Chairman Ratan N. Tata announced that the company has created a model that will be exported to European markets – including Europe. The Indian car company unveiled this new model, the Tata Nano Europa at the Geneva Auto Show yesterday.

“In India,  the Nano will be launched on March 23, and the cars will be on display at company dealerships from the first week of April,” said Mr. Tata. “The  Nano has also generated wide interest in developed countries, since its unveiling in Delhi and its presentation here last year. We are delighted to present the Nano Europa for future launch in such markets.”

The Nano Europa is just 3.29 meters long (roughly 10.8 feet) and is 1.58 meters wide (roughly 5.2-feet). It features a slightly longer wheelbase than the standard model, for better handling as well as better interior space.

A more refined interior is also a part of the package.

The Nano Europa will be powered by a 3-cylinder aluminum engine mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. No output numbers are available but Tata says the engine will be class-leading – in terms of fuel-economy anyway.

Tata did say that the Europa already meets all European safety regulations, due to its energy absorbing design, air bags and use the of both ABS and stability control.

GALLERY: Tata Nano Europa

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Earlier this year Toyota launched the iQ micro-car in Europe and now the Japanese automaker has unveiled  a more “performance-oriented” version of the cute and trendy iQ.

The new engine is a 99hp VVT-i 1.33-liter four-cylinder that makes 92 ft-lbs of torque at 4400 rpm. It comes standard with Toyota’s six-speed manual transmission, which features Toyota’s Stop & Start function, allowing the engine to be shut off at stop lights (or when stuck in traffic).

As soon as the operator puts the shifter in neutral and releases the clutch pedal, the engine shuts off. The engine will then restart when the clutch pedal is depressed within half a second. This is made possible by a permanently engaged gear mechanism that links the starter and flywheel.

Toyota says that its Stop & Start technology is good for a fuel-savings of 3 percent. As for the fuel-economy numbers, the iQ boasts a combined city/highway rating of 51 mpg (or 4.8 liters/100km).

The two iQ models currently offered are the 68hp 1.0-liter gasoline model and the 90hp 1.4-liter turbodiesel.

The iQ is just three meters long and Toyota claims it is the world’s smallest four-seater at just 3 meters (roughly 9.8 feet). You’d need to be an amputee from the waist-down to use the back seats though. And while the car is a hatchback, there’s about enough room behind the second row for a single sheet of paper.

The new 1.33-liter iQ will be offered in an iQ3 model, which comes with 16-inch wheels and a special Ash Grey paint.

GALLERY: Toyota iQ 1.33

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Mansory might be a little late to the Porsche Cayenne tuning game, but they certainly make up for it with creativity. The Mansory Chopster is 80 mm (3.2-inches) wider than the factory SUV and, as the Chopster name suggests, has a lowered roofline – by 60mm (2.4-inches).

With a wider stance and, therefore, better handling, Mansory set about to add power to the Cayenne Turbo S’s engine. Thanks to larger turbos, a new exhaust system and a reworked ECU, the Chopster lays down 710hp and 664 ft-lbs of torque. The vehicle’s new top speed is 188 mph!

The Chopster sits on a set of 23×11-inch wheels with 315/25/23 Dunlop tires. The brake system is equally enormous with eight-piston calipers up front that grab 16.5-inch rotors. In the rear is a four-piston brake system with 14.8-inch rotors.

In usual Mansory fashion, the interior of the Chopster is completely changed. In the rear sit just two captain’s chairs, as well as a fridge and headrest-mounted LCD screens.

GALLERY: Mansory Chopster

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After teasing us with just one image a few weeks before the Geneva Auto Show, Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg has revealed the Quant Concept car. Shaped like a sedan with the design of a Koenigsegg, the Quant is a a solar-powered electric car with 512hp and 527 ft-lbs of torque.

This is enough to propel the Quant to 62 mph in 5.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 171 mph.

To build this new vehicle Keonigsegg worked with NLV Solar AG to use new solar technology. The body of the Quant is actually coated in a thin layer of solar “film.” 

The main power for the vehicle, however, comes from two electric motors that can be recharged in just 15 to 20 minutes. The electric motors give the car a range of 500km (311 miles), which is extended by the solar generated film.

The car itself is exotic not only in its design but also in its makeup, with a carbon fiber body and a carbon/aluminum body. In total the projected curb weight is 3,924 lbs, due in part to the 309 lb electric motors. The car also features regenerative brakes.

The Quant is also a safe vehicle with ABS and stability control standard.

Koenigsegg says that they will begin tests on the car with the possibility of production at least three years off.

GALLERY: Koenigsegg Quant

The Mansory booth at the Geneva Auto Show was a showcase for four of the tuner’s creations. We already brought you news about the Lineo Vincero Bugatti Veyron, and while that vehicle might be the most obvious, the best looking of the cars is arguably the matte-black Bentley Continental GT.

That deep coat of paint covers the massive body of the Bentley Coupe, which has been modified by Mansory with a modified front fascia, wider front and rear fenders, side skirts, a new rear diffuser and a modified trunk lid with a lip spoiler. The aero kit helps reduce lift on the front of the car and increase downforce on the rear.

Mansory has modified the GT Speed with a retuned ECU and a new air intake system, bumping p0wer to 685hp. As for torque, it is now an impressive 656 ft-lbs at a surprisingly high 6100 rpm. Top speed for the Speed is now rated at 216 mph!

Handling has also been improved thanks to a height-adjustable suspension and new light-weight 21×10.5-inch wheels.

GALLERY: Mansory Bentley Continental GT Speed:

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Today Aston Martin revived the Lagonda brand by unveiling a Lagonda concept car at the Geneva Auto Show. The only thing is, it’s more of a crossover.

Actually, it’s more of a truck. You see, crossovers are generally SUVs built on car platforms; the Lagonda Concept is based on the Mercedes-Benz GL truck platform.

“An Aston Martin is an authentic, pure sports car,” says Dr Ulrich Bez, “but Lagonda is something else, a new brand that will reach into new markets. Lagonda will create a new kind of customer relationship, instilling the spirit of travel, adventure and style into a single, formidable package.”

“An Aston Martin demands to be driven. A Lagonda demands a destination.”

The vehicle also represents Aston Martin’s desire to expand and grow… in a big way. The Lagonda Concept is more than just a design study that is soon to be relegated to an automotive museum. Aston Martin has bold ambitions for the brand.

Currently Aston Martin vehicles are sold in just 32 countries worldwide. The Lagonda, said Dr. Bez, will be sold in 100 countries. That being said, production numbers are sure to far exceed anything Aston Martin currently produces.

The crossover design makes the Lagonda Concept able to be marketed around the world because it is more useable and unlike an Aston, doesn’t have any ground clearance issues. It also features four-wheel drive and seats four inside.

Once Lagondas go into production, the vehicles will be sold in the usual territories, as well as Russia, the Middle East, South America, India and China.

“The Lagonda is the luxury car of the future,” said Dr. Bez, “a combination of total usability, a new form and innovative new technology and materials.”

Aston is also going to use the Lagonda brand to explore alternative energy sources. There is no word on what can be found under the hood of the concept vehicle but future Lagondas could be powered by anything from a low emission diesel, a flexfuel engine or even a hybrid powerplant.

GALLERY: Lagonda Concept Car

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