Mazda unveiled a limited edition MX-5 at the Geneva Auto Show, celebrating the car’s 20th anniversary.

Only 2,000 units have been announced, each equipped with a uniquely-numbered scruff plate. Unfortunately for us in North America, those 2,000 models are exclusive to Europe.

The 20th Anniversary Edition MX-5 will be available in three colors, the new Aurora Blue as well as the classic Crystal White and True Red (the blue model in the photos is the 20th Anniversary edition, the red one in the gallery below is the first generation MX-5). The Anniversary edition model also gets a special styling package featuring a chrome grille and headlight facia, chrome handles and silver-look fog lamp fascia. Other touches include an alloy pedal set and 17-inch aluminum rims with a special finish.

Gallery: 20th Anniversary Mazda MX-5

With the launch of the all-new Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible, we’re not sure if we should talk about how unexcited we are about another special edition Bentley that looks like all the rest, or if we should just slam the snooty British automaker’s color choice. With the debut of this new model, Bentley has introduced six new colors to choose from: Magenta, White Satin, Kingfisher, Orange Flame, St James Red Pearl and the color above, Citric. Yuck!

Instead we’ll do neither (or is it too late), and just tell you that like the coupe version this drop top is powered by Bentley’s twin-turbo 6.0-liter W12, which makes 621-hp and 590 ft-lbs of torque, allowing for a 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 202 mph. It will also run on E85, which is a lame attempt on Bentley’s part to feign interest in even remotely caring about the environment.

Unlike its coupe counterpart, the soft-top convertible retains the rear seats, meaning it’s not quite as light-weight. The decision does make sense, however, as the rear has to look luxurious and polished because it will be seen out in the open. And despite the fact that Bentley managed to cut out 198-lbs as compared to the GTC Speed, the Supersports should still weigh in at around 5,300 lbs.

Pricing hasn’t been released yet, but with the coupe priced around the $270,000 mark, expect something close to $300,000.

Gallery: Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible

Complete details of the Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible after the jump:

Continue Reading…

Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg has launched its latest version of the CCX at the Geneva Auto Show to celebrate the brand’s 15 years and the vehicle’s timeless design. Koenigsegg refers to it not as a special edition, however, but a a whole new mode, called the Agera. The name “Agera” has two meanings, the first being from the Swedish verb “to act,” while the second is derived from the Greek “Ageratos, which means “ageless.” Both origins seem incredibly appropriate.

Helping the Agera to act is a more powerful version of the 4.7-liter twin-supercharged V8 which now makes 910-hp and 811 ft-lbs of torque. Koenigsegg claims a 0-62 mph time of just 3.1 seconds and a top speed of over 245 mph.

Other highlights include the trademark Koenigsegg doors, a new traction control system, LED lighting, blue hood stripes that continue on through the cockpit of the car and a custom interior with a new “Ghost light” lighting system, where blue light emanates from invisible light tubes from between the billet interior.

The Agera will join the CCX and CCXR in Koenigsegg’s lineup. It is currently undergoing final testing and will begin production this summer.

GALLERY: Koenigsegg Agera

Debuting for the first time at the Geneva Auto Show is a line line of OEM accessories from Mercedes-Benz. Titled, MercedesSport, the individualization program includes parts and accessories, both aesthetic and performance-oriented. With Mercedes already offering AMG packages for many models, this expands a new line of parts to more models and allows Benz owners to shop a la carte, rather than have to purchase the whole, pricey AMG package.

Available for the new E-Class sedan, wagon, coupe and convertible are a line of MercedesSport products, including aero kits, spoilers and 18-inch wheels (offered in gloss black or chrome). In addition, some performance enhancing options are also available, like upgraded brakes and suspension components. Special trim items will also be offered. After the launch of the new line of products for the E-Class, Mercedes plans to offer MercedesSport packages for other models in the near future.

GALLERY: MercedesSport Equipped E-Class Sedan

Read more on the MercedesSport individualization line after the jump:

Continue Reading…

Announced just before the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year, we expected to catch up with the latest special edition Merc there, but it took a trip to Switzerland for the Geneva Auto Show before we were able to gaze on this black beauty.

The latest in a string of limited edition Mercedes-Benz SL models, the SL550 Nigh Edition is clearly distinguished by it’s sinister matte-black “designo magno black ” paint scheme. Additional exterior highlights include special 19-inch AMG wheels as well as dark-tinted headlights and taillights. Inside, the cockpit of the SL Night Edition gets dark black leather contrasted with plenty of chrome. Newly designed seats are also a art of the package and feature arrow-shaped seams with silver contrasted features.

No modifications have been made to the 5.5-liter V8 engine, which continues to deliver a robust 382-hp.

Just 100 SL550 Night Edition models will be offered in the U.S. starting in early 2010.

GALLERY: Mercedes SL500 Night Edition

What’s the one car Michael Schumacher cannot pass? The official Formula One Safety Car, of course! That’s the riddle Mercedes-Benz’ Dr. Dieter Zetsche asked before introducing the SLS AMG F1 Safety Car at the Geneva Auto Show.

The SLS AMG Safety Car then drove to the stage and its gullwing doors opened up to reveal the driver, Michael Schumacher and his passenger, Grand Prix teammate Nico Rosberg.

The SLS AMG at every round of the 2010 F1 season, ready to deploy whenever accidents or bad weather make it too dangerous to race.

The official safety car needs to be fast enough to lead the F1 grid at a high enough speed to prevent the race cars’ tires and brakes from cooling down or their engines from overheating. With a 6.3L v8 engine claiming 571 hp and 479.4 ft-lb. of torque, the SLS AMG should be up to the task.

As impressive as the standard-production SLS AMG is, the Safety Car receives a number of updates to fit its role. Apart from the F1 logos and integrated television camera, the Safety Car is distinguishable by its carbon-fiber mirrors and a new carbon-fiber hood. The rear aerofoil pops up when the car reaches 93 mph, and together with the rear diffuser, provides added downforce.

Inside, the Safety Car is equipped with monitors and a radio system to help driver Bernd Maylander and co-driver Pete Tibbetts see and hear what’s going on in the race. A second interior mirror is installed so Tibbetts can keep an eye on the F1 cars following the Safety Car. The central display on the instrument cluster and on the glove compartment provide the same marshalling signals the F1 drivers see in their cockpits.

The SLS AMG Safety Car will be joined by another Mercedes-Benz at F1 races. The C63 AMG Estate returns in 2010 as the official F1 Medical Car, ready to respond to race emergencies.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Formula One Safety Car

The E300 BlueTEC Hybrid is set to be Europe’s first diesel hybrid when it goes on sale at the end of next year as a 2011. Powered by the E250 CDI’s 2.2-liter diesel with 204-hp, it gets an additional 15 kW (20-hp) electric motor and lithium-ion battery that assist in powering the car, charging up through a regenerative braking process. As a full-hybrid, the E300 BlueTEC Hybrid can also operate on just electric power  for short distances at speeds of up to 35 km/h (22 mph). The diesel engine also shuts off when slowing down at speeds below 80 km/h (50 mph) to reduce consumption.

Total output for the hybrid powertrain is rated at 224-hp and 428 ft-lbs of torque.

Mercedes will bring both a sedan and wagon (estate) version of the E300 BlueTEC Hybrid to market late in 2011.

GALLERY: Mercedes E300 BlueTEC Hybrid

For more on the E300 BlueTEC Hyrbid see the full press release after the jump:

Continue Reading…

Mazda unveiled the second generation Mazda5 at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show.

The Mazda5 gets a slight facelift with elements Mazda’s “Nagare Flow” design. The new Mazda5 might even look especially happier and smilier than usual.

Under the hood is a 2.0L direct injection gasoline engine with Mazda’s i-Stop system. According to Mazda, the new engine has 15% lower CO2 emissions than the previous 2.0L powerplant. The Mazda5 will also be available with a 1.8L gasoline engine with six speed manual transmission.

Gallery: Mazda5

Hyundai unveiled its i-Flow concept vehicle, calling it a preview for a future D-Segment contender. According to Hyundai, we may see the i-Flow’s styling and technology in a 2011 production model. Would it be too much to expect it in the 2011 Euro-spec Sonata?

The seventh of a series of concepts from the Russelsheim design studio, the i-Flow extends upon Hyundai’s “fluidic sculpture” philosophy. The outside offers a futuristic look while inside, the i-Flow has an alien, Hyundai calls it “bionic”, feel.

Under the futuristic shell, the i-Flow is Hyundai’s first diesel hybrid powertrain. At the i-Flow’s heart is the U2 1.7L two-stage turbo engine combined with a lithium-ion powered motor. No horsepower or torque figures were provided, but Hyundai says the i-Flow gets 78.4 mpg.

Like the Blue Will concept unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show, the i-Flow recycles exhaust heat, capturing the energy and using it to power auxiliary systems.

The i-Flow also uses a thermal engine encapsulation technology which helps the engine reach optimum operating temperature quicker by retaining heat when the engine is idle. According to Hyundai, the i-Flow’s engine will stay above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) for up to 14 hours, much longer than a non-insulated engine’s time of three hours. Hyundai estimates this will cut 5% of emissions in the summer and up to 9% in the winter.

Gallery: Hyundai i-Flow concept

Volvo unveiled its new S60 at the Geneva Auto Show, trumpeting one of its biggest features: a pedestrian detection system.

An evolution of Volvo’s automatic braking technology, pedestrian detection system uses radar and camera technology to sense when a pedestrian is about to step in front of the vehicle. If the S60 is traveling at less than 35 km/h (21.7 mph)  when it senses a pedestrian ahead, the system lights a signal to alert the driver. If the driver does not see the signal fast enough, the system will apply the brakes and bring the car to a halt. At speeds over 35 km/h, the automatic brakes will still kick in, slowing the S60 down to reduce the speed of impact.

Automatic braking isn’t the Volvo S60′s only impressive bit of technology. Under the hood, the S60 comes with two gasoline engine configurations: a 304 hp turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine or a four-cylinder turbo engine rated at 203 hp. The S60 also has two turbo diesel engine options, a 205 hp five-cylinder engine and a 163 hp three-cylinder.

Volvo is targeting car enthusiasts with the S60, calling it and the XC60 Volvo’s sportiest vehicles. Volvo also says a sportswagon S60 will be introduced later this year.

Gallery: Volvo S60