Auto News archives

Venturi Astrolab - Hybrid Concept

ELECTRO-SOLAR HYBRID With 3.6 sqm of photovoltaic cells giving an exceptional yield of 21%, and covered by a film composed of nano-prisms enabling denser concentration of solar energy, Astrolab is the first high-performance solar vehicle to be commercialized in the world. Capable of working with very little energy (16 kWc engine) and of recharging even when in motion, this vehicle of another era does not need to be permanently exposed to the sun in order to move. Its last-generation NiMH V

Venturi Fetish

THE AMBASSADRESS OF THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE At the “Mondial de l'Automobile” (Paris Motor Show) of 2004, Venturi launched a surprising concept for its 20th anniversary : Fetish, the world’s 1st electric sports car. This highly innovative move from Venturi caused a major cultural change. Since then, the Venturi Fetish has gone all around the world, changing the image of the electric car and influencing the entire automotive industry, from small craftsmen to large manufacturers. A real laborato

VW Passat CC

With more than 15 million cars built, the Passat and Passat Variant rank among the really big successes in automotive history. Now Volkswagen is extending the model range of this car line by adding a third dimension: the Passat CC. Its fully independent body design, an interior that has sporty individual bucket seats in the rear too, impressive powertrain systems and technological highlights worthy of the luxury class, meld together to create a unique vehicle in the Passat’s market segment. The

Renault Mégane Coupé Concept

Renault has chosen the Geneva Motor Show to take the wraps off its Mégane Coupé Concept show car which foreshadows a compact production coupe to be released at a later date. Like New Laguna, it points to an evolution towards more fluid, sportier styling from Renault. Mégane Coupé Concept targets drivers who are not only drawn by the notion of driving pleasure but who also seek to express their personality through their vehicle. Mégane Coupé Concept symbolizes Renault's vision of what a genuine c

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Mercedes-Benz will continue its long tradition of producing legendary sports cars when it launches the new-generation SL-Class in spring 2008. The world's most successful premium roadster in its class features a new design with the emphasis firmly on sportiness and effortless superiority. These traits are also reflected in the handling qualities of the two-seater model, which now delivers even more athletic performance thanks to the new direct-steer system as well as offering enhanced comfort an

Mercedes-Benz ML-Class

Mercedes-Benz has meticulously revamped the successful M-Class. The new generation of the dynamic, stylish SUV now has even more distinctive characteristics, and looks even sportier and more powerful. Mercedes-Benz has meticulously revamped the successful M-Class. The new generation of the dynamic, stylish SUV now has even more distinctive characteristics, and looks even sportier and more powerful. The front end of this off-roader is now defined by a redesigned bumper, recontoured headlamp

Skoda Superb

The official presentation of the new-generation Škoda Superb, the Company's medium class car, is going to take place at the 78th Geneva International Motor Show. With a patented Twindoor system, the new Škoda Superb is a powerful combination of an impressive sedan and a smart liftback. Reflecting the high quality of workmanship delivered to the entire vehicle, the roomy interior offers a large number of smart solutions, as well as large boot space (565 l/1670 l). Generously sized as it was

Spyker C8 Aileron

Spyker Cars, manufacturer of premium sport cars, unveiled its second generation C-line sports car at the Salon International de l’Auto in Geneva, Switzerland today: The all aluminium Long Wheel Base model is called Spyker C8 Aileron and will come with both a manual as well as an automatic gearbox. Architecture The C8 Aileron continues Spyker’s signature architecture (applied since its inception in 2000 with the C8 Spyder) of a mid-engined configuration in an aluminium space frame, clad

Toyota iQ

Toyota is world-premiering the production design of the new iQ at the Geneva Motor Show. First shown as the Concept Car iQ at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the iQ will go into production during late 2008. The new iQ is a sophisticated car, representing the ultimate refined urban mode of transportation. Thanks to its ingenious and revolutionary packaging it measures less than three metres in length, yet has a flexible interior space that allows up to three adults, plus a child or luggag

Volvo XC60

The new Volvo XC60 is stepping boldly into what is currently the automotive world's fastest-growing segment - dressed in a thrilling blend of muscular XC capability and the sporty charisma of a coupe. "This is not only the safest Volvo ever. If you ask me, it's also the most stunning. Not a bad combination, is it?" says Volvo Cars President and CEO Fredrik Arp. The new XC60 has its premiere showing at the international car show in Geneva in March, with the first cars reaching dealers in Europ

Novitec Ferrari F430 Race

707 hp / 520 kW, 712 Nm, 0 – 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, a top speed of 348 km/h and extremely sporty interior appointments: Those are the most important characteristics of the Ferrari F430 RACE from NOVITEC ROSSO, the world’s leading tuner of sports cars from Maranello. The NOVITEC ROSSO two-seater is one of the world’s fastest and most powerful street-legal cars and starts at 193,277 Euros MSRP. At the heart of the snow-white racer featuring triple-design black stripes lies the NOVITEC ROSSO

2008 Magna Steyr Mila Alpin

MAGNA STEYR presents the third concept vehicle in the MILA innovation family at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. The MILA Alpin is a compact off-roader with a body specially designed for integrating various different types of alternative drives. This means: Excellent all-terrain capability, wide-ranging uses and emissions of under 100 g CO2 per kilometer. Creating an attractive vehicle was by no means MAGNA STEYR's only priority in the MILA Alpin project. The entire product development process was al