IED Abarth scorpION EV

The Transportation Design master students from the Turin-based Istituto Europeo di Design borrowed a few styling ideas from the Nissan Ellure Concept when they've created the Abarth scorpION, an all-electric two-door car. This concept has a similar nose and headlight styling as Nissan's sedan concept that was revealed in LA last year.

IED Abarth scorpION EV

The IED Abarth ScorpION is a 4m long car that has been equipped with four electric motors, each of them installed on the car's wheels. These motors are powered by a lithium-ion battery that has been installed behind the seats and under the rear cargo hold. This position has been chosen by IED because they think that it gives the car a low center of gravity. The scorpion is 1,905 mm wide, which makes it just about the same as the Aston Martin DBS.

IED Abarth scorpION EV

The student design team behind this project consisted of: Alexandre Goloskok, Emre Husmen, Avdar Nigmatullin, Karla Dennis Soriano Farfan, Maksym Shkinder, Marcos Villalon and Chrysanthos Therapontos, all working under the supervision of Maserati's Luigi Giampaolo and Pininfarina's Luca Borgogno. Assistance in this project was offered by OZ Racing, Pirelli, GR Painting and an Italian manufacturing company CECOMP.

Source: IED via WCF

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Geneva 2011 – IED Abarth scorpION EV

If you've read about our coverage of the Geneva Motor Show, you know by know that this year's edition featured lots of new and interesting concepts, cars that preview the automobile of the future, showing us the infinite potential of the modern vehicle. Today we're going to continue where we left off last week and present the other five concepts that we think are the most interesting.

Toyota FT-86 II Concept

Toyota FT 86 II Concept

The Japanese automaker Toyota brought the second iteration of their FT-86 concept and in my opinion, it looks way better than the original model. Let's hope that the production version will look just as good as this one. They've redesigned the front bumper, installed LED daytime running lights and a more generous center grille along with more concave surfaces on both corners. They also split the front window and removed the blacked-out A-column finish. Last, the wheel arches are now more pronounced, giving the FT-86 II a more muscular look.

Read more about the car here – Toyota FT-86 II Concept

Nissan Esflow Sports Coupe Concept

Nissan Esflow Sports Coupe Concept

Using the same electric-vehicle technology as the one we saw in the highly-acclaimed Leaf, the Esflow comes with two electric motors that were installed over the rear axle. Just like the sexy 370Z, it has a two-seat interior configuration. The Japanese engineers used a lot of weight saving techniques and with its rear-wheel drive configuration, this concept can sprint to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds. Even more interesting is the fact that although it has exactly the same 24 kWh battery pack as the aforementioned Leaf, it offers about 50% more driving range, which translates into about 150 miles before the battery is drained.

Read more about the car here – Nissan Esflow Sports Coupe Concept

Suzuki Swift S-CONCEPT

Suzuki Swift S-CONCEPT

A concept that will most likely transform into a production version is the Swift S-CONCEPT. Based on the latest generation of the model which was introduced in September 2010, this very attractive concept is lower and wider than the original model. It comes with new blackened lights, a bigger rear wing and rides on 15-spoke 18-inch rims, wrapped around in 225/45 R18 tires. This Swift-based concept was equipped with sports bucket seats and it got a carbon fiber trim.

Read more about the car here – Suzuki Swift S-CONCEPT

Mazda Minagi Concept

Mazda Minagi Concept

The Minagi Concept is a compact SUV based on Mazda's Kodo design identity that was first introduced with the launch of the Shinari concept. It has just about the same chromed "signature wing" that has been extended through the headlights, giving the car a sharp look. This look ends in the back where we find a more muscular appearance. Inside the cabin, the Minagi has a driver-oriented cockpit with four upright chrome struts that support the dashboard. The production version of this concept will be developed in partnership with Ford and it should be out soon.

Read more about the car here – Mazda Minagi Concept

Sbarro Evoluzione Concept

Sbarro Evoluzione Concept

Probably the most revolutionary design we had the pleasure of seeing in Geneva belongs to the Sbarro Evoluzione. Developed in partnership with Espera Sbarro design school, this concept combines the seating of a McLaren F1, Lamborghini's aesthetic cues as well as some motorcycle-inspired themes. Created in only 13 weeks by a team of 25 students, the Sbarro Evoluzione has three Recaro seats; the drive sits in the front-center and is flanked by the two passenger seats. Inside that exposed rear section of the car is a 4-cylinder Audi-sourced turbocharged 1.8-liter engine that outputs 134 kW.

Read more about the car here – Sbarro Evoluzione

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Geneva 2011 – Top 10 Concepts PART 2

Mansory Porsche Cayenne

Another tuning program for the Porsche Cayenne has been revealed this month at the 81^st edition of the Geneva Motor Show. Unfortunately, this one has been made by Mansory, known for their awful tuning programs. Following the same recipe, this one looks very ugly, regardless of the angle from where you look at it.

Mansory Porsche Cayenne

This outrageous widebody kit has been made out of carbon fiber and consists of a new bonnet, updated fascias, and modified side skirts and, along with wheel arch extensions. The back of this SUV got a new more prominent diffuser and two spoilers.

Mansory Porsche Cayenne

They've added a sport module for the air suspension that has the possibility to lower the Cayenne's ride height by up to 45 mm.  As you can see from these images, the car rolls on massive 22-inch forged alloy rims – the only good thing about this tuning program as far as the exterior look is concerned.

Mansory Porsche Cayenne

Under the bonnet, the engineers over at Mansory fitted the Cayenne's V8 4.8-liter engine with a power pack that adds bigger turbochargers, a reprogrammed ECU, along with a new stainless steel sport exhaust system. Thanks to these modifications, the power plant is capable of outputting 680 hp (690 PS / 140 kW) and 590 lb.-ft (800 Nm), which is 187 hp (190 PS / 140 kW) and 74 lb.-ft (100 Nm) more than the standard engine has to offer. With these improvements, the Cayenne can sprint to 60 mph in only 4.4 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 186 mph (300 km/h).

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Geneva 2011 – Mansory Porsche Cayenne

Mercedes SLK

We've talked about the new generation of the Mercedes SLK plenty of times here on rpmGO. The German automaker brought the car to Geneva this year and as we previously mentioned, the third generation of the model features a lot of styling ideas that we've seen in the company's most recent models. Some of these would have to be the upright grill and the hood lines that remind us of the very sexy SLS model.

Mercedes SLK

The convertible comes with a vario-roof with Magic Sky Control that is capable of varying the tint of the panoramic folding hard-top roof between darker and brighter.

Mercedes SLK

As far as the engines are concerned, the new SLK is offered with a 1.8-liter turbocharged plant that cranks out 148 kW (201 PS) and a more powerful V6 3.5-liter that produces 302 hp (306 PS / 225 kW), engine available for the SLK 350 model.

Mercedes SLK

The German engineers fitted the cabrio with firmer springs, dampers and torque-vectoring brakes in order to improve the ride. The new generation has been equipped with an Airguide windstop system that can eliminate noise while at the same time controlling the air flow in the cabin when the driver is using the car with the top down.

Mercedes SLK

The 2012 Mercedes SLK is already available in its homeland and will make it to the dealerships in the United States this summer.

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Geneva 2011 – Mercedes SLK

Artega SE

The German specialty marquee Artega has brought to this year's edition of the Geneva Motor Show an electric variant of their mid-engined GT model which they've named it Artega SE (Sport Electric). It features two electric motors that were installed on the rear axle and they operate independently. The electricity comes from a 37 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery with a nominal voltage of 350V.

Artega SE

The car can do the 0-60 mph sprint in 4.8 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). On the European test cycle (NEDC – New European Driving Cycle), the Artega SE was able to do 186 miles (300 km) with the batteries full. However, the company said that with a more "comfortable" driving style (with other words, real life); the Artega SE can do 124 miles (200 km). When using a high-powered charging station, the EV can be fully charged in only 90 minutes.

Artega SE

The car has a curb weight of 3086 lbs (1400 kg), which is approximately 220 lbs (100 kg) less in comparison with the GT model, but has the exact same weight distribution as the conventional-powered model, 57:43.

Artega SE

The officials of the automaker said that they will think about whether to take the Artega SE into production as they have an annual overall production of 500 units at their facility in Delbruck, Germany.

Source: Artega via WCF

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Geneva 2011 – Artega SE

Honda Accord Facelift

At the 81^st edition of the Geneva Motor Show, the Japanese automaker Honda has brought the facelift version of the European-spec Accord model.  The car comes with a redesigned grille, updated bumpers along with revised headlights with clear indicators. As far as the back is concerned, it features a new set of taillights and a chrome trim above the license plate.

Honda Accord Facelift

Inside the cabin nothing much has really changed, except for the new seat upholstery, thicker rear windows and additional sound deadening material. The sportier Type-S version has red ambient lightning and faux metallic trim.

Honda Accord Facelift

Regarding the engines, no significant updates as the power units have been carried over from the previous model, with minor modifications for improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. One of these engines is the 2.2-liter i-DTEC diesel that cranks out 148 hp (150 PS / 110 kW) and has CO2 emissions of 138 g/km.

Honda Accord Facelift

Other worth-mentioning updates would have to be the retuned suspension and active cornering headlights with high beam support. The latter system uses a CMOS camera sensor for detecting oncoming traffic and can automatically activate the low beam if the high beam was selected previously.

Honda Accord Facelift

The facelift version of the Honda Accord will hit the dealerships in Europe this April.

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Geneva 2011 – Honda Accord Facelift

TechArt Magnum

The Porsche Cayenne is probably one of the most popular cars among tuning companies at this year's Geneva Motor Show. The guys over at TechArt decided to take a Cayenne II and install some very aggressive bumpers, a ventilated hood and extended wheel arches. Dubbed Magnum, it also features modified side sills and huge black-painted wheels.

TechArt Magnum

Under the bonnet, the car's standard V8 4.8-liter twin-turbo power unit has been fitted with a TA 058/T1 power kit that enables it to output 553 hp (560 PS / 412 kW) and 575 lb.-ft (780 Nm), which is 59 hp (60 PS / 44 kW) and 59 lb.-ft (80 Nm) more than the standard version. With this additional power under the hood, the TechArt Magnum Porsche Cayenne II can reach 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds, 200 km/h in 15.8 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 287 km/h.

Source: TechArt via WCF

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Geneva 2011 – TechArt Magnum

Many new and exciting concepts were revealed this week at the 81^st edition of the Geneva Motor Show so we thought that a top 10 of the most interesting vehicles is in order. These concepts show us that the future of the automobile looks promising and sooner or later, we'll have to plug in our cars to recharge the battery just as we do with our mobile phones.

Toyota Yaris HSD Concept

Toyota Yaris HSD Concept

The Japanese automaker Toyota revealed the Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) version of the Yaris that comes with a bigger trapezoidal lower grille, vertical "aero" corners in the front bumper that were implemented in order to lower the air turbulence along with a brand new set of 18-inch rims. To improve aerodynamics, they've installed rear-view cameras instead of using door mirrors – something I think we will be seeing more of in the future. The roof of the car has been covered with solar panels that are capable of providing power to the air conditioning system.

Read more about the car here – Toyota Yaris HSD Concept

Alfa Romeo 4C Concept

Alfa Romeo 4C Concept

Probably one of the most beautiful concepts revealed in Geneva is the Alfa Romeo 4C Concept. It features a mid-rear mounted turbocharged 1.8-liter engine and has a 60/40 weight distribution. The car's suspension features a high quadrilateral configuration in the front and MacPherson struts for the rear axle. It can sprint to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). Alfa said that the production version of this model will be launched next year.

Read more about the car here – Alfa Romeo 4C Concept

SAAB Wild PhoeniX Sports Coupe Concept

Saab Wild PhoeniX Concept

Without any doubt, the highlight of SAAB's booth is the Wild PhoeniX Sports Coupe Concept, a car that previews future technologies and designs that will be implemented in the automaker's lineup. Based on the platform of the upcoming new 9-3 model, this attractive sports coupe features rear-lateral winglets that pay tribute to the company's aeronautical roots. In the front it sports the new interpretation of SAAB's signature three-port grille and a beefier hood.

Read more about the car here – SAAB Wild PhoeniX Sports Coupe Concept

Infiniti Etherea Concept

Infiniti Etherea Concept

Infiniti's Etherea concept study previews the company's soon-to-be-released entry-level car, a model that will have to face up the Audi A3 and the BMW 1-Series. The design of the concept was coordinated by Shiro Nakamura and it features some of the styling lines of the Essence sports car that we first saw in 2009, which were incorporated into a five-door body style that looks very attractive. Those opposing doors open the very spacious four-seat cabin where they've implemented a minimalistic, yet very futuristic styling. The production version will be launched in 2014.

Read more about the car here – Infiniti Etherea Concept

BMW Vision ConnectedDrive Roadster Concept

BMW Vision ConnectedDrive Roadster Concept

Featuring a clean and aggressive appearance, BMW's Vision ConnectedDrive Roadster Concept stands out from the rest of the models and concepts introduced by the German automaker. The interior of the car is just as impressing, with its two-person cockpit that has a fully customizable gauge cluster and a head-up display that can show a tridimensional display of driving and communication info. In addition, the sensors installed in the front and rear lights can monitor the flow of the traffic, the vehicle's driving environment and it can also "talk" with other Vision ConnectedDrive vehicles.

Read more about the car here – BMW Vision Connected Drive Roadster Concept

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Geneva 2011 – Top 10 Concepts PART 1