Pininfarina at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the first official image of the concept car

Pininfarina 2-seater spider Concept Car - Teaser image

TURIN : January 29, 2010 – Pininfarina discloses the first official image of its new concept car, world debut on March 2nd at the Geneva Motor Show.


The Pininfarina new concept is meant to be part of the tradition of successful spiders born from the relationship with Alfa Romeo, among the most significant and long-lasting ones in the automobile history, and interprets the innovative vision of an antique theme strongly present in the Pininfarina roots, the 2-seater spider.

An iconic object that, binding with an ideal thread the past and the future of Pininfarina, starts the celebrations for its 80th anniversary, representing at the same time an homage to the Alfa Romeo 100th birthday.

[Source : PININFARINA]

Jaguar – 75 Years Looking Forward

75th anniversary of the Jaguar

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Jaguar name, and 75 years of looking forward, designing and building cars that represent the very best of technical innovation, design leadership and sporting success.

Sir William Lyons and Jaguar E-Type

Mike O'Driscoll, Managing Director of Jaguar Cars, said: "In 2010 we celebrate our past, and 75 years of designing and building cars that celebrate the art of automobile making. We're also celebrating the promise of the future, and the introduction of the all-new XJ. In just three years we've completely revitalized the Jaguar line-up with the launch of three beautiful fast cars".

Just a few years ago Jaguar set out to re-make the brand and to revitalize the model range. It started in 2008 with the introduction of the all-new award-winning XF. This four door, five seat car has the looks of a coupe and the heart of a sports car. In 2009 Jaguar re-engineered the XK coupe and convertible, and in the process created one of the world's great grand tourers. And, 2010 sees the beginning of sales of the ground-breaking XJ, which incorporates all of the virtues that make a Jaguar.

Mike O'Driscoll added: "The development of our new range of cars is all part of making Jaguar the modern, sporting company that it was under our founder Sir Williams Lyons – a company that made its name creating cars that were innovative, exciting and always original.”

Ian Callum, Jaguar Design Director, said: “Jaguar design over the next 75 years must respect and reflect on the past 75 while continuing to push boundaries of technology, luxury and sporting style. Designing cars with a presence that demands a turn of the head and an allure that pulls at the heart has been central to the Jaguar brand throughout the years.

"A successful piece of design should stand the test of time, holding it’s own through passing fashions. Jaguar has a range of cars that are as iconic today as they were when launched – testament to Jaguar’s legacy in creating beautiful fast cars.

"Looking at the present with the XK, XF and all-new XJ and with an eye on the future, we will continue to innovate and set the benchmark, not only in automotive design, but in luxury premium design as a whole.”


Sir William Lyons founded Swallow Sidecars in 1922, and went on to create a range of 'SS' branded motorcycle sidecars and automobiles in the 1920s and early 1930s. When it came to the launch of the all-new SS 100 in 1935, Sir William wanted a new and evocative name for his company. After asking his advertising agency for suggestions, Sir William chose 'Jaguar', and the SS 100 model became the world's first Jaguar.

The ‘Jaguar’ name was an ideal choice - it represented the feline grace and elegance, power and agility that set his cars apart. Sir William once said that a car "was the closest thing we can create to something that is alive", a sentiment that has stood the test of time. The new brand name captured the essence of all of the cars created from that point forward.

Over the years Jaguar has built some of the world's most iconic cars; the XK120, introduced in the late 1940s, was an instant sensation and the most glamorous sports car of the period; the C Type and D Type race cars that followed, dominated motor racing in the 1950s; the E-Type, launched in the heady 1960s, has been called the most beautiful car ever built and it defined a whole generation. Sports cars have always defined Jaguar, but the Company has also built some of the Industry's most memorable sedans, such as the Mark II in the early 1960's and the renowned XJ range.

During the year Jaguar will celebrate our 75th anniversary at some of the world's most glamorous automotive settings, including the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Revival in the UK; the Concours D’Elegance at Pebble Beach in the US and at the Mille Miglia classic in Italy. Jaguar is also returning to the racetrack with its new JaguarRSR XKR GT2 and will compete in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS).

Images : 75th anniversary of the Jaguar

[Source : JAGUAR]

Ken Block’s Monster Ford Fiesta ready for race debut at Rally America Sno*Drift

Ken Block's Monster Ford Fiesta Racecar

DEARBORN, Mich. : January 29, 2010 – The all-new Ford Fiesta is fun to drive, but for Monster World Rally Team driver Ken Block, fun takes on a different meaning.


When you spend your time dreaming up ways to push your rally car to new limits and create stunts that will create the next “must see” YouTube video, fun is a mixture of horsepower, race fuel and adrenaline. This weekend, Block and his newly formed Monster World Rally Team will debut their Ford Fiesta Rally America program at Sno*Drift in Atlanta, Mich. as they demonstrate their definition of fun.

Block and the Monster World Rally Team will campaign seven rally events in North America in 2010 for Ford, including the Summer X Games in August. Block will pilot a 2011 Ford Fiesta based on the race-winning European Rallycross Fiesta prepared by Olsbergs Motorsports Evolution.

“I am very excited to finally be in the Fiesta,” said Block. “The Fiesta is the car that beat me last summer at X Games. Ford has a great platform with the Fiesta, and I can’t wait to see what I can do in the Rally America championship and at the X Games later this year.”

Fiesta’s North American racing debut came at the 2009 Summer X Games where it took the Gold in rally competition. Block's 2.0-liter turbocharged Fiesta, modified to the Open Class specification for Rally America, is capable of producing over 490 hp at 8,000 rpm, but due to a required turbo-inlet restrictor by the series, the Fiesta will be running in the range of 330 hp.

Block, who will be co-driven by Italian Alessandro Gelsomino, will tackle all six rounds of the Rally America series in his Fiesta, which will be backed by Monster Energy Drink and Ford. His North American program will culminate at X Games 16 in Los Angeles in early August.

“Ford has a long, winning tradition in European rally and with Ken Block and Fiesta, we’re bringing that to North America for fans to experience first hand,” said Jamie Alison, director, Ford North American Motorsports. “There will be a little bit of rally in every Fiesta. It’s the right form of motorsports to showcase the driving dynamics of Fiesta.” Allison continued, "What people need to remember, as Ken races down the course this weekend, his car started off as a production vehicle. It is a true testament to the capability built into every Ford Fiesta.”

[Source : FORD]

Subaru Road Racing Team Debuts New Impreza WRX STI at Daytona Raceway

Subaru Road Racing Team (SRRT) Impreza WRX STI racecar

CHERRY HILL, N.J. : January 29, 2010 - Subaru of America, Inc. opened the 2010 road race season today with a strong 15th place finish out of 41 entries in the Grand Sport class of the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge series at the Daytona Raceway. The Subaru Road Racing Team (SRRT) is fielding two Impreza WRX STI racecars in the series this year. SRRT campaigned a single Subaru Legacy 2.5GT spec.B in the series' Street Tuner class in 2009, taking second in both the Drivers' and Team Championships, along with 3rd in the Manufacturer chase.


Four-time Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Touring 1 Northeast Champion Andrew Aquilante, from Chester Springs, Penn., will lead the Subaru road racing effort for 2010. He is in his third year driving for Subaru. Aquilante achieved nine top-ten finishes to complete 2009 tied for 2nd in the Drivers' Championship. Bret Spaude of St. Petersburg, Fla. has joined SRRT as Aquilante's teammate. Spaude finished 2009 seventh in points in the Grand Am ST class and is a two-time SCCA Regional title holder. Each driver is seeking his first Grand-Am win.

The 2010 Impreza WRX STI is the ultimate-performance Subaru, powered by a 305-horsepower turbocharged/intercooled Boxer engine and featuring driver-selectable powertrain and dynamic handling controls for world-class sports car performance. The WRX STI is built exclusively as an aggressively styled, wide-fender 5-door model with a design strongly influenced by the brand's competition heritage. Its drivetrain, which is exclusive to the WRX STI model, combines a six-speed manual transmission with the advanced Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) version of Subaru Symmetrical All Wheel Drive. High-performance chassis elements include aluminum suspension components and a Brembo(®) Performance Brake System.

Since 2009, the SRRT has been managed by SRRT Phoenix, LLC, through Joe Aquilante from Phoenix Performance, Inc. in Phoenixville, Penn. The senior Aquilante is a multiple race and title-winner in various series across different classes.

[Source : SUBARU]

Renault to present R30 ,New Formula 1 vehicle and New Renault F1 team

2010 Renault F1 R30 - Teaser image

PARIS : January 29, 2010 - On Sunday January 31 at 4.30 pm, visitors to L’Atelier Renault on the Champs Elysées will get to see Renault’s new Formula 1 vehicle for 2010.


An exclusive reveal for L’Atelier Renault visitors!

The general public will get its first glimpse of New Renault F1 Team R30 at the exact same time as the accredited trade press, invited to the Valence track in Spain in the presence of the drivers.

New Renault F1 Team R30 will be on show at L’Atelier Renault through February 28.

[Source : RENAULT]

Audi A1 Series : Driving Experience - FC Bayern stars test the new Audi A1 [w/Video]

Philipp Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger

• Bastian Schweinsteiger and Philipp Lahm on a secret mission
• National players are thrilled by the design and sportiness of the A1

INGOLSTADT : January 28, 2010 – It was a very special kind of secret practice: The two national soccer players Bastian Schweinsteiger and Philipp Lahm had the opportunity to test the Audi A1 to their hearts’ content – strictly shielded from the outside world inside a hall at a secret location. Before them, only the members of the management board and developers of Audi had enjoyed this opportunity. So, the answer to the question of how the small, agile Audi would be received by the Bayern players was being awaited with particularly eager anticipation.


Of course the test drive was intended to pose a sporting challenge to the two soccer stars. Therefore, the Audi Driving Experience had marked out a demanding practice course. No problem for Schweinsteiger and the A1. He handled the tight slalom course with playful ease and only reluctantly handed over the wheel to his team-mate. Philipp Lahm, too, had a lot of fun: “The A1 is small and compact, fantastically holds to the road – it simply handles well. I like it.”

Audi had invited the two players from its partner FC Bayern München to this special test drive. Schweinsteiger and Lahm took advantage of this unusual opportunity to carefully examine the design, equipment and interior of the new model from Ingolstadt. Their unanimous opinion: “A truly sporty car! It’s clearly our favorite for the next season.”
The A1 will be shown on the internet for the first time on Wednesday, February 10th.

The Audi A1 will make its official world debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

VIDEO : Driving Experience - FC Bayern stars test the new Audi A1

[Source : AUDI]

Volvo launches an energy-efficient 2-litre GTDi engine with unique turbo system

Volvo 2.0-litre GTDI Engine

GOTHENBURG : January 28, 2010 - Volvo Car Corporation is introducing an all-new four-cylinder 2-litre GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) engine in the Volvo S80, V70 and XC60, offering great performance and efficiency all in one.


New Volvo-developed turbocharging technology, direct injection and twin variable camshafts give a unique combination of low fuel consumption, low emissions and high performance across a wide rev range - all in a particularly compact format.

The new petrol engine, the 2.0 GTDi, produces no less than 203 hp despite its compact size and cylinder capacity. It pumps out 300 Nm of torque already from 1750 rpm thus securing a refined driving experience.

"We've succeeded in making a four-cylinder engine that is as powerful as a 2.5-litre five-cylinder unit, and it's also much more energy-efficient. This is a very welcome both for those customers who want high performance as well as supreme driveability and for the environment that benefits from the improved fuel efficiency. One of the most important reasons behind the results is our new, patented turbo system that has been tailor-made for smaller energy-efficient engines," says Magnus Jonsson, head of Product Development at Volvo Cars.

Less is more - Meet the next generation turbo technology

The turbocharger system has been developed in cooperation between Volvo Cars, Borg-Warner Turbo System and steel component manufacturer Benteler Automotive. The turbocharger (K03) is the market's smallest in relation to the engine's maximum output. The turbo not only gives excellent performance properties, it also improves exhaust aftertreatment by enabling quick heating of the catalyst.

The turbine housing is integrated into the manifold, an efficient solution with which Volvo already had previous good experience. The difference is that the new manifold and turbine housing are made of sheet steel instead of a casting. The sheet is lighter and more compact and, above all, this system generates less heat owing to its extra insulating layer. This allows high gas flow temperature and thus more efficient combustion.

A manifold made of sheet steel is admittedly nothing new but so far it has only been used in combination with cast turbine housing. The new, fully integrated turbo package made entirely of sheet steel is a world innovation and has been patented by Volvo.

This innovative technology has made it possible to shape the exhaust ducts optimally to allow an optimal gas flow and generate the maximum pulse effect for the highest possible turbine efficiency. The pulse dynamics can thus be utilised to the limits in order to generate a high power output level across a wider range of engine revs. This translates into close to immediate response and good acceleration at both low and high speeds.
"High performance is important to many customers. However, being an innovative and highly efficient powertrain, there is also a significant gain in both fuel consumption and emissions with this technology" says Magnus Jonsson. "A Volvo S80 with this engine and automatic transmission consumes just 8.3 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres."

Efficient direct injection starts the turbo quickly

The new engine features direct injection. The injectors have seven holes for precisely controlled injection into each cylinder. The injectors are side-mounted.

Direct injection gives a high fill rate in the combustion chamber, efficient combustion and low emissions. Thanks to this high fill rate, the turbo also starts spinning earlier, delivering alert response from low revs. This in turn results in swift acceleration and good driveability even from low speeds.

Direct injection also contributes to quick and stable combustion at high loads, and thus smooth engine operation even when the accelerator is floored.
The injection system is supplied by Bosch.

Twin VVT (Variable Valve Timing)

Volvo's new GTDi engine utilises variable timing for both camshafts. Both the inlet and the exhaust valves' opening times can be varied to optimise the overlap and ensure the correct fill rate in the combustion chamber irrespective of engine revs. This gives the combustion process maximum efficiency throughout the rev range and helps generate rapid acceleration at all speeds.

Both VVTs are of the conventional vane-type. The rotation of the inner and outer rotor is regulated by hydraulic pressure from the engine oil. By opening and closing the oil control valves, the oil pressure and flow through the VVTs are changed until the desired angular deviation between the inner and outer rotor is achieved. The oil control valves are controlled by software in the Engine Management System using feedback from the cam position sensors.

"By combining direct injection and VVT with our new patented turbo system, we can offer an engine with low fuel consumption and low emissions, without having to compromise on performance or driving properties," says Magnus Jonsson. "We have created an engine that is as efficient in the city as it is on the highway. And since the design is based on an already-existing engine concept, we can offer more car buyers a highly fuel-efficient alternative at a reasonable price."

In combination with Powershift or manual gearbox

The engine will be offered in combination with Volvo's automatic six-speed Powershift transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox.

This new six-speed double-clutch automatic transmission combines the efficiency and driving dynamics of a manual transmission with the ease of a quality automatic transmission. The clutch activations are co-ordinated so that no torque interruption occurs during gear changing. This provides both the ease and permanent motion of a conventional automatic transmission and the performance of a manual transmission.

A key global powertrain for Volvo

Volvo's new 2.0 GTDi engine is being initially launched on markets that offer tax incentives for engines below two litres in displacement: South-East Asia, the Netherlands, China and Japan.

Engine specifications
Engine designation	2.0 GTDi
Engine type	4-cylinder petrol turbo engine
Cylinder displacement	1999 cm3
Cylinder bore	87.5 mm
Stroke	83.1 mm
Compression ratio	10:1
Valves per cylinder	4
Camshafts	DOHC
Max power output	149 kW (203 hp) / 6000 rpm
Max torque	300 Nm / 1750-4000 rpm, overboost 320 Nm
Turbo boost	90 kPa
Emission level	Euro 5, J-ULEV

Performance and fuel consumption (man/auto)	Volvo S80	Volvo V70	Volvo XC60
Acceleration 0-100 km/h, sec	7.9/8.5	8.3/8.9	9.6 (automatic)
Fuel consumption, l/100 km	7.9/8.3	8.1/8.4	8.6 (automatic)
Emissions, grams, CO2	184/193	189/195	199 (automatic)

Images : Volvo 2.0-litre GTDI Engine

[Source : VOLVO]