One of the highlights of last week’s 2012 Geneva Motor Show was the Cambiano concept car from Italian design house Pininfarina.
Speaking with Automotive News Europe (subscription required), Angori admitted that his company was considering building a “high-performance, low-emission luxury model” like the Cambiano if there was enough interest from companies and private buyers.
The original concept was conceived around a diesel-electric plug-in hybrid drivetrain, with the diesel component comprising an advanced turbine engine.
Angori told Automotive News that if Pininfarina elects to build a run of only 10 cars, the potential price would be around $1.3 million.
As the reports have surfaced on the web, the Italian company is mulling a limited run production of the Pininfarina Cambiano concept.
For the production model of thr Pininfarina Cambiano concept, a conventional diesel-powered internal combustion engine will replace the generator.
It is a new approach to luxury in the car, according to Pininfarina's school of thought. The Cambiano is launched, a concept car that is elegant and sporty, refined and comfortable. The luxury sports saloon embodies the innovative archetypes of Pininfarina design in full. In a way, it was Pininfarina's first real concept car.
Formal purity and simplicity become elements of iconic design.
The proportions of the Cambiano convey dynamism and fluidity, thanks to the low tapered front and the light, fleeting rear-mounted cabin. The LED front headlights are simple "blocks" of pure, crystalline light. In the purest spirit of Pininfarina, the essentiality of the form becomes a very elegant expression of pure function.
The light is an integral part of the Cambiano design concept, inside and out. The main display shows the power delivered by the 4 electric motors backed up by the turbine, the battery charge and the fuel gauge, the total range and the range with all-electric operation, the driving mode (Ecocity, Snow/Ice, Efficiency, Sport, Drifting), and the speedometer. For the Cambiano Pininfarina specifically developed with Fate, Argentina's largest tyre production and exporting company, the first tyre for top of the range cars, Concept Tyre, from Eximia by Pininfarina.
The perfect integration of the styling and engineering activities has produced an extended range plug-in electric car that combines top performance and roominess with the comfort of a luxury car and total respect of the environment. The traction control strategies make the vehicle even more enjoyable to drive, guaranteeing outstanding performance and maximum safety over all types of routes.
Combined with the micro turbine, it guarantees a range of 205 km in the urban cycle in all-electric mode, and a total range in the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) mixed cycle of over 800 km in extended range mode, higher than that of luxury sports cars with conventional drive systems. The battery is the fruit of FAAM's experience in the development of lithium batteries. This, associated with a larger specific power reserve, will make it the ideal solution for future electric cars.
The battery case was designed to respect current crash test standards and it complies with ISO 26262 vehicle safety regulations. The Cambiano's generous range was achieved by the innovative drive system, by focussing attention on aerodynamic efficiency, obtained in the Pininfarina Wind Tunnel, and by a significant weight reduction: the Cambiano weighs 1695 kg empty, an excellent result if we consider the size of the car. The driver can choose his preferred driving mode using a selector lever. For example, the Ecocity mode zeros local emissions, activates exclusively electric drive and excludes the turbine.
The Chevrolet COPO Camaro is a purpose built vehicle meant for one thing:
Meant for the NHRA Stock Eliminator and Super Stock classes, the COPO Camaro will be the fastest Camaro built to date. The COPO Camaro is designed to meet NHRA specifications with a solid axle and full chrome moly roll cage.
This drag raced focused car will not even be street legal, making it even more niche.
Technical Specifications From it's engine the Zonda R borrows the basic architecture including an ingenious dry sump allowing a low centre of gravity.
This self-supporting engine with 750 hp at 8000 rpm and 710 Nm of torque carries a lightweight carbon fibre highperformance intake system, a racing multiple disc sintered clutch and Formula 1 style exhaust system, hydroformed in Inconel 625 and ceramic coated for optimal heat dissipation. The power unit combined with a 6 speed transversal manual sequential synchronised gearbox is designed to satisfy the most ambitious drivers.
The central carbon chassis will incorporate a roll cage and a rubber racing fuel tank with 4 fuel pumps and quick refuel filler like on GT race cars.
Bodywork and aerodynamics The new bodywork has been honed to offer elevated downforce even in low speed corners. The car displays and logs information about the amount of dowforce that the car is generating at each moment.
Stroke 80,20 mm Bore 89,00 mm Horse Power 750 Power output 551 KW at 7.500 1/min Torque output 710 Nm Aspiration Single throttle bodies, mechanically operated Lubrification Dry sump with separate oil tank Deliveries of the COPO Camaro will start in early summer.
Key specs of the drag racers are below: The 69 cars to be built matches the number of 1969 ZL-1 COPO Camaros originally built.
Engine assembly at GM’s Performance Build Center, where the buyer can opt to participate in the engine assembly similar to Chevrolet’s Corvette Engine Build Experience and the Chevrolet Performance Build Your Own Crate Engine programs.
Engines pairing with a Powerglide automatic transmission designed for drag racing. A COPO graphics package similar to the one introduced on the concept vehicle available in Metallic White, Semi-Gloss Black, Inferno Orange Metallic and Chevy Racing Blue
At the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, SEAT is presenting the next phase of its product offensive in the form of a close-to-production study - the SEAT Toledo Concept combines the proportions of a classic saloon car with a sporty, almost coupé-like design.
The next generation of the SEAT Toledo is an exceptional combination of emotion, outstanding design quality and rational usability, as is immediately apparent from the Geneva study. The SEAT Toledo Concept offers spaciousness and usability within compact dimensions. The new model clearly follows in the Toledo tradition - a highly successful milestone in SEAT history.
Alongside attractive design, its success was also the outcome of the Toledo's many practical merits.
The SEAT Toledo Concept at the 2012 Geneva Salon illustrates its ongoing development to a series-production saloon. "The SEAT Toledo Concept illustrates our idea of the perfect mid-range saloon car. At a length of 4.48 metres, the forthcoming SEAT Toledo is compact enough for city driving.
The Toledo Concept combines the proportions of a classic saloon car with a sporty, almost coupé-like design.
The next generation of the SEAT Toledo is an exceptional combination of emotion, outstanding design quality and rational usability, as is immediately apparent from the Geneva study. The Toledo Concept at the 2012 Geneva Salon illustrates that design language’s ongoing journey to a series-production vehicle.
James Muir, President of SEAT, S.A. said: ‘The SEAT Toledo Concept illustrates our idea of the perfect mid-range car. It is an excellent combination of emotional design, top-level usability and dynamic driving characteristics.
At a length of 4.48 metres, the forthcoming SEAT Toledo is compact enough for city driving. Finally, the folding rear seats facilitate a long load length and give the Toledo a functionality that is almost on par with that of an estate car. With the rear seat backs folded forward it boasts a maximum load capacity of more than some ‘regular’ estate cars.
SEAT Design is taking its characteristic design language to the next level with the Toledo Concept – and adding an extra portion of sophistication into the mix.
Powerful dynamics and a mature composurecharacterise the front end of the Toledo Concept.
The interior of the Toledo Concept reflects the modern, clear lines of the exterior.
Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, Head of SEAT Design, said: ‘The Toledo Concept has a powerful character, is sophisticated and timeless – a true personality. These qualities are shared with the owners of previous generations of Toledo. The Design - a strong sporting character
SEAT Design is taking its characteristic design language to the next level with the Toledo Concept - and adding an extra portion of sophistication into the mix.
Powerful dynamics and a mature composure characterise the front end of the SEAT Toledo Concept. The interior of the SEAT Toledo Concept reflects the modern, clear lines of the exterior. The light colouring of the interior, the sophisticated stitching of the leather seats and the leather cladding on the cockpit and doors emphasise the fine, premium character of the SEAT Toledo Concept.
"The Seat Toledo is a unique combination of sculptural design which encompasses classic modern lines with subtle sporting overtones and outstanding everyday usability."
The BMW M135i Concept consistently utilises the dynamic potential of the new BMW 1-Series for the concept of the first BMW M Performance automobile featuring a straight six-cylinder petrol engine. The body design of the BMW M135i Concept assigns the youthful and sporty looks of the new BMW 1-Series to a three-door compact model, complementing it with the distinctive athleticism so typical of a BMW M Performance automobile.
BMW M Performance automobiles offer an ideal symbiosis of outstanding performance and everyday suitability. As a result, BMW M Performance automobiles have noticeably increased agility, precisely controllable handling characteristics and an emotional design. The BMW M135i Concept's exterior mirror caps in Ferric Grey and side window surrounds in BMW Individual High Gloss Shadow Line are a further feature of BMW M Performance automobiles.
The wide doors are a further characteristic feature of the BMW M135i Concept's body design. Thanks to a distinctively sports-oriented appearance, the BMW M135i Concept offers attractive prospects for the further development of the BMW 1-Series model range. The pre-series concept car BMW M135i Concept offers a fascinating outlook on a corresponding offer in the premium compact segment.
There had been widespread rumors that the M Performance Automobiles brand, which launched with the Europe-only, tri-turbo M550d xDrive, would remain an exclusively diesel and all-wheel-drive brand.
The arrival of the Concept M135i confirms BMW's intention to flesh out its "straddle" sub-brand, created to cross the gap between the standard BMW range and the powerhouse M models, throughout its full model range.
BMW has revealed a hot turbocharged six-cylinder Concept M135i model that also showcases the 1 Series three-door bodystyle for the first time.
The new BMW Concept M135i will be presented at the Geneva Motor Show 2012 as a concept but expect the three-door bodystyle to go on sale later in the year - with the new BMW M Performance M135i model possibly acting as a high performance halo for the range.
BMW says the M Performance hallmarks are 'notably increased agility, precisely controllable handling characteristics and an emotional design'.
BMW will also fit bespoke suspension and an M Sports braking system (note the blue brake calipers), and M-style 18-inch wheels.
It is obviously significant for the BMW 1 Series range, because it reveals the three-door bodystyle for the first time.
Land Rover was the first car manufacturer to produce a coupe SUV. Later, Nissan created the Murano Convertible, the first convertible SUV. Land Rover decided to also give it a shot in the Convertible business by revealing a new concept – the Land Rover Evoque Convertible.
Land Rover’s plans for its Range Rover Evoque are far from finished, with the automaker announcing an Evoque convertible concept that will be revealed at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.
Land Rover notes the convertible concept was developed with the manufacturer’s offroading DNA at heart, and has been equipped with Land Rover’s Terrain Response system and a rollover protection system.
Reading University student Simon Truscott snapped the Range Rover Evoque Cabriolet in a London alley, apparently catching it in the midst of a photo/video shoot. You'll find a press release with Range Rover's official statement after the jump.
Land Rover will unveil a Range Rover Evoque Convertible Concept at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. The Evoque Convertible Concept vehicle will explore the potential for the world's first premium convertible SUV.
This bold concept builds on the global success of the Evoque and continues Land Rover's tradition for creating and leading new market segments. The concept has been developed by Land Rover Design Director, Gerry McGovern and his team.
The soft-top convertible concept is based on the Range Rover Evoque Coupe. The Evoque Convertible Concept features unique 21-inch Titan silver wheels and is finished in a new metallic Causeway Grey paint. The Evoque Convertible Concept will be revealed at Geneva as a design and engineering study.
Fiat unveiled a new All-Wheel-Drive version of its Freemont people carrier, and unlike the car on which it’s based, it’s actually rather interesting.
The normal Freemont is a rebadged Dodge Journey. Engine-wise it can be equipped with the 170 HP 2.0 MultiJet 2 with variable geometry and the powerful Chrysler Group Pentastar 3.6 litre engines.
The Fiat Freemont AWD is the four-wheel drive version matched with the 170 HP 2.0 MultiJet 2 and 280 HP 3.6 V6 petrol engines, both offered with the new six-speed automatic transmission. The new all-wheel version aims at consolidating the already remarkable results so far achieved. In just six months of sales, the first Fiat vehicle produced from the partnership with the Chrysler Group won more than 25,000 orders to become the best-selling 7-seat car today in Italy. All-wheel drive for the greatest safety under all driving conditions The Fiat Freemont AWD active four-wheel drive system is on-demand, and it is equipped with an electronic control unit which uses sensors to detect the grip of the four wheels and decides when to transmit traction to the rear. Specifically, the electronic system modulates torque transfer through the use of electronically controlled coupling (ECC).
Fiat is taking part in the 2012 Geneva Motor Show with an appealing exhibition area that emphasises the brand’s unique position on the international motoring stage. Fiat 500 America and Fiat 500 Color Therapy: the latest innovations of a Made in Italy icon The “500 America” numbered edition will make its debut in Geneva, with the saloon version on display. With only 500 numbered saloon units and 500 numbered convertible units produced, the new Fiat 500 America is celebrating the country where the model was sold in 2011 and where its collaboration with the American pop singer Jennifer Lopez started. Fiat Punto 2012: the evolution of a best seller It is an important product innovation of Fiat’s best-selling model, with 8.5 million units sold in Europe. Together with its updated look, the two-cylinder 85 HP TwinAir turbo engine – named “International Engine of the Year 2011″ – is making its debut before the public in Geneva. Fiat Punto 2012 is already available from the Fiat sales network in Italy and in the major European countries.
The new four-wheel drive version is matched with the 170 HP 2.0 MultiJet 2 and 280 HP 3.6 V6 petrol engines, both offered with the new six-speed automatic transmission. Freemont AWD (All-Wheel Drive) is already available from the Fiat sales network in Italy and in the major European countries.
Fiat Panda, the first and second family car The new Panda 85 HP TwinAir Turbo with Dualogic gearbox will be sold starting from April.
Bravo Street: new high value features The Fiat Bravo Street makes its debut in Geneva. 120 HP Doblò 1.4 T-Jet: the only turbocharged petrol engine of the class Freedom and flexible use are also ensured by another model shown: the Fiat Doblò equipped with the new 120 HP 1.4 T-Jet engine. It is the only turbocharged petrol engine of the class, which completes the range and guarantees its offer in the highest demand petrol market segment, above 105 HP. It is precisely a 7-seater version that is on display in Geneva, strengthening the family space positioning of the model.
The Fiat Doblò 120 HP 1.4 T-Jet will be available starting from April.
The 2012 Punto for the first time, in a Fiat vehicle, offers the award-winning MultiAir engine, class-leading emissions mitigation technology, innovative technology and telematics and an unparalleled commitment to its robustness and reliability with a five-year 150 000km warranty.
Although it is an evolution of one of Fiat’s most popular cars in South Africa, the Fiat Punto, the 2012 Punto intensifies the distinguished personality of the vehicle with an important aesthetic update that includes new exterior colours and the seat upholsteries and class-leading features and technologies. The 2012 Punto is more stunning than ever thanks to the work of Fiat’s Centro Stile. The 2012 Punto is available with three engine derivatives: a 1.4l 8V Fully Integrated Robotic Engine (FIRE) producing 57kW at 6000rpm and 115Nm of torque at 3250rpm; a 1.4l MultiAir producing 77kW at 6500rpm and 130Nm of torque at 4000rpm; and finally the award-winning 1.4l MultiAir Turbo engine producing 99kW at 5000rpm and 206Nm of torque at 1750rpm.
For the first time on a Fiat product, the 2012 Punto features Stop&Start technology with a Gear Shift Indicator across the model range, which assists in reducing the vehicle’s emissions and offers better fuel consumption figures. The 2012 Punto range comprises of four models in three trim lines – Pop, Easy and Lounge – each featuring a different content offer with the aim of satisfying different needs and budgets. The Pop, Easy and Lounge trim levels address the traditional customer in a crescendo of comfort and style features.
The Pop trim level is available on the 2012 Punto entry model and offers a high level of comfort without compromising on convenience. The Lounge trim level is available exclusively on the 1.4 MultiAir Turbo model has a very high level of specification. The 2012 Punto is designed and built to achieve the highest levels of safety.
Fiat Punto 1.4 Pop: R129 900* Fiat Punto 1.4 Easy: R149 900* Fiat Punto 1.4 MultiAir Easy R169 900* Fiat Punto 1.4 MultiAir Turbo Lounge R209 900* Fiat also offers a four-year or 60 000km service plan on MultiAir models – 1.4 MultiAir Easy and 1.4 MultiAir Turbo Lounge. Eco Drive: 0.9 TwinAir 85 HP for new driving pleasure Together with the updated look the two-cylinder 85 HP 875 cc TwinAir turbo engine - named "International Engine of the Year 2011" - is making its debut. Normal provides full engine performance to enhance driving liveliness and spirit, while Eco, which limits the torque, reduces fuel consumption to ensure a driving style that is truly eco-friendly and more economical. Another innovation in the field of engines is the evolution of the 85 HP 1.3 MultiJet 2.
10 engines that meet all needs The Fiat Punto 2012 continues to be a constant point of reference when it comes to engine innovation. This long tradition of records is reinforced today with the Fiat Punto MY 2012 following introduction of the new 85 HP TwinAir turbo engine and the evolution of the 85 HP 1.3 MultiJet engine.
In particular, the Fun to Drive line offers the exclusive TwinAir trim level dedicated to the revolutionary two-cylinder engine. It is characterised aesthetically and internally with glossy black pillars and mirror covers, special alloy wheels, 13 exterior colours, one of which is dedicated, Energetico Green, the exclusive glossy black roof option and special "Sportex" seat fabrics.
The Aston Martin Vantage range continues to evolve with a comprehensive array of improvements to the Aston Martin V8 Vantage aimed at enhancing the dynamic feel, style and competitive pricing of the marque's entry-level sports car. The Aston Martin V8 Vantage also comes with tyres that are 10mm wider than the outgoing model.
Aston Martin’s entry-level V8 Vantage and its Roadster sibling have been updated for the latest model year, bringing with them fresh new styling, more power, and a host of additional features.
The latest updates to the base V8 Vantage are the most comprehensive since 2008.
Further enhancements center on the V8 Vantage’s chassis, which also gets a few items from the Vantage S. Quicker steering, bigger brakes and wider tires have all been fitted to further enhance the V8 Vantage’s dynamics.
The V8 Vantage also comes with tires that are 10 mm wider than the outgoing model.
The standard six-speed manual transmission remains, but the optional six-speed Sportshift automated manual transmission has now been replaced with a seven-speed Sportshift II.
Aston Martin has released an interesting piece about the company’s relationship with Zagato – a collaboration that goes back 50 years creating some of the most extraordinary collectible sports cars.
“All the Aston Martins designed by Zagato were created in a very limited series,” Aston Martin said in a statement. Check out more news on the Aston Martin V12 Zagato.
The 2012 Aston Martin V12 Zagato will debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March.
Hit the jump to see a list of Aston and Zagato collaborations.
DB4 GT Zagato (1960). V8 Vantage Zagato (1985), V8 Volante Zagato (1986). Both models were designed and produced by Zagato in the historical factory in Milano.
DB7 V12 Zagato (2002), DB-AR1 (2003). Zagato designed, engineered and manufactured in Italy 99 body-in-whites of each model, whereas assembly and trimming were made by Aston Martin directly in England.
V12 Zagato (2011). As well as for the DB7 Zagato and DB-AR1, the assembly and trimming are entrusted to the Aston Martin staff in Gaydon.
To reflect its enhanced performance the Aston Martin V8 Vantage has received a number of styling changes inspired by the Vantage S and N400 limited edition. Racing is in Aston Martin's DNA and the Vantage is at the forefront of Aston Martin's motorsport activity.
The Vantage first went racing in 2006, when Aston Martin's CEO Dr Ulrich Bez and members of the company's engineering department took a near-standard Aston Martin V8 Vantage to the gruelling Nürburgring 24 hour race. For 2012 Aston Martin Racing is stepping up a gear with the new V12 Vantage focused race car.
Combining iconic styling, thrilling performance, true craftsmanship and exclusivity the revitalised Vantage range boasts unprecedented breadth and appeal. The revised Aston Martin V8 Vantage together with the rest of the range is available to order now from Aston Martin's global dealer network.
