Geneva Motor Show: 2012 Saab 9-5 SportCombi

The new PhoeniX sports coupe concept pretty much grabbed most of the attention at Saab's Geneva Motor Show stand, but the Swedes also brought along their all-new 2012 9-5 SportCombi. The station wagon model will arrive in the market this fall with the same engine lineup as the four-door 9-5 offering buyers improved practicality and a boot that measures 527 liters with the seats up and 1600 liters when the 60/40 split rear seatbacks are folded down. Hop over the jump for some live shots and walk-around video from the Geneva Show floors.

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2012 Pagani Supercars Huayra The Lightest Sports Cars In Its Class

2012 Pagani Supercars Huayra The Lightest Sports Cars In Its Class

Speed is great, but a true hypercar can dance with the best of them. Elegant and muscular the Pagani Huayra merges the past, present and future in a timeless interpretation of automotive art. Pagani have officially unveiled their 2012 Huayra. The hypercar is named after Aymara god Huayra Tata, god of wind. Aerodynamics are a big part of the new car which will be displayed publically for the first time at the Geneva Auto Salon 2011. The styling of the car was perfected over the course of 5 years to find each line's beginning and end. During this study, eight scale models were created, as well as two 1:1 models, each an evolution of the previous in a never ending quest to perfect the form and refining the substance.

The new central monocoque on the 2012 Pagani Supercars Huayra The Lightest Sports Cars In Its Class is an entirely new design made from carbontitanium. However, with the gull wing doors cutting deep into the roof, much research was focused on achieving the highest levels of rigidity through the application of new advanced composite materials and technologies first tested on the Zonda R.

2012 Pagani Supercars Huayra The Lightest Sports Cars In Its Class

The never ending quest for weight reduction resulted also into the combination of structural and non-structural or aesthetical elements. An example is the integration of all ventilation air ducts into the monocoque's structure, making the use of additional parts and ducts unnecessary. The result of this attention to detail is a vehicle weighing 1.350 kg making the Pagani Huayra the lightest sportscar in its class.

2012 Pagani Supercars Huayra The Lightest Sports Cars In Its Class

Mercedes-AMG provides the heart for the 2012 Pagani Supercars Huayra The Lightest Sports Cars In Its Class. The 60 degree 12 cylinder turbocharged engine with a displacement of 5980 cm3 has been developed not just to meet the strictest technical and quality requirements, but also to give the car its many faces. The calm and harmony of driving one of the world's most refined GT car is interrupted when the driver calls upon the Pagani Huayra to unleash its 700 horsepower and 1000 Nm of torque. The turbos have been studied to offer immediate response to the slightest throttle input, giving the driver full control over the engine at any rpm and preventing unwanted delays in the delivery of power.

The engine's systems have been designed and tested to stand up to the most adverse conditions of temperature and performance. The 2012 Pagani Supercars Huayra The Lightest Sports Cars In Its Class has been subjected to the highs of Death Valley and the lows of the Arctic Circle. The two lateral radiators are positioned in the front to guarantee the best cooling efficiency of the intercoolers placed over the cylinder heads. Dry sump lubrication ensures an optimal oil feed to the engine even when the car is subjected to the most extreme lateral accelerations. It also regulates the oil flow so that only the necessary amount of lubricant is actually pumped into the engine from the external oil tank, reducing the friction caused by an excessive volume of lubricant inside the engine sump. An oil/water heat exchanger reduces warm-up times by heating the engine lubricant during cold start and keeps engine coolant and lubricant levels at steady operational temperatures. Extensive weight saving programs led to ingenious yet simple solutions.

2012 Pagani Supercars Huayra The Lightest Sports Cars In Its Class

The M158 engine is homologated to meet the strictest environmental regulations, EU5 and LEV2. Despite the increase of power compared to the other Mercedes-AMG V12 engines developed for Pagani, CO2 emissions as well as the fuel consumption have been reduced, to make the Pagani Huayra class leading amongst 12 cylinder sports cars with values that are respective of much smaller vehicles in the market. The two stage fuel supply system features two microprocessor controlled pumps feeding fuel to the engine with the second pump only activated when necessary, thus reducing the energy required to run the fuel pumps and eliminates the waste of excessive fuel being transported and heated in the fuel lines. This efficiency combined with a large 85 liter fuel tank ensure Pagani Huayra's grand touring ability.

The power and prodigious torque generated by Pagani Huayra's V12 are transferred to the wheels through a transverse sequential seven speed gearbox and a dual plate clutch and the complete gearbox weighs only 96 kg. Keeping the weight of the rear overhang as low as possible has been a priority as we aim for a neutral behavior at the limit. A further benefit of this layout is a better behavior of the car during a rear impact. A dual clutch system was evaluated but ultimately not selected as it would have increased the weight by approximately 70kg, thus negating any minor improvement in shift-time. Xtrac already supplied the gearbox for the Zonda R and so it was the natural choice for the development of a new high performance gearbox.

Pirelli say "Power is nothing without control" and to assure complete control for the driver Pirelli has developed the bespoke P Zero tires, specifically for the 2012 Pagani Supercars Huayra The Lightest Sports Cars In Its Class. The Pirelli engineers were faced with a demanding task, combining road holding for excitement behind the steering wheel and lower rolling resistance to reduce CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. These P Zero tires are built in a dedicated MIRS™ (Modular Integrated Robotized System) facility, dedicated to the production of ultrahigh performance tires and are at the forefront of what is technically possible, suited to top speeds above 370 kph as well as to lateral forces exceeding 1,5 G.

2012 Pagani Supercars Huayra The Lightest Sports Cars In Its Class

The aerodynamic concept of the Pagani Huayra is that of a wing. The vehicle can modify the properties of this wing by varying the front ride height, which can be adjusted dynamically, and by adjusting the 4 control flaps on each of the four corners of the car. The goal is to have a neutral vehicle behavior under all conditions and control body roll via aerodynamic means. The behavior of the flaps is managed by a dedicated control unit that is fed information from the ABS and ECU, which pass information about the car's speed, yaw rate, lateral acceleration, steering angle and throttle position.

The system improves aerodynamic efficiency in a variety of driving conditions, where a low drag coefficient is not the determining factor. During braking, for example, the rear flaps and the front suspension are raised to counteract the weight transfer and balance the weight distribution between front and rear axles, allowing a better use of the rear brake force.

Another vital design tenant for the Huayra project was to ensure clean airflow over the body of the car. In addition to the downforce generated by the flaps and body, two high negative pressure areas were designed into the shape of the underbody and the diffuser at the rear, thus enhancing the aerodynamic stability and guaranteeing the 2012 Pagani Supercars Huayra The Lightest Sports Cars In Its Class downforce under all circumstances. As soon as the doors are closed the Pagani Huayra transports the occupants to a new dimension; a world that pleases and surprises the senses. Having everything at arm's length is not close enough for a vehicle with the capabilities of the Pagani Huayra.

2012 Pagani Supercars Huayra The Lightest Sports Cars In Its Class

A Pagani is able to present drivers with state of the art solutions while still drawing on the rich history that precedes it. The ever present emphasis is on a living breathing being rather than a digital one. The high definition central touchscreen is the heart of the vehicle infotainment system, controlling audio functions, satellite navigation, secondary vehicle functions and Bluetooth phone. To this date five prototypes have been built which have been conducting road tests for the past 4 years. Currently, over half a million kilometers have been covered by our prototypes and before entering the US market we will have reached one million test kilometers.

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2012 Ferrari Sports Cars FF

2012 Ferrari Sports Cars FF

FF’s nickname means “Ferrari Four”  - ushers in an entirely new GT sports car, in reference to the fact that the four wheel drive and four seats. Ferrari says its all wheel drive, which he refers to as 4WD, is 50 percent lighter than comparable systems, but no details on how this was achieved. (RM ruote motor skills while 4WD means not only mean “four wheel drive” in Italian.) A decisive break with the past, the new car represents not so much an evolution as a true revolution.

This new V12 melds to an unprecedented level an extremely sporty, high-performance character with incredible versatility, superb comfort and sophisticated elegance, guaranteeing both driver and passengers an absolutely unique driving experience.

2012 Ferrari Sports Cars FF

Designed by Pininfarina, the shape and proportions perfectly interpret the Ferrari FF's harmonious blend of sporting DNA and extraordinary usability. The 2012 Ferrari Sports Cars FF features the company's first ever four-wheel drive system. Ferrari's exclusive, patented 4RM (four-wheel drive) weighs 50 per cent less than a conventional four-wheel drive system, maintaining perfect weight distribution (53 per cent over the rear axle). Completely integrated with the car's electronic dynamic control systems, the four-wheel drive technology delivers record levels of performance on all terrains and in all conditions via continuous and intelligent predictive torque distribution to all four wheels. The 2012 Ferrari Sports Cars FF is also equipped with the latest magnetorheological damping system (SCM3), as well as the most recent development in carbon-ceramic brakes from Brembo.

Exceptional performance levels come courtesy of the new 6,262 cc direct injection engine which develops 660 CV at 8,000 rpm. In tandem with its transaxle dual-clutch F1 gearbox, stunning acceleration figures (0-100 km/h in 3.7 sec.) are guaranteed. The new model's class-leading weight-to-power ratio of 2.7 kg/CV, along with its ideal weight distribution, ensures exceptionally responsive handling.

2012 Ferrari Sports Cars FF

The result is that owners will be able to enjoy the 2012 Ferrari Sports Cars FF's prowess over a wide range of uses: city driving, on low grip or snow-covered surfaces and on the track. Performance aside, Maranello's latest model also offers standards of passenger space, comfort, in-car spec and equipment previously unheard of in such a high-performance car. It can comfortably accommodate four people and their luggage, thanks to the best cabin space and boot capacity (450 litres extendable to 800) figures in its category, including four-door cars.

A vast array of personalisation options and accessories has been developed for the 2012 Ferrari Sports Cars FF. These include six model-specific exterior colours and sumptuous interior trim incorporating specially selected and treated aniline leather. The Ferrari FF, which will make its official debut in occasion of the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

2012 Ferrari Sports Cars FF

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 2012 Ferrari Sports Cars FF

    * Engine

          o Type: 65-degree V12

          o Overall displacement: 6,262 cc

          o Maximum power: 660 CV @ 8,000 rpm

          o Maximum torque: 683 Nm @ 6,000 rpm

    * Dimensions and weight

          o Length: 4907 mm

          o Width: 1953 mm

          o Height: 1379 mm

          o Dry weight: 1790 kg

          o Weight distribution: 47% front, 53% rear

          o Weight/power ratio: 2.7 kg/CV

    * Performance

          o Maximum speed: 335 km/h

          o 0-100 km/h: 3.7 sec

    * Fuel consumption and emissions (ECE+EUDC)

          o Fuel consumption: 15,4 l/100 km

          o Emissions: 360 g/km

2012 Ferrari Sports Cars FF

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Rossin Bertin Vorax Sports Cars Concept

Rossin Bertin Vorax Sports Cars Concept

The first ever Brazilian sports cars was recently unveiled at the 2010 Sao Paulo auto show in Brazil and its name – Rossin-Bertin Vorax. Manufacturers of Rossiné Bertin Vorax went for a healthy diet for a motor that must ensure their supercars just – the V10 engine of the BMW M5.

The car itself is a dramatic and menacing looking coupe (a convertible is to follow later). The lines are fairly unique, and Rossin has done a good job of making the car look different from most other generic supercar prototypes. It features a carbon fiber body over an aluminum chassis, cradling the Bavarian ten-pot in two states of trim: naturally aspirated with 570 horsepower, or supercharged with 750.

Rossin Bertin Vorax Sports Cars Concept

The standard V10 version accelerates up to 62mph in 3.8-second and has a top speed of 205mph (329km/h). The supercharged motor has a better acceleration time of 3.6 and its 180 extra horsepower pushes the car up to a much higher top speed of 231mph (371km/h).

The two men behind the Vorax are CEO and designer Fharys Rossin and (presumably lead investor) Natalino Bertin Jr. The former is a 37-year-old ex-GM designer and the latter is the 29-year-old, car-mad heir to the Bertin Group of slaughterhouses. Mr. Rossin wanted to build a supercar that could compete with the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche; a heady goal.

Rossin Bertin Vorax Sports Cars Concept

Bankrolled by meat industry scion Natolino Bertin, Jr. and realized by former General Motors designer Fharys Rossin, the Rossin Bertin Vorax Sports Cars Concept coupe is targeted to hit the market late 2011 or early 2012.

Production of the Vorax coupe will begin at a proposed plant in Blumenau, Brazil in late 2011 or early 2012. A convertible is set to follow twelve months later. Rossin-Bertin expect to sell between 500 and 1,000 Voraxes for around R$700,000 (US$409,836) each. In addition, in 2013, Rossin-Bertin plans to launch a series of open-source version Vorax.

Rossin Bertin Vorax Sports Cars Concept

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2012 Nissan Sport Cars GT-R (Japan Specs) Set For North American

The 2012 Nissan GT-R version of its flagship GT-R sports cars. This is designed to be one of the best models in automobile industry. Accordingly, the manufacturer has modified the front end along with strengthening the dashboard support area and the forward suspension. The GTR is said to be 3% more efficient than the earlier models. Yesterday, Nissan Motors offered up the full information on the Japanese version of the 2011 Nissan GT-R. Already one of the fastest cars in the world, the Nissan sports cars coupe receives a variety of improvements for 2011 (at least in the Japanese market) to help distance itself from the competition.

There are only subtle refinements made to the exterior of the latest Nissan GT-R supercar and while these changes might be hard to notice in traffic, the physical upgrades to the 2011 model year GT-R offer a 10% improvement in downforce and a decrease in drag. There is also a slightly refined interior with a new instrument panel and carbon fiber trim here and there but the big news is what is under the hood.

2012 Nissan Sport Cars GT-R (Japan Specs) Set For North American

For 2012, Nissan GT-R features improved engine output and torque, greater fuel efficiency, revised handling, a refreshed exterior with improved aerodynamics, revised interior treatment and new wheels and tires. The large number of enhancements for the new model year is part of the continuous advancement of the GT-R design, technology and performance since its debut.

Developed under the theme of offering the "world's best multi-performance and responsive driving pleasure," every area of the Nissan GT-R has been carefully rethought or retuned for 2012. The changes range from greater body stability and strength and improved aerodynamics performance to a sportier interior and enhanced performance.

The latest version of the potent Nissan GT-R goes on sale at select Nissan dealers in the United States and Canada early in the 2011 calendar year. Full details on the North American version of the Nissan GT-R will be available at the Los Angeles show in November.

Though exact specifications have yet to be released for the U.S. cars, horsepower and torque figures have been revealed for Japan market cars.  The updated 2012 Nissan Sport Cars GT-R (Japan Specs) Set For North American will be powered by the same twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-6 offered in the current GT-R. However, the turbo's boost pressure has been increased, the intake and exhaust systems have been opened up to permit freer breathing, and the ECU has been tweaked to take advantage of these changes.

2012 Nissan Sport Cars GT-R (Japan Specs) Set For North American

The 2012 in the US market Nissan GT-R is powered by the same twin turbocharged 3.8L V6 that was offered in the current GT-R, an enlarged charge air intake pipe and an enlarged exhaust system combined with a recalibration of the car’s ECU, the 2011 GT-R will offer 523 horsepower and 451lb-ft of torque. This is a fair improvement over the output of the current models 485hp/434tq and this extra power could help the mighty GT-R move up the list of the fastest cars in the world (based on testing done at the famed Nürburgring in Germany). The 2011 Nissan GT-R will be the 2012 Nissan GT-R when it hits US shores next year.

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2012 Nissan Sport Cars GT-R EGOIST Created by Takumi

Nissan announced the car would get an exclusive luxury package called EGOIST, which tacks on almost the cost of another GT-R to the price tag. Each customer can choose a combination of interior colors among 20 choices. EGOIST is the first and only Nissan GT-R in the world exclusively created by Takumi, or “master with greatest skills”. In addition, the Bose® sound system is exclusively tuned according to the driving position of each driver to meet every customer’s needs. This is the ultimate expression of the Nissan GT-R.

Egoist takes a dry carbon rear spoiler (also used in the SpecV). A stable aerodynamic performance even when driving with more than 300 kilometers per hour, rear spoiler gives an intense look in the back with black carbon paint.

Lightweight and highly rigid forged aluminum wheels, used in the SpecV to reduce unsprung weight and contribute to a smooth driving experience. Newly developed five layers Blue Sword Chrome Color Coating adopted. 2012 Nissan Sport Cars GT-R EGOIST Created by Takumi uses a Titanium exhaust system, also used in the SpecV, providing agile accelerator response and a clear, exhilarating exhaust sound.

2012 Nissan Sport Cars GT-R EGOIST Created by Takumi

Interior parts aired to attack Company, Inc. Muelheim an der Ruhr in Germany and leather master artificers run and stick a carefully selected by the player skin bridge. Inducts are exclusive designs coated with the single and double crochet patterns are incorporated in reticular approach. The high consistency of performance grip (suitable for driving racing circuit), a smooth and approve all provided. Nissan also says the parts are hand made in Germany to add a little prestige to the hyper-expensive rocket.

The new car will come with the pumped-up engine that will power next year’s Nissan Sport Cars GT-R. The twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-6 will unleash 520 bhp at 6400 rpm to all four wheels, while weighing in about 60 lb. less than the current car, thanks to lighter weight parts throughout the body. Peak torque, estimated at 452 lb.-ft., will be reached from 3200 to 5200 rpm. This means the car will be quicker than the current GT-R. The 2012 Nissan Sport Cars GT-R EGOIST will also have a more compliant suspension (via revised spring rates and slightly different geometry at the rear), while still being able to keep up with cars on the track. The interior will also have numerous key “Egoist” touches.

The car will be delivered to customers in December. The price of the GT-R Egoist is set at about 14,000,000 yen or $150,000, roughly $50,000 more than a stock GT-R and about $10,000 less than a Spec V. The company plans to only sell about 10 cars per month. Nissan U.S.A. has offered no comment about the Egoist and maintains that the only GT-R the company will be selling in the U.S in 2011 is the stock one, so don’t expect the Egoist or Spec V to come this way anytime soon.

2012 Nissan Sport Cars GT-R EGOIST Created by Takumi

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2012 Exagon Electric Sport Cars Furtive-eGT

In 2010, electric power promises to herald a new era in mobility. Now, Luc Marchetti and his teams have decided to go one step further, creating a top-of-the-range electric GT car. French carmaker Exagon Motors is set to showcase its electric sports car named Furtive-eGT at the Paris Auto Show 2010. The 2012 Exagon Electric Sport Cars Furtive-eGT is a 2+2 seater, powered by a pair of Siemens-developed electric motors that can produce a massive 340 hp of peak power.

Exagon Furtive eGT has perfect sports cars looks. Exagon Motors is planning to commence production of the Furtive-eGT by 2012 and is hoping to sell 100 cars a year. Price of the electric sports car Furtive-eGT is expected to be two or three times that of the Tesla Roadster.

2012 Exagon Electric Sport Cars Furtive-eGT

The electric sports car Furtive-eGT is powered by two latest-generation engines created by Siemens Corporate Technology, each providing an output of 125 kW, i.e. total power equivalent to 340 hp at 5,000 to 10,000 rpm. These are currently the lightest and most compact engines available on the market. They have a liquid cooling system and their efficiency is outstanding.

The lithium-ion batteries manufactured by worldwide specialist Saft are the beating heart of the Furtive-eGT. Latest-generation lithium-ion batteries by Saft + an optional range extender. These state-of-the-art VL 4 batteries provide 150 kWh (50,000 watt-hours). They have a life cycle of approximately ten years, can undergo 3,000 charging cycles and are recyclable. Their autonomy is astounding: 197 to 406 km in electric-only mode, depending on usage conditions. An optional range extender brings the autonomy up to 807 km.

Exagon MotorsTM aims to produce the Furtive-eGT in a small series, with an annual output of around a hundred cars. For the two upcoming years, Exagon MotorsTM will keep the press and media up-to-date on progress made in the electric sports car Furtive-eGT’s entry into production.

The first test runs for the press are due to start in June 2011.

2012 Exagon Electric Sport Cars Furtive-eGT

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