2010 Geneva Motor Show : Hispano Suiza

If you've never heard of Hispano Suiza, you're not alone. The Spanish automaker hasn't been producing its own vehicles since World War II and later returned to its aerospace roots in the 1950s, merged with another firm in 2005 and had a few prototypes running around a few years back (the oft forgotten Mazels). But that's the past and this is apparently the automaker's future: A rebodied Audi R8 V10 packing a supercharger and the possibility of a hybrid system.

According to AutoBild, the Hispano Suiza's return will take place at next week's Geneva Motor Show, with the introduction of this €700,000 coupe. As you'd expect from a hastily resurrected marque, the details are as shady as the renderings in the gallery below, with Hispano Suiza claiming that the 750-horsepower R8-based show car is good for a run to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds (grip is obviously an issue) and a top speed of 205 mph. There's also a talk of an additional 150 hp from a hybrid drive system, with the ability to travel on electricity along for an unspecified range. Skeptical? Of course, but we're looking forward to seeing it in person in less than a week.

2010 Geneva Motor Show: 2010 Techart GTStreet R

The 2010 Geneva Motor Show is just days away, and the list of vehicle debuts is seemingly never ending. Last week Techart announced that they would be bringing their modified 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo, and today the German tuner previewed two more new cars that will debut at the show.

The first is an all-new version of the GTStreet R model. Based on the 2010 911 Turbo, the GTStreet R is about serious performance. The 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six produces 660 horsepower and 635 pound-feet of torque, and Techart claims a 0-100 km/h time of 3.5 seconds as well as a top speed of 214 mph. Providing the looks to go with the power is an aggressive aerodynamic kit that includes an adjustable rear spoiler and carbon fiber rear diffuser and front splitter.

The second vehicle is the Concept One, a design study based around the Porsche Panamera. Unlike the GTStreet R, the Concept One is less about go (although it does have a 550 horsepower twin-turbo V8) and more about go. The exterior features a full body kit as well as 22-inch forged wheels. The inside is upholstered in a striking white and cocoa leather complimented by phosphor green stitching. Even Techart calls it "unusual personalization." You can check out both cars in the high-res galleries below and get more info after the jump.

2010 Geneva Motor Show: BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid

BMW is expanding its hybrid lineup down the model range to the recently introduced 5 Series sedan with a new concept that debuts Monday at the Geneva Motor Show. The new Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid will likely transition to a production model sometime in 2011. This will be the third different hybrid powertrain variant introduced by BMW following the two-mode system in the ActiveHybrid X6 and the mild hybrid system in the AcitveHybrid 7 Series.

The 5 Series uses a new derivative of the modular mild hybrid system from the larger 7. The 15 kilowatt electric motor from the 7 has been upgraded to a full 40 kW for the smaller sedan. That will allow the hybrid 5 Series to function as a full hybrid, operating in electric-only mode at city speeds. Unlike the twin-turbo V8 used in the earlier hybrids, the 5 uses the 300-horsepower twin-scroll turbo inline-six available in the 535i. A clutch between the engine and motor allows them to be disengaged for electric drive.

A larger battery pack than the 7 Series Hybrid is mounted in the trunk, but BMW has not yet specified if the 5 is using a nickel metal hydride battery like the X6 or a lithium battery like the 7. Chances are it will be the latter in order to minimize intrusion on the cargo capacity.

BMW has incorporated a variety of new strategies into the hybrid control, such as monitoring the navigation route to anticipate what is coming up and to make maximum use of the electric drive. At this point, BMW is not giving specifics on the efficiency of the new hybrid except to say that it should improve on the standard model by more than 10 percent.