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.

2010 Detroit Auto Show: Top Five Introductions

2011 Lincoln MKX



The new 2011 Lincoln MKX earns the fifth spot on our Top 5 Best Cars from Detroit by virtue of its hot new interior. Chief amongst the laudable innovations is Ford's new MyLincoln Touch (A.K.A. MyFord Touch) technology. With an eight-inch touchscreen display in the center stack, two 4.2-inch LCD screens to the right and left of an analog speedometer (the exact same screens you'll find in the Fusion Hybrid) and two steering wheel-mounted five-way button controllers, it's really quite cool.


Cadillac XTS Concept


Though it's technically a concept car, every indication is that the Cadillac XTS is bound for production in 2012 with nearly identical form to the showcar currently available for viewing at the Detroit Auto Show. This is one shape that can't really be appreciated in still photos – you really need to see it in person – or at least on video – to appreciate its complex curves and sumptuous interior. That said, check out our live photos below and let us know what you think.


Buick Regal GS



Like the Cadillac XTS that we just discussed above, General Motors says that the Buick Regal GS is just a concept. Also like the XTS, we have every reason to believe that the new Grand Sport is going to see production. Why else would GM go to the trouble of dropping in a brand-new direct-injected 2.0-liter turbocharged Ecotec four-cylinder with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet or torque when they could have just shipped over an Opel Insignia OPC and just done a bit of badge-swapping?

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe


You'll be please to know that there's absolutely no mention of the word 'concept' in relation to the awesome 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe. You know the details already – 556-horsepower, 6.2-liter V8; six-speed automatic or manual gearbox, magnetic ride control suspension and giant Brembo brakes – so let's just concentrate on its (insert favored superlative here) looks. If this were solely a list of the Most Desirable Cars from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, you'd be looking at number one right here.


2012 Ford Focus



It's hard to overstate the importance of the next-gen Ford Focus, which we're hearing will carry a 2012 model-year designation when it comes to market early next year. First of all, it's a very good looking little car in both hatchback and sedan forms. Second, it once again shares its excellent underpinnings with the European model, making this a truly global platform. Finally, Ford had one of the coolest unveils in recent memory here at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show.

Detroit 2010: Ford sweeps North American Car and Truck of the Year awards for 2010

Mark Fields, Ford's President of the Americas, accepts the hardware from Tony Swan of Car and Driver

For just the third time in the 17-year history of the North American Car and Truck of the Year, one manufacturer has taken home both pieces of etched glass. Ford's 2010 Fusion Hybrid and Transit Connect have yielded the hardware for the Dearborn automaker here at the Detroit Auto Show, with the Fusion emerging victorious over the shortlisted Buick LaCrosse and Volkswagen Golf, and the Transit Connect besting the Chevrolet Equinox and Subaru Outback.

The last time a single manufacturer won both the Car and Truck of the Year awards was back in 2006, when Honda did double duty with its Civic compact and Ridgeline pickup. In total, a U.S. automaker has won the car award nine times, and the truck award, 11 times. Official press release after the jump




C2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
The new gas-electric version of Ford's mid-size sedan feature more advanced tech than its competitors, specifically the Toyota Camry Hybrid, and should have best-in-class fuel economy when the official EPA numbers are finally revealed. ABG averaged 43.1 mpg during its First Drive of the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, which tells you that Ford has managed to pack Prius-like mileage in a larger, more useful and fun-to-drive package.

2010 Ford Transit Connect – Click above for high-res image gallery

After relying on full-size E-series vans for commercial cargo carrying since the dawn of time, Ford is finally ready to offer North American businesses a more practical alternative. The Transit Connect is a compact, purpose-built van that's been available overseas since 2002, and Ford has sold more than 600,000 of the squat little haulers to businesses abroad over the past seven years. The company hopes that what's good for Europe is good for the States, so the first batch of U.S.-spec models are on their way to dealerships as you read this.

While the E-series vans are more than capable of carrying out their prescribed duties, for most, it's like using a sledgehammer to push a tack into a cork board. The Big-Es were simply more vehicle than necessary for most small businesses, especially those operating locally, delivering flowers, catering and plumbing. That's where the Transit Connect comes in.

Detroit auto show 2010: Audi e-tron Concept

If you're wondering what the likelihood of Audi building a production version of its new e-tron Detroit Concept Car (yes, that's really its official designation), our sources at Audi indicate that a version of the coupe is likely to go into serial production as the oft-rumored R4.

The German automaker is apparently looking to design a smaller modular platform leveraging the expertise it used to develop the front-engine sedan platform that underpins the new A8 and forthcoming A7, among others. The new mid-engine architecture will likely find homes in a number of Volkswagen Group properties, including a production version of the Concept BlueSport, and perhaps even the next-generation Porsche Boxster/Cayman.

While the e-tron show car is a battery-powered electric vehicle, the production model is likely to be available with either an electric motor or conventional internal-combustion four-cylinder variants.

Given the fact that VW intimated last year that a production BlueSport could be produced at around $25,000, we're anticipating that the Audi R4 will slot in under the TT in the low-$30,000 range, as the 2010 TT presently starts at $37,800.

Detroit Auto Show 2010 – top 6 hottest cars details

The Detroit Auto Show 2010 has been a big hit. There are more than 700 vehicles that are displayed from Major Auto Giants. Green is in this year at the NAIAS. The entire floor at the Auto Show 2010 is full of small hybrid and electric vehicles. People want to know and have been asking, which are the best cars at the Detroit Auto Show 2010? Which are the hottest and the most popular cars at the Auto Show 2010 Detroit. Mentioned here are the top 6 hottest cars at the Detroit Auto Show 2010.

Audi e-tron

Audi says that the e-tron will soon be widely recognised as Quattro in a few years. The showcased a 2nd e-tron prototype in the form of a TT-sized 2 seater with lithium ion batteries. It can reach up to 100 km/h in just under 6 seconds.

BMW ActiveE

The BMW ActiveE is a stylish 1-Series coupe with 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It reaches 60km/h in 4.5 seconds and reaches 100 in less than 9 seconds. The Lithium-ion battery can be full charged in just 3 hours and can be driven till 160 kilometres.

Cadillac XTS

The new plug-in hybrid concept uses a 3.6 litre, direct injected V6 with a great design. It is a killer for DTS and STS sedan and has managed to draw huge attention at the Auto Show.

Ford Focus 2012

The ford Focus has been designed and engineered in Germany. It has a 2 litre, 4 cylinder Ecoboost engine with advanced direct injection with turbo charging. It also has 6 speed twin clutch powershift tansmission. Lastly an electric variant is also being developed and the car will seen on the roads in early 2011.

Honda CR-Z

The Honda CR-Z is a spacious hybrid 2 seater. It has a 6 speed manual transmission and a CVT. Its fuel economy is a bit low but has a 1.5 litre engine with IMA technology.

Volkswagen NCC

Volkswagen is out with the New Compact Coupe (NCC). It has 177 horsepower and can reach 100km/h in just 8 seconds. It relies on a hybrid powertrain with a tiny 4 cylinder with a battery fed electric motor.