The Next Generation Mercedes Benz S-Class lineage will also have a plug-in hybrid version is no secret and now Mercedes is touting the S Class plug-in hybrid to fetch a whopping 81mpg. Daimler has already achieved 78 mpg (3.0 L/100km) with its Mercedes Vision S 500 plug-in hybrid at the Frankfurt event last year so therefore 81mpg for the S-Class plug-in is a step ahead.

The S-Class plug-in will fetch 81mpg courtesy of a combination of 3.0-liter V-6 gasoline engine-direct injection and piezo injectors-integrated with a 44 kW electric motor. Singly, on the batteries, the semi-electric commuter will have a range of 20 miles with speeds up to 68mph. The only drawback as far as the next-generation S-Class plug-in hybrid is concerned will be its pricing.

Swiss tuning house BF Performance has worked its magic on the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 with its GT600 tuning package which can be used both for the Coupe and the Spyder. BF Performance was inspired by the fact that the Gallardo is a very innocent car which is neither dynamic nor individual enough and hence BFP set out to make it look more aggressive using aerodynamics also reducing weight in the bargain.

The kit comes with new side skirts, a rear diffuser and a rear wing all of which are made of carbon fiber. Though the engine mod details have not been made public, the tuning house claims that the GT600 helps the car with better acceleration while the use of Carbon-ceramic brakes take care of the speed. On the inside, the passengers get sports seats and a rollover cage. Available for order right away, the BF team can even redo the Gallardo with a rear-wheel drive-train.

Dreaming of the all-new Audi R8 Spyder supercar, here’s a first drive that we can guarantee will make you drool. With 525hp under the hood coming from a 5.2 FSI powerplant, this is quite the ride we’re all dreaming of. Isn’t it?

[via MotorTrend]

The Audi A2 was a premium compact commuter for seven long years that did not enjoy the success other Audi models have enjoyed over the years — which is why it was pulled out of production back in 2005. But with the Geneva Motor Show this year, we’re hearing that an all new and ‘better’ A2 may start selling as early as 2014.

Audi did not clearly mention that it will be a revitalized A2 but it hinted that there was scope for range expansion between the A1 and the A3. The touted A2 may be an extended version of the A1 or an all new automobile altogether. Speculations are also ripe about an electric version of the A2 but we will prefer waiting on that for a while, at least till the A2 is re-introduced in the market. No news on whether the A2 will ever make it to the American shores again. [via WCF]

Remember the Joule EV from the 2008 Paris Auto Show? Well if you see it at this year’s Geneva Auto Show, you will not really be able to recognize it given the amount changes the South Africa-based Optimal Energy designed commuter has undergone.

It is a near production ready variant that gets a showcasing in Geneva featuring revised styling changes and production ready equipment. Initially, only 100 prototypes of the Joule EV will be manufactured for testing and development purposes following which the EV will hit thorough production in the later half of 2012.

All these prototypes will be hand-built by Hi-Tech Automotive and once production begins it will be Germany’s EDAG and South Korea’s Energy Innovation Group who will supply the parts. The Joule EV is touted to have a maximum range of 143 miles when using the New European Driving Cycle or 186 miles when running on the Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule.

The world wants to see the smallest ever car and Tata is at the Geneva event with an electric version of the Nano. Sure Tata is no global automobile manufacturing giant but, it does want to capture the world with its electronically powered vehicles where Tata Nano EV will make a beginning. Set to go on sale in Europe next year as a 20102 model, the Nano EV will use the batteries which also power its Tata Indica Vista EV. Overall, the Nano EV headed to Europe will be 20 centimeters longer and it will sport better suspension along with anti-lock brakes. The Nano EV will probably have a 0 to 60km/h dash timing of less than 10 seconds and an anticipated range of 160kilometres.

Unless you had your head firmly implanted under a rock, you should know that the Audi RS5 made a splashing debut at the Geneva Motor Show this year. One of the most appealing sport cars coming from Audi, the new RS5 has what it takes to get to your heart. Check it out the video below.

‘Wagden’ for most auto freaks remains an alien term and to avoid confusions, it is the combination of a wagon and a sedan. The best possible example is the BMW 5-Series GT tuned by AC Schnitzer which was taken off the veil at the ongoing Geneva Auto Show.

The AC Schnitzer tuning program gets an added front and rear spoilers along with more aggressive looking side skirts and a ventilated hood. Other noticeable changes include a redesigned rear end, an all new set of wheels and chrome exhaust tips. On the inside, the AC Schnitzer tuned BMW 5-Series GT gets aluminium pedals, an all new cover for the i-Drive controller and pleasing velour footmats. The tuning program also kicks up the performance with a 41HP power boost to the engine.