Sometimes the national government can bring about pleasant changes which are never just anticipated and the Spanish ruling party pushing Seat to produce the IBE all-electric commuter is a thorough example. Seat IBE was showcased at the Geneva Motor Show last week, but, no comments were made on its production future.

Spain is one of the leading nations when it comes to developing renewable energy resources and a lot of expenditure has been done to see green commuters on the road. The nation hopes that 30% of its 2010 energy needs will be met with these renewable sources. As far as the Seat IBE goes, the concept was in Geneva staging a 75-kiloWatt motor capable of producing 200Nm of torque which helped the car pelt to 50Km/h in 3.4 seconds. Given that VW is the parent organization which owns Seat, we are hoping for some real good features on the production ready Seat IBE.

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]

Aston Martin wanted to make its presence felt at the 80th Geneva Motor Show and accordingly it decided to raid the event with two special editions along with their new customization program. The first special edition model is dubbed the DBS UB-2010 and it marks the completion of 10 years for Dr. Ulrich Bez, the Aston Martin CEO.

Finished in Azurite Black paint, the DBS UB-2010 gets metallic bronze leather finishing along with Cryptic Titan trim and special sill plates marked by the Bez production. The DBS UB-2010 will be limited to 40 units, 20 of which will be Volantes while the other 20 will be Coupes. The second special edition model is the V12 Vantage Carbon Black. The limited edition model features a rare metallic paintjob which required 50-man hours of hand painting, something which is complimented with carbon fiber side strakes, and black diamond turned alloy wheels. Aston Martin is also using the Geneva event to showcase Works Service Tailored – a bespoke styling program.

There are a number of interesting electric vehicles at the Geneva event this year ranging from the EV Tata Nano to the Tag Heuer Tesla Roadster and the latest addition is the Westfield iRacer. Categorically, the Westfield Racer is an EV racer which is designed to compete in the EV Cup which is a one-make race car series launching in 2011.

The iRacer version unveiled in Geneva is closest to the production model and the designer Elliott Hawkins believes that it has electric pulse running through its veins. The body construction material such as aluminum and recyclable plastics keeps the overall car weight down to 600kg. On the inside, the Westfield iRacer is powered Lithium Phosphate battery which produces 109PS with 1,000Nm of torque and this combination helps the car pelt from 0 to 60mph in less than 5 seconds with an overall top seed of 177km/h.

The Bimmers are thoroughly loved in China and given the fact that they sell in heavy numbers all across China, BMW cannot afford to ignore the demand of Long Wheel Base 5-Series variants from the Chinese customers.

They surely find the standard 5-Series option a tad smaller which is why BMW is almost ready with its LWB S-Series variant that was spotted testing for cold weather conditions. The LWB 5-Series variant will fittingly break cover at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition which is to be held in April. BMW 5-Series LWB is 12-inches longer than the standard model which gives it an overall length of 5.04 meters, making it comparable to the previous generation 7 series. Other than China, 5-Series LWB may also make it to the Middle East dealerships. [via WCF]

If you’ve waited for the right time to drive home a Mustang, this spring shall be the time you should look up to! With the 2011 Ford Mustang up for the grabs this spring, there isn’t a better pony you can grab as the 2011 model becomes the first commuter in the history of automobiles to achieve over 30mpg with a V6 engine intact.

Precisely, the 2011 Ford Mustang has officially achieved an EPA fuel economy rating of 31mpg on the highway and 19mpg in the city becoming the fist 300hp car to achieve such economy numbers. The 2011 Mustang comes with an all-aluminum 3.7-litre V6 engine which achieves such high efficiency numbers when mated to a six speed automatic transmission. There is also a manual transmission version which too returns 29mpg on the highway while the city numbers stay unaltered.

If you survived the financial crisis and have money in the bank for a new car this year, how about the new Lexus LX570 that has just been announced in South Africa. Coming with exceptional off-road credentials, yet keeping its luxurious SUV appearance, the new Lexus LX570 benefits its occupants with every conceivable feature and typical Lexus refinement.

From what we’re hearing the LX570 hides a 5,7-litre V8 engine under the hood that sports a whopping 270 kW at 5,600 rpm and a peak torque of 530Nm at 3,600 rpm. This monsterish powerplant is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel drive system. Convinced? In South Africa, the new Lexus LX570 will cost a steep R1,085,000.

Check out the press release and more pictures, after the break.

Lexus LX570: The Ultimate Luxury In Four-Wheel Drive

Lexus welcomes its most capable off-road vehicle to South Africa, the Lexus LX570. With exceptional off-road credentials, the urban prowess only a Lexus could offer, ample power and presence, the LX570 will provide the status and image of the ultimate luxury SUV.

Engineers set out to build the most capable off-road vehicle ever produced without sacrificing the level of luxury expected of a Lexus. The LX570 offers the very best of off-road capability, yet benefits its occupants with every conceivable feature and typical Lexus refinement. It’s everything you’d expect of a Lexus and so much more thanks to its versatility of performance.

“We’re having a busy time of bringing a multitude of new Lexus products to South Africa, appealing to a constantly broadening variety of segments and customers,” says Kevin Flynn, General Manager of Lexus SA. “The latest LX570 brings yet a further dimension to the Lexus line-up in the wake of the recent introduction of our performance sedan, the IS-F. Not only is the LX570 a formidable off-road vehicle but in true Lexus style it offers luxurious accommodations of a first class standard.”

A full array of standard luxury amenities are on offer including: four-zone independent climate control, Lexus HDD Navigation System, Mark Levinson Sound System with 19 speakers and six disk DVD changer and rear seat entertainment, Smart Access keyless entry system with push-button start and more.

The LX570 luxury SUV adopts characteristics of the brand’s L-finesse design theme. The wide grille, with its “arrowhead” corner treatment, character lines integrated into the bumper, and large projector headlights convey a distinctly purposeful look. Pronounced wheel arches add an element of ruggedness to the elegant profile. Standard running boards fit closely to the body for an integrated appearance.

Inside, the LX570 is just as inviting with ample space for up to eight passengers and their cargo. The first-in-class standard power-sliding second-row seat slides forward and back for passenger comfort and cargo storage versatility. The second-row seatbacks provide a convenient 40/20/40 split and have been specially engineered to make tumbling it forward easy for anyone. A power retractable third-row seat is standard. The split rear tailgate features an electrically operated door on which the window and tailgate sections can be opened and closed using the key card or switch on the instrument panel.

The LX570’s 5,7-litre V8 delivers the punch and towing power demanded in this segment. The powerplant produces 270kW at 5,600 rpm and peak torque of 530Nm at 3,600 rpm. The V8 is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission designed to handle high torque while performing with Lexus quietness and smoothness. A sequential shift mode allows the driver to select gears manually. Even at very low speeds, such as trail driving, the transmission operates smoothly and imperceptibly.

The LX570’s transfer case provides full-time four-wheel drive that is equally adept at handling the rigours of slippery, muddy conditions. A 2.618:1 low-range ratio is available for challenging driving surfaces. The system uses a TORSEN® limited-slip locking centre differential to distribute power 40:60 front-to-rear, directing more power to the wheels with the best grip should slippage occur.

Four-wheel Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) employs both brake and throttle intervention to help control wheel spin. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) helps maintain directional control during cornering and can be disengaged via the “TRAC off” switch.
The Crawl Control feature provides improved throttle modulation when manoeuvring over rough, uneven or difficult surfaces. Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) helps provide additional control for off-road driving by helping to keep the vehicle from rolling back while starting on a steep incline or slippery surface.

The LX570’s highly capable chassis is equipped with an advanced electro-hydraulic suspension system with four-wheel Active Height Control (AHC) and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS). The high-mount, independent double-wishbone front suspension allows for nine inches of total front wheel travel for outstanding articulation over rough roads and obstacles. The four-link trailing-arm rear suspension retains the solid-axle configuration for strength and durability.

The Adaptive Variable Suspension system responds to the different inputs and spring rates, and it adjusts the shock absorber damping force to provide optimal handling and comfort for on-road or trail driving. AVS provides three modes to control the spring rate and shock absorber damping force.

Safety was a prime focus area in the development of the LX570. It therefore comes equipped with 10 standard airbags, including driver- and front-passenger knee airbags, front and second-row seat-mounted side airbags in the outboard seating positions, and side curtain airbags for all three rows. All eight seating positions feature three-point seatbelts. The second-row seatbelts integrate pre-tensioners for the outboard seats and an ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) seatbelt for the centre seat.

Safety is further enhanced by features such as Active Front Headrests and the standard dual-swivel Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS).

The multi-terrain ABS system determines road-surface conditions and automatically optimises lock-up control, selecting the suitable ABS profile for on- and off-road driving surfaces. Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) ensures balanced braking force between the front and rear wheels, while Brake Assist (BA) provides auxiliary force to assist the driver during emergency braking
“The Lexus LX570 affirms the brand’s status as an authority on dynamic luxury, without sacrificing anything in the way of performance or off-road abilities. It’s everything you could possibly desire from an SUV,” concludes Flynn.

If one gets to witness a Rolls Royce Ghost finished in a gold and blue varnish in Geneva, there is no reason to pack ones bag until the event gets over. Yes it may be too loud a color combination, but the Mansory Royce on display in Geneva seems to endure the appearance with ease, leaving gazers awestruck.

Mansory Rolls Royce Ghost has Blue covering almost the entire bodywork while gold is found at places like the grille, front wheel houses and even the door handles. The Mansory Ghost is a better performer than the customary one thanks to the addition of a new rear spoiler, a rear skirt, a rear diffuser and the double sport exhaust system. The unusually tinged Ghost churns a stunning 710 ponies at 5,850 rpm with up to 1,020 Nm of torque courtesy of-ECU calibration, twin turbos, a sports manifold and sports catalysers.

Wiesmann GTMF4-S admirers will love the ongoing Geneva Motor Show for two reasons; one that the GTMF4-S will be on display through out the event, and two that Wiesmann has finally announced the pricing of this stunning automobile. At €133,800 which excludes tax and labor costs, the Wiesmann GTMF4-S will be a rare automobile which will turn heads on the streets. The ultra-expensive GTMF4-S is blessed with BMW M3’s 4.0-liter V8 engine that churns 414hp and up to 400Nm of torque. The same engine helps the M3 pelt from 0 to 100km/h in less than 5 seconds while the Wiesmann beast can achieve the feat in 4 seconds with an overall top speed of 300km/h.

The Mercedes-Benz F800 Style broke cover at the ongoing 80th Geneva Motor Show and while a few view it as a research design study which will be an inspiration for future models, there is group of believers that believe it is the 2011 CLS Class.

The F800 Style can use two different powertrains which include a plug-in unit or a fuel cell option. As a fuel-cell powered com muter the F800 motor can get 101kW of energy along with 290Nm of torque although the range wasn’t revealed.

As a plug-in option mated to a V6 engine, F800 manages 403 hp on a combined cycle. The plug-in F800 manages a top speed of 120km/h when only running on the 81kW motor and 249km/h when running on the V6 petrol engine. The F800 manages the 0 to 60mph dash in an impressive 4.7 seconds.

For the ones thinking it to be the next generation CLS, take note that the F800 is seven inches shorter in length which is because of the stubbed rear and a uniquely designed front fascia.

For me the VW Golf R is a pretty solid and powerful commuter considering the segment it belongs to but there are a few who beg to differ. For them, Abt Sportsline has introduced a powerful version of the Golf R which manages to hit the 266 hp mark courtesy of a 2.0L TSI engine under normal circumstances. The Abt magic helps the Golf R achieve 306 hp and the additional pony count helps the car dash from to 100km/h in an impressive 5.2 seconds with an overall top-speed of 261/km/h. The Abt Golf VI GTI influence can also be seen on the Abt Golf R with similar front skirting, front lip spoiler and Abt daytime running lights.