The Hyundai Genesis Coupe will come in the form of the R-Spec avatar for 2011. The model that would sport a DOHC 3.8-liter V6 engine is expected to race to 149 mph powered by the 306-horsepower (228-kW) engine and its close ratio six-speed manual transmission.
Expected to come with a price tag of around $26,750, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec would sport 13.4-inch front, 13.0-inch rear ventilated discs, with four-piston red brake calipers from Brembo. The 19 inch alloy wheel around them would don gun metal paint and the tires are to be built by Bridgestone Potenza.
Notable features would include track-tuned suspension that has been spruced up with performance shocks and springs, front and rear stabilizer bars, and a front strut brace. Further, the car would offer anti-lock brakes, brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, electronic stability, traction control and as many as six airbags ensuring maximum safety.
Hyundai is also believed to have gone an extra mile to bring in reduction in weight. Automatic transmission has also been done away with.
Nissan may be doing all the green talking with models like the Leaf — which already sounds like a sales success, but they also have other impressive plan. The rumor mill is on the grind again and if the gossip hounds are to be believed, we might soon get to witness the Infiniti M in coupe and convertible versions.
There is no conclusive evidence suggesting the arrival of these two models but the word is that Nissan is considering expanding the M Lineup to compete with the likes of the E-Class (which I tested in Stuttgart last month — the coupe) and the 6-Series. It is most likely that the models will be based on the Essence Concept if Nissan does give its production a nod-ahead.
Last week, I was invited by Mercedes-Benz in Stuttgart to take part in the company’s brand workshop. We’ve been taken to the Mercedes-Benz Museum, then to their design centre and at last, to the test grounds in Malmsheim. That’s where the real fun was. And why do I say that? Among driving a lot of new models in Mercedes’ new lineup, I got behind the wheel with the New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe 2010. It was a diesel Mercedes E350 and boy was the drive fun — sorry guys for taking it to the limit, didn’t know we’re not allowed
So here’s an official video with the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe. It’s a really neat monster, don’t you think?
The auto world will be in Geneva next month and Renault is definitely not missing the bus! Renault will showcase its affordable Wind Coupe at the Geneva motor show which measures 3830mm-comparable to the outgoing Peugeot 206CC. Also, it is important not to confuse the Wind with the Megan CC as it is a two-seater coupe. The affordable Wind will feature a couple of engine options which include a 100hp 1.2L engine from the Twingo GT and the 133hp 1.6L engine from the Renaultsport Twingo. Renault Wind has a roof that folds down in 12 seconds but the retractable roof integration has in no way affected the luggage compartment which accommodates 270 liters, much more than the Twingo hatchback. As per Renault, the car is readily available and sales of the Renault Wind Coupe could begin before summer.
We have lost count of the upcoming cars that have been spied testing for cold weather conditions and the latest addition is the Mercedes S Class AMG Coupe. A few of you may recognize it as the CL-Class but this is an S Class AMG Coupe which belongs to the third generation of W216 models. Set for a debut in Geneva next month, the Coupe was spotted with daytime running LED headlights, an all new bumper restyled taillights and a sturdier looking grille. Minor tweaks will be seen on the inside where the styling will be a tad different and the Coupe will pack in more technology. The Coupe which will break cover in a number of years will stay true to its engines that power the 2010 S Class facelifted model. The spied model features a Twin-Turbo V12 engine that can churn an astounding 604hp but we will to wait for long to see that engine power the factory finished model. [via WCF]
There are good news for bimmer fanatics as the details of the 2011 BMW 335is Coupe and Convertible have gone public. Both variants of the car feature a 3.0L twin-turbo N54 inline-6 engine which is capable of churning a steady 320hp at 322lb-ft of torque. There is an added turbo-boost mode which takes the toque count to 370lb-ft for situations that demand more power. BMW decided to ignore the Z4is engine as the manual six-speed transmission could not accommodate so much power.
The 335is Coupe and Cabriolet is available with a six-speed manual and a seven-speed DCT. With the DCT integrated the Coupe pelts from 0 to 60mph in 5.3 seconds while the manual version takes a second extra. The drop-top on the other hand take s 5.5 seconds to clock 60mph with either of the transmission systems. The engine being stronger requires better cooling and hence BMW fitted in an extra radiator and allowed larger vents on the front fascia. The Coupe version will be shipped for $50,525 while the convertible with demand $59,075.
The production ready Hyundai Veloster was expected to retain 70% of the styling traits from the Concept that first debuted at the 2007 Seoul Auto Show. The first spy shots of the Coupe during its cold weather testing reveal that Hyundai is well and truly close to the concept with its final design. The images reveal an exaggerated wheel arch with a steep windshield design joining the intersection with the roof.
A far cry from the concept design is the way the car tapers off into the sidesill. The rear is more heavily camouflaged but one can still mark the similarities between the taillight placement of the concept and the factory ready model. As far as the headlights are concerned, the triangular shaped design has been again picked from the concept. Another design trait picked from the concept but modified slightly are the centrally placed dual-exhaust pipes. Under the hood, the 2012 model which will be available later this year or in early 2011 will come with a 140 hp engine that will render 40mpg as per the speculations.
Although announced back in 2007 at the Tokyo Motor Show, Honda’s CR-Z hybrid coupe has failed to hit the production lines till now. But things may change as today we laid our eyes on a leaked Japanese brochure that details the 2010 Honda CR-Z model regarding its engine specs and dealer options such as an aluminium trim exterior package. Speaking of specs, the CR-Z is being powered by a 1.5L petrol engine that outputs 114hp and a motor unit that delivers an extra 14hp. Power to the front wheels is being sent with the help of a 6-speed manual transmission, which also helps the car reach 100km/h in 9.7 seconds and a fuel efficiency of only 4L/100km (58.8 mpg).
As expected, Honda CR-Z will debut in Japan, next year in February, with Europe, North America and Africa to follow suit.
The new Lexus IS250C is the second coupe-convertible that the brand has added to their stylish range of luxury vehicles. Shares the headlights, bonnet, door handles, and exterior mirrors with its sedan version, the IS250C has the fastest operating three-piece folding hardtop as well as the greatest amount of luggage space offered by any of its competitors in the market.
Crafted on the L-finesse design characteristics of the IS sedan, the new Lexus IS250C gets the eye with the front overhang which has been enlarged by 15mm to perk up the aerodynamic competence when driving with the top down. Speaking of which, the car ships with a lightweight aluminum hard top which utilizes 13 motors and 33 sensors with the roof converting the IS250C from coupe to convertible in a mere 21 seconds.
Specs wise, under the hood there’s the same 2,5-litre V6 and six-speed automatic transmission that outputs 153kW (205 hp) at 6,400rpm and 252Nm of torque at 4,800rpm.
The IS250C comes with a four year/100,000km full maintenance plan and should retail at R550,200.
Our advice for those looking for an unique ride, who still have the “pocket” to buy a supercar should choose between the McLaren beast and the Mercedes SLS AMG. As far as the latter is concerned, the AMG gull-wing coupe will come with a 6.3-liter V8 engine capable of producing a whopping 563hp with 480lb-ft of torque. This stunning engine power will be mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox which is ideal to harness the horses. The SLS AMG clocks 3.7 seconds to hit 60mph while the overall top speed is 197mph. The high resolution images of the AMG have gone public and the car will be unveiled at the upcoming Frankfurt event. [via MotorCrave]
