WEDNESDAY, MARCH 06, 2013 CATEGORIES: GENEVA MOTOR SHOW, NEW CARS, PAGANI, PAGANI HUAYRA, PAGANI VIDEOS, VIDEO|
The Pagani stand at this year's edition of the Geneva Motor Show didn't really yield any surprises, and the main piece of news from the ultra-exclusive Italian manufacturer were their partnership with high end audio system creators Sonus Faber and a mysterious "Track Pack" forthe Huayra.
This means you'll have an even more exciting track experience, at the wheel of your Huayra, and you now get a top notch audio system so that you can play some classical music and relax on your way home.
However, since the Sonus Faber system is three times more powerful than the standard sound system with a maximum output of 1,200 Watts, you will be able to crack your windows and eardrums, as well, if you are so inclined.
We don't have that much information on the Track Pack, but a different front splitter, and possibly other less-obvious aerodynamic enhancements, are to be expected. Stickier and wider track-compound tires may also be among the list of additions/improvements over the regular model.
Nevertheless, until more details become available, do check out the photo gallery below, as well as the video provided by Shmee150.
TUESDAY, MARCH 05, 2013 CATEGORIES: ALFA ROMEO, ALFA ROMEO 4C, ALFA VIDEOS, GENEVA MOTOR SHOW, NEW CARS, VIDEO|
It was no secret that the 4C would make its world debut at the 83rd Geneva Motor Show, yet Alfa Romeo still managed to spring a surprise. That’s because the compact sports coupe was actually launched in the exclusive – ahem - “Launch Edition”.
This model will be manufactured in just 1,000 numbered units: 400 are earmarked for Europe, Africa and Middle East, 500 for North America and 100 for the rest of the world. Alfa Romeo announced that the 4C “Launch Edition” will be priced at €60,000 (US$78,000) across all European markets, including VAT but excluding local taxes, and is available to order immediately (no word on U.S. pricing yet).
Buyers of the “Launch Edition” can choose between two body colors, Carrara White or Alfa Red, while the carbon aero kit, Bi-LED headlights with dark surround, dark-finished rear aluminum diffuser and 18-inch front and 19-inch rear alloys in burnishing finish come as standard.
Moreover, there’s a racing exhaust system with a BMC air filter, a specially calibrated suspension kit and specific color for the brake calipers on the outside, and a leather/fabric/Alcantara seat upholstery and red stitching on the steering wheel, handbrake, seats, handles and mats.
Measuring 399 cm long, 200 cm wide and 118 high and riding on a 238 cm wheelbase, the 4C features a carbon fiber monocoque chassis that weighs only 65 kg and a mid-engined, rear-wheel drive layout.
Power comes from a 1.75-liter turbocharged aluminum engine that puts out 236HP (240PS) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque at just 1,700 rpm, which are directed to the rear wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission and a limited-slip differential.
The TCT gearbox uses a next-generation software and sports a launch control mode. The 4C accelerates from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.5 seconds and its top speed exceeds 250 km/h (155 mph). It achieves 1.1g of lateral acceleration and 1.25 g of maximum braking deceleration, the latter thanks to the four ventilated and perforated Brembo discs that sport four-piston aluminum calipers at the front.
Suspension is by superimposed wishbones at the front and MacPherson struts at the rear, while the weight distribution is 40/60 front/rear respectively.
Surprisingly, the 4C’s steering does not feature power assistance of any kind. According to Alfa Romeo, this choice has been made not only in the name of paring weight but also “to secure a superlative driving feel”.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 06, 2013 CATEGORIES: GENEVA MOTOR SHOW, MASERATI, MASERATI GRANCABRIO, MASERATI GRANTURISMO, MASERATI QUATTROPORTE, MASERATI VIDEOS, NEW CARS, VIDEO|
The 83rd edition of the Geneva Motor Showhosted the world debut of Maserati's new four-seater GranTurismo MC Stradale and the European premiere of the Italian luxury brand'snext generation Quattroporte sedan that we first saw at the Detroit auto show in January.
Maserati's second take on the sportier GranTurismo MC Stradale formula brings back the regular model's rear seats, which add some weight, but on the other hand, make the coupe more practical than the strictly two-seater version of the GT MC Stradale.
There are no other differences between the two- and four-seat iterations of the GranTurismo MC Stradale, with both models powered by a stronger 4.7-liter V8 producing 453hp (460PS), which is now also available in the GranTurismo Sport.
Paired to an MC Race Shift 6-speed electro actuated gearbox, the four-seater hits 100km/h (62mph) in 4.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 303km/h (188mph).
Other upgrades over the regular GranTurismo coupes include a more powerful set of Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, an assortment of aero-enhancing parts, a vented carbon fibre bonnet, 20-inch forged alloy rims and a re-trimmed interior with carbon-fibre and Alcantara surfaces.
The 2013 Geneva Motor Show also sees the European premiere of Maserati's all-new Quattroporte range, which includes the GTS with a 523hp (530PS) twin-turbo V8 and RWD, the S Q4 featuring a 404hp (410PS) twin-turbo V6 and AWD, and the S with the same V6 but RWD.
