Audi A3 Sedan Concept

Audi has releases the A3 sedan concept that will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next month. The Audi A3 sedan will be a notchback, as the company calls it and is based on the successor to the Audi A3. This means that the Audi A3 sedan concept will offer a preview of the next generation of the company's popular model.

Audi describes the A3 concept as a "four-seater notchback sedan" and measures in at 174.84-inches long � about six inches longer than the current five-door model. The front fascia is a further evolution of Audi's more aggressive snout, complete with full LED headlamps and new trapezoidal grille. The greenhouse is suitably squat, with an arching roofline that terminates in a thin, low-slung C-pillar to give it the de riguer "four-door coupe" shape.

Under the bonnet the Audi A3 Sedan Concept accommodates a 2.5-litre turbocharged 5-cylinder engine developing 408 bhp which spins all-four wheels through a 7-speed S tronic transmission. The production version of the Audi A3 Sedan Concept is expected to hit the market in 2012, with this new model intended to enhance the automaker's potential on markets where customers prefer sedans rather than hatchbacks.

In terms of design, the Audi A3 sedan features a single-frame grille with tapered upper corners, LED daytime running lights, obviously, and low, flowing roof dome with a coupe style C-pillar. The Audi A3 sedan will fastfivecars probably spawn a production version in the near future.




Press Release

Audi presents A3 concept in Geneva

• Attractive concept car as a four-seater notchback sedan
• Five-cylinder, 300 kW (408 hp) turbocharged engine with quattro drive
• Based on the successor to the Audi A3

Audi will present an attractive technological concept car based on the coming generation of the Audi A3 at the 81st International Geneva Motor Show in early March 2011. The four-seater notchback sedan offers a glimpse of the future expansion of the A3 family.

The sporty yet elegant design of the Audi A3 concept integrates the single-frame grille with its tapered upper corners and headlights with the latest generation of LED technology. The low, flowing roof dome and a coupe-like, low C pillar are among the defining features of the side view.

The Audi A3 concept is 4.44 meters (14.57 feet) long, 1.84 meters (6.04 feet) wide and just 1.39 meters (4.56 feet) high. These proportions emphasize the dynamism of the car's appearance, as do the performance figures for the drive unit. The five-cylinder turbocharged engine has a power output of 300 kW (408 hp). It distributes its power to all four wheels through a seven-speed S tronic transmission and permanent all-wheel drive.

Audi A3 Sedan Concept

Audi has releases the A3 sedan concept that will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next month. The Audi A3 sedan will be a notchback, as the company calls it and is based on the successor to the Audi A3. This means that the Audi A3 sedan concept will offer a preview of the next generation of the company's popular model.

Audi describes the A3 concept as a "four-seater notchback sedan" and measures in at 174.84-inches long � about six inches longer than the current five-door model. The front fascia is a further evolution of Audi's more aggressive snout, complete with full LED headlamps and new trapezoidal grille. The greenhouse is suitably squat, with an arching roofline that terminates in a thin, low-slung C-pillar to give it the de riguer "four-door coupe" shape.

Under the bonnet the Audi A3 Sedan Concept accommodates a 2.5-litre turbocharged 5-cylinder engine developing 408 bhp which spins all-four wheels through a 7-speed S tronic transmission. The production version of the Audi A3 Sedan Concept is expected to hit the market in 2012, with this new model intended to enhance the automaker's potential on markets where customers prefer sedans rather than hatchbacks.

In terms of design, the Audi A3 sedan features a single-frame grille with tapered upper corners, LED daytime running lights, obviously, and low, flowing roof dome with a coupe style C-pillar. The Audi A3 sedan will fastfivecars probably spawn a production version in the near future.




Press Release

Audi presents A3 concept in Geneva

• Attractive concept car as a four-seater notchback sedan
• Five-cylinder, 300 kW (408 hp) turbocharged engine with quattro drive
• Based on the successor to the Audi A3

Audi will present an attractive technological concept car based on the coming generation of the Audi A3 at the 81st International Geneva Motor Show in early March 2011. The four-seater notchback sedan offers a glimpse of the future expansion of the A3 family.

The sporty yet elegant design of the Audi A3 concept integrates the single-frame grille with its tapered upper corners and headlights with the latest generation of LED technology. The low, flowing roof dome and a coupe-like, low C pillar are among the defining features of the side view.

The Audi A3 concept is 4.44 meters (14.57 feet) long, 1.84 meters (6.04 feet) wide and just 1.39 meters (4.56 feet) high. These proportions emphasize the dynamism of the car's appearance, as do the performance figures for the drive unit. The five-cylinder turbocharged engine has a power output of 300 kW (408 hp). It distributes its power to all four wheels through a seven-speed S tronic transmission and permanent all-wheel drive.

K-PAX Racing unveils Volvo S60 Race Car

Motorward K-PAX Racing released the first image of their new Volvo race car for the 2011 World Challenge GT based on the S60 model.

With the series set to get underway at St. Petersburg, Fla., in late March, the new cars won�t debut until April at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah. Until then we�ll have to settle with a teaser of the 2011 S60 model.

The Volvo S60 that K-PAX will be competing with in the World Challenge was redesigned for 2011. A new model is being offered for 2012 � the T5 version. The standard model is a T6 with all-wheel drive. The new S60 T5, propelled by a 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine, puts out 250 horsepower and 266 lb.-ft. of torque available at just 1,800 rpm. Coupled with its lighter weight as a front-drive model, the T5 is capable of 0-60 mph acceleration in 6.8 seconds, compared to 5.8 seconds for its more potent T6 sibling.

The S60 race machine will come with multiple aerodynamic tweaks, with the vehicle using elements such as an aggressive front apron, a new hood that uses a massive air intake and a generously-sized rear wing.





Press Release

K-PAX Racing to Campaign New Volvo S60 in World Challenge GT in 2011

Englewood, Colo. (Feb. 14, 2011) - K-PAX Racing, the World Challenge GT Manufacturers' and Drivers' champion in 2010, will return to defend its titles in 2011 with two new Volvo S60s that reflect the car's recent redesign.

The new all-wheel-drive Volvo S60s will be introduced at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah, in late April for the fourth round of the World Challenge schedule.

"For the first three races, we'll run the body style that took us to last year's championships," said Jim Haughey, Team Owner of K-PAX Racing. "Once fans see the new cars, I think they'll be very impressed."

The 2011 World Challenge season begins with two races in St. Petersburg, Fla., the weekend of March 25-27. The World Challenge is North America's top production car-based racing series. Divided into three classes (World Challenge GT, World Challenge GTS, and World Challenge Touring Car), each race features a thrilling standing start, adrenaline-filled, door-to-door action and world-class drivers.

World Challenge features cars from the world's fastfivecars popular manufacturers - race-prepped versions of the cars driven on the streets. Sanctioned by SCCA Pro Racing, World Challenge races at North America's premier road and temporary street courses.

For more information about World Challenge, visit http://www.world-challenge.com/.

For more information on K-PAX Racing, visit http://www.kpaxracing.com/ and follow the team on Twitter @kpaxracing.

K-PAX Racing unveils Volvo S60 Race Car

Motorward K-PAX Racing released the first image of their new Volvo race car for the 2011 World Challenge GT based on the S60 model.

With the series set to get underway at St. Petersburg, Fla., in late March, the new cars won�t debut until April at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah. Until then we�ll have to settle with a teaser of the 2011 S60 model.

The Volvo S60 that K-PAX will be competing with in the World Challenge was redesigned for 2011. A new model is being offered for 2012 � the T5 version. The standard model is a T6 with all-wheel drive. The new S60 T5, propelled by a 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine, puts out 250 horsepower and 266 lb.-ft. of torque available at just 1,800 rpm. Coupled with its lighter weight as a front-drive model, the T5 is capable of 0-60 mph acceleration in 6.8 seconds, compared to 5.8 seconds for its more potent T6 sibling.

The S60 race machine will come with multiple aerodynamic tweaks, with the vehicle using elements such as an aggressive front apron, a new hood that uses a massive air intake and a generously-sized rear wing.





Press Release

K-PAX Racing to Campaign New Volvo S60 in World Challenge GT in 2011

Englewood, Colo. (Feb. 14, 2011) - K-PAX Racing, the World Challenge GT Manufacturers' and Drivers' champion in 2010, will return to defend its titles in 2011 with two new Volvo S60s that reflect the car's recent redesign.

The new all-wheel-drive Volvo S60s will be introduced at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah, in late April for the fourth round of the World Challenge schedule.

"For the first three races, we'll run the body style that took us to last year's championships," said Jim Haughey, Team Owner of K-PAX Racing. "Once fans see the new cars, I think they'll be very impressed."

The 2011 World Challenge season begins with two races in St. Petersburg, Fla., the weekend of March 25-27. The World Challenge is North America's top production car-based racing series. Divided into three classes (World Challenge GT, World Challenge GTS, and World Challenge Touring Car), each race features a thrilling standing start, adrenaline-filled, door-to-door action and world-class drivers.

World Challenge features cars from the world's fastfivecars popular manufacturers - race-prepped versions of the cars driven on the streets. Sanctioned by SCCA Pro Racing, World Challenge races at North America's premier road and temporary street courses.

For more information about World Challenge, visit http://www.world-challenge.com/.

For more information on K-PAX Racing, visit http://www.kpaxracing.com/ and follow the team on Twitter @kpaxracing.

Mazda Minagi Concept

Mazda is primed and ready to go to the Geneva Motor Show with their latest concept, called Minagi.

The new model will be one of the first Mazdas to use the brand�s newest design language, Kodo, which was previewed on the Shinari concept. This new language means �soul of motion,� and should not be confused with the alien from The Simpsons, Kodos. (For starters, Kodo is Japanese, while Kodos is from Rigel VII.) The sketches show a nice evolution of Mazda�s basic crossover silhouette, as well as the disappearance of the controversial smiley-face grille.

The Minagi is a showcase of Mazda�s Skyactiv technologies, the brand�s designation for its new engine, transmission and safety packages. Mazda will show some Skyactiv hardware in Geneva, including a direct-injection gasoline engine, a clean turbocharged diesel and two transmissions.

Despite being labeled as a concept, the company hinted the Minagi "is the forerunner to the launch of Mazda's upcoming next-generation products." This seems to imply we could be looking at Mazda's version of the Ford Vertrek concept, which will go into production, possibly as the CX-5, to the replace the current Escape and Kuga.




Press Release

Mazda MINAGI Concept to Showcase Mazda's All-new SKYACTIV Technologies and KODO Design at the Geneva Motor Show

HIROSHIMA, Japan-Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the world premiere of its new MINAGI compact crossover SUV concept car during the press days of the 2011 Geneva motor show, which is being held from March 1-13, 2011. The Mazda MINAGI concept fully embraces Mazda's new SKYACTIV technologies and its new design theme, KODO - Soul of Motion. The exciting MINAGI concept is the forerunner to the launch of Mazda's upcoming next-generation products and symbolizes the evolution of the Mazda brand as it begins a new era.

The Mazda MINAGI is a compact crossover SUV concept that combines Mazda's SKYACTIV technologies - which represent the harmony between driving pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety performance - with emotional KODO design that communicates pent-up energy bursting with vitality as the vehicle nimbly navigates a sprawling urban cityscape. Fully introducing SKYACTIV technologies throughout, MINAGI is equipped with a SKYACTIV engine and SKYACTIV transmission fitted to a SKYACTIV-Body and chassis that merge comprehensive weight reduction with the assurance of ample safety features.

Mazda's stand at the Geneva show will also feature new SKYACTIV technology exhibits and the Mazda SHINARI design concept car, among a wide range of products.

Officially titled the 81e Salon International de l'Auto de Gen�ve, the show's press days are March 1 and 2, and the public days are March 3-13, 2011. Mazda will hold a press conference on Tuesday, March 1.

Mazda Minagi Concept

Mazda is primed and ready to go to the Geneva Motor Show with their latest concept, called Minagi.

The new model will be one of the first Mazdas to use the brand�s newest design language, Kodo, which was previewed on the Shinari concept. This new language means �soul of motion,� and should not be confused with the alien from The Simpsons, Kodos. (For starters, Kodo is Japanese, while Kodos is from Rigel VII.) The sketches show a nice evolution of Mazda�s basic crossover silhouette, as well as the disappearance of the controversial smiley-face grille.

The Minagi is a showcase of Mazda�s Skyactiv technologies, the brand�s designation for its new engine, transmission and safety packages. Mazda will show some Skyactiv hardware in Geneva, including a direct-injection gasoline engine, a clean turbocharged diesel and two transmissions.

Despite being labeled as a concept, the company hinted the Minagi "is the forerunner to the launch of Mazda's upcoming next-generation products." This seems to imply we could be looking at Mazda's version of the Ford Vertrek concept, which will go into production, possibly as the CX-5, to the replace the current Escape and Kuga.




Press Release

Mazda MINAGI Concept to Showcase Mazda's All-new SKYACTIV Technologies and KODO Design at the Geneva Motor Show

HIROSHIMA, Japan-Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the world premiere of its new MINAGI compact crossover SUV concept car during the press days of the 2011 Geneva motor show, which is being held from March 1-13, 2011. The Mazda MINAGI concept fully embraces Mazda's new SKYACTIV technologies and its new design theme, KODO - Soul of Motion. The exciting MINAGI concept is the forerunner to the launch of Mazda's upcoming next-generation products and symbolizes the evolution of the Mazda brand as it begins a new era.

The Mazda MINAGI is a compact crossover SUV concept that combines Mazda's SKYACTIV technologies - which represent the harmony between driving pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety performance - with emotional KODO design that communicates pent-up energy bursting with vitality as the vehicle nimbly navigates a sprawling urban cityscape. Fully introducing SKYACTIV technologies throughout, MINAGI is equipped with a SKYACTIV engine and SKYACTIV transmission fitted to a SKYACTIV-Body and chassis that merge comprehensive weight reduction with the assurance of ample safety features.

Mazda's stand at the Geneva show will also feature new SKYACTIV technology exhibits and the Mazda SHINARI design concept car, among a wide range of products.

Officially titled the 81e Salon International de l'Auto de Gen�ve, the show's press days are March 1 and 2, and the public days are March 3-13, 2011. Mazda will hold a press conference on Tuesday, March 1.

2012 Kia Rio

Kia has announced plans to unveil its all-new Rio light car at March's Geneva Motor Show, ahead of its mid-year Australian debut.

The new Rio will be longer and wider, as well as sit lower, than the current model - providing more room while sleeking out the design. According to Kia, the new look of the Rio is meant to "inject emotional appeal into the B-segment" and appeal to that crucial demographic of buyers, 25 to 49 year-olds.

The 2012 Kia Rio also has a character line which offers a sense of movement and fluidity, even when stationary. Kia also says the 2012 Kia Rio has a driver oriented interior and that it anticipates the new gen model will be even more popular than the current one.




Press Release

Next Generation Rio Marks Next Big Step in Kia's Design Revolution

The first official sketches of the next generation Kia Rio revealed today (Wednesday) show a powerful, bold design that marks "the next big step" in the company's ongoing design revolution. Longer, lower and wider than the existing Rio, the new model is designed to inject emotional appeal into the B-segment, targeting progressive, energetic consumers in the 25-to-49 age range. Described by Kia's Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, as 'sporty and elegant', the B-segment newcomer has a swept-back profile and a character line rising out of the front wheel which gives it a sense of movement and fluidity, even when stationary. Inside, new Rio will offer a feeling of quality typically associated with larger, more expensive models. The new Kia Rio will make its global debut at the Geneva International Motor Show on Tuesday, March 1, 2011.

2012 Kia Rio

Kia has announced plans to unveil its all-new Rio light car at March's Geneva Motor Show, ahead of its mid-year Australian debut.

The new Rio will be longer and wider, as well as sit lower, than the current model - providing more room while sleeking out the design. According to Kia, the new look of the Rio is meant to "inject emotional appeal into the B-segment" and appeal to that crucial demographic of buyers, 25 to 49 year-olds.

The 2012 Kia Rio also has a character line which offers a sense of movement and fluidity, even when stationary. Kia also says the 2012 Kia Rio has a driver oriented interior and that it anticipates the new gen model will be even more popular than the current one.




Press Release

Next Generation Rio Marks Next Big Step in Kia's Design Revolution

The first official sketches of the next generation Kia Rio revealed today (Wednesday) show a powerful, bold design that marks "the next big step" in the company's ongoing design revolution. Longer, lower and wider than the existing Rio, the new model is designed to inject emotional appeal into the B-segment, targeting progressive, energetic consumers in the 25-to-49 age range. Described by Kia's Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, as 'sporty and elegant', the B-segment newcomer has a swept-back profile and a character line rising out of the front wheel which gives it a sense of movement and fluidity, even when stationary. Inside, new Rio will offer a feeling of quality typically associated with larger, more expensive models. The new Kia Rio will make its global debut at the Geneva International Motor Show on Tuesday, March 1, 2011.

Ciento Once by GWA

GWA Tuning, a North American firm, has revealed the images of the Ciento Once. The prototype is still under development and is a revival of a famous Mercedes Gullwing prototype from the 70s. GWA has created a modern take of the same vehicle.

The Ciento Once is built upon a tubular space frame chassis, but instead of the original Wankel diesel that powered the concept car it gets aMercedes V12 with with 408 HP mounted in the middle visible through the glass hood. It is backed by a 6-speed Cima H type transaxle and a special tuned exhaust.

Wheelbase is slightly shorter than the original at 103 inches (2616 mm) and weight is similar at 1,400 kg (3086 lbs). Brakes are the same as on the S55 Mercedes-Benz.

The interior of the GWA Tuning Ciento Once offers carbon fiber seats, brushed aluminum pedals and illuminated door sills. the car has the same wheel-tire setup as the Mercedes SLS AMG (19x9 wheels with 265/35/19 tires at the front and 20x11 wheels with 295/30/20 tires at the rear.)






Exterior and Interior

The Ciento Once will come with a body made out of high-grade aluminum and an electrically operated rear adjustable wing. Other elements that will be added to this one-off vehicle include a swooping front hood, front spoiler with large air intake, a rear diffusor, and of course, those gull wing doors.

Comparing it to the 1970 Mercedes-Benz C111 from which it was based on, the Ciento Once will come with a slightly shorter wheelbase at 103 inches while maintaining the same weight � around 1,400 kg � as its inspiration. The one-off car also runs on GWA Type A wheels, 19X9 front and 20X11 rears, with 265/35/19 and 295/30/20 rubber.

As for the interior, GWA Tuning gave the Ciento Once a modern take while also taking into account a vintage retro feel. Modern items include carbon fiber seats covered in plaid, an instrument panel that�s been modeled after a W120R MB, modern dashboard accents, illuminated door sills, and brushed AMG aluminum pedals.

Performance

GWA Tuning certainly made sure to give the Ciento Once an engine worthy of its one-off status. Housed in a tubular space frame chassis, the car�s power plant is derived from a M120 Mercedes V12 engine that produces a robust 408 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed Cima H-type transaxle and a special tuned exhaust. Even better, the car�s powerful engine can be seen through a glass on the rear deck, making for some nice �ooohing� and �aaahing� from passersby.

Pricing

No word yet on how much it�s going to cost, but considering it�s fastfivecars likely going to be a one-off vehicle, there�s a very big chance that it�s going to come with a steep price tag. How steep? Well, we wouldn�t be surprised if it punches a number north of six digits.

Competition

Scoff if you want, but if you�re in the market for a one-of-a-kind Mercedes with gullwing doors to rival your neighbor�s SLS AMG, then GWA Tuning�s Ciento Once is the perfect candidate for that. Just make sure you call �dibs� on the car before everybody else.

Ciento Once by GWA

GWA Tuning, a North American firm, has revealed the images of the Ciento Once. The prototype is still under development and is a revival of a famous Mercedes Gullwing prototype from the 70s. GWA has created a modern take of the same vehicle.

The Ciento Once is built upon a tubular space frame chassis, but instead of the original Wankel diesel that powered the concept car it gets aMercedes V12 with with 408 HP mounted in the middle visible through the glass hood. It is backed by a 6-speed Cima H type transaxle and a special tuned exhaust.

Wheelbase is slightly shorter than the original at 103 inches (2616 mm) and weight is similar at 1,400 kg (3086 lbs). Brakes are the same as on the S55 Mercedes-Benz.

The interior of the GWA Tuning Ciento Once offers carbon fiber seats, brushed aluminum pedals and illuminated door sills. the car has the same wheel-tire setup as the Mercedes SLS AMG (19x9 wheels with 265/35/19 tires at the front and 20x11 wheels with 295/30/20 tires at the rear.)






Exterior and Interior

The Ciento Once will come with a body made out of high-grade aluminum and an electrically operated rear adjustable wing. Other elements that will be added to this one-off vehicle include a swooping front hood, front spoiler with large air intake, a rear diffusor, and of course, those gull wing doors.

Comparing it to the 1970 Mercedes-Benz C111 from which it was based on, the Ciento Once will come with a slightly shorter wheelbase at 103 inches while maintaining the same weight � around 1,400 kg � as its inspiration. The one-off car also runs on GWA Type A wheels, 19X9 front and 20X11 rears, with 265/35/19 and 295/30/20 rubber.

As for the interior, GWA Tuning gave the Ciento Once a modern take while also taking into account a vintage retro feel. Modern items include carbon fiber seats covered in plaid, an instrument panel that�s been modeled after a W120R MB, modern dashboard accents, illuminated door sills, and brushed AMG aluminum pedals.

Performance

GWA Tuning certainly made sure to give the Ciento Once an engine worthy of its one-off status. Housed in a tubular space frame chassis, the car�s power plant is derived from a M120 Mercedes V12 engine that produces a robust 408 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed Cima H-type transaxle and a special tuned exhaust. Even better, the car�s powerful engine can be seen through a glass on the rear deck, making for some nice �ooohing� and �aaahing� from passersby.

Pricing

No word yet on how much it�s going to cost, but considering it�s fastfivecars likely going to be a one-off vehicle, there�s a very big chance that it�s going to come with a steep price tag. How steep? Well, we wouldn�t be surprised if it punches a number north of six digits.

Competition

Scoff if you want, but if you�re in the market for a one-of-a-kind Mercedes with gullwing doors to rival your neighbor�s SLS AMG, then GWA Tuning�s Ciento Once is the perfect candidate for that. Just make sure you call �dibs� on the car before everybody else.